Epiphone Les Paul Special Review

Today we take a look at an entry level offering from Epiphone. The Les Paul Special. These are very affordable guitars, and can be found online used from $60-$150. Brand new you could find the first gen model as low as $149, and the second gen around $150-$330. Player packs can be found as low as $249.

This guitar by no means is designed to be high level. It is meant for the beginner market. I purchased mine used almost new, it had been sitting around and was never played. in fact the original strings were still on the guitar. It was purchased by the original owner with the intent to play but they never got to it. I took it home, tuned up and plugged in.

Right from the start I got the blues feel from this guitar when playing, although the color would almost suggest a dooms day power chord arsenal. The vibe I was getting was more like classic rock blues, maybe some 80's glam. Intonation was surprisingly spot on. I had no issues playing the fret board, although the string height should be lowered, I found it difficult when skipping strings, I would sometimes miss. This is easily fixed by lowering the action at the bridge.

After 2 weeks of playing this is what I have found out about this guitar. Clean you can get some nice blues sounds, and it functions as it should all the electronics work pickup, selection works. With some gain added to the amp, I'm able to get a good classic rock feel, it makes me want to play some Led Zepplin and AC DC. Add some reverb and a little Mid I feel my hair growing out and the need to wear leather, I get some 80's feel going. Where it might fall a little short is the dark melt your face rhythms, This could be due to the pickups and my amp set up. I don't use any foot pedals for testing, and test all my guitars on a Peavey Vypyr Vip 3. (Picked up used of course).

So lets answer the main questions here, is it playable for someone just starting out, yes. Is it fun to play, yes, I have enjoyed playing this guitar. It sounds good clean and dirty. Leads sound good coming out of it, and crunchy rhythm is achievable. This guitar favors the treble a little more. With some more tweaking I'm sure I could dial in a Metallica, Death Punch or Disturbed feel.

Here is my intent with this guitar, I purchased this used to see if it is a viable option for a beginning guitarist. It is. I also wanted a guitar I could start testing passive pickups out of, and to try different upgrades on. I am going to be adjusting the action on this, it is a little high for my taste, but as is, it is playable. The upgrades I will be doing include, new pickups, a new bridge assembly, (I would prefer black over chrome) and tuning keys (again this is color preference). This guitar stays in tune, plays when plugged in and can produce a range of sounds that will appeal to every style, and its cheap, used its even cheaper. With the player pack you would have everything you need to get started for under $300.

If someone were to ask how I felt about this guitar I would say it was a sound investment for someone starting out, or for someone looking for a good project to upgrade. Its not an exotic wood guitar that costs more than a weeks pay, its a guitar that a high school kid could afford and start tearing up. Its a good guitar to have around for practice and leave lying around not worrying if it will get scratched up. It will get the work done, and keep more of your hard earned cash on your pocket.

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