Epiphone Les Paul Modern Custom Review: The Almost Perfect Les Paul
Gear

Epiphone Les Paul Modern Custom Review: The Almost Perfect Les Paul

This is a Gibson.com exclusive, meaning you're not going to find this one sitting in a store. It's only sold direct through Gibson's website, so a lot of people probably haven't even heard of it. Here is my Epiphone Les Paul Modern Custom review. Stainless frets, a 4A flame top, and T-Type PRO pickups for $799. Read about what is great and the couple catches.

By Nick Neumann  ·  July 31, 2026
Read More
Epiphone Finally Nailed It: Les Paul Futura Custom Review
Gear

Epiphone Finally Nailed It: Les Paul Futura Custom Review

I've bought a lot of Epiphones at this point. Some have been great, some have needed to go straight back in the box they came in. So when I ordered the new Les Paul Futura Custom in Firestorm Shift, I wasn't expecting much beyond "hopefully this one doesn't have issues." What showed up genuinely surprised me, and I think it might be the best out of the box experience I've had from Epiphone yet.

By Nick Neumann  ·  July 9, 2026
Read More
Stop Buying New Guitars Until You Read and Watch This
Guides

Stop Buying New Guitars Until You Read and Watch This

Buying new isn't a bad thing at all. No wear, no mystery history, no wondering how the previous owner treated it. This isn't about saying new is wrong. It's about going in with your eyes open so you can make the smartest decision for where you're at.

By Nick Neumann  ·  June 30, 2026
Read More
Why I Removed My Les Paul Pickguard (And You Should Too)
Gear

Why I Removed My Les Paul Pickguard (And You Should Too)

Someone had to say it. Take the pickguard off your Les Paul! It doesn't matter if it's an Epiphone or a Gibson. You can spend thousands of dollars on these guitars and then cover up the best looking part with a twenty dollar piece of plastic.

By Nick Neumann  ·  June 16, 2026
Read More
ESP LTD EC-1000 Granite Sparkle Review (2026)
Gear

ESP LTD EC-1000 Granite Sparkle Review (2026)

When ESP announced the EC-1000 Granite Sparkle at NAMM 2026, I knew right away I had to have one. I had already played the E-II Eclipse in Granite Sparkle and loved the look, but that one is full thickness with no contoured heel.

By Nick Neumann  ·  March 22, 2026
Read More