Details and what should I pay for this Epi LP?

[Gonflyn]

Thinking of buying this Epiphone Les Paul from someone I know as a cheap backup to my Gibson LP.

He doesn't know too much about it and I'm trying to find out the particulars of what I'm looking at and what I should pay.

Near as I can tell from the serial number it was made in Aug 1992, made in Korea, Samick factory, correct me if I'm wrong.
Truss rod cover says Gibson, sticker on back indicates standard model.
(See photos).

Pickups look stock, any idea what kind they were?
Don't sound as crisp and bright as the 490's on my Gibson, they're either muddier lower quality, more vintage sounding, or both, can't tell.

Were these a decent guitar? Seems to play super, action, intonation, all very nice.

Looks like cherry sunburst or possibly tobacco sunburst?

Minor scratches, plenty of buckle rash, might buff out,
but no nicks gouges or damage. Also, bridge volume cuts in and out.

He just shot me $400 off the top of his head, I was thinking more like $300.

Any info or insights be great.

 

[syco]

Good looking guitar . No clue on price . Pickups ,if stock , are most likely Alnico Classics . I could be wrong , but I think the HB on sticker is color .... Honey Burst .

http://grin.bplaced.net/EpiWiki2/index/Les_Paul_Standard.html

 

[soulman969]

Here's a link for several 1990s MIK Epi Les Pauls. These are only asking prices but it may give you an idea of what others are asking. IMHO somewhere in the $350-$400 range isn't out of line if it's in top shape.

Price Guide

The Reverb Price Guide is the ultimate source for tracking and pricing musical instruments and gear.

reverb.com

 

[pontaeri]

I'd go with Soulman, look up used prices for that model on reverb to get a ball park. Also you can look at guitar center used too

 

[Gonflyn]

Here's a link for several 1990s MIK Epi Les Pauls. These are only asking prices but it may give you an idea of what others are asking. IMHO somewhere in the $350-$400 range isn't out of line if it's in top shape.

Yes good to know I guess that's pretty much what I've been seeing for asking prices, don't know if I pay more $300 for this one I'm thinking.

 

[soulman969]

Yes good to know I guess that's pretty much what I've been seeing for asking prices, don't know if I pay more $300 for this one I'm thinking.

I'm never afraid to make an offer 20% less than an asking price if I believe that price is on the high side and I've often succeeded. If $300 is all you feel it's worth to you that's what you should offer.

 

[Norton]

that is a goooooood looking machine !

 

[Paulbf70]

I'm never afraid to make an offer 20% less than an asking price if I believe that price is on the high side and I've often succeeded. If $300 is all you feel it's worth to you that's what you should offer.

What a lovely peice of kit, I own 2 LP's a custom and a standard I paid £210 for the custom and only about £86 for the standard, I'm not sure what that works out in money where you are I'm not up on exchange rates.

 

[Telechamp]

I've got a '96 MIK Epi LP Standard Plus Top in Honeyburst, and I paid $330 for it 8-10 years ago at Sam Ash. I've still got it, so I guess that says something..

If I had a complaint at all, it would be that the pickups are maybe just slightly muddy (they're stock, I'm assuming - never pulled 'em), but other than that, it's a solid guitar - and I play it just as much as my two other Gibson LP's.

The only mod I did was swap the stock amber top hats out for gold speed knobs.

A tad heavy at 9 1/2 lbs.

 

[BGood]

I've got a '96 MIK Epi LP Standard Plus Top in Honeyburst, and I paid $330 for it 8-10 years ago at Sam Ash. I've still got it, so I guess that says something..

If I had a complaint at all, it would be that the pickups are maybe just slightly muddy (they're stock, I'm assuming - never pulled 'em), but other than that, it's a solid guitar - and I play it just as much as my two other Gibson LP's.

The only mod I did was swap the stock amber top hats out for gold speed knobs.

A tad heavy at 9 1/2 lbs.

Those old Korean often have really nice tops, yours is no exception, a beauty.

Have you played with the pickup heights ? Try lowering the neck pup to ring level, it usually clears it up. I personally like those Alnico Classic humbuckers, yes they're a little dark, but rich too. Nothing that can't be fixed with amp knobs or an EQ pedal.

 

[Telechamp]

Those old Korean often have really nice tops, yours is no exception, a beauty.

Have you played with the pickup heights ? Try lowering the neck pup to ring level, it usually clears it up. I personally like those Alnico Classic humbuckers, yes they're a little dark, but rich too. Nothing that can't be fixed with amp knobs or an EQ pedal.

Thanks. Yeah, this one does have a pretty nice top.

And thanks also for the tip on playing with the pickup heights - I'll definitely try that!

 

[Space1999]

I have always liked the wood and construction of the Korean Epi’s.
Personally, I don’t really care for the pickups.

When I was buying Korean I would swap out the tuners, bridge and pu’s.
I always thought it was worth the money because the guitars were so solid and had great sustain.

I had a ‘98 that was just like yours only in a cherry burst, It got used on a lot of recordings in the studio after the swap outs.

Pat