Check out our new 'epic' (long) Les Paul Special shoot-out film where we compare this Epiphone Les Paul Special with the Harley Benton SC Special and Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute P90... for the guitar nerds we go into a lot more detail with neck measurements, pickup outputs, etc and at the end decide which one were going to keep! Link here: czcams.com/video/Hvvfq2_7hLw/video.html Thanks and keep rocking those P90s! CD
I can't get over that middle position sound. I bought one of these 2 weeks ago and have not been able to put it down. I now have it set up and I'm happy to say perfectly intonated as well. There's nothing it can't do- funk, jazz, blues, hard rock- everything. I really appreciate the way you review these guitars- great practical demonstrations, blissfully free of BS. Thanks!
The people who say Epiphone should charge more for their guitars are the ones who've drank Gibson's Kool-Aid. How about LOWERING the price of the Gibsons since Epiphone has clearly demonstrated that a great guitar doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg!!! It seems to me that Epiphone's prices are based more on reality while Gibson's prices are based on a lot of hype and fantasy. They may have fancier appointments, but to my ears and hands, Epiphone is the way to go if being able to eat and live indoors is important to you too!!! Thank you Epiphone for "pulling the curtains back to expose the wizard"!!! Great video!!! Great playing!!! That is one fugly color though!!! lol
Had a Gibson lp special double cutaway for years, and I’ve had it tattooed on my inner arm for 15 years (huge Johnny thunders fan), but it was stolen about 8 years ago. I truly loved it, but at around $1200 i didn’t have the means to replace it. Came across this bad boy last year tho and decided maybe I could recapture some of the old magic but for much cheaper. Unfortunately it doesn’t feel at all like my old Gibson, but it sounds just as great honestly and in some ways I like the feel of the epi more (the chunky neck is very different from the ultra slim Gibson lp dc, and I love it). One thing that surprised me tho is how substantial the epi feels. The Gibson was suuuper thin and suuuper light, so I expected the same here, but this guitar is very substantial and chunky. I’m very pleased with it, and I doubt I’ll ever be willing to spend $1000 plus on a Gibson lp special again in the future. It’s not very punk rock to buy a guitar more expensive than my car!
Les Paul was working for Epiphone when he designed the first guitar...the "log" Gibson later designed what we know as the Les Paul, but Epiphone is a proper name for a Les Paul tribute guitar
Ah the log, also known today as the center block design. Ted McCarty takes credit for it but we all know the real brains of the operation. Thank you Les
Got one two weeks ago and it exceeded my expectations. Never had a guitar feel so good in my hands besides to my telecaster. Such a fun guitar to play.
Last summer, I purchased a Limited run version of the TV Yellow Epiphone Special or Epiphone Les Paul Special LTD. It has an unbound and, get ready for it, a bolt-on neck. Also has a tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece installed, not just the wrap around bridge. From what I understand it was a run that mainly was seen in Japan. I could be wrong. Anyway, I love it! 2 P90s that howl and the finish looks great and authentic to the originals. Could not be happier! *side note --the finish does not look TV Yellow in person but when it is photographed or in videos it looks perfect.
My early Special 1 has a bolt on neck....I have a lingering uneasiness about set in necks ( I'm a a Fender guy...), the ability to unbolt, straighten, shim, and reinstall the neck makes me less edgy.....this is why I only do very light on my friend's acoustics, Lee Pauls, etc..... I'm always concerned I'll break the beautful , fragile works of art....drop a Stratty down a flight of stairs....probably ok... If not: where's the toolbox?
Good review! You’re getting the best sound out of it, more so than the other reviews. The mustard color is what it is. The construction of the guitar is pretty much exactly like the Gibson. For the money it is a very good instrument. I changed the bridge on mine to a vintage tone pros aluminum. But I probably didn’t need to. I’m fine with the Epiphone logo as I used to play a 1967 riviera, which was one of the best guitars I’ve ever had in my long life as a guitar player.
I just bought one of these. Love it! The colour, the 50’s vibe, the great fat neck, great P90’s, it’s all perfect. For the money it’s a great guitar. I have also purchased two Gibson Les Paul Standard 50’s in the last year, both 2023 models, one Gold Top, one the new stunning White Top. Killer guitars! Best Gibson has ever made. I’m addicted to these fat way easier to play 50’s necks, so when I picked up this new Epiphone LP Special, I had to have it! Needs no changes. 5 star rating from me.
I love this guitar, I’ve had mine for a nearly a year now. More than that, I love that accent. I can imagine that accent coming out of the mouth of a villain in a Guy Ritchie movie. Cheers from Prince George, British Columbia, Canada.
Just started watching your channel and really enjoy your reviews. Great to hear a Special playing Complete Control and Police and Thieves. I watched another video earlier in the week and thought I'd discerned Charlie Don't Surf, as well. Thank you and subscribed - great to hear Clash songs on a guitar review as it was Mick Jones who made me pick up a guitar in the first place - 43 years ago )
Cheers man, yes that was Charlie don’t surf! 😎👍... I’m a big clash fan so you’ll find their inspiration all over this channel whenever I can sneak it in! 😆
Man that neck pickup sounds sweet. I just got the Epiphone Junior last week and it rocks so much. I may need to try this one. We can never have too many guitars; right? 🤘🏼🎸😂
this is such high production quality for a one-man operation.. ( I saw the video where you said it was covid-time and noone else was there so you do it yourself)
Thanks Danny, yes indeed it’s 100% all me! A lot of work but great fun and very rewarding creatively... I just sometimes wish I had more time to finesse the playing! Cheers man 👍😎
@@ImLeuff Hi! Yeah, they really sound the same. Still, there is a difference when it comes to how resonant their bodies are. Even when not plugged in Les Paul sounds more acoustic and resonant than SG due to body size. One more important thing is that LP has quite a chunky neck compared to Sg's slim taper and that might be the dealbreaker for someone. In the end I'd say they are both great guitars for the price and you won't be wrong if you choose any of them. Light fretwork might be required.
