Les Paul Style Guitars
Get ready to dive into the world of Les Paul style guitars! Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, these electric guitars are sure to capture your attention with their iconic design and exceptional sound quality. In this roundup, we'll take a closer look at some of the top Les Paul style guitars available on the market, exploring their unique features and what makes them stand out from the crowd.
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Reviews
Epiphone Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar: Retro Look, Lightweight Feel, and Rich Sound
My Epiphone Les Paul Studio electric guitar (in Wine Red) has been an absolute gem in my daily life since I got it. Its classic Les Paul look and sound are spot on, and I especially love that burgundy color on the maple veneer top. The lightweight mahogany body makes it super comfortable to strum, and those Alnico Classic and Classic Plus humbuckers give it such a rich, full sound.
The push-pull action for coil-splitting has been a game-changer, allowing me to switch up the sounds instantly. The guitar stays in tune like a dream, and I feel like it's very well-built. The only minor drawback I've noticed is some discoloration on a few fret ends.
Overall, I'm beyond happy with my Epiphone Les Paul Studio. It's so versatile, easy to play, and the quality is impressive for its price point. If you're in the market for a studio guitar that won't break the bank, I would highly recommend giving this one a try.
Exotic Quilted Maple Les Paul Style Electric Guitar with Premium Features
I recently had the pleasure of playing this Classic LP Style Electric Guitar, and I must say, it's a beauty! The quilted maple body slab adds a unique touch to the already classic design, and the sunburst tobacco pattern just makes it stand out even more.
One of the first things I noticed about this guitar was the comfortable neck. The C-shaped maple neck is sturdy yet lightweight, making it easy to handle for extended periods. The smooth fretboard also makes playing more enjoyable, as it allows for easy string pressing without any discomfort.
The sound quality of this guitar is impressive, especially considering its price point. The double humbucker pickups deliver a warm and rich tone that can easily switch between a growling bass and a crisp treble, thanks to the 3-way toggle switch. The two volume controls and two tone controls allow for further customization of the sound.
However, there are a couple of downsides to this guitar. Firstly, the guitar does require a bit of tuning right out of the box. While this is common for guitars in this price range, it can be frustrating for beginners who may not be familiar with the process. Secondly, some users reported a slight buzz on a few frets after lowering the action.
Overall, this Classic LP Style Electric Guitar is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, budget-friendly guitar. The unique design, comfortable neck, and impressive sound make it a worthy contender for any musician's collection.
Epiphone Limited-Edition Les Paul Worn Metallic Gold Electric Guitar
I've been using the Epiphone Les Paul Trad Pro IV Limited-Edition Electric Guitar in a metallic gold finish for quite some time now, and I must say, it's been an incredible experience.
Right off the bat, I have to mention the guitar's exceptional sound quality. The Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers create a warm, traditional rock tone that is simply delightful to play. The treble-bleed circuit and push/pull volume controls allow for great sonic sculpting and provide a versatile playing experience. I appreciate the added detail of these features.
One of the things that stood out to me instantly was the guitar's comfortable design. The slim, satin-finished neck felt incredibly natural in my hands, perfect for someone with smaller hands like me. The guitar also felt perfectly balanced in terms of weight, comfortable to play for extended periods.
However, there are a couple of things that I noticed could be improved. The guitar's locking bridge had a tendency to come loose over time, which needed occasional tweaking. This was nothing major, but it was noticeable. Also, the guitar's tuning stability wasn't as robust as I would have liked. It required more frequent tuning adjustments than I preferred.
Despite these minor issues, the Epiphone Les Paul Trad Pro IV Limited-Edition Electric Guitar has been a fantastic addition to my collection. Its eye-catching design, excellent sound quality, and comfortable feel all contribute to its appeal. I recommend this guitar to anyone looking for a stylish, high-quality Les Paul-style electric guitar with a unique twist.
Retro Les Paul Style Electric Guitar with Mahogany Body and Alnico V Pickups
This electric guitar, inspired by the iconic Les Paul, boasts a stunning Mahogany body and neck, with a C+U shape. The curved top features an exquisite Flame Maple veneer, adding both style and strength to this instrument. The 18:1 ratio tuning pegs ensure accurate and speedy tuning, while the Mahogany body and neck provide a high-quality construction.
Equipped with Leo Jaymz LE-100 Pro Alnico V humbucker pickups, the guitar boasts powerful, pure, and superior sound. Its trapezoid pearl shell inlay adorns the rosewood fingerboard, adding a touch of elegance to every chord. The three-way switch allows for seamless transitions between the neck pickup and the bridge pickup, or both simultaneously.
