Imagine holding a piece of rock and roll history in your hands. The iconic Les Paul guitar has powered countless legendary songs. But what if a brand new Gibson Les Paul is just out of reach? Many guitarists face this very dilemma. The world of Les Paul copy guitars is vast, and knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. You want that classic sound and feel, but the sheer number of brands and models can lead to confusion and frustration.
This guide is here to help you navigate that maze. We’ll explore what makes a great Les Paul copy and shed light on some of the best options available without breaking the bank. By reading on, you’ll discover how to identify quality craftsmanship, understand the key features to look for, and ultimately find a guitar that sings with the spirit of a Les Paul.
Get ready to discover your next favorite guitar. Let’s dive into the exciting world of Les Paul copy guitars and find the one that’s perfect for you.
Our Top 5 Les Paul Copy Guitars Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Les Paul Copy Guitars Detailed Reviews
1. GROTE Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitar with Gigbag LPYS-006
Rating: 9.1/10
The GROTE Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitar with Gigbag LPYS-006 is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a reliable and stylish electric guitar. It’s built with quality in mind and comes with everything you need to start playing right away. This guitar is a great investment for both beginners and experienced musicians.
What We Like:
- The solid Mahogany body and neck, along with the Rosewood fingerboard, create a warm and rich sound that works for many music styles.
- The maple wood grain finish is realistic and durable. It’s also an eco-friendly choice that keeps the guitar affordable.
- The Humbucker pickup and 3-way switch offer a good variety of sounds for different types of music.
- It includes a gig bag, picks, strap, wrench, and power cord, so you can start playing immediately.
- Grote guitars are known for their lasting quality and craftsmanship, making this a solid investment.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the wood grain finish is a great eco-friendly option, some players might prefer the look and feel of a solid wood top.
- The included accessories are good for starting out, but serious players might want to upgrade them later.
Overall, the GROTE LPYS-006 guitar offers excellent value. It’s a well-made instrument that provides a great playing experience right out of the box.
2. Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready to rock? The Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack in Vintage Sunburst is your all-in-one ticket to becoming a guitar hero. This pack truly has everything a beginner needs to plug in and play. You get a real Les Paul Special-II LTD guitar, known for its awesome sound. Plus, a 10-watt amp, a cable, a tuner, picks, a strap, and a gig bag are all included. It’s designed to get you playing music from day one!
What We Like:
- It includes a real Les Paul guitar, giving you that classic look and feel.
- You get a 10-watt amp, which is great for practicing at home.
- The pack comes with a clip-on tuner, so you can easily keep your guitar in tune.
- It also includes a strap and picks, so you have all the accessories you need.
- A gig bag is provided for easy transport, making it simple to take your guitar anywhere.
- Free downloadable lessons are included, which is a huge help for new players.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the amp is good for practice, it might not be loud enough for playing with a band.
- The included accessories are functional, but more experienced players might want to upgrade them later.
This Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack makes starting your guitar journey incredibly easy and affordable. It’s a fantastic way to dive into the world of music.
3. Jimmy Page Gibson ’59 Les Paul Cherry Sunburst 10-Inch Mini Guitar Model
Rating: 8.8/10
Rock and roll fans, get ready to add a legendary piece to your collection! The Jimmy Page Gibson ’59 Les Paul Cherry Sunburst 10-Inch Mini Guitar Model is here. This isn’t just any toy; it’s a beautifully crafted replica of one of the most iconic guitars ever made. Imagine owning a piece of music history, perfectly scaled down for your desk or shelf. This model captures the spirit of Jimmy Page’s legendary playing.
What We Like:
- It’s an officially licensed product from AXE HEAVEN, so you know it’s the real deal.
- It comes with a mini guitar stand, making it super easy to show off.
- The guitar is made of solid wood, just like a real one.
- It has real metal tuning keys that actually turn, adding to the realistic look.
- It’s handcrafted with amazing attention to detail, so every curve and color is just right.
