There are many makes and models of guitar, but two dominate the market. The most famous guitar players typically play on Les Paul or Stratocaster guitars.

Both the Les Paul and Stratocaster have been around since the 1950s: the Les Paul since 1952, and the Stratocaster since 1954.

Les Paul vs. Stratocaster: Is There a Clear Winner?

Since their inception, they’ve had entirely different paths and manufacturing strategies.

Hence, it’s nearly impossible to have a Les Paul vs Stratocaster battle and expect a clearly dominant winner.

Simply put – there isn’t one. However, there’s plenty of evidence that they’re both individual winners in their own right.

In this article, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions that come up regarding the most prominent features of these iconic instruments.

* Made in North America excluding special models and custom shop instruments.

Common Questions About Les Pauls and Stratocasters

The fastest way to learn more about the Les Paul vs. Strat debate is by asking the relevant questions. Buying a good guitar is no small feat, nor is it an insignificant investment.

Regardless of which you choose, you’ll need at least a few hundred dollars. If you’re considering a Gibson Les Paul instead of Epiphone, that number raises to thousands.

Let’s dive into the necessary information to help you see each side of the Gibson Les Paul vs Fender Stratocaster argument.

Is a Les Paul Easier to Play Than a Strat?

Right off the bat, the question doesn’t have a straightforward answer. However, in terms of playability, we have to consider several crucial characteristics.

First, the guitar body types play a significant role. But how do size and shape make a difference in the Les Paul vs. Stratocaster reckoning? Well, the Strat has a slightly thinner body, which makes it much easier to play for many.

In comparison, Les Pauls might feel like large chunks of wood if you compare them directly to Strats. But, in actual fact, modern Les Pauls aren’t as uncomfortable compared to the vintage models.

Then, we have to consider the scale length, one of the most prominent differences between the two and relevant to playability. The Les Paul scale length is 24.75 inches, and the Strat scale length sits at 25.5 inches.

The shorter scale length of a Les Paul has makes the strings a little easier to play, but the light weight and body contours of a Strat make it more comfortable.

Many professional guitar players prefer a Les Paul due to its shorter scale because it allows greater ease of use. Generally, the Gibson scale length for all models is the same as for Les Paul guitars.

Likewise, Fender scale length is always the same on Strat’s – with few exceptions.

Finally, we have to mention the string tension which directly affects playability. As mentioned, a shorter scale length equals more string elasticity.

Les Paul wins in this round as it has a lower string session than a Stratocaster.

Is a Les Paul or a Stratocaster Better?

Considering that both guitars are incredibly well-made and come in various finishes, specs, and styles, it’s impossible to say outright whether one is better than the other.

Much like an individuals taste in music – it’s entirely subjective.

Whether you think a Les Paul or Stratocaster is better is a matter of opinion, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. When in doubt, play it out.

Perhaps the question of whether Les Paul is superior is related to the fact that it’s typically more expensive. In addition, the Les Paul weight, usually between 9 and 12 pounds, is another reason many assume it’s a better guitar.

The Stratocaster weighs around 7 to 8.5 pounds, making it lightweight compared to a Les Paul. But a Les Paul is heavier because the mahogany body typically weighs more than alder or ash.

What Is the Difference Between a Fender Stratocaster and a Gibson Les Paul?

There are some similarities between these two fantastic guitars. For example, both can have have rosewood fingerboards. However, the differences are much more notable.

The Stratocaster has a built-on neck, whereas Les Paul’s is set and glued. We already know the differences in body and neck tonewood material.

When it comes to pickups, a Les Paul has two “hum cancelling” humbuckers and a Strat three single-coils, which can be noisy at times.

In design, the Stratocaster features one volume and two tone controls with a five-way switch for electronics. By contrast, Les Paul has two volume and two tone controls, with a three-way switch.

In sound, the Strat is highly versatile thanks to its electronics design which enables a wide tonal palette. By comparison, a Les Paul is sonically more limited, but packs one heck of a punch in output due to its dual coils.

Why Are Les Pauls More Expensive Than Strats?

Essentially, the two main reasons why the Gibson Les Paul guitar is pricier than Stratocaster are the materials used, and the build method applied.

Historically speaking, by the time Gibson started manufacturing electric guitars, they had already dominated the market with acoustic guitars and mandolins.

To this day, the emphasis on meticulous hand-crafted construction is evident in the Les Paul guitar.

With the addition of time consuming cosmetic features such as binding and inlay work, the price goes up accordingly.

Furthermore, mahogany is one of the most expensive types of wood on the market, and a standard for many custom-made guitars.

In contrast, Fender guitars, Strats included, were meant to be mass-produced from the get-go using readily available materials for every detail.

Why Did Eric Clapton Switch to Fender?

In the 1970s, Eric Clapton replaced his Gibson SG for a Fender Stratocaster and further fueled the war between the two guitar communities.

Many still wonder why he made the change, as we all know Gibson makes some of the best guitars on the planet.

While we can’t say with 100% accuracy, the standard explanation is that he was influenced by Jimmy Hendrix and his bandmates to switch to a Strat.

He famously named his first Strat ‘Brownie’ due to the color of its finish.

He then bought six more Strats and gave one to George Harrison, one to Steve Winwood, and one to Pete Townshend.

He then used the best parts of the remaining three Strats to build ‘Blackie,’ another famous Fender Strat.

Are Les Pauls Good for Beginners?

It’s essential to point out that beginners can learn how to play either a Les Paul or Strat as long as they practice.

But, as mentioned, they both have their benefits and downfalls in terms of ease of use.

For most players just starting out however, budget is a major consideration. For this reason, entry level models from the sub-brands Epiphone and Squier make more sense.

When you’re a complete novice, every guitar will seem overwhelming at first.

However, Stratocasters are lighter, have a C-shaped neck, and are often better for beginners.

What Is the Best Fender Stratocaster for the Money?

Even though they are far more affordable than Gibson Les Pauls, Strat guitars come in a wide range of prices and specs.

In terms of a meat-and-potatoes, everything you need in a US-made Strat, the most affordable option is the Fender Player Stratocaster, priced around $800.

A high-end Strat can cost up to $2,000, as is the case with the Fender American Ultra Stratocaster HSS.

It is worth noting, at the risk of stepping outside the context of true Fender USA made products, an excellent guitar that combines quality and value for money is Fender’s Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster with a price tag of around $500.

Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster

Why Are Les Pauls So Heavy?

Gibson Les Pauls are heavy because they’re slightly thicker and made from relatively dense mahogany.

Only the best mahogany is used for the bodies; the necks can be made with the same material or maple.

This in not to say that Fender products are feather-weight either. We’ve seen some, particularly from the 70’s, that were ridiculously heavy.

Over the decades, specific gravity tolerances used for body materials have been relaxed in order to make production more cost effective.

The result is that, in some cases, Fender guitars that aren’t as light as they could be.

Can a Stratocaster Sound Like a Les Paul?

This is a great question. Les Pauls and Strats feature two very different sounds. A typical Stratocaster footprint has the thinner and brighter sound, some would express it as “sharp sounding”.

A Les Paul is all about thicker, darker tones and focuses on mid-range frequencies. But is there a way to make them sound similar?

You can make significant changes by adjusting the amplifier settings, using an EQ pedal, and opting for the neck pickup, but we’ll explain it like this:

Through modifications you can get a Stratocaster to sound very close to a Les Paul, but, because of its inherent construction, a Les Paul will never produce a convincing Stratocaster sound.

Is Gibson or Fender Better?

Again, the question is subjective and almost impossible to answer. The Fender vs. Gibson comparison comes down to personal preference.

Gibson is an older guitar maker with a different history and intense focus on details. On the other hand, Fender makes Stratocasters which are incredibly popular and more affordable.

Also, Telecaster vs. Strat by Fender is another challenging comparison to make.

Les Paul vs Stratocaster: A Breakdown

We’ve covered the main questions about these two brilliant instruments, but we have to touch on several other specific categories.

This will give us further insight into the Les Paul and Stratocaster legacies and what they represent to guitar communities.

The History

The Gibson company was founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and is undoubtedly one of the most well-known guitar manufacturers in the world.

When they started making electric guitars in the 1950s, and their best-known models were the Les Paul and SG, along with the Flying V, Explorer and Moderne though with limited success.

To this day, every “authentic” Gibson guitar is made in the US in one of the Nashville or Montana factories.

The first Fender guitar, Telecaster (originally Broadcaster), was introduced in 1950, and the Stratocaster came a mere four years later in 1954.

They were both designed by Leo Fender in California as marketing products used to support his amplifier business.

Today, these practical, every-day-working-man guitars are synonymous with professional guitarists.

Musical Styles

If you know what you’re doing, you can play any musical style with any guitar – talent is truly in the hands of the player.

However, due to the style, tone, and general comfort, Les Paul and Stratocaster are divided based on musical styles.

While a Strat can be used in any genre, it’s considered one of the best blues guitars ever. The low levels of gain make it suitable for country, pop and R’n’B music.

With Les Paul guitars, it’s all about the hands that play it. It’s original inception was to be an affordable electric guitar for jazz musicians.

Therefor of course it can be an excellent jazz guitar, but it found incredible popularity among, blues, rock and heavy metal musicians too.

Price Range

A Gibson Les Paul guitar is gorgeous, sturdy, durable – and expensive. No doubt that it’s a fantastic investment that can turn into an heirloom.

But it might not be the best option for a budget-minded person in need of a new guitar. Even the cheapest Les Paul is over $1,000. For that money, you can buy a reasonably high-end Stratocaster.

Ultimately, it’s about what you’re looking for and what will work for you. Besides, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard is much cheaper and shares incredibly similar features.

Les Paul vs. Stratocaster Pros and Cons

By Gibson

By Fender

Les Paul vs. Stratocaster: Which Guitar Is Better for You?

If you don’t know anything about guitars, it’d be nearly impossible to choose between the Les Paul and the Stratocaster.

You would probably be inclined to make a decision based on looks.

