For those who are wondering about whether it makes sense to upgrade a less expensive guitar or to wait until you can buy the name brand, this video might help.

This video is a sound comparison of a Gibson Les Paul with 57 classic pickups vs a factory upgraded Epiphone Les Paul, the Bonamassa Signature with USA Burstbuckers, a #2 in the neck position and #3 in the bridge.

I play the same riff throughout so you can judge the sound, not the song or playing.

I start with the acoustic sound of the guitar, then all three pickup positions with some overdrive then all three pickup position with a clean amp that is a bit louder.