- This makes the perfect gift for any guitar player or music lover.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s a mini model, so it’s not a playable instrument.
- The “Cherry Sunburst” finish, while beautiful, might show fingerprints easily.
This mini guitar model truly celebrates the magic of music. It’s a fantastic way to display your passion for classic rock.
4. Epiphone Les Paul Special-II E1 Electric Guitar
Rating: 9.1/10
The Epiphone Les Paul Special-II E1 Electric Guitar in Vintage Sunburst is a fantastic option for anyone looking to rock out without breaking the bank. It offers the classic Les Paul look and feel, making it a great choice for beginners and intermediate players alike. This guitar is built to last and sounds amazing.
What We Like:
- The mahogany neck and body give it a warm, rich tone that’s perfect for many music styles.
- It has a smooth Indian Laurel fretboard that feels great under your fingers.
- The 650R and 700T humbucker pickups deliver a powerful and versatile sound.
- The heavy-duty 3-way pickup selector lets you easily switch between different tones.
- The Tune-o-matic bridge and Stop-bar tailpiece provide excellent tuning stability and sustain.
- The vintage sunburst finish looks super cool and classic.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the pickups are good, some players might want to upgrade them for even more tonal options.
- The output jack is heavy-duty, but it’s still a good idea to be careful with your cables.
This Epiphone Les Paul Special-II E1 is a solid guitar that offers a lot of value. It’s a great instrument to learn on and grow with.
5. Gator Cases Traditional Series Hard-Shell Wood Case for Les Paul Style Guitars (GWE-LPS-BLK)
Rating: 8.9/10
Protect your treasured Les Paul-style guitar with the Gator Cases Traditional Series Hard-Shell Wood Case. This case offers robust protection and a classic look, making it an excellent choice for any guitarist who wants to keep their instrument safe.
What We Like:
- Durable Construction: The tough plywood and moisture-resistant Tolex covering keep your guitar safe from bumps and spills.
- Secure Storage: Lockable latches keep your guitar secure, and the interior compartment holds your picks and cables.
- Soft Interior: The plush lining stops scratches and keeps your guitar cozy.
- Easy to Carry: The comfortable handle makes transporting your guitar a breeze.
- Perfect Fit: It’s designed to fit Gibson Les Pauls and similar guitars snugly.
What Could Be Improved:
- Latches: While lockable, the chrome latches might scratch over time with frequent use.
- Weight: As a wood case, it’s sturdier but also heavier than some lighter materials.
This Gator case is a solid investment for keeping your Les Paul-style guitar in top condition. It balances protection, convenience, and a classic style that any musician will appreciate.
Choosing Your Les Paul Copy: A Buyer’s Guide
So, you want that classic Les Paul sound and look, but your wallet isn’t quite ready for a Gibson. That’s where Les Paul copy guitars come in! These guitars capture the spirit of the legendary Les Paul at a more affordable price. This guide will help you find a great one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a Les Paul copy, keep these important parts in mind:
- Body Shape: Most copies will have the iconic single-cutaway body. This shape is comfortable and familiar.
- Pickups: These are the “ears” of your guitar. Les Pauls typically use humbucker pickups. Humbuckers give you a thick, warm, and powerful sound. Look for guitars with two humbuckers. Some might have different types, but humbuckers are the standard for this style.
- Neck Joint: A “set neck” is where the neck is glued into the body. This usually makes the guitar sound richer and sustain longer. Most good Les Paul copies have a set neck.
- Bridge and Tailpiece: The bridge holds the strings, and the tailpiece anchors them. A Tune-o-matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece is common and offers good tuning stability and sustain.
- Controls: You’ll usually find two volume knobs and two tone knobs, plus a pickup selector switch. This lets you blend the sound of the two pickups.
Important Materials
The wood used in a guitar makes a big difference in its sound and feel.
