Looks like the new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop range are going to try and fill that middle tier at around $1300+

John. I think you are BANG on with the need to differentiate the higher end Epiphones creating a mid tier for the Gibson/Epiphone guitars makes perfect sense. Many thanks. Cheers from Canada.

Hi John, greetings from Germany. As a guitar player for 49 years now i think i gained some experience with guitars and brand prices. These prices seem like a race to me that imo Fender starts all year and EVERY other brand follows. Even one of my favourite brands Ola Englund's solar guitars are doing this. The point of inflation is not that important imo. There is one huge point thar is not mentioned in this video. All the companies changed their production places over the years. First it was Japan, then came korea and now it is china, indonesia and vietnam. The quality of the guitars that are made in korea btw is and was outstanding. Also Mexican fenders. The quality is not was it was when they were made them in korea or japan. Indonesian ones are ok mostly, chinese production is always a lottery. And even the same factory it seems there are differences. For ex. a sterlin by music man petrucci seems to have flaws most of the times. The Lukather ones not. I bought one recently and it is good. Not perfect but good. When sterling by music man was called OLP (officially licenced product) and the guitars were made in korea they were perfect. I bought a Petrucci OLP in 2005 for 330 Euros and it was flawless. So all these companies rise their prices and lower the building quality with cheaper personal and parts. I get very angry when it comes to these price risings. I am trying to buy a malmsteen strat for years but fender seems to keep it out of range from me🙂 Next interesting example. A bit off topic but funny (not for me). In a lockdown break in 2020 i went to music store cologne to buy a PRS silver sky. This guitar came out in early 2019 an was 1700 Euros, even in the beginning of 2020. They wanted to charge 2700 Euros and i could not believe it. I think it was March or May. What is that. A thousand euros more in a year. I like when Paul Reed Smith says that he cares about his people and has to feed 500 mouth. My question is. What is he feeding them? Gold? My stupid opinions. BTW like your channel.

I think Andertons are one of the most expensive places to buy a guitar

Hi John - very good explained! The big fault most of the people who now are crying because of the higher prices make is that they expect the same level of quality from ALL Epiphone branded guitars. I agree with you that it´s a marketing and communication problem that Gibson has to fix! Sometimes it feels like an excuse for using Gibson PUs and electronic in a "cheap Epiphone". I own several Gibson and Epiphone Les Pauls (yes, even a True Historic Gibson Les Paul - I know I´m crazy) and for that I know what the differences are. Lets be happy about the fact that there are good guitars in every price range - if you don´t want to spent so much money:just don´t do it and buy a more affordable guitar which is ok for you. And the newer Epi´s in the 900 to 1400 € range are exact that guitars in the "wrong branded" middle of the production line! Greetings from Germany!

I bought my (Korean) Epi LP for £300 in 1995ish. So about £575 using the inflation calculator, BUT, I think there's a problem with that methodology. The inflation rate factors in food and fuel which have increased at a higher rate than manufactured goods. Advances in tech, eg CNC machines, and internet sales have resulted in deflation of manufactured goods. When I bought it there was nothing decent and cheaper, but today I could buy four Harley Bentons for the same price as an epiphone, so actually they ARE more expensive whatever the generic basket of goods says they should cost.

I think the middle tier is called ‘inspired by’

Hi Jon. I think that you're spot on. Just making a couple of points. I think that there's a lot more competition nowadays in epiphones price bracket compared to the 90s. Maybe that's why they're a little less expensive now than then with competitive pricing. Correct me if i am wrong, but aren't Gibson doing away with making the tribute, and classic models? Not sure about the studio. Anyway my guess is that Gibson are trying to go for that £800 to £1300 range now with the epiphone range. So for example you're going to get an epiphone custom lp with an open book headstock, Gibson pots and electronics, with Gibson pickups for around £1150 so in there words your going to get that lp custom experience only for a much less expensive price. What i wonder in this day and age with all of the competition in that range, are Gibson/Epiphone taking a big risk?

OH in those days you could buy a Gibson guitar 2nd hand for far less. But you done the research, so well done, Good VID as one expects from you.

The biggest jump in Epiphone prices came in the last 2 years. The cheaper guitars went up by about £100. Others went up £200-300. Then they went all out on the MASSIVE jump to the £1k plus guitars. I would like an Epi Les Paul Studio, their prices have gone WAY up!