The lack of contours and the weight of a Les Paul would make it an automatic “no” for some. However, others will appreciate those same features.

The playability factor is essential but shouldn’t be the defining factor.

You can learn how to play either of these guitars as long as you dedicate time and effort.

However, perhaps the better way to assess the better option is to focus on the preferred music style and pickup options.

The post Les Paul vs Stratocaster (What We Love, And Hate) first appeared on GuitarNiche.

Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack

Overall Rating: 4.4/5

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Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack Review: A Beginner Version Of The Beloved Les Paul

There are arguably no electric guitars more famous, influential, or beloved than the classic Gibson Les Paul.

From Jimmy Page to Slash, numerous icons of the guitar world have chosen this single cut model above others.

Likewise, thousands of amateur and student players have entrusted Epiphone to create this same guitar model for their needs.

This Epiphone Les Paul Guitar Player Pack is no different – specifically their Les Paul Special-II model which sits at the core; all the accessories and extras needed to get you playing guitar fast.

Overview of an Affordable Les Paul Guitar Package

Epiphone, a branch of Gibson that specializes in affordable models has long had a great reputation amongst guitarists.

Many players from the past 30 years started out on guitars from packages just like this.

In fact, this Les Paul Guitar Player Pack is likely one of their top selling products thanks to the affordable price tag and one-stop-shop deal.

Even for more experienced players who may own other guitars, this all inclusive package holds value.

Who Get’s the Most Out of It?

As with most guitar packages, this Epiphone LP offering is best suited for beginners and students. The combination of affordability and value is often too good to pass up.

This Epiphone Player package is very attractive for a few key reasons.

First off, it’s a classic guitar design and sound that many students will find their idols playing on stage or in the studio.

Next, the inclusion of the amp, cables, and other extras make it so truly easy to get home and play in minutes.

No comparison shopping for extras and accessories, just open the box and go. Furthermore, the smaller scale length of these Gibson-style instruments can be easier for some players to learn on.

What Comes in the Box?

So we’ve talked about how great it is that this guitar package comes with everything you need, but what exactly does it come with?

Each pack contains a brand new Epiphone Les Paul Special II and padded gig bag for it.

A 10-watt Epiphone amplifier is included as well with all necessary cables so that you’re ready to plug and play.

Other great extras include a strap for your new Les Paul, guitar picks, and a very hand clip on tuner.

While these are less essential than the amp and power cable, they will make your life easier.

These items specifically are things a less educated beginner or student may have trouble finding.

Features & Specs

There are several noteworthy features that make this Les Paul beginner-friendly. The flat top, thin body design makes it much less heavy than the typical Les Paul.

The Alder wood body construction, as opposed to Mahogany, further lightens the load.

The two humbucking pickups, a 700T in the bridge and 650R at the neck, also provide a more high octane sound than single coils found on competitors like Squier Stratocasters and Telecasters.

Plus, these dual coil pickups are far less noisy, meaning you won’t have as much buzz or hum coming out of your amplifier.

The 24.75” scale length also provides for a smaller neck, with less space in between frets. Compare this to the 25.5” scale length of most Fender or Ibanez guitars

Lastly, two finishes are available: a beautiful vintage sunburst or ebony finish gives this Epiphone Les Paul a classic, gig ready look.

Highlights

• High output humbucking pickups
• Simplified controls with volume, tone, and 3-way switch
• Comfortable Alder body
• Beautiful vintage sunburst finish
• Shorter scale length neck

How To Get The Most Out Of Your New Epiphone Pack

The beauty of the Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar Player Package is that it’s 100% ready to go out of the box.

Clip on your tuner and tune the guitar, throw the strap on, and plug in. The flat top construction and Alder body also make it lighter and more comfortable than most classic Les Paul models.

Check out this awesome demo of the Les Paul Special-II, the guitar featured in this package!

Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack Review: Key Points

Alternative Instruments for Comparison

Final Thoughts On A Timeless Guitar

If your love of classic rock music inspired you to pick up the guitar, it’s hard to not covet a Les Paul. Epiphone’s Les Paul Guitar Player Pack is designed to scratch that Gibson itch while still outfitting you with all the essentials.

The smaller scale length of the neck may make it more comfortable to inexperienced hands. On the other hand, affordable Les Paul’s are well known to have some tuning instability issues.

A quick tune up from a tech can help unlock the monster tones locked inside this classic body design.

Either way, the Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar Player pack is an excellent choice for new guitarists determined to play an LP.

Check Today’s Epiphone Player Pack Price! >>

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Epiphone Limited Edition 1959 Les Paul Standard Review – Is It The Classic You Always Wanted?

Epiphone Limited Edition 1959 Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar

Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Overview

Designed in collaboration with Gibson’s Custom Shop, the Epiphone Limited Edition 1959 Les Paul promises to bring a lot to the table for long time Les Paul fans.

Resting on the rich history of one of the world’s most collectible guitars, Epiphone’s much more affordable version of Gibson’s historic 1959 Les Paul Standard is being touted as the “poor man’s 59 Les Paul”.

Along with the recently redesigned headstock (a great cosmetic improvement in our opinion), the Epiphone Limited Edition 1959 Les Paul Standard definitely has a foot in the door.

In this review, we’ll look at the quality of fit and finish, playability, and how the guitar sounds, and perhaps most importantly, the overall value if you’re in the market for just one more guitar.

Epiphone has grown into one of the world’s most versatile guitar manufacturers. Originating in Turkey in the 1800s, the company is now well established with a long history of its own, and of being associated with its parent company Gibson.

Considering the relationship between the two companies, it makes a lot of sense to release a tribute to the 1959 Les Paul Standard, pump up the quality, and add an extra layer of respectability to the Epiphone brand.

Retailing at around the eight hundred dollar mark (USD), the re-envisioned 1959 Standard from Epiphone makes for a great deal that should appeal to fans of Les Pauls – especially when you add in the vintage-style pink plush lined case which is included.

A Classic Les Paul Design for Everyone

In general, the Les Paul range of guitars is one of Epiphone’s most featured products with the instantly recognizable shape automatically conjures up an instrument with plenty of history.

At its core, the combination of the mahogany body and maple cap, plus the solid mahogany neck are the basis of a traditional Les Paul sonic footprint. Mix in a pair of killer Burstbucker pickups as the output engine and you immediately have a recipe for great tone.

Sporting a great pedigree combined with great build quality, the Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar is certainly a far more affordable option compared to its more purebred counterpart.

Currently available in three classic color schemes: Aged Dark Burst, Aged Dark Cherry Burst, and Aged Honey Burst gloss, all three finishes give a respectable nod to the original cosmetic designs.

Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Features:

• Inspired 1959 Gibson Les Paul design
• American-made Gibson USA Burstbucker pickups
• Mallory 150 polyester film tone capacitors
• CTS pots and Switchcraft toggle switch
• Figured AAA maple top on a mahogany back
• Rounded Medium “C” mahogany neck
• Aged gloss finish
• Tune-O-Matic bridge
• Epiphone Vintage Deluxe 18:1 tuners

Finish Variations to Choose From:

Aged Dark Burst

Aged Dark Cherry Burst

Aged Honey Burst Gloss

Superior Electronics that Perform

As mentioned, the Epiphone Limited Edition 1959 is powered by two fabulous USA-made Burstbucker pickups: a Burstbucker 2 in the neck position for more of a 57 tone, and a Burstbucker 3 in the bridge for full-on PAF tone.

In the main control cavity, you’ll find quality CTS pots combined with Mallory 150 polyester film caps which together provide excellent overall control over output.

When we inspected the interior of the electronics cavity, the only real concern we had (other than the unsightly wiring itself)  was the lack of extra insulation around the braided pickup wires. Not that it’s a huge issue, but the possibility of a short across live contacts should be taken into consideration.

The toggle switch is Switchcraft, a well respected brand known for producing rugged long-lasting electronic parts found in great guitars.

On the face of the instrument, the vintage-style gold bell knobs sit proud just as they would on a real ’59.

As many players know, superior electronics go a long way in producing the sounds you want. Overall, this is a mod-free, no upgrades required electronics setup right out of the box.

Click Here to Read the Latest Epiphone 1959 Standard Reviews >>

Warranty Coverage That Lasts

Unlike many companies on the market, Epiphone offers a lifetime warranty. As stated on the Epiphone website, “Your new Epiphone instrument is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the original retail purchaser”.

That being said, you really can’t go wrong trusting the company will take care of any issues with their Limited Edition 1959 Les Paul Standard.

While this warranty doesn’t necessarily cover everything, it does help ensure that you don’t have to worry about manufacturing issues. Considering most other companies only offer a one-year warranty, this is an exceptional offer.

How Does the Epiphone 59 Les Paul Standard Sound?

The Burstbucker pickups are particularly refined producing full, rich, classic (yet controlled) tones. There are few more refined sounding guitars on the market making this is one of your best options for an electric powerhouse of an instrument.

Plugged in, the controls interact on a professional level – which is to be expected. As you roll back the volume controls, the pickups clean up nicely, especially when put through a good tube amp.

There’s no hint of the muddiness that comes from cheaper pickups at all. Much the dynamics between the controls can be attributed to the original 50’s style wiring.

When full out, the pickups are dynamic and responsive to touch and attack – just as they should be.

The tone controls work excellently within the network, rolling off highs in a smooth contour. The .022 Mallory caps easily shunt the hi frequencies well into the ground as you approach zero.

In fact they go so deep some players might find the final cutoff a bit much. That being said, it’s better to have too much in this case rather than not enough – you can still dial in what works for your ears.

What’s the Build Quality Like?

Our first impression was very good. On the workbench the guitar was resonant and rang out loud, long and strong with a single rake of the strings. Overall, the fit and finish seemed pretty clean.

As expected, the full weight mahogany construction is typical of a Les Paul. The body itself is two pieces and capped with a maple which is finished off with an attractive AAA maple veneer to complete the visual.

The neck was beefy with its rounded medium C contour but was not uncomfortable. A scarf joint was evident where the neck started to flare into the headstock at the back.

