If you’re prepared to make a significant investment on an instrument, you’re no doubt looking for a solid build along with playability, resonance, and various other subtleties that make a particular acoustic guitar speak to you.

Great Acoustic Guitars For Less Than $2,000

Compare Select Instruments:
#1 Best Acoustic Under $2000 Gibson Acoustic J-45 Studio		(4.9)	Fantastic projection and warm bass tones
#2 Best Modern Acoustic Taylor 224ce-K DLX		(4.2)	Sounds better with age
#3 Best Value In A Heritage Brand Martin D-15M		(4.5)	Rich, vibrant tone
#4 Legendary Acoustic Electronics Takamine Legacy EF341SC		(3.8)	Mahogany neck + rosewood fretboard for playability
#5 Best Affordable Modern Acoustic  Taylor 214ce Deluxe		(4.2)	Sitka spruce top is excellent for strumming
#6 Traditional Triple-0 Tone Martin 000-15M		(4.7)	All-mahogany build for powerful and warm tone qualities
#7 Best Parlor-Sized Value Guild M-20		(3.7)	Warm, balanced mahogany tone

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Top 7 Acoustic Guitars Under $2,000 In Review

1. Gibson Acoustic J-45 Studio

(4.9)

Best Features Fantastic projection and warm bass tones Cutting-edge acoustics Walnut helps it age brilliantly Mahogany helps tame the high frequencies

Specs Walnut fretboard and body Fishman Sonitone pickups Extremely unique and memorable tone A quality Gibson below $2,000

A Masterfully Made Guitar

This is a “workhorse” acoustic-electric guitar from one of the world’s most popular guitar manufacturers, Gibson.

Gibson sits side-by-side with Fender when it comes to the world’s most popular guitar manufacturers. Although they make electric guitars as well, Gibson’s acoustic game is strong, to say the least.

The J-45 studio is a dreadnought round-shoulder instrument with warm bass tones and fantastic projection. The J-45 offers brilliant playability and cutting-edge acoustics.

Highlights

The premium Sitka top brings tremendous amounts of presence to this guitar’s tonal properties.

On the back and on the sides, walnut is used, which is somewhere between rosewood and maple when it comes to tonality, but it’s similar to Koa, when it comes to the clarity brought on by high frequencies. Like Koa, walnut ages gracefully, in terms of tone. The fretboard is also walnut.

The J-45 Studio has Fishman Sonitone electronics which sound as clear as day. Fishman is a renowned guitar pickups company, popular for tonal clarity on their electric and acoustic pickup models.

Gibson Acoustic J-45 Studio Key Features

• Walnut body with Sitka spruce top
• Mahogany clarity to tame the high frequencies
• Walnut bridge to accompany the body
• Fishman Sonitone pickups with brilliant clarity
• 75” scale length – slightly shorter than standard

Truly Memorable

Even though it’s still considered a mid-range guitar, Gibson Acoustic J-45 Studio is an instrument of extreme quality. You can try hundreds of excellent acoustic guitars, but the tone you hear coming out of the J-45 is truly unique and memorable. It’s built with great care and attention to detail.

Gibson-Level Prices

Gibson is a brand that’s notorious for its high-priced instruments. Although the J-45 doesn’t go over $2,000, it is at a fairly high price point. Still, you get a high-quality piece of gear, no one’s denying that.

Gibson Acoustic J-45 Studio Review in Review

Check Gibson Acoustic J-45 Studio Availability >>

2. Taylor 224ce-K DLX

(4.2)

Best Features Sounds better with age Resonant Sparkling highs, stable mids Comfortable neck

Specs Koa build Shaded edgeburst Sapele neck Forward shifted pattern body bracing

Full Koa Tone

This is a top-quality shaded edgeburst and layered Koa acoustic-electric guitar from a world-renowned acoustic guitar manufacturer, Taylor.

Taylor is one of the world leaders in the acoustic guitar production business. Although the price tag on Taylor 224ce-K DLX doesn’t feel very comfortable, its full-Koa body, fantastic resonance, and rich tone justify it.

A Great-Sounding Guitar That Gets Better as It Ages

Taylor is a widely popular and renowned guitar manufacturer that specializes in acoustic guitars. Thanks to the Hawaiian Koa predominant build, this Taylor guitar brings sparkling highs and solid mids to the table, wrapped with nice crisp snappiness.

