Which Epiphone Les Paul Should I Buy?Buying Guide

A Short Guide to Finding the Perfect, Affordable Les Paul

If you do a search for "Epiphone Les Paul" here on Reverb, you'll be greeted by thousands of listings for different individual guitars. Epiphone currently produces dozens of different Les Paul models catering to a wide variety of budgets and playing styles. Combine that with several decades-worth of used inventory, and you're left with a selection of instruments that can be overwhelming, to put it mildly.

But fear, not intrepid tone-seekers—in this guide, we're going to lay out our picks for which Epiphone Les Paul models are the best bet for different types of guitarists, both beginner and veteran. Keep scrolling for insight on the different styles of Les Paul you should consider, and click on the links below to find a fantastic deal here on Reverb.

If its a Gibson Les Paul you're after, take a look at our Gibson Les Paul Guide here.

Do You Want the Classic Les Paul Experience?

When most guitarists think of Les Pauls, they think of classic rock players like Jimmy Page and Joe Walsh. Those guitarists helped define the sound of rock music primarily with the Les Paul Standard by Gibson in the mid-to-late '50s. The current line up of Epiphone Les Paul Standards are based on that original design and include such appointments as carved maple tops and humbucker pickups. Today, any Epiphone Les Paul with "Standard" in the name is a safe bet for someone looking for this iconic rock platform. Variations with the word "Pro" in the title include more sophisticated electronics for more varied tones, while those with "Plus" in the title sport flashier, flamed-top finishes.

Looking for a Basic, Budget-Friendly Option?

A notch or two down from the Standard line, Epiphone offers a range of more affordable models, such as the Les Paul Special II and Les Paul SL. These basic guitars are still excellent and reliable instruments and are a great choice for anyone looking to test the electric guitar waters for the first time. The Les Paul SL, in particular, earned rave reviews upon its release for its exceptional value. While a bit thinner and less substantial than the Standard variation, the SL model offers a lightweight body and comfortable neck—an ideal combination for those who are just starting to learn how to play.

Looking for Something a Little Fancier?

On the other end of the spectrum from the above budget-friendly options, Epiphone offers a variety of slightly higher-end options. For the most part, these guitars are still less expensive than those made by Gibson, Epiphone's parent company. The Les Paul Ultra III is an interesting example. This modern design incorporates a built-in recording interface, which allows you to record your playing directly into your computer.

Do You Want to Shred?

If heavier styles of music are your thing, there's a smattering of different Les Paul models built with metal in mind. The Les Paul PRO/FX, for instance, incorporates a locking tremolo arm so you can dive bomb with the best of them. The Prophecy EX model includes higher-gain pickups that the average Les Paul, primed for searing, metal-friendly tones.

How About Artist Models?

Like Fender, Gibson, and most other electric guitar brands, Epiphone offers a variety of limited edition models designed to the specs of a variety of different artist. The Joe Bonamassa Les Paul is ideal for southern rock and blues stylings, while the Slash AFD Les Paul offers an affordable set of features chosen by the top-hatted master himself.

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