Epiphone

Description

Defined by its elegant Antique Ivory finish and contrasting black back, the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Blackback Guitar Center-exclusive electric guitar blends vintage luxury with modern precision for players who demand standout style and dependable tone. Its solid mahogany body with multi-ply custom binding exudes refinement, while a 1960s SlimTaper mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard deliver effortless speed and smooth feel across 22 frets. Gold-plated hardware, including LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece, enhances sustain and tuning stability, paired with Grover tuners for precise adjustments. At its core, ProBucker 2 and 3 pickups with open-window design capture the warmth and clarity of vintage PAF humbuckers. Built for expressive tone, visual impact, and stage-ready reliability, the Les Paul Custom Blackback stands as a striking fusion of classic craftsmanship and exclusive artistry.

ProBucker Pickups with Open-Window Design Recreate Vintage PAF Sound

ProBucker 2 and ProBucker 3 pickups use Alnico II magnets to capture the warmth and clarity of original 1950s humbuckers. The neck pickup produces smooth, full tones for clean runs, while the overwound bridge unit adds bite and harmonic detail to leads. The open-window design gives these pickups a distinct look and lets players see the coil. This setup provides nuanced tone and dynamic response, making each note stand out during solos or rhythm playing.

Gold-Plated LockTone Bridge and Grover Tuners Maintain Tuning Stability

Gold-plated hardware, including the Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and LockTone Stop Bar tailpiece, lock strings in place for consistent sustain. Grover tuners with an 18:1 ratio let players dial in precise tuning adjustments with minimal slippage. Black speed knobs allow quick changes to volume and tone, even during fast transitions. The bridge and tuners keep the instrument stable throughout extended sets and frequent practice.

CTS Electronics and Control Layout Simplify Sound Shaping

Two independent volume and tone controls use CTS potentiometers for smooth adjustment and reliability. The control layout sits within easy reach, so players can dial in their preferred sound with little effort. Switching between pickups or changing tone settings happens quickly, supporting real-time changes on stage or in the studio. The system responds consistently, helping players match their tone to the music without delay.

Multi-Ply Custom Binding and Ebony Fingerboard Improve Durability

Multi-ply custom binding protects body edges from nicks and wear over time. The ebony fingerboard resists moisture and delivers a smooth playing surface for technical runs or bends. A Graph Tech NuBone nut increases tuning stability and withstands heavy use. Each material choice and connection is designed to last, so the instrument stays reliable through travel and regular gigs.

Player Experience with the Les Paul Custom Blackback Model

Musicians who value tone clarity and visual style will benefit from the Blackback’s open-window pickups, gold hardware and precise control layout. The slim neck profile, stable tuning and durable build let players focus on technique, supporting detailed lead work and steady rhythms across live shows and studio sessions.

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Blackback GC-Exclusive Electric Guitar Antique Ivory
Epiphone Les Paul Custom Blackback GC-Exclusive Electric Guitar Antique Ivory
Epiphone Les Paul Custom Blackback GC-Exclusive Electric Guitar Antique Ivory

Features

  • Mahogany body with multi-ply binding provides durability and classic aesthetics
  • 1960s SlimTaper mahogany neck offers fast, comfortable play for intricate runs
  • Ebony fingerboard with 22 frets and Pearloid Block inlays for precision
  • ProBucker 2 neck pickup delivers warm, clear tones for rhythm work
  • Overwound ProBucker 3 bridge pickup adds bite and harmonic-rich leads
  • Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge ensures tuning stability during heavy playing
  • Grover tuners with 18:1 ratio allow accurate and reliable tuning adjustments
  • Graph Tech NuBone nut minimizes string friction and improves tuning stability
  • 2-Volume, 2-Tone CTS electronics provide versatile tonal control onstage
  • Gold-plated hardware and Black Speed Knobs for a striking stage-ready look
warning

