This review is a zero-hype,true blue analysis done in a recording studio by professional musicians. TRUST THESE WORDS.A year ago we purchased a basic faded red 2018 Gibson Les Paul w/490T pickups from zZounds that convinced us into being true believers regarding Gibson quality;no QC issues other than a dry fretboard. So when we evaluated our new Ebony Epiphone Les Paul Custom, we did it side by side with a USA Gibson,recorded in a studio setting with MANY different amps,cabs,effects....dry/wet etc.. It was all about the SOUND and PLAYABILITY, not the looks of the guitars. The test results for the Epi surpassed our expectations by a long shot,and I can personally say I have NEVER had so much fun doing an A/B test between two guitars. The only difference is in the pickups,with the Gibson 490's usually having a slight edge,but even that became subjective due to personal taste and what was needed for a particular song.Now to evaluating the unboxing and initial test run. Our Ebony Les Paul Custom arrived in flawless condition, as in the actual definition. Not a single mar or flaw in the paint anywhere,top to bottom. A single thumbprint from a sweaty hand will show up from a mile away though. Same with the binding,neck and headstock inlays. Grover tuners were mounted in exact alignment. The gold plating matches everywhere, it looks so good! The frets dressing's are as good as the Gibson,not a single sharp edge. The CTS pots and the wiring job are stellar,with no shortcuts or cheap… read more components. We may try a few different tone caps but we are very hesitant to mess with near perfection;same regarding the stock pickups. Bottom line, we purchased a 5 star guitar at a 3.5 star price. One of the finest guitars we have ever played for under $1,500. Big thanks to zZounds and Epiphone for gettting it right.

Musical Background:
Studio Owner,Pro musician since 1981

Musical Style:
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