Epiphone Elite Les Paul Standard Plus

Mine is a Chinese vintage sunburst LP (beautiful!), 22 frets, grover tuners, 2hb... and all the stuff of a LP, you know. It came with the WORST cable I've ever tried, use it to kill your ex-girlfriend lol.

I can say its hb can do the work! they impressed me so much, I was expecting they were worse, but... surprise! They aren't noisy at all

The neck one sounds pretty good with no or a little bit of distortion (turn down the tone pot and enjoy its bluesy sound!), but it becames very muddy and has a lack of tone if you put the dist. at a high level. On the other hand, the bridge pickup is awesome however you set your amp! Set it with no dist. and a bit of delay and you'll find a sound like Paradise City intro, and turn up all your dist. knob and wake up your whole neighbourhood with an awesome screaming sound!

Maybe this is the worst part of the review. You must take into account there is a mid-range axe, so don't expect very much of the quality controls. First of all, the action and intonation were awful. Buzzing strings on top frets and very high at bottom ones... but it was due to the crappy nut it brought. I changed these useless retail .009 strings to a .010 dean markley's ones and raised the nut, and now it's very comfortable (not as my Pacifica with .009, but it doesn't matter)
It has a flaw at the end of the fingerboard, those chinese workers must pay more attention when using saw machines (I hope he's lost a finger!)
I've heard Epi's bring a crappy, noisy pick selector and loose controls, but mine has superb ones!
I give it 7 because of its poorly cut nut, its crappy strings and its flaw on the fingerboard. Otherwise, i'll give 10

Chinese electronics seems to be weak and unstable for gigging, but I think it could do the work without problems. Maybe the pu selector could fail on a few years. The hardware is very stable and seems to last forever and ever. Solid strap buttons, solid machineheads, and overall a very rought axe. If it fall down it will probably drill the floor without getting break!!
I could gig with it without a backup, but it's too annoying when you break a string and must replace it... Fortunately I have my never-string-breaker Pacifica!

I've been playing for 7 years, and I have a Yamaha Pacifica, a pair of classic guitars and a Marshall g80rcd amp. The Yamaha is pretty good, but its sound is uncomparable to LP's sustain and warm tone! LP could be not as easy to play as Pac, but it is very comfortable too (remember, it has a thicker fretboard), and sounds very good with my amp, especially with the "crunch" setting.
I compared it to an Epi's LP Studio (much cheaper, but also much more awful)and an SG G400, but the first time i saw it i knew the Standard Plus was made for me!

Epiphone Elitist Standard Les Paul Plus in Honeyburst finish. As far as I know a 2005 or 2006.
Flame Maple top, two humbuckers two volume & two tone controls.
Mahogany back, grover tuners, bone nut, mother of pearl inlays,
made in Japan (which these days is what made in America was 50 years ago).

This guitar can pull off any style. To me a Les Paul can do it all, whereas a Stratocaster has to go through tons of pedals to make it sound other than a Stratocaster. Very few people on planet earth plug in a stratocaster and go. With a Les Paul, plug in and go, maybe add ye ol' distortion. I play classic rock mostly and consider myself a hobbyist although I have had many guitars in my lifetime, about 25. It sounds really good and can easily stand up to any professionally made guitar and would be welcome in any band.

The setup was fantastic. Everything adjusted correctly.
There was one rather large nick on the back of the guitar, which is where you want a rather large nick if you have to have one. I can't believe quality control missed it. It couldn't have happened during shipping, the case would have protected it. Musician's friend said I could swap it out, but when they checked the computer they told me the honeyburst finish has been discontinued, however epiphone assures me it has not been. Who to believe?
The bookmatched top is nice but very subtle.

This guitar can gig to infinity. Everything is rock solid and very well made. They will be talking about these guitars 40 years from now. Strap buttons are normal but some people don't trust them, better safe than sorry.

Never dealt with them.

