10 Best Epiphone Guitars 2025 in the United States

The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom is a solid choice if you're looking for a quality electric guitar with classic Les Paul style. It features a mahogany body with a two-piece maple top, which helps produce warm, rich tones with some brightness on top—great for rock, blues, and other styles. The ebony fretboard offers a smooth playing surface and adds to the guitar’s sleek look.

This guitar uses Gibson 490/498 humbuckers, known for their strong, full sound with minimal noise, making it good for both rhythm and lead playing. Its 25-inch scale length is typical for Les Paul-style guitars, offering comfortable string tension and feel. The neck is also mahogany with a long tenon joint, which improves sustain, so notes ring out nicely. The Tune-O-Matic bridge is a reliable and widely used setup that helps with tuning stability and intonation.

The ebony gold hardware adds elegant aesthetics, and it comes with a hard case for protection. The guitar weighs about 29 pounds, which might feel heavy for some players during long sessions. While it closely follows Gibson's design, it doesn't have the same premium feel or hardware quality as higher-end Gibsons, but it provides excellent value for the price. It suits intermediate to advanced players looking for that classic Les Paul tone and look without the high cost.

The Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack is a solid choice for beginners looking to start their guitar journey. The pack includes a genuine Les Paul Special-II LTD guitar, which is a reliable entry-level instrument. It features two classic humbucker pickups, providing a versatile sound suitable for various music styles. The 10-watt Electra guitar amp and 10ft cable included in the pack make it easy to get started right away. The guitar also comes with a clip-on tuner, strap, medium picks, and a gig bag, making it a comprehensive starter pack.

The neck and body are made of mahogany, offering durability and a rich tone, while the rosewood fretboard adds a comfortable playing experience. The 24.75-inch scale length is standard for Les Paul models, making it familiar for players transitioning to other guitars in the future. The Tune-O-Matic bridge system provides stability and ease of use for maintaining intonation. However, some users might find the weight of 22.2 pounds a bit heavy, especially for younger players. The included amp is suitable for practice but might not be powerful enough for larger spaces or performances.

The guitar's ebony color and classic design are visually appealing, but those looking for more variety might find the single color option limiting. With a customer rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, it is well-regarded by users. While it's a great package for beginners, more advanced players might seek additional features and higher quality components. This pack is ideal for new players who need an all-in-one solution to start playing right away.

The Epiphone Les Paul Special-II E1 Electric Guitar in Ebony is a solid choice for beginners or those looking for a budget-friendly guitar with classic features. It has a mahogany body and neck, which typically provide warm and rich tones. The 24.75-inch scale length is standard for many Les Paul-style guitars, making it comfortable to play for most people. The fretboard is made of laurel wood, similar to rosewood, offering a smooth playing surface. Its fixed bridge system helps keep the guitar in tune and is easier to maintain compared to more complex bridges.

The guitar comes equipped with 700T humbucker pickups, which deliver a thick, powerful sound that works well for rock and blues styles. Although the original pickup configuration was listed as three humbuckers, this model typically has two humbuckers as expected for a Les Paul Special-II. One consideration is that it is relatively heavy at 10 pounds, which might be a bit cumbersome for younger players or those used to lighter guitars.

This guitar suits beginners and hobbyists seeking an affordable, reliable instrument with a recognizable Les Paul style and a warm, versatile tone. While it offers classic aesthetics and solid tone, its materials and hardware reflect its budget price and may not satisfy more experienced players looking for premium sound or craftsmanship.