Hi John, excellent research, and a great point about Gibson lacking a name for that new middle tier where they are pricing signature models and, most recently, these custom shop models. I bought an LP 50s 12 months ago for £479, and it was a pretty good guitar. After doing the fret work and setting up, and investing in SD pick ups and a new harness, it is a great guitar (total price: around £950). It's never going to be a Gibson, but it's excellent for my purposes. So, I agree, Epiphone guitars are not over priced. The problem with the higher end ones is that, for a little more money you can buy a Gibson, either second hand or in the case of an SG, new for about £200 more. So the reality is, if I was in the market for a new guitar (when the missus wasn't looking), I would pass on one of the Custom range for £1,200 and buy a Gibson SG for just under £1,400. Why? Because, for me, Gibson is an aspirational brand, and I'd like to own one before I check out just as a sort of pat on the back to myself. But that in no way is a slight on Epiphone or Epiphone owners as I own two myself. All the best.

My personal experience here, Epiphone LP guitars were utter rubbish until around 2013 ish. Probably took a cue from what fender did with the Squier classic vibe line tele. Epiphone has continued to improve on that and are now offering fantastic LP and SG models with this latest line.

Yes, good point. Perhaps call them something like Gibson made in China, like Fender made in Mexico?

Fender has something for everyone: the "Fender" labeled ones alone are covering such a vast field; entry level quality instruments MIM, FSR and other interesting setups MIJ, and the standard MIA. And even more entry level by Squier. Gibson only has like the Squier and the MIA, totally missing out the customer base that wants to spend a little more money for a quality instrument, but not spend ridiculous money. A "MIJ Gibson", best also labeled Gibson, at least open book headstock design, and I would look into the Gibson catalogue of instruments again. Even as a Fender player, a SG does not look that shabby... Orville, anyone?

I have 2 Epiphones from 2021 and 2022 Gold top Les Paul £499 and SG custom £399. I agree they need to rebrand the middle ground guitars or the bottom end ones. Its getting very confusing which way the pricing is going. Great video as before.

The problem I have with current Epiphone higher prices is that they are so close to the Gibson equivalents, e.g. £1200 for an Epiphone Explorer, when you can buy the Gibson Explorer for £200-£300 more. The point you made, about Epi Les Paul Standard prices over 25 years, is a fair, and well researched one, and proves that Epiphones can still be well-built, competitively priced alternatives to Gibson models.

In the late 90s we all had epiphone les Paul's. I never heard of anyone paying more than £350 for the standards. Them Korean ones were much better than today's.

Actually, they are rebranded. They are not just called Epiphone, they are Called Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop". The "Inspired by" is what denotes them as a being in a different class of instrument, because they are built in conjunction with the Gibson Custom Shop. They are built to different specs using Gibson pickups, the Gibson "open book' headstock, better quality electronics as well as different finishes. Also, they come with a hardshell case, not an optional case that you must purchase separately. Let's not over-complicate things by adding a different brand to the lot... it isn't necessary.

I think most people are talking about the $1500 " signature" models Epiphone is putting out these days.

not a great comparison - but 2000 epi LP custom Artic white - 'b stock' (nothing wrong with it its still sat 8 ft away from me now) - £295 from Coda Music

Thanks as always, John - I am normally just a lurker! I read "The Birth of Loud: Leo Fender, Les Paul, and the Guitar-Pioneering Rivalry that Shaped Rock'n'Roll" by Ian S. Port, and he presents Gibson's approach as a culture difference. Gibson was an instrument maker, and the Les Paul was the signature model of a virtuoso, and the guitar was part of his brand. Fender was an electronics tinkerer who didn't play guitar, but would ask players (mostly western swing!) what they liked and modify the instruments to see how it worked out; as a company Fender tried to make guitars more of a consumer product. He paints a compelling picture, and it certainly shows in how the brands operate today. The book is awesome - I highly recommend it. Les Paul was totally driven (even as he was having a lot of life issues), Leo Fender was some sort of amplification wizard, and Dick Dale pops in a bit and comes off as even more of a legend than he already was.

Hi John, when working out average prices, something I often do on used ebay items!! I was always taught to remove the highest and lowest price to get a fairer average overall and when I do that with your figures I get 1990's = £676.80 and 2024's running at £529.40 so slightly higher 1990's price and slightly lower 2024 price. Not a million miles away from your totals but maybe a fairer average, or maybe not, Ive no idea really whether Ive been doing it right or not.

Gonna throw this in regarding the latest drops. I’ve been pretty vocal about the price increases with epiphone, especially the new firebirds that I think are ludicrous. The new lp, sg and 355 have the custom bucker pickups. Wether you think they are worth having or not is personal of course but to buy a standard 50’s epi les Paul, add those buckers, add a hard case, upgrade the electronics and you’re looking at roughly the same, if not more, than the new ones sell for so I’ll defend their prices on the new ones.

The worst thing Epiphone have done is bring out a £1500 Firebird with two pickups and a less expensive one pickup version . Another few quid and a bit of haggling you could buy a Gibson . There’s a perfectly good Inspired By Gibson Firebird that sells for around £549 but are rarely in stock . Guitar Guitar Andertons and PMT buy in shedloads of stuff and sell them off at recommended prices . They may make the odd deal but that cuts their profit margin so they hope though for increased sales !

