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How to Choose the Best Les Paul

How to Choose the Best Les Paul

New York City was in the midst of a heatwave on July 28, 1952, but it was still possible to ice skate, at least in the Terrace room of the New Yorker Hotel. While tourists enjoyed the indoor rink, a different crowd gathered six floors above. The National Association of Music Merchants convention was in full swing, and the Gibson Corporation had booked five rooms to showcase its acoustics, mandolins, steel guitars and archtops. One room was particularly packed, as industry insiders gathered around a new model: the Gibson Les Paul.

There have been many different models of the Les Paul over the years, but they all share the DNA of its namesake. Born Lester William Polsfuss in 1915, this preternaturally gifted guitarist went by "Rhubarb Red," "Hot Rod Red" and "The Wizard of Waukesha" as he wowed audiences with his musical talent. By 1952, the man now known as Les Paul was a million album-seller, churning out hits with his wife Mary Ford. He was also skilled electronically, pioneering multi-track recording. Paul created an orchestra of sounds on a single guitar that could be heard nationwide on his radio show and seen on his many TV appearances. At the time, there was no guitarist more famous than Les Paul.

The Les Paul Model was his first signature instrument with Gibson. It had two P-90 pickups that were warmer and thicker than the single coils on its closest competitor, the Fender Esquire. While the Fender was favored initially by country pickers, the Les Paul Model was meant for those with a more sophisticated tonal palate. But over the last 70 years, the Les Paul has found its way into all genres of music. Produced in various iterations, like the Les Paul Standard, Les Paul Deluxe, Les Paul Junior, Special and others, the Les Paul has proven to be a classic. Players like Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Billie Joe Armstrong, Duane Allman, Billy Gibbons, Jimmy Page, Slash and others have all succumbed to its charms.

Today, you can buy a great Les Paul from Gibson and from Epiphone. The Gibson Custom Shop makes exacting replicas, while their Murphy Lab produces instruments that are aged like vintage originals. Epiphone's "Inspired by Gibson" line is equally compelling, and accessible to everyone. In short, there's never been a better time to buy a Les Paul. This buyer's guide will help you find the one that speaks to you.

Table of Contents

The Early History of the Les Paul Guitar
Gibson and Epiphone: How Did We Get Here?
Should You Buy an Epiphone Les Paul or a Gibson Les Paul?
Buying the Best Gibson Les Paul
 Gibson Original Collection
  Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s P-90
  Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s
  Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s
  Gibson Les Paul Special
  Gibson Les Paul Junior
  Gibson Les Paul '70s Deluxe
 Gibson Modern Collection
  Gibson Les Paul Studio
  Gibson Les Paul Classic
  Gibson Les Paul Tribute
  Gibson Les Paul Modern
  Gibson Les Paul Modern Figured
  Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite
 Gibson Les Paul Artist Models
 Custom Shop
 Murphy Lab Les Pauls
Buying the Best Epiphone Les Paul
 Epiphone Original Collection
  Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Outfit
  Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s
  Epiphone Les Paul Standard '60s
  Epiphone Les Paul Junior
  Epiphone Les Paul Custom
 Epiphone Modern Collection
  Epiphone Les Paul Studio
  Epiphone Les Paul Classic
  Epiphone Les Paul Modern
  Epiphone Les Paul Modern Figured
  Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy
 Epiphone Les Paul Artist Models
Guitar Center Les Paul Exclusives
 Gibson Les Paul Trad Pro V
 Epiphone Les Paul Trad Pro IV
Best Beginner Les Paul Models
Vintage Gibson Les Paul Models

The Early History of the Les Paul Guitar

The 1952 Les Paul Model had a Honduran mahogany body with a carved maple top. Painted in gold at Paul's request, it quickly became known as the "Goldtop." This Les Paul came with a set of P-90 pickups, developed by Gibson's Seth Lover in 1946. The tone was fat with an edgy top end—think of Carl Perkins' snarled solo on "Honey Don't," played on an inaugural Goldtop. The Goldtop sported a trapeze tailpiece of Paul's own design. Due to a shallow neck angle, it had to be wrapped string-under, making it difficult to palm mute. A gentle knock could put the whole thing out of tune.

