AL-3200 VS. Epi 1959 LP Standard which one and why?

[jtcnj]

I'm seriously considering my first guitar purchase over $250.

https://www.rondomusic.com/Agile_AL-320 ... Flame.html

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... dark-burst
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone/1 ... 0322443.gc

The plus of the Agile for me is the contoured neck heel.
But tons of people get used to the LP blocky heel for playing frets 19-22 (21?)
The build and finish and hardware are probably better but how much of a difference really.

But, it will need pickups and for this I would likely go with SD or maybe used Gibsons / not budget pickups, though many are pretty darn good.
1st choice at the moment would be SD 59's.
Al-3200 $550.
SD 59 PAF set ADD around $150
Douglas case add $90
add around $20 shipping + tax = about $865.

The Epi comes with Gibson Burstbuckers, which I have not played but I would think are supposed to be like 50's PAFs.
The electronics include CTS pots, and includes a case.
Free shipping, so $799 +tax = $855 so its a wash.

They both may be around 10lbs so that is a wash but a bit heavier than I would prefer.
The Epi will have more resale value but I'm not concerned: I want a nice LP to play and keep.

What do you think?

[ID10t]

I am anti-Gibson because I am a stubborn jerk.
10 + years ago it would be Agile hands down on value, that is no longer the case. If you are looking for value then the Sx Callisto should be in the conversation. If it is not, then the Epi is the choice for value in what you get.
My 2 cents.

[Gergo]

They are two completely different kind of guitars. The Agile is very modern, with a contoured neck heel, thinner body, more modern flatter/faster neck profile, and neck through design. The Epiphone is a traditional Les Paul-style guitar with a much fatter neck.

To be honest, the Agile is the more expensive to produce guitar, and the stock pickups in the new Agiles are pretty damn good too.

But......I am sure the Epiphone is an excellent guitar as well if your looking for a Gibson-style guitar!

So, it all depends. Do you want something more modern, designed more like a BC Rich, or do you want something traditional and designed like a Gibson?

[uwmcscott]

I'd have to agree with the others, that's kind of apples/oranges between. If I had to pick between those 2 though, I'd probably go with the Agile as it's a known entity. The new epis have a lot going for them - new no-clownshoe headstock, electronics that likely won't need replacing, a nice neck profile ( not the old flat -D ) and a hard case. But they are still a new model made in a new production environment.

The reasons I'd go for the 3200 are the neck heel, the ebony board and the lower price. I also think the stock alnico pickups in the AL's are just fine for my own purposes, so I would likely leave it as-is. .

[Chocol8]

AL-3200 for the neck through, thinner more playable neck profile, and the upper fret access.

[jtcnj]

the AL-3200 is where I'm leaning at the moment, but:
I do prefer a rounder neck profile.

I dont know if the Epi 50's is rounder than the chunkier necks listed below.

How would you compare the Agile neck profile as compared to the SX chunky Hawk and Furrian neck, the medium C of the AL-2000, the pretty round C of the Liquid, or the typical Epi slim taper D?
(I have those guitars)

I could skip the case as they dont leave home and I have a couple of those thickly padded Gibson gig bags.

[nomadh]

I say Keep shopping. Cast the net wider. Try to buy used. So many good guitars. Hell even the firefly LPs are getting great reviews and so many interesting great finishes. My FF 338 was outstanding. The SX is out there. A used agile or epi will shave 50%. If you are just looking to spend more money well then there is no substitute for Gibson. Actually Gibson does have a place. Its the only model thats nitro. Better or worse? It does feel different. Another unique finish that I enjoy are the thin finish faded or tributes or the matte studios. You are getting something different for the money. In many ways a poly guitar is a poly guitar.
If not that and not a budget model then the agile does have the very special feature of the smooth neck transition and neck through. You can at least feel you are getting something special and the top is beautiful.
The epis are fine guitars but the features and the prices just scream 3rd place at me.
Someone mentioned the Gibson deluxe. Thats what I ended up with. A studio deluxe II. But I rarely have seen them below $1k and the real truth is that as good as it is I rock just as hard with an al2000.

[golem]

So Jim, who isn't on the forum much right now, bought one of these 59s and I think @andrewsrea mentioned having tried it and saying it was pretty good.