The unique thing about this guitar’s Hawaiian Koa build is the growing range of sweetness, richness, and resonance over time.

Plug in this acoustic-electric guitar, and the ES2 electronics will give you a rich amplified tone without diminishing any of its acoustic properties.

Brilliant resonance and great EQ qualities have no impact on playability, though. And playability is just as important as a guitar’s sound properties.

The stiff Sapele neck will appeal to guitarists who want uninterrupted comfort while playing. Thanks to its stiffness, however, the feel that it has and the sound that it produces remain powerful.

Taylor 224ce-K DLX Key Features

• Amazingly, thanks to the Koa-predominant construction, the 224ce-K actually starts sounding better as it ages
• Neck is very comfortable but still capable of delivering powerful sound and tone
• The ES2 electronics amplify the brilliant acoustic properties of this Taylor guitar without compromise
• Gorgeous looking – the top wood is solid Hawaiian Koa, while the back and the sides are Layered Koa with Koa veneer
• Gold tuners fit this guitar’s style perfectly

The Best Taylor Model for the Price

Don’t misunderstand us – Taylor 244ce-K DLX is arguably the best Taylor acoustic guitar for under $2,000.

Still, the feature that shines the brightest on it is the amazing Koa-based build. This tonewood is immensely stable, without sounding dull.

The ES2 electronics were a perfect choice here, as they are capable of providing (picking up) the most realistic tonal picture from an acoustic guitar. Other than that, it looks brilliant, and all the parts work perfectly.

Maple Might’ve Been Better

Although ebony is the most common fretboard wood type, we feel that a maple fretboard would help bring out even more sparkling brightness out of this guitar without compromising the mids.

Still, this is not to say that ebony doesn’t work great here; just that we think that maple would’ve been a better choice. Roasted flamed maple would’ve been a great choice. It’s also one of the priciest guitars on this list.

Taylor 224ce-K DLX Review in Review

Read the Latest Taylor 224ce-K DLX Reviews >>

3. Martin D-15M

(4.5)

Best Features Rich, vibrant tone Comfortable satin neck Resonance Elegant appearance

Specs 1940s Style 15 throwback Satin neck finish Very complex, dark, rich voice Perfect for singers

1940s Guitar from a 180-Year-Old Brand

This is a throwback Martin guitar that brings elegance, tonal richness, and comfort to the player’s hands.

Martin is a guitar manufacturer that has been around for more than 180 years. Over time, their guitars have changed but the quality of their builds has remained top-notch.

The Martin D-15M is a perfect representation of that craftsman’s attention to detail. It’s a throwback to the 1940s Style 15 models, and what a throwback it is!

All-Mahogany Guitar Dreadnought

Mahogany is among the most resonant tonewoods out there. Typically, a manufacturer will choose to use it for the guitar’s body.

The Martin D-15M is an all-mahogany guitar, with the top, back, sides, and the neck made out of solid mahogany.

This gives the guitar a surprisingly dark and full voice, which is astonishing in its complexity. This perfectly complements a higher voice.

Don’t expect a fancy-looking guitar here. Its elegance is reflected in its simplicity and straightforward looks.

And, of course, its mahogany build. To supplement the complex, dark, and rich voice, Martin has gone with the traditional rosewood fretboard here.

The neck feels comfortable, making the guitar very easy to play. The satin-finished neck makes sure that your thumb glides smoothly up and down it.

This is a dreadnought-style guitar – bolder, larger body than most guitars, for a richer, louder tone.

Martin D-15M Key Features

• Rich, vibrant voice brought to you by a solid, genuine, all-mahogany build
• The rich sound goes hand in hand with the rosewood fretboard
• Minimalist elegance
• Dreadnought guitar
• Natural color for extra minimalism
• Satin neck for extra playability

The Best of Both Worlds

We’ve always loved the simple, respectable looks of the Style 15 guitars but never appreciated the ancient build.

The D-15M’s build brings the best of both worlds, plus it emphasizes comfort. It is very playable; we love the low oval neck carve. This is absolutely the best acoustic dreadnought guitar under $2,000 that you’ll find out there.

