The only thing that separates an Epi from a Gibson LP is the electronics. The wood, the tuners are very close. I have a Japanese Lp Elitist and it is every bit as nice as my Gibbys. It has US electronics in it.
I have recently upgraded my Gibson LP Goldtop and I used a set of Burst Buckers 1 and 2 and an RS guitar works pot an cap kit. The total was about 250 plus install at 45 dollars. I took a 1900 dollar guitar and it now plays and sounds as good as a 3000 dollar historic.
Take a 400 dollar Epi and you will have an amazing guitar that will sound excellent and play as nice.
Don't be fooled by the headstock.
The Blues is alright!
Guitars: 1968 Gibson SG, 2005 Gibson SG Standard, 2006 Gibson LP Classic Gold top, 2004 Epiphone Elitist LP Custom, 1996 Gibson Les Paul Standard. 2001 Epiphone Sheraton II, 2007 Epiphone G400.
Fender Strats: 1996 Fender 68 Reissue CIJ, 2008 Squier CV 50s, 2009 Squier CV 50s Tele Butterescotch Blonde
Amps: Blues Junior Special edition Jensen in Brown Tolex with Wheat front, 65 Deluxe Reverb reissue,1970 Sonax reverb by Traynor, Avatar Custom 2/12 Cabinet with Eminence Legend V1216 speakers,
2008 DSL100 Marshall Amp , Fender Super Champ XD,Fender Vibro Champ XD
Effects and Pedals: Fulltone Fulldrive II, Fulltone OCD, Fulltone Mini Deja Vibe, Fulltone Fat Boost, Dunlop Crybaby Wah, Boss DS1, Boss DD20 Giga Delay, Boss TU2 tuner, Boss BD2, Ibanez TS9 Tube screamer, Zoom 505. Radial tonebone hot british.