Epiphone Review: Les Paul Special II

History:

Purchase: Having previously bought a brilliant Squier Strat from a company called Express in Solihull, on my first payday I decided to get my brother into the guitar world. I found the guitar, paid full retail being £180. I know this can be bought for only £120 but when you take into account convienience, shipping and possibly repairs, it seemed sensible to buy local, and considering the staff there are very good.

What I Like About This Epiphone Les Paul Special II: Sound- this is a good Les Paul sounding instrument at just £180. The feel of this guitar is great with a thick finished neck in a 24.75" scale length. Despite being a slab body this guitar is fairly pleasent and lighter than any real Les Paul. This guitar at the end of the day still says GIBSON on the truss rod cover. The guitar is far easier than any Fender style guitar to maintain in terms of strings and bridges although not electronics.

What I Do NOT Like About The Epiphone Les Paul Special II: This isnt as attractive as the les paul 100 also by epiphone or copies at the £180. It isnt a replica, it features no scratchplate and has all the controls as would and SG. Also there is only a single Volume and Tone. Despite these it still sounds and feels Les Paul and is far better than any equally priced copy. The pickups could be slightly better but are still very fair for its low price.

Epiphone Les Paul Special II Quality Rating: No quality issues. Solid and well built, has still got all its inspection adhesives. Nothing spectacular, the Squier Strats are more attractive but dont share this level of quality and 'chunkiness'. This is a solid and well constructed unit.

Review Summary: For the money you get total indviduality- its not a copy, its a gibson (in a way). Its even different to a Les Paul. Theres no frills. You dont need them. This is Solid, durable, enjoyable, playable and well concieved guitar. Hook this into a Fender frontman, flick overdrive on and enjoy Communication Breakdown. Enjoy being a learner.

Rating of this Epiphone product: 4

This Epiphone Les Paul Special II Guitar Effects Review Submitted By: Anthony Endsor

Review Date: 2003-09-30