I've always wanted a goldtop LP, but I can't/wont spent crazy money. Go Epi?

[Tbone135]

So basically, are today's Epis a good stage guitar? I need a good sounding, quality guitar that will last for me.

 

[EricPeterson]

Sure, many people play them and love them.

OR

What do you want to spend? There are lots of MIJ options in either Tokai, Epiphone Elite, Edwards, Burny, Greco and so on that might fill the bill and be better quality than teh current stock of Korean Epiphones, they will run you about 1000 bucks.

 

[fiftywatt]

not mine/no affilliation.. but spotted today..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370340442396

 

[ReginaldBisquet]

Agile has several great options too. I'm using one of their Les Paul Junior models and it's a solid tone machine. Seriously considering one of their goldtop guitars fro my next purchase.

 

[Tbone135]

I had an Agile once and it was a nice enough guitar. I have good gigging stuff as it is and I want something a little meaner than a tele and not as RAWK as a regular Les Paul. I figure P90s are the way to go, and I love that goldtop look.

 

[dcooper830]

I love my Epi '56 Goldtop! Its a seriously sweet Les Paul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thR3a7wTPkk

 

[Blakemore]

A++++++ for Agile's!! I own two! One is the Goldtop with p90s.

I prefer them over every Gibson Les Paul I have ever picked up...

Odd I know...

I have played way too many Gibson's too name including everything from Vintage ones all the way up to the new Custom Slash Les Paul...still liked my Agiles more.

My buddy brought over his 72 Goldtop and it is the first Gibson that has felt anywhere close to my Agiles.

They blow Epi's out of the water in my experience as well. Never have owned an Epi LP, but have friends that do and I just pick them up and my fingers go...yuck.

Best of luck!

 

[Ben S.]

There is always Heritage. Very well made guitars. A little less than Gibson, but more than the others you are mentioning.

 

[Jim S]

What is your budget?

 

[BadAssBill]

There is a used epi GT at the GC in Marietta, GA that is going for 325. It's in fair shape and plays decent.

 

[BPSUL]

One of the new 50's tribute LP studios in gold top finish? They're starting to hit the used mkt.

 

[metz420]

I was pleasantly surprised by the Schecter Solo 6. A nod to the Les Paul with some modern upgrades (Ervana nut, Tonepros bridge, etc.). I picked up a Schecter Solo 6 Limited Gold Top with P90's for $500 and it rocks. I may change out the pickups but that is purely taste. I've even recently seen this guitar on eBay with humbuckers.

Schecter Solo 6 Limited Edition Gold Top features:

Construction: Set-Neck w/Ultra Access
Body: Mahogany
Neck: 3-pc. Mahogany
Scale Length: 25.5"
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Frets: 24 Jumbo
Binding: Crème (Neck, Body & Headstock)
Pickups: Duncan Designed with coil tapping
Grover Tuners
Electronics: Vol/Vol/Tone/3-Way Switch
Bridge: ToneProsTOM

 

[Kentano2000]

I pick up a used Epi 56 Gold Top from GC a few weeks ago. Got it w/ HSC for $350. Love the P90s! It's a good one; would have gladly payed up to $500 for it. I've played others that weren't nearly as good as this one. I'm totally digging it. Depending on your budget, like the others said, seriously consider the Japanese models if they're within your reach.

 

[TD_Madden]

My Lollar P90s-equipped Edwards '56 GT is some serious sh*t.

 

[boonhogganbeck]

Another vote for Agile. I have one and love it.

 

[tonydetiger]

Give one of these a try.

ESP LTD PB-401 - has Duncan P-Rails, so you get humbucker, p-90, and single coil tones. The split tones sound great with clean to low gain settings, and the humbuckers will handle any high gain needs you might have. I picked this one up off of eBay for $599.

 

[Tbone135]

I love my Epi '56 Goldtop! Its a seriously sweet Les Paul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thR3a7wTPkk

You make a good case for an Epi there, thanks for posting.

If I don't go for a real Gibson, then my $ range is probably 4-500 max.

 

[Tbone135]

I ordered an Epi goldtop, got a really good deal on a new one. Can't wait to check it out tomorrow.

 

[Whiskey N Beans]

Another vote for an LP studio 50's Tribute GT. I have a black one and it's a fine guitar for under $800.

 

[Tbone135]

I couldn't find one of those, so I went with the Epi GT for $320. I figured I'll never see one new that cheap again.