Although once fierce competitors, in 1957, Gibson purchased a struggling Epiphone for a rather shocking $20,000—which is just $222,280 in today’s money. As part of Gibson, Epiphone has not only been free to reinvigorate its own classic guitars, but it has also manufactured a slew of vintage-styled and modernized Les Paul models. This buying guide will help you zero in on the right Epiphone Les Paul for your style, budget and player preferences.

But, before we dig in, did you know the Les Paul guitar almost landed at Epiphone? In 1939, Les Paul—the guitarist and inventor—was given the keys to the Epiphone factory to tinker with ideas for an electric solidbody. Working alone during the night, he embedded pickups and hardware on a solid center block of wood, cut an Epiphone archtop in half to create “wings” and attached a Gibson neck—resulting in the legendary “The Log.” When Paul presented the idea to Gibson, they thought it was too strange and passed. Epiphone, for various reasons, couldn’t make it, either. Then, in the early 1950s, Gibson came back to Paul, seeking his endorsement and promotion of its new solidbody, the soon-to-be Les Paul Model.

Happily, Epiphone is definitely in the Les Paul business today. The company currently offers Les Paul models from $199 up to $1,499, as well as the Epiphone Les Paul Collections, Inspired by Gibson Custom, Inspired by Gibson, Made in USA, Artist and Original lines. If you'd rather explore some beauitulf Gibson-crafted Les Paul Models, check out How to Choose the Best Gibson Les Paul. Additionally, if you want to learn more about the origins of this storied guitar, check out our article on the history and evolution of the Gibson Les Paul. Let’s jump in …

Table of Contents

Quick Epiphone Les Paul Comparison Chart
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Original Collection
   Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s
   Epiphone Les Paul Standard '60s
   Epiphone Les Paul Junior
   Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection
   Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Outfit
   Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard
   Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Modern Collection
   Epiphone Les Paul Studio
   Epiphone Les Paul Classic
   Epiphone Les Paul Modern
   Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy
   Epiphone Les Paul Studio E1
   Epiphone Les Paul Special Satin E1
Epiphone Les Paul Artist Models
Guitar Center Epiphone Les Paul Exclusives
   Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro IV
Epiphone Les Paul Player Packs
Epiphone Celebrates the Les Paul Formula

Quick Epiphone Les Paul Comparison Chart

Here’s a comparison chart of basic features, so if you know you want a weight-relieved Les Paul with a slim neck, you can find your desired models fast and easy. By the way, we didn’t forget to include neck wood in the chart. All Epiphone Les Paul models have mahogany necks. Neck shape—or profile—is a whole other story.

You can find Epiphone (and Gibson) online user forums that attempt to decode the designations with measurements and diagrams of specific shapes, but the data can sometimes be “accuracy fluid” and a tad confusing—especially if you simply want to know what profile might feel good in your hand. Below is an attempt to point out the benefits of the neck shapes listed in our Epiphone Les Paul comparison chart:

• Vintage ’50s: A fairly chunky, rounded shape. Often fondly called a “baseball bat” neck.

• Rounded: A vintage-style Les Paul profile for those who want to grab something that feels substantial.

• Rounded C and Rounded Medium C: These are still round, vintage-style shapes, but slightly less stocky. Both profiles should feel comfortable to play.

• SlimTaper and SlimTaper C: A lean and slender profile designed for overall comfort and fast playing. The SlimTaper C version has a touch more of a rounded, vintage shape.

• SlimTaper Asymmetric: Starts rounded and comfy for chords, and then gets flatter as you go up the neck for unencumbered soloing.

