Epiphone Les Paul Classic

bealsibub · Newbie Alert Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 4

I have a black Epiphone Classic that I bought back in 1991 and it's still in imaculate condition. I also have the original catalogue that I ordered it through and the despatch note that came with it. It has a Mahogany body and a carved maple top and two humbucking pickips (all like the real Gibson has). Apparently, according to the serial number it was made in Korea in 1989.

I've been browsing the web recently and noticed that the modern equivalent Classic with two pickups is called "Ebony" (not black) and has a mahogany / alder body and a mohogany / alder top.

Whilst I appreciate that Epiphone can change the specification as they want, I notice that I paid about the same amount of money about 16 years ago as they cost now. Obviously that amount of money was worth more then - has there been a depreciation in quality over these years - I can't find anything on the history of these changes. I love my guitar, but am disappointed when I see the modern day equivalent. They look similar, but underneath are not! Has anyone any knowledge on this?

bealsibub · Newbie Alert Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 4

Alas, I see nobody shares my experience or can comment on the history of changes to this model!

As a footnote, I also have a Gibson Les Paul Standard, and considering the vast difference in cost, my old Epiphone can stand reasonably proud in comparison of its playability and sound.

SAguitar · Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 2:48 pm Post subject:

Well, I'm not familiar with that particular model, but Epiphones are usually a good bargain, and often a great bargain. Often, the only thing they need is some electrical upgrades and they are as good a guitar as a player needs. Cool

The current Epis are being made in Korea, I believe, and their quality is really getting pretty good.

JCP · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 1:55 pm Post subject:

I have a collections of Gibsons, and some other high-line guitars, but have bought a couple of Epi's out of curiosity. They are not Gibsons, but are alarmingly good for the money. Korean guitars, in general, are getting awfully good. My curiosity has also led me to buy 4 different Agiles, which I also found to be incredible values. The guitars, the fretwork, setup/action and tone are excellent when, as SA points out, you rip out the cheap electronics and replace them with the good stuff.

Sorry I don't know the history of the changes in materials in Epi's. There seems to be far less documentation on those guitars compared to Gibby's.

bealsibub · Newbie Alert Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 4

Thank you anyhow for your replies.
Beals

bealsibub · Newbie Alert Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 4

As a footnote, I have discovered from someone selling the same guitar on Ebay that the headstock on these earlier models is different too. Apparently on later models they have cut the corners off the top of the headstock to tell them apart from Gibsons. These earlier models are the same as Gibson. The model I have seems to be quite valuable and worth about £500 GBP, but I love it too much to sell it.

Beals.

SAguitar · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 12:04 pm Post subject:

That's really cool, Beals. I'm glad it means so much to you! Cool