TEST: Epiphone JC LP Custom

 How times change. While the earlier signature instruments of established artists were usually the most expensive instruments in the respective manufacturer's portfolio and were often manufactured by the most talented Luthiers in the company group, the way of thinking and manufacturing has changed in this regard in recent years. almost diametrically opposite. The classics in the portfolio are now often manufactured in the manufacturer's home country, while the signature models are often manufactured in the Far East at cheaper conditions. Similar to the ESP / LTD constellation, for example, the big name Gibson has the subsidiary Epiphone, which was once one of the big names in the jazz sector, but has now been established as the mainstay in the budget class for Gibson. As a test instrument we have the signature model of the “Alice In Chains” guitarist Jerry Cantrell, which is made in China and is called the Epiphone Jerry Cantrell Prophecy LP Cus.

The concept of the Epiphone Jerry Cantrell Prophecy LP Cus

As a subsidiary of Gibson, the trademark Epiphone is, as expected, allowed to use all optically protected elements of the parent company, so that the Les Paul version hardly differs visually from the original in terms of its curves, apart from the independent headstock. Only a few small details were changed in favor of the slightly modified Signature version, but these only show a marginal difference.

The instrument, which is kept in “Bone White” throughout, including the binding, is visually very striking and, like any other white instrument, has the advantage that any colored irradiation from stage spotlights is absorbed 1:1. Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself how much you like the color scheme, but the instrument at least benefits from the truism “If You Wear Black, You Have To Play White”. Personally, I find the discrepancy between the “old white” binding and the very light “bone white” a bit too strong, as the binding always looks a bit “dirty”, but as I said, it's all a matter of taste.

As expected, the basic construction of the Epiphone Jerry Cantrell Prophecy LP Cus was largely taken over from the original Les Paul, so the dimensions of the body, scale length, etc. are identical. What is immediately noticeable, however, is the comparatively low weight of the guitar, which at around 3.4 kg is significantly less than the weight of a classic LP. In the info sheet for the guitar, the negative word “Chambered” is avoided; instead, the term “Ultra Modern” is used for “Weight Relief”, which in my opinion probably suggests that the body is hollowed out. As long as the vibration behavior does not suffer as in the Chambered versions of the first generations, there is nothing wrong with reducing the weight, otherwise here too, it is up to you as you please.

To list the respective Les Paul configurations in detail here again would mean carrying owls to Athens, as every musician has probably held a Paula in their hands at least once, or should hold it at least once, in order to understand the significance of what happened almost 70 years ago the most famous signature model of all time (yes, the Les Paul is a signature model!). The choice of wood, scale length, construction and feel correspond to a large extent to a white Les Paul Custom from the eighties, which, however, came without any weight reduction at the time and often nibbled at the 5 kg mark and more.

The differences to the original Les Paul

But apart from the weight, what exactly are the differences to the original Les Paul so that the AIC guitarist's special requests were fulfilled. Let's start with a detail in the form of Grover Locking Rotomatic tuners, which, in conjunction with the Graph Tech saddle, enable smooth and clean tuning. The “Circle in Diamond Custom Inlays” and the, let’s say very “feminine” in a kind of Signed Roundhand designation of the guitar on the truss rod cover are just as individual.

The biggest difference, however, is probably in the area of the pickups, where the Epiphone Jerry Cantrell Prophecy LP Cus consistently placed emphasis on active alignment. Once again the Fishman Fluence pickups were used, which are now used very frequently, especially in the hard'n'heavy sector, and sometimes have a strong impact on the chair leg of the previous top dog EMG. Which pickups you ultimately like better is once again a matter of taste, but many users often mention the possibility of two different voicings within the pickup network as a pleasant feature.

In order to be able to use the comprehensive tone control of the pickups without losing the classic tone control of the Les Paul in the form of 2x Tone and 2x Volume, they chose “2 Volume with Push/Pull Coil Splitting, 2 Tone with Push/Pull Pickup “Voice Switching” was chosen, in which, in addition to the voicing selection of the individual pickups, the pickups can also be switched to sigle coil operation via an individual coil tap. Unfortunately, three of the four potentiometers show a comparatively indirect control, i.e. a small moment always passes before the potentiometer axis engages in the housing after it has been rotated. Not really a big problem, but it takes some getting used to for guitarists who like to use the volume control to control the interaction with their amplifier.

In order to be able to operate the preamplifiers of the active pickups, the Epiphone Jerry Cantrell Prophecy LP Cus also requires a 9V block, which must be placed in a way that is as easy to maintain as possible. To avoid the “battery wrapped in foam stuffed into the electrical compartment” solution of earlier days, Epiphone uses a snap lock inside the electrical compartment cover, which unfortunately doesn't convince me in several ways. On the one hand, the construction appears comparatively “plastic-like”, and on the other hand, the solution “a drawstring with a battery that can be clamped tightly plus a freely dangling 9V battery clip” is a solution that, in my opinion, is not worthy of a signature model, unless this solution This happened at the express request of the guitarist, which of course I cannot judge.

What also seems a little strange in my opinion is the fact that the instrument was delivered without a 9V battery. Maybe it was just forgotten, maybe those responsible are worried about a leaking battery, but at least the inclusion of a 9V block should be part of the instrument's standard equipment. At least there is plenty of space for it, as the Epiphone Jerry Cantrell Prophecy LP Cus is delivered in a high-quality, black hardshell case.

