Epiphone, a reputable brand affiliated with the legendary Gibson, is known for producing quality instruments for musicians of all skill levels. They offer the classic Les Paul design and remarkable quality at an affordable price, making these guitars accessible to a wider audience.
In this article, we’re going to guide you through the different Epiphone Les Paul models to help you pick the right one for your needs and budget. We’ll look at what makes each model special and what to think about before you buy your next guitar.
So, let’s jump into the world of Epiphone Les Pauls and find some awesome picks for you.
Why Choose an Epiphone Les Paul?
We all know Gibson makes amazing guitars. Well, Epiphone is its sister company. This means you get the same high-quality craftsmanship at a more affordable price!
Epiphone has been around for more than a hundred years, earning a reputation for quality instruments that won’t break the bank. For those of us who love music, that’s awesome news.
One of the best parts about Epiphone Les Pauls is the variety of models available. You can find the perfect guitar to suit your style and preferences. From the Les Paul Standard to the Les Paul Custom, there's something for everyone.
Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate player, Epiphone Les Pauls are a fantastic choice. They're versatile, easy to play, and sound amazing.
Best Epiphone Les Pauls
Here are some of the best Epiphone Les Pauls we’ve picked out for you. Let’s check them out!
- Epiphone Les Paul Special-II E1
- Epiphone Les Paul Special Satin E1
- Epiphone Slash "AFD" Les Paul Special-II
- Epiphone Les Paul Custom
- Epiphone Les Paul-100 E1
- Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s
- Epiphone Les Paul Studio
- Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s
Epiphone Les Paul Special-II E1
A great choice for someone looking for an affordable Les Paul with quality tones.
Pros
- Quality humbucker pickups
- Tune-o-matic bridge
- Attractive design
Cons
- Bolt-on neck
- Some quality control issues
- Limited color options
When you first pick up this Epiphone Les Paul Special-II E1, you'll notice its stylish vintage sunburst finish, giving it a classic and elegant appearance. The Indian Laurel fretboard feels smooth under your fingers, lending itself well to both beginners and more experienced players.
The 650R/700T humbucker pickups give this guitar the signature Les Paul sound. They produce a rich, warm tone with plenty of sustain, ideal for playing various genres of music. The 3-way pickup selector switch and the non-rotating heavy-duty output jack ensure reliability while you rock out.
However, there are some downsides to this guitar. The bolt-on neck may not be as desirable as a set neck, which is often found on higher-priced Les Paul models. Additionally, some users have reported minor quality control issues, such as few cosmetic blemishes or fret buzz. And if you're after a specific color, you might be disappointed with the limited options available for this model.
Despite these drawbacks, the Epiphone Les Paul Special-II E1 remains a well-made, budget-friendly option for musicians who want the Les Paul experience without breaking the bank. Give it a try, and you might just find that perfect tone you've been searching for!
Epiphone Les Paul Special Satin E1
This guitar is ideal for beginners, providing quality sound and style at an affordable price.
Pros
- Lightweight Poplar body
- Comfortable 1960s Slim Taper D profile neck
- Great open-coil humbuckers
Cons
- No binding on neck or body
- Bolt-on neck construction
- Factory setup may need adjustments
We absolutely love the look of this Epiphone Les Paul Special Satin E1 in Vintage Sunburst. The Vintage Worn finish gives it an attractive appearance that's perfect for any stage. Poplar is a lighter wood material, making it comfortable to play for hours.
One thing we noticed is the neck construction. It's a bolt-on neck, which is not everyone's preference. However, the 1960s Slim Taper D profile makes it fast and easy to play. The Rosewood fingerboard with traditional Pearloid "Dot" inlays also adds to the overall design and playability.
The open-coil humbuckers (650R in the neck position and 700T in the bridge position) create a warm sound with a nice, subtle bite. We did find, however, that some guitars may need setup adjustments out of the box. If you feel comfortable doing that yourself, it shouldn't be a big issue. Otherwise, a quick trip to a local guitar tech can resolve any problems.
All in all, the Epiphone Les Paul Special Satin E1 is a fantastic choice for those just starting their musical journey. The combination of style, sound, and affordability make it one of the best Epiphone Les Pauls you can buy.
Epiphone Slash "AFD" Les Paul Special-II
If you're a Slash fan or just love quality Les Pauls, this guitar is definitely worth checking out.
Pros
- Excellent build and materials
- Adjustable truss rod
- Gig bag included
Cons
- Possible buzz issues
- Strings close together for large hands
- Jack port might cause feedback
Now let's dive into this Epiphone Slash "AFD" Les Paul Special-II. We have to say that the mahogany body with a AAA flame maple veneer top gives it a striking appearance. The Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic and the adjustable truss rod ensure proper setup and playability.