 

Model	Body Wood	Fretboard	Pickups	Neck Shape	Weight  Relief	Enhanced Electronics	Price*
Special Satin E1	Poplar	Rosewood	Two Epiphone Humbuckers	SlimTaper	No	No	$199
Studio E1	Mahogany	Rosewood	Two Epiphone Humbuckers	SlimTaper	No	No	$269
1959 Standard Outfit	Mahogany with flame maple top	Indian laurel	Two Gibson Burstbuckers	Rounded C	No	No	$999
Standard ’50s	Mahogany with AAA flame maple top	Indian laurel	Two Epiphone ProBuckers	Rounded C	No	No	$699
Standard ’60s	Mahogany with AA flame maple top	Indian laurel	Two Epiphone ProBuckers	SlimTaper	No	No	$699
Junior	Mahogany	Indian laurel	One P-90	Vintage ’50s	No	No	$479
Custom	Mahogany	Ebony	Two Epiphone ProBuckers	SlimTaper	No	No	$799
Studio	Mahogany with maple top	Indian laurel	Two Epiphone Alnico Classic PRO Humbuckers	SlimTaper	Yes	Coil tap	$549
Classic	Mahogany with maple top	Indian laurel	Two Epiphone Alnico Classic PRO Humbuckers	SlimTaper	Yes	Coil tap, phase	$599
Modern	Mahogany with maple top	Ebony	Two Epiphone ProBuckers	SlimTaper Asymmetric	Yes	Coil tap, phase, treble bleed	$699
Modern Figured	Mahogany with flamed maple top	Ebony	Two Epiphone ProBuckers	SlimTaper Asymmetric	Yes	Coil tap, phase, treble bleed	$699 - 799
Prophecy	Mahogany with AAA flame maple top	Ebony	Two Fishman Fluence Humbuckers	SlimTaper Asymmetric	Yes	Each Fluence pickup offers three sounds	$899
Trad Pro IV Limited Edition	Mahogany with maple top	Indian laurel	Two Epiphone Alnico Classic Humbuckers	SlimTaper C	No	Coil tap, treble bleed	$549
Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 Standard	Mahogany with AAA flame maple top	Laurel	Two Gibson Custombuckers	Rounded C	No	No	$1,299
Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom	Mahogany with maple top	Ebony	Two Gibson USA Humbuckers	Rounded Medium C	No	No	$1,299

Pricing as of April 2024*

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Original Collection

Epiphone's Original Collection of Les Paul models adhere closely to Gibson classics from the ’50s and ’60s. 

Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s

The Les Paul Standard ’50s is loaded with ProBucker 1 and 2 pickups—Epiphone's take on the classic “Patent Applied For” (aka PAF). The pickups are made with 18-percent nickel silver bases and covers, just like the originals. The bobbin size and shape are the same, too, and they’re wax potted to prevent feedback. Plug this ’50s LP Standard into a vintage tweed and you're in ZZ Top territory. Only a beard could make it better.

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s Heritage Cherry Sunburst

Dig Deeper

• Get the Goldtop if you want to party like it’s 1954

• Adore that PAF humbucker sound but don’t want to acquire vintage originals? In listening tests, Epiphone ProBuckers have fooled some vintage experts and experienced players alike

Epiphone Les Paul Standard '60s

If you’re a fan of thinner necks, check out the Les Paul Standard ’60s. The SlimTaper profile has a faster feel than the ’50s model. The bridge position ProBucker 3 is overwound for more biting leads. The Les Paul Standard '60s is also offered in a quilt top variation for those that are seeking a top with a bit more pop.

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Standard '60s Iced Tea

Dig Deeper

• You want a Les Paul with a faster neck and shred potential

• You’re also looking for a more high-octave solo tone

Epiphone Les Paul Junior

Like its Gibson counterpart, the Les Paul Junior is mahogany with a single P-90. However, this simplicity is part of its power. In fact, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong has sworn by his Junior to help him craft the band’s pop-punk sound for two decades. “The single cut ’50s Les Paul Jr has been the root of my guitar tone for more than 20 years,” Armstrong told Guitar World. “Ever since I bought ‘Floyd’—my 1956 sunburst Junior in the early 2000s—I have been addicted. It’s a simple, raw and powerful guitar that has a sound that just can’t be beat. Plug it straight into any tube amp, crank it and it will roar!”