Could’ve Used Electronics

There isn’t a whole lot that we have to say against this model. But, the fact remains, no matter how well it fits the singer-songwriter style, it doesn’t come with any electronics.

And, loud as it is, bringing a regular microphone to the soundhole will provide a muddy picture for this guitar’s brilliant rich and vibrant tone. An optional electronics system would’ve been nice here.

Martin D-15M Review in Review

What are Martin D-15M Players Saying? >>

4. Takamine Legacy EF341SC

(3.8)

Best Features Mahogany neck + rosewood fretboard for playability Gorgeous black gloss finish Cutaway provides easyaccess to higher frets Maple-cedar combo delivers tight lows and warm highs

Specs CT4B II preamp Maple back and sides Solid cedar top Bruce Springsteen’s choice

Pricey Cheap Guitar

This is a handcrafted acoustic-electric guitar with a dreadnought body from the renowned brand Takamine.

Takamine is a company that generally produces mid-range guitars. They are widely renowned for their affordable prices. The Legacy EF341SC isn’t exactly a “cheap” model.

Expect a quality build and great resonance. The CT4B II preamp successfully replicates the Legacy’s sound, so you don’t have to worry about its stage performance.

Bruce Springsteen’s All-Round Dreadnought of Choice

Diversity has always been a part of Takamine’s style. With the Takamine Legacy EF341SC, the company has created an instrument for all acoustic needs, cozy or on the stage.

The EF341SC has been a part of Bruce Springsteen’s arsenal for decades now for good reasons – its versatility and all-round capability.

The Legacy EF341SC is probably the best acoustic guitar for strumming on this list. But this doesn’t mean that it doesn’t sound absolutely brilliant for flatpicking.

Thanks to the tonally accurate CT4B II preamp, every playing intensity, from gentle fingerpicking to aggressive strumming, is sonically portrayed in the most brilliant way. The CTB4B II preamp has a 3-band EQ, as well as an accurate tuner.

Thanks to a very comfy cutaway, the player can effortlessly access those upper frets. This cutaway also gives it a modern, fresh look.

The top wood is solid cedar, while you can find maple on its back and sides. The neck is made out of resonant mahogany, and the fretboard is rosewood.

Takamine Legacy EF341SC Key Features

• CT4B II preamp with a 3-band EQ and a tuner
• Solid cedar top, maple on back and sides, mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard
• Fantastic tonal properties for fingerpicking, flatpicking, and strumming
• Cutaway for higher string access
• Sleek black appearance

Stage-Worthy but Cozy

Takamine guitars aren’t expensive, so you can rest assured that you get a fantastic instrument at this price range. The guitar itself sounds perfectly resonant – you get a powerful low end, very clear highs, as well as complex mids.

But it’s the CT4B II preamp that truly blew our minds, but then again Takamine has always been known for excellent acoustic electronics.

If you’re looking for a guitar that sounds equally good in room conditions and on the stage and plugged in, the Legacy EF341SC might just be your last stop for many years to come.

The Wood is Close

The choice of wood here is decent. That’s it. If the manufacturer went with, say, an all-mahogany build, we are certain that this guitar would’ve deserved and gotten a much heftier price tag.

But, more importantly, it would bring better tonal and feel properties to the table. Still, the guitar sounds and feels better than many $2,000+ guitars.

Takamine Legacy EF341SC Review in Review

Check Takamine Legacy EF341SC Availability >>

5. Taylor 214ce Deluxe

. (4.2)

Best Features Sitka spruce top is excellent for strumming Ebony fingerboard and Sapele neck for fast playing ES2-guaranteed natural amplified sound Grand Auditorium shape

Specs Popular with recording engineers Layered rosewood back and sides Brilliant for fingerpicking and strumming Fantastic treble zing

Sounds Bigger Than It Is

This is an acoustic-electric guitar with a Grand Auditorium body that brings dreadnought-level depth and width but features a tapered waist and a contoured body.

The world’s leading acoustic guitar company is back with a beautifully contoured, modern-looking Grand Auditorium guitar.

A blind test of this guitar would amaze you – it sounds like a dreadnought model, but it’s got a tapered waist, making it appear much smaller.

The Recording Engineer’s Favorite

When you hear that a guitar is a recording engineer’s favorite model, that means much more than you probably think.

