That actually sounds like a pretty good plan
The only problem I have is replacing the pickups. I was never good with hardware replacement.

I don't think I can afford such samples and synths.
If I can afford such, I'll certainly try it out.


See below VVV

I agree with gibsons are overrated. From my knowledgr they're the only american branded les paul maker. Epiphone looks and sounds the same, if not better quality than a gibson at a cheaper rate. It's only cuz Slash has a custom from gibson iirc.

Eh? EHHHHHH?

Epiphone is to Gibson what Squire is to Fender, it's the cheapo version of the real deal. They're owned by Gibson, and they make the cheap stuff that they don't want attached to the Gibson brand.
As for the sound thing... Urgh. No, just no. Gibsons outclass them by a huge margin.

If you're an absolute beginner then fair enough, it'll do the job for a year.
If you're looking for something you'll be using in the future, you wont find it at that price range.
TBH with Epiphone I wouldn't recommend any planks under the £300 mark, though I personally wouldn't touch one that's under the £500 mark. That's coming from someone who's been playing over 20 years now.

I'll be honest, with that budget you're not going to get anything great, or good. Beginner's stuff you'll ditch a year later. Go sit in a guitar shop for a day, play around with various guitars, pick the one that feels the best. They're all going to sound pap, so get something that at least plays nicely. Focus on how the neck feels, the weight, and how it balances (balance as in avoid anything that dives head first when you let go of the neck).
If you insist on sticking with it; replace the pickups, tuners & bridge so it doesn't sound like crap & keeps tune.