Epiphone, as you probably know, is owned by the legendary guitar manufacturer Gibson. Up until that purchase though, it was Gibson’s main rival. Originally known for its mandolins and archtops, it eventually changed into producing affordable alternatives to its parent company’s models, such as the Les Paul. These designs were quite successful, and many artists, including top musicians such as Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and John Lennon from The Beatles, The Edge from U2, and jazz guitarist Joe Pass, preferred them to the more expensive guitars made by Gibson. Even now, contemporary artists such as Gary Clark Jr and Matt Heafy of Trivium rock out with their Epi models on stage. On a much smaller scale, my Joe Pass Emperor model has accompanied me on countless hours of practice and gigging during my university days.
I had the chance to test drive an affordable entry model recently: the Les Paul Limited Edition Special I. I’ve received three guitars in different finishes, and I’ve filmed a video of my impressions and showcasing their tone (in different settings) and versatility.
The spirit of the Les Paul
True to its name, the Epiphone Les Paul delivers a simple 2 humbucker guitar. These pickups double the coils to produce a louder, thicker sound than the single coil versions. When played with a minimal amount of gain or overdrive, they produce a warm, beefy tone perfect for jazz lines and classic rock accompaniments. With some hair, they produce some of the most satisfying crunch tones guitarists crave perpetually. With thick overdrive or distortion, they sing with massive sustain and personality. Although the particular models in this guitar aren’t the most complex sounding, they get the job done, in any situation.
Being a Les Paul style guitar, it features a 24.75 inch scale which is slightly smaller than Fender’s 25.5 and offers easy playability and bending—ideal for younger players starting off on the electric. The neck is also on the smaller side, especially when I compare it to my Gibson models. This makes these Epiphones a breeze and a joy to play.
Other specs include a basswood body, mahogany neck, and rosewood fretboard. It features no carved maple top usually found on regular, more expensive Les Pauls. The absence of this feature and the selection of basswood help to lower production costs. The classic trapezoid and block inlays are replaced with dots (which I find quite refreshing actually), and a very nice dark binding wraps around the neck.
The tuning pegs’ stability is hit or miss, unfortunately. It’s probably due to the affordable nature of the instrument, but angled headstocks are notoriously hard to keep in tune. Make sure you either have a tuner nearby or some nut lubricant to make your playing experience more enjoyable. Down the road, you might consider upgrading to locking tuners; an upgrade that is well worth the low price of admission!
Three wonderful finishes
The Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special I guitar is offered in three different finishes, two of which salute Gibson’s history. All three of them are worn, meaning they are slightly faded and transparent, something I feel most guitarists will enjoy. The tactile sensation is quite enjoyable also, presenting a satin feel on the body and neck.
The first variation, black, is the least adventurous of the three, but still holds up well and features an understated, yet elegant presence. Black also matches with all colors, so the fashion minded guitarist will enjoy this one!
Next, the worn cherry finish is a lovely homage to one of Gibson’s most beloved colours. Although the sunburst isn’t present on this model, the fiery red is very eye-catching, and fans of Jimmy Page and company will be able to easily channel the raw energy associated with that particular imagery.
Finally, the TV Yellow finish is a sight to behold (and is my favourite of the three options). It’s so easy on the eye that I still find myself scrolling through my pictures of it in my studio. The origins of the colour’s name are also interesting—and are at the centre of an ongoing debate amongst guitarists. Some state that TV Yellow refers to the colour used to finish a certain model of cabinet that housed televisions back in the 50s.
Others believe that Les Paul himself commissioned Gibson to build him guitars in this colour for his TV work. This colour would counteract the distracting glare that his white guitars would produce in the black and white screens of the time. At this point, it seems that it is lost lore to anyone but Gibson employees, but what I know for sure is that this wonderful colour looks amazing in your hands, on a stand, or hanging on a wall.
Affordable, yet built to last
This guitar is ideal in a couple of situations. First of all, for a first time buyer, the price and specs are excellent. With a small, comfortable neck and a 24.75 inch scale, this will be an inviting home base for inexperienced hands. Being able to handle jazz, pop, and all shades of rock, it’s quite versatile. As you can see in the video, it also plays very well with different pedal and amplifier combinations.
It’s also an excellent guitar to grow with. It’s no secret that guitarists love to tinker with their instruments. As you cultivate your style, you’ll probably want to also. Some popular upgrades include changing the tuning pegs, the bridge, and pickups. This is the perfect affordable platform to experiment with.
Also, for guitarists that already own another type of guitar (such as a stratocaster, telecaster, hollow-body, etc), this is a very affordable entry point into the magnificent world of Les Paul style tones. If you are looking for something to complement your single coil tones without breaking the bank, look no further.
Source of Inspiration
The Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special I guitar is impressive, especially when you take into account the price tag. What surprised me the most was that I had an easy time extracting riffs, melodies, and solos from this guitar. Finding inspiration to build songs also came naturally. Not all entry level guitars award that kind of individuality.
Check out the Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special I (coming soon online at Best Buy) and other Epiphone products on Best Buy’s website.
My daughter. Song – Can Can.
This would be a great first step into musical instruments for my 6yr old daughter and myself.