@@tomislavgrzunov6560 I would have to try them in a store to see how they fit me for sure. Thank you for answering! One more thing: how are they for playing clean? I know original Goldtop P90s Les Pauls sound amazing clean. I have this sound in my head of a slightly-strat-y but with edge clean sounds coming out of a P90s SG but in every video people usually go for crunch because SG. Might be just in my head hah
To anyone thinking of buying one of these, I got mines today and the colour looks completely different. I think Epiphone have changed the colour to look more like the Gibson TV Yellow. Seen a few on Reverb recently which look more like my one. Just in case the colour is putting anyone off.
Have one of the original, cheap ones! Msrp was about$180, got mine used( a satin black one, made in China, mahogoney body and neck, P90s ) for $75.00. Prior owner had done a super job touching up the frets. My first Les Paul and I love it to bits! Cosmetically about 80%, but punches well above its weight: sound and playability just off the scale...100% plus. Thanks for a great video!
I have just bought one of these, as a lefty i wanted an sg special with epiphone wont make ,like the sg custom....im amazed how great this little guitar is,no frills lots of balls, but unplugged, sofa guitar ,it makes you smile
Bonus, just re strung it, a faber bridge has been fitted !!, on the sg custom , i meant the 3 pick up variety , i for £166 got a harley benton dc 600 vi, my mate just run of with it, colin ,p90 in the middle ,les trem for not much money you have a nice custom, thank you for this review i wouldnt have looked at this guitar, but im so glad i did...the colour is the same as my old mans 74 mk3 ford cortina....daytona yellow
Love your videos! Here is a comment for the algorithm. The Gibson Special Tribute appeals to me because of the satin black and the humbucker option... although I think I would want P90s anyway. If they did an Epiphone in satin black I would be all over it. Love a slab-bodied LP. None of that carved top malarkey.
Acabo de conseguir una usada acá en Lima Perú. Su precio es de 310 USD . La probé sin conectarla y sonó fantástica, luego la conecté a un Vox y pude apreciar los P90. Me ayudó este video para animarme a conseguir una. Gracias. I just found one used here in Lima Perú. It costs about 230 Pounds. I played it unplugged and souds fanntastic, then I plugged it in a Vox and I can apreciate its P90s. Your video animates me to get one of this Epiphone. I really want to thank you Mr.
Shoots, I like the sound of this guitar . I could hear it on all kinds of Pop tunes. The intonation sounds good to my ear. Nice guitar playing, my friend.
I also really like the colour - it looks brilliant if you play it outdoors on a sunny day. I used to have a 1999 double-cut version which was made in Korea and it was exactly the same colour so it’s not a new thing. I think the reason it doesn’t look like the Gibson is because the nitro finish on them is more translucent and you can see the wood grain through it.
I got one of these five months ago and really like it. A steal at this price point. I love p90s. I had to laugh when you found the loose bridge screws. Mine arrived with no screws! May have fell out in the shipping bag but I could not find them. After putting in new screws and changing strings/set up I was very impressed with it. Loved the reggae ending!
Came for the review, but man that playing is something else! I’ve seen a few of your reviews now, Colin, and you always play something super interesting. Keep up the great work 👍
I love the tone of your solo there at the end during that scar piece, I just picked one of these up use from guitar center for $50, amazing guitar for the price!
This model might have tempted me if it hadn’t hit the market at a moment (in 2020) when I was in a kind of “Epiphone burn-out”. By that spring, I had owned seven guitars and one bass built with the Epi brand spread across the 24 prior years (and still had one to come), and I was making myself sick on the brand. The one that I have as of April 2024 is a Flying V from a Canadian-exclusive run from 2009, the Negative series. I chose that in 2021 when I was developing a yen for that body shape because it was more unique than any Inspired-by-Gibson model such as this LP Special.
You're not color blind. And what I've found over the years lately, the cheaper guitars are the ones that have surprising fit and finish. I've got a West Creek DC, and it's marvelous.
I’m in love with those white tuners totally classy look. Yeah I will agree the color isn’t as bright as it should be maybe add a little higher price they could’ve put more attention on the color. But for what it is it’s a very good guitar!!! I play mine daily! Great review on here too!
These are very fine guitars and sound incredible. There's something special about P90s. Great review! I ended up opting for the Gibson version (I have enough mid priced guitars, thought I'd save for a while and try the price bracket above).. and man, is it a treat. Can be polite, but the bridge especially is all bite. The binding on the neck isn't perfect, which was a touch disappointing when I found it, but it's very minor. The finish and colour otherwise is just lovely.
Lovely video. I have one of these and I really enjoy it. On another note, as a long time Clash fan, I was amazed to find someone rocking out "Police and theives", and "Complete Control". Thank you Sir!! ⭐
Thanks Rossco that's appreciated, and did you check out our Gibson LP Special Tribute review?... Charlie Don't Surf man! czcams.com/video/oX8JG45XfvY/video.html
@@rossco-dps5392 No in fact Sandinista wasn't consciously in the thinking behind the channel name, but it's probably my favourite album of all time so maybe subconsciously!?
Wanted to let you know I just got this guitar brand new today and I am blown away at how good it sounds and plays. As a certified Les Paul addict this is my only P90's version. This thing sounds better than most of the Gibsons I own. The Epi Pro P90's are amazing. The tone variations you can get out of them is impressive. This guitar is down right nasty with the growl of a bear. I really like the compensated wrap around tailpiece without the tune-o-matic bridge. I love the bare bones of this guitar and the neck binding is a nice touch. I was a little worried about the chunky neck but it actually plays really good. The guitar is perfect right out of the box (ordered from Sweetwater). Innotation and action are spot on. I actually like the color as it is. This is definitely in the running as my #1. Will be for awhile anyway. I am so happy with this $449 purchase. Cheers, man!
"pardon me sir do you have any grey poupon??" why yess....got it right here! sweet epiphone model mate! i wasnt too happy with the bridge pup in my offset tele so i popped in the "true customshop 52" i removed from butterscratch and its sweeet now...the pup seemed to like the os tele bridge and sits in it very nicely...nothing wrong with the "hot63" guitarfetish pup but it wasnt getting my fancy lol! however i had to reverse the neck pup wires...now shes "golden!" shes got that soapbar p90 from guitarmadness in the neck....thick bluesy neck pup and the "true customshop" "52era" in the bridge that "twang" brad paisley would approve of....plus super "crickety chirp" in the middle....
