Hi guys
I bought an Epi Les Paul Custom last month(used-$450).Perhaps there is a big difference between the standard and the custom.I had heard the standard was plywood with substandard hardware.My custom is solid mahogony with a carved maple cap.Binding and inlay work are flawless.Gold plated hardware and excellant cosmetics.I call her Barbara cause she "plays like buttah".
Seriously,comparing the Epi and Gib stats for the custom,the only listed difference is that the gibby has an ebony board and my epi has a rosewood board.
As a former guitar tech for Charvel/Jackson I have a critical eye in examining guitars.I'm not just gushing.But perhaps it is only the Customs that are nice because I have no experience with the epi standard LPs.YMMV.
Tom