What's great about this guitar is the Epiphone Ceramic Plus zebra-coil humbucker pickups in the neck and bridge. They provide a wide range of tones that will suit any genre. Trust us, you'll enjoy experimenting with this axe, and it even comes with a gig bag to protect your investment.
There are a few downsides to consider, though. We noticed a few users experienced issues with buzzing and the jack port causing unwanted feedback. Additionally, the strings may be a bit too close together for players with large hands. However, don't let these minor issues discourage you. Overall, the Epiphone Slash "AFD" Les Paul Special-II offers amazing value, especially considering its performance and the fact that it's endorsed by Slash himself.
Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Grab this Epiphone Les Paul Custom for an affordable, high-quality guitar with timeless design.
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Great sound
- Stunning appearance
Cons
- Fret work may need attention
- Fragile neck
- Potential backfeed issue
We highly recommend the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Ebony with Gold Hardware for its impressive build quality and sound. With a mahogany body, ebony fretboard, and gold hardware, this guitar stands out both visually and sonically.
Though the guitar looks fantastic, you might need to get the frets checked out by a professional. Some users reported issues with fret sprout and wire quality.
One thing to keep in mind is the fragility of the neck. A few reported cases suggest that the neck can splinter and break within weeks. However, with proper handling and care, this can be avoided.
Lastly, some users experienced backfeed issues with the guitar. It's possible that it's an isolated issue, but it's worth mentioning.
Overall, the Epiphone Les Paul Custom is a top choice for aspiring musicians looking for a beautiful, well-built guitar on a budget. Just give it a thorough check and perhaps a trip to a professional luthier to make it perfect.
Epiphone Les Paul-100 E1
We recommend this for its affordability, great sound, and beautiful design.
Pros
- Affordable
- Good sound quality
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons
- Some manufacturing defects reported
- May require setup and adjustments
- Not suitable for professional use
Let's talk about the Epiphone Les Paul-100 E1. This guitar has a mahogany body, 700T Humbucker pickups and a rosewood fretboard, which all contribute to its wonderful sound. We found it lightweight and easy to handle, making it great for beginners or those who need a practice guitar.
Another thing we noticed is its beautiful vintage sunburst finish. It not only sounds great but also looks the part. However, do be prepared to make some adjustments, as some customers have mentioned needing to adjust string height and intonation.
While the Epiphone Les Paul-100 E1 is a fantastic option for aspiring musicians, it might not be the go-to for professional performers. Despite this, its excellent value and quality make it a solid choice for those starting their journey in the world of electric guitars.
Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s
We absolutely recommend this guitar for its classic sound and quality build.
Pros
- Authentic 1960s era Les Paul sound
- High-quality construction and components
- Beautiful Bourbon Burst finish
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some guitars
- Potential for minor setup tweaks
- Occasional inconsistency in manufacturing
This Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s model truly takes us back to the golden era of rock with its 1960s sound. It has a classic Mahogany body with a Maple cap, an excellent combination for that warm, rich tone.
Speaking of quality, the build and components are top-notch. The Grover tuners keep tuning stable and the ProBucker humbuckers, paired with CTS electronics, offer incredible sound. The Bourbon Burst color is also stunning, adding a touch of class to this guitar.
However, do note that this beauty is slightly heavier than some other guitars. This could be a deal-breaker for some, but it’s nothing we can't handle. Also, while many units arrive well set-up, some might need minor tweaks to suit individual players. A very small number of guitars have had inconsistencies in manufacturing, but that's a relatively rare issue.
Overall, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s, Bourbon Burst is an excellent choice for anyone looking to capture that classic 60s Les Paul sound. It has its quirks, but we believe the pros outweigh the cons.
Epiphone Les Paul Studio
We highly recommend this guitar for its outstanding sound, build quality and affordability.
Pros
- Impressive sound quality
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Wallet-friendly price
Cons
- Possible shipping damage
- Occasional quality control issues
- May require initial setup
You're going to love the Epiphone Les Paul Studio! As a modern take on the 80s classic, this guitar delivers that rich, iconic sound without breaking the bank. With Epiphone-designed Alnico Classic Open-Coil humbuckers and top-notch Grover machine heads, you'll be rocking out in no time.
Don't worry about the weight, either. This beauty is designed for players who want the classic Les Paul tone without the extra bulk. A perfect choice if you plan on rocking out for hours on end!
