Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s
- We are an independent review website and do not sell products. Purchases are made with the retailer you choose.
- We are an independent review website and do not sell products. Purchases are made with the retailer you choose.
The Les Paul Standard '50s is part of Epiphone's "Inspired by Gibson" line, which brought the brand's Les Pauls much closer to the Gibson originals in shape, headstock design and electronics. It's a heavy, sustain-rich, humbucker-loaded guitar — the classic tool for rock.
Specifications
| Body | Mahogany with maple top (AA flame veneer) |
| Neck | Mahogany, rounded '50s profile, set neck |
| Fingerboard | Indian laurel, 12" radius, 22 frets |
| Scale length | 24.75" |
| Pickups | Epiphone ProBucker 2 (neck) and ProBucker 3 (bridge) |
| Electronics | CTS potentiometers, Mallory capacitors, Switchcraft jack and switch |
| Hardware | LockTone Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar, Grover Rotomatic tuners |
Sound
The ProBucker humbuckers are modelled on Gibson's Burstbucker pickups. They're slightly lower in output than modern high-gain humbuckers, which keeps chords clear with distortion and gives a warm, musical clean tone when you roll back the volume. With a crunchy amp, the bridge pickup delivers the classic thick rock rhythm sound.
Feel
The '50s neck is noticeably chunky. Players with larger hands, or anyone who plays mostly chords, tend to love it; if you prefer thin necks, the '60s version of the same guitar has a slimmer profile. Like all Les Pauls, it is heavy compared with a Strat and the upper frets are harder to reach because of the heel.
Pros and cons
Pros: authentic Les Paul look and tone, quality electronics and tuners, excellent sustain.
Cons: weight, chunky neck isn't for everyone, finish and fretwork can vary between units, so check or set up on arrival.
Verdict
One of the best ways to get a genuine Les Paul experience without Gibson pricing. For lighter, more versatile single-coil tones, look at the Fender Player II Stratocaster.
