Which Epiphone Les Paul should I purchase (as a gift - I'm not a player)?

Question

I've narrowed my search to this Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Epiphone-Les-Paul-Standard-Plus-Heritage-Cherry-/290643460969?pt=Guitar&hash=item43abb34369

and this Epiphone Les Paul Standard Limited Edition Plus Top - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Epiphone-Les-Paul-standard-limited-edition-cherry-sunburst-plus-top-/250976947450?pt=Guitar&hash=item3a6f644cfa

Input from experienced players would be greatly appreciated, since I know nothing about the nuances of these guitars. Intended for an upper intermediate level player who plays frequently with an improving skill set. Any input is welcome, but I'm definitely looking for an Epiphone Les Paul with the Sunburst design in the $300 - $450 range, trying to avoid refurbs or used ones being sold by someone who didn't play it. Thanks!

Here are a couple others from my search:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Epiphone-Les-Paul-Standard-Guitar-Amplifier-Thick-Cover-Strap-Wires-/110782935764?pt=Guitar&hash=item19cb2d72d4

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GIBSON-EPIPHONE-LES-PAUL-STANDARD-CHERRY-BURST-GUITAR-EPI-HARDSHELL-CASE-/160721040624?pt=Guitar&hash=item256bb874f0

Answer 1

First off stay the hell away from Ebay when buying a guitar unless you know exactly what your looking at or for, find a music store, preferably a good one with a large selection. places like Guitar Center will match any online add in most cases, and with an Epiphone I can almost guarantee they will, this way if you do have a problem you take it back to the store and don't have to dick around with shipping and a seller that dosent want to solve your problem, and guess what? they have sales people that really know what there talking about in most cases and will be more than happy to explain the differences to you.

Answer 2

i agree stay away from Ebay. Because the neck could be bent.Also during shipping the guitar could be dropped or anything. Go to http://www.musiciansfriend.com/electric-guitars#fT=2010:Epiphone&gP=1&pS=20&v=g&sB=pLH&lP=c&catId=site1AA



There is a good place to buy them Good luck

Answer 3

fck ebay