We would love to start off with the most famous song “Happy Birthday” :D, so that we can play it instead of singing it 🙂
What a fab looking guitar! I would love to learn how to play any and all Razorlight songs, especially “Golden Touch”!
My grandson should learn to play the guitar. He should learn a Christmas song first.
I’d like to to teach my dad how to play guitar !
He’d love to learn the the song sharp dressed my by ZZ Top!
I think my sons would enjoy learning to play the guitar. Hey There Delilah would be a cool song to learn since that is the name of their cousin!
It would be me and I would love to play ‘Hello” by Adele on the guitar
My sister needs to learn how to play guitar so she can jam with my dad and I – definitely needs to learn Chains by the Beatles.
My son plays piano but has been interested in learning to play the guitar. Would love him to learn how to play Knights in White Satin.
My husband should learn how to play guitar and he should first learn how to play a Christmas carol first since December is coming up fast.
This would totally be for me. I’d love to learn how to Eruption.. lol
My daughter who is also learning on an acoustic. First song she should learn would be Three Little Birds by Bob Marley one of her all time favourites.
Put my own fingers to work- A Horse With No Name
My son and I would love to play
My brothers are learning how to play the guitar. Maybe I should join them and learn crazy train.
My son would love to learn how to play guitar, he has been playing his
Ukulele and I know he would love an up grade! 😉 He’s a big Lynyrd Skynyrd fan so I think he should learn “Sweet Home Alabama” first! 🙂
In my family I need to learn how to play the guitar and what the song I should learn first is A Horse With No Name by America.
I’d like to learn Stairway to Heaven
I’d like to play some blues music
I would love to learn how to play myself! I love the affordability of these well- rounded sounding guitars!!!
My father just retired from over 35 years working in the healthcare industry. Throughout his career he was focused on my sister and I’s hobbies, that he didn’t have any hobbies of his own. With his down time he would love to pick up the guitar, as he’s always had a love for music and I feel it would be very relaxing for him. I remember he would play “Purple Rain”- Prince as a kid, and I think that would be an awesome first song to learn (he’ll have to shred it!)
I would love to learn to play guitar! I would love to learn the song ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by the Beatles!
My wife is the musical one in our family and since she has been singing kids songs to our baby I think that would be a good start for her first songs.
OMG my son would love this. He started playing guitar a few years ago . His school had a guitar class & he excelled. He can gift his guitar to his brother and then they can play any song together. Maybe some Harry Chapin for Mom. I would definitely win the Mom Olympics if I win this
As a senior whose hands are in need of stretching to ward off arthritis, my Les
Paul will be asked to help me learn, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” as if I could ever match Slowhand…
My daughter took some lessons when she was being bullied at school. Now she just sits in her room trying to teach her self. This would be such an amazing gift for her. I would love to hear her play Amazing Grace.
My son just started learning to play. I think he would learn to play Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns n’ Roses
I like the pickups double the coils to produce a louder, thicker sound than the single coil versions
My son has decided to teach himself how to play the guitar. I think he should learn Hotel California.
My husband would love this guitar. I’d like his first song to be “Crazy little thing Called Love”
My son in law needs to learn to play guitar better because he needs a girlfriend. The first song he should learn is I’m just a lonely boy…lol
This would be all mine and my first song to learn would be Stand By Me.
my son should learn to play All Right Now.
I myself would love to learn to play the guitar and I would play Have You Ever Seen The Rain
My son needs to learn how to play guitar. He took lessons when he was young and was doing well and it is definitely time to start again. He should learn to play Blackbird by Paul McCartney.
My nephew would enjoy this and maybe learn how to play “Stairway To Heaven” first.
With a tough year behind us and possibly another tough year ahead, while the winter will most likely result in most of us staying indoors, I would be a prime candidate to learn how to play the electric guitar. I would most likely start with learning the Blues, and learn Robert Johnson’s ‘Crossroads’ but would probably use Eric Clapton’s version.
I should learn to play the guitar – I have a book, a DVD and even a little ukulele – but so far no guitar. I am rather partial to CCR so I expect one of their songs would be first on my list to try. (I see someone mentioned Simon and Garfunkel – “You can call me Al” is one of my favs.)
I would love to learn and play any of the Peter, Paul and Mary songs.
I would love to learn and play any of the Simon and Garfunkel songs
My Grandson, Preston and he should learn how to play Puff the Magic Dragon.
My Grandson, Parker and he should learn how to play Puff the Magic Dragon.
I’d would love to try the guitar. I’d start with Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas.
I want to learn to play and I’d love to learn a whole ton of country songs.
My Dad should learn to play. He should learn “Photograph” by Nickelback.
One of these would be great for my daughter, I hope she learns to play Schism one day.
My kiddo, K, would love to learn the guitar and he as expressed quite a bit of interest lately. First song would be Upside Down by Jack Johnson.
In my family……it’s me who needs to learn how to play guitar. Have been playing air guitar for 40+ years so the real thing should come easily. Must learn how to play AC/DC’s Thunderstruck!
My son Lukas to learn 3-chord Nirvana riffs!
My grandson would love to learn to play the guitar! He loves all kinds of music so I can’t think of any specific song. I’m sure what ever he chooses will be good!
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