“More than evokes the spirit of the original while delivering a tone and feel that is sure to get the best out of your playing”: Epiphone Inspired By Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard review

With an ambitious swing at the most desirable guitar ever made, Epiphone wants everyone to get a chance to experience the beauty of the ’Burst

Epiphone Inspired By Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard
(Image: © Future / Olly Curtis)

Guitar World Verdict

It may not be an exact replica of a golden-age Gibson guitar, but we didn’t expect it to be. This is a fabulous guitar that more than evokes the spirit of the original while delivering a tone and feel that is sure to get the best out of your playing, and we can’t ask for more than that.

Pros

  • +

    Open-book headstock.

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    The ultimate neck profile?

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    Gibson Custombucker pickups.

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    CTS potentiometers, and Mallory caps under the hood.

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    Solid factory setup.

Cons

  • -

    Pity the fingerboard is laurel and not rosewood.

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Page, Green, Gibbons, Marsden: the names tied to the coveted ’59 Les Paul are nothing short of legendary. Thought of by many as Gibson’s greatest achievement, an original ’Burst will set you back at least six figures – and that’s if you can even find one in the wild.

It is highly likely that most of us will go our entire playing careers without ever getting our hands on an original example, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get close to this sought-after tone.

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