Which brand is the better Les Paul Studio deal?
The Les Paul Studio is a guitar that both Both Gibson and Epiphone offer. Although they may look the same, there are some important differences you should be aware of. In this comparison, we will explore the features and specs of the Gibson Les Paul Studio and the Epiphone Les Paul Studio to help you decide which one is right for you.
What Is The Les Paul Studio?
The Gibson Studio Les Paul debuted in 1983, and was created for the purpose of delivering the essence of a Les Paul at a lower price point. By omitting cosmetic details such figured maple top, body binding, Gibson could deliver the iconic tone and feel of a Les Paul to a greater number of players.
In a similar manner, Epiphone—which of course, is owned by Gibson—reads from the same playbook. The Epiphone Studio Les Paul takes what is great about the Gibson Les Paul Studio and delivers it at an even more economical price.
Les Paul Core Features
Regardless of the name on the headstock, both Studios share the following core features:
- Mahogany Body (Weight Relieved)
- Maple Top
- Set Neck Construction
- Coil-Tapped Humbucking Pickups
- 24.75″ Scale Length
- Fixed Bridge Design (Tune-o-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece)
Core Feature Details
1. Mahogany Body with Ultra Modern Weight Relief
Mahogany is the classic tonewood used on Gibson Les Pauls, so both the Gibson and Epi have you covered. As we mention in our article on the Gibson Les Paul Studio, we’re happy to see that both Gibson and Epiphone have addressed one of the nagging complaints with Les Paul models, namely, the weight. Both the Gibson and Epiphone Studios employ Gibson’s Ultra Modern weight relief, which involves a series of holes placed in strategic locations inside the body.
Due to their design, Les Pauls tilt toward the heavy side, with many weighing in at over 9lbs. We see weight relief as all positive, with little, if any, downside. And, even more impressively for Epiphone, their models come in at the same weight on average as the Gibson models! (Note: The average weights in the table below were based on 5 samples from each model). Some players contend that sustain is affected in a small way, but we feel it is a small price to pay for a real Mahogany body checking in under 9lbs.
2. Set Neck Construction
Both guitars use a glued-in, set neck construction. Both necks are made from Mahogany. This neck join is essential to capture the sustain and liquid tone that Les Paul models are known for.
3. Coil Split Pickups
Coil-Splitting is one of the features that sets the Les Paul Studio apart from many other Les Paul models. By activating the Push/Pull Coil Split on the volume pot, single-coil tones can be achieved. This gives both the Gibson and the Epiphone a greater tonal range than a typical Les Paul.
4. Bridge
For the Bridge, both guitars have a Nashville-style Stop Tailpiece. Gibson uses its Nashville Tune-O-Matic, while the Epi comes with their LockTone Tune-O-Matic. This fixed bridge design is standard on virtually all Les Paul models.
The Locktone Tune-O-Matic is an interesting innovation from Epiphone. The Locktone bridge is designed deliberately so both the Stop Bar and the Tune-O-Matic fit more tightly, resulting in a bridge that locks on to the posts. Though it seems like an obvious improvement, this is actually a great idea, because it eliminates the common problem of components falling off during string changes. Many people have dings and scratches in the top of their guitar as a result of this!
5. Neck Shape
Both necks are 60s style Slim Taper designs. The Gibson’s neck shape is Slim Taper, while the Epiphone rocks a 1960’s SlimTaper D.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Gibson Les Paul Studio | Epiphone Les Paul Studio |
| Body Wood | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Top Wood | Plain Maple | Plain Maple Veneer |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Neck Joint | Set Neck | Set Neck |
| Neck Shape | Slim Taper | 1960’s SlimTaper D |
| Fretboard Wood | Rosewood | Pau Ferro |
| Fretboard Radius | 12″ | 12″ |
| Scale Length | 24.75″ | 24.75″ |
| Frets | Medium Jumbo | Medium Jumbo |
| Inlay | Acrylic Trapezoids | Acrylic Trapezoids |
| Pickups | 490R / 498T Humbuckers | Epiphone Alnico Classic Humbucker |
| Bridge | Nashville Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar | LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Stopbar |
| Tuners | Grover Rotomatics | Kidney-style Tuners |
| Finish Type | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer | Gloss |
| Typical Weight (lbs/kg) | 8.9 lbs/4.0kg | 8.3 lbs/3.8kg |
Key Differences
Looking at the core features, you may be asking if Gibson and Epiphone are making the exact same guitar! The devil is in the details, as they say, so let’s take a closer look at a few important features to uncover the differences that may not be immediately noticeable.
