DIY modify an Epiphone Les Paul with new humbucker pickups.

I bought this Epiphone Les Paul Gold Top six years ago.

For beginner or anyone who has lower budget, getting an Epiphone may be a good start.
Considering the price of a Gibson is almost 10 times of an Epiphone...
On guitar center or musician's friend, the price for a Gibson Les Paul Gold Top is $3999, and a Epiphone is $499.
Of course, you get what you paid for. But if you have a limited budget and you want the unique sound of the Les Paul, changing the pickups on an Epiphone may be a good way.
The humbuckers in a pair cost around $200, but it's worth the money.

Beside new bumbuckers, you will need solder and solder iron.

I also changed the potentionmeters (volume knobs). 

Here's a demonstration from Seymour Duncan showing how to change the pickups.

Seymour Duncan's guide on replacing pickups
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgib50ROqRc&feature=related

Replacing a pickup requires soldering skills. It you are not feeling comfortable doing this yourself, it is better to ask a guitar technician to do that for you. It may be another $70 - $100, but usually most guitar technicians also help you set up the guitar (e.g., setting up the bridge).
Now, you are paying around $900 for an Epiphone but getting close to the sound of a $4000 Gibson. =) 

I had a great time replacing the pickups on my guitar. You can do it too. Enjoy and have fun! --- GXC