I think they have it right. Chasing the bottom price whilst claiming to be a premiumish brand is doomed. The likes of Jet, Fazley, HB etc have hit them and they would be unwise to compete.

I think the prices are reasonable for low and mid tier Epiphones. But I'm not a fan of Epis- I dislike laurel fretboards, and their body veneers. So I've bought new import PRS SE over new import mid tier Epiphone as I prefer SE quality and looks. Instead of buying new high tier import Epi, I've bought used, clean Gibson. The affordable Gibson Tribute line at $1750CAD is wrapping up and the new bottom tier for Gibson is the Modern Lite LP for $2000CAD. Top tier import 'Inspired by Gibson' Epiphones are replacing the Gibson Tribute tier. Is this good for players?

Just picked up one of the blueberry inspired by 335s and I am remarkably impressed by it, picked up new for £550 on sale and I really cannot complain at the value, and I've already bonded with it, so...

It isn’t the lower prices Epiphone guitars people have issue with. It’s all the new 1K+ guitars that are on the steady rise. Epiphone is actively trying to be seen as a more premium brand (they’ve said it themselves) In the coming years we’ll see less of the affordability (£500 for an Epiphone Standard) and more of these £1,000+ guitars. Even the new Firebird with 1 pickup and a Laurel board is about £1300 from Epiphone. These are the ones that people are complaining about.

I got my Epiphone Les Paul 60s standard (iced tea burst) in Andertons sale last year (2023) £469. Cant fault it, or Andertons service.

Hi John, I've got one of those Anderton's spec epi les Paul's in lemonburst. I paid about £900 for it. I'm very happy with it. It is easy to play and not too heavy. String bending is easy and the neck is super comfy. to me it is as good as some Gibsons. Hope you like yours as much as I like mine.

I have a 2001 purchased new - these are made in Korea by Cort and not Gibson Chinese factory. What lets it down is crap electronics. I think it was about what you had said for the 90s price. To be fair to the new epiphones as well as being cheaper they appear to have better electronics. The MIK ones have decent bodies and finish just poor hardware and electronics.

Spot on, John. Now this middle (upper middle) tier is the "Inspired By Gibson Custom", with the Gibson headstock. But I think, though, that the price is perceived to be higher because today there is much more competition from other brands with great guitars for lower price. Anyway, here in Brazil those guitars (all guitars, in fact) are even more expensive, unfortunately, ...

Agree wholeheartedly. In the 90's, there was no Epiphone that had the Gibson headstock, Gibson pickups, Gibson electronics, etc. Instead, they were budget friendly guitars with a budget friendly feel. Also, back then, they were not made in an Epiphone only shop, they were made by Cort or Samick. I remember getting a used one for $150, and it was a total piece of ****. Now, they've stepped up their game in a way similar to what PRS is doing with the S2 line, only one step further for about $1,100 less! A PRS S2 McCarty 594 with all of the Core elements is $2349 and an Epiphone Les Paul Custom inspired by Gibson is $1299 and that's with a hardshell case! Of course, the argument could rightfully be made that Epiphone continues the Inspired by Gibson line overseas and the S2's are made in the US, and one could ask how much of an investment would it be for Gibson to take on Chinese manufacturing of the guitars in the states, but the truth is that the Epiphones are made by a shop that only makes Gibson's Epiphone line, not by Cort as the SE's are. That's a fine line, but that's kind of what we're cutting when it comes to made in X Asian company vs Y Asian company for any product. Regardless, the S2's come with a bag that's barely an upgrade from the SE where the Inspired by Gibson comes with a hardshell case, they both now sport the same electronics (for good or bad) as their most expensive counterparts, and each is made in a factory that only makes their product. I'm planning on purchasing an S2 McCarty as well as an Inspired by Gibson. Can't beat the prices, and this is an historical choice for both companies.

I love Epiphone but I can't bring myself to spend as much if not more than the price of a Fender Japan guitar. Especially if it's less than $1,000 more, I'll go with a Gibson demo guitar out of Sweetwater or a Heritage over an Epiphone.