I took my first guitar lesson from David Teems in Decatur Ga. in 1971. I mess around on guitar but everyone says I'm real good although I have no idea what I am doing. I just love guitar.
This is my only guitar right now but more are on the way. I would get another one of these if lost or stolen. It has a great playable neck but like any new guitar it needs to be broken/played in. It is exactly like a high end Gibson but with a different head stock. I was going to get an ash strat and I still am eventually, but, how can someone life without a Les Paul?

I purchased this Elite LP Std Plus used in December of '04, so the manufacture date is somewhere in the '02-'04 range (I did know at one point). The guitar meets the same specs as stated in the many reviews below. I have the faded cherryburst finish, and the depth and intricacy of the flame maple is fantastic.

I find the pickups to be capable of a wide array of tones with a little tuning at the amplifier; this guitar can carry on a solid rhythm, or belt out a lead just as easily. I play through a Marshall AVT100 and a Digitech GNX4. With the sound palette available to me, I wouldn't even consider changing the pickups.

As stated, I purchased this used, but don't think the seller had anything done to it before I got it. When I received it, the only things that I needed to do were tighten the jack as it was loose, and adjust one pickup up a little. Whether or not that came from the factory or from use, I don't know. Everything else was on the money, and I haven't had to mess with it since. Aside from adjustable issues, there is a nick in the fretboard binding at the 19th fret. Again, I don't know if this was from the factory, or from the last user. Either way, it's a minor blem that has no overall impact.

The guitar is solid. The hardware and finish are of very high quality, and I have no doubt this guitar will long outlive me. I have changed out the strap buttons for strap-locks, but that is a personal preference issue; there was nothing wrong with the buttons I removed. I can depend on this instrument, and wouldn't hesitate to gig without a back-up if necessary.

I've never had an issue, so I can't comment.

I've been playing guitar for 24 years, and have gone through my share of instruments/equipment. This is one that I'll hang on to. I've owned guitars that range in price from higher to lower than this one, and can honestly say that this guitar meets my definition of a premium quality instrument at any price. My playing has taken a turn toward Jazz and I've been looking for a good archtop to fill the void. After copious amounts of research, and considering the level of satisfaction I have with my Elite LP, I just purchased an Elite Broadway. I am truly a fan of the Epiphone Elite line, and look forward to the next addition to my arsenal...I think an SG is in order soon.

I ordered mine online after trying out some Les Pauls and this is a great guitar. Pretty much what you would expect from a Gibson without the different headstock. The neck seems a little thinner which I prefer and the guitar is still heavy like any LP but I've gotten used to it. The case it comes with is pretty nice as well.

I got this guitar for a different sound than my strat. I'm in love with my strat and it fits most of my musical styles but this is great for my harder or more classic rock style sounds. I use it about 40% of the time compared to my fender. I play it through a fender blackface deluxe reverb most of the time and it sounds great-the pickups push the amp and overdrive it when turned up past 6 and it sounds great. The pickups are really good from what I've played before-not the greatest pickups but for what you pay for they're good. Nice and clear sound when you need it and they'll cut through nice for solos with that usual LP tone. Overall pretty impressed with the sound and feel no need to change the pickups at this point.

From the factory I was suprised at how well it was set up for me and how well it just played. At first I was thinking of setting it up but after a few days of playing it felt fine. The wood used on this guitar is very fun to look at-the top is a really nice deep flame maple that is bookmatched really well-looks good with the desert sunburst finish. The back of the guitar also looks great with the African mahagony which is angled and makes a "v" shape with dark and light highlights behind the transparent red finish. The neck is flawless with great mother of pearl inlays and the headstock looks a lot better than epiphone's normal older headstock. A few problems were the chrome pickguard mount has a slight finish problem-even though its hard to see its annoying. Also the laquer finish where the top of the body meets the side of the neck has a lot of extra laquer-it's not a problem it's just kinda caked in there. All of the pots and electronics are top notch-gibson usa and they feel great. Overall the guitar is very nice and plays/sounds as well as it looks.

This guitar is built tough and like most good guitars it will hold up. The hardware is high quality and the finish should have no problems especially if you take care of it. It's definately dependable-I'm always most concerned about electronics but they're solid. I know of many epiphone regular model les pauls and sg's that have crappy electronics but you pay more for this and you get the USA stuff so its a lot more comforting when you're playing live. I never used to gig with a backup with my strat and never had any problems but when I got other guitars I'd bring them along. I'd feel pretty safe with this but I always bring a few with me just in case-even with a top notch guitar.

