Guitars for Real Musicians

Fusion Evolution · Garage Jammer Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 46

My wife bought me for X-mas a Honey burst plus top Epiphone Les Paul Very Happy

Would anyone be interested in hearing what I have to say in comparing the
Olson to the Epiphone?

Phantomotaku · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2011 1:59 pm Post subject:

Absolutely...would love to hear the comparison.

I don't think anyone has done that with an Olson yet.
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When someone asks you if ya paid your dues, you just stare that big sucker right back in the eye, and you remember what ol' Jack Burton always says at a time like that: "Have ya paid your dues, Jack?" "Yessir, the check is in the mail."~ Jack Burton

pratteman · Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 6:50 pm Post subject:

Don't tease- lay it out there.
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Guitars- Agile AL3100 CSB, 3100 Root Beer Wide, Schecter PT Fastback 3TS, Schecter C1-XXX
Schecter C1-Classic, Fender Satin Strat, Fender MIM Tele, Fender '72 Tele Deluxe Reissue, Fender Tele Blackout HH, Samick TR-2.

Fusion Evolution · Garage Jammer Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 46

A/B both guitars through the same set up.

Marshall DSL 50 Head
Home made cab with real green backs made in england.
No effects.

Both guitars sounded good, yet the Epiphone has a little more top end
able to get a better dirty blues bite out of it than the Olson.

I do like the neck on the Epiphone better. It's a lot thicker than the Olson.
I get a better feel since it is thicker, and I am able to dig in for bends a lot
more comfortable than the Olson.

The Olson overall is a thin guitar, body and neck.Very light in weight
The Epiphone is more true to my 1977 Gibson Les Paul Standard,
Weighty, yet not as heavy compared to the 77.

Tone wise, I have to give it to the Epiphone. The pots, Toggle switch and hardware are of better quality. The thicker mahogany body and neck help in producing a livelier and fuller tone IMO.

I really believed the Olson was a great guitar for the price range and quality . Yet,my wife spent $300 on the Epiphone ( craigslist ) one owner, who only bought it for a collection piece?

So, in comparing the two guitars for quality, tone, playability and price.
I have to give it to the Epiphone.

The finish on the Epiphone is much nicer, the Olson has a really nice flame going on. The only problem is that there are little black over spray dots over the flame. You can see on the Epiphone a lot more time and care was taken in to it.

I honestly thought that my Olson would have smoked the Epiphone, turns out the Epiphone came out a head and made the Olson feel like a beginners guitar in feel, not sound. I will now be placing the Olson on Craigslist. As harsh as it sounds, I only need one Les Paul copy.

Phantomotaku · Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 11:55 am Post subject:

Not harsh at all.

Good evaluation/comparison.

Do you know what model of Epiphone les paul you have?

Right now I believe that Epiphone has 25 different models of LP guitars listed on their website - not including their special editions.
_________________
When someone asks you if ya paid your dues, you just stare that big sucker right back in the eye, and you remember what ol' Jack Burton always says at a time like that: "Have ya paid your dues, Jack?" "Yessir, the check is in the mail."~ Jack Burton

gmzanatta · Playing Club Dates Joined: 27 Dec 2009 Posts: 431

Wow, thanks a lot for the thorough comparison. No worries on the harsh part, honesty is what counts.

I have one gripe with it thoug: WHERE ARE THE PICS??????!!!!!!! Twisted Evil

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HendrixFan85239 · Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 3:09 pm Post subject:

Korean or chinese epiphone? I haven't played an Olson yet, but I've played the epiphones and you really have to spend time playing each one to find the right one. I know we're talking about electrics here, but I just thought I'd mention that I own an 80's Korean Fender Acoustic that smokes any new acoustic from the same price range $200-$300.
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Gear:
MIM Fender HSS Strat
Squier Affinity Strat
Hondo II LP Jr. Copy
80's Fender Acoustic
Kramer Bass
Line 6 Spider III Amp
Peavey Bandit 65 Amp
Gallien-Krueger Bass Amp
DigiTech Grunge Pedal
85' Harmony LP Copy
Derring Banjo

Fusion Evolution · Garage Jammer Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 46

Type of Epiphone - Les Paul Standard Honey Burst Plus Top

Made in - Qingdao China ( according to the #'s )

Pictures - I have no clue in how to post, I keep doing something wrong?

After I posted, I had my bud try out both guitars. He favored the Olson over the Epiphone. He felt the Olson was better balanced, has a more broken in feel and he liked the Entwistles. he also added that a lot of guitars are thin bodied, like ESP's LTD Les Paul type guitars and some other brand I don't remember the name ( something Green )

The Epiphone felt to chunky/clunky and not as warm sounding to him.

Phantomotaku · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 10:26 am Post subject:

This might help show everyone what you have:

_________________
When someone asks you if ya paid your dues, you just stare that big sucker right back in the eye, and you remember what ol' Jack Burton always says at a time like that: "Have ya paid your dues, Jack?" "Yessir, the check is in the mail."~ Jack Burton