No extraneous artwork + Gibson-style headstock = Viable purchase option. Imo, of course.

None of this actually matters - just buy what you like, or can afford, then play and enjoy it 🎉

I am a bass abuser not a guitar player, however, I think this is the guitar to get if you're an Adam Jones fan and have a limited budget. I think the open book headstock is a good idea for the top of the line inspired by Gibson items only, I like the other headstock as well though. I just think making it on the highest end Epiphones kind of makes it worth the upgraded price.

I was able to get this guitar last week as a demo unit for 1300( not sure why it was sold as a demo because it is flawless) and I love it. One thing I would like to point out is that I own the Berzerker art edition (nice guitar) also and this 1979 edition is just better than that one. I dont know if they are built in a different factory by different people and different machines or what, but the 79 just feels like a much better guitar. Its great, cant stop playing it.

@echopark78

4 ай бұрын

I bought mine the day it came out and I agree it’s a fantastic guitar and reminds me of the my old Orville and epiphone Japan models. This thing feel just like a late 70’s custom. It’s way better than the other AD models on feel and sound

The open book screams Gibson, which I prefer

I love the open book headstock. Just looks more premium imo but I may just be biased. Either way, Epi has gone in the right direction with their quality and aesthetics. They are really stepping up their game I’m not just being a budget Gibson brand anymore. They are making waves by themselves . Great video!

I was looking for a LP custom a while back, and didn't want to pay Gibson prices, and I was very interested in the Epi LPC, but the thing that really turned me off was the headstock. I ended up going with an early 90s Burny LPC made in Japan, which is a great guitar, for the same price as a new Epi, but if the Epi had the open book headstock, I would can very easily gone with that. Call me superficial, but to me, the only headstock that looks good on a LP style guitar is the open book.

@fattony4961

3 ай бұрын

Call me superficial too. I know what I like.

Ok here are my 2 nickels. My background is in marketing and brand awareness. We are all brand driven - trust me on this. If Epiphone went with the open book or as the Gibson folks also like to call it The Mustache they would probably increase the Eppy sales at least 25% and I don't think it will hurt the USA LP sales cuz there are those die hard “Gibson” fans that snub their noses on Eppy. I bought a Extura Prophecy used for $300! Awesome guitar the hockey stick head stock is the same??? Thanks for the vids. Bob!

I'm loving my new AJ! It has insane sustain, sounds amazing, and plays like a dream. It's quickly become my favorite guitar. Interestingly, I might not have bought it if it had the Kalamazoo headstock-I really dislike that style. The open book headstock just looks so much better to me.

@echopark78

4 ай бұрын

I agree if it had the Kalamazoo head stock I wouldn’t have bought it. I’ve never liked the epiphone headstocks.

I have the new Epiphone 58 Korina Flying V and it is such a great guitar. I have previously owned a Gibson Flying V and I always thought that the _look_ of the Flying V including what it says on the headstock was more inportant with that style guitar than most if not all others. So I was a bit concerned that I would not get on with that wonderful Flying V with _Epiphone_ on the headstock. To my surprise the Epiphone badge looks great on it; it is in fact a very nice 3D chromed plastic badge in an excellent font. There are people out there selling replacement "Gibson" badges at silly prices but I don't think I'll be bothering.

I had no issues with the old Epiphone headstock, so these new ones don't really matter much to me. Also, I'm not really excited about Adam Jones anything... including Tool. It's just not my thing. I don't mind silverbursts, though. Actually, I have a 2012 Gibson Les Paul Studio 70's tribute in silver burst. It's a pretty cool LP with mini humbuckers, maple neck, volute, no weight relief, etc.

Nicely done, Dave.

