Epiphone Les Paul Standard (1989-2013)

Features — 8
Bought in 2012 from a shop, brand new. The pickups are supposedly Gibson designed humbuckers but they sound pretty much like stock Epiphone pickups to me. The body and neck are Mahogany, with the neck set into the body. The fretboard is Rosewood with trapezoid inlays. There is some nice binding on the body and neck. My model had a Pelham Blue finish which looked really nice. Grover tuners came as stock on this model too. No coil-tapping, but it can't be expected at this price point. Overall some standard features.

Sound — 7
Suited my blues and classic rock style well, the sound could go from fat and full, to clean and smooth. Although the pickups did not handle crisp tones well, and sounded muddy at times. This is a standard plight with cheaper Epiphone humbuckers. Played it through a Marshall combo. I didn't use any effects with it and just cranked up the gain a little when playing AC/DC, Hendrix, etc. It's not a noisy guitar. You can get a wide variety of sounds, although I wouldn't play Metal or anything too heavy, go for a Jackson or ESP in that case. It's perfect for that classic rock or blues sound.

Action, Fit & Finish — 8
The guitar was well set up by the shop. I did need to adjust the truss rod several times over the years, but nothing dramatic. Wiring and finish were all fine, good quality there and no complaints. Same with the frets, nothing to flag. All in all a solid instrument that looks and feels more expensive that it is. There were no flaws upon purchase. The pickups needed a little raising that's all. I was very impressed by the out of the box nature of its playability. Well done Epiphone! This is how it should be.

Reliability & Durability — 8
I would use this as a main live guitar, or rehearsals and home practice. Although there are major differences with Gibson pickups, so you might want to upgrade those. Durability is fine. It's dependable and looks quite cool. I had fun using it and it never let me down. It lasted me around 3-4 years before I eventually sold it for an SG which suited my playing style better. It's a great feeling and sounding guitar, I would easily recommend it to anyone looking for an alternative to Gibson or Fender.

Overall Impression — 8
The Epiphone Les Paul Standard is a solid all-rounder guitar, versatile enough to tackle pretty much any style of music. The neck is slimmer than a Gibson Les Paul and the body is lighter too. It is giggable, although the pickups (Alnico Classic Pro) can be quite muddy when trying to achieve a clean tone. For most rock or blues styles, though, this is fine. The finish is great for this price point and you could recommend the instrument for gigging, recording and home practice. Some versions have Grover tuners which is a great plus. Noel Gallagher famously used the 90s model of this guitar at early gigs and demos.

I started playing guitar when I was twelve, so that is about 16 years of playing time. I have played in numerous bands in that time, mostly hard rock/metal.

I went to Guitar Center in Chattanooga, TN about three weeks ago looking for a Schecter, because I have heard that they have great bottom end. I saw the Epiphone Les Paul Standard for $380, and I couldn't pass it up. I plugged both guitars up in the store, and the Les Paul blew the Schecter away. It sounds great distorted or clean, and I have never heard better for the price.

It feels great, not too heavy, not too light. The tone is awesome no matter what you are playing through, and you can hit a pinch harmonic on any fret. The Epiphone pickups that come in the guitar sound great, and the action is perfect. I got the black one, but they have about ten different colors, and they all look awesome.


there isn't really anything that I don't like about this guitar, but I could do without the pickguard.

This guitar is built with great quality. It was made in China, which is usually a turnoff for me, but not this time.

This has to be the best guitar you can buy for the money. I would recommend this guitar for anyone. Why spend $1200 for a gibson when you can get the same quality for $400?

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Im 15 i've been playing for 3 years. In a rock band. : ilike Classic Rock, blues, rock, blue grass, rock n roll, and jazz. i play about 3 or more hours a day.

Guitar center, got a good deal for about $430.00usd

Its a good guitar, its has nice tone and versitility to play many differnt styles of music.stays in tune rather well. its good for the price, but i wouldnt buy one again , id just save that money for a better guitar.

Well it sounds pretty generic, through any amp basically,. Definetly get new pick ups.

Inotation was bad from the day i bought it had to be fixed and the pickups were at the wrong level , and the frets on mine wore really fast.

I'd say if you really want a les paul and you dont have a spare $1000. get this guitar because it kicks ass, but you need new pick ups , the stock ones are lame. especially on rythm . But yeha !

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com