Normally I would have gone for the Gibson, but didn't feel like spending the cash for one. Instead, I tried the 'other' brand: Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus - Black Cherry. Assuming this puppy won't fall apart in a few years, I have to say I am impressed. Plays great. Has a great feel. Looks great. So I saved a few bucks and still got something I like. That feels good.
 
Funny that during my entire online shopping experience for this guitar, I never noticed this model came without a pick-guard. I didn't realize that until I started actually playing it.  No problem though. I like the look without it. Also included in the price was a nice case.
 

Very nice!

I dont like those only because I cant play them :(
 
But it does look lovely. 
 
Go pianos!

Beautiful.
I can't testify as to the quality of new Epiphones, but I've had my E-LP for about 20 years and it's been rock solid.

Very nice!  
 
Only thing I would do is have a qualified luthier check out the electronics.  I had a couple things to upgrade (cheaply) in my Epiphone and it was every bit as good as the Gibson version (IMO anyway). 

Awesome Gitar Ken!! beautiful too! Congrats

Very pretty.

Lurvely.

congrats ! good choice.
happy for years with my Gibson copy

Congratulations! A beauty!
 
I have a few Epiphones that I really like. Although my main guitar is my Gibson white LP Studio, I still occasionally play my black Epiphone LP. It's a solid guitar.
 
My only problem with Epi is that my sweat ruined the hardware in a matter of a couple of months, whereas my Gibson's hardware only lost a tiny bit of it's finish after years. On the other hand, my sweat "ruined" the paint on my Gibson, whereas the Epiphanies are just fine. Go figure.
 
I also prefer the standard Gibson bridge to the Epiphone's, with its wire, but that's a detail.
 
I believe the LP Tribute Plus comes with excellent pick-ups. I have a Traditional that comes with Epi's own copy of Gibson's 57 and Burstbucker and they sound very good, a lot warmer than the default 498 that comes on a lot of Gibsons these days - to my ear anyway.