Agree with you…maybe on special models they can reserve the Gibson open book headstock. I also like the current headstocks on the newer Epiphones

A correction. The super distortion is a Dimarzio pickup. The sh6 is the Duncan distortion and the same pickup that was in the original. If you know something I don’t please inform me as I’d not want to misinform. As far as price is you ask certain dealers you will get a discount. Every new Epiphone like the Kirk hammet V, two other Les Paul custom Silverburst art series all at approximately $200 less than retail. As a matter of fact, I have this new version on order and the price I am paying … $1350 The differences in this Guitar compared to the other one in my opinion are worth the $200. They’re going from a pro bucker to a custom bucker the bridge position hasn’t changed it’s still a Duncan distortion you still get the three-piece maple neck instead of acrylic you get the pearloid and an accurate headstock which should seem like a minor detail, but is a big one as far as these models are concerned and the way they marketed them to the public. Had they done this headstock, no graphics and electronics upgrades in the first place people like myself wouldn’t be so angry that they purchased the art series, not knowing anything about the Version that just came out which would have been preferable to begin with. Even if they had chosen to put graphics on the back if they had done the headstock and electronics this way that still would’ve been a major improvement and differentiated them more than just in name from the Other 1979 W. Paul customs in Silver burst. While this is not an exact Gibson to look at them, the person would not know that. Except for the obvious in the name on the headstock.

Was hard to care at 1st, now really hard to care about nearly $2k Epiphones....

I am a huge Adam Jones fan and I was really looking forward for this guitar but the price just isn't justifiable in my opinion. 1749€ (around $1880) is way too much. I don't think the guitar is worth 1000€ more than my current ebony les paul custom with the kalamazoo headstock, which I prefer over the open book headstock. I really like the teardrop silverburst finish and I would love to see a normal les paul custom with that finish and without the open book headstock and custombuckers etc.

The headstock has no importance to me what-so-ever. Before you put them side by side, I couldn't even recall the difference in my mind, and I own examples of both. If these aren't limited editions, then I'm just going to hang out for a while and let the dust settle. It won't take long, I feel like these are too much on the heels of the art collection. Personally, having already bought three of the art series, I'm nowhere near in the market for yet another silverburst that I believe is going to just be a production model. Got plenty o' time.

Nicely done Dave. The new beadstock is the way to go. But its a matter what people can afford.

I had no clue who Adam Jones was, but I love epiphone guitars.

I recently purchased the Epiphone signature model of the Japanese guitarist and I wish they did this open book style for the headstock. It’s really the only thing that takes away from the guitar imo. With all the features on that guitar I couldn’t currently afford the Gibson version, so I am overall happy with the guitar Even though I know one day I’ll be going after the Gibson equivalent

Another difference is the art on the back of the headstock. Its the same as the Gibson custom now.

I want the Epiphone reverse silver burst Flying V! I already have the Veil of Bees.

TBH, I love my Gibson AJ LP standard. I was of course dubious, having had some real issues with Gibsons quality in the past, but this Les Paul, is perfect.

i know the recent one with the Full design Gibson Headstock will always look the best for a Epis, but still the silverbusrt and the black beauty and even the wino Custom Les pauls by Epiphones they all still pretty BEAST guitars me owning a Black one which is great for my instrumental Doommetal riffs

It makes ALL the difference in the world i have ine & aside from the custom headstock it's the best epiphone I've ever played 🎸🎸🎸

I own one of each. The bridge is a Duncan Distortion on both, pretty sure. The neck seems thin and different from the art, it is nicer.

@PikaStu666

4 ай бұрын

Hi, is the neck on the new model thinner than the Art Collection models? I like 'em thick (Like the Old Glory)!

@jvboy401

4 ай бұрын

​@@PikaStu666There is only one youtuber who has documented it "Play and trade guitars" The one he reviewed had a thinner neck then the art collection series. I like the art collection neck but thinner hmm, have to try it first

I did a video on the other channel I work on yesterday about how the new PRS SE release (satin finish £499) seems like a massive f you to the recent pricing strategy at Epiphone. The frustrating thing is that i don't think any of us want to see Gibson or Epiphone fail but they seem to be making some really silly pricing choices and others in the market have started noticing it.