I have an 3200MCC that Rob helped me fix up. It came with Dimarzio transitions that were F spaced so they routed it poorly and they'd botched up the wiring and I think he may have been kind enough to sort out some other issues it had because of the imperfect routing they did. That guitar sounds great to me but there is one negative. It's really heavy. I can weigh it if you want but my recollection is that it's close to 12 lbs.

[golem]

Along Nomad's train of thought, I'm be tempted to look at ESP EC-1000 models. They come stock with nice cases, locking tuners, and aftermarket pickups (Duncan, Fishman Fluence, EMG). Used they can be had in near mint condition from $500-700.

[mighty_duck]

If it were me, I'd get this in that price range:
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/In-St ... ds&index=3

Edwards E-LP-108LTS

For $750, you get a nitro feel, USA pickups, with quality that surpasses both the Epi and the Agile, and which you could turn around and sell at a profit down the road if you choose.

[golem]

@mighty_duck As long as you're okay with vintage Gibson frets.

[jtcnj]

@mighty_duck As long as you're okay with vintage Gibson frets.

that is really nice.
I think the AXL builds I did have a smaller-ish fret than the jumbo / big frets on the SX and Jackson, etc.
My Ibanez AS-73 has smallish frets to.
Dont know how they compare to Gibson vintage.

Too bad thats in Colorado.

If you return to local GC, you just lose on the shipping right?

[mighty_duck]

@mighty_duck As long as you're okay with vintage Gibson frets.

that is really nice.
I think the AXL builds I did have a smaller-ish fret than the jumbo / big frets on the SX and Jackson, etc.
My Ibanez AS-73 has smallish frets to.
Dont know how they compare to Gibson vintage.

Too bad thats in Colorado.

If you return to local GC, you just lose on the shipping right?

It depends.
If you return it with no reason, then yes.
If something is wrong with the guitar, or is not in the condition it was advertised (The Edwards is in "Great" condition), then you can usually get the shipping back as well.

Either way, $25 for shipping isn't too big of a risk.

[Partscaster]

Of those two, I'ld go with the neck you feel is best, unless you dont mind the difference that much.

That said, I'ld go with the SX Callisto CUS Goldtop w/ 1/2" maple top (249$) and drop a nice harness and the best pickups you can afford with the 500$ you have left. These have great sounding bodies/necks, IMO. Less than 8 lbs. All my Callisto's have sounded great with upgraded pups. I like vintage blues tones. I did do a fret level on about half of them. I like them better than my 2 Gibson Tributes and my four AL 30XX'Ms which are now sold off.

[BatUtilityBelt]

I can't speak to that particular model of Epiphone, but I did get a 3200 this year. I am blown away by the 3200 and for me, it outshines every Epiphone I have ever played. While I cannot consciously feel the difference the compound radius makes, I find it plays better than most of my guitars. I barely did anything to its set up and it plays like butter. If my 3200 is any indication, their attention to fit and finish is astonishingly good at this price point.

And... your post made me look. Damn it, I saw a lefty lemon burst 3200 single cut. Good thing it had a pick guard, or I probably would have bought another guitar.

[SamIV]

Just picked up a PRS SE Tremonti Custom used and I am quite enamored with it. Under 8 lbs, slim neck and great build quality. Owned an older AL-3200 and sold it due to the weight. I do own an Epiphone LP Custom, Korean made, and it’s up for sale now that I have the PRS. Good luck with your decision.

[motowntom]

Get the Agile.... if new isn't an issue go used, but that's a huge worm hole and you my end up with multiple new guitars if your looking around to much..... damn GAS.
Cheers

[jtcnj]

Someone mentioned the Gibson deluxe. Thats what I ended up with. A studio deluxe II. But I rarely have seen them below $1k and the real truth is that as good as it is I rock just as hard with an al2000.

Of those two, I'ld go with the neck you feel is best, unless you dont mind the difference that much.

That said, I'ld go with the SX Callisto CUS Goldtop w/ 1/2" maple top (249$) and drop a nice harness and the best pickups you can afford with the 500$ you have left. These have great sounding bodies/necks, IMO. Less than 8 lbs. All my Callisto's have sounded great with upgraded pups. I like vintage blues tones. I did do a fret level on about half of them. I like them better than my 2 Gibson Tributes and my four AL 30XX'Ms which are now sold off.

callistocusgold4.jpeg

Thanks for all the replies.
These 2 posts have me really questioning or doubting my motivations.
I was thinking of "stepping up" to more of a low end mid grade, or upper end of budget tier guitar - since all I have / had are lower end stuff.
But 2 I got used are more in that $600 -800 when new around 2005.