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Junior Vintage Tobacco

Dig Deeper

• You’re into a “punkier” Paul

• You don’t need flash

• You want a lighter Les Paul for your ’70s-rocker stage antics

Epiphone Les Paul Custom

The Les Paul Custom gets all dressed up in white tie or black tie, and is accessorized with gold hardware. Multi-ply binding highlights the sleek shape, adding an extra touch of class. However, the SlimTaper neck is far from society “stuffy,” as it encourages speedy solos and riffs. Pickups are Epiphone ProBuckers.

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Custom Ebony

Dig Deeper

• You desire a Les Paul that glitters with elegant chic

• You want a fast neck

• You don’t mind sullying your fancy attire with punchy and aggressive humbucker tones

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection

Epiphone's Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection instruments are developed in partnership with the Gibson Custom Shop and offer premium recreations of some of the most iconic designs in Gibson history.

Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Outfit

The 1959 Les Paul Standard Outfit marks the first-ever collaboration with Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop. The pickups are Gibson USA Burstbuckers. Other features include a long-tenon neck joint, carved maple top, aged finish and ’50s-style wiring.

Pictured: Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Outfit Aged Cherry Burst

Dig Deeper

• An incredible ’59 Standard for under $1,000

• No need to switch out pickups—the 1959 Standard comes with bona fide Gibson USA Burstbuckers

Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard

The Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard is an exceptional recreation of the legendary original. Featuring the classic mahogany/maple combo, the ’59 Les Paul Standard is topped with a AAA flame maple veneer that looks stunning under its Vintage Original Sheen finish. The one-piece mahogany ’59 rounded, medium C-shaped neck is topped with a laurel fretboard with medium-jumbo frets. A pair of Gibson Custombucker humbuckers deliver classic PAF sound with ’50s-era wiring to CTS pots with Mallory caps and a Switchcraft toggle switch.

Pictured: Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Iced Tea Burst

Dig Deeper

• A meticulous revival with DNA from the Gibson Custom Shop

Epiphone Les Paul Custom

This Epiphone Les Paul Custom pays tribute to the elegant original that first appeared in 1957, and it features all of the “tuxedo” appointments you’d expect: gold hardware, ebony fretboard, mother-of-pearl block inlays and gorgeous binding throughout. The classic mahogany/maple combination delivers exceptional sustain, and the Gibson 490R (Neck) and 498T (Bridge) humbuckers recall classic PAF tone with a bit more bite—particularly in the upper midrange. CTS potentiometers, Mallory capacitors and a Switchcraft output jack complete the signal path. The Les Paul Custom is topped off with the iconic Gibson-style “open book” headstock with a mother-of-pearl split diamond inlay.

Pictured: Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom Alpine White

Dig Deeper

• A meticulous revival with DNA from the Gibson Custom Shop

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Modern Collection

Epiphone's Les Paul Modern Collection builds on legacy Les Paul models, but adds contemporary updates for more versatility.

Epiphone Les Paul Studio

The Les Paul Studio has a no-frills look, but it’s the details you can’t see that make all the difference. Ultra-Modern weight relief hides under the maple cap, saving pounds without losing sustain. Epiphone's Alnico Classic PROs have a matched number of windings for a more focused sound with clear highs, tight bass and midrange bite.

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Studio Smokehouse Burst

Dig Deeper

• You want an unfussy Les Paul that still looks badass

• You need a fast neck

• You’re looking for powerful humbuckers with a coil-tap feature for single-coil tones

Epiphone Les Paul Classic

Craving a ’50s- or ’60s-style Les Paul that evokes Kirk Hammett’s legendary “Greeny?” The Les Paul Classic includes open-coil, “zebra” Alnico PRO humbuckers, ’60s SlimTaper neck and coil tap and phase options.

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Classic Honey Burst

Dig Deeper

• You’re a ’60s and ’70s classic rock aficionado on a budget

• You want a guitar with tonal flexibility

Epiphone Les Paul Modern

The Les Paul Modern is one of the most advanced Les Paul models available. You have the option to coil tap or phase the ProBucker pickups, and a treble bleed circuit keeps the high-end shimmering when you turn down the volume knob. The asymmetrical SlimTaper neck enhances playability and eases hand fatigue, and the Ultra-Modern weight relief can transform the shoulder pain of an all-night gig into a spa day. If you want a fancier and more upscale AAA figured maple top, go for the Les Paul Modern Figured.