Gibson 60th Anniversary 1952 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue

Pictured: Gibson Les Paul 60th Anniversary Limited Edition (2012)

Gibson addressed this problem in 1953 with the new "wraparound" bridge. Mounted in studs on the guitar's body, the design was more stable and allowed for slight intonation adjustments.

In 1954, Gibson introduced a new model, the Les Paul Custom. Decidedly more upscale, it featured an ebony fretboard, multi-ply binding and gold hardware. Paul thought the "tuxedo style" ebony finish would look better onstage. Peter Frampton also thought it looked better on album covers. His "Black Beauty" is front-and-center on Frampton Comes Alive!

Gibson Custom 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue 3-Pickup VOS Electric Guitar Ebony

Pictured: Gibson Custom '57 Les Paul Custom 3-Pickup VOS

The Custom also featured Gibson president Ted McCarty’s final word on bridges with the ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic and Stop Bar tailpiece. Each string got its own saddle for precise intonation. This groundbreaking design is still used today on countless instruments.

Gibson released two other guitars in 1954 as well. The student-model Les Paul Junior came equipped with a single P-90, mounted "dog ear"-style with a screw at either end of the casing. The Les Paul TV was a shorter-scale version; the “TV” reference was based on its “limed mahogany” finish that would stand out on black and white television.

Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1957 Les Paul Junior Single Cut Reissue Ultra Light Aged Electric Guitar TV Yellow

Pictured: Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1957 Les Paul Junior Single Cut Reissue Ultra Light Aged

The Les Paul Special appeared on the market in 1955. Loaded with a pair of P-90s and individual volume and tone controls, the Special had the same electronics as the Custom. It differed with a flat, not carved, top, which was Paul's preference.

Gibson gave customers an additional tailpiece option in 1956: the Bigsby vibrato unit. It worked well for languid and subtle chord shimmers to raucous rockabilly rave-ups.

In 1957, the Soviet Union got pole position in the space race with the launch of the Sputnik 1 satellite. Gibson had a technological marvel up its sleeve, too—one that outlasted the USSR. Created by Seth Lover, this new pickup was dubbed a “humbucker,” as it “bucked,” or eliminated, the hum heard on P-90s and other single coils, like those from Fender. Protective of this invention, Gibson affixed “Patent Applied For” stickers to dissuade others from copying the design.

Gibson Classic 57 Humbucker Pickups

Pictured: Gibson '57 Classic Humbuckers

The ’57 Goldtop got a pair of P.A.F. pickups; the ’57 Custom now came with three. The sound produced was warmer, richer, and enviable—Eric Clapton's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" tone was pure P.A.F. Today, there are countless—sticker or not—copies from different makers that seek to capture that magic. Both Gibson and Epiphone have their own varieties, too, as you’ll discover later.

Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Darkback Reissue Light Aged Electric Guitar Double Gold

Pictured: Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Darkback Reissue Light Aged

Despite these game-changing pickups, Gibson’s sales weren’t out of this world like Sputnik. In 1958, the brand began phasing out the Goldtop, replacing it with a cherry sunburst finish. Newly renamed the Les Paul Standard, these ’58 guitars generally featured plain maple tops.

Gibson also updated the Les Paul Junior and Special in 1958, adding a second cutaway to both. A 3/4 Special Double Cutaway also made the catalog.

Gibson Custom 1958 Les Paul Junior Double Cut Reissue VOS Electric Guitar Faded Cherry

Pictured: Gibson Custom 1958 Les Paul Junior Double Cut Reissue VOS

In Gibson history, however, no other model is revered like the 1959 Les Paul Standard. Many of these ’Bursts have fantastically flamed two-piece maple tops. But at the time, they failed to capture the public's attention.

Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Light Aged Electric Guitar Cherry Teaburst

Pictured: Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Light Aged

As a result, Gibson made a drastic change to the Les Paul lineup in 1961—carved tops were gone, flat tops were in. You’ll recognize this style today as the Gibson SG, but upon release, they still received the Les Paul name. Paul wasn’t a fan, but contractually he had to play them. His live appearances became fewer and fewer, especially as his marriage to Mary Ford was ending. It appeared that his Les Paul guitar legacy was about to splinter, too.