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

General
  • Product type: Electric guitar
  • Series: Les Paul Custom
Body
  • Body shape: Les Paul
  • Body wood: Mahogany
  • Top wood: None (black back)
  • Body finish: Gloss
  • Binding: Multi-ply custom binding
Neck
  • Neck wood: Mahogany
  • Neck shape: 1960s SlimTaper
  • Neck joint: Set
  • Scale length: 24.75"
  • Truss rod: Adjustable
  • Nut width: 1.693"
  • Nut material: Graph Tech NuBone
  • Neck finish: Gloss
Fingerboard
  • Material: Ebony
  • Radius: 12"
  • Inlays: Pearloid block
  • Number of frets: 22
  • Fret size: Medium jumbo
Electronics
  • Configuration: HH
  • Neck pickup: Epiphone ProBucker 2 (open window style, Alnico II magnets)
  • Bridge pickup: Epiphone ProBucker 3 (open window style, Alnico II magnets)
  • Controls: Two volume, two tone (CTS potentiometers)
  • Switching: 3-way toggle
Hardware
  • Bridge type: Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic
  • Tailpiece: Epiphone LockTone Stop Bar
  • Tuning machines: Grover, 18:1 ratio
  • Control knobs: Black speed knobs
  • Hardware finish: Gold
Other
  • Strings: Nickel-plated steel, .010–.046
  • Case: Sold separately
  • Country of origin: China

Reviews

4.86

63 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Beautiful, Unique Custom

I've been playing guitar since the late 70's, I've had more guitars than I can count, but I've always favored the Les Paul. Especially the Custom. I've had good ones and bad ones. I bought this Blackback at my local G.C. a few weeks ago, and it's a good one. A really good one. First of all, the looks. It's just beautiful. The pictures here don't do it justice. It played pretty well off the wall, but I still did an extensive setup on it. Which I would do on any guitar. The neck on this guitar feels great, the nut was cut very well, the fretwork was good, a solid B+ on them. The tuners hold great. The action was a little high and the neck needed a tiny bit of relief added. The fretboard was also dry. All easy fixes and a part of any good setup. What isn't listed here are the pots, they are not CTS pots, but they work very well. AND they're push/pull volume pots for coil splitting. So, that's something to know. Genuine CTS pots are an easy, affordable upgrade though. I happened to get my Blackback on sale, but would have gladly paid full price for this beauty. I've had many Epiphones over the years, the majority of which felt more like toys than professional instruments. This is the third Les Paul I've purchased from the new "Inspired by Gibson" line, and it seems that Epiphone is now taking themselves seriously. The Les Paul Standard 50's, the Les Paul Custom Silverburst, and now this Blackback.I wouldn't hesitate to gig with any of them. They're all great instruments. This one, though, is my favorite. If you're on the fence, it's a great price on a great guitar.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

One of the most beautiful guitars I've ever seen.

Out the box I was still amazed at just how beautiful it was.During tuning and after there is a terrible fret buzz from frets 1,2 & 3 unplayable. Pick up toggle switch has static. Bringing it back tomorrow. I am very sad 1st time ever experienced this. Very discouraging my 1st Epiphone

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming45
  2. Practicing43
  3. Recording27
  4. Rock Concerts15
  5. Small Venues12
Cons
  1. Fret Buzz4
  2. Craftsmanship3
  3. Poor Pick Up1
  4. Toggle switch problems1
  5. Pick up toggle switch static when toggling.1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced39
  2. Novice18
  3. Professional Musician4
Pros
  1. Good Feel57
  2. Fun To Play54
  3. Good Tone53
  4. Good Pick Up43
  5. Solid Electronics36
  • All time favorite Guitar

    5

    submitted5 months ago

    byRobert

    fromSuffern, NY

    Picked one up 2 months ago and this thing plays incredible, it is also the most beautiful guitar I own and love the colors. When I went to guitar center it was my favorite in the whole store too

  • Really good guitar, No flaws

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted6 months ago

    byBrad

    fromKansas City, MO

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    This Epiphone holds its own with my Gibson LP Standard. Nice feel easy to play.

