a_k_watson's Music Gear Setup

The guitar being reviewed has a 2021 serial number, was bought new but was given a Plek set up by the shop before dispatch.

I was honestly bowled over by the craft and quality of this Made In China Epiphone compared to my Made In Korea 1997 G-400. The Korean instrument had, out of the box, a bumpy rosewood fretboard edge, squint tuning peg, a plastic nut, and still chokes out of bends on the 20th fret on upper strings (although comparison with an instrument which has been through a Plek is perhaps a little unfair). The only slight flaw I have detected in this Chinese Les Paul in almost three years has been the slight overspray of the cherry sunburst finish onto the binding under the fretboard where the binding of the neck and body meet. It is not in a position that would be seen by the player or the audience.

The '50s neck profile is chunkier than slim fast necks but in no way uncomfortable or clubby. It feels very comfortable to play in all positions. This long tenon neck appears to be one piece (including the heel) up to the scarf joint for the headstock.

Looking at either end of the 'mahogany' body, it appears to have been made from three pieces. The two-piece maple veneer covers an unknown number of pieces forming the maple cap.

I will never know how much should be put down to Epiphone or the Plek set up but it plays the most flawlessly and with the lowest action of any of my guitars. I don't know if it is by luck or set up but I honestly remain stunned as to how well it keeps its tuning relative to my other guitars.

The Epiphone ProBucker pickups (without any adjustment of height or screw poles to dial in) are not as clear and bright as my Wilkinson WVC humbuckers but are way more articulate than the dull lifeless Alnico V humbuckers on my 1997 Epiphone G-400. This Les Paul has plenty of classic humbucker power but remains relatively clear. Their output and voicing suit my classic rock noodling and strumming.

The pickup selector switch did start to become intermittent quickly so I have since upgraded to a Switchcraft short-frame toggle switch.

Between playability, comfortability, tone and quality of finish, this gets much more attention than my five other electric guitars. It was more expensive than several of them but it feels like the extra cost has been rewarded in quality. has been rewarded in quality.

My 1997 Made In Korea G-400 is blown completely of the water, despite being similar to the RRP of this Les Paul, when adjusted over the 23-year gap. With Epiphone more recently providing affordable quality like this, we have never had it so good!