As to the Epi being poor copies of (the real thing) Gibsons, to a certain degree, that is true, but they are quality instruments in their own rights. The major price difference come from two things: 1. Name - the Gibson name carries with it a high price tag (not knocking, just stating) and 2. Location of manufacture - Epis are made in various countries where labor is far cheaper than here in the US, this leads to a lower price overall. Though, the lower cost of labor, thus price, does lead to some inferior (to Gibsons) materials and even craftsmanship, however, they fair quite admirably to their bigger cousins (Epi to Gibson) overall.
Scott
"...and I am outta here!"
Scott
Guitars:
Dean EVO Exotic Burl, EVO Special, Vendetta 1000 FR, Stagg Les Paul copy, Squier Standard Telecaster, Squier MIK Stratocaster
Amps:
Fender Princeton 65 (solid state), Vox AD15VT, Peavey Windsor Studio, Crate Vintage Club 50 2x12
Pedals:
DOD FX40B (x2), FX50, FX52, FX55, FX65, FX67, FX80
Washburn LSESLD, LSBOD
BBE Free Fuzz
Behringer EM300, VP1, PH9
Dunlop GCB-95
ProCo Rat II "The Rat"
DigiTech Bad Monkey, RP90
Rockman Soloist
and many, many, many more!