let me start off by first saying im a proud owner of 2 les pauls. both les paul standards one by epiphone and one by gibson. ive noticed they both play realatively the same, nad just dont think the gibson was worth the extra $1200. am i alone on this or has anyone else noticed how overpriced gibsons are?

Just like everything else thats over priced with a popular brand name...we buy the product with the logo on it and we become a walking advertisment that we paid through the nose for.

Dont get me wrong I would prefer a gibson if I had loads of cash to burn however is it worth $1200 more...probably not.

You're not alone.
The difference is minimal, especially with the way Epiphones are being produced now.
I re-wired my 96 Epi SG and lent it to a friend who has a 2000 Gibson SG as a backup for a gig.
He only used my epiphone.
If I were going to buy a Les Paul copy, I'd buy a Heritage.
Same quality, made by ex Gibson employees, but I think they are priced lower.
Does anyone else think that's a good deal.

Why does a Les Paul cost so much anyway?
It's just a solid body with a glued neck!
There are plenty of similar spec guitars that cost alot less.
It's just badge engineering!
Screw that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's the American Way!

Supply and demand.....

It's best to forget about a name and go any guitar that plays and sounds good!