A "TV yellow" was suppose to look white when viewed by a black & white camera of the circa 1950's era. Items that were actually white would overdrive the camera tube and flash it and sometimes appear black. If you wanted to show up as white in such cameras, your actual stage color needed to be a sort of baby poop yellow.
My friend has an original Gibson version of this guitar. He inherited it from his grandfather. We may or may not have used a hammer and chisel to fit a Seymour Duncan humbucker and replaced the bridge with a Washburn Wonderbar trem system. We were kids and didn’t know what the heck we were doing. Thankfully his dad sent the guitar to Gibson to be fully restored. I still cringe when I think about the damage we did to that guitar.
I just ordered this guitar. Haven't held it in my hands yet but I've come to like the color while shopping. They shouldn't have called it TV Yellow if it's that different but it's a matter of insignificance really. I want the sound out of the thing. I'll have to see what I think of the chunky neck but I usually adjust to prevailing conditions. Nice jams, a little Police & Thieves there (I'm an Black Ark L$P/Junior Murvin fan myself).
@@theguitaristas I do love it! It's used but so scarcely played it has the original strings from the store and they are brand new. They feel super heavy to me as this is my first solid body after playing an ES thinline for almost 50 years. I can't believe how cheap the Epiphone Deluxe tuners are though. Is no one else saying that? They can't hold these cables in tune. I expect I'll upgrade them, any suggestions?
@@jimsliverootsculturemusic mine are stock and hold 11-52 in tune just as good as they held 9-46 in tune. They are even better than the old white buttons on my Gibson Melody Maker 🤷🏻♀️
I bought one of these and a Pelham Blue Epi SG Special at the same time. Both had stupidly hifh neck angles, so I sent them both back and tried replacements that were better. Still a little off on those neck angles, but the LP really sustains well and the P90s on both guitars are great sounding through my gear. The only real problems I have with them other than the neck angles are in the headstock area. I like the new open book look, but the length of the headstocks from the nut to the top end is longer than on the Gibson versions and the area around the truss rod adjustment is too flat and thin. The increased string length tightens up the tension a small bit over the Gibson and the infamous tendency to have the necks break easily in the headstock area is amplified. I have the Gibson version of this LP as well and the Epi is a bit chunkier (but nice) and you can see the wood grain through the finish. I like it both ways. I remember a lot of the early vintage ones being less yellow and almost tan in color. They got more yellow in later production years. Anyway, these are very nice guitars for the money (now $450) and are worth owning . Just look for a good neck angle and don't let it fall over backwards and you'll have a really nice little axe that looks super!
You’re little loop jam in this video is so rad. I almost got one of these, but I decided to just to get the Gibson version but in Olive Drab. It’s my favorite color on a Gibson. Once I saw it, all bets were off. No buyers remorse from this guy! I def recommend trying out the Gibson Original version of these if you’re alright paying for the premium.
Epiphone, Good enough for The Beatles, Good enough for a chubby fingered Scot /Welsh /Irish mutt like me . I just picked one up “new” pre owned, absolutely gorgeous in every subtle way. I love, the color. Go find me a drive through malt & burger joint and dip my chips into the paint! Try some wax on that paint. I gave my girl a good spa day once she got home. She seemed a little dull and sad. One she had a decent (no strings off) clean/polish/buff She really strutted her stuff! The paint job is BEAUTIFUL on the one I have. All I used was the Dunlop 65 two in one cleaner / polish. I hate a mate come by and he was flat gassed over it. I’ll buy another, even if it is the same color.
Almost perfect, why not charge a bit more with decent orange drops,they fit c.t.s pots and then give you bunk, i fitted sprauge's it has openend up this fantastic guitar
Got one of these when they first came out. Unfortunately by the time it arrived I'd gone down with the dreaded lurgy and was in no condition to even open the box. If I had been well, then it would've gone straight back as the guitar was in no way fit for purpose. I don't think I've ever encountered a worst fretted guitar. The fret ends are sharp and dangerous as hell and they didn't even bother to press the frets down fully into the fret board.
I don't like the yellow either. I have a Butterscotch Tele...I wish it was BLACK. The older les Paul I with P-90's had only 2 knobs and the switch was at the bottom. It has the old headstock and comes in black, red and that baby shit yellow...slab body too. I love mine. If you can't make a cheap guitar sound good, you should save your money and buy a TRUCK! Great review...thanks!
Cheers dude, yes it’s the colour... what were they thinking? Maybe taking ‘inspired by Gibson’ to the extreme and making sure they at least screw something up? 😂
Complete Control eh! I've had a BK12 for 2yrs now, great amp, but they get warm. I've got an 07 Special, so it's a ToM & stoptail, still does the job, ldve rathered just the tailpiece. I'm catching up on a lot of ur older clips mate..Great work! Edit: Police & Thieves at the end!!
I might be in the minority here but I think the color of the Epiphone looks better than the Gibson. I know it’s not the authentic TV yellow, but it just looks cool
I heard (true or not ???) that the TV series colors were created for the era when televisions were in black & white, thus yellows, naturals, and whites picked up better for B&W TVs. I don't especially care for the mustard color of the Epi., BUT if I had a large collection I would like to add things that are "unusual". Besides, the color isn't really that bad at all, and it draws the eye into the collection. Given your collection and the comparisons, and the historical accuracy, the sound, etc. per your review --- I'd go with the Epiphone for sure. Great review as always!
Hello, would this make a nice compliment to the SG special with p90s from epiphone or are they perhaps too similar? I did work on a proper 1950’s one for a friend I’m not expecting to get anywhere near that on this or any modern production guitar but I’m hoping it would get me into the ball park. I’ll take a seat in the nose bleed section so long as I’m in the park! Thank you!
