Epiphone 59 Les Paul thoughts?

[Rockabilly_Nick]

Wondering if anyone has had the chance to play one of these Epiphone Les Paul models? They look pretty cool, come with nice pickups, good electronics, and a sweet looking HSC.

 

[GAD]

It depends on what you want out if it. As an Historic Les Paul snob they don’t really work for me, but at 1/10th the price they can be a great solution to scratch that Les Paul itch if you can get past the headstock.

I’d take a ‘90s or Corona Bluesbird over one all day long for not that much more money, though.

 

[Rockabilly_Nick]

Mostly looking to scratch the Les Paul itch I suppose. Was also considering an Eastman sb59, as I’ve heard good things about those. I know the price point on both is pretty close to the bottom end Gibson Les Paul Tribute model but not sure that one checks off all the boxes for me either, especially with the need to purchase a hsc and possibly having to upgrade pickups, and the strange maple neck on a Les paul, etc.
What’s your thoughts on the Eastman guitars? All the reviews and info I can find on them talks about how great they are.
Essentially I’m interested in a woody sounding double humbucker that can play clean rockabilly as well as jazz for less than 1K. Not concerned with headstocks for the most part.

 

[Rockabilly_Nick]

Solid body

 

[dreadnut]

Here's a local LP that won't break the bank:

2010 Gibson Les Paul Studio w/Case Made In USA - musical instruments...

2010 Gibson Les Paul Studio w/Case Made In USA Plays amazing and sounds fantastic w/great tone

grandrapids.craigslist.org

 

[Rockabilly_Nick]

Found a level 2 open box Epiphone Bonamassa 59 “Lazarus” for sale and ordered it. We’ll see what I get. Seems like a cool guitar. I have to say that although I love the blues I don’t really know his music. That’s fine with me though his name isn’t on the guitar itself. Lots of good reviews, a couple bad ones. Either way I’m pretty excited! And if I don’t fall in love with it they are going pretty well on reverb!

 

[GAD]

Here's a local LP that won't break the bank:

2010 Gibson Les Paul Studio w/Case Made In USA - musical instruments...

2010 Gibson Les Paul Studio w/Case Made In USA Plays amazing and sounds fantastic w/great tone

grandrapids.craigslist.org

A Les Paul Studio doesn't have the same tone as a Les Paul since it doesn't have the maple cap.

If you really want the Les Paul vibe and don't care about the headstock try and find a '90s Guild Bluesbird. If you're patient (which can be hard!) they sometimes pop up for great prices like this one did: https://reverb.com/item/36913075-guild-bluesbird-1998-westerly-made-with-ohsc?show_sold=true

IMO they crush anything being made overseas.

As for Eastman, I can't comment because I've never played one, but I've heard good things.

 

[GAD]

Found a level 2 open box Epiphone Bonamassa 59 “Lazarus” for sale and ordered it. We’ll see what I get. Seems like a cool guitar. I have to say that although I love the blues I don’t really know his music. That’s fine with me though his name isn’t on the guitar itself. Lots of good reviews, a couple bad ones. Either way I’m pretty excited! And if I don’t fall in love with it they are going pretty well on reverb!

Oops I totally missed this. Congrats! Let us know how you like it.

 

[bobouz]

A Les Paul Studio doesn't have the same tone as a Les Paul since it doesn't have the maple cap.

Actually, there have been many assorted LP Studio models, and some have had maple caps. One of the more significant differences, though, is that Sudio models almost always use 490/498 or 490/490 humbuckers, as opposed to ‘57 humbuckers.

 

[SFIV1967]

Found a level 2 open box Epiphone Bonamassa 59 “Lazarus” for sale and ordered it.

Probably a nice guitar for the money! I remember when Joe shared the pictures when he had sent her to Historic Makeovers and they reworked this '59 which they called "Lazarus".

Joe Bonamassa "Lazarus" 1959 Les Paul Standard | Epiphone

When blues-rock guitar legend Joe Bonamassa found "Lazarus," a rare 1959 Gibson Les Paul™ Standard, it was in poor condition and had been refinished red. Like the Biblical Lazarus, Joe's original guitar was brought back to life. Once it was restored, its stunningly figured top was revealed. Now...

www.epiphone.com

Ralf

 

[Rockabilly_Nick]

Yeah I’m pretty excited! I got a good deal on it. The specs are a step up from what an epiphone would’ve had as little as 5 years ago. I’ll post some pics for sure!