I agree. Leave the Gibson headstock for the “custom shop” Epi’s and use the Kalamazoo one for the standard range.

They should make a non Adam Jones version. Just a regular silverburst LPC with the Gibson headstock.

The shape of the headstock isn't important to me, but I do like the Custom diamond thingy. Non-custom headstocks (like Greeny) look bare, so my JJN Old Glory makes me happy :) I think when it comes to Adam Jones' LPs, I'll look for a reduced price Art Collection axe. The open-book headstock, the expensive neck humbucker, the mother of pearl inlays... I can't say I care for any of that. I just want a nice looking LP with a rowdy bridge pickup. Also, the Art Collection models may be worth more in the future (being limited edition). I might be wrong, but I'm under the impression the Art Collection has a slightly thicker neck too? While the new model has a slimmer neck to reflect Adam's own Gibson? I like 'em thick!

Dave, I love your videos man! But I do have to make a slight correction, if I may. The New Epi and the art series Epi's have the same bridge pickup. The Seymour Duncan SH-6B "Duncan Distortion" . They only upgraded the neck pickup from an Epi Probucker to a Gibson Custombucker. Worthwhile upgrade, but let's be honest... Most people will probably never use the neck pickup in this thing😂

@pkgj1

4 ай бұрын

The art on the back of the headstock is NOT by Adams wife it’s done by Joyce Su.

@MashaT22

4 ай бұрын

@@pkgj1why do you say that? I’ve heard Adam himself say that she designed it.

The Headstock is a HUGE issue for a lot of us..it’s just that most people don’t want to say it for fear of what others might think but it’s the Primary reason why I personally have never even remotely considered buying any Epiphone Les Paul style guitar until this one.. it looks SO much better and now you have a lot of pissed off people out there who feel duped because they had no forewarning about the 1979 custom coming behind the art series.. people wouldn’t be so pissed off if the headstock didn’t matter now would they 🤔 I saw the 1979 Custom and it’s upgraded pickups, inlays and primarily the upgraded headstock and boom 💥 instantly decided that I had to have it… I say this as a proud owner of no less than ten authentic Gibsons

"Epiphone will always be Gibson's older brother, and its history is perhaps the most interesting of any guitar brand": Celebrating 150 years of Epiphone from luxury

I never had a problem with the older clipped corners headstock in the first place. Let Epiphone be Epiphone and Gibson be Gibson.......maybe a few limited models with the open book but keep it at that.

I feel like they should have left the Gibson headstock for the Gibsons. Ive always felt it comes along with the premium price you pay to get it. They have tarnished the value of having the proper headstock.

as somebody that got their Ernst FUchs art edition about a month before this dropped....im a liiiiiiiiittle annoyed they didnt come with the open book headstock. either way its an amazing guitar, guess it good to see them finally do this edit:or at least the gibson neck pickup

I like the open book headstock -

Coin flip for the headstock. I’d like to play both to compare then wait 6mths to a year to see which model drops in price most lol.

I personally like the looks on the Adam Jones new Epiphone. The only thing I would prefer on it is to have two Custombuckers for more of a match. I'm not the biggest fan of Adam Jones, I'm not putting him down at all. I'm not a fan of Seymour Duncan pickups either. I would also like the custombuckers Unpotted but would the price be the same taking away the signature? That would be nice lol. Maple cap and long tenon neck are on Gibson's that are way more expensive, so there are some high end appointments that you are getting on this guitar for a good value. I know $1500 for Adam Jones fans are still a lot being an Epiphone but it all looks cool and at least we know what's under the hood instead of guessing and being disappointed. At the end of the day, we have to play it to see if we like it. It would also be nice if the hardware is not cheap and up to par with the Gibsons.

It’s also Orange drop caps like his.

Man, I am really glad that I did not fall for the marketing hype of the art version, believing that somehow they will become collectible and sought after. Those ain't gonna be worth squat, and I am already seeing several pop up on different selling platforms at or below cost. If I had bought one of those when they came out, I would definitely feel duped now. Epiphone know exactly what they are doing, and they are doing it well. Don't fall for the hype on future releases.

