Anyone who is serious in their music career will really love to have a Gibson Les Paul. However, because of its greatness, it also comes at a very expensive price.
Fortunately, Epiphone, a Gibson subsidiary, offers a Les Paul Special II.
Ephiphone Les Paul Special II is a great alternative for the original Gibson Les Paul.
With you paying only around one-tenth of the price of the original Les Paul, you can share with its quality and playability.
Not only that, but you’ll also experience the greatness of the Gibson Les Paul in the modern electronics installed in this guitar.
Also Read: The Best Gibson Les Paul Style Copy Guitars
So, how does Epiphone managed to bring out the classic vibe and tone from its modern chassis? These and more are discussed in the following.
Contents
Body and Neck
Les Paul Special II is made of a mahogany body and bolt-on mahogany neck. You got a rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and simple inlays.
This impressive build comes with various finish options – ebony, vintage sunburst, and heritage cherry sunburst.
The guitar feels so good, unlike some more expensive Les Paul versions.
The flat body makes it easier for players to see over the neck and play the guitar with ease. Hence, it’s very recommended for children and to those who are just starting to play guitar.
The overall build is quite light. Hence, this is extremely easy to play when seated or standing.
Modern Electronics (Features Explained)
This is where all those great sounds coming from. It features two open-coil humbucking pickups for the neck and the bridge.
These pickups are the ones responsible for the greater singing sustain in real Fenders.
These two are wired to the three-way pickup selector switch, a master volume control, and a master tone control.
The switch is located between the two master controls – a completely different configuration from the original Les Paul.
The LockTone Tune-o-Matic bridge with a stop bar tailpiece gives more sustain and allows easy changing of strings. The die-cast tuners make the intonation and tuning more stable.
Therefore, a lesser chance of setting it all up every time you use it.
The strings, the setting, the pickups and the Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop piece are among the few features in this guitar that are found in expensive Epiphones and are also found in some expensive guitars.
Amazing Tonewood Combination
I love the tonewood combination the guitar has. Like mentioned, it’s got a beautiful body that isn’t only attractive but durable.
You are investing in a guitar that will last for years of multiple plays without fail as long as you maintain it properly.
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One doesn’t only need to stick with one color of the Epiphone, but it comes with several versions and finishes to suit your style.
Whether it’s a pure solid color or a sleek finish you want, you’ll find the right design that looks and feels right.
Furthermore, the guitar comes with a two-year warranty from the company, proof that you are getting a quality built guitar that can be repaired or replaced in case of accidents.
Solid Strat-style Bridge
To top all these features off, you have a great bridge with diecast tuners. This means that you can perfectly tune the ax. The guitar also offers extra-tight sonics for better and extra sustain while you play.
When played, the Epiphone Les Paul Special-II is enjoyable to run through your fingers with ease.
You are also able to play faster numbers quickly. But do take note there is a slight hum when selecting the single-coil neck pickup (when isolated).
There is also a slightly buzzy nature which is evident, though I still appreciate the sound as the solid body would bring down the bass response.
Robust and Durable Hardware
There are two 700T humbuckers on the Epiphone which are wired to controls that include the volume knob and the pickup selector switch.
Unlike the usual Les Paul, the switch is between the knobs and the signature arched top is missing, which may lead to people thinking that it’s a lookalike and not a copy.
But in its price range, this isn’t a major issue.
Fortunately, it’s effortless to tune the guitar and can be considered as an upgrade, which is why the guitar is suitable for both beginners and experienced players.
It has the fantastic hardware anyone would appreciate, to pair with the impressive and welcoming sounds, may it be aggressive or calm.
However, they are better off for rock and metal genres rather than blues.
How’s The Sound?
The pickups play a greater role in producing great sounds. Even though this is an entry-level guitar, the pups are great, probably, one of the best for beginner guitars.
The pickups are great in producing balance output.
You got a decent sound from different music styles played on this guitar. It can play rock and even metal, provided that the electronics are well set up.
Though, you may not find it great to play jazz or blues with this fella, as it’s geared towards distortion and high gain settings.
Great Quality at a Cheap Price
Probably one of the most popular entry-level guitars. It’s simple, but, it’s not cheap-looking. It’s a decent guitar that lets you play like a real metal or rock master.
The price may be the biggest selling point of guitar, but, you will never regret buying this guitar. It’s an investment wherein you don’t need to think of the risk. It’s very cheap, but, it has so much to offer.
PROS
- The guitar comes with a ton of colors to choose from
- It has high quality and clean sound for acoustic notes
- Offers a wide range of tones for amateur or experienced players
- Made of durable construction with an excellent pinewood body
- The c-shaped neck is short and easy to manage for beginners
CONS
- It comes at a slightly higher price than other electric guitars of the similar features
- You will hear a noticeable difference and limitation when playing the blues or softer music
- Maybe disregarded as a lookalike because of its lack of an arched top
Drawbacks
You have seen all the good things about the guitar, and nothing is a deal-breaker. But, take a closer look. The strings are just very light.
The problem with light strings is that they’re so responsive. You may bend notes accidentally.
Perhaps, changing them to heavier strings makes it more ideal to play jazz and blues, at the same time get clean distortion.
However, light strings are great for distortion effects, but, might need to practice. Intermediate players might find it easy to play, but for beginners, these strings will surely get everything messy.
This is just a personal piece of advice. You may opt to take mine or get some help from experts.
The Verdict
The Epiphone Les Paul Special-II is an excellently designed guitar made for just about any player. With an ultra-versatile pickup configuration and incredible construction, you have assured something that will last with quality sounds for the long run.
With that being said, is the Epiphone Les Paul Special II genuinely worth the investment for you?
If you are one who plans to focus on playing acoustic notes and is enjoyable to play with, then this is a good investment.
With excellent and smooth playability with sweet, rich tones, it’s perfect for both the amateur or experienced player. It’s an oldie but with contemporary features that make your music even better.