It all depends on what kind of quality you want. Gibson makes fine fine guitars (even though they are overpriced when theyre new). Epiphone makes cheaper (in price and quality) guitars, and their 'good' les pauls are about the same quality as a 'cheap' gibson les paul special or les paul studio. However, the Gibson les paul standard and the customs are nice, super nice. youll never find another guitar finer. the epiphones go for anywhere between $200-$700, and the gibsons are from $700-up new. if you buy used you can find an awesome quality gibson for less than the price of an epiphone. its all up to you though really. any more questions about em just ask.

Atomic