- Body Wood:
- Mahogany: This is the classic choice for Les Pauls. It provides warmth, sustain, and a rich tone. Many good copies use mahogany for the body.
- Basswood: Some less expensive copies might use basswood. It’s lighter and can sound a bit brighter.
- Maple Top: Many Les Pauls have a maple cap on top of the mahogany body. This adds brightness and helps the guitar cut through a mix. A figured maple top (like flame or quilted maple) looks beautiful too.
- Neck Wood:
- Mahogany: Again, mahogany is the traditional choice for the neck. It’s strong and contributes to the warm tone.
- Maple: Less common for Les Paul copies, but maple necks can offer a brighter sound.
- Fretboard Wood:
- Rosewood: This is a popular choice for fretboards. It feels smooth and adds a bit of warmth.
- Pau Ferro: This is a good alternative to rosewood and is used on many guitars. It has a similar feel and sound.
- Maple: Maple fretboards are sometimes used and give a brighter attack.
Factors That Affect Quality
What makes one Les Paul copy better than another?
- Construction: How well the guitar is put together matters. Look for clean glue joints, well-finished frets (no sharp edges), and smooth-playing tuners.
- Hardware: The quality of the bridge, tuners, and other metal parts affects tuning stability and how long the strings ring out (sustain). Better hardware usually means a better playing experience.
- Electronics: The quality of the pickups and the wiring inside the guitar influences the sound. Good pickups will sound clearer and more dynamic.
- Finish: A smooth, evenly applied finish looks good and protects the wood.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who are these guitars for, and what can you do with them?
- Beginners: Les Paul copies are fantastic for people just starting out. They offer a classic sound and feel without the high price of a Gibson. You can learn many different styles of music on them.
- Intermediate Players: If you’re looking for a second guitar or a more affordable option for gigs, a good Les Paul copy can be a great choice. You can even upgrade the pickups later to get closer to a premium sound.
- Playing Styles: These guitars excel at rock, blues, hard rock, and even some jazz. The humbuckers give you that powerful, sustain-rich tone perfect for lead playing and crunchy rhythm parts.
- Live Performance: Many players use Les Paul copies on stage because they look great, sound good, and are less worrying to bring out than a very expensive instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are Les Paul copies as good as real Gibsons?
A: They can be very good, but generally, Gibsons use higher-quality materials and have more meticulous craftsmanship. However, many Les Paul copies offer excellent value and sound great.
Q: What are the most popular brands for Les Paul copies?
A: Brands like Epiphone (Gibson’s sister company), ESP LTD, Schecter, and Ibanez make popular and well-regarded Les Paul style guitars.
Q: What’s the difference between a Les Paul Standard and a Les Paul Custom copy?
A: Les Paul Custom copies often have more decorative features like binding on the body and neck, block inlays instead of dots, and gold hardware.
Q: Can I upgrade the pickups on a Les Paul copy?
A: Yes! Upgrading the pickups is a common way to improve the sound of any guitar, including Les Paul copies.
Q: How do I know if a Les Paul copy is well-made?
A: Check for smooth frets, a stable neck, properly working tuning machines, and clean wiring. Try playing it if you can!
Q: What kind of amplifier works best with a Les Paul copy?
A: Most amps that handle humbucker guitars well will work. Tube amps are often favored for their warm, dynamic sound.
Q: Do Les Paul copies have good sustain?
A: Many do, especially those with set necks and quality hardware. The mahogany body and neck contribute to sustain.
Q: Are there left-handed Les Paul copies available?
A: Yes, many brands offer left-handed versions of their Les Paul style guitars.
Q: What is a “P90” pickup, and do Les Paul copies have them?
A: P90s are a type of single-coil pickup that sounds fatter and warmer than typical single-coils, but thinner than humbuckers. Some Les Paul copies are made with P90s for a different vintage tone.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good Les Paul copy?
A: You can find good Les Paul copies starting from around $200-$300, with many excellent options in the $400-$800 range. Higher-end copies can cost more.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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