This says a lot about its sound quality. The Taylor 214ce Deluxe has particular treble zing that all the sound engineers (and most guitar players) simply adore because it helps clarify note definition. When recording music, you’ll want instruments to sound as clear as day.

Although the 214ce Deluxe can follow through with every playing style, fingerpicking and medium strumming is where its heart is at. This guitar isn’t for heavy strummers, but a thinner pick makes strumming sit perfectly in a mix.

The wonderfully balanced and clear tone here is owed to the solid Sitka spruce top, in combination with rosewood on the sides and on the back.

This model features Taylor’s proprietary ES2 system, which does a great job of accurately reproducing the instrument’s natural tone.

Taylor 214ce Deluxe Key Features

• Balanced and clear tone, ideal for recording
• The ES2 system accurately reproduces the guitar’s natural tone on stage
• Treble zing that sharpens the note definition
• Tapered waist and contoured body make the 214ce look smaller
• Sitka spruce top with rosewood on the back and on the sides

Great Woods for Balanced Tone

Taylor 214ce Deluxe performs remarkably well when it comes to recording. Clear tones and great tonal balance are to be expected here.

However, thanks to the ES2 system, the 214ce is favored by many live performers. The tonewoods of choice work great – they accentuate the treble zing, while balancing the tone out.

A Gentle Beast

This guitar is not for heavy strummers. The balance that the treble zing provides can easily go overboard if impacted by high velocity strumming. Still, using a thinner pick can help here.

Taylor 214ce Review in Review

Read the latest Taylor 214ce Reviews >>

6. Martin 000-15M

(4.7)

Best Features All-mahogany build for powerful and warm tone qualities For strummers and fingerstyle players Dark wood complements the warm tone Reasonable price

Specs Complete satin finish Classic build Extremely cheap Unparalleled craftsmanship

This One’s a Steal

This is a very reasonably priced Martin instrument of quality tonewoods and brilliant craftsmanship.

Martin guitars have sort of a typical look to them. This is why Martin guitars are so easy to recognize. The 000-15M model has the recognizable Martin first-class craftsmanship.

This model’s build is just amazing, with the best tonewoods out there and fantastic craftsmanship. At this level of quality, getting a guitar for such a low price is a real steal.

Unparalleled Resonance

First of all, we’re talking about an all-mahogany build here. This means that the top, the back, the side, and the neck are made out of solid genuine mahogany. This brings unparalleled resonance to the table.

The Martin 000-15M may not be a dreadnought guitar but, thanks to the mahogany build and the rosewood fretboard, you can expect warm, balanced tones. Whether you’re a fingerstyle enthusiast or prefer strumming, the 000-15M won’t disappoint you.

Martin 000-15M Key Features

• All-mahogany build
• First-class Martin craftsmanship
• Classic, sleek appearance
• Warm and balanced tones
• Satin finish

Warm Satin Sleekness

The price tag here is definitely lower than the value of this guitar. The tonewoods used are simply amazing and brilliantly crafted – that, accompanied with the satin finish evokes a classic, sleek vibe.

In terms of craftsmanship, it’s unparalleled here, like on most Martin models. The guitar itself is very playable and comfortable, and the tones it provides are warm and well-balanced.

No Electronics

Unfortunately, there are no electronics on this guitar. Some people will like this and others will be deterred by it. But, in reality, this isn’t the world’s best acoustic guitar.

$1,000 to $2,000 is the price range we’re talking about on this list, and being closer to the former number is always desirable, which is exactly what the 000-15M offers. At this price range, you can’t expect a cool electronics system.

Martin 000-15M Review in Review

Check Martin 000-15M Availability >>

7. Guild M-20

(3.7)

Best Features Warm, balanced mahogany tone Free wood vibration thanks to the satin finish The comfort of the concert body style Gorgeous vintage looks

Specs Concert-style (very compact) Its satin finish enhances its tonal properties You feel its magic instantly Extremely clear tone

A Reintroduction of an Old Star

This is a compact concert body-style guitar from Guild. It’s also one of first guitars from the brand.

Guild is a guitar manufacturer based in the US that has been making guitars for well over six decades. Back in 1967, Guild produced their very first acoustic guitar.

