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I'm going to start this by saying even if you aren't a Tool fan, this is probably the Les Paul for you if you like to play a bit on the heavier side. This is a wonderful lead guitar, but probably an even better rhythm guitar. The three-piece maple neck is going to be stronger than a mahogany neck. The ebony fretboard is smoother than rosewood (or laurel and pau ferro) and feels as good as a maple board. The actual mother of pearl inlays are incredible to look at. The custombucker in the neck is a wonderful pickup - it's going to be difficult to find a better traditional humbucker. The aesthetics of a silverburst are a sight to behold - the metallic paint dances in the light. The neck plays great - nice and thin, but not an Ibanez. The weight of this model is substantial, but not overbearing. And despite their appearance, the tuners work great, feel great, and the only reason to replace them would be if you prefer locking tuners. The pots turn smoothly without static, and the three-way switch is acceptable. The fretwork is equal to most $3000 guitars out there. The biggest downside to this guitar was the thing I thought I'd like the most, the Duncan Distortion in the bridge. You'll never be able to get a truly clean sound without turning down the volume on the bridge. However, the tone of it when you go to a distorted channel is mesmerizing, and I understand why it's so loved. Playing in the middle position, I found that I typically dislike it on Les Pauls, but on this one, it's the most usable I've come across. The case is also really nice - probably one of the best I've had included with a guitar. If you love Tool, this is a far better purchase than the Gibson Adam Jones Standard Les Paul. If you love silverburst Customs, this is the one. I'm really pleased with this purchase.

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I am a huge Silverburst and Norlin era fan.This is an incredible guitar and a awesome Norlin tribute. This is closer to a 1979 lpc then anything Gibson offers. The14° headstock angle is on par with Norlin as well as a marvelous voluteThe neck profile, a Customerbucker and Duncan distortion still the show. The neck is similar to the art series, albeit thinner by a few mm. (On par with my 61 SG. A thin, wide rounded c) seems like more time went into shaping and rounding the neck.After a setup, it played as well as my Gibson Lp tribute, only I like the neck feel better. It absolutely holds its own, but you can smell the difference.QC was top notch.The tuners and bridge need upgrades, imo. A thanks to Schaller m6 tuners and Gotoh Nashville bridge. At 10.32 lbs, I adore this instrument. Epiphone has done a great job. Between the art series and this, you do feel the difference in cost. It feels, and you can see the difference. So much, much more hands on time went in. Very clean, no tooling marks. No sharp frets. Although, I'm not the biggest fan of epiphone fret wire, but it will do just fine. Once it gets to point of needing a recrown, just get it re-fretted, my plan anyhow.It is worth it, and I would buy it again.Cheers Epiphone!

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I have the V O.B's art guitar and it's nice. This is not that guitar. Completely different neck profile and honestly a much better feel. This does not have that epiphone feel like the art guitars do. This is the closest to Gibson Epi has ever gotten. the headstock is no longer 14* its 17* just like Gibson. These new IGC guitars are what we have been waiting for. They are not over priced, they are a value for what you get. The same fretwire, nut and the USA line with Custom shop electronics. Thank you Cesar-