Set neck or bolt on

I've heard mixed things on Gibson. Some say the quality has gone down while others say their years of experience shows. I'd say the first is more accurate, because their quality's pretty spotty. Their years of experience have shown that people will pay big bucks for an iffy guitar with that name on it, though. That shows.

I agree, his bald head can sustain a lot!

:lol: :lol: :lol:

The glare never ends. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Hey! i (rep)resent those remarks :o

I've heard mixed things on Gibson. Some say the quality has gone down while others say their years of experience shows. I'd say the first is more accurate, because their quality's pretty spotty. Their years of experience have shown that people will pay big bucks for an iffy guitar with that name on it, though. That shows.

I can't find anyone that says it's iffy. Either they love them or hate them. The general consensus though is that they good tone from the pickups, long sustain and are easy to play. On the negative side, they are hard to play sitting down, can take some setting up and are geared towards high gain sounds. I'd have to try one, if I find one, then decide things from there.

It's all a matter of personal preference. For example, I hear nothing but great things about the Epiphone and Gibson Les Pauls but I don't like them.

Well, I'd add on the negative side that I've seen brand new Gibsons with glaring finish defects. Should've been "seconds," but were being sold as normal new stock. Makes one wonder what other corners were cut.

I think I read a review that mentioned that. Guess that's a problem with the internet, you can't see what you're buying. Though all the Gibsons I saw in the store had perfect finish. Meh, I still want one lol.

Some of the reviews confuse me though. Like how much or little gain you can get. Doesn't the amp have more effect on that than the guitar?

Some of the reviews confuse me though. Like how much or little gain you can get. Doesn't the amp have more effect on that than the guitar?Yes.

I think I read a review that mentioned that. Guess that's a problem with the internet, you can't see what you're buying. Though all the Gibsons I saw in the store had perfect finish. Meh, I still want one lol.

Some of the reviews confuse me though. Like how much or little gain you can get. Doesn't the amp have more effect on that than the guitar?

I agree with Ric, Gibson's quality is very uneven. Gibson does best with expensive LPs and lately, somewhat better with the worn finish guitar line (DC LPs, LP Jrs, 335, maybe even a V in worn cherry, mahogany and TV finishes). Too often I have picked up a pricy Gibby to find the neck binding is bad, the finish is sub-par or the detail work is sloppy. There are good examples of Gibson, but for the prices charged, every one of them should be good. Be very critical of any guitar you buy -- many Gibson's will not pass muster. If you want to buy Gibson, the words are "try it before you buy it."

Bottom line is: play it and see how it sounds and feels in you hands :P

Another big difference between Epi and Gibson, resale. Not saying you'll sell that V, but if you do, you'll get more out of the Gibby. It's sad, but that name on the headstock will almost always sell.

Jason

I'm actually after a Flying V Goth Series, which I thought was discontinued but I guess I was wrong.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=guitar/s=electric/search/detail/base_pid/517234/

So are Epiphones better than Gibsons overall or is it that you are getting what you pay for with the Epiphones?

I had a epi LP custom. I really like it. I would not mail order though. I tried quite a few before getting the one I have. I compared to a couple of gibsons about $900 higher. There were differences, but as non-professional, there was no way I would have gotten it. The differences were not that much.

I wouldnt say that Epiphones are better than Gibsons. or that you get your money's worht with Epis.
there shouldnt be a generalization made, although tempting.

I look at it this way. Epis cost less because of where they are made (low labor costs).
and
the parts of the two brands are different.
not using AAA woods will lower costs. other parts like tuners, pickups, wiring, pots, bridges, nut material, type of finish, binding , inlays. all those little things add up.

another factor is the business end. pricing schemes, how many guitars available, too much inventory all effect price and perception.

individual experience factors in too. just reading this thread and others re: the Gib/Epi debate can effect perception. it gets very subjective here. one persons trash is anothers treasure , so to speak.

how to decide which to get?
price and affordability should be your criteria.
personally, that's hard for me because guitars and playing them is an emotional experience not a calculated one.

I see the manufacturers taking the emotional approach too. not only in how they market the guitar but the fact that there are so many styles.

how to decide?
go with what excites you. that excitement will be brought to your playing. it is the way it should be.
but pay attention to the details. that means looking at all the parts of the guitar and take measure there.
the brand name should not matter.
many Tiffany vases and lamps are not signed. yet the quality of the maker is evident.

so somehow bring quality and emotion together and you will have your answer.

I personally like the neckthrough or the set neck design. There is no heal to get in the way and it does sustain longer IMO. If the Jackson V was too small then you had a Randy Rhoad's model in your hands, look for a king v model, it's much bigger.

I agree with Dogbite. Notice I didn't answer your question with a yes or no? It's a personal thing. I know that it doesn't help with the decision making process though.

I had a epi LP custom. I really like it. I would not mail order though. I tried quite a few before getting the one I have. I compared to a couple of gibsons about $900 higher. There were differences, but as non-professional, there was no way I would have gotten it. The differences were not that much.

I agree, try them out before you buy. I was looking at epi LP's a few years ago and noticed a big difference in one from another. I think the Gibson's are somewhat better, But they can cost 3-4 times as much as the epi's :shock: My neighbor got a epi LP and put upgraded the pups and it truly a sweet sounding axe :D