Gibson Custom 60th Anniversary 1961 SG Les Paul Custom VOS Electric Guitar

Pictured: Gibson Custom 60th Anniversary 1961 SG Les Paul Custom VOS

But a funny thing happened in the mid-’60s. A who's who of rock star elites began slinging and singing the praises of the ’59 Les Paul Standard. Peter Green played his on Fleetwood Mac's "Oh Well" and "Black Magic Woman." Paul Kossof wrangled one on Free's "All Right Now." Jimmy Page's number-one '59 is all over Led Zeppelin II. Perhaps the most scorching late-model Les Paul tone can be heard on "Have You Heard," from Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton. His P.A.F.s might just make your speakers smoke.

Led Zeppelin II

Pictured: Led Zeppelin II

This uptick in interest promoted Gibson to "reissue" the Les Paul Standard in 1968, though strangely, not with P.A.F. pickups. It received Goldtop specs and P-90 pickups. Still, it had plenty of mojo—Tom Scholz played a ’68 on "More Than a Feeling" and other hits by Boston.

Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Standard Goldtop Reissue Electric Guitar Gold Top

Pictured: Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Standard Goldtop Reissue

The Les Paul Custom also returned in ’68 with a carved maple top—not mahogany—and came with two humbuckers. A new model, the Les Paul Deluxe, was introduced in 1969, loaded with mini humbuckers.

Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue Ultra Light Aged Electric Guitar Ebony

Pictured: Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Ebony Reissue 

The 1971 Les Paul Recording was a more idiosyncratic Gibson that reflected Paul's constant electronic tinkering. It had low impedance pickups designed to plug straight into a mixing board, plus an XLR mic input. Later, the Les Paul Studio brought the price down by eliminating decorative frills like binding. It gets its name from the fact that in the studio, it sounded the same as the Les Paul Standard.

The Les Paul Standard as we know it was reissued in 1976 and has been in production ever since.

Gibson and Epiphone: How Did We Get Here?

While today they are owned by the same company, Epiphone and Gibson were initially fierce competitors, battling for shares of the archtop guitar market. Epiphone began to flounder when its founder died in 1954; three years later, Gibson snatched up the company for $20,000.

Today, Gibson and Epiphone are helmed by President and CEO Cesar Gueikian.

Should You Buy an Epiphone Les Paul or a Gibson Les Paul?

There is a vast price difference between an Epiphone and a Gibson Les Paul, and that's by design. Gibson guitars represent the ultimate in American-made craftsmanship. Epiphone manufactures overseas in order to make more accessible instruments, while maintaining top-notch standards.

Although these are ballpark figures, plan on spending low four figures for a Gibson, while, a beginner Les Paul from Epiphone can be had for under $200.

Buying the Best Gibson Les Paul

There are many different flavors of the Les Paul style and sound. Gibson organizes its collection into four families: Original, Modern, Artist and Custom Shop.

Gibson Original Collection

Gibson's Original Collection closely adheres to legendary Les Paul models from the ’50s to ’60s. While they're not 100% replicas, the important features are present.

Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s P-90

The Les Paul Standard ’50s P-90 honors the Goldtop first introduced in 1952. Unlike the original, which came with a trapeze tailpiece, this Standard has a Tune-O-Matic bridge and aluminum Stop Bar. It's a more versatile setup. Gibson's P-90s are made with Alnico V magnets for a hotter output. You'll be able to nail Freddie King's fiery tone on his instrumental hit "Hide Away" with this Standard.

Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s P-90

Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s P-90

Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s

The Les Paul Standard ’50s has the same specs but replaces the single coils with a set of BurstBucker pickups. These pickups capture the variability of vintage P.A.F.s, which were inconsistently wound. The neck-position BurstBucker 1 is underwound; the bridge-position BurstBucker 2 is slightly overwound for a hotter sound. If you want to summon Jeff Beck's saturated sound on "Beck's Bolero," the ’50s Standard will take you there.

Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s Electric Guitar Heritage Cherry Sunburst

Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s

Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s

The Les Paul Standard ’60s adds an AA figured maple top to the equation, shaves the neck to a ’60s SlimTaper shape, and incorporates BurstBucker 61 pickups for added “oomph.” Each coil on these humbuckers has an unbalanced number of windings, producing a richer, more complex tone. Exclusive to the Guitar Center Family of Brands is a stunning limited edition Tri-Burst model.

Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s Electric Guitar Iced Tea

Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s

Gibson Les Paul Special

The Les Paul Special shares the single-cutaway style from 1955 and comes with a pair of P-90s. Players like Bob Marley and Dean DeLeo from Stone Temple Pilots cut some of their best work on the Gibson Les Paul Special.

Gibson Les Paul Special Electric Guitar Vintage Cherry

Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Special

Gibson Les Paul Junior

The Les Paul Junior might have been made for beginners, but the straightforward design has stood the test of time. This version has a single P-90 with all the power you need. Want proof? Listen to Leslie West’s monstrous tone on Mountain’s “Mississippi Queen.”

Gibson Les Paul Junior Electric Guitar Vintage Tobacco

Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Junior

Gibson Les Paul '70s Deluxe

The Les Paul ’70s Deluxe proves that mini humbuckers and a maple top are a potent combination, supplying the snap of a single coil with the warmth of Seth Lover's classic P.A.F.

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe '70s Electric Guitar Cherry Sunburst

Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Deluxe '70s

Gibson Modern Collection

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

Gibson Les Paul Studio

The Les Paul Studio updates Gibson’s original 1983 design, which featured classic sounds without the cosmetics. Take a look at these finishes, though, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find any signs of skimping. The Studio features Ultra Modern Weight Relief with a tuned series of chambers lightening the load under the maple top. Gibson 490R and 498T humbuckers are overwound for more crunch and sustain which can be dialed back with the push/pull coil tap.

Gibson Les Paul Studio Smokehouse Burst

Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Studio

Gibson Les Paul Classic

Pick up a Les Paul Classic for its ’60s style meets ’70s upgrades. The Classic incorporates Gibson's earliest method to reduce mass, a 9-hole Weight Relief with—you guessed it—nine holes under the maple top. The 490 Zebra pickups are uncovered, producing more zing. A push/pull pot taps the humbucker, reducing its output. A phase control scoops out the mids; a pure bypass control routes the bridge pickup directly through the output jack, bypassing all other electronics.

Gibson Les Paul Classic Electric Guitar Ebony

Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Classic

Gibson Les Paul Tribute

The Les Paul Tribute is lighter on the wallet than a Classic; with Ultra Modern Weight Relief, it’s also lighter on the shoulder. The 490 humbuckers here are covered. Dial down the high end on the neck pickup to nail Clapton’s Cream-era “woman tone,” or ride the bridge for added bite.

Gibson Les Paul Tribute Electric Guitar Satin Honey Burst

Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Tribute

Gibson Les Paul Modern

The Les Paul Modern is appropriately named, with more contemporary features than any other Gibson. It comes loaded with BurstBucker Pros, the hottest pickup in the Gibson lineup. These can be adjusted with coil tap, phase, and pure bypass switches. A compound fretboard radius, asymmetrical SlimTaper neck and contoured heel make the Modern an exceptionally fast instrument. It, too, has Ultra Modern Weight Relief.

Gibson Les Paul Modern Electric Guitar Faded Pelham Blue

Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Modern

Gibson Les Paul Modern Figured

Few guitars look as classic and gorgeously deluxe than a Les Paul with an AAA-grade, figured-maple top. The Gibson Les Paul Modern Figured provides all of that flash, along with some comfy ergonomic enhancements, such as an Ultra-Modern Weight Relief mahogany body, a SlimTaper neck profile and a Modern Contoured Heel (for burning up to those high frets). The Les Paul Modern Figured also delivers tons of versatility, as its Burstbucker Pro and Burstbucker Pro + pickups can be switched between humbucker and single-coil sounds, giving you the option to emulate the guitar tones on every song you’ve ever loved.

