• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Epi Les Paul Bass

Fishheadjoe

Fishheadjoe

May 5, 2008
3,489
6,361
Toronto Canada
#1
Hey folks,
Can anyone comment on the quality of an Epi Les Paul bass? Are they or have they been a player for you?
Anyone with experience with one that can let me know what to look for that might indicate issues.
It's a year 200 model, four string.
thanks,
Fishheadjoe
 
#2
I have an LP Special Limited Edition and like it. It's not the fanciest model, but it sounds good and plays nice. Expect some neck dive, though. I think you just need to look for the things you'd look for on any bass - fret wear, twisty neck, repairs, etc.

It sounds like a Gibson bass, so just don't expect a Fender or Ric sound out of it.

EpiBasses.jpg
 
#4
I've played a bunch of them at GC. they're very nice basses for the money. fit and finish were quite good on all that I've played and they sounded pretty good too. better than the Epi birds I compared them to. I don't think you'd have any issues using one to gig.
 
#5
I had one for a while and resold it because it didn't feel like mine - but that's another story.

100_6243.jpg


It was heavy - beautiful, but heavy. Sustain for years and great action. Whomever had it before me was into it pretty good and knew a good setup.

100_6402.jpg


I cannot fault anything of the finish as it seemed yards ahead of whatever price point it might have been new, and the bookended semi-trans greenish-blackish finish was inches deep!

Mechanically - setting intonation is a ratty job with the locking set screw right under the string you're trying to adjust. That's just dumb!

100_6409.jpg


Did I mention that it was heavy? Did I also mention neck dive? Lots of both of those.

Electrics were the typical small Chinese-but-effective pots and the pickups were deep-down and super mellow tone-wise. There isn't a hot bone in it's body which I really liked for Motown and Surf, etc.

100_6399.jpg


Did I really say it was heavy?
 
#6
It is heavy but I love it. I had a Les Paul Special in Transparent Red that I loved but I sold because I was dumb. Fast forward 3 years, I ended up buying the same model in Satin Black. It's all about personal preferences. If you can, go to the store and play one. I can see why people would have neck dive issues but I haven't. My straps are pretty thick so maybe that might contribute to it. I would wholeheartedly recommend it!

:hyper:
 
#9
Update...
I re-visited the seller this morning to get more detail on the bass. Apparently the seller didn't realize that he had put a "typo" on the ad, so the Epi Les Paul bass that was advertised for $250 CAD has now gone up to $750CAD!
I guess I'll keep on lookin!
Fishheadjoe
 
#14
I used to play one( I still have it,have since aquired a pbass and a Rick), I liked it alot. Never any neck problems, great tone. My only complaint about it is that with that small body with no horn, it feels like you're reaching really far when you play up(down?) by the nut. I keep mine for recording, great "Gibson bass" tone.:bassist:
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back