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.
myself! id like to learn sweet home Alabama
My husband might like to learn – play some Tom Petty Free Fallin’!
My daughter would learn to play the guitar in my family. She would play popular songs on the radio.
I would maybe learn to play guitar and I would play country songs.
I would be the person to learn guitar in my family since I have two acoustic guitars from when I was younger and I took a few lessons but never had time to get into it because of school and life. The first song I learned to play was ‘Fifteen’ by Taylor Swift (I love her).
My granddaughter playing Jingle Bells.
My hubby and Ring of Fire or any other Johnny Cash song.
My mom needs to learn how to play guitar…she’s always expressed an interest and loves singing along when I play! She should learn Heart of Gold first. It’s one of her fav songs.
Great review! I would love to gift this to my husband who has wanted to learn. I would have him learn “Last Nite” from the he Strokes. Thanks!
Loved watching/hearing this review! The TV Yellow finish is my favourite as well : ) Haven’t played since my teen years – would be awesome to get back at it! Be great to learn to play Chilliwak’s Fly at Night
TIME FOR ME TO LEARN HOW PLAY GUITAR AND SING ‘REVOLUTION
I would like to win. I’ve held a guitar once and I immediately thought to myself “this is what I’ve been missing” – JOY TO THE WORLD.
I would love to learn to play and I would learn Christmas carols – THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
MY WIFE WANTED TO PLAY PANO -NOW THE GUITAR …MAYBE SHE WILL LEARN SCUFFY THE LITTLE TUGBOAT?
My niece wants to learn guitar, I’m sure she’d love to play KISS THE GIRL
I would love to learn and play the Beatles song Let it Be
My Husband used to play guitar but because of circumstances no longer has his guitar. I’d love for him to play again and I know he would choose a Killswitch Engage song to get rockin’ back into it. Thank you!
My brother would love to learn to play. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts – i love rock ‘n’ roll 🙂
I’d like my daughter to learn how to play Polly Wolly Doodle on the guitar
My Daughter always wanted to learn and needs to learn to play hotel California for her mom
I need to learn the guitar and learn to play Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival
This truly seems to be an awesome guitar. I really would enjoy the chance to play one for sure.
I want to learn to how play guitar 🙂 and the first song I would want to learn is Signe by Eric Clapton.
My 13 year old grandson promised to learn how to play hotel california for me!
My daughter would love to play Fiddlers Green by the tragically hip.
I need to learn to play guitar so I will have accomplished something this year. First song I’d like to learn is Happy Birthday.
I need to learn to play La Villa Strangiato
I would like learn to play “While my guitar gently weeps” by the Beatles .I
I WOULD LIKE TO PLAY LIKE MY FATHER – My Girl Josephine
I WOULD LIKE TO PLAY LIKE MY FATHER – four strong winds
My oldest son would love to learn to play this guitar and would play Hot Cross Buns on it as his first song.
My daughter would love to learn twinkle twinkle little star first haha! So cute.
My son plays a little but does not have a guitar. This would be a great gift – he would play RUNNING BEAR
My husband should learn to play the guitar because he can sing quite well. Last Train To Clarksville
I’d love to learn any song on the guitar and I agree, the yellow is my favourite!
I would love to be proficient at playing the guitar and the song smoke on the water.
My oldest son would love to learn to play this guitar and would play Hot Cross Buns on it as his first song.
My husband should learn to play the guitar because he can sing quite well and his first solo should be Leaning on a Lamp Post by The Monkees!
My oldest son learned to play piano by himself and would love to learn guitar He loves the songs of Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin and watches the DVD of them playing in concert.
My husband needs to learn and he could play The Rolling Stones I Can’t Get No Satisfaction
I’ve taught piano for over 20 years and I would like to learn how to play ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran on this guitar
How about Goodbye Earl – once i know how to play?
I ALWAYS MEANT TO LEARN – RUNNING BEAR
I WOULD LEARN TO PLAY – THE RING OF FIRE – MY WIFE’S FAVORITE SONG.
I WOULD LIKE TO PLAY LIKE MY FATHER – MY BROWN EYED LAVERNE
I would love my husband to play he is a very good singer but never played the guitar, his dad and he had a Les Paul that my husband always wanted as a kid but wasn’t allowed to touch then it was sold because the family fell on hard times. So this would bring back lots of memories good and sad. Smoke on the water by Deep Purple
i should learn how to play guitar and the song i
should learn first is “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
I would like to win to play the song Sace Truckin’ by Deep Purple.
misspelled Space Truckin’ sorry
I would like to learn how to play the guitar and the first song I’ll learn is Somewhere Over the Rainbow for my kids.
Can a old girl learn new tricks, like learn to play an instrument like a guitar at age 65. My husband, well he plays guitar, keyboards, etc. and he probably be jealous if I won this.
I would like to win. I’ve held a guitar once and I immediately thought to myself “this is what I’ve been missing”. I would like to learn the Theme Song to the Last of Us as my first song.
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