So you’ve decided that you’re getting an Epiphone Les Paul, but don’t know which one to buy? In this article, we feature 10 popular Epiphone Les Paul models, and highlight their key features and differences.
What Is The Epiphone Les Paul?
First off, Epiphone is owned by Gibson, so you can rest assured that the Les Paul magic rubs off on Epiphone’s models. Epiphone Les Pauls are intended to deliver the same feel and tone at a reduced price point. To accomplish this, Epiphone offers a diverse range of Les Paul guitars that are targeted to different budgets and player preferences.
All Les Paul Epiphone models share the core design features of Gibson USA Les Paul guitars:
- Mahogany Body
- Maple Top
- Set Neck Construction
- Humbucking Pickups (Gibson Burstbuckers!)
- 24.75″ Scale Length
- Fixed Bridge Design (Tune-o-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece)
What Is The Les Paul Sound?
The listing of key features above is basically the recipe for the Les Paul sound. After fading in popularity, the Les Paul was resurrected by electric blues players. What they found is that when overdriven into a tube amp, the humbucker-equipped Les Paul provided a thick, liquid sound that they couldn’t get from their Fender Strats and Telecasters. As rock music became harder and louder in the 1970s, the Les Paul became sought after for heavier sounds.
Here are sound samples of the Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Guitar, which appears on our recommended list below:
Key Features of The Les Paul
Epiphone makes a wide range of Les Paul models to choose from. These differences come down to modifications of the core Les Paul formula. While all of our selections deliver the Les Paul tone, differences in pickups, neck shape, hardware, and the presence or absence of a maple top increase the versatility of this classic design.
Before we get into specific models and their features, let’s touch on a few of the most important distinguishing features:
Neck Profile
Epiphone Les Pauls range from chunky 50s-style necks, to Slim Taper 60s shapes, to modern neck heel reduction designs for upper fret access. With neck design, there is no “right” answer, and it’s all down to personal preference. That said, all models share the familiar Mahogany neck, 12” radius fretboard, Medium Jumbo frets, and 24.75” scale length.
Pickups
Pickups are of course one of the biggest contributors to tone in an electric guitar. One of the great decisions Epiphone has made with many of the models listed here is the inclusion of real Gibson Burstbucker pickups on many models. These are the pickups seen in many USA Gibson Les Paul Models, including the Les Paul Standard. Other pickup options include coil-tapped humbuckers on the Studio, P-90s on the Special, and even active pickups, which are found exclusively on the Les Paul Prophecy.
Weight Relief
We’re glad to see that Gibson and Epiphone have taken steps to reduce the weight of Epiphone Les Pauls, which has been a subject of criticism in the past. Today’s Epiphone Les Pauls feature weight reduction techniques, which involve removing wood in strategic locations. This does not affect the tone, and in fact is featured on some USA-made Gibsons, such as the Les Paul Studio.
Epiphone Les Paul Models
1. Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s Electric Guitar
Key Features
The Standard 50s model harkens back to the 50s-era with its Heritage Cherry Burst color and Epiphone Vintage Deluxe machine heads. The pickups are ProBucker-1 Humbucker in the neck and ProBucker-2 Humbuckers, which capture the vintage PAF vibe with their Alnico II magnets.. The ’59 Rounded Medium C-Shape neck is comfortably full.
What We Like
’59 Rounded Medium C neck, Heritage Cherry Sunburst color.
Best For
Vintage enthusiasts who like the look and feel of 50s Les Pauls.
2. Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s
Key Features
This is the Epiphone Les Paul Standard, updated to 1960s specs. With its Slim Taper ’60s profile neck, which is a combination of a C-Shape to D-Shape neck, this Les Paul Standard Epiphone immediately feels different from the Standard 50s. Ephiphone opted for ProBucker pickups, which feature Alnico II magnets, famously used in vintage PAF humbuckers. If you’re undecided as to which is the best Les Paul for you, the Standard 60s is a good bet.
What We Like
Overwound ProBucker-3 in the bridge position.
Best For
For those who want vintage Les Paul performance but prefer a slimmer 60s style neck shape.
3. Epiphone Slash Les Paul Standard Guitar
Key Features
How did we get to #3 before mentioning the most famous Les Paul player next to Les Paul? No matter, the Epiphone Slash Les Paul Standard captures Slash’s preferred setup with its custom neck shape and Custom Humbuckers. And of course, it’s available in Anaconda Burst!
What We Like
Slash-custom C-shaped neck, Anaconda Burst Color
Best For
Slash fans who want a version of Slash’s touring guitar.
4. Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Guitar
Key Features
The 1959 Standard Model gets you into ‘Burst territory with its AAA Flamed Maple Top and Gibson BurstBucker Humbuckers. The special “Aged Gloss” finish is similar in feel and appearance to the finishes of today’s USA-made Gibsons. Other accurate vintage details include non-beveled plastics. The back is adorned with an Epiphone Custom Shop” badge.
What We Like
Aged Finish, sweet maple top and BurstBucker pickups
Best For
When you want the true ‘59 Gibson vibe.
5. Epiphone Les Paul Studio
Key Features
Epiphone’s Studio Les Paul captures what’s great about the Gibson Les Paul Studio at an even more attractive price. The Studio has an understated appearance, instead focusing on expanded tonal versatility. The 1960’s SlimTaper D neck is fast and modern, and the Epiphone Alnico Classic and Classic Plus Humbuckers have coil splitting options that are true to the Les Paul Studio design.
What We Like
Coil-Split Alnico Classic and Classic Plus Humbuckers. The Smokehouse Burst finish is particularly rich looking.
Best For
Players who love the coil-splitting versatility of the Les Paul Studio, and don’t need a fancy flamed maple top.
6. Epiphone Les Paul Modern
Key Features
The Asymmetrical SlimTaper neck and Ebony fretboard aren’t the only features that set the Les Paul Modern apart from its cousins: The colors are amazing! Epiphone opts to keep the back natural wood color, and the finishes look awesome. In our opinion, the Faded Pelham Blue looks incredible. The
What We Like
The Ebony Fretboard, Contoured heel, and… Faded Pelham Blue! Great color options are unlike any others in the Epiphone Les Paul line.
Best For
Those looking for an updated Les Paul look and modern features.
7. Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy
Key Features
The Epiphone Prophecy model pushes the feature envelope even further than the Modern. It’s a fusion of classic design with modern style: It’s got the Mahogany Body/Maple Top, but sounds come via Fishman active Multi-voice Fluence humbuckers deliver humbucker and hum-free single-coil tones. The Prophecy fills out the modern approach with This Les Paul has SlimTaper mahogany neck and a—gasp!—24-fret Ebony fingerboard, as well as a contoured heel and locking Grover tuners.
What We Like
24 Frets on Ebony, and active Fishman Fluence pickups.
Best For
Players who need a 24-fret fingerboard and aren’t bound by tradition.
8. Epiphone Les Paul Special
Key Features
The Les Paul Special enjoys the distinction of the only one in this list that doesn’t come with humbuckers. The Les Paul Special formula hold a special place for many: It is a stripped-down version of the Les Paul, with snarling P-90 PRO Soap Bar Single-coils. The body is also slightly thinner, which reduces the weight in comparison to a regular Paul. And, you can have any color you want, as long as it’s TV Yellow.
What We Like
Vintage 1950s TV Yellow color, Vintage 50s neck shape, attractive price
Best For
Players who love the “special” appeal of the Special.
9. Epiphone Les Paul Junior
Key Features
Who needs two pickups? The Les Paul Junior is a true rock machine, and Epiphone’s version captures the essentials of this iconic, stripped down design. The Lightning Bar Wrap Around bridge and P-90 PRO Dogear Single-coil delivers the girth P-90s are known for. Because this model doesn’t have a maple top, Juniors also keep the weight down.
What We Like
Wrap Around Bridge, Dogear P90 pickups, stripped down appeal. Sumptuous Tobacco Burst color.
Best For
Players who appreciate this guitar’s laser-focused design when it’s time to rock out.
10. Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Key Features
This Les Paul Custom Epiphone is the visual jewel of the collection. It has extra binding everywhere, and features gold hardware. It looks especially good in both Alpine White and Ebony, both of which Epiphone offers. The Custom’s Ebony fretboard has Pearloid Block Inlays. The pickups are ProBucker-2 and 3 Humbuckers. Fittingly, it features a Gibson diamond design on the headstock.
What We Like
Ebony Fretboard, Custom Gibson diamond on the headstock. This Black Beauty is also available in Alpine White.
Best For
Those seeking the high-end visual appeal that only a Custom can deliver.
Final Thoughts
Epiphone has pushed at the boundaries of the Les Paul formula in order to make guitars that appeal to the widest range of players. If you’re a fan of vintage specs, check out the Les Paul Standard 50s or Standard 60s models.
Or, if your taste leans towards modern tones, the Les Paul Modern and Les Paul Prophecy are packed with contemporary features.
Finally, if you love the single coil presence and articulation P-90 pickups, the Special or Junior may be a great fit for you.
Regardless, if you’re in the market for a Les Paul, there is an Epiphone Les Paul guitar for you.