Hey this will probably get you a lot closer than you think!... a great compliment to the SG special too in my opinion purely for the joy of ownership as they are both fantastic guitars for the money 😎👍
Would you say the thickness of the neck is on par with the limited Epi 59 as i have one of those and that has a chunkey neck , nice to hear Complete Control being played on it also a great review good stuff
i like that "grey poupon" edition epiphone there! im really fancying the p90s after seeing your films mate! matter of fact i "gutted" my monoprice os20 which came with h/s/s pups and wanting to get a custom scratchplate for 2 soapbar p90s.... any suggestions on where to look? ill even search online as well....i gotta do this!
Thanks for another great and honest review you always have great song selection It’s between the schecter pt plus or epiphone special or maybe both or I get a Gibson sg with would be my first Gibson but I can get 2 decent guitars for less than price of one
@Mrjfeb Thanks for more great feedback!... At some point soon we will be looking at an Epiphone P90 SG Special (we love these) and also selling off some of these review guitars on our website so may be worth looking out for that.
@@mrjfeb539 Nothing for sale yet as we still have to build the shop but it will be at theguitaristas.com (there is a link on our youtube banner). Today's news... Epi SG Special is on the way!!
Why would they get the colour wrong ??? Had a mit priced Tokai many years ago that i should have kept. That was more banana yellow which was nice. But why mustard ? But pay almost 4 times that for the Gibson, price just went up to 1900 on that.
In going back and reviewing this video its interesting your comments about the Epiphone price point before your later reviews of other inspired by Gibsons especially the Les Paul's. For me its now acceptable for Epiphone to charge as much as £700-£800 when the guitars you're getting for that are the 59 or the Bonamassa Lazarus which imho complete with the Gibson LP Tribute or Studio, quality and sound wise but still for significantly less money.
I think you're right, these Epiphone's don't have the trim missing and often have better electronics. I know some people still think the tributes or studios are better but I don't necessarily agree. Of course they are made in the USA and that's very important to a lot of folk but personally I no longer think that's worth £500 of my money. Cheers Tony!
Check out our new 'epic' (long) Les Paul Special shoot-out film where we compare this Epiphone Les Paul Special with the Harley Benton SC Special and Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute P90... for the guitar nerds we go into a lot more detail with neck measurements, pickup outputs, etc and at the end decide which one were going to keep! Link here: czcams.com/video/Hvvfq2_7hLw/video.html
Thanks and keep rocking those P90s!
CD
Loads of people may have reviewed it, but none of them do it quite like you. Thanks for the great work
Cheers Geoff… I think that’s a fabulous compliment! 😆🙏👍
Decided to watch the video in full after seeing this comment 🙂
Gibby is really shooting themselves in the foot with some of these Epi's, and this one is a prime example!
I can't get over that middle position sound. I bought one of these 2 weeks ago and have not been able to put it down. I now have it set up and I'm happy to say perfectly intonated as well. There's nothing it can't do- funk, jazz, blues, hard rock- everything. I really appreciate the way you review these guitars- great practical demonstrations, blissfully free of BS. Thanks!
Cheers man thanks for the kind words and support... glad you love that guitar!!
The people who say Epiphone should charge more for their guitars are the ones who've drank Gibson's Kool-Aid.
How about LOWERING the price of the Gibsons since Epiphone has clearly demonstrated that a great guitar doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg!!!
It seems to me that Epiphone's prices are based more on reality while Gibson's prices are based on a lot of hype and fantasy.
They may have fancier appointments, but to my ears and hands, Epiphone is the way to go if being able to eat and live indoors is important to you too!!!
Thank you Epiphone for "pulling the curtains back to expose the wizard"!!!
Great video!!! Great playing!!!
That is one fugly color though!!! lol
Complete Control......GuitarHero Status. Love it Mate !!
😄✌️ of course, Mick Jones is one of my all time guitar heroes! 🙌
Had a Gibson lp special double cutaway for years, and I’ve had it tattooed on my inner arm for 15 years (huge Johnny thunders fan), but it was stolen about 8 years ago. I truly loved it, but at around $1200 i didn’t have the means to replace it. Came across this bad boy last year tho and decided maybe I could recapture some of the old magic but for much cheaper.
Unfortunately it doesn’t feel at all like my old Gibson, but it sounds just as great honestly and in some ways I like the feel of the epi more (the chunky neck is very different from the ultra slim Gibson lp dc, and I love it).
One thing that surprised me tho is how substantial the epi feels. The Gibson was suuuper thin and suuuper light, so I expected the same here, but this guitar is very substantial and chunky. I’m very pleased with it, and I doubt I’ll ever be willing to spend $1000 plus on a Gibson lp special again in the future. It’s not very punk rock to buy a guitar more expensive than my car!
have a guitar stolen my favorite was my epiphone hummingbird.
Les Paul was working for Epiphone when he designed the first guitar...the "log" Gibson later designed what we know as the Les Paul, but Epiphone is a proper name for a Les Paul tribute guitar
Ah the log, also known today as the center block design. Ted McCarty takes credit for it but we all know the real brains of the operation. Thank you Les
Got one two weeks ago and it exceeded my expectations. Never had a guitar feel so good in my hands besides to my telecaster. Such a fun guitar to play.
Last summer, I purchased a Limited run version of the TV Yellow Epiphone Special or Epiphone Les Paul Special LTD. It has an unbound and, get ready for it, a bolt-on neck. Also has a tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece installed, not just the wrap around bridge. From what I understand it was a run that mainly was seen in Japan. I could be wrong. Anyway, I love it! 2 P90s that howl and the finish looks great and authentic to the originals. Could not be happier! *side note --the finish does not look TV Yellow in person but when it is photographed or in videos it looks perfect.
My early Special 1 has a bolt on neck....I have a lingering uneasiness about set in necks ( I'm a a Fender guy...), the ability to unbolt, straighten, shim, and reinstall the neck makes me less edgy.....this is why I only do very light on my friend's acoustics, Lee Pauls, etc.....
I'm always concerned I'll break the beautful , fragile works of art....drop a Stratty down a flight of stairs....probably ok... If not: where's the toolbox?
Love Complete Control and Police and Thieves! I bought this guitar after this video. Great channel.