I really liked the AL2000 I had, except it was heavy, and for some reason the 1 5/8" nut width eventually just wasnt working for me - even though the SX Strat and Tele types, and my Liquid have them and dont cause me problems. I do have to be a little more careful fingering open chords though.

I am still wanting one of the above and almost pulled the trigger on the Edwards.
My aim is more vintage PAF on the pickups though. Surely I could pull the hot rod set for the SD 59s or whatever.

This may be one of these rare threads where our band of enablers are talking me down of the GAS ledge.

I have not scrapped this but will shelve it for now.
I'm also getting cold feet as I am concerned how proposed policy changes will affect the economy.
As the vaccine is distributed, I hope we are getting closer to ending this COVID-19 nightmare sooner than later.

[jtcnj]

the AL-3200 is where I'm leaning at the moment, but:
I do prefer a rounder neck profile.

I dont know if the Epi 50's is rounder than the chunkier necks listed below.

How would you compare the Agile neck profile as compared to the SX chunky Hawk and Furrian neck, the medium C of the AL-2000, the pretty round C of the Liquid, or the typical Epi slim taper D?
(I have those guitars)

I could skip the case as they dont leave home and I have a couple of those thickly padded Gibson gig bags.

Does anyone have input on how the AL-3200 neck compares?

[nomadh]

@mighty_duck As long as you're okay with vintage Gibson frets.

What is that? Is it the still wide but very flat feel? Sort of fretless like?

[golem]

@mighty_duck As long as you're okay with vintage Gibson frets.

What is that? Is it the still wide but very flat feel? Sort of fretless like?

I feel like I'm going to characterize them wrong. The only one I've tried is one from @pratteman with P90s that he let me borrow for a while. It's not a fretless wonder, but it's just lower than what I'm used to with PRS, Fender, and even a stock Agile. So if you don't like that sort of thing, you might not be happy. Otherwise I've always heard they are great guitars.

[Mr. Leyvatone]

The next Epi I play that matches AL-3xxx fret quality will be the first.

I have 25 guitars (including several Fenders/Gibsons). No lie, my two AL-3100s are still the best built guitars I have ever played.

I have a set of Buddha HBs in one, and GFS HBs in the other. Not saying that my more expensive guitars aren’t good, but I still feel like we are in on a secret with the availability of high quality Agiles for such reasonable prices.

[aullucci]

Just picked up a PRS SE Tremonti Custom used and I am quite enamored with it. Under 8 lbs, slim neck and great build quality. Owned an older AL-3200 and sold it due to the weight. I do own an Epiphone LP Custom, Korean made, and it’s up for sale now that I have the PRS. Good luck with your decision.24C33F45-5AC4-4055-BCA0-704FD6C55EA5.jpeg

I came here to say this, too. The Tremonti is an absolutely killer guitar - I honestly can't ever remember playing a bad PRS of any variety. Again, it may not end up being your flavor, but I think you'd be crazy to go shopping for an LP in this price range and not take one of these for a drive.

Also, if you're talking about new pups on whatever you end up with, save yourself some money and see if someone here can get you what you want. There were, for a time, a few different good winders here. I have a set of buckers from @Buddha Pickups that cost way less than Duncans and sound (to my ears) every bit as good.

[uwmcscott]

What is that? Is it the still wide but very flat feel? Sort of fretless like?

Flat and narrow for the most part. Even modern Lp's are more of a narrow/tall than a jumbo. That's one thing I definitely notice between my Gibsons and My 3000 ( and previous agiles ). Most of the 3xxx guitars I've owned have been closer to a 60's profile ( thin/flat ) neck wise, and have all had jumbo frets. Not saying one is better than another, but they are quite different.

[tobijohn]

...And... your post made me look. Damn it, I saw a lefty lemon burst 3200 single cut. Good thing it had a pick guard, or I probably would have bought another guitar.

There's only one in stock so if you're OK with removing the pickguard, then you have the opportunity to save me $550...