Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top Review
Anyone who’s ever played “Guitar Hero” or observed MTV knows that the Gibson Les Paul is one of the most favorite electric instruments in the world, played by a number of guitarists in a number of styles, from rock and blues to jazz and country.
The trouble for many of us, though, is that Gibson Les Pauls are a bit on the costly side.
The general street price of a new Les Paul is well over $2,000, which is hardly pocket change. What’s a Les Paul buff to do?
Look At the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus!
Aside from its signature Epiphone headstock, an Epiphone Les Paul is a Korean-made guitar that appears, feels, and plays like a Gibson Les Paul without the hefty price tag. It even bears the signature of the late, great Les Paul on the headstock. So how does it measure up?
Our inspection instrument had what Epiphone calls a Transparent Blue top, which is honestly one of the most enchanting tops I’ve ever seen on a guitar, indifferent of price. Sure, it’s laminated, but it’s still very attractive. In addition to the beautiful top, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top also has chrome hardware and lovely creme-colored binding.
Suffice it to say, that that the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top is one really appealing instrument.
When I first played the Epiphone, I couldn’t help but liken it to my own Gibson Les Paul Standard. I have to say that I was quite impressed with the Epiphone. The neck was fast easy to play, reminding me somewhat of a 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard. It was quicker in many ways than my own Les Paul, which was a pleasant surprise.
The rosewood fretboard felt fantastic and the frets were well-polished and smooth on the whole, but not quite as flawless as my Gibson Les Paul. Still, the fretwork is extremely well done, especially given the instrument’s price.
When I get a new instrument, I commonly swap out the stock pickups for custom Dimarzio or Seymour Duncans, just so I can get the exact tone I want. Frankly, I’d probably do the same with this Epiphone; however, that does not mean that these pickups are not “keepers.” The Epiphone includes alnico classic pickups that certainly project a classic Les Paul sound. The bridge pickup has just the right amount of “bite” and the neck pickup is smooth, perfect for lead or rhythm sounds.
I’m personally partial to Seymour Duncan JB and Jazz Pickups, so I would probably add those to the Epiphone, but this isn’t really a necessity.
The stock Epiphone pickups sound very good as they are, and they just might suit your needs as is. I did observe some “squealing” at high volumes, but it wasn’t that much of an pain.
It’s not clear to the naked eye just where Epiphone has resolved to cut corners with this fine instrument. Like all instruments in this price range, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top uses veneer instead of solid woods for the top, body, and neck. Yet, the guitar is still a looker and has a fine tone acceptable for a number of styles.
Amazingly, these cost-cutting measures allow the instrument to weigh even less than its Gibson counterparts. For the price, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus is a solid sounding and easily playable Les Paul for a minute fraction of the cost of the Gibson equivalent.
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