There is nothing quite like the classic look and feel – not to mention, sound – of a Les Paul. This is the guitar that has defined generations of classic rock, country, blues, and pop records. Millions of people all across the world have thrilled to its vintage tones. Today, the legacy of the Les Paul guitar is secure and stronger than ever.
If you’re looking for an affordable Les Paul model to buy, you should take a look at the new Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II. Officially endorsed by the Epiphone and Gibson companies, this “country cousin” model is anything but a letdown. It has all the features and comforts that you have come to expect from a classic Les Paul. It’s attractive, affordably priced, and ready to rock you.
What Are the Main Features of the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar?
The list of features that the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar contains is long and quite impressive. Some of the most distinctive features are as follows:
- Solid mahogany body
- 700T Humbucker pickups
- Rosewood fretboard
- 24.75 scale
- Tune-O-Matic bridge
- Bolt-on mahogany neck
Vintage Sound from Classic Les Paul Pickups
The vintage sound of classic humbucking Les Paul pickups has long defined the sound of American music, particularly rock and roll. If you’re looking for a great new guitar to rock with that won’t empty out your wallet in the process, this is the one to buy. The pickups are 700T humbuckers, wound with expert care by industry pros.
LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge
The Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar comes complete with a LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop-bar tailpiece. These are features that are designed to give you that classic Les Paul sound. The bridge and tailpiece add a level of improved sustain that will floor your audience. They also work together to make changing out your strings an easy and efficient process.
Solid Mahogany Body and Bolt-On Mahogany Neck
Nothing defines the Les Paul quite like its distinctive shape and even more distinctive build. The Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar continues this grand tradition by being built of only the finest natural materials. Both the body and the bolt-on neck are made of 100 percent mahogany wood. As a result, the sound of this guitar is fully comparable to nearly any competing Gibson model on the market.
Lightweight Construction Guarantees an Easy Play
One of the worst kept secrets in Les Paul history is that these guitars are known for being a bit weighty. This is one trend that the new Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar is happy to break with. This handy, compact model weighs only 10 pounds. Its total dimensions are 45 x 17 x 7 inches.
What Are the Main Advantages of This Classic New Model?
Perhaps the biggest advantage that you get from buying this model is right there under your finger tips – the price tag. You can’t buy a new – or even used – Les Paul for anything like the price that the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II is currently retailing at. Try pricing any Fender model, domestic or foreign, and you’ll quickly see why this new Les Paul is selling so briskly.
But the list of advantages doesn’t end there. For all of the classic features that this guitar contains, from vintage Gibson-quality pickups to gig-worthy design, the new Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II is more than worthy of your patronage. Whether you are looking for a guitar to play in your rec room or to gig and record with, this great model will be more than up to the task. Simply put, it’s one of the best beginner’s electric guitars out there, and that’s why we recommend it so highly at Pickup Plug.
Are There Any Cons That You Need to Be Aware of?
There really are no major negatives that a buyer of this model needs to be aware of. However, your choice of guitar may depend on a number of factors, most of them entirely personal. For example, if you are not a Les Paul fan to begin with – that is to say, a fan of the vintage sound that only an astute combination of humbucking pickups can provide – then this model will not be likely to convert you.
You may also have an issue with the fact that is an Epiphone rather than a Gibson. Of course, what’s in a name? We have tried out this model in our own rec room and found it to be eminently worthy of the Les Paul tag. Your mileage – as well as your personal views on the matter – may vary. But for what it is and for what you get for the money that you choose to pay, this model is well worth the investment.
Is This the Right Les Paul Model for Your Personal Needs?
There are plenty of Les Paul models, new and used, that you can add to your collection. But if you’re looking for an affordably priced, comfortable, and compact model to play at home or use at gigs, the new Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar is well worth your attention.
This is a lightweight guitar that plays like an angel and handles like a pro. We guarantee that, when you close your eyes, you’ll swear you were playing a far older and far more expensive model. For sheer sonic fidelity, classic looks, and the indefinable “cool” factor, this is the model to buy.
Every classic feature that you associate with a vintage Les Paul is here for you to enjoy. The price is right and the quality is built in. It’s easy to play, compatible with a thousand different outputs, and a breeze to record with. For these reasons and many more, the new Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar is currently at the top of our list of recommendations. This is one buy you will never regret.