It’s worth noting that there isn’t a true “59” one-size-fits-all neck profile. Because the original instruments were not so machine made, the more hands-on manufacturing of the day produced variations in neck profiles. That being said, we do have somewhat of a generalized average to go by.

Moving on, the Indian Laurel fretboard was a little dry and happily soaked up a few drops of lemon oil conditioner. The medium-jumbo frets were clean and even, but definitely had a machine finish to them. Nonetheless, the guitar played flawlessly with ringing notes and easy bends.

The newly minted Epiphone Deluxe vintage tuners, much like Kluson keystone tuners, have an excellent smooth feel indicating a high level of attention to machining detail. With an 18:1 ratio and maching vintage-style inserts on the headstock face, the overall effect is indeed complete.

During our setup procedure we noticed a few small things that needed attention:

• The slots of the Graph Tech NuBone nut were a little high and needed to be filed down to be more comfortable. Keep in mind, it’s not uncommon to have nut slots a little proud from the factory. If you play a lot of slide, this is a good thing and is anticipated.
• The knurled nut for the toggle switch was a little loose. Again this is a fairly common issue with some new guitars in general, and was easily tightened up using an appropriate tool.
• We noticed the jack was a bit unnaturally stiff when plugging in the guitar. The problem was due to the inner positive contact bumping into the inner wall of the route. The remedy was to simply loosen the jack, rotate it a few degrees, tighten it back up and voila! Problem solved.
• Cosmetically, there was a noticeable flat spot at the very top part of what should be the arch. The pickup surrounds were designed to marry with the complete curve therefor there was a small gap evident. With a little work, they could be trimmed to fit.
• Lastly, there was a little bit of a sharp edge in a few spots where the binding transitioned to the top. We suspect the uppermost part of the binding liquified a little during the polishing phase producing the edge. The fix was easy and the excess was removed cleanly with a little help of a fine file.

Should you wish to trade or sell the instrument down the road, the resale value is very much in the name. As long as the instrument is kept in good condition, the Epiphone brand will allow you to recover a good chunk of its value.

Epiphone Les Paul Standard Key Points

Epiphone Les Paul 1959 Standard Electric Guitar in Review

What Do Epiphone 1959 Standard Users Think? >>

Compare other Epiphone guitars:

Final Thoughts On The Epiphone Les Paul 1959 Standard Limited Edition: Is It The Guitar For You?

The Epiphone Les Paul 1959 Standard from Gibson definitely offers a huge bang for the buck. When you factor in the premium electronics and vintage style hardshell case, these upgrades alone make for a good deal.

It’s definitely not the original by any means – but it’s certainly in the wheelhouse. There are a few small details that could be improved which. when you consider the price point, are easily offset.

Whether you’re a collector or an enthusiast, this guitar is designed to hit the sweet spot for anyone looking for a vintage-inspired Les Paul purchase.

Check Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Availability Here! >>

Manufacturer Info:

Website: https://www.epiphone.com/

About: Since 1873, Epiphone is one of American’s oldest and most revered instrument makers.

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Does the Epiphone Les Paul 100 Play Authentic? Find Out in Our Complete Review

The Epiphone Les Paul 100 Electric Guitar at a glance:

Epiphone Les Paul 100 Guitar in Heritage Cherry Sunburst

Les Paul 100 Electric Guitar Overview

Epiphone guitars, the affordable line of guitars authorized by Gibson, has a long and admirable history when it comes to producing quality electric guitars. The Les Paul 100 is no different, representing an affordable alternative to the Gibson Les Paul.

Featuring two humbucking pickups, the Les Paul 100 is built to rock. Featuring the classic Les Paul archtop shape, beginners will be getting a comfortable, versatile, and iconic guitar.

A Reliable Remake of the World’s First Signature Guitar

Epiphone’s Les Paul 100 is an affordable way for beginners to get their hands on a high quality, arch top Les Paul. Made famous by Les Paul himself, Slash, Jimmy Page, and many other iconic players, the Gibson LP has helped shape rock n roll history.

Famous for the warm, full sound of its humbuckers, the Les Paul 100 is a great option for players who play rock, hard rock, or metal-style music. While there are many Epiphone Les Pauls that have upgraded features, the simple and streamlined construction helps keep the cost down.

Who is the Epiphone Les Paul 100 for?

Closer to $300 than $200, the Les Paul 100 is a bit more expensive than some of its similarly-rated peers. However, it is still tailored to beginner and student guitar players skill set.

The Les Paul 100, a Gibson-style guitar, has a smaller scale length at 24.75” than comparable Fender-style guitars like the Telecaster or Stratocaster. This may make it easier for some beginners, thanks to the size of the frets and neck.

Many players also often consider these guitars easier to bend notes on as well. Even better, the humbucking pickups have less noise or buzz than single coils, and produce high output sounds.

That makes the Les Paul 100 a great live instrument for beginners and students as they form their first bands.

What Comes in the Epiphone Box?

Unlike the Squier Affinity Telecaster, the Les Paul 100 cannot be purchased as part of a package deal with included accessories.

This means that you’ll have to go out and purchase your own accessories such as a strap, picks, clip-on tuner, and extra strings separately if you’re a beginner.

For some players who already stretched their budget just to get the Les Paul 100, this could be troubling. However, you can get Epiphone’s cheaper Les Paul II model in one of those beginner friendly packs!

Les Paul 100 Features

Epiphone’s Les Paul 100 is built around two powerful hot open-coil humbuckers. Humbuckers are by definition noiseless, helping to reduce the buzz and hum in your whole rig. Plus, humbuckers are higher output than single coils, giving you loud, full layers of distorted guitar tone.

The Les Paul 100 has a Mahogany body and neck, giving it a full, sustaining tone. Unlike Gibson and higher end Epiphones, the Les Paul 100 has a bolt-on neck, not a set in neck.

The C shaped neck is covered by a Rosewood fretboard. The neck should be comfortable for most new players, especially thanks to the shorter scale length. The arched top is a maple cap, that comes with a stunning heritage cherry finish.

Unfortunately, Les Pauls like this are known to have some tuning instability, thanks to the angle of the strings as they enter the nut.

Rounding out the features are 22 comfortably medium jumbo frets, the classic tune-o-matic bridge style, and a gloss finish that makes the guitar shine.

Highlights

• Loud, rich humbuckers
• Beautiful, glossy heritage cherry finish
• Comfortable, slim body profile
• Small scale length is easier for beginners

See and Hear it in Action

Curious how the Les Paul 100 and those open coil humbuckers sound? Check out this great demo of the guitar, played both clean and overdriven, below! You’ll quickly see how you can recreate those vintage Les Paul tones with ease.

Epiphone Electric Key Points

Epiphone Les Paul-100 Review

What Do Epiphone Customers Think? >>

Other Affordable Electric Guitars to Try

Final Thoughts: Does the Epiphone Les Paul 100 Hit the Mark as a Good Mid-Level Guitar Purchase?

If Fender single coil guitars aren’t your style, the Epiphone Les Paul 100 is a superb alternative. It’s great for beginners in both practice and live settings, and the humbuckers can faithfully reproduce classic rock and blues lead tones.

Unfortunately, affordable Les Pauls are known for having some tuning issues, so getting a clip on tuner is highly recommended. But for beginners or students who want to play high volume and high gain music, the Les Paul 100 is a dependable, and fairly affordable option!

Plus, with that heritage cherry color and glossy finish, there aren’t many guitars that look this good at this price point!

What are Epiphone Les Paul 100 Owners Saying? >>

The post Epiphone Les Paul 100 Review [Electric Guitar by Gibson] first appeared on GuitarNiche.

Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Review – Why Do Owners Rate it 4.5 out of 5 Stars?

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The Epiphone Special II at a glance:

Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Electric Guitar – Ebony

Epiphone SPECIAL II Overview

If you’re a fan of electric guitars, there’s a high chance you’ve heard of a Les Paul – it’s one of the world’s most popular designs. The Les Paul SPECIAL-II is Epiphone’s most basic offering, but being one of the most affordable electric guitars on the market, it also has plenty to offer.

Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Electric Guitar – Vintage Sunburst

Choosing the right guitar is a complicated process that should entail plenty of research. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II with an aim to provide a bit of that research for you.

Epiphone is one of the world’s most notable guitar manufacturers. While they originated in Turkey in the 1800s, the current company, owned by Gibson, is best-known as one of America’s most famous musical institutions. The firm is currently based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Classic Les Paul Design

The Les Paul range of guitars is one of Epiphone’s most prominent products. If you’re looking to purchase a classic guitar with plenty of history, the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II is your most affordable option.

With the classic Les Paul design and noticeable mahogany body, this guitar model will impress an enthusiast of any level.

Best of all, it comes in three unique color schemes: ebony, vintage sunburst, and heritage cherry sunburst. All three models benefit from a pure rock and roll design.

Variations to Choose From:

Epiphone Les Paul Special-II E1 Electric Guitar...

Epiphone Les Paul Special II, Vintage Sunburst

Epiphone Les Paul Special II, Heritage Cherry...

Electronics that Perform

One of the most essential components of an electric guitar is the electronics receiving and emitting the music. If you’re a guitarist that values the performance of your guitar, you’ll be pleased to know there are some tremendous built-in electronics present in the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II.

First, you have 700T Humbucker pickups that ensure smooth, powerful transmission of tone from the instrument. There’s also a rosewood fretboard and a Tune-O-Matic guitar bridge system.

There’s plenty to ensure your guitar performs to a high standard no matter what type of music you’re playing.

Click Here to Read the Latest Special-II Reviews

A Warranty That Lasts

If you’re looking for an extended warranty that protects your guitar from malfunctions, you’re in luck with Epiphone. Unlike many companies on the market, Epiphone offers a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship.

While this warranty doesn’t cover everything, it does help ensure that you don’t lose out because of manufacturing issues. Many companies only offer a one-year warranty, so this feature is extremely unique.

How Does the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Sound?

You can’t go wrong with the sound of the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II – especially considering the price of the guitar. If you’re someone who wants an affordable guitar that emits a range of full sounds, this is a solid option for you.