The M-20 is the modern version of the 1967 model. By reintroducing this compact concert body guitar made out of solid mahogany, Guild has rounded up many new fans. We are one of them.

A Comfy, Tone-Rich Model

Usually, all-mahogany acoustic guitars are larger models, like dreadnoughts. The Guild M-20 is a concert-style guitar, meaning that it’s compact. Still, it features an all-mahogany build.

It’s top, back, sides, and neck are solid mahogany, which helps produce a warm, clear tone that doesn’t get muddy or shrill. Thanks to the rosewood fretboard and bridge, the M-20’s harmonic overtones are even further enhanced.

The biggest problem with large guitars is body comfort. Concert guitars, on the other hand, are built with lack of obstruction in mind.

The M-20 tone is midrange-focused, which further enhances the intensity and clarity of each note on the fretboard.

Guild M-20 Key Features

• Vintage appearance, to account for the original model’s look
• Warm, balanced, all-mahogany tone
• Clear sonic qualities
• Satin finish looks great and helps the wood vibrate
• Balanced sound of a concert body style

Extremely Well-Balanced Concert Body Guitar

Everyone can fall in love with all-mahogany builds. This is a tried and true way to evoke warm, balanced, and beautiful tones.

The all-mahogany construction works in tune with the concert build to bring out midrange-focused tones.

This means that clarity and intensity are to be expected here. The rosewood fretboard was a perfect choice – anything else would’ve disrupted the perfect tonal balance.

Not a Lot of Features

This is a guitar, plain and simple. It isn’t especially large and it doesn’t have any electronics. Although this model’s price tag isn’t mind-boggling,

it isn’t the best acoustic under $2,000. But this is the kind of a guitar that you try, and feel its magic instantly.

Though it lacks electronics, an LR Baggs Element pickup system would be a perfect upgrade for this instrument.

Guild M-20 Review in Review

What Do Guild M-20 Owners Think? >>

Buyer’s Guide

Guitars are complex instruments. There is a wide variety of things to consider when shopping for the best acoustic guitar for under $2,000. Allow us to help you out here.

What Acoustic Guitar Has the Lowest Action?

Before we get to our preferred choice, a little explanation: the lower the action, the closer the strings are to the frets.

As a result, the lower the action, the less effort you need to put into fretting a note/chord while playing. This doesn’t make a guitar better, but some people certainly prefer their acoustic guitars that way.

To an extent, action can be lowered on any guitar. On electric guitars, this is done in one of two ways: by adjusting the truss rod from the headstock end of the guitar and by lowering the strings from the bridge part of the instrument.

On acoustic guitars, you can’t lower the action from the bridge side of things, as it is set in place. You can use certain tools to adjust an acoustic guitar’s bridge, but these changes are permanent. Have an expert set this up for you.

But getting a guitar with a low action in the first place is the best idea here. Taylor guitars are famous for their low action and playability. From our list, Taylor 214ce Deluxe has the lowest action.

How Do I Know if My Guitar Action is Too High?

Action that’s too high can be a matter of taste. Some people prefer comfort when playing, while others like guitars that “fight back.” Too low action will result in dead and dull fretted notes.

This requires raising the action by turning the truss rod end on the headstock counter-clockwise.

A high action will always result in clear, resonating fretted notes. However, the higher the action, the more difficult it is to fret a note. The best way to go would be to adjust the truss rod and set the action to your preference.

If you think your guitar needs some adjustment, we have an extensive guitar setup guide that should help.

How do you know that the action is too high? Well, it’s too high the moment it gets uncomfortable for playing.

Don’t worry, you aren’t imagining things, the action can change as a result of factors such as temperature changes and moisture. These affect the truss rod and, as mentioned, can affect a guitar’s action.

What is the Best Acoustic Guitar for Strumming?

When it comes to strumming, you’ll want to look for a guitar that has well-balanced tonal properties and tamed high frequencies.

Guitars with tonewoods that boast high frequencies will sound too shrill when strummed with high velocity. When it comes to tonewoods, Sitka spruce is a good choice for aggressive strummers.

A combination of a large body and rich tonewoods will produce great sounds for strumming.

Another important factor is the guitar’s size. Dreadnought guitars work great in this department, as they have a higher volume ceiling. This means that you get more oomph when you strum harder, but without distortion at the top.

