Les Paul/Les Paul copy owners.......

As an Epi LP owner I like the playability of it (action, finish etc is great) but the pickups are shit!

'nuff said

Giles (UHJ)

A word of caution: If you're looking on ebay, don't be fooled by ads for *EPI* Les Pauls, usually offered by an outfit in Italy. These are not Epiphones as we know them. They are bottom-of-the-market copies-of-copies and made of basswood, with even more inferior pickups. You'll recognise them by the word *EPI* on the headstock (not Epiphone). They are not, AFAIK, currently exported to UK and have a recommended retail price (in Euros) at the equivalent of less than 200 quid. UK bidders, not having heard of them, can be fooled into thinking that they're genuine Epiphones and could end up paying over the odds for a piece of crap. And what's more - they're actually made by Epiphone!

Simple word of advice don't do it.... if you buy a Epi you will need to replace most of the hardware, including Pick-ups, Pots and tuners... and all that's if you lucky enough to find one that does need a fret dress etc..

Buy a Jim Reed Les Paul instead, they are cheaper made of quality woods (mahogany Body with Tiger Maple Top) and come with Kent Armstrong HPAG-1 PAF's as standard..

See harmony for reviews.. and no I don't have affiliation with the company, but I do own several of Jim's guitars.

If the Pearl sounds great.... why change? The better 'badge' on the headstock is *no* guarantee that it's gonna sound better for you.

You found out how good the guitar was by your own judgement. Apply that same fine judgement when you go round the stores sampling other LP type instruments. Others may offer good advice, but *you* still have to make the final decision if the cost/tone is right for you.

I frequently see players with cheap guitars getting 'kin beaut' tones. But if the 'It's only a Peal' thing is getting to you, then that might be a sad loss. If you do buy a better make/badge *DON'T* sell the Pearl whatever you do. I'd like a £1 for every time I've heard... 'I wish I never sold that guitar'. You *will* regret it in time, I promise.

Keep music fun!

The Jim Reed guitars are good guitars, but if money was no object it would sense to buy a nice vintage gibson.. if however you are on a limited budget you can't go wrong with a Jim Reed.