Owned a few Epi LP's over the years. Currently have a gold top Slash model. Its a great guitar for the £550 used price I paid for it recently 😊

Just buy a Yamaha revstar standard, blows any Epiphone out the water, fantastic value for the money, paid £479 for mine on Black Friday deal 👍

I bought the normal les paul custom IBG and the new expensive IBGC one to compare and to see which one I prefer... I love that epiphone is trying to up their game, I always liked the IBG series but there was always a few stuff I was like "meh", on the Les Paul Custom IBG I'm thinking I won't like the neck profile, but I might get licky and like the cheaper version 😅

the jerry cantrell sig epiphone is nearly £1000 new. I have seen one for £849.....but still expensive

I bought a Usa LP std 50’s sunburst in 2003 for £1400 which equates to £2450 today - similar to current model. However in 1959 you would have paid about £265 for a LP std (if you could find one) which equates to £5100 today. Therefore you could argue top quality Usa guitars are substantially cheaper now than in the 50/60’s - we never had it so good🎸🤔

Nice Vidz Mate. Keep on pickin' Cowkidz

I think that Gibson further confuses things, but does the opposite that PRS was doing (they've just changed!) in making a Higher end Import using U.S. Gibson Pickups.....and making their least expensive Les Paul Tribute (like yours) with a less expensive finishing process. Then the Studio without the Maple Top, then the Maple Top with a "plain top". Looking at strictly the Les Paul Model here......with a carved top. The Signature Models from Epiphone futher blurr that price differentiation.....and really start invading the Gibson U.S.A. pricing territory.

Perhaps Gibson should do a "Player" version. It worked for Fender.

you can but a 2nd hand gibson studio for £1000ish so it begs the question why would you spend that on an Epiphone?

I have a black les Paul custom pro. £250 on ebay about 3 years ago. An absolutely beautiful and emaculate guitar.

I would class their inspired by Gibson as tme middle

Yep, you're right. Great observation.

`the word you're looking for is Masterbilt

Enjoyed the video John. Epiphone have lost the plot. Dont get me wrong, the Epi's I've had have been lovely but these new 'Inspired by' prices dont stack up - unless its got Gibson on the headstock.

Bottom line is a good guitar is a good guitar, whatever the name on the headstock - over the last 10 years or so Epiphone has delivered but can represent very good value in the used market: that can be significant - Gibsons will always retain their value better, even if Epi’s are equipped with Burstbuckers or Custombuckers.

1994 LH Epiphone DOT. 450 euros?

I don’t care what name is on the headstock or where it’s made. The specs on the new Inspired by Gibson/ custom shop ES 355 and price are great, Custombuckers £430, CTS pots, Mallory capacitors, switchcraft input/3way hand wired, ebony fret board, real MOP inlays, 1 piece mahogany neck, multi ply binding real MOP inlay on headstock, hard shell case all for £1199 how is that overpriced ?

Epiphone used to mean “can’t afford a Gibson”. Now it means “could afford a Gibson but bought an Epiphone cause i’m mentally deranged”

I think it might be because, like the Epi that I want - the Alex Lifeson Signature - Epiphone's higher end guitars are well above $1000 US. All of their signature models are pretty up there. And considering the dreadful quality control of Gibsons (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/edV5o72itb6ol3k.htmlsi=X0Mn1HLg3e24c_01), I may never want to go there again.

I've owned 14 Epiphone guitars. 10 of them were top notch, 4 were meh. But, all of them cost around $400 with the exception of three Bonamassa limited units. The Bonamassa guitars were $799 each, but they where some seriously upscaled units - with many of the newly promoted "IBG" upgrades. In the USA, the average for LP Standards are $599. A new SG Standard is $499. These new "IBG" prices are nuts - $1,299 for an SG just because it has the Burstbuckers instead of the Probuckers? Unlike Fender's America Pro II models providing a USA built entry, an entry level Gibson LP starting at $2,500 and then heading to space, means that the top tier Epiphones are still well priced. Having said that, you can still get a low priced Epiphone LP - like a LP Special II at around $179. This gets your Epiphones into 3 tiers - the Sub-$300 Epiphone, the $499-$799 Epiphone, and the n the new "IBG" units at $1,299 and more. Unlike Fender's American Pro II models providing a USA built entry at around $1,600, an entry level Gibson LP starting at $2,500 and then heading to space, means that the top tier Epiphones are still well priced.

Most companies are run by bean counters and would never apply this sort of logic to their products.

You got the made in mexico fenders and then you got the made by mexicans fenders of fender USA

Epi's have and always will be a ripoff version of the real thing. Only a few models, Joe Pass, maybe Sheraton, are worth having, if that. Guarantee you that not one single guitarist Jon reviews so nicely did any live or studio work on an Epi. Just junk all around. Think Ibanez.

I know what you are saying but I don't think Orville would be a good name for the UK market😃

conclusion: avoid Andertons (and support Rich Tone, my nearby shop)

Covid changed the world...everyone bought guitars..prices went up on everything you buy..guitars got cheaper(build) and more expensive ..incidentally I've just purchased an se PRS i cant imagine how good their top of the line guitars this one is fantastic...ive never had nor will i ever own a "top of the line" guitar unless i win the lottery.😂