The pickups are particularly robust producing full, rich (and aggressive) tones. While there are more refined sounding guitars on the market, this is one of your best options under $200.

What’s the Build Quality Like?

With a company like Epiphone behind the construction of a guitar, you can rely on top-quality materials beings used to construct it. Even more significant is the warranty – a company only provides a lifetime warranty if they know their product is reliable.

Regarding build quality, the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II is built from mahogany. This guitar is known to last. If you’re looking for a long-term investment, Epiphone guitars are a solid option in general.

Should you wish to trade or sell the instrument down the road, the resale value is very much in the name. As long as the instrument is kept in good condition, the Epiphone brand will allow you to recover a good chunk of its value.

Pros and Cons

Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar Review

What Do Epiphone Special-II Users Think?

Compare these similar priced Epiphone guitars:

Verdict: Is the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II a good guitar?

As you can probably tell from this review, the Les Paul SPECIAL-II is excellent value for the money. In this case, you don’t have to break the bank to get your hands on a well-designed guitar. Les Paul’s designs are some of the most famous in the industry.

With an attractive cost of around $200, you get a fully functioning electric guitar that provides clear and powerful audio at an affordable price. While you’ll still need to purchase an amplifier to use it, the price point can’t get any better!

However, we do feel this guitar may be best for beginners. Despite great durability and decent sound quality, more advanced players may find the Les Paul SPECIAL-II insufficient in comparison to higher-end models.

Are Les Paul SPECIAL-II Customers Happy? >>

Manufacturer Info:

Website: https://www.epiphone.com/

About: For 140 years, Epiphone is one of American’s oldest and most revered instrument makers. Since 1873, Epiphone has made instruments for every style of popular music and in 2013 celebrated its 140th anniversary.

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Five Electric Guitars That Offer the Best Value

Top 5 electric guitars for the money at glance:

Product	Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Overall Best Value Pacifica Series PAC12 Electric Guitar			$$
#2 Best Budget Model Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar			$$
#3 Most Versatile Jackson JS22 Dinky Eelctric Guitar			$$
#4 Fastest Neck C-1 SGR by Schecter Electric Guitar			$$
#5 Best Classic Features Epiphone Les Paul-100 Electric Guitar			$$$

Until you know for sure that guitar is something you want to stick with and want to keep on playing, you want to make sure your money invested goes as far as possible. Luckily, there are many great beginner electric guitars on the market that won’t break the bank.

Below, we have a list of five of the best low priced electric guitars that are definitely worth looking into.

In Review: The Top 5 Electric Guitars for the Money

1. Best Electric Guitar for the Money: Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 Electric Guitar

Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 Electric Guitar

If like most of us, you want to get the best value for your money, it’s essential to do your research such as that which went into this article.

The smooth design of the Yamaha PAC12 includes one of the sleekest external designs on the market. All Pacifica models have a similar design – meaning while the PAC12 is the lower-end model on the market, it benefits from a similar design to some of the more expensive models.

Yamaha’s Pacifica PAC12 is a popular choice for beginner players due to its low price and robust functionality. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door.

This guitar offers quality performance despite being less than $200, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a similar guitar in with the same performance at this price point. This model provides much more sound power and range than other guitars in its market segment.

Considering this model remains a popular stalwart in the industry after almost 30 years, you can trust the Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 is built to last.

Key Features

• Professional Quality at an Entry-Level Price
• Smooth Design
• Variations to choose from
• Plenty of power and internal master controls
• Factory Warranty Included
• Made under strict quality controls during the manufacturing process

Pros and Cons

Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 Electric Guitar Review

What Do Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 Owners Think?

For more details, read our complete comprehensive Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 review here.

2. Best Budget Model: Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II

Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Electric Guitar

If you’re a fan of electric guitars, there’s a high chance you’ve heard of a Les Paul – it’s one of the world’s most popular designs. The Les Paul SPECIAL-II is Epiphone’s most basic offering, but being one of the most affordable electric guitars on the market, it also has plenty to offer.

Choosing the right guitar is a complicated process that should entail plenty of research. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II with an aim to provide a bit of that research for you.

Epiphone is one of the world’s most notable guitar manufacturers. While they originated in Turkey in the 1800s, the current company, Gibson, is best-known as one of America’s most famous musical institutions. The firm is currently based in Nashville, Tennessee.

This particular Epiphone guitar model is also featured as a package in our Best Guitars for Beginners Guide. For a more detailed look at the instrument on it’s own,, you can read our full review here.

Read What Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Users are Saying

Key Features

• Classic Les Paul design
• Electronics that perform
• Warranty that lasts
• One of your best sounding options under $200.
• Built from basswood and a solid option in general.

Pros and Cons

Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Review

Are Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Owners Happy? >>

Interested in more info? Check out our in-depth Epiphone Les Paul II review here.

3. Most Versatility: Jackson JS22 Dinky

Jackson JS22 Dinky Electric Guitar

Do you want a solid body guitar that is attractive, plays well, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg? If so, look no further than the Jackson JS22 Dinky, with its solid basswood body made with a beautiful finish.

This right-handed guitar from Jackson has a one-piece neck made of solid maple, and it also has graphic reinforcement on the joint. The bolt-on scale length is 25.5 inches, and there is a truss rod. This affordable guitar looks great, and it sounds awesome when you play it through an amp.

If you love the classic Jackson tone, you will enjoy playing the JS22 Dinky. It has all of the things that musicians love about Jackson guitars, but it comes at an affordable price so anyone can have their own awesome Jackson guitar.

Key Features

• This guitar has many upgraded features, including an arched top, high-output ceramic pickups, a graphite-reinforced maple neck, bound fingerboard and headstock, and attractive black hardware, so you get a really great looking guitar
• The bound rosewood fingerboard has 24 jumbo frets. This makes this guitar really stand out from other beginner, low-end guitars that do not have the full fretboard. You can go a long way on this guitar, and it’s going to grow with you
• Enjoy the dual, high-output Jackson humbucking pickups that have ceramic magnets, along with three-way blade switching. There is also a synchronized fulcrum tremolo bridge, as well as die-cast tuners

Pros and Cons

Jackson JS22 Dinky Review

Read What Jackson JS22 Customers are Saying >>

Need more details? Read our comprehensive Jackson JS22 Dinky review here.

4. Fastets Neck: C-1 SGR by Schecter

Schecter C-1 SGR Electric Guitar

Let’s start by discussing the C-1 SGR from Schecter. This is an attractive, uniquely shaped beginner guitar that plays as great as it looks. It has one very unique feature in that it has 24 frets, something that you aren’t going to find in a lot of beginner electric guitars.

Priced very affordably, this SGR guitar from Schecter is an ideal inexpensive instrument you can definitely grow with. The pickups produce clean balanced tones that can easily be colored with a variety of effects.

If you are looking for a cheap guitar that has a decent sound quality, this is one of the models you need to seriously consider. It may be cost-effective, but there really is nothing cheap about this guitar. It looks and plays awesome.

Click Here to Read the Latest C-1 SGR Reviews >>

Key Features

• This electric guitar has a unique looking fretboard. While the pearloid dots aren’t unique to this guitar, they really do stand out against the rosewood fretboard, and there is a unique filigree pattern on the 12^th fret
• The shape of the C-1 SGR is interesting and attractive. It has a smooth, arched top that makes this guitar very comfortable to play, whether you are sitting or standing. This also makes it easy to use both the controls and the fretboard
• The hardware on this guitar is made from polished, black chrome, something else that sets it apart from other entry level guitars that just have regular or polished chrome in silver tone. This is just one more feature that gives this guitar its unique appearance

Pros and Cons

Schecter C-1 SGR Review

What are Schecter C-1 SGR Players Saying? >>

Read our complete expert Schecter C-1 review here

5. Best Classic Features: Epiphone Les Paul-100 Electric Guitar

Epiphone Les Paul 100 Electric Guitar

A lot of musicians enjoy playing on Epiphone guitars, and for some very good reasons. For starters, even the low-end models are fun to play on, and they look and sound terrific. Take the Epiphone Les Paul-100 electric guitar for instance.

This guitar has a mahogany body with a maple top and a rosewood fretboard, and it comes in the traditional sunburst finish. It has all of the features we love about a Les Paul, but comes at a fraction of the price.

One of the things we love about this guitar is the body, because it is slightly slimmer than LP Studio or Standard guitars. It is more lightweight than other models, making it easier to play while standing for extended periods of time.

Key Features

• This guitar has a classic LP tone, thanks to the 700T and 650R open coil, Humbucker pickups. Each pickup has its own separate volume and tone controls, so you can control each one individually to get the sound you really want
• Some of the standard features of all Epiphone guitars, including the Les Paul-100, include 500 Ohms potentiometers, as well as the Epiphone heavy-duty, three-way pickup selector toggle switch and non-rotating heavy duty output jack
• This guitar is going to tune easily, and stay in tune, thanks to the Epiphone Lock-Tone locking Tune-o-Matic bridge. There is also a stop-bar tailpiece that is going to give you more sustain, along with attractive chrome hardware

Pros and Cons

Epiphone Les Paul-100 Electric Guitar Review

What Do Epiphone Les Paul 100 Players Think? >>

For more info, you may be interested in our complete Epiphone Les Paul 100 review.

Our Best Value for the Money Guitars Finalists:

Best Electric Guitar Value

Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC12 Electric Guitar...

Best Budget Model

Epiphone Les Paul Special II, Vintage Sunburst

Most Versatile Guitar

C-1 SGR by Schecter Beginner Electric Guitar...

Conclusion – Which Electric Guitar is the Best Deal?

As you can plainly see, you don’t have to go out and spend hundreds of dollars for a decent beginner electric guitar. This is particularly good when you have children who want to learn, but you aren’t sure if they’re actually going to stick with it.

Any of these guitars will be a great choice for the beginner who wants a quality guitar to learn on, and they come from some of the most trusted guitar manufacturers in the world.