  • Beautiful Les Paul, minor setup needed

    4

    Verified Buyer

    submitted6 months ago

    bySteven

    fromSan Diego, CA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    This guitar is beautiful with a great sound from pickups. The neck is pretty thin, but with a nice fret width. The G string wants to go flat every few minutes, so you are getting the true Les Paul experience with this guitar. Playability is good out of the box. Action was low enough for me and the neck had only a slight up bow. The action could easily be set lower for those who prefer that. I decided to clean and oil the fret board and to smooth out the fret edges. The fret edges were surprisingly sharp, presumably due to some drying of the fretboard after it's manufacture. This is my only complaint with the guitar, and is easy enough to correct. The pickup switch is sturdy on this unit, and the tone knobs give a decent range of adjustment throughout its travel. The coil split option is great to have on this guitar and works well. #sweepstakes

  • Glad I bought the Epiphone Les Paul Custom BlackbackI

    5

    submitted6 months ago

    byMike

    fromVictor, Montana

    I have been playing for over 50 years and have had a lot of guitars. I play a steady gig at a pub and thought I needed a guitar for some jazz work. After all the reviews, and there were many, I decided on the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Blackback. I have a les Paul studio and it is also a fantastic guitar. This one was a treat for myself and it is stunning. The neck is a little wider than the studio which I like for doing jazz work. It is thin and tapered and very comfortable. It is loaded with nice features and matched with my Fender Blues Jr. It sounds great. I changed the 10 strings for 11's for jazz and that was all I had to do other than a very slight turn on the neck rod to account for the new strings. Buy it!

  • Beautiful Looks, Very Good Player!

    4

    Verified Buyer

    submitted6 months ago

    byEdward

    fromMidlothian, VA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    The finish and details on this thing are very, very good. It sounds terrific as well! Frets could use a little work, we've got some sharper edges that could be rounded a bit. Overall I'm very happy with this thing. And again, the finish is fantastic!!!

  • Love my new main guitar. I might as well sell my other.

    5

    submitted7 months ago

    byDaniel

    fromPortland Oregon

    So far I love it. Haven't gigged yet, but not worried. Stunning looks. I've never seen the gold skirts around pickups before. Dazzling. Tuners are a godsend with the slow ratio. I played a bunch of Epiphone Les Pauls at guitar center. They sounded the same. Then this! My Baby!

Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byKaren

    fromLiberty hill, texas

    Will this go on sale anytime soon

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    I’m sorry, I don’t know.
  • asked byLeon

    fromBedford TX

    Is this new in box

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, it is.
  • asked byChristopher

    fromAlbuquerque, NM

    Can you tell me what hard shell case, that guitar center carries, fits this guitar? Thank you!

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Musician's Gear MGMELP Molded ABS Electric Guitar Case
  • asked byAnthony

    fromMelbourne florida

    What gauge strings come on this guitar?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Gibson, .010-.046
  • asked byDavid

    fromTulsa OK

    What case(s) will fit this guitar

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Thank you for your question. I will have a product specialist contact you with options.
  • asked byDon

    fromGlasgow,KY

    How come I can't make 6 payments of $100 per month to the local guitar center and buy the Epiphone custom blackjack?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Thank you for your question. I will have a product specialist contact you.
  • asked byGreg or

    fromLaurel Mississippi

    Dose this guitar come with a case?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    No, the Epiphone Les Paul Custom does not include a case.
  • asked byLoKe

    fromBig Bear Ca.

    You've had a recent sale on this item. Can I get it at that price or when do you anticipate the next sale? Thank you.

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Please contact a Sales Agent for specific pricing inquiries
  • asked byD

    fromCulver, IN

    When will this item be back in stock? It says "limited," so will it be gone forever?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Please contact our Customer Service agents to get an updated Back Order time frame
  • asked byBrian

    fromShaker Heights, OH

    Is this guitar brand new and delivered in original Epiphone packaging? And not a store demo or pre-used item? Thanks

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    This guitar is a new model
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