I've never dealt with them but I've had a couple epiphones and never had to call.

I've been playing for 8 years and own and have played many other guitars and this is one of the better ones to look at and play. It's a LP so its heavy and doesn't feel exactly right at home like my strat but I can't get the sounds it gives from my strat either. I'd buy one again if it was stolen or lost because its a good price for a high quality LP that has a good sound that I need. The sound is great and its a lot of fun to play. There may be other cheaper or better guitars similar to this around but a lot of it is the classic Les Paul styling-its something that a lot of people love and it does the job really well and has a great record from the past.

Manufactured in 2003, Japan. Bought from Guitar Trader. 22 frets. 2 Piece top (well blended) Flamed Maple- striking in faded cherryburst! Top is a showpiece. Standard LP Controls, 3 position PU switch, 2 Vol, 2 Tone. PUs are not as hot as LP Classic, but close to the tone of Gibson LP Standard. They rock well with tube overdrive. Good sound quality. Not really a hard rock setup without devices I think. Rock N Roll & Blues. Body is mahogany as is neck, FB is Rosewood, 50s style LP? Im not sure. Nitro Like finish clear and hard. TOM Bridge, Grover Tuners! Case Included, not the best LP case.

Awesome rock guitar for me. Will suit other styles for sure. Rich tones, clear and bright to dark and woody. Kicks butt on similar price Fender. Great variety- its a Les Paul... I like the sound alot.

One issue from Gibson- the output jack was bad, it was replaced in the first week. I played alot and have had no other probs. Good action, bookmatch flamed maple done very well. 1 or 2 tuners slip- but may be the strings. Excellent neck and fretboard. A joy to play but they should have caught the jack at quality control!

This Les Paul is not quite as rugged as the LP Standard I had, but for $900 it seems like it can go the distance. I dont play it on tour yet. Hardware is good. Grover tuners. I play it alot. I would gig it for sure.

Gibson is available and helpful when needed. This is a quality guitar. Repaired by Andys Music, Mobile, AL (output jack faulty).

Ive been playing 5 years. I feel like this guitar was a good deal, no regrets. If I had $2000, Id buy a Gibson Standard LP, If I had $900 again, Id buy another for sure. I love the finish, it looks very classic. Also dig the smooth to growling sound output. The tone is very cool. OR 57 Classic Pickups. May change later.

This is Epiphones top of the line series of guitars,handmade in a special factory in Japan(that also produces gretch guitars)
Considered an in-between price range and quality when compared to a Gibson and the base Epiphone series. I pretty much agree with that,however I found some quality control problems.(keep reading).

As far as sound is concerned I,d say it does the job well,rythum position is warm and fat,treble position gets some nice biting tone with nice sustain.Center position rich and full,not bad at all for stock pickups,but i will probably change them down the line.

Now it gets interesting,After waiting four months for this axe(they can,t seem to keep faded cherry models in stock!)I looked this guitar over.The poly finish was flawless all around,same for the sunburst,bindings,tuners,fretwork was nicely finished off as well as inlays.NOW,as for the tune-o-matic bridge,i noticed some high speed buffing wear marks around the thumbscrews! Also,the same marks were evident on the outside edges of the stop bar tailpiece! Quality control?? HELLO! Also the chrome plating on the pickguard support was defective.I have never seen this even on my old 100 dollar Carlo Robelli paul! I believe they are rushing these guitars out(LITERALLY).

This guitar is solid enough to last a long time,no problem. Always have a backup(see murphys law!).

Fairly helpful but it becomes a hassel to make appointments,etc,etc!
Man I just want to PLAY!

Been playing for over 24 years,in and out of bands. Own a couple of marshalls,1 p-bass,1 flying v,1-apocalypse pro,1-sg-400,1stratand now this paul.
I would replace this one with the same.
Just wish they pay a little closer attention in the QC department.
I will remove the defective hardware and use it on a project homebuilt in the works.Will replace new hardware myself(can,t deal with hassels.)