All told, considering fit, finish, cosmetics, playability, and bundled accessories, we’d have to say the overall winner in this shootout is the Yamaha Pacifica PAC12. Simply put, it represent the overall best electric guitar for the money.

EDITOR’S PICK

Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 Electric Guitar

Check Yamaha Pacifica Availability! >>

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Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner for Guitar, Bass & Violin...

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The post Best Electric Guitar For The Money [Reviews & Buying Guide] first appeared on GuitarNiche.

Epiphone Guitars: Are They Passionate About the Future?

Background and History

Many people just know Epiphone as the little brother company to Gibson, akin to what Squier is to Fender. But in reality, Epiphone historically was one of the giants of the retail guitar world and was Gibson’s top competitor.

During the nascent period of the electric guitar, Epiphone was producing hollowbody electric guitars that outsold Gibson, Fender and Gretsch at various times.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Started in 1873 by Anasatasios Stathopolous and later run by his son, Epi Stathopolous, they got their start making banjos, violins, acoustic guitars among other stringed instruments.

Originally founded in NYC, it was purchased by Gibson’s parent company, Chicago Musical Instrument Co. in 1975 and moved headquarters to Kalamazoo, Michigan alongside Gibson’s factories, before moving to Nashville, Tennessee.

Both before and after being purchased by CMI, Epiphone introduced several important electric guitar models that would be used by such legends as John Lennon of the Beatles and The Edge of U2.

After being bought out in 1957, Epiphone continued to produce their own line of guitars in the USA until 1970 when most production was moved overseas, first to Japan.

Through the years, more and more production was shifted overseas as they transitioned into making budget, entry level guitars for Gibson in Japan, China, and Korea.

Despite mass production of Les Paul’s, SG’s, and other Gibson stalwarts, they still continued to produce Epiphone-specific guitar models as well, also at wallet-friendly prices, such as the Casino, Wilshire, Sheraton, and Emperor.

Despite this shift in production, some of Epiphone’s highest quality instruments were and are still manufactured in the US at the Gibson plants as they still sell some expensive, custom shop-esque acoustics and electrics.

What Company Makes Epiphone Guitars?

Gibson controls and manufactures under the Epiphone company brand name. You’ll find obvious signs of that control on Epiphone instruments, often on truss-rod covers.

Unlike, the Squier by Fender name brand, Epiphone produces a wide range of acoustic guitars and artist signature electric guitars in addition to the low-end versions of their parent company. While Fender has a sort of intermediate brand, the Made in Mexico Fenders,

Gibson does not necessarily have an intermediate product line, which means the Epiphone is leveraged to produce guitars ranging in price from $119.00 all the way up to high end $1000.00.

Fender’s $400-$900 range is generally covered by these higher quality, but still outsourced, models from Mexico.

Best Selling Models

Does Epiphone Make Good Guitars?

There are many interesting factors about Epiphone’s products that make their best-selling guitar models unique. First off, they have many more signature models than their main competitors at Squier do.

Secondly, they offer many more guitar types such as dreadnought, acoustic-electric, hollowbody, semi-hollowbody, and solid body electric and bass guitars. Let’s take a look at a large list of some of their best-selling models.

Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack

Epiphone offers a number of awesome beginner guitar packs for both electric and acoustic models that include all the essentials a student would need.

Including an amp, strap, cables, cases, and picks, these can be a great value and an easy way for parents, teachers, or new players to make a smart purchase without knowing much about guitars.

The most common pack of them is the Les Paul Player Pack, including an Epiphone Les Paul Special II, which will go into detail about below.

Are Epiphone Les Pauls Good Guitars?

With a sale price in the mid-200’s, you are limited in finish options and are getting the lowest quality Epiphone electric guitar but the convenience value is certainly a plus.

Epiphone Les Paul Special VE

The Epiphone Les Paull VE guitar is one of their most basic electric guitar offerings and is a budget-restricted take on the Les Paul, one of the most popular guitar designs of all time.

With the common HH configuration and 3-way selector switch circuitry that most people know, this makes an excellent beginner guitar for students who were inspired to play by watching Slash, Eric Clapton, or Jimmy Page rip an LP.

While Gibson’s main design for all their guitars is a set-in neck, meaning it is secured to the body by wood glue, many of their cheap solid body guitars like this actually feature the bolt on neck popularized by Fender.

One important thing about that is how difficult it can make it to change necks. You cannot simply just screw in a nicer Gibson neck the way you can just screw in a Fender neck on a Squier.

You either have to shop for after-market bolt on necks that are to Epiphone’s scale, or pay a tech to glue in a nicer one.

Epiphone SG Standard Electric Guitar

A bit of step up from the Les Paul and SG Special models mentioned above, the Epiphone SG Standard is a beautiful, highly rated alternative to pricier Gibson SG’s and comes in a glossy red or black finish.

Usually around the mid-400 dollar mark, these guys are loaded with Epiphone’s own Alnico humbuckers and even feature upgraded premium CTS electronics, which is uncommon in this price range. While it is still priced to potentially be an entry level guitar it is definitely on the higher end of the spectrum.

Instead, this is a prototypical “second guitar” for someone looking to upgrade and would not sound out of place at all being used in a live setting by a young band or musician. The Epiphone SG Standard is no doubt one of Epiphone’s best values.

Epiphone Les Paul Standard ’60’s Electric

True to its name, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard ’60’s Electric Guitar is, well, your standard Les Paul just at a more accessible price point. Especially considering even the most barebones Gibson LP costs almost $1000 before taxes and shipping,

it can be really challenging for many musicians to get a quality LP from the Gibson family line without going broke.

Luckily, Epiphone has produced a great option here, retailing in the middle hundreds, that is much more palatable to most. With a variety of classic Les Paul finishes available and high output Alnico Probucker pickups, these things are built to rock and make great candidates for a project guitar to upgrade.

With its upgraded tuners and PAF-style humbuckers you’ve practically got a Gibson for a few less bucks.

View the Latest Epiphone Deals at Sweetwater.com >>

Epiphone Casino

Arguably the guitar most associated with Epiphone throughout their history, the Casino has never quite gone out of style. Featuring two dog ear P90 pickups in a semi-hollow guitar body, the Casino has excellent sustain, single coil chime, and killer looks.

Moving into the upper echelon of their guitar offerings, the Epiphone Casino is a bit pricy for entry level or student guitars. At just above the middle hundreds, it fits a great price level for many modern musicians looking for their main guitar.

The Casino is the first in a line of many Epiphone semi hollowbody guitars that are not remakes of Gibson’s ES-300 lines but are still affordable to the average musician.

While the company has recently started producing budget ES-339’s and 335’s, the Casino, Sheraton, Riviera, and Dot remain their best sellers.

Epiphone Sheraton II PRO

Continuing on with another high-quality archtop, the Epiphone Sheraton II PRO is a favorite of amateurs and pros alike looking to get a reliable hollowbody capable of bluesy leads or high output rock riffs.

Retailing typically in the higher hundreds, the Sheraton packs a lot of quality into an import guitar for that high of a price. Featuring the same Alnico humbuckers as the Les Paul Standard, upgrades include Grover tuners, multi-body and multi-neck binding, and Abalone inlays.

With Natural, Ebony, and Sunburst finish options, one of the Sheraton’s top selling points is how beautiful of a guitar it is.

While the Casino offers classic P90 tone, the Sheraton offers more of the classic Gibson Humbucker tone at a similar price point, especially considering almost all of Gibson’s archtops retail for well over $1000.

Another Epiphone archtop guitar worth noting is the Wildkat Semi-Hollowbody sporting a Bigsby B70 Vibrato and powered by classic P-90 dogear pickups. Find out more about the Epiphone Wildkat guitar here.

Epiphone G-1275 Double Neck Electric Guitar

First popularized by Jimmy Page during live performances of “Stairway to Heaven”, the double neck Gibson SG has become one of the most well-known guitars in rock history.

Featuring a 12 string neck alongside a 6 string neck, this monster of an instrument allows for one guitar player to fill multiple tonal needs in a song such as rich, stadium filling chords before transitioning to a blistering 6 string solo.

Now obviously, the Epiphone G-1275 is one of the most expensive guitars in the Epiphone line at over a thousand dollars, but that pales in comparison to the cost of the Gibson version which currently is a custom shop model worth almost $8000.

While this instrument certainly doesn’t appeal to everyone, it’s always great to have an inexpensive option should this be your dream guitar or a live concert necessity.

Epiphone EB-0 Electric Bass

While Epiphone and Gibson are more famous for guitars than basses, they still have had some historically prevalent models such as the EB-0.

Best known for being Jack Bruce’s bass of choice in Cream, the guitar features a SG-style body with a single humbucking bass pickup at the neck.

Epiphone’s offering is extremely affordable, with a sale price less than $300 and providing a solid entry level alternative for young musicians not looking to just play another P or J bass copy.

The EB-0 is as simple and straightforward a bass as any, and that simplicity is partly what has made it such an attractive instrument over the years.

While some people can be confused or overwhelmed by the variety of tonal options presented by the Jazz bass, there is nothing but pure, bass tone here.

Thunderbird IV PRO Electric Bass

Probably Epiphone’s most well-known bass, the thunderbird is a beautiful example of Gibson’s attempts at an offset style model.

At a still affordable mid-hundreds, this bass is a bit of a step up in Epiphone’s line from the more entry focused EB-0. Well known as Nicki Sixx’s bass of choice, it wouldn’t surprise me if the recent Motley Crue documentary re-ignited some interest in this model.

Two humbucking pickups, with a volume control for each, and one tone knob, are outfit on this beautiful, streamlined design.

Similar to Epiphone’s hollowbody guitar options, the Thunderbird IV PRO bass represents more of a serious option for even the most experienced musicians and shouldn’t be limited to just students.

Epiphone PRO-1 Acoustic Guitar

One of the cheapest guitars in the whole Epiphone line, the PRO-1 Acoustic is designed to be an affordable entry level option for players looking to learn on a trusted brand name instrument.