Some one does not like mustard yellow, not one bit, not at all.
that collor makes the Cherry finishes look sexy in comparison *look at the epi wilshire reissue*
Good review! You’re getting the best sound out of it, more so than the other reviews. The mustard color is what it is. The construction of the guitar is pretty much exactly like the Gibson. For the money it is a very good instrument. I changed the bridge on mine to a vintage tone pros aluminum. But I probably didn’t need to. I’m fine with the Epiphone logo as I used to play a 1967 riviera, which was one of the best guitars I’ve ever had in my long life as a guitar player.
Thanks for kind words of support! Getting used to the colour now so I think maybe it grows on you? Bet you wish you’d hung on to that Riviera! 🎸✌️
The Riviera was stolen from me in Tucson Arizona in 1980!
I just bought one of these. Love it! The colour, the 50’s vibe, the great fat neck, great P90’s, it’s all perfect. For the money it’s a great guitar. I have also purchased two Gibson Les Paul Standard 50’s in the last year, both 2023 models, one Gold Top, one the new stunning White Top. Killer guitars! Best Gibson has ever made. I’m addicted to these fat way easier to play 50’s necks, so when I picked up this new Epiphone LP Special, I had to have it! Needs no changes. 5 star rating from me.
I love this guitar, I’ve had mine for a nearly a year now. More than that, I love that accent. I can imagine that accent coming out of the mouth of a villain in a Guy Ritchie movie. Cheers from Prince George, British Columbia, Canada.
Ha ha thanks for that... nice one! 👍😁🎸
The Sound are Very very good. Nice and pretty. I like the Sound. Very very good guitar for the Musicman to Play.😍😍😍👏👏👏🎼🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎵🎵🎵
Just started watching your channel and really enjoy your reviews. Great to hear a Special playing Complete Control and Police and Thieves. I watched another video earlier in the week and thought I'd discerned Charlie Don't Surf, as well. Thank you and subscribed - great to hear Clash songs on a guitar review as it was Mick Jones who made me pick up a guitar in the first place - 43 years ago )
Cheers man, yes that was Charlie don’t surf! 😎👍... I’m a big clash fan so you’ll find their inspiration all over this channel whenever I can sneak it in! 😆
Completely in control of that axe, lovely mate.
Cheers Gary! 👍 truth is I try to disengage the brain and hope for the best! 😁🎸
11:40 That fuzz/distortion sounds just the ticket 👍️
Cheers man!
Man that neck pickup sounds sweet. I just got the Epiphone Junior last week and it rocks so much. I may need to try this one. We can never have too many guitars; right? 🤘🏼🎸😂
Hey Harold, I think it's almost essential to have a junior AND a special! ;)
Yup.....
this is such high production quality for a one-man operation.. ( I saw the video where you said it was covid-time and noone else was there so you do it yourself)
Thanks Danny, yes indeed it’s 100% all me! A lot of work but great fun and very rewarding creatively... I just sometimes wish I had more time to finesse the playing! Cheers man 👍😎
I already own Epi SG special with p90s and I'm thinking about getting this one for my Dad as a birthday gift. Great review!
@Tomislav Grzunov Wow that would be a fantastic gift for sure!! Thanks for comment it's much appreciated, keep rocking!
@@theguitaristas You, too!! Once again, great and honest video. Looking forward to see more. Cheers!
@@tomislavgrzunov6560 If you ended up getting it, could you tell me how does it compare to the SG? Is it more or less the same sound or?
@@ImLeuff Hi! Yeah, they really sound the same. Still, there is a difference when it comes to how resonant their bodies are. Even when not plugged in Les Paul sounds more acoustic and resonant than SG due to body size. One more important thing is that LP has quite a chunky neck compared to Sg's slim taper and that might be the dealbreaker for someone. In the end I'd say they are both great guitars for the price and you won't be wrong if you choose any of them. Light fretwork might be required.
@@tomislavgrzunov6560 I would have to try them in a store to see how they fit me for sure. Thank you for answering! One more thing: how are they for playing clean? I know original Goldtop P90s Les Pauls sound amazing clean. I have this sound in my head of a slightly-strat-y but with edge clean sounds coming out of a P90s SG but in every video people usually go for crunch because SG. Might be just in my head hah
To anyone thinking of buying one of these, I got mines today and the colour looks completely different. I think Epiphone have changed the colour to look more like the Gibson TV Yellow. Seen a few on Reverb recently which look more like my one. Just in case the colour is putting anyone off.
Have one of the original, cheap ones! Msrp was about$180, got mine used( a satin black one, made in China, mahogoney body and neck, P90s ) for $75.00. Prior owner had done a super job touching up the frets. My first Les Paul and I love it to bits!
Cosmetically about 80%, but punches well above its weight: sound and playability just off the scale...100% plus.
Thanks for a great video!
That's the cheap 2 knob version with 2 pickups and probably a bolt on neck.
I've always loved epiphone guitars made in Korea in the late 90's early 2000s. But the quality coming out of China now seems very good .
Nice vibrato and one note lead, and cool jingle jangle. Haven’t come across your channel, I’ll be back!
Cheers Jed, glad you found us man! 😎👍
Good solid review. Thanks. Just ordered mine.
Thanks Scott, good move!
I have just bought one of these, as a lefty i wanted an sg special with epiphone wont make ,like the sg custom....im amazed how great this little guitar is,no frills lots of balls, but unplugged, sofa guitar ,it makes you smile
Bonus, just re strung it, a faber bridge has been fitted !!, on the sg custom , i meant the 3 pick up variety , i for £166 got a harley benton dc 600 vi, my mate just run of with it, colin ,p90 in the middle ,les trem for not much money you have a nice custom, thank you for this review i wouldnt have looked at this guitar, but im so glad i did...the colour is the same as my old mans 74 mk3 ford cortina....daytona yellow
That guitar sounds great in my opinion.
Love your videos! Here is a comment for the algorithm.
The Gibson Special Tribute appeals to me because of the satin black and the humbucker option... although I think I would want P90s anyway. If they did an Epiphone in satin black I would be all over it. Love a slab-bodied LP. None of that carved top malarkey.