Made in 2003. I bought this s/hand but in excellent condition (1 tiny dent on the bottom bout). Everyone reading this will know the controls, frets etc. If not look at the previous reviews. This is a beautifully made guitar. Quality book matched flame maple top (mine is in honeyburst, which is gorgeous)and excellent quality African mahogany body and neck. Inlays are real MoP and very well done (filler, what filler?). Mine came with original Epi Elite case, tags, etc. and with straploks fitted.

I play rock and blues - mainly covers nowadays. Amps are Trace Elliot Trident or Marshall JCM 900. The clean sound on either or both pickups is sweet and exactly what you'd hope for from a Les Paul. Crunch is likewise excellent with plenty of poke. The high gain tones are awesome. Sweet, singing sustain from either pickup. The sort of sound that makes you want to play 10 minute solos!

Finish and overall construction is flawless. Better than any USA Gibbo I've played before. Set up was OK after a tweak or two but for optimum performance, I intend to have my usual luthier have a look and breathe some magic over this axe. It will be well worth it. I really like the pickups. Yes, they are a tad brighter than Burstbuckers but they give this Paul a little more cut and it's less likely to sound thick and turgid as a result, especially if you're using lots of gain.

I've only had this for four weeks but it's very well put together and I expect to own it for many years without problems. I don't ever gig without a backup but, if I had to, I would trust this guitar to perform and I don't think it would let me down.

N/A

Been playing since 1970. I own several other guitars from Gibson, Yamaha, Ibanez, etc. This is as good or better than any of the others that I own (but they all have their plus and minus points). Elites are no longer imported into the UK and I've been told by a dealer friend that the sales of USA Gibsons were being adversely affected by the extremely high quality of the Elites, so Gibson put a stop to the imports.

2003 epi elite les paul standard plus, flame maple honeyburst, 2 us gibson made pick-ups, TOM bridge, REAL MOP trap inlays,3-way toggle,bone nut,grover tuners, german nickel hardware, 2 volume 2 tone pots,even a classic 2 screw truss rod cover! ( it should say gibson in script writing instead of the block letters because this guitar is certainly ....and surprisingly....WORTHY! traded a 1988 gibson es-175 for it straight across for it,but the gibson was in very bad shape with water damage. the epi was for sale for $799 USED and i jumped on it.

i have been playing guitar for 24 years (mostly gibsons) and i can tell you that this thing sounds outstanding. owned many amps (tube and solid state) and have FINALLY found happiness with a crate v-series 5012. plugged the epi into one at the store and was enthralled by the tone! i play classic rock all the time but my heart is totally into southern rock like lynyrd skynyrd, the allman bros. and molly hatchet. for the last 7 years, ive been playing fender guitars because my ex-wife bought me a strat for christmas and i became hooked on everything fender. this past tax season,i found myself wanting a humbucker equipped guitar so i started checking out gibsons and occasionally epis. gibson guitars today are so over priced that i could hardly believe it! the epis were much cheaper and some very well made like the korina explorer....still.....i wanted a paul and suddenly i was in the right place at the right time. elite? whats this? never heard of it or saw one untill that day. it was parked right next to a couple of korean pauls....and it stood out dramatically. upon picking it up,i was surprised by its weight(i like heavy guitars), but even more impressed with its sound. this was it this is the sound i remember and must have again. the bridge pu is a tad brighter than on my last les paul (72 custom) but that was fine by me especially after playing strats and teles for the last 7 years. american buckers are a fine plus on a japanese guitar. since the first day i tried it, i have gone through all my musical tastes from new country to kid rock and this guitar was the biggest surprise i have seen...and heard.

i dont know who owned the guitar before i got ahold of it, but the action was set just fine for me. i dont have a particular preference over high verses low, i go with how comfortable it feels with 10 gauge strings. that said, i guess i like my action a little high because i love to do bends and the music i play requires it. this guitar plays so easily it almost seems to play itself. i also can be very picky with the finish but this finish allays all guesses. simply stated, i cannot find a single flaw. neck joint,binding,tunability, all were unsurpassed on this baby. a very well built quality feeling instrument.