Costing much less than $200 , Epiphone leverages years of high-quality acoustic guitar making by its big brother Gibson, into a more accessible option.

While it is no doubt great for beginners, experience players would be wise to take a look at more options on the expansive Epiphone line of Acoustics or Acoustic-Electrics.

Epiphone Hummingbird PRO Acoustic-Electric

Modelled after the famous Gibson Hummingbird design that is one of the gold standards of the acoustic guitar world, Epiphone scales down the cost here while still producing a quality instrument.

Until this year, Gibson has never offered an Acoustic guitar under $1000, which is why Epiphone’s take, costing less than $400 and usually found on sale, has been a top seller for years.

Despite the huge price reduction, playability, build quality, and sound has still been well regarded on these models, making it a top seller at most major retailers.

Made of solid spruce tonewood and sporting Gibson’s iconic, detailed pickguard, this model will get you close to the sound popularized by Keith Richards on the original Gibson model.

Epiphone EJ-200SCE

Epiphone’s take on another Gibson classic, the Jumbo acoustic guitar, is much of the same story as the Hummingbird. They take the shape, design, and feel of the classic, and distill it down into a price that is easier for young players and working singer-songwriters.

For around $500, you’ll be getting a time-tested Acoustic-Electric guitar design in one of the three classic finishes: black, natural, or sunburst.

With the well-known “mustache bridge” and detailed pickguard, the Epiphone EJ-200SCE is as close as you can get to vintage Gibson quality without taking out a mortgage for the real thing.

Popular Signature Models

Unlike their main competitor Squier, Epiphone has dozens of artist signature models in the middle of their price range.

By focusing the core of their lines on simple, well known models, they have freed up much of their signature line for crazy modifications and interesting finishes. Ranging from heavy metal pioneers to blues giants, Epiphone has a signature model for everyone.

Epiphone Slash Firebird

While he may be more known for his use of a Gibson Les Paul, Slash recently worked with Epiphone to release a beautiful Firebird model in limited quantities.

Despite the relatively high price of around $900 for an imported guitar, it features upgraded Seymour Duncan Slash Alnico pickups, a gloss mahogany neck, and trapezoid inlays.

Slash went as far as to say, “who doesn’t want a firebird?”, and he might be right when you see this gorgeous offering that is sure to turn heads as an alternative another LP or SG.

Epiphone BB King Lucille Signature

BB King is without a doubt one of the most recognizable guitar players to ever pick up the instrument. Almost as well-known as his songs however is his ebony Gibson hollowbody known as “Lucille”, which is differentiated from all others by the lack of any of Gibson’s traditional f-holes.

While Gibson signature models of this blues guitar staple cost thousands, Epiphone has a beautifully bound, ebony copy with vintage specs for just over $700, not much more than their other hollowbody options.

Complete with BB King’s classic “VariTone” control knob next to the volume and tone pots and mono and stereo outputs, this guitar is loaded with features.

Epiphone Limited Edition Richie Faulkner Flying V

One half of Judas Priest’s two guitar attack, Richie Faulkner adds some serious metal credibility to Epiphone’s artist list and boy does this instrument live up to the billing.

It is loaded with features including a Floyd rose tremolo system, locking nut, and two EMG active humbuckers under traditional Gibson-style covers.

Of course, this comes at a cost of around $1000 but surely checks every box you’re likely looking for on a metal guitar aside from the brand name. Finished in ebony with a heavy gloss coating, it is ready to stand up to any tests that the road may throw at it.

Epiphone Lzzy Hale Explorer Outfit

Like Richie Faulkner’s Flying V, this signature model is one of the best ways you can get your hands on an Explorer without having to shell out for the expensive Gibson model.

Over the years, the Explorer has become one of the staples of modern hard rock with musicians like Jason Hook and James Hetfield donning the futuristic guitar.

Lzzy Hale and her band Halestorm have wasted no time showing that women can keep up and push hard rock into the future as Epiphone pays homage to her skill with this stunning white and gold explorer.

As with most Epiphone signature models, it comes at a stiffer price tag in the higher hundreds. But that pales in comparison to the $1400 or more expected for Gibson models and provides a modern rock roar through the Epiphone Alnico PRO humbuckers.

Epiphone Joe Bonamassa ES-335

A recent addition to the Epiphone signature series is this beautiful recreation of one of Gibson’s best guitars, the ES-335. Spec’d to Joe’s impeccable standards as a vintage guitar collector, it packs some of the best hardware and sounds out of all the guitars discussed here.

With two ProBucker pickups and a Bigsby B7 vibrato tailpiece, most people will easily confuse this guitar with a Gibson custom shop creation.

As one of today’s premier guitar revivalists, it is no surprise Joe Bonamassa’s Epiphone signature model is a homage to everything he has loved about vintage Gibson’s at a way more accessible price of around $1000 than anything you’ll find from the custom shop or at a vintage guitar dealer.

Epiphone Jared James Nichols Old Glory Les Paul

Last but not least we have one of the new faces of Epiphone, Jared James Nichols. Nichols has been thrilling crowds these past couple years with his American-blues and classic rock act that has revitalized guitar and rock music.

Just like his playing, this guitar is stripped back to the basics with a single Seymour Duncan dog ear P90 in the bridge position, one tone knob, and one volume knob.

‘Reminiscent of Gibson’s “Black Beauty” Les Paul, this guitar features Grover tuners, full binding, and a gorgeous ebony fretboard.

Priced in the hi-mid hundreds range, it’s on the more affordable end of Epiphone’s signature models and should be a must-have model for any new, young blues enthusiasts looking to follow in Nichols’ footsteps.

Find Great Deals on Epiphone Guitars at Sweetwater.com

Final Thoughts: Are Epiphone Guitars Good?

We’ve certainly seen our fair share of Epiphone guitars come in for service. Dollar for dollar, their entry level guitars offer great value for beginners, and the upper end models easily stand toe-to-toe with professional instruments offered by other manufacturers.

Pros Use Epiphone Too

Considering the wide range of signature models, you’d be correct to guess a number of active performers use Epiphone guitars on stage despite their humble price points.

The Edge, of U2 fame, who is notorious for his particular use of many, expensive guitars, still uses vintage Casinos and Sheratons on tour.

A more modern musician, Gary Clark Jr still uses a 2007 Epiphone Casino standard out on tour despite his rise to guitar hero status capable of playing whatever he wants.

Jared James Nichols put his money where his mouth is and actively uses the exact Epiphone signature model that he endorses on tour despite his similar rise to fame like Clark Jr.

For all the alternative and garage rock fans out there, you may have noticed Nick Valensi of The Strokes rocking his Epiphone Riviera on stage throughout the history of the band.

The post Epiphone Guitars Brand Spotlight! first appeared on GuitarNiche.

How To Setup A Gibson Les Paul Part 9: String Stretch, Tweak & Cleanup

What’s Covered:

• Stretching the strings

• Dealing with a sticky nut slot

• A quick test drive

• Final cleanup

Video: Les Paul Setup Tutorial Part 9

Transcript:

Stretching the Strings

All the strings have been intonated according to the process I just described, but it’s not necessarily in tune, and we still have a little bit of housekeeping to do.

First order is stretching those strings again. You want to get all the stretch out of those strings. I can tell if there’s any issue with the nut again, I can feel it make a little knock down here like something giving. Things might be moving into position or settling down. Once more, I’ll give the strings a good stretch again.

A little trick here, use a tuning fork, strike the 5th fret harmonic at the 5th fret, 5th string. Exactly the same pitch as the A440 tuning fork. How do you like that?

Back to the nut, heard a little “tink” on that 4th string. I’m going to deal with that. I have my amp set up so it’s a little bit gainy. It’s the way I like it. When I stretched the string. I could feel that 4th string is just sticking.

Okay, so that was essentially our last stretch, but this is a bonus for anybody watching.

Dealing with a Sticky Nut Slot

So we found a little kink going on there with the 4th string. It’s not quite doing what it’s supposed to do, so I’m going to smooth that out. I’m not trying to carve it down or anything, I’m just smoothing that out. I think I know what it is.

The winding is probably catching the back wall on this side face – very common. So we have our groove going this way, and the string is canted that way and is catching the back wall there.

If you hear that “tink” that’s what that is. It’s typically on three and three type tuners. You’re hearing the winding’s catching the back wall of the nut slot.

There, done. Cool. Just like that.

Back to the String Stretch

All righty. Stretching it. I’m tuning and tuning and tuning. I want to do it efficiently. Well that sounds just dandy.

I had the relief set at a nominal point before I got the strings up to pressure and all this. This is a wonderful example of what I’m talking about. I got the strings up to pressure to stretch out. The neck actually tipped just a hair.

The relief is in a sweet spot, it’s just in a wonderful position. I’m checking the high frets here. No fretting out. It’s not sky high or anything. Very, very, very comfortable.

Bass side is nice. There’s a nice little bit of air because bass strings need a little bit more height to do their work.

I’m going to give these another stretch. Just arbitrarily around the neck. Man, you can’t stretch the strings enough when you’re fresh. And then the next day, they’ll be perfect.

You can get them to settle down within a short time period if need be, but the next day, they’ll be really in good shape. That’s good. Beautiful.

I’m going to have to play it for a little bit to get everything to settle down to where it’s supposed to be. That bridge pickup, the controls nice and clean. Everything seems to be doing what it’s supposed to do.

Final Cleanup

The final part of this whole setup procedure will be taking some paper towels and a little bit of the polish and just going around it doing the back of the neck and the back of the body, the sides and everything really picking, cleaning house as it were. We don’t need to bore you with all of that.

Anyway, last thing, we put the truss rod cover back on. Tidy up house. Clean up after yourself. It’s all good. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed that.

My name is Steve from GuitarNiche. Of course, we’re going to put that back on, all the necessary bits and call it a day. I hope you enjoyed that. It’s been a pleasure.

I hope you get something out of that, some tips and whatnot. Please stay tuned, there are tons of other videos that will explain in depth things like neck relief, how to cut a nut, and more in depth stuff like how to intonate in very, very fine detail and things like that.