Furthermore, the Leo Jaymz 10-46 strings offer a lasting, distinctive bright tone and excellent intonation. With a fingerboard radius of 16 inches and 22 frets, this guitar is perfect for both beginners and experienced players. The 24.75-inch scale, 1.69-inch nut width, and 2.07-inch 12th fret width complete this impressive instrument's specifications.
Overall, this Les Paul Style Guitar by Leo Jaymz offers exceptional sound, quality, and design, making it a worthwhile investment for any guitar enthusiast.
Epiphone Les Paul Standard Factory-Burst Electric Guitar
When I first laid my hands on the Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard, I knew it was something special. The mahogany body and maple top just looked right, the vintage open-book headstock adding a touch of class. Playing it, the one-piece mahogany neck felt like a dream, the rounded medium C profile fitting my hand perfectly.
The AAA flame maple veneer on the maple top gave it a beautiful character, while the VOS finish added a touch of class. The pickups were the game-changer - the Gibson Custombucker humbuckers delivered a fantastic range of tones, from crisp cleans to warm overdrives. The Switchcraft selector switch and 1/4" output jack added a nice touch of authenticity.
The epiphone Deluxe vintage tuners with Keystone buttons held their precision perfectly, and the mallory capacitors made a noticeable difference in tonal quality. The vintage-style brown and pink hardshell case was a great bonus, adding a protective layer to my new favorite guitar.
Overall, I was hugely impressed by the Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard. It delivered on all the key points I was looking for in a Les Paul inspired guitar, with a few additions. However, I wouldn't recommend this to a beginner - it's not the cheapest option out there, but for a seasoned guitarist, it's a serious contender.
Gibson Les Paul Studio: Smokehouse Burst Guitar
The Gibson Les Paul Studio, sporting a Smokehouse Burst finish, is a masterpiece in every way. With a Mahogany body and a Maple top, it offers a rich and deep sound that's captivating.
The weight-relieved design ensures exceptional resonance and a wider frequency response. This guitar boasts a modern approach, combining a set Mahogany neck with a Rosewood fingerboard. The slim taper neck profile makes playing a breeze, while the humbuckers deliver a powerful, versatile sound.
The iconic Les Paul circuitry provides ample control and a range of options. It may not be perfect, but its comfort, durability, and sound make it a worthwhile investment. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this Les Paul Studio is an excellent choice.
Gibson Les Paul Classic - Honeyburst Guitar
The Gibson Les Paul Classic Honeyburst is a delightful blend of classic design and modern functionality.
When I first held this beauty, I was immediately struck by its stunning honeyburst finish. The gloss nitro finish further added to its allure. The combination of a mahogany back and maple top, along with the slim taper mahogany neck and bound rosewood fingerboard ensured that it felt as great as it looked.
The sound quality was nothing short of impressive. The burstbucker 61R & 61T zebra, open-coil pickups provided a rich, full sound that was reminiscent of those iconic old Gibsons. The control assembly, with its 4 push-pull pots, offered a variety of sonic possibilities depending on what you're looking for in a playback.
Despite its robust construction, the Les Paul Classic was surprisingly light for a solid body guitar, weighing in at 10 lbs. This made it a pleasure to play for long periods. And the playability? Top-notch. The action was smooth and there was no fret buzz, making it a real joy to strum on.
One thing that did catch me by surprise was the weight relief design. While it made the guitar slightly lighter, it also left visible 9-hole indentations. This might not be to everyone's taste.
Overall, the Gibson Les Paul Classic Honeyburst is a fantastic addition to any player's repertoire. It's a testament to the craftsmanship of Gibson and the magic of a classic electric guitar. I highly recommend it to any guitarist looking for a touch of that vintage Gibson magic in their music.
Epiphone Les Paul 100 - Heritage Cherry Sunburst Electric Guitar
The Epiphone Les Paul 100 is an impressive electric guitar that delivers a fantastic sound for its price range. Known for its iconic design and classic tone, this guitar combines a mahogany body with a bolt-on maple neck and a rosewood fretboard for a comfortable playing experience.
The Epiphone Les Paul 100 features 700T/650R open-coil humbucker pickups and chrome hardware, making it a versatile choice for budding musicians. Although some users mention minor durability concerns, the overall response is positive, with most customers praising the sound quality, comfort, and affordability of this Les Paul style guitar.