From our list, Gibson Acoustic J-45 Studio is the best strummer’s choice, as it’s a dreadnought guitar with Sitka spruce.

What’s the Best Acoustic Guitar for the Money?

Although the guitars on our list have different price tags, they are in the similar price range. Regardless of how much you like a guitar’s features, it’s advisable that you try it before you buy it.

See which of your local guitar stores have the models from the list and get one that suits you the best.

Are Taylor Guitars Better Than Martin?

Taylor and Martin guitars are often put side-by-side. There are various debates as to which one of these two guitar manufacturers makes better products. Taylor and Martin guitars are very different. You’ll rarely stumble upon a player who is a devoted fan of both.

Martin is a very old company, with more than 180 years of history. Their most famous D-series models are boomy and loud, capable of cutting through an entire band.

They tend to have a deep, warm sound, rich in mid-range. They have a high noise ceiling, which is why many hard-pickers go with Martins.

For a full overview of their differences, check out our popular article: Martin versus Taylor

On the other hand, we have Taylor, a brilliant brand, launched more than 40 years ago. As a relatively young company, Taylor has brought many improvements to the world of acoustic guitars.

They’ve bridged the gap between dreadnoughts and more compact guitars with their Grand Auditorium design. Taylors are bright and rich in sound and offer more clarity, but less body, compared to Martin.

So, Taylor guitars aren’t better than Martin, and it’s not the other way around, either. In the end, it all boils down to the player’s preference.

Closing Thoughts

Although we are certain that each guitar on our list will find an ideal owner, we have to give the best acoustic guitar under 2000 dollars award to Gibson Acoustic J-45 Studio. It has by far the best electronics, is fantastic for strumming, fingerpicking, and flatpicking, and is one of the most comfortable acoustic guitars on the market.

However, keep in mind that taste plays a vital role in picking a guitar, electric or acoustic, so don’t take our word for it, but go ahead and try these acoustic models out.

EDITOR”S PICK!

Gibson J-45 Studio

Check Today’s Gibson j-45 Studio Price! >>

The post The Best Acoustic Guitar Under $2000 (Player’s Guide) first appeared on GuitarNiche.

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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.

The post Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar Review [Limited Edition] first appeared on GuitarNiche.

Gibson vs Fender

And In This Corner…

Gibson lovers – who will nearly go catatonic at the mere hint of a beautifully carved top with just the right stripe and hue.

In the opposing corner…

Fender fans who believe their choice of six string razor is the ONLY choice that qualifies one as a knockout guitar player.

It truly does seem to be a boxing match, and the ongoing Gibson vs Fender debate is an eternal part of our guitar aficionado community.

Who Has Superiority?

Anyone who gets bitten by the guitar bug will develop a burning fever for a particular manufacturer. It’s an entirely subjective and intensely personal choice that resonates with their musical senses.

In this case we’ve singled out the two most prominent players specifically in today’s guitar market.

Who’s Guitars are Better – Gibson or Fender?

These two massive brands have been as much a part of the history of rock and roll as the iconoclast guitarists that played them. But overall, does Gibson or Fender win this age-old fight?

This article will examine the differences between the two brand’s most iconic models that have made each the go-to guitar for many of rock’s most famous personalities and inspired guitar enthusiasts for decades.

Tone Wars – Fender vs Gibson

One of the biggest topics in any Gibson vs Fender debate are the signature tones that emanate from two guitar brands. And of course, any discussion on their respective tones wouldn’t be complete without reference the type of tone woods used to construct the instruments.

In the very early 50s, Fender started using pine and ash. By 1952, the Telecaster had come into it’s own and can be purchased, basically unaltered in design to this day.

One of the best values on the market today that still captures the essential sound that first originating from a small factory in California is the Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Telecaster. Take this modern descendant, make some modest upgrades and you have a killer tone time machine.

Read our full Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster review here.

While pine was certainly light and cost effective, ash gave Fender guitars its signature sound: light, bell-like and relaxed, yet twangy when the player desires that effect.

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This is due to the malleability of ash wood, which added to the easy feel of Fender guitars. In the 50s and 60s, Fender also experimented with alder wood.

