Epiphone Les Paul or Similar.

[Malc]

I obviously would like a Gibson Les Paul Standard but I can't warrant the extra £1000 over an Epiphone Les Paul Standard. Also I can't see it being 4 times the quality.

Anyway I've had my eyes on a Trans Amber Ephiphone Les Paul for a while.(It looks Awesome!) Yesterday I went into my local sound control and tried it out on a marshall stack (It was an MG series stack so it wasn't that good, god knows why they didn't have a TSL or something in there instead).

Anyway, it didn't sound that good through the amp, but unplugged accoustically it sounded very full and resonant, so with new pickups and through a better amp I imagine it would sound pretty good (I played some nice open chords with a bit of crunch and it sounded really full and resonant, always a good sign)

The setup was awful though, the action was very high and it didn't feel that nice to play. It might be 'cos I'm coming from a fender strat though.

I also tried a PRS SE Tremonti. That didn't sound as good accoustically (Not as resonant) but it fell nicer and more natural to play.

So......

My question. Is it possible to get as good of a setup and action on an Epi Les Paul as an American Strat? And in anyones experience, are there better Les Paul Style guitars out there for upto £400? (£300 Preferably). I would consider the PRS SE Range if they are a lot better than the Epi because I prefer the look of the Epi's.

Note; I'm probably going to change the pickups in the guitar anyway. So Another question is, What are good Humbuckers for a mainly classic rock sound?

Cheers

 

[Malc]

Yeah I've noticed that in Sound Control.

I would nip into the guitar shop around the corner but the guy in it is a complete bull ****ter. He tried telling me that to get hold of a mustang bridge to modify a Jazzmaster it would cost £300!

The thing I'm wondering is, Will an Epi Les Paul ever have a good action?

As for Pups, i would get the '59 SH1 in the bridge, and a Alnice II Pro in the neck. Paired with a Marshall, it'll sound preeettty nice

Also my amp is a Vox AC30. I reckon those pickup's will sound pretty good through it, they don't look too high output and well rounded for most styles.

 

[Malc]

Cheers guys.

When it comes down to it the only thing I'm bothered about is the build quality of the guitar itself not really the hardware cos I can upgrade that.

Has anyone got any recommendations for a Les Paul style guitar. It doesn't have to be a les paul just a heavy full sounding guitar.

The Tokais are out of my price range from what I've seen. I'm going to keep my eye out for a second hand studio though, they look quite good value for money.

Thanks.