@user-qn1tw4nk1e

4 ай бұрын

Oh it will I have a 2019 epiphone exclusive deluxe limited run Sg Pro that's a collectors epiphone so maybe you should research first before making a really ridiculous comments

@gregputman

4 ай бұрын

@@user-qn1tw4nk1e I have a Lee Malia Les Paul and an Epi 100th Anniversary Les Paul. Both limited run and both worth more than what I bought them for.....but each was around only $800 or so. The point here is that the art version of this was $1300, and now there is a better version available. That can just about guarantee that the art version will never be worth much, if any over that high (for Epiphone) $1300.00 asking price. Those people were duped. My guess is that you also did not pay much or any more than $700 or $800 for that SG, so yeah, you probably did well with that.

I got to try the non-art one and it truly blew me away. The real MOP inlays on the Gibson headstock and neck looked amazing. The neck custombucker sounded good. And I think they created a new slimmer neck profile on this which feels very similar to my actual 70s Gibson Les Paul Custom. My biggest gripe is they essentially screwed over those of us who bought an art guitar as now we have to sell or trade in our art models at a loss to get this improved non-art version. Had they been a little more transparent about the non-art release having upgrades over the art version (custombucker neck pickup, Gibson headstock, MOP inlays), I’d have skipped my art guitar and waited to buy the non-art model. As much as I liked this new non-art Les Paul I’m holding off on it for now as I’m stuck with my art guitar and just over it with Epiphone. Also despite the upgrades the non-art model still felt like a regular Epiphone with some sharper fret ends and the poly finish.

Anyone else turn up their volume to hear Dave and then get your balls blown off with the intro?

@fisterroboto1044

4 ай бұрын

on multiple occasions, yes

@muddyh2o240

4 ай бұрын

@@fisterroboto1044 He's aware, I yelled at him yesterday. 😂

Now that they’ve finally put the Gibson headstock on them, they should do it for every epiphone. They probably won’t, but I just find it so weird that they have to deliberately make the epiphones uglier (most people prefer the Gibson shape). Fender lets the Squiers have the same headstock shape as the real Fenders, doesn’t seem to hurt them.

I get the upgrades, and I like AJ and Tool, and not fussed on headstock shape (I like the epi clipped personally) however i think the pricing is just nuts. I have an epi LP artisan Lee Malia, with Gibson innards and their custom pickups, was £600 new and is an amazing and well built instrument. Similar with the Wino, that’s a great LP custom and still only around £900 new, £1500 for the AJ? Nope

I would love one if it wasn’t an AJ signature model and lower price. I would want to change the pickups and a couple other mods so it’s not worth it

The headstock is one of the reasons I just bought one. Just be sure to check the guitar jack, I had to have mine adjusted. Way too tight.

YES.

Gibson headstock is the only reason why I don’t buy epiphones. I may buy this one. Made me say yes with the good pickups and headstock.

As an avid Adam Jones fan I love that we finally got away from the art back and include the open book headstock... I get why people may find it ridiculous but $1499 for as close to Adam's 79 Custom as possible is great for someone like me. I also prefer the Gibson open book headstock over anything, but that's just personal preference.

I have liked silver burst finishes for a long time but this whole AJ saga has put me off of all things silver burst. I dig Tool and I thought the Custom Shop version was cool albeit way out of reach for me. It should have stopped there… I think if they’d just skipped all the art models and just did the CS then this one, we’d all be better off but I get the “striking while the iron is hot” business choice. It seems Epiphone is making the choice to have the non art w/Gibson headstock a permanent model which I think is smart. It also just seems to be a slightly nicer guitar with better specs. On the headstock, this is not the 1st time Epis have had it of course but I do feel that it suits the guitars and will drive sales of both versions which is always the goal. The Kalamazoo hs fits nicely on the ES style guitars and personally as a Gibson player I feel like the other would be a great choice on LP/SGs going forward. There really is no logical reason for Gibson/Epi to keep changing headstock shapes. Fender, Ibanez, ESP, etc. all use basically the same shape on their more budget friendly guitars and it works. Just my 2 cents! Play what you like. I could see them doing this.