Gibson, on the other hand, primarily uses mahogany for its solid bodies, a much denser wood. This contributes to the thicker, warmer tones of models as the Les Paul Standard.

Gibson also uses maple tops on these guitars which imparts a crisp, light sound. When mixed together, they produce the familiar Les Paul sonic footprint.

As with their Fender counterpart, the Epiphone Les Paul has taken up the reigns as the more affordable version of the classic Les Paul.

Read our full Epiphone Les Paul review here.

Build Quality

Both companies were built on the backs of their namesakes who came from an entirely different era of manufacturing.

While Gibson may have been first of the two to be an instrument builder, time, production methods and market stratification have levelled the playing field for both companies dramatically.

Whether we like it or not, corporate decisions now reign supreme when it comes to continually producing instruments, or developing new products, or determining what gets to market and what does not.

With the now infamous, and very hard to watch, Firebird X destruction video released, you have to wonder why a major manufacturer would do such a thing. Especially hot on the heels of their Chapter 11 debacle.

Is it really quality control? Or a publicity stunt to create a new “buzz” for the company.

Orville Gibson’s original vision was to create an aesthetically beautiful superior built instrument, a mandolin, that reproduced the sound he wanted.

What would he think of his beloved company today?

Leo Fender on the other hand needed to sell amplifiers so he developed a guitar that was cost effective, serviceable and user friendly for the average working musician of the day.

Structurally, the major difference would be Gibson’s set neck design compared to Fender’s bolt on style. Obviously one is more mass production friendly than the other.

Conversely, a more hands-on approach to marrying neck to body will require more attention to detail, but at a higher cost.

Here’s a really cool vintage video tour of the fledgling Fender Plant in Fullerton:

The two brands use very different approaches to instrument structure, and yet the build quality of each company’s guitars remain more or less on par with each other by today’s production standards. Using state of the art machinery, they are both capable of producing stunningly superior guitars.

Typical Fender and Gibson Pickups

You can’t have a good Gibson vs Fender debate without discussing pickups, the engine of any electric guitar.

The two companies differ in the type they use.

Fender Telecaster Pickups

Fender uses single coil pickups which give the user a raucous sound heavy on the treble. These guitars are great at showcasing the instrument’s natural bell-like tone for which it is famous.

The Fender Telecaster was descended from Leo Fender’s Esquire model, which featured a single coil pickup in its bridge slot.

PAF Inspired Humbucker Pickups

Gibson guitars are known for their humbuckers, a pickup that features two coils attached by a magnet. They “buck the hum” by not picking up nearly as many stray frequencies and unwanted tones as the single coil variety.

The signature Gibson humbucker tone is a dark and relaxed sound that help give the Gibson Les Paul Standard its warmer, thicker tone.

For more on choosing a great pickup for your own guitar, read our helpful Best Guitar Pickups Guide here.

The Guitar Body

Typical Gibson Design

Gibson models such as the Les Paul Standard and it’s more affordable Epiphone sibling only have a single cutaway. Some players will find access to the upper frets a bit of a challenge because of the massive neck joint. The benefit is in solid sustain, but you have to work for it.

Typical Fender Design

In terms of weight and feel, the Fender Standard Stratocaster is lighter than your typical Gibson which conversely, tend to be considerably heavier due to the mahogany.

Built for comfort, the Strat also has a tummy cut, nicely rounded contours plus two cosmetic cutaways on its body which allows for easier access to the guitar’s higher notes.

View the Latest Fender Guitar Models >>

Weight of the Instrument

For guitarists who are uncomfortable with the extra weight, Les Pauls are a huge turn-off but…

Regarding (over) weight issues, the seventies were renowned as a decade for putting out substandard product on both accounts.

Fender was using body material which was not within it’s normal specific gravity tolerances. Some of the instruments were so heavy they could stay in the ring with a Les Paul any day.

The Neck

Neck feel can be very subjective. But one constant remains a critical determining factor – fretboard radius.

Many players who have smaller hands like the thinner neck profile of the Fender Precision Bass, Telecaster or Stratocaster, and related Squier models.

Some players also like Fender’s old school vintage 7-1/14″ radius fretboard which has a tight curve, or the updated 9-1/2″ and 10″ radiused counterparts.