Epiphone Les Paul Classic Electric Guitar in Heritage Cherry Sunburst Finish
Imagine coming home after a long day and picking up your Epiphone Les Paul Classic Electric Guitar. The warm glow of the Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish catches your eye, and you can feel the solid maple body in your hands. Strumming a few chords, you're greeted by the rich, creamy tone that the Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers provide. The coil-splitting and phase switching add a level of versatility, allowing you to switch from a thick, bluesy sound to a crisp, twangy one at the flick of a switch.
Using this guitar has been an absolute pleasure. It sits comfortably in your hands, and the slimtaper neck, made of mahogany, makes it a dream to play. The 22 medium jumbo frets allow for precise note placement, whether you're playing clean, jazz-infused melodies or heavy, distorted metal riffs.
The Grover Rotomatic machine heads keep the guitar in tune, even during intense performances. The tuners are smooth and easy to use, making quick adjustments on the fly a breeze. The top material, plain maple, combines with the mahogany body to create a warm sound that resonates through your entire being. The guitar is built to last, with a durability that holds up well to daily use.
Now, let's talk about the weight - at 9.5 pounds, it's not the lightest guitar on the market, but it isn't cumbersome by any means. It's a tradeoff that's worth it for the richness in sound and the overall build quality.
Some might argue that the coil-splitting and phase switching don't offer as much of a variety as other guitars, but to me, these features are what set this Epiphone apart. It might not be the perfect guitar for everyone, but for those seeking a versatile, high-quality electric guitar that won't break the bank, the Epiphone Les Paul Classic is a dream come true.
Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s Unburst - Unmatched Les Paul Experience
Experience a piece of musical history with the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s. This stunning electric guitar boasts detailed specifications that encapsulate the look, feel, and authentic sound of classic '60s Les Pauls. Known for its use by countless legendary guitarists across various genres, the Les Paul Standard '60s provides a truly exceptional playing experience like no other guitar on the market.
Its 61 Burstbucker pickups deliver pure tones, while its slim, fast neck ensures effortless playability. The 60s Les Paul Standard is a testament to Gibson's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, promising an unparalleled musical experience for players of all skill levels.
Epiphone Les Paul Special-I Electric Guitar - Worn Black Edition
The Epiphone Les Paul Special-I, available in a limited edition worn black finish, offers an authentic Les Paul tone and feel. With a basswood body, a bolt-on mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard, this guitar is perfect for both beginners and experienced players alike. Featuring Epiphone's 700T and 650R humbucker pickups, the Special-I provides massive, unmistakable Les Paul tone.
It also comes equipped with 500K potentiometers for master volume and master tone controls, as well as an exclusive non-rotating heavy-duty output jack. The guitar features nickel hardware, including an intonated one-piece wraparound bridge-stopbar. Overall, this guitar is a great-sounding, workhorse instrument that is perfect for those on a budget or looking for a high-quality Les Paul-style guitar.
Buyer's Guide
Welcome to our buyer's guide for Les Paul style guitars. This guide is designed to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a guitar in this iconic style. We'll cover the general features, considerations, and advice that apply to all Les Paul style guitars, without recommending specific products.
Types of Les Paul Style Guitars
There are several types of Les Paul style guitars to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most common include solidbody, semi-acoustic, and chambered Les Pauls. Solidbody Les Pauls are known for their powerful sound and sustain, while semi-acoustic models offer a warmer, more resonant tone. Chambered Les Pauls provide a balance between the two with their lighter weight and slightly reduced sustain.
Construction and Materials
A key aspect of Les Paul style guitars is their construction and materials. Traditionally, they feature a solid mahogany body with a carved maple top. This combination is known for producing a rich, full-bodied tone with enhanced sustain. However, some modern variants may use different woods or construction methods to achieve different tones and playability. Be sure to consider these factors when making your selection.
Hardware and Electronics
Hardware and electronics play a significant role in the performance and feel of a Les Paul style guitar. Look for guitars with high-quality tuning machines, stable bridges, and well-designed pickups. Many Les Paul style guitars come with two humbucker pickups, providing a powerful and versatile sound. However, some players may prefer single-coil pickups for a different tone and increased clarity. Consider your preferred pickup configuration when making your purchase.
