Sure, the parts used won’t be of the same quality as more expensive models, but, if they were, well, it would be a more expensive model! Les Paul Sound and Tones This model features tune o matic bridge, which Epiphone proudly declare allows adjustment without the need for tools, but honestly, I don’t know many guitarists who spend much time tinkering with such things.įor the price of this electric guitar, there’s actually very little to fault. The Grover machineheads are sitting even and sturdy, looking confidently ready to do their job. The hardware and electronics all seem very solidly attached – all sitting flush with the body, and some firm poking doesn’t make anything move that shouldn’t. The fingerboard doesn’t seem “as finished” as higher end models, if that makes sense? The frets are even and perfectly embedded in the rosewood fingerboard, as are the parallelogram inlays. There are no blemishes or dings in the finish, or along the binding, anywhere in the review model. The heel of the neck sits flush and clean with body. It’s very rarely that an Epiphone is criticized for the quality of its construction. This is something that requires a little extra craftsmanship, and, to be fair, they look the business. One thing that pushes the price of this Les Paul compared to other guitars aimed at intermediate players, is the use of parallelograms for the fingerboard inlays, rather than plain old dots. Apart from that, the rest of the hardware is unbranded. The machineheads come courtesy of Grover – a well-respected name for the job. It’s got its humbuckers and three-way pickup selection, controlled with a volume knob and a tone knob for each of said humbuckers. Out of the box, everything smells and shines like it should. Not too shabby – you won’t forget it’s there or anything. Still, the Epi weighs in at a tidy 8.5lbs. Let’s be realistic: at this price, Gibson aren’t going to be letting Epiphone have the best quality, highest density mahogany. Coupled with the right amp, with the right setting dialled in, you’ll get your crunchy rock and blues riffs, with enough room to widdle out licks and solos. So yes, if that’s the ballpark you’re looking to be in, you’ve got it. Just think of the list of players associated with Les Paul! Clapton to Slash Gorham and Robertson to Moore… I could use up the entire word count reeling off Les Paul players! If you’re looking at this guitar, you’re looking pretty much at rock, particularly blues-derived rock.