Gibson Les Paul Modern Figured Electric Guitar Cherry Burst

Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Modern Figured

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite

Offering a selection of stunning finishes with matching headstocks, the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite brings some glamor to players looking to turn heads on live-performance stages and social media. Like the Modern Figured models, Modern Lite guitars also feature enhanced ergonomics and comfort with a thinner and lighter mahogany body, a contoured back with belly cut and a SlimTaper neck profile. But the Les Paul Modern Lite isn’t just about glitz and coziness. The open-coil 490R and 498T humbuckers look stylishly tough and kick out all of the shimmer and snarl you’ll ever need.

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite TV Wheat Electric Guitar

Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite

Gibson Les Paul Artist Models

Gibson Artist Models let you experience the personal specs of some of the world's best players. Peter Frampton's "Phenix" models itself after the legend's ’54 Custom. Gibson has made a slew of Slash Les Paul Standard models, with fancy flame maple and hand-wired electronics. Lee Roy Parnell's ’59 Standard sports an "Abilene Sunset" burst finish.

Gibson Slash Les Paul Standard Appetite Burst Electric Guitar

Pictured: Gibson Slash Les Paul Strandard Appetite Burst

Custom Shop

Gibson's Custom Shop represents the pinnacle of guitar building. Produced in the Nashville factory, these instruments are made by master builders with a whole new level of precision.

If a vintage piece breaks your budget, the Custom Shop offers up outstanding reissues. From chemically recreated plastics, to the ultimate figured flamed maple top, the Custom Shop delivers the best of the best.

Gibson’s Custom Shop offers up more than just vintage accurate reissues. Over the years our teams have collaborated to develop some truly remarkable LPs, from the Les Paul Custom Zodiac with its stunning Aurora Borealis Burst to the 5A quilted maple top Les Paul Custom Bats in Flight.

Gibson Custom Les Paul Special Double-Cut Figured Maple Top VOS Electric Guitar Blue Burst

Pictured: Gibson Custom Les Paul Special Double-Cut VOS

Murphy Lab Les Pauls

Tom Murphy has spent the last two decades mastering the art and science of aging guitars. As a Gibson Master Artisan, he’s cloned guitars for Slash, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Garry Rossington and others. The Murphy Lab operates as an independent division inside the Custom Shop, where his team applies Ultra Light to Ultra Heavy aging to these instruments. When you want a new instrument with the authentic look, feel and soul of a vintage instrument, the Murphy Lab can make that happen.

Buying the Best Epiphone Les Paul

In 2020, Epiphone revitalized its Les Paul lineup, emphasizing the connection to Gibson. But at the same time, they've innovated beyond it, with real updates for modern players. Epiphone's goal is to make the Les Paul accessible to anyone; its instruments are fully capable onstage and in the studio, with a quality level astounding at their price.

Like Gibson, Epiphone’s Les Paul models are arranged in easy-to-understand collections—Original, Modern and Artist.

Epiphone Original Collection

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

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. A long tenon neck joint, carved maple top, aged finish and ’50s-style wiring make this Standard the most exciting replica out of Epiphone yet. It's a great way to tackle the tone of Mike Bloomfield's own ’59 Standard. This Epiphone comes with a vintage-style brown hardshell case.

Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Outfit

Pictured: Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Outfit

Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s

The Les Paul Standard ’50s is loaded with ProBucker 1 and 2 pickups, Epiphone's take on the classic P.A.F. They're made with 18% nickel silver bases and covers, just like originals. The bobbin size and shape are the same, too, and they’re wax potted to prevent feedback. In blind listening tests, ProBuckers have fooled vintage experts and experienced players alike. Plug this ‘50s LP Standard into a vintage tweed and you're in ZZ Top territory. Only a beard could make it better.

Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s

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.

Epiphone Les Paul Standard '60s Electric Guitar Ebony

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Standard '60s

Epiphone Les Paul Junior

The Les Paul Junior is a solid value in a solidbody. Like its Gibson counterpart, the Junior is mahogany with a unitary P-90. This simplicity is part of its virtuosity. Listen to Martin Barre's solo on Jethro Tull's "Aqualung" to experience the power of the P-90. This Junior has a ’50s-style neck with rolled edges for a worn-in feel.

Epiphone Les Paul Junior Vintage Sunburst

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Junior

Epiphone Les Paul Custom

The Les Paul Custom gets dressed up tuxedo style in white or black with gold hardware. Muti-ply binding highlights the sleek shape, adding an extra touch of class. The neck feels like a ’60s Gibson with its SlimTaper profile.