Playability and Comfort
Although Les Paul style guitars have a reputation for being heavy, many modern variants feature lighter materials and design elements to improve playability and comfort. Consider the weight and balance of the guitar, as well as its neck profile and fretwork. A well-configured neck will ensure smooth and precise playing, while comfortable fretwork will reduce hand fatigue during extended playing sessions.
FAQ
What makes a guitar a Les Paul Style Guitar?
A Les Paul Style Guitar refers to an electric solid-body guitar that features a single-cutaway body shape, a solid Mahogany or Maple top, a dual-humbucker pickup configuration, and a thick mahogany neck. This style was popularized by Les Paul, the American musician and inventor, and is now recognized as a classic design among guitar enthusiasts.
These guitars are often characterized by their vintage aesthetics, including a sunburst finish or a natural wood top, and are prized for their powerful sound and versatile tone. Some even replicate the "burst" finish made popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Les Paul Style Guitars are renowned for their ability to accommodate various playing styles and genres, making them a perennial favorite among guitarists.
Which brands manufacture Les Paul Style Guitars?
Numerous well-known guitar brands produce guitars in the Les Paul Style. Some of the prominent manufacturers include Gibson, Epiphone, PRS, Fender, Ibanez, and many others. These guitars are inspired by the original design by Gibson but come in a variety of price points, finishes, and features to cater to players with different needs and preferences.
Each brand has its unique approach to replicating the Les Paul Style guitar features. Some of these brands have even gained a reputation for taking the concept further and offering an array of options and customization features that allow musicians to personalize their guitars even more. Some manufacturers may utilize slightly different woods, body shapes, or pickup configurations to create variations on the theme while maintaining the distinct heritage of the Les Paul Style guitar.
How much do Les Paul Style Guitars typically cost?
The cost of a Les Paul Style guitar can vary significantly, depending on factors such as the brand, the quality of materials used, and the features included. You can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars for budget models to several thousand dollars for high-end, custom-built guitars featuring premium components. As a rule of thumb, handcrafted or limited-edition guitars typically have a higher price tag than mass-produced models.
The cost of the guitar also depends on the rarity or demand for specific models or unique vintage finishes. For instances, guitars with aged or "burst" finish are often sought after and are priced higher because of their limited availability and historic significance. On the other hand, basic Les Paul Style guitars with a standard finish can be obtained for a relatively lower cost.
What are some common issues that Les Paul Style Guitars users might encounter?
Les Paul Style Guitars, like any other musical instrument, may come with their share of issues. One common problem is the dreaded "feedback. " This occurs when the guitar's pickups and the amplifier's speaker create unwanted and loud squealing sounds during performance. This can happen more frequently on a Les Paul Style guitar due to its thicker body and pickups, making it prone to causing more sound disturbance.
Another issue that some guitarists with Les Paul Style Guitars might face is a slight challenge in playing certain scales or bends due to the guitar's hefty construction and the deep cutaway on the upper body. This can be addressed through modifications or adjustments to the guitar's bridge and strings, making it easier to achieve precise intonation and optimal playability.
What should I look out for when buying a new Les Paul Style Guitar?
When purchasing a new Les Paul Style Guitar, there are several aspects to consider to ensure you get a guitar with quality craftsmanship and a pleasing sound performance. First, always examine the guitar closely for any manufacturing defects, such as fret ends that are uneven or excessive fret buzz. Pay special attention to the neck's fit and alignment as well as the routing of the control cavities.
Additionally, try out the pickups and test the guitar's tonal versatility by playing various styles of music. A good Les Paul Style guitar should have a balanced tone with a strong bottom end and plenty of definition in the middle and treble range. It should also be comfortable to play and offer a wide range of adjustment possibilities to achieve the desired sound. Finally, the guitar should be set up to proper playing action and intonation to optimize its performance and ease of use during performances.
What are some alternatives to a Les Paul Style Guitar?
If you're looking for an alternative to the Les Paul Style Guitar, there are several options available that still offer similar tonal and aesthetic characteristics. Some of these alternatives include the Fender Stratocaster, the ESP Eclipse II, or the Ibanez RG Series guitars. While these guitars have distinct design elements, they share some similarities to the Les Paul Style guitar and, depending on the specific model, might offer a similar sound and versatility.
The choice of guitar ultimately depends on your personal preferences, such as the type of music you play, your preferred playing technique, and the specific features and aesthetics you desire. Experimenting with different guitars can help you find the perfect fit for your needs and playing style. Remember, the best guitar for you is one that not only sounds good but also feels comfortable and fun to play.
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