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.

not every guitar of the same model sounds the same. not to mention Les pauls are heavy and fat and have less frets. go into a shop and test out every guitar.
and epiphone is not better quality. that's like saying esp ltd is better than esp. my bro had a epiphone Les Paul and it was OK tho, if you're into generic guitars. and don't buy a guitar based on looks ffs. be a musician.

also slash is overrated too

For God's sake whatever you do don't just pick a model because you heard it was good.

Go into a store that sells a wide variety of guitars, and pick up each individual one in your price range and play a few songs on it. Also make sure to check it for intonation, look at the action, the quality (shape) of the fretboard (how round/flat it is), etc. etc. Try to eliminate choices by comparing side by side until you find the one you're most comfortable with, or however you feel best suits you.

Regrettably, I have little knowledge about the electronics on board that you need to worry about, so someone else will have to assist there.

I've got an Epiphone Les Paul 100. It goes for about 300-400 (you could find it cheaper though, if you look enough), and I can vouch for its durability - I've had it for about 5 years, and although one toning knob has come loose, I haven't encountered any other issues. It's a great entry-level guitar, especially because it's got fairly low action. It sounds great - sounds like it's worth much more than 300 dollars.

If you're not going to get it, then I'd also recommend you look at a couple of Squire guitars.

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.