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar Ebony

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Custom

Epiphone 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 some bite.

Epiphone Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar Wine Red

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Studio

Epiphone Les Paul Classic

Craving a 50s-style guitar without spending more than five bills? The Les Paul Classic can’t be beat. Tasteful updates include open-coil “zebra” Alnico PRO humbuckers and high-ratio Grover Rotomatic tuners.

Epiphone Les Paul Classic Electric Guitar Honey Burst

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Classic

Epiphone Les Paul Modern

The Les Paul Modern is loaded with advanced electronics. Engage the phase, coil tap, or coil split the ProBucker pickups. With Ultra Modern Weight Relief, an asymmetrical SlimTaper neck and a contoured heel, you can play fast and pain-free all night long.

Epiphone Les Paul Modern Electric Guitar Sparkling Burgundy

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Modern

Epiphone Les Paul Modern Figured

If you want a fancier top, the Les Paul Modern Figured fits the bill. The faded finish highlights the AAA flame maple grain.

Epiphone Les Paul Modern Figured Electric Guitar Caribbean Blue Fade

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Modern Figured

Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy

The Les Paul Prophecy brings the classic instrument into the 21st century, with a host of cutting edge updates. Play as close to the neon bar sign as you want—its Fishman Fluence pickups are hum-free. The asymmetrical SlimTaper neck is built for speed; a contoured heel gives full access to the upper frets. With a carved maple cap and AAA flame maple veneer, the Prophecy looks as good as it sounds.

Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy Electric Guitar Red Tiger Aged Gloss

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy

Epiphone Les Paul Artist Models

Many pro musicians have custom Epiphone models reflecting their style and tonal preferences. The Artist line will let you experience these specs yourself.

The Jared James Nichols “Gold Glory” Les Paul pairs a Custom body with a single P-90. Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash has an Epiphone Les Paul Standard in “Appetite Burst” with custom  ProBuckers.

Epiphone Jared James Nichols Gold Glory Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar

Pictured: Epiphone Jared James Nichols Gold Glory Les Paul Custom

Guitar Center Les Paul Exclusives

Gibson Les Paul Trad Pro V

The Gibson Les Paul Trad Pro V could easily become your lifetime player. Fully spec’d by Guitar Center, it has an asymmetrical profile neck for more ergonomic fretting. A compound radius fretboard allows for easier chording on the lower frets and faster playing on higher registers. Custom wound BurstBucker V pickups offer the ultimate expression of classic Les Paul tone.

Gibson Les Paul Traditional PRO V

Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Trad Pro V

Epiphone Les Paul Trad Pro IV

The Epiphone Les Paul Trad Pro IV comes in 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. A treble bleed circuit keeps the highs even while you dial down the gain.

Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro IV Limited Edition Electric Guitar Worn Ebony

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro IV

Each model is exclusive to the Guitar Center Family of Brands.

Best Beginner Les Paul Models

A great way for first-timers to enter the Les Paul universe, the Epiphone Les Paul Special E1 and Studio E1 models take care of the basics for a modest monetary outlay. Player packs add everything you need to get started, including an amplifier, guitar cable, gig bag and more. Guns N’ Roses fans can also pick up the Slash Appetite Les Paul Special-II Performance Pack designed by the legend himself.

Epiphone Les Paul Special Satin E1 Electric Guitar Heritage Cherry Sunburst

Pictured: Epiphone Les Paul Special Satin E1

Vintage Gibson Les Paul Models

Guitar Center has an ever-changing inventory of the finest vintage Les Pauls on the planet. Be on the lookout for Golden Era models (’52, ’57-’59, ’60), as well as the initial “reissue” of the Goldtop in ’68 and the introduction of the Deluxe in ’69.

We hope this deep dive into the world of Gibson and Epiphone Les Paul guitars inspires you to pick up and play one of these great guitars. Come in to your local store to get hands-on with our vast selection, shop online, or call our Contact Center and connect with a Gear Advisor to help find a Les Paul that's right for you.

"I never stop being amazed by all the different ways of playing the guitar and making it deliver a message.”—Les Paul

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