Gearank

Gearank High Notes

• 2022.08: Highest Rated Solidbody HH Pickup Equipped Electric Guitar Under $1000
• 2021.05: Highest Rated Humbucker Solidbody Electric Guitar Under $500

Gearank Recommended

The Epiphone Les Paul Classic (HH) 2020 went on our recommended list for Humbucker Equipped Solidbody Electric Guitars Under $500 in May 2021 and was only removed later due to a price increase which made it ineligible for that list.

Due to it's strong ratings it then went onto the very first edition of our recommended list for HH Pickup Equipped Solidbody Electric Guitars Under $1000 in August 2022 where it remains today.

Overview

There's nothing like a good Les Paul, and this Epiphone Classic is a reasonably priced one that doesn't skimp out on features.

This guitar is inspired by late '50s Les Paul guitars, staying true to specs, aesthetics and design, while adding some enhancements and keeping the price accessible.

This axe comes with some very notable features in its hardware and electronics. The Zebra Alnico Classic PRO humbucking pickups with CTS electronics give it a classic tone.

The coil-splitting simulates the sound of a single coil guitar. Phase switching for even more tone options and smooth Grover Rotomatic machine heads that are just a pleasure to use.

The beautiful solid mahogany body and neck come with a maple top and your choice of Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Honeyburst, and Ebony finishes.

Most Gibson Les Pauls come in mahogany body topped with maple as well, so it's great to see them pull no stops in this more affordable version.

The laurel fretboard is mated to a mahogany neck. While historically, a Gibson Les Paul might come with a rosewood fretboard, laurel is a good alternative.

Expect to do a bit of a setup when you get this in the mail. Although it is standard practice for any new guitar, I find that the Les Paul Classic's string height and intonation are not to my liking right out of the factory.

This guitar aims to arm intermediates with a versatile Les Paul at a not-so "Gibson Guitars" price. I believe they've hit their mark.

It's not a Gibson Custom Shop, but if you want a Les Paul with all the bells and whistles but find yourself a bit short for the higher-end models, the Epiphone Les Paul Classic is a great place to start.

Specifications

• Body: Mahogany with Maple Top
• Finish: Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Honey Burst
• Bridge: LockTone Tune-o-matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece
• Pickups: (HH) Alnico Custom PRO Humbucker
• Neck: Mahogany
• Scale Length: 24.75”
• Fingerboard: Indian Laurel
• Fingerboard Radius: 12”
• Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo
• Nut Width: 1.693”
• Controls: 2 x Volume (Push-Pull Coil Split) and 2 x Tone (Push-Pull Phase Shift)
• Pickup Selector: 3-Way Pickup Selector

Demo