[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by nkatsonis

Agreed, the biggest issue is the electronics. That's probably why the Epiphone LP Tribute Plus, with Gibson '57 humbuckers, is so well-liked. But the guitars also have a different feel, both finish and contours. They might look alike, but they are not quite alike. And for that reason, if I were looking for a bargain LP, I would start with a Gibson LP Studio, which can be had for only a few hundred dollars more than the Epiphone. A Studio Faded Series T, which I've not tried, is actually about the same price as the Epiphone. I'm not saying that the Epiphone is not a nice guitar. It certainly looks nicer that the Faded Series in my opinion. But, again, my choice would be the standard LP Studio.

Both my Epiphones (Slash and a Joe Bonamassa) feel different than my Gibson Les Pauls. They feel less solid. Perhaps it's just because they're lighter. Very nice guitars but there's a feel thing that I just can't put into words. It wouldn't keep me from gigging them though.