Some real finesse stuff that we’re going to address are the most common problems, that we as guitar players face, string breakage, going out of tune, why does D sound great and G sound like crap. I’ll answer those questions. Anyway, thank you very much, and we’ll talk soon. Take care.

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The post How To Setup A Gibson Les Paul Part 9 (String Stretching, Tweaks And Test Drive) first appeared on GuitarNiche.

Part 8: How To Setup A Gibson Les Paul. Relief, the Nut & Setting Intonation

What’s Covered:

• Assessing Neck Relief

• Assessing the Nut

• The Concept of a Balanced Setup

• The Intonation Process

Video: Les Paul Setup Tutorial Part 8

Transcript:

Assessing Neck Relief

We’re having a look at neck relief. I want to see a gap of light around the middle of the neck here around the seventh fret between where I’m holding the string down. A gap of light roughly the same thickness as the third string itself. Now that could be more or less depending on how you like your action, but it’s one of these things where you test it out.

As a general rule for me that’s a good starting point because this neck is pretty straight. It’s my medium. It’s my midline, it’s a great starting point. Always try to start with the neck a little bit straighter than ultimately where you want it. When you start to induce compression through string pressure, relief will come around naturally.

Assessing the Nut

So now regarding the nut, I recently replaced this nut, so I know it’s in great shape, but if it had an issue I could deal with that, if it’s with a string or two was buzzing, I can show you how to repair that. There’s a couple of videos I have on that.

In most cases the nut is going to need just tiny little tweaks. So you have at your availability, you can get nut files from Stewmac or All Parts. Personally I prefer AllParts. I find that Stewmac is all well and good, but they’re more in the business of hard selling products than I’m comfortable with these days.

Overall I’m pretty happy with the condition of the nut. I’d prefer to keep the whole nut thing as a separate topic on it’s own.

The Concept of a Balanced Setup

Let me say this, within the context of the instrument, this is very very important. We have a triangular set of elements that we want to keep in balance. Think of it (action) like a perfect triangle, one point is the nut, one is the bridge, two fixed points where the string attaches to the instrument, and then there’s relief itself.

If any one of those elements is out of balance, it automatically affects the other two. So in an ideal setup, all three of those elements are in harmony, and the instrument is happy, and it functions great – all good things.

As mentioned, the nut is a fixed point. If it has issues it has to be addressed so that the strings will go through it properly, etc, etc. So that’s kind of a fixed anchor point.

The other two elements being the bridge and the relief, have a little more adjustability. Nonetheless, they should all be in harmony when everything is aligned properly.

I don’t see any real issue with the nut, this one is just dandy, so I’m going to leave that.

Now down to the bridge end, the relief is good at hand, and it’s intonation time. I’m not going to spend a great deal of time on this as well because intonation is an art form.

Different instruments they all use basically the same principle, but the process can be a little bit different instrument to instrument. And there are many different ways of going about it.

I’m going to give you the short version of how this works. First off, we just installed brand new strings. They’re fresh, they’re really elastic, and there’s a lot of unrestrained junk living in every aspect of the string.

So the first thing I’m going to do is I’m going to stretch, give the strings a good stretch.

Okay, that’s the first pass. They all dropped about a semitone to a tone.

Fact – you want to keep your guitar in tune. One of the most important things you can do is stretch your strings.

I’ve had pros come in and say, “My guitar, it’s not holding a tune.” First thing I do is stretch their strings, and they’re dropping, and I’m going, “I’m sorry man, it was just your strings.” And they’re going,”Oh okay, all right.”

Point is, always make sure your strings are stretched out fully.

Back to our guitar on the workbench, that’s one degree of stretching let’s say.

Now we’re ready to intonate. The process is we’re getting that initial elasticity out of the strings, so that they are…put it this way, if you try to intonate with the strings being fresh and elastic, your pitches are going to drop.

You’re not going to get true reads because the strings are too wrangly and unrestrained. They’re just too happy, it’s the way it is.

Anyway, I’ gonna plug this in. Actually before I do that I’m going to clean up the jack.

This is simply a piece of 220 wet dry sand paper, that’s my preference. Coarse enough to be effective, but fine enough to not really do any damage. And roll that up, I’m going to put that in the jack, and twirl that around a little bit.

I can already see some, I don’t know if you can see that dust, but that’s actually it’s not the gold plate coming off, that’s a little bit of rust coming off, or not rust but corrosion.

It’s a basic process I suppose, so I just flip that around 180 using the other end, clean that up. Okay, get rid of that. So now I know that the jack is in good shape.

Now I’m going to make sure the outer nut of the jack is tight. Give it a little torque with an open end wrench, okay? There’s a trick to keeping that from spinning around which again I’ll share that at a later date.

I was looking for the correct size on that. This is a little sloppy because it’s metric, and not imperial like it should be.

Anyway, we’re going to plug that in, all is clean. Okay, I’m going to use my treble pickup.

For more on the entire process, check our complete guide on How to Setup a Guitar.

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The Intonation Process

Being able to get a clean signal to the tuner, the tuning device whether it’s a clip on or whatever, is very important. I’m going to give you the idea of how I go about this,

I’m not going to be absolutely specific about going through each, and every string, and what not, because once you get the initial process you’ll have the idea.

Okay, I’m not using open strings, and 12 fret, or harmonics or anything like 12 fret harmonics specifically. The reason is in every other situation, whatever instrument it is,

if you don’t know for sure is that nut is absolutely cut the way it’s supposed to, you can get misreads along the entire string length. You have to know beforehand that the nut has been cut properly, and you don’t know that until you address it.

So in order to eliminate the possibility of an improperly cut nut, this is how we go about it.

I’m going to start with the fifth string, fifth fret which is a D. I’m going to set my tuner, it’s just an old analogue tuner that needles just beautiful, it’s a fluid motion, it’s not sketchy or anything like that.

And I’m going to use a 12 fret harmonic from the fifth fret (which would be the 17th fret visually), so then I’m getting that D way up the neck.

I should get it in tune first. So I’m registering a specific point on the tuner, it doesn’t matter if it’s perfectly on center right, you don’t have to be that fussy about it. Just get it so that it’s in the ballpark, but register with your eyes.

Take note of exactly where the needle sits or where the registration point is for what you’re seeing. And then I’m going to hit the twelfth fret harmonic (from that point) just to filter it a little bit, just to double check.

That’s beautiful, now up here, that point I just saw a second ago is actually registered now. It’s a little bit on the high side, which means that the scale length is too short. So I have to lengthen it.

I’m going to throw in a little bit more length into the string. Pop the string, helps to seat it, okay? To get it to sit pretty. Now I’m looking at my point, it’s still off center, but it doesn’t matter, it’s within tolerance.

For a typical 6 string electric guitar (3 plain strings and 3 wound strings), your intonation pattern at the saddles should look like the image below:

I just want to see the exact same thing at the octave note when I do this. I’m using a moderate pressure to do this too.

Okay. That’s great. If I press I can actually get that to deflect like, “Whoa.” We’ve got to use like a reasonable amount of pressure. That pitch right there is exactly the same sound, and pitch as that fretted string.

So as far as the tuner goes, it’s exactly the same thing as reading, and it’s on the fret board.

So much of what we play on the guitar is on the fret board. Use the frets on the fretboard to intonate with. You want to do it properly as it gets around any discrepancies with the nut or silly things like that. Anyway, that is the short course on the intonation process as it works.

I can double check this by using a B.

I’m taking note of where my needle sits, and then I come up here (an octave away). And it’s bang on the same spot, that tells me the string is in tune, It’s awesome.

I’m going to use that same process, and go through all my strings, and use fretted notes down here, and then a 12 frets up an octave. For each string multiple notes,

I can use just my analogue tuner, it’s not chromatic or anything just the regular string means for the guitar, and it’ll do a fantastic job.

Anyway I’m going to carry on with that, I’m going to finish that up, and we’ll get back with the home stretch. Back in a sec.

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The post How To Setup A Gibson Les Paul Part 8 (Intonation And Cutting The Nut)) first appeared on GuitarNiche.

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Find the Best Electric Guitar to Start With!

Great Beginner Electric Guitars at a Glance:

Rank	Feature Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Best Beginner Guitar Squier Affinity Stratocaster Beginner Pack		(4.7)	$$$
#2 Best Budget Package LyxPro Electric Guitar Complete Beginner Starter kit		(4.4)	$$
#3 Best for Hard Rock Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar Player Package		(4.4)	$$$
#4 Best Vintage Starter Pack Maestro by Gibson Electric Guitar Starter Package		(3.9)	$$
#5 Best Standalone Instrument Ibanez GRX70 Electric Guitar		(4.4)	$$$

Purchasing your very first electric guitar, either for yourself or for your child, can be very exciting. It can also get a little confusing if you’re not familiar with some of the terminologies, or simply don’t know what to look for.

Luckily for you, seeking out the best electric guitar for beginners has resulted in a few good choices available in today’s market, coming in a variety of prices to fit various budgets.

In Review: The Top 5 Electric Guitars for Beginners

1. Overall Best Beginner Guitar: Squier Affinity Stratocaster Beginner Pack

Best balance of build quality, playability, sound versatility and reputation.

AFFINITY SERIES STRATOCASTER HSS PACK (371824009)

You don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to have the look and feel of a Fender Stratocaster. In fact, you can get a low-end version of this guitar, and it is made by Fender, so you know it is going to be a quality instrument, even if it is inexpensive.

The Fender Squier was introduced to the world in 1982, and is mainly produced overseas, at factories that are mainly located in China and other parts of Asia. They are able to manufacture these guitars with cost-efficient materials, and bring the savings to you.

This is a bundle package, so not only do you get the Squier Affinity guitar, you also get everything needed, including virtual lessons, to jump right in and start playing. All the student needs to do is tune it up and it is ready to play, right out of the box.