Cheers James, yes totally agree... slab body with P90 is where it's at!
Ah yes. This one. Bought one last year. Sold it. Hated myself for selling it and just ordered another one. This one will be staying. Nice review!
Hey Jeremy, good to hear it’s not just me that’s does stuff like that! 😂 definitely hang onto this one it’s a classic! 😎🎸👍
@@theguitaristas It really is, isn't it?
@@voiceofexperience definitely... it will never be repeated at this crazy price that's for certain!
Got my hands on one of these for the first time yesterday. A very cool guitar and on top of my list.
Another great review - I just love the fact that you can’t hide your disappointment at the colour !
Great review. I added one of these to my small collection today. Fun guitar. Very good quality. It's a keeper..✌️
Acabo de conseguir una usada acá en Lima Perú. Su precio es de 310 USD . La probé sin conectarla y sonó fantástica, luego la conecté a un Vox y pude apreciar los P90. Me ayudó este video para animarme a conseguir una. Gracias.
I just found one used here in Lima Perú. It costs about 230 Pounds. I played it unplugged and souds fanntastic, then I plugged it in a Vox and I can apreciate its P90s. Your video animates me to get one of this Epiphone. I really want to thank you Mr.
Felicitaciones es una gran guitarra! Gracias por el comentario y por apoyar mi canal se agradece! 🙏😎
Got one of these when they were first released, its an amazing guitar for the money. love it to bits! :)
Shoots, I like the sound of this guitar . I could hear it on all kinds of Pop tunes.
The intonation sounds good to my ear.
Nice guitar playing, my friend.
All reviews go on about the colour of this guitar. Am I alone in actually liking it?
Possibly 😆
I like the colour as well, this could be the beginning of a cult😂
I also really like the colour - it looks brilliant if you play it outdoors on a sunny day. I used to have a 1999 double-cut version which was made in Korea and it was exactly the same colour so it’s not a new thing. I think the reason it doesn’t look like the Gibson is because the nitro finish on them is more translucent and you can see the wood grain through it.
I got one of these five months ago and really like it. A steal at this price point. I love p90s. I had to laugh when you found the loose bridge screws. Mine arrived with no screws! May have fell out in the shipping bag but I could not find them. After putting in new screws and changing strings/set up I was very impressed with it. Loved the reggae ending!
@Libra 59 Thanks for comment, after your experience I'm glad our screws were only loose as they are not the easiest things to find and replace!!
Check under your bridge pickup and see it it is a brass base plate !
If it is brass I know why.
Came for the review, but man that playing is something else! I’ve seen a few of your reviews now, Colin, and you always play something super interesting. Keep up the great work 👍
Cheers Brian that’s appreciated! 😁👍
I love the tone of your solo there at the end during that scar piece, I just picked one of these up use from guitar center for $50, amazing guitar for the price!
This model might have tempted me if it hadn’t hit the market at a moment (in 2020) when I was in a kind of “Epiphone burn-out”. By that spring, I had owned seven guitars and one bass built with the Epi brand spread across the 24 prior years (and still had one to come), and I was making myself sick on the brand. The one that I have as of April 2024 is a Flying V from a Canadian-exclusive run from 2009, the Negative series. I chose that in 2021 when I was developing a yen for that body shape because it was more unique than any Inspired-by-Gibson model such as this LP Special.
You're not color blind. And what I've found over the years lately, the cheaper guitars are the ones that have surprising fit and finish. I've got a West Creek DC, and it's marvelous.
I’m in love with those white tuners totally classy look. Yeah I will agree the color isn’t as bright as it should be maybe add a little higher price they could’ve put more attention on the color. But for what it is it’s a very good guitar!!! I play mine daily! Great review on here too!
Thanks for comment ! 👍
Slab body with p90's what's not to like! Is that police and thieves you were jamming on? Love your channel, keep up the great work! 🤘🙂🎸
Cheers Hugh, oh yeah we love a bit of the reggae! 😎👍
I like the color.
These are very fine guitars and sound incredible. There's something special about P90s. Great review!
I ended up opting for the Gibson version (I have enough mid priced guitars, thought I'd save for a while and try the price bracket above).. and man, is it a treat. Can be polite, but the bridge especially is all bite. The binding on the neck isn't perfect, which was a touch disappointing when I found it, but it's very minor. The finish and colour otherwise is just lovely.
Thanks Leo, I am still hoping to get a Gibson version to compare.
You are a great rock guitarist
You’re very kind! 🙏😊
Nice playing but I Think I’ve said that before. I’ve ordered mine , because of your comments. Cheap really compared to some of the guitars I own. Thnx
I just realizes you were playing the Clash! Complete Control!
I think what you're getting for the price with this guitar is amazing. You can't get any better for how cheap it is.
Lovely video. I have one of these and I really enjoy it.
On another note, as a long time Clash fan, I was amazed to find someone rocking out "Police and theives", and "Complete Control". Thank you Sir!! ⭐
Thanks Rossco that's appreciated, and did you check out our Gibson LP Special Tribute review?... Charlie Don't Surf man! czcams.com/video/oX8JG45XfvY/video.html
@@theguitaristas Your welcome. I will check it out....just a quick question if I may? Is your channel name loosely based around "Sandanista"?
@@rossco-dps5392 No in fact Sandinista wasn't consciously in the thinking behind the channel name, but it's probably my favourite album of all time so maybe subconsciously!?
Wanted to let you know I just got this guitar brand new today and I am blown away at how good it sounds and plays. As a certified Les Paul addict this is my only P90's version. This thing sounds better than most of the Gibsons I own. The Epi Pro P90's are amazing. The tone variations you can get out of them is impressive. This guitar is down right nasty with the growl of a bear. I really like the compensated wrap around tailpiece without the tune-o-matic bridge. I love the bare bones of this guitar and the neck binding is a nice touch. I was a little worried about the chunky neck but it actually plays really good. The guitar is perfect right out of the box (ordered from Sweetwater). Innotation and action are spot on. I actually like the color as it is. This is definitely in the running as my #1. Will be for awhile anyway. I am so happy with this $449 purchase. Cheers, man!