The Epiphone Jerry Cantrell Prophecy LP Cus in practice

Even when played in an unamplified state, you can see that the weight reduction does not have a negative influence on the vibration behavior of the instrument. The guitar has a subtly hollow sound character, but that shouldn't be viewed in a judgmental way. However, the instrument is not optimally set up at the factory, which is noticeable in the buzzing E1 strings above the 10th fret. Nothing that you can't fix yourself with a few simple steps, but if you're going to put a sticker saying "Handcrafted In China" on the back of your neck, I think you have to deliver accordingly when it comes to craftsmanship.

The strong neck feels pleasant in the hand and offers very good playing comfort, especially when things need to get a little more hearty. The instrument's attack and decay behavior is good and the response is quick. Due to its low weight, the guitar is easy to handle and will be a lot of fun for all users who are looking for the most comfortable stage feel possible.

In terms of sound, the Epiphone Jerry Cantrell Prophecy LP Cus offers an excessive range of sounds for an LP modification due to the pickup construction, which goes well beyond the 3-way options of a typical LP standard or custom. Although as the level of distortion increases, only nuances in the sound spectrum are perceptible, but in the clean and crunch area, a comparatively large number of tonal variations can be created with the two voicings and the single coil circuit, although, as with all coil taps in the humbucker area, the single coil circuit is not the same Can offer character like a pure single coil pickup, which is the case with every humbucker of this type.

If you are looking for the typical low-mid range of a classic Les Paul, possibly thickened with EMG pickups, you should check the Epiphone Jerry Cantrell Prophecy LP Cus in advance to see whether it meets your sound expectations. The guitar undoubtedly sounds very good, but the sound is in slightly different regions than you are used to from a Paula. This can offer advantages or disadvantages depending on what you are looking for.

Conclusion

With the Epiphone Jerry Cantrell Prophecy LP Cus, the Gibson subsidiary has a model in its ranks that has a slightly different sound than what the appearance suggests. Due to the pickup and wooden construction, the guitar offers a high-quality basic sound, which is very well established in the sound and ensures a high degree of independence, but is clearly different from a classic Les Paul.

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Additional Informations:

Epiphone Guitars stands as a cornerstone in the world of musical instruments, revered for its rich history, innovative designs, and enduring legacy. From its humble beginnings in the late 19th century to its current status as a global guitar powerhouse, Epiphone has played an integral role in shaping the landscape of modern music. Let's delve into the captivating journey of Epiphone, tracing its origins, pivotal milestones, and the iconic instruments that have cemented its place in the annals of guitar history.

**The Early Years:**

The story of Epiphone traces back to the bustling streets of Smyrna, Ottoman Empire (now Izmir, Turkey), where Greek founder Anastasios Stathopoulos began crafting instruments in the late 19th century. Initially specializing in the construction of traditional Greek lutes and violins, Stathopoulos honed his skills and soon expanded his repertoire to include mandolins, banjos, and eventually guitars.

In 1903, Stathopoulos immigrated to the United States and settled in New York City, where he continued his craft under the brand name "The House of Stathopoulo." The company quickly gained recognition for its superior craftsmanship and innovative designs, attracting a growing clientele of musicians seeking high-quality instruments.

**The Rise of Epiphone:**

In 1928, Anastasios' son, Epaminondas "Epi" Stathopoulos, took the reins of the family business and embarked on a mission to propel the company to new heights. Under Epi's visionary leadership, the company underwent a rebranding, adopting the name "Epiphone" as a tribute to its founder and embracing a newfound focus on electric guitars.

During the 1930s, Epiphone made significant strides in guitar innovation, introducing groundbreaking models such as the Electar Series, which featured some of the earliest commercially successful electric guitars and amplifiers. These instruments showcased Epiphone's commitment to pushing the boundaries of guitar design and performance, earning the admiration of musicians worldwide.

**The Golden Age:**

The post-war era heralded a golden age for Epiphone, marked by a period of unprecedented growth and creativity. In 1957, Epiphone caught the attention of industry giant Gibson Guitar Corporation, which recognized the company's potential and acquired it as a subsidiary. This partnership proved fruitful, as Epiphone gained access to Gibson's resources and expertise while maintaining its distinct identity and product line.

Throughout the 1960s, Epiphone produced a diverse range of instruments, including iconic electric guitars like the Casino, Sheraton, and Riviera, which became synonymous with the sound of influential artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Oasis. These guitars garnered widespread acclaim for their distinctive tones, sleek designs, and impeccable craftsmanship, solidifying Epiphone's reputation as a premier guitar manufacturer.

**Revitalization and Modern Era:**

In the late 20th century, Epiphone experienced a revitalization under the stewardship of Gibson, as the company renewed its focus on quality and innovation. Epiphone's product lineup expanded to include a wide range of electric and acoustic guitars, basses, and accessories, catering to the diverse needs of musicians across genres and skill levels.

In recent years, Epiphone has continued to evolve and innovate, introducing new models that combine classic aesthetics with modern features and technology. From the reissue of vintage classics to the development of cutting-edge designs, Epiphone remains at the forefront of guitar craftsmanship, ensuring that musicians of all backgrounds have access to instruments that inspire creativity and elevate performance.

**Legacy and Impact:**

Epiphone's enduring legacy extends far beyond its catalog of instruments; it embodies the spirit of innovation, craftsmanship, and musical excellence. Countless artists have relied on Epiphone guitars to shape their sound and leave an indelible mark on music history, testament to the company's enduring influence and relevance.

As Epiphone continues to chart new territory and inspire future generations of musicians, its legacy remains firmly entrenched in the fabric of guitar culture. From its humble beginnings in a small workshop to its current status as a global brand, Epiphone Guitars stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the enduring magic of music.