Reply #19: I have an Epiphone LesPaul/SG 1961 copy, tripple pickups, gold hardware,

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cream finish. It is not a Gibson, but it is a fine guitar in its own right. I bought it used for $450. The Gibson version (a current re-issue) lists for over $6500.
The Gibson is all mahogany, as is the Epi. The Gibson has real MOP inlays, while the Epi's are fake. Both have Grovers, humbuckers and great necks.
The Epi sounds somewhat different, but it is not a "lesser" sound, just a little different from my Gibson LP Special.
I used to own several Gibson Les Paul Customs from the late '60's and early '70's, and they are not all that wonderful, believe me - especially not at the ridiculous prices they are selling for now.

Play a few Epiphone 335 types, such as the Dot,the Sheri, etc, and you will be pleased with them.

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