i couldnt wait to play this guitar live! playing in a southern rock tribute band demands a sound like this although this thing could easily play metal and jazz with ease. very, very dependable it will not let you down. i truly believe that the hardware and the spectacular finish will long out live me! hell, even the rhthym and treble ring are better then the korean ones with the gold letters and a small detail like that is impressive to me! the strap buttons? i dont have a problem with them but i use wide thick straps so im always strapped in tight.as for using it without a back up guitar.... maybe if i was guaranteed that i wouldnt break a string! of course that is impossible to preditct so untill then this axe has become my main guitar putting my trusty tele deluxe into the second slot!

never ever had to deal with them and i really dont think i will need to.

overall, this is simply a great guitar. it just might have the folks at gibson a little worried because now even novice guitar players can afford this gem let alone us old 1970s players! for playability, beauty, dependabilty, and sheer soundability, this guitar is a phenominal find. kudos to epiphone for finally building an exquiste guitar worthy of the les paul name and legacy. oh by the way, i love the re-designed headstock and the new scripted logo! is that logo MOP? who cares...you cant play it but it sets it apart from the rest...truly an elite!

What an Outstanding guitar, This was my 2nd Guitar ive ever bought. 22 Frets, with Ebony Fretbord. African Mohagany Body with Maple Top. Grover Tuners (which are awesome, and it stays in tune almost always) Fat Neck, but fun to play.
Overall Great Features!

I have been playing for 2 Years, I play anything from Blues - Heavy Metal. This guitar covers it all. Gibson made pickups, They have a nice dark cruchy tone, and also nice clean tones. Sometimes i wish they were a little louder, but i am very happy with the sound i get. The Neck Pickup is my favorite, it gives you that dark crunch, while the Bridge is more made for lead, trebly sounds.

The action was perfect, I bought it used with no scratches and dings. The Only problem i had was the strap holders were loose, and thus i had to buy i new one. This guitar was deffiently made by Professionals

This guitar will last me years and years of non stop playing. This is my baby

never had to deal with them

Ive been playing for 2 years, and this is one of the best looking guitars ive seen, it probably sounds better then the Gibsons

Pour une fois cette avis sera en francais :)

Donc c'est une Epiphone Elite Les Paul Standard plus acheter en 2004, couleur HoneyBurst absolument magnifique.

Avant de continuer...mais qu'est ce qu'une Epiphone Elite ???
C'est simple... la serie Elite c'est un peu le Custom Shop chez Epiphone... donc ca n'est pas fabrique en Coree de facon industriel...
c'est fait a la main par des luthiers au Japon ! Le tout avec des elements fournis par Gibson USA en personne :) donc les micros sont par exemples de vrais micros Gibson Humbuckers USA...pareil pour l'electronique...

Au niveau des bois utilises...et bien ce sont les meme que ceux d'une Gibson LesPaul Standard...et oui... notez que je n'ai pas dis Gibson LesPaul Classic, mais bien Standard donc niveau au dessus question selection des essences etc...

Les mecaniques ? Groover... impecable...

Le poid ? une vrai LesPaul...j'ai verifie...;)

Le son... mon dieu...en fait j'ai eu plusieurs guitars avant celle la...en gros Godin-ST6(super), Ibanez-S1670FMPrestige(super), JacksonUSA-Dinky(oula grosse guitare la ;)), Fender-FatStrat Higway(super)... toutes ces guitares avait un bon son voir tres bon surtout la Jackson avec ses Seymour&Duncan... et bien je vous avoue ne pas en revenir du son de cette LesPaul...incroyable, superbe, magnifique... j'en ai les larmes aux yeux quand je joue avec... PUTAIN c'est grave !!! Le son est tres dense, tres profond... j'utilise un V-Amp2 et le son est enorme...mais beau... vraiment...

