Epiphone's Adam Jones Les Paul Signature
A more affordable alternative to the Gibson model.
There are some cutbacks, sure. But the Epiphone version of the Adam Jones Signature model still gives you Namebrand humbuckers to match Adam's style, and a tone that is appreciably close to what you hear on Tool's albums.
An Epiphone version of the Gibson Adam Jones Signature Les Paul is now available from major retailers. Surprisingly, it's just a little less than half the cost of the Gibson version - expensive for an Epiphone. At the time of release, here's a rough look at the pricing landscape:
- Gibson Adam Jones: $3000
- Epiphone Adam Jones: $1300
- Regular Epiphone Les Paul Custom: $750-$800
I'm not necessarily saying it's overpriced, but this feels like a lot for an Epiphone, the likes of which I'm not used to seeing in four figures.
The Epiphone model uses an Epiphone version of the Burstbucker pickup at the neck, and a Seymour Duncan SH-6 at the bridge to mimic the DC High Gain humbucker on Adam's Gibson Les Paul.
I think the DC High Gain humbucker is a Gibson-brand pickup, but I'm honestly not sure.
Neither are these guys.
The Epiphone version of the Adam Jones signature Les Paul.
The sound of an SH-6 is similar, in that it just gives that extra bite to Adam's tone, which is otherwise very percussive and heavy.
Epiphone cuts more costs in the following areas:
- No lacquer finish
- Stock bridge hardware
- Stock tuning hardware
The Gibson version has Grover tuning machines, a Tune-O-Matic bridge, and a much nicer finish than the Epiphone model.
That said, Epiphone does a decent job delivering a similar pickup/humbucker experience, and they definitely nail the look of the Gibson version of Adam's guitar. You'll see the difference in lacquer (the finish) but it looks like a great addition to the Epiphone signature model family, fitting right in with Matt Heafy and Jerry Cantrell.
James Nichols is in there too.
I didn't even mention the artwork, which I'm not terribly concerned with. But for fan's of Julie Heffernan, maybe that will sweeten the pot.
The Epiphone AJs come with some kind of artwork on the back that I'm not familiar with. There are four different options to choose from.
There are actually several of these to choose from.
The four artwork variations on Epiphone's website.
For what it's worth, Epiphone had all four of these listed at the same price.
What do you think of the Epiphone Adam Jones signature Les Paul?
Let me know in the comments section.
I'm interested to hear people's take on this.
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