The typical Fender type neck being made of maple also adds a particular brightness to the overall tone.

Fans of Gibson and Epiphone models such as the ES-335 design, like the increased width of the neck, the woody tone from the neck’s mahogany construction and the flatter 12″ radius which makes for easier note bending.

Modern Manufacturing

It’s important to note that original 50’s necks, particularly Gibsons, were not just pumped out of a CNC machine. They were each hand carved by very skilled craftsmen who were careful to stay within tolerance but still imparted that random human element.

The resulting neck profiles still had a wide range from instrument to instrument. Do yourself a favour and keep that in mind the next time you’re discussing a specific “50’s” style neck profile :)

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Fender vs Gibson Guitar Price Points

With respect to the original incarnations, the advantage has to go to Fender whose models such as the Fender Precision Bass and the Fender Strat can often be less than half the price of a Gibson Les Paul or a Gibson 335.

Genuine Fender products can be in the range of the the high hundreds, whereas traditional Gibson products easily breach the mid-teens.

But the times do change.

Realizing they had to produce more cost-effective instruments, Gibson released it’s dressed down Les Paul Studio series in the 80’s, subsequently re-released in 2013, in an attempt to keep prices more in line with the competition.

Subsequent releases such as the “Faded” series have helped to level the playing field for Gibson in general.

Speaking of maintaining a good balance, guitar t-shirts are always an affordable alternative, and help you look good at the same time:

Aged Classic Les Paul Burst Guitar Shirt

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This shirt goes to eleven…

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Vintage Aged T-Style Electric Guitar T-Shirt

This superbly comfortable shirt sporting a beautiful Vintage Aged early 50’s butterscotch electric guitar graphic will last year after year, wash after wash.

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Furthermore, entry level instruments from the Epiphone and Squier brands respectively, and highly commoditized, often cost less than a couple hundred dollars or so.

They do serve their purpose as not all players wanting to pick up the instrument can afford the best right out of the gate.

Historically, both companies have tinkered with budget friendly, cost effective models to capture market share.

What’s Old is New

More recently, Fender has released a “new” line of instruments under the VINTERA label. But aren’t they really the same instruments with new lipstick?

What really hasn’t changed is the learning curve for the instrument. To one-up Gibson, Fender now offers an online guitar lessons lessons service to help foster new players – brilliant.

Historically speaking, both companies are guilty of trying to sustain their presence by re-introducing tried and true iconic instrument designs over time – but at what cost?

Which Guitar is Better to Learn On?

To put it simply, it will very much depend on who you admire as a guitar player and your taste in music. We are definitely influenced by our guitar idols.

For instance, if you’re a devoted David Gilmour or Eric Clapton fan you have more of an affinity towards Fender Stratocaster style guitars. On the other hand, a Les Paul may be your weapon of choice if you enjoy Jimmy Page, or Zakk Wylde, or Slash.

The reality though, is that any fine Gibson or Fender guitar will certainly be able to cover your needs if you’re at the beginning your guitar playing journey.

Either way, you should also take advantage of some guitar lessons to help you along.

How Much, is Too Much?

Have a few bucks to spare? Both brands have put out plenty of extraordinary instruments at the top end of their manufacturing capabilities:

At the high end of the spectrum, there’s Custom Shop and signature models like Gibson’s Custom Aged Ace Frehley “Budokan” Les Paul Custom – only $10,000.00 plus…

or Fender’s Custom Shop David Gilmour Stratocaster Signature Series that will command considerable premium dollars – only $5000.00 and up.

Hey, wants a couple of bucks between brands right? You can’t take it with you.

So Which Brand is Better, Gibson or Fender?

Whoever you want it to be.

I know, how anticlimactic is that…

The better guitar is determined by what you’re looking for in your axe. If you want the bright, bell-like, powerful sound that has catapulted legends such as Hendrix, Clapton and Ritchie Blackmore to stratospheric heights, go with Fender.

If you want the mellow tone that has defined the sound of rock and roll since its inception, go with Gibson. Jimmy Page and Tony Iommi sure did.

Whichever corner of the Gibson vs Fender ring you stand in, just know that the right guitar is whichever one makes you a better player.

The post Gibson vs Fender [Who Makes the Better Guitar?] first appeared on GuitarNiche.