Alors je precise que j'ai compare le jour de l'achat avec une Gibson Les Paul Standard... je suis reste 1 heures et demie dans le magasin a essayer les 2 guitares... Attention je precise que je ne suis pas entrain de descendre en flame les LesPaul Gibson, puisque je suis un grand fan de ces guitares... d'ailleur si j'avais eu les moyens j'aurais pris directement une LesPaul Standard Gibson...Mais comme mes finances ne me le permettaient pas a ce moment la et qu'il etait hors de question de prendre une Gibson LesPaul studio vu la qualite au rabais de ces series et vu leur prix carrement disproportionne...je me suis donc interresse a ce model Epiphone...
Donc entre les deux guitares le sont est tres proche...j'ai note une petite difference entre les deux...mais je ne peut pas vous dire celui que je prefere... :) LesPaul ou LesPaul ??? hehe...

Mouahahah... c'est excellent ca... la finition ? je me marre...
Ben ouais comme je vous ai dit je suis reste pendant 1 heure et demie a regarder la Gibson et l'Epiphone sous toutes les coutures... en plus elles avaient toutes deux la meme couleur(honeyBurst)...la Gibson etait plus terne que l'Epiphone...mais disons qu'elle etaient aussi belles... par contre niveau finition et ben c'est du meme niveau...Comment dire... on ne peut absolument rien reprocher au travail fait par les Luthiers Japonnais... rien du tout... c'est SUPERBE,MAGNIFIQUE... dans les moindre details... la seul diference c'est que sur la Gibson LesPaul standard le binding(filet blanc) recouvre les frettes sur 2 millimetres de chaque cote alors que sur l'Epiphone le binding ne touche pas les frettes...
Une autre difference de finition ? OK... sur la Gibson les boutons de volumes et tonalite n'etait pas bien fini...sisi l'interieur etait loupe sur 2 d'entre eux... alors que sur l'Epiphone ils sont impecable ;)... encore une diff ? OK
Sur la Gibson au niveau du la fixation du chevalet sur la table, les trous ou se trouve les vis comportaient des bavure de vernis... sur l'Epiphone tout est tres net... :) lol

Le manche me convient parfaitement... un plaisir de jouer la dessus... ca me convient bien mieux que le manche de mon ex Ibanez... je prefere meme ce manche a celui de ma Jackson... et oui... meme si l'acces au aigues n'ai pas tres aise sur les derniere cases on s'y fait, ca n'ai pas un probleme...

tout parait tres solide sur cette guitare... perso je ne fais pas de scene donc je ne peux pas vous parler de ce domaine...
Mais en tout cas je ne me fais pas de soucis pour la qualite de finition, vernis etc...

je n'ai pas eu affaire au support technique...

Cela fait quelques jours que je l'ai achete chez mon Luthier prefere... Merci a lui d'ailleur pour ses precieux conseils et merci de m'avoir laisser teste aussi longtemps une guitare a 1450? ainsi qu'une a 2750?...
www.damico-store.com
Jamais une guitare ne m'a fait un tel effet... tout d'abord je trouve les LesPaul magnifique de par leur forme et couleurs...c'est rond c'est beau, plein de courbes :) ensuite le son de cette guitare m'ensorcelle carrement... :) comme je vous l'ai dit je voulais une Gibson LesPaul Standard USA... et je m'etais dis qu'apres L'epiphone je prendrais un Gibson... et bien maintenant je ne sais plus si ca vaut la peine...
Ce que je pense c'est que c'est une vrai LesPaul, faite au Japon et qui vaut largement une Gibson Standard a tous les niveaux...mais a presque 50% du prix... :) Je pense que personne ne peut mettre en doute la qualite des produits haut de gamme Japonais(Hi-Fi, electronique, Motos...) et la on est bien en presence d'un produit haut de gamme...
Donc si vous voulez une LesPaul pour le prestige de la marque ou en pensant a la revente, vaut mieux prendre une Gibson...

Si vous chercher une superbe LesPaul pour jouer parseque vous aimez ces guitares alors vous pouvez sans aucune hesitations prendre cette Epiphone Elite, vous ne le regretterez pas...

D'ailleurs a votre avis pourquoi Gibson(proprietaire d'Epiphone) a fait passer sont prix de 1450 euros a 2000 euros ??? ;)