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Modern Faded Pelham Blue

Dig Deeper

• You dig all the mod cons

• You want a guitar with tonal flexibility

• Comfort is key

Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy

The Les Paul Prophecy brings the classic instrument into the 21st century with a host of cutting-edge updates. First, its Fishman Fluence pickups are not only hum-free, they also offer three different sounds per pickup: a vintage PAF humbucker, a hot modern humbucker and a single-coil. Then, the asymmetrical SlimTaper neck is built for speed, and a contoured heel gives you full access to the upper frets. Even the hardware is optimized for extreme performance, with Grover Locking Rotomatic tuning machines, an Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and LockTone stopbar.

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy Olive Tiger Aged Gloss

Dig Deeper

• Fishman Fluence humbuckers are some of the most advanced pickups available

• A gorgeous beast that’s built for shredding

Epiphone Les Paul Special Satin E1

The ultra-affordable Special Satin E1 rocks a Vintage Worn finish, solid poplar body, bolt-on mahogany neck, ’60s SlimTaper neck shape, rosewood fretboard, 22 medium-jumbo frets and Epiphone open-coil humbuckers.

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Special Satin E1 Heritage Cherry Sunburst

Dig Deeper

• You’re seeking a super budget or beginner Les Paul that totally rocks

• You want a creamy neck pickup and an edgier bridge pickup

• You need a fast, easy-to-play neck

Epiphone Les Paul Studio E1

The Les Paul Studio E1 offers the heritage of the original model at a budget price without compromising playability or power. You get the traditional, carved mahogany body, along with a bolt-on mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard, ’60s SlimTaper neck shape and two Epiphone high-output zebra-coil ceramic humbuckers.

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Studio E1 Ebony

Dig Deeper

• You’re seeking a budget or beginner Les Paul that kicks butt

• You want high-output pickups

• You need a fast, easy-to-play neck

Epiphone Les Paul Artist Models

Epiphone offers a bevy of Artist models that reflect the style, features and tone desired by specific professional guitarists. Featured guitar heroes in the collection include Slash, Jerry Cantrell, Adam Jones, Kirk Hammett and Matt Heafy.

Pictured: Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1959 "Greeny" Les Paul Standard

Dig Deeper

• You wish to emulate the look and tone of your favorite player

• You want a Les Paul that speaks to a certain era or musical style

Guitar Center Epiphone Les Paul Exclusives

Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro IV

The Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro IV comes in eye-catching worn finishes for the look and feel of a well-loved guitar. Dual Alnico Custom PRO pickups have push/pull controls to lock in single-coil sounds, and a treble-bleed circuit keeps the high end intact, even while you dial down the gain. The Trad Pro IV also features a mahogany body with a maple top, mahogany neck in a SlimTaper C profile, Indian laurel fretboard and 22 medium-jumbo frets.

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Tradition Pro IV Worn Wine Red

Dig Deeper

• You want a Les Paul with a unique look

• You want a guitar with tonal flexibility

Epiphone Les Paul Player Packs

Epiphone Player packs include everything you need to get started—an amplifier, guitar cable, gig bag and more. You can go for a Les Paul Special-I, a Les Paul Special-II or even get artist options, such as the Slash Appetite Les Paul Special-II Performance Pack (designed by the legend himself) and Billie Joe Armstrong Les Paul Junior.

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Special-I Worn Pelham Blue Player Pack

Dig Deeper

• You want a complete Les Paul bundle with everything you need to start rocking out

Epiphone Celebrates the Les Paul Formula

The Epiphone Les Paul collection provides an opportunity to acquire true Les Paul vibe, tone and playability at more budget-friendly prices. The Gibson-Epiphone partnership means that, whether you want a vintage, modern or signature Les Paul, you’re getting that guitar from the source, and with all of the tradition, accuracy, knowledge, attention to detail and innovation you’d expect.