Nice one! 😁👍
I want one so badly now.....
"pardon me sir do you have any grey poupon??"
why yess....got it right here!
sweet epiphone model mate!
i wasnt too happy with the bridge pup in my offset tele so i popped in the "true customshop 52" i removed from butterscratch and its sweeet now...the pup seemed to like the os tele bridge and sits in it very nicely...nothing wrong with the "hot63" guitarfetish pup but it wasnt getting my fancy lol!
however i had to reverse the neck pup wires...now shes "golden!"
shes got that soapbar p90 from guitarmadness in the neck....thick bluesy neck pup and the "true customshop" "52era" in the bridge that "twang" brad paisley would approve of....plus super "crickety chirp" in the middle....
A "TV yellow" was suppose to look white when viewed by a black & white camera of the circa 1950's era. Items that were actually white would overdrive the camera tube and flash it and sometimes appear black. If you wanted to show up as white in such cameras, your actual stage color needed to be a sort of baby poop yellow.
Hey Maynard, yes that’s right.... unfortunately they didn’t even get close with this version of TV yellow 😂👍🎸
The clean Sound are very very good. Very very good fat nice prety chord Sound.
Thanks man! 😎👍
Just bought this guitar on reverb. 450.00 bucks shipping and sales fees included. Can't wait till it comes!
😁👍👍
Cuts the mustard for me❤
Nice playing.
My friend has an original Gibson version of this guitar. He inherited it from his grandfather. We may or may not have used a hammer and chisel to fit a Seymour Duncan humbucker and replaced the bridge with a Washburn Wonderbar trem system.
We were kids and didn’t know what the heck we were doing. Thankfully his dad sent the guitar to Gibson to be fully restored.
I still cringe when I think about the damage we did to that guitar.
Ouch!... thanks for sharing Rev I am trying hard not to imagine what that poor guitar would have looked like but I bet it still sounded good!
I wouldn't care if this guitar was dog-puke yellow: it sounds AWESOME!
(PS Your playing @ 6:00 got me right in the feels.)
Cheers Jefferey that's appreciated!
Epiphone is not a Les Paul coby. The fhirst Les Paul Guitar was a Epiphone guitar.
My 2019 Special has a semi transparent finish, still yellow, but less mustard, and you can see the woodgrain
But yeah, cool guitars
Great review, great guitar, great playing. Thanks
I just ordered this guitar. Haven't held it in my hands yet but I've come to like the color while shopping. They shouldn't have called it TV Yellow if it's that different but it's a matter of insignificance really. I want the sound out of the thing. I'll have to see what I think of the chunky neck but I usually adjust to prevailing conditions. Nice jams, a little Police & Thieves there (I'm an Black Ark L$P/Junior Murvin fan myself).
Cheers man, I predict you will love it… comes with the Reggae groove built in! 😎🔥👌
@@theguitaristas I do love it! It's used but so scarcely played it has the original strings from the store and they are brand new. They feel super heavy to me as this is my first solid body after playing an ES thinline for almost 50 years. I can't believe how cheap the Epiphone Deluxe tuners are though. Is no one else saying that? They can't hold these cables in tune. I expect I'll upgrade them, any suggestions?
@@jimsliverootsculturemusic mine are stock and hold 11-52 in tune just as good as they held 9-46 in tune. They are even better than the old white buttons on my Gibson Melody Maker 🤷🏻♀️
Mine is also mustardy. They also got the color of the 3-way selector wrong...
One of these is my newest guitar. Love it, but, not a very good TV Yellow. I think closer to Butterscotch Blond Tele look.
Cheers Edward! Great guitar.... slightly weird colour! 😆👍
It's awesome guitar on its own no matter what.
I bought one of these and a Pelham Blue Epi SG Special at the same time. Both had stupidly hifh neck angles, so I sent them both back and tried replacements that were better. Still a little off on those neck angles, but the LP really sustains well and the P90s on both guitars are great sounding through my gear. The only real problems I have with them other than the neck angles are in the headstock area. I like the new open book look, but the length of the headstocks from the nut to the top end is longer than on the Gibson versions and the area around the truss rod adjustment is too flat and thin. The increased string length tightens up the tension a small bit over the Gibson and the infamous tendency to have the necks break easily in the headstock area is amplified. I have the Gibson version of this LP as well and the Epi is a bit chunkier (but nice) and you can see the wood grain through the finish. I like it both ways. I remember a lot of the early vintage ones being less yellow and almost tan in color. They got more yellow in later production years. Anyway, these are very nice guitars for the money (now $450) and are worth owning . Just look for a good neck angle and don't let it fall over backwards and you'll have a really nice little axe that looks super!
Cheers man, glad you are liking this its good to hear positive review from someone that also owns the Gibson!
Cheers mate theses reviews are great real world reviews!! Can’t wait for the Gibson LP Special vs this ! 👌
Cheers Alex!
It really needs to come in different colors. Thats such a deal breaker
Saludos desde Mexico!🇲🇽 Increíbles videos que a hecho!
Gracias por su amabilidad!
Nice guitar! Love your playing mate
Cheers Joe!
Bought this guitar a couple days ago. I'm in love. The wife says I'm cheating on her. Lol I even love the color
You’re little loop jam in this video is so rad. I almost got one of these, but I decided to just to get the Gibson version but in Olive Drab. It’s my favorite color on a Gibson. Once I saw it, all bets were off. No buyers remorse from this guy! I def recommend trying out the Gibson Original version of these if you’re alright paying for the premium.
Ooh nice one!.... Olive drab would take some resisting!! 😎👍
Mine is mustard as well. Great guitar though.
Is this the same neck profile as the epiphone les Paul jr , best guitar channel on CZcams by a country mile superb stuff
Hey Joe!… this neck is chunkier than the Junior… this is the neck everyone wants if you like 58 profile it’s the real deal 😎👍👍
Epiphone,
Good enough for The Beatles,
Good enough for a chubby fingered Scot /Welsh /Irish mutt like me .
