For many guitarists, the Epiphone Les Paul is the perfect entry-level instrument. It’s affordable, well-constructed, and sounds great, and the connotations with the iconic Gibson Les Paul are clear.
But is the Epiphone a good guitar brand for beginners?
Epiphone makes a wide variety of guitars, from budget models to closer to high-end instruments. The Les Paul is one of the most iconic models in the Epiphone lineup, designed to be a more affordable version of its famous sibling, the Gibson, with only slight tonal differences noticeable between the two.
Considering the latter is often at least four times more expensive than the latter, the Epiphone certainly represents a tantalising prospect for novice and experienced axe players alike.
Sounds too good to be true? It certainly sounds good, we’ll give you that! But today, we’re exploring whether the Epiphone Les Paul is a good guitar brand for beginners.
History Of The Brand
There are many factors to consider when determining whether or not a guitar brand delivers the goods for beginners. Heritage should certainly play a part, and Epiphone has a long history in the guitar world, dating back to 1873. The company has been owned by Gibson since 1957, and all Epiphone guitars are made at Gibson’s factory in Nashville, Tennessee.
Gibsons are one of the most popular guitar brands in the world, and their instruments are played by some of the most famous musicians of all time, including John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page and Slash. For beginners hoping to get inspired by their guitar heroes, this history and visibility can only be viewed as a plus point.
Quality
The quality of Epiphone electric guitars has improved greatly over the years. The entry-level models are well-made and offer great value for the price whilst the higher-end models are built to the same standards as Gibson’s flagship instruments, with durability all but assured.
Epiphone uses a variety of different woods in their guitars, including mahogany, maple, and rosewood. They also offer a wide range of finishes, such as Sunburst, Natural, and Tobacco Burst. We’d say that this level choice is a wonderful thing when looking to make a big, meaningful investment on a guitar!
Sound
The sound of an Epiphone Les Paul is classic rock ‘n’ roll. The guitars have a warm, full tone that is perfect for playing blues, rock, and country music.
The Epiphone Les Paul Studio is a great choice for beginners who want a well-made guitar with a classic sound, but who don’t want to pay a premium for a Gibson. The Custom model, on the other hand, is perfect for intermediate and advanced players who want a top-quality instrument with custom features.
Read: Reasons to learn a musical instrument as an adult
Build
The construction of Epiphone guitars has always been considered top-notch. The company uses high-quality materials and their instruments are built to last.
The Les Paul models feature a mahogany body with a maple top. The necks are made from mahogany, and the fretboards are rosewood or ebony. The hardware is also of excellent quality, and all Epiphone guitars come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Price
Epiphone offers a wide range of prices for their guitars. The entry-level Studio model starts near £200, while the top-of-the-line Custom clocks in closer to the £1000 mark. This is because Epiphone offers an extensive variety of features and options on their instruments, so the range in price is understandable.
The bottom line is that Epiphone makes a great guitar for any budget, sure, but particularly for beginners seeking the heft and tone of a Gibson, but aren’t so keen on the price.
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The Bottom Line
This brand makes high-quality guitars that are perfect for beginners and intermediate players. The Les Paul is one of the most iconic models in the Epiphone lineup, and it’s available in a variety of different styles. If you’re looking for an affordable, well-made guitar with a great sound, the Epiphone Les Paul is a great option.
And if you’re considering picking up a guitar for the first time, do check out these ways to improve your wellbeing with music education, which can, in the right hands, be an incredibly therapeutic thing to do.