“The only difference between an Epiphone Les Paul and a Gibson Les Paul, is that the Gibson is made by HAND in the USA. (That’s what I play!)”
I could be wrong on this, but I think Gibsons also get better electronics than Epiphones in most cases. I do know for a fact that this is true for Fender, vis-a-vis Mexican made and American made instruments.
To this day, the most expensive electric guitar I’ve ever played was a Les Paul Standard. It was tagged for $3000 and for some reason Guitar Center had it sitting where it could be easily reached. :) It was nice, but IMO it wasn’t an extra $1600 of nice over my PRS.
Perhaps the electronics are better in the Gibson. You are probably correct about that.
My LP listed for $4000, but I got it for $995.
My fingers fly on the fretboard like silken wings. I have never played a guitar like that.
I have owned several Epiphones over the years and loved them...but my Gibson Les Paul is so precious to me!