Read What Squier Starter Strat Pack Customers are Saying >>

Key Features

• This bundle package comes with the Squier electric guitar, and all of the necessary accessories. The bundle includes the guitar, a 15G practice amp, instrument cable, shoulder strap, and extra guitar picks
• This guitar has a lightweight body making it a great choice. It has one humbucking pickup and two single-coil pickups, which provide a broad range of sounds plus that classic Stratocaster tone
• The Squier Affinity Stratocaster has a master volume control and a master tone control, with chrome finish hardware. The tuning machines are standard die-cast, and there is a three-ply, white pick guard

Squier Affinity Stratocaster Pack Review

What Do Squier Affinity Strat Owners Think? >>

Summary

Most kids would love to start out on a real Strat, but this is just way too much money to spend on a beginner. The Squier Affinity Strat Starter Pack is the ideal compromise, because you still get the Fender quality, and the Strat style, without the regular Strat price.

This bundle package is a great deal, with everything the student needs, and it is a guitar that they can learn and grow with.

2. Best Budget Package: LyxPro Electric Guitar with 20w Amp Package

Offers the most complete range of included accessories.

LyxPro 39 inch Electric Guitar Kit Bundle with 20w Amplifier, All Accessories, Digital Clip On Tuner, Six Strings, Two Picks, Tremolo Bar, Shoulder Strap, Case Bag Starter kit Full Size - Red

Let’s face it. One of the coolest guitars on the planet is the Fender Stratocaster, but who wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a guitar for a kid who is just starting out, and might not even stay interested in playing?

Get them a great little guitar that looks just like a Strat, but comes in a bundle kit that costs less than $200? That guitar is the LyxPro electric guitar, and it comes in a bundle package with everything they need to open the box and start playing.

This is a full-size, 39-inch electric guitar that is ideal for both beginner and intermediate players, so it is a guitar that is going to grow with your young learner. It has a solid wood body, with a neck made from Canadian maple and a rosewood fretboard.

Check LyxPro Electric Guitar Customer Reviews >>

Key Features

• This guitar has S-S-S pickups, along with a one-way tremolo and a pickup switch. It also has separate volume and tone controls. All of the controls are laid out as they are on a Strat, so they are familiar and easy to reach and manipulate
• The bundle package includes the full-size, 39-inche electric LyxPro electric guitar, a 20-watt amplifier, a digital clip-on tuner, two picks, a set of extra strings, a shoulder strap, a tremolo bar, and a gig bag
• The 20-watt amp is great for beginners. It is just loud enough for them to be able to practice, and not so loud that it is going to drive everyone in the house crazy. It offers a quality sound, which is important for ear training

LyxPro Electric Guitar with 20w Amp Review

What Do LyxPro Customers Think? >>

Summary

It isn’t often that we find a guitar that we have no complaints about, especially one in this price range, but this is one of those rarities.

We like pretty much everything about this guitar. As far as the price goes, this bundle package is costlier than others we are looking at today, but when you consider the quality of the instrument and accessories, you really are getting a pretty great deal.

3. Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar Player Package

For heavier rock tones, this is the package for you.

Epiphone has been creating innovative guitar designs for the past century and they are well known for producing fine crafted instruments.

This Les Paul Electric Guitar Player Package is known for the great sound quality, which it produces due to the open-coil humbucker and the solid wood body. This produces a great quality of sound without buzz, whether you use it for clean tones or on overdrive.

It may be more expensive than the others listed here but it offers a better quality guitar with additional useful accessories that beginners will certainly use. It is the best electric guitar for beginners who are really picky with the sound quality that their guitar produces.

It is a less expensive alternative that is great for beginners to practice on before they upgrade into the more expensive Fender or Gibson guitars.

The complete package contains the guitar, an amp, a guitar cable, a tuner, picks, gig bag, and a clip-on tuner. It comes in various colors to suit your preference and it is also available in different game configurations for compatibility to your game console.

Click Here to Check Epiphone Les Paul Player Package Availability >>

Key Features

• The player package includes a Les Paul Special-II LTD guitar
• The guitar has two classic humbucker pickups
• The package includes a 10-watt amp, 10’ guitar cable, gig bag, guitar strap, picks, and clip-on tuner
• Solid wood guitar body and mahogany neck
• Fretboard is made from rosewood
• Right-handed guitar
• Has the Les Paul signature to easily identify it as a great quality guitar

Epiphone Les Paul Guitar Player Pack Review

Are Epiphone Customers Happy? >>

Summary

The Epiphone Les Paul certainly offers up strong tones and great playability backed by a top brand name manufacturer. For more information on the guitar itself, read our full review here.

4. Best Vintage Style Starter Package: Maestro by Gibson Electric Guitar

Classic Gibson style priced for entry level beginners.

Maestro by Gibson Electric Guitar Starter Package, Vintage Sunburst

Everyone wants to play a Gibson or a Fender guitar, but many people think that they can’t have a quality guitar from either of these manufacturers without having to spend a ton of money. If this is what you’ve been thinking, it’s time to think again.

Both manufacturers offer some great quality, low-end guitars, including the Maestro by Gibson. This electric guitar comes with a starter package, so you have everything you need to start playing right away.

This is a cutaway guitar that’s similar in design to the early Les Paul body style Gibson guitars that are so sought-after. The classic design lets you play comfortably, both while sitting and standing, and it offers an ideal tone for anyone who wants to play rock and roll.

Read What Maestro Customers are Saying >>

Key Features

• The Maestro by Gibson has a Linden wood body, along with a solid maple neck and rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays, making it look as great as it sounds. You will love the classic sunburst pattern that is common in Gibson guitars
• This guitar has a 24.75-inch scale length. This means that there is a lot less tension on the strings, so you don’t have to press on the strings as hard as you would with other guitars. This is great for beginners who haven’t toughened up their fingertips yet
• The tailpiece on this guitar is a traditional, wrap-around design that allows you to enjoy extra sustain, and the precision tuners are die-cast, so the guitar is going to stay in tune longer than other cheap guitars

Maestro Electric Guitar Starter Pack Review

Do Maestro Customers Like the Guitar? >>

Summary

If you really want to play on a Gibson guitar, it is definitely within your reach with the Maestro. This starter package has everything you need to begin learning and playing right away, including a lesson DVD that will help you to get started.

You can buy this guitar for much less than it’s upper-priced counterparts, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money before you decide if you are going to continue learning and playing.

5. Best Standalone Beginner Guitar: Ibanez GRX70 Electric Guitar

If want to start with learning heavier modern tunes, this guitar is your best choice.

Ibanez GIO Series GRX70QA - Transparent Black Sunburst

An affordable take on the many high performance models from the Ibanez company, the GRX70 is an aesthetically pleasing and fun to play guitar.

The Ibanez GRX70 is a guitar designed for beginners and veterans alike who prioritize playability and modern styling above vintage specs.

Known for its fast neck and versatile Humbucker-Single-Humbucker configuration, you can coax a lot of sounds from the GRX70.

Like most guitars in this price range, Ibanez does its best to provide a quality product at a more affordable price. Much like their prized and pricey Joe Satriani and Steve Vai signatures, the GRX70 is all about performance.

This guitar is definitely more to the shred or metal side of the guitar world, but is comfortable and versatile thanks to the fast neck. While the GRX70 isn’t perfect, it should inspire the next wave of lead guitarists and is a great value.

Click Here to Check Davison Guitars Availability >>

Key Features

• Very versatile HSH pickup configuration
• Sports a thin, fast modern neck
• Dive bomb-ready whammy bar
• Can come paired with practice amp
• Ultra affordable guitar for what it is
• Consistently great reviews

Ibanez GRX70 Electric Guitar Review

What Do Ibanez GRX70 Guitar Owners Think? >>

Summary

For a standalone beginner electric guitar, the Ibanez GRX70 represent a superior deal.

If you’re into the heavier side of guitar music, the neck and whammy bar are built for shredding, and the Powersound pickups provide a good bit of tonal versatility.

Having a comfortable neck is one of the most important features in a beginner guitar, and the GRX70 excels in that department.

For more info, read our complete Ibanez GRX70 Electric Guitar review.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Beginner Electric Guitar

Considering the wide range of manufacturers, styles, and options available to those who want to start with a good electric guitar, the choices can be overwhelming and intimidating.

When shopping for the best option that ticks all the boxes for you personally, here are a few key points you should consider:

Budget

First, you should set a budget for the guitar you are purchasing. Just be careful about guitars that seem to be overly cheap. The market is flooded with inferior instruments that we classify as GSOs – Guitar Shaped Objects.

They may not be of the good quality and you can end up wasting your money with them. It is important to also see the quality of the guitar in relation to the price.

Brand

Another thing to consider is the brand. This can help determine whether a guitar is a great choice or not. Most brands that produce professional grade guitar models for performers will also have sub-brands that are targeted towards the entry level beginners.

For example; Gibson use the Epiphone name, Fender uses the Squier name and so on for the lower cost versions of their best guitar designs.

Style

It is also important to consider how you are going to use the guitar. Are you just purchasing a guitar for a game or do you want to really play music with it? You should also think about the certain genre that you are going to play and match your guitar with it.

Our Top 3 Choices for Beginner Electric Guitars:

Best Beginner Electric

AFFINITY SERIES STRATOCASTER HSS PACK (371824009)

Best Budget Package

LyxPro 39 inch Electric Guitar Kit Bundle with 20w...

Best Hard Rock Guitar

Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack, Ebony

Final Verdict on Choosing the Best Electric Guitar For Beginners

Of all the five guitar sets reviewed here, our favourite pick is the Squier Affinity Starter Strat Pack is the best electric guitar for beginners who are looking for a longer lasting guitar made by a reputable manufacturer.

Although it may be a little bit more expensive than some of the others, the quality is that much better.

It also comes with a great set of accessories that beginners will find useful and essential. It’s a great step in purchasing a guitar and learning how to play it. With a good quality brand, you can also expect a good quality product.

EDITOR’S PICK

Squier Affinity Stratocaster Beginner Pack

What Do Squier Affinity Strat Pack Owners Think? >>

The post Best Electric Guitar For Beginners (How To Start Rocking Right) first appeared on GuitarNiche.