Even musicians who play "Guitar Hero" know that the Gibson Les Paul is a symbol of rock and roll power. However, guitarists from a mixture of music genres (blues, rock, jazz, and country) have loved the Les Paul for its power and versatility.
The problem for many of us, though, is that Gibson Les Pauls are a bit on the high-priced side.
A new Les Paul Standard will cost over $2,000, an expensive musical investment to be sure. So what can we do?
Consider the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus!
Even though it says "Epiphone" on the headstock, the instrument sounds, feels, plays, and looks like a "real" Gibson Les Paul, just several hundred dollars cheaper. This made-in-Korea Les Paul model even bears Les Paul's signature on the headstock. But how does it liken to an American-made Gibson Les Paul?
Our review instrument had what Epiphone calls a Transparent Blue top, which is candidly one of the most attractive tops I've ever seen on a guitar, indifferent of price. Sure, it's laminated, but it's still very attractive. In addition to the stunning top, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top also has chrome hardware and lovely creme-colored binding.
In the looks department, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top is one extremely gorgeous instrument.
Having owned a Gibson Les Paul Standard for a couple of years, I was concerned to see how the Epiphone Les Paul would stack up, and I have to say that I was extremely impressed. The slim-tapered neck is reminiscent of the 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard neck and in many ways was much quicker than my Gibson Les Paul Standard with a 50's style neck.
The fretwork overall is extremely well done, though perhaps not as nice as my Gibson. The rosewood fretboard had a real nice feel to it, and the frets were smooth and well-polished overall.
When I get a new guitar, I usually swap out the stock pickups for custom Dimarzio or Seymour Duncans, just so I can get the exact tone I want. Honestly, I'd probably do the same with this Epiphone; still, that does not mean that these pickups are not "keepers." The Epiphone includes alnico classic pickups that certainly project a classic Les Paul sound. The bridge pickup has just the exact amount of "bite" and the neck pickup is smooth, perfect for lead or rhythm sounds.
I think a Duncan JB and Jazz would sound great in this guitar, but the replacements would be more of a taste than a necessity.
These pickups sound superb and might be what you're looking for without the need for replacements. They did tend to squeal somewhat at high volumes, but not annoyingly so.
The compromises in a model such as this guitar aren't readily evident. Epiphone saves money by having a veneer flame top glued to non-flamed maple. Likewise, where Gibson Les Paul Standard bodies are made from a single mahogany slab, the Epiphone mahogany body is laminated, as is the neck.
The plus side to the cutting costs with this instrument, though, is that the Epiphone Les Paul will really weigh much less than a similarly appointed Gibson, which anyone who gigs with a Les Paul can treasure. Overall, we think this instrument is a solid guitar for the cost and one that could bring you much playing pleasure for years to come.
The problem for many of us, though, is that Gibson Les Pauls are a bit on the high-priced side.
A new Les Paul Standard will cost over $2,000, an expensive musical investment to be sure. So what can we do?
Consider the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus!
Even though it says "Epiphone" on the headstock, the instrument sounds, feels, plays, and looks like a "real" Gibson Les Paul, just several hundred dollars cheaper. This made-in-Korea Les Paul model even bears Les Paul's signature on the headstock. But how does it liken to an American-made Gibson Les Paul?
Our review instrument had what Epiphone calls a Transparent Blue top, which is candidly one of the most attractive tops I've ever seen on a guitar, indifferent of price. Sure, it's laminated, but it's still very attractive. In addition to the stunning top, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top also has chrome hardware and lovely creme-colored binding.
In the looks department, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top is one extremely gorgeous instrument.
Having owned a Gibson Les Paul Standard for a couple of years, I was concerned to see how the Epiphone Les Paul would stack up, and I have to say that I was extremely impressed. The slim-tapered neck is reminiscent of the 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard neck and in many ways was much quicker than my Gibson Les Paul Standard with a 50's style neck.
The fretwork overall is extremely well done, though perhaps not as nice as my Gibson. The rosewood fretboard had a real nice feel to it, and the frets were smooth and well-polished overall.
When I get a new guitar, I usually swap out the stock pickups for custom Dimarzio or Seymour Duncans, just so I can get the exact tone I want. Honestly, I'd probably do the same with this Epiphone; still, that does not mean that these pickups are not "keepers." The Epiphone includes alnico classic pickups that certainly project a classic Les Paul sound. The bridge pickup has just the exact amount of "bite" and the neck pickup is smooth, perfect for lead or rhythm sounds.
I think a Duncan JB and Jazz would sound great in this guitar, but the replacements would be more of a taste than a necessity.
These pickups sound superb and might be what you're looking for without the need for replacements. They did tend to squeal somewhat at high volumes, but not annoyingly so.
The compromises in a model such as this guitar aren't readily evident. Epiphone saves money by having a veneer flame top glued to non-flamed maple. Likewise, where Gibson Les Paul Standard bodies are made from a single mahogany slab, the Epiphone mahogany body is laminated, as is the neck.
The plus side to the cutting costs with this instrument, though, is that the Epiphone Les Paul will really weigh much less than a similarly appointed Gibson, which anyone who gigs with a Les Paul can treasure. Overall, we think this instrument is a solid guitar for the cost and one that could bring you much playing pleasure for years to come.
About the Author:
If you are searching for a great price on an Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top, then search no more! Ray's Guitar Shop has the best prices on all new and used acoustic and electric guitars available online. Go visit Ray's Guitar Shop today!
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