I bought a Gibson LP Studio 2013 for 1000€ (inkl nice hardcase) before a few months. Handmade in USA. Handling is very Great and I love the sound. The handmade Quality is good ! but not perfect. There are 3 optic faults. You need to look closely to see them, but for 1000€ ?.... out of place. I play with Gibson Les Paul 10 Lights Strings, and 3 times i got damaged strings. All were bent down on the same place. You can see it from 2 meters... Its angrily because they want 9€ for one set. So Gibson is good but not without fail. Epiphone is the affiliated company of Gibson. Epiphone LP Custom for 500€ is not Made in USA ( made in Asia), but has a very nice quality , good handling and great sound. And I would buy it without worries. So i think Epiphone is a very good choice. They have very nice guitars for very good price! If you want to save money buy an epiphone, i´m sure you will not be disappointed.