It does matter, and Gibson guards the design litigiously. IMHO the open book headstock is the best looking guitar headstock ever designed.

I would have gotten one of the art collection but price and price of life stopped me

The only problem with the headstock is that it says “epiphone” on it

I like the Gibson style headstock much much better, and how does it sound, ??? And feel

@MoeVanprick

4 ай бұрын

It's not an epiphone headstock and because of that don't count on a big resale I wouldn't buy it because it doesn't have the epiphone Kalamazoo headstocks

@jimdoner3443

4 ай бұрын

@@BlueberryStinkFinger62 a house divided cannot stand

@MoeVanprick

4 ай бұрын

@@jimdoner3443 epiphone does not need GIBSON buddy not even slightly believe that Epiphone needs to brake off from Gibson and once again become there own...and Gibson actually doesn't own epiphone KKR and Company inc a huge financial corporation owns them both

They changed two things and the rest is the same guitar from the art collection. I have the second model and I wouldn't change it for this one. It cost me €1300 and right after the next model they raised it €300 and now they raised it again for changing two things. In the end you buy a Gibson for that price.

Adam Who

The best part is no art on it. Custombucker and Seymor pickups with MOP inlays and a protector case. Good package, bad price.

The price is to high for an epiphone. I like the guitar but I’m not paying that much

The SH-6 IS the Duncan Distortion. That’s the same pickup!

Of coarse head matters

All the tone is in the headstock. Everyone knows that

@fisterroboto1044

4 ай бұрын

Somebody should make a satire video on that! (not specifically about these headstocks but headstocks on any guitar/make)

This is $2149 CAD + tax.

If they keep goiing this way with epis , they will end up making gibson in china instead 😂 I mean its a cool guitar , but man its a lot of bills , you can have so much more things for that money , i purchased a fender MIM in shell pink with riasted maple neck, upgraded tuners , bridge saddles , and already bought some bareknuckles , and its still 350 or 400 below that price, and it is a smoking guitar.

The Duncan is the star of the show on mine. In my opinion, they could've just done another ProBucker.

@Eric_01

4 ай бұрын

Yeah, I agree. I'm not even going to worry about upgrading in pairs anymore. I never use the neck pup.

@yannickcharron3193

4 ай бұрын

That custombucker sounds so good man. Try it with a clean channel or verge of breakup. It's magical.

@Trashslayer76

4 ай бұрын

​@@BlueberryStinkFinger62copper wire, plastic bobbins, magnets and baseplate. Yes, in that way, they are. There is still a difference to my ears🤷🏼‍♂️

@Trashslayer76

4 ай бұрын

​​@ajcydnisargetti9500 Relax there pal. It's my OPINION. This community isn't for bickering.

@Trashslayer76

4 ай бұрын

​@@BlueberryStinkFinger62 I'm so happy for you that this matters so much. Then why do they sound different? Huh? Answer that. "But the thpec theet says...." 😵‍💫

Come on… This is mostly an aesthetic question, mostly a personal preference question ....you can't ask people subjective questions and then expect to get purposeful content.

Personally I won't buy an epi, I hate the headstock.. To me it seems ridiculous why the Epiphone doesn't have the same headstock as the Gibson I can't think of another guitar company that doesn't have the same headstock for all their guitars fender, schecter, ESP, Ibanez.. they all use the same Gibson is the only one with the elitist attitude towards their headstock I mean their guitars are way overpriced anyway

If you're going to be so pretentious about being right on leaking specs, you should know the art collection and this non-art version DO have the same bridge pickup.

I’m waiting for Epiphone to release a three pickup Custom with Gibson pickups and headstock. That would go to my shopping list immediately.