1. Maple Top
Both the Gibson and Epiphone employ a plain maple top, which is less visually dramatic than many of the flamed maple tops found on more expensive models.
There is another key difference, however: The thickness of the top. The Gibson model features a carved maple cap that is considerably thicker than the veneer used on the Epiphone. Again, this is a cost saving measure, and visually the Epiphone veneer looks very convincing.
The key question of course, is whether it affects the tone, and the answer is yes—if the top is a true Maple cap. Generally, a full Maple top, as found on the Gibson, will lend a more articulate and open tone than Mahogany alone, which is known for warmer, midrange-focused emphasis. The Epiphone’s Maple veneer is essentially too thin to affect the tone significantly, so the Epi will sound more like an all-Mahogany Les Paul.
2. Fingerboard Wood
The Gibson model uses the traditional choice of a Rosewood fingerboard. In contrast, Epiphone opts for a Pau Ferro fretboard. This is an interesting choice by Epiphone because Pau Ferro is not inferior to Rosewood. Tonally, Pau Ferro and Rosewood are close enough not to matter. In fact, many people prefer Pau Ferro because this wood’s tight grain has a smoothness that plays similar to Maple.
3. Pickups
Gibson ships with 490R / 498T Humbuckers, while the Epiphone comes equipped with Epiphone Alnico Classic Humbuckers. Although the names are different, the Epiphone pickups are essentially Gibson’s budget version of the 490R / 498T, so you can expect a very similar tone. Both pickups are wax potted and use Alnico V magnets for a strong, sizzling presence.
4. Finish Type
Gibson stays true to tradition by offering a real Nitrocellulose gloss finish, while Epiphone has regular gloss finish. By all accounts, this is a cost savings move, and has a debatable affect on the tone. Feel is another question, as some players simply love the way a Nitro finish feels—and wears—over time. That said, the Epiphone finish is a high quality gloss that does not look like a budget finish.
5. Colors
The Gibson LP Studio comes in the following colors:
- Bourbon Burst
- Ebony
- Heritiage Cherry Burst
- Smokehouse Burst
- Wine Red
The Epiphone LP Studio comes in these colors:
- Alpine White
- Ebony
- Smokehouse Burst
- Wine Red
Build Quality
By many accounts, Epiphone build quality has been excellent as of late. Gibson, as everyone knows, has had its QC struggles over the years. The most recent incarnation and ownership of Gibson has generally been good in terms of craftsmanship, so we don’t think it’s something you need to be concerned about with either brand.
Price
The Gibson Les Paul Studio is not particularly expensive for a USA-made guitar. However, it is still three times the price of the Epiphone! We think this is a testament to how much quality guitar is available in the Under $1000 category. The Gibson comes with a Soft Shell case included, while the Epiphone does not, so you’ll need to purchase that separately. That said, given the price point, Epiphone’s quality finishes and overall build quality is impressive.
Summary
If you are looking for a high-quality guitar with a classic Les Paul sound and feel, both the Gibson Les Paul Studio and Epiphone Les Paul Studio are great options. The choice will come down to how much you want to spend, and how much you value the key feature differences between them. The good news is that both models will sound like a Les Paul!
Key Decision Points
To recap, here are some key decision points that you should pay attention to when deciding between a Gibson LP Studio and an Epiphone LP Studio:
1. Solid Maple Top vs Veneer Top
While the Gibson model comes with a true Maple cap, whether that translates into better tone will depend on the tones you like, and your associated amp and effects. With respect to appearance, both the Gibson and Epiphone models are “plain” maple, and show similar grain.
2. Fingerboard Wood
Pau Ferro plays and looks very similar to Rosewood. If you have to have Rosewood, Gibson will be your choice. We feel that Epiphone made a smart choice in choosing Pau Ferro. Epiphone is also known to use Indian Laurel, which is another Rosewood substitute.
3. Finish Type
If Nitro is a “must have” for you, then Gibson it is. But again, Epiphone’s finishes are high quality, look great, and offer the sought after glossy appearance.
Final Thoughts
We feel that both guitars represent a great value. Compared to a Les Paul Standard, the Gibson Les Paul Studio guitar is a great deal.
The Epiphone, by necessity, compromises in a few areas, but we feel that it brings a lot to the table for the price. With its high quality finishes and solid build quality, we feel that it too offers excellent value.
In addition to the Studio, Epiphone makes a wide range of Les Paul models. Whichever road you choose, you’ll get the unique tones that only a Les Paul can deliver.