Of course, no guitar is without its drawbacks. Some customers have reported shipping damage, like broken headstocks, which is a bummer. Always check your guitar upon arrival and contact the seller if there are any issues. Additionally, a few guitars have arrived needing initial setup, such as adjusting string height. But once you've got it set up just right, you'll be delighted with the smooth playing experience.
Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s
You should definitely consider this excellent guitar for its 1950s-inspired tones and build quality.
Pros
- Authentic 1950s-era feel and tone
- Premium features: Vintage-Deluxe tuners, ProBucker pickups
- Stunning full-gloss finishes
Cons
- Laurel Wood fingerboard may not be everyone’s preference
- Heavier weight (8.82 lbs) might not suit all players
- Right-handed version only
We’ve had the chance to explore the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s, and let me tell you, it’s a real gem. This guitar not only draws inspiration from the iconic 1950s Les Paul guitars but also delivers impressive performance.
One of the first things you’ll notice is its trio of full-gloss finishes: Metallic Gold, Vintage Sunburst, and Heritage Cherry Sunburst. Each finish truly captures that vintage vibe we all love about the good old days. Moreover, the Les Paul Standard 50s features a 50s-shaped Mahogany neck with a long neck tenon and a Mahogany body with an AAA Maple veneer. The Indian Laurel fingerboard might be different from what you’re used to, but it still showcases the classic trapezoid inlays.
Sound-wise, you won’t be disappointed. The Epiphone ProBucker humbuckers pump out those sought-after classic tones, while the gold Top Hat knobs with dial pointers contribute to that signature Les Paul look.
Be aware, though, the weight of this guitar clocks in at 8.82 lbs, which may not be the most comfortable for prolonged playing sessions. Additionally, this model is available in a right-handed version only, so left-handed players might feel left out.
Overall, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, is well worth your attention. It’s an exquisite blend of vintage aesthetics, top-notch features, and incredible sound that will make you feel like you’re strumming a quality instrument from days gone by.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Epiphone Les Paul
Body and Neck Construction
When looking for the perfect Epiphone Les Paul, pay attention to the body and neck construction. Solid mahogany bodies and set necks are standard in these guitars. They ensure sustain and a warm tone.
Maple tops add brightness, while all-mahogany bodies enhance the warmth. For beginners, we recommend a balance between the two.
Pickups
Another vital factor is the pickups. Epiphone Les Pauls come with different pickup combinations:
- Humbuckers (Classic)
- ProBuckers (Modern)
- P90s (Vintage)
Consider the type of music you play in your choice. Each type has specific tonal and output characteristics.
Aesthetics and Finishes
Epiphone offers a fantastic range of finishes and aesthetics. Your choice is subjective, but it’s an essential aspect of your purchase. Popular options include:
- Sunburst (Heritage, Cherry)
- Custom Black (Ebony)
- Solid Colors (Blue, Red, White)
Choose the one that expresses your personal style best.
Music Genre
Your preferred music genre plays a crucial role in your choice. For example, if you play rock, a Classic or Custom model with humbuckers works well. On the other hand, indie musicians may prefer P90 pickups for a warmer, vintage tone.
Remember, the perfect guitar complements your music.
Price Range and Value
Lastly, consider your budget and the value you want from your guitar. Epiphone Les Pauls come in a range of prices, such as:
- $300 – $500: Standard, Classic, Studio
- $500 – $1000: Custom, Tribute
Set a budget, and stick to it. Rest assured, all Epiphone Les Paul models offer impressive quality and value.
Final Thoughts
Remember, these Epiphone Les Paul guitars suit a wide range of players! It all boils down to your needs and preferences.
In our experience, choosing the right Epiphone Les Paul is really about what feels right to you. Don’t hesitate to try out different models! That’s the best way to discover the one that’s perfect for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Epiphone Les Pauls good guitars?
Yes, they’re great guitars! Epiphone Les Pauls offer top-notch sound, quality, and playability at a budget-friendly price.
What is the difference between an Epiphone Les Paul and a Gibson Les Paul guitars?
The main difference lies in the materials used and the craftsmanship. Gibson is a high-end brand, and their Les Pauls come with more premium woods and features. On the other hand, Epiphone offers more affordable options, which still deliver excellent performance.
Are Epiphone Les Paul guitars suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Epiphone Les Pauls are perfect for beginners, as they’re easy to play, sound great, and don’t break the bank.
Can I upgrade the pickups and hardware on my Epiphone Les Paul?
You sure can! Upgrading the pickups and hardware can improve your Epiphone Les Paul’s sound and feel. It’s a common practice among many players for personalization.