I just picked one up “new” pre owned, absolutely gorgeous in every subtle way.
I love, the color.
Go find me a drive through malt & burger joint and dip my chips into the paint!
Try some wax on that paint.
I gave my girl a good spa day once she got home.
She seemed a little dull and sad.
One she had a decent (no strings off) clean/polish/buff She really strutted her stuff!
The paint job is BEAUTIFUL on the one I have.
All I used was the Dunlop 65 two in one cleaner / polish.
I hate a mate come by and he was flat gassed over it.
I’ll buy another, even if it is the same color.
Almost perfect, why not charge a bit more with decent orange drops,they fit c.t.s pots and then give you bunk, i fitted sprauge's it has openend up this fantastic guitar
Its like a GT 750 with a oily middle pot....penny pinching...
Got one of these when they first came out. Unfortunately by the time it arrived I'd gone down with the dreaded lurgy and was in no condition to even open the box. If I had been well, then it would've gone straight back as the guitar was in no way fit for purpose. I don't think I've ever encountered a worst fretted guitar. The fret ends are sharp and dangerous as hell and they didn't even bother to press the frets down fully into the fret board.
I don't like the yellow either. I have a Butterscotch Tele...I wish it was BLACK. The older les Paul I with P-90's had only 2 knobs and the switch was at the bottom. It has the old headstock and comes in black, red and that baby shit yellow...slab body too. I love mine. If you can't make a cheap guitar sound good, you should save your money and buy a TRUCK! Great review...thanks!
Cheers dude, yes it’s the colour... what were they thinking? Maybe taking ‘inspired by Gibson’ to the extreme and making sure they at least screw something up? 😂
Complete Control eh!
I've had a BK12 for 2yrs now, great amp, but they get warm.
I've got an 07 Special, so it's a ToM & stoptail, still does the job, ldve rathered just the tailpiece.
I'm catching up on a lot of ur older clips mate..Great work!
Edit: Police & Thieves at the end!!
😎👍🧷😆
Love The Clash tunes!
I might be in the minority here but I think the color of the Epiphone looks better than the Gibson. I know it’s not the authentic TV yellow, but it just looks cool
I heard (true or not ???) that the TV series colors were created for the era when televisions were in black & white, thus yellows, naturals, and whites picked up better for B&W TVs. I don't especially care for the mustard color of the Epi., BUT if I had a large collection I would like to add things that are "unusual". Besides, the color isn't really that bad at all, and it draws the eye into the collection. Given your collection and the comparisons, and the historical accuracy, the sound, etc. per your review --- I'd go with the Epiphone for sure. Great review as always!
Cheers Jake, yes that's the reason they created 'TV Yellow' back in the 50's! 😎👍
I guess I am the only one who loves the color.
Hello, would this make a nice compliment to the SG special with p90s from epiphone or are they perhaps too similar? I did work on a proper 1950’s one for a friend I’m not expecting to get anywhere near that on this or any modern production guitar but I’m hoping it would get me into the ball park. I’ll take a seat in the nose bleed section so long as I’m in the park! Thank you!
Hey this will probably get you a lot closer than you think!... a great compliment to the SG special too in my opinion purely for the joy of ownership as they are both fantastic guitars for the money 😎👍
TV was only black and white when the LP Special came out with that color. I assume it had to do with the way it looked on a black and white screen
Would you say the thickness of the neck is on par with the limited Epi 59 as i have one of those and that has a chunkey neck , nice to hear Complete Control being played on it also a great review good stuff
This may be fatter I think... did I not measure this one? If so you could compare! 😎
@@theguitaristas Found a vid where you did measure the Special and got the specs i needed so thanks again!
@@sssidney Excellent!
@@sssidney so is it bigger ? I'm sure it is knowing how big the neck on my TV special is.
i like that "grey poupon" edition epiphone there!
im really fancying the p90s after seeing your films mate!
matter of fact i "gutted" my monoprice os20 which came with h/s/s pups and wanting to get a custom scratchplate for 2 soapbar p90s....
any suggestions on where to look? ill even search online as well....i gotta do this!
Nice one!… check out my Strat p90 film there’s a link for custom scratchplates in the uk 👍
Thanks for another great and honest review you always have great song selection It’s between the schecter pt plus or epiphone special or maybe both or I get a Gibson sg with would be my first Gibson but I can get 2 decent guitars for less than price of one
@Mrjfeb Thanks for more great feedback!... At some point soon we will be looking at an Epiphone P90 SG Special (we love these) and also selling off some of these review guitars on our website so may be worth looking out for that.
@@theguitaristas what is the website so I can check it out thanks
@@mrjfeb539 Nothing for sale yet as we still have to build the shop but it will be at theguitaristas.com (there is a link on our youtube banner). Today's news... Epi SG Special is on the way!!
Why would they get the colour wrong ??? Had a mit priced Tokai many years ago that i should have kept. That was more banana yellow which was nice. But why mustard ? But pay almost 4 times that for the Gibson, price just went up to 1900 on that.
In going back and reviewing this video its interesting your comments about the Epiphone price point before your later reviews of other inspired by Gibsons especially the Les Paul's. For me its now acceptable for Epiphone to charge as much as £700-£800 when the guitars you're getting for that are the 59 or the Bonamassa Lazarus which imho complete with the Gibson LP Tribute or Studio, quality and sound wise but still for significantly less money.
I think you're right, these Epiphone's don't have the trim missing and often have better electronics. I know some people still think the tributes or studios are better but I don't necessarily agree. Of course they are made in the USA and that's very important to a lot of folk but personally I no longer think that's worth £500 of my money. Cheers Tony!
Great review, have you tried the Sire L7V? Really interested how they compare tone wise?
Is that song at the end yours? That’s pure class.
Cheers man, it's an improvised jam based around something or other I expect so not 100% mine
Buying one this week
Nice one!
These are 150$ in the USofA right now
I have an EPI custom shop from 2010 LPS TV with P90's It is all you need. Anything more is just ego. Drill a Bigsby on it and Bob's yer uncle!
Congratulations... You've still got your hair, which is more than can be said of Mick Jones !
😆👍