Epiphone Les Paul Custom Comparable to Gibson

I have a "new" ax I bought used, but mint.  It is a 2005 Epiphone Les Paul Custom.  It was crafted in the Samick Factory in South Korea.  I have been playing it and enjoying it.  I took a few days getting it set up just the way I like it.  I raised, lowered and lowered the bridge again.  I set the intonation each time.  I gently adjusted the tuning machines, which are gold Grovers.  The more I worked with it, the more it became mine.  I have a tradition when I get an new instrument of putting my other electric guitars away for a few weeks and playing the one guitar, exclusively.  After many hours playing it, restringing it and polishing everything, I have comments to make about the quality of Epiphone Les Pauls.  

Reading on message boards and guitar discussion forums, I have seen talk of the comparison between the Epiphone and Gibson LP's.  I wouldn't kid myself-- this is not a Gibson LP Custom, but considering I paid $429 used with a plush original hardshell case, case candy and the case key, this was a great buy!  The body is in the tradition of the Gibson Custom, made of solid, carved mahogany.  The Epiphone website describes it this way, "Epiphone's LP Custom follows that tradition by using a solid, carved Mahogany body giving it a slightly mellower tone. Like the originals, attached to the body is a solid Mahogany neck with a hand-fitted, glued-in joint for optimum neck-to-body contact and acting almost like one continuous piece of wood."  

The difference between these two guitars would be found in the pickup quality and that is no small issue.  However, I find my Epiphone humbuckers, both neck and bridge, to sound rich and full in tone.  The bridge is as clear and bright as the neck is warm and bluesy.  The Grovers are just that-- actual gold Grover tuners and they keep this guitar in tune while playing an hour long set onstage.I am very happy with my Epiphone Les Paul Custom and it is truly a "black beauty." -- Guitar Man

Hear this guitar by clicking on my recording, Take a Stand above this post.