• From: New Castle, DE USA
  • Registered: 2011-01-03
  • Posts: 1,256

Topic: JB Epiphone Les Paul Opportunity

I'm one of the fortunate owners of this splendid guitar.  Ordered it back in late December and had it by January 4.  Given the travails so many others went through to get theirs, and mindful that there are still others who haven't gotten their hands on one yet, I figure the least I can do is give the folks in these parts a heads-up if I happen to run across one for sale.  I was in Dietze Music in Omaha earlier today (the one on West Center Road; they're the go-to folks for Gibson/Epiphone stuff in the area), and they've got one in stock now.  Hang tag says "Factory Second," and it lists for $649.  Dietze does business online as well, so if you're interested by all means check 'em out:  http://www.dietzemusic.com/

Terrance Shuman
New Castle, DE
  • From: The Gates of Delerium
  • Registered: 2008-05-07
  • Posts: 1,412

Re: JB Epiphone Les Paul Opportunity

Coach305 wrote:

I'm one of the fortunate owners of this splendid guitar.  Ordered it back in late December and had it by January 4.  Given the travails so many others went through to get theirs, and mindful that there are still others who haven't gotten their hands on one yet, I figure the least I can do is give the folks in these parts a heads-up if I happen to run across one for sale.  I was in Dietze Music in Omaha earlier today (the one on West Center Road; they're the go-to folks for Gibson/Epiphone stuff in the area), and they've got one in stock now.  Hang tag says "Factory Second," and it lists for $649.  Dietze does business online as well, so if you're interested by all means check 'em out:  http://www.dietzemusic.com/

"Factory Second"? I wonder if this is one of those that had a broken neck and was returned for repair.

Major Tom to ground control...
  • From: New Castle, DE USA
  • Registered: 2011-01-03
  • Posts: 1,256

Re: JB Epiphone Les Paul Opportunity

RICjunkie wrote:

"Factory Second"? I wonder if this is one of those that had a broken neck and was returned for repair.

I didn't spot any real obvious defects, but I figured it might look a little funny if I took it down off the wall to write down the serial number...   wink

In any event, I'm glad they finally got one to sell.  This is the store where I tried to order one back in December, and when they got Gibson/Epiphone on the phone in my presence they were told they couldn't order one in spite of being the only Gibson/Epiphone authorized dealer in Omaha (they've got some other nice high-end Gibbys, and almost all of the nicer Epiphones, so I felt bad for them when they got the cold shoulder on the JB Goldtop)...

Terrance Shuman
New Castle, DE
  • From: South Dakota
  • Registered: 2009-12-18
  • Posts: 129

Re: JB Epiphone Les Paul Opportunity

This makes me want to drive to Omaha and check this out!  cool

Please, call me Austin.
My Gear List

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  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: JB Epiphone Les Paul Opportunity

Factory seconds are usually cosmetic blemishes, or things that don't affect playability. Guitars that have playability issues just get destroyed in the factory.

I have a '79 Explorer that is stamped Second, and that was from the age when Gibson was not selling very well... I'm pretty sure many were stamped second so they could be sold for a lower price, as documented.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: New Castle, DE USA
  • Registered: 2011-01-03
  • Posts: 1,256

Re: JB Epiphone Les Paul Opportunity

Update:  Last fall, American Musical Supply was one of the places I placed an "email me when you get this in stock" request regarding the Epi JB Goldtop.  Musician's Friend got theirs first, and that's where I bought mine.  I was a little surprised today to receive an email notice from AMS.  It sounds like they're expecting to get some new ones on June 12 (seems unlikely to me, but I guess you never know), but in the meantime they're listing two (2) "scratch and dent" ones for just $499 each.  Might be worth a call to find out the 411 on those: 

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i- … email&

Terrance Shuman
New Castle, DE
  • Registered: 2011-05-01
  • Posts: 113

Re: JB Epiphone Les Paul Opportunity

If someone gets a good lead one another one of these please post it! Thanks. Also what are the chances that ams is really getting more in June???

  • From: New Castle, DE USA
  • Registered: 2011-01-03
  • Posts: 1,256

Re: JB Epiphone Les Paul Opportunity

UPDATE:  I was in Dietze Music (http://www.dietzemusic.com/) earlier today (the location on West Center in Omaha), and they have an Epi JBLP.  It is marked as a "factory restock."  I don't know if this is the same one they had when I last visited a few weeks ago (I thought someone on this board had bought that one), but since that last visit they've gotten in several new Gibsons and Epiphones (Dietze is the Gibson/Epiphone dealer in the Omaha area), so it is possible that this is another, different one.  Don't know for sure, but it looked pristine to me, so if you're interested you might give these folks a call.  They're good people, too...

Terrance Shuman
New Castle, DE
  • Registered: 2011-05-01
  • Posts: 113

Re: JB Epiphone Les Paul Opportunity

It is the same one. I talked to them about it. It has two dents on the front of the horn, apparently before the clear coat was applied. Someone bought stand then returned it a week later to get something else.

10 Reply by Coach305 (edited by Coach305 2011-07-04 11:36:59)

  • From: New Castle, DE USA
  • Registered: 2011-01-03
  • Posts: 1,256

Re: JB Epiphone Les Paul Opportunity

UPDATE:  I was in Dietze Music (http://www.dietzemusic.com/) on June 30 (the location on West Center in Omaha), and they still have an Epi JBLP looking for a good home.  It is marked as a "factory restock," see above for details, and the tag lists the price at $649, though of course they may negotiate some from there.  I have inspected it myself, and if it weren't for the fact that I already own one I'd have bought it already! This is a great guitar at a great price. The folks at Dietze are also very gracious and helpful...

Also, for the curious: I tried the Guitar Center 15% discount code on the JB Gibson LP Studio, and it works, so you can ignore the "exclusions" list, and pick one up for $1,214.65 shipped...

Terrance Shuman
New Castle, DE