Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" Les Paul Custom

5.0 (6)

$1,299.00

4.8 (8)

Used

4.0 (3)

$799.00 56 available New

$514.32 9 available Used

5.0 (2)

$1,299.00

5.0 (5)

$1,299.00

4.4 (14)

$969.00 $968.00 $1.00 · All time low

£949.00

Average Price: $1,097

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" Les Paul Custom is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" Les Paul Custom". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Steeped in legacy and crafted with precision, the Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" Les Paul Custom is a modern tribute to one of the most revered guitars in history. This solid body electric guitar marries the iconic aesthetics of the original Les Paul Custom with contemporary playability and tonal versatility, making it a must-have for discerning musicians.

The guitar's mahogany body with a maple top ensures a rich, resonant sound with articulate highs, while the Gibson USA 498T and 490R humbuckers deliver a broad spectrum of tones—ranging from smooth jazz to searing rock solos. The handwired electronics, featuring premium CTS pots and Mallory capacitors, ensure clarity and dynamic response, allowing you to shape your sound with precision.

Equipped with a fast-playing neck, the Les Paul Custom boasts a 22-fret ebony fingerboard adorned with mother-of-pearl block inlays, providing excellent playability and a touch of elegance. The rounded '50s-style neck profile feels comfortable in the hand, facilitating effortless movement across the fretboard.

Aesthetic details like the multi-ply binding, gold-plated hardware, and split diamond headstock inlay pay homage to the classic "Tuxedo" look, while components such as the Epiphone Tune-o-matic bridge and Grover Rotomatic tuners ensure rock-solid intonation and tuning stability. This instrument is not just a guitar; it's a statement piece, designed to captivate both the eyes and ears.

Key Features:

Mahogany body with maple top for rich tone and sustain
1-piece mahogany neck with '50s Rounded C profile
12-inch radius ebony fingerboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets
Gibson USA 490R neck and 498T bridge humbuckers
Handwired electronics with CTS potentiometers and Mallory capacitors
Multi-ply binding and gold-plated hardware for vintage aesthetics
Grover Rotomatic tuners for reliable tuning stability

Product specs

Number of Strings	6
Left-/Right-handed	Right-handed
Body Type	Solidbody
Body Shape	Les Paul Custom
Body Material	Mahogany
Top Material	Maple
Body Finish	Gloss
Neck Material	1-piece Mahogany
Neck Shape	Modern Medium C
Neck Joint	Set Neck
Radius	12"
Fingerboard Material	Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay	Mother of Pearl Blocks
Number of Frets	22
Scale Length	24.75"
Nut Width	1.692"
Nut Material	GraphTech
Bridge/Tailpiece	Lock Tone tune-o-matic bridge, Lock Tone stop bar tailpiece
Tuners	Grover Rotomatic, 18:1
Neck Pickup	Gibson USA 490R Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	Gibson USA 498R Humbucker
Controls	2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching	3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings	Gibson, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag	Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" Les Paul Custom?: The Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" Les Paul Custom features a Modern Medium C neck profile, providing a comfortable playing experience suitable for a variety of playing styles.
What pickups are used in the Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" Les Paul Custom?: This guitar is equipped with Gibson USA 490R and 498T humbucker pickups, offering a versatile range of tones from warm, vintage sounds to more aggressive, modern tones.
Is the Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" Les Paul Custom suitable for beginners?: While it's a high-quality instrument that can be appreciated by players of all levels, its features and price point are more suited for intermediate to advanced players looking for a professional-grade guitar.
What type of wood is used in the construction of the Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" Les Paul Custom?: The guitar features a mahogany body with a maple top, providing a rich, resonant tone with a bright top end.
Does the Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" Les Paul Custom come with a case?: Yes, this guitar includes a hardshell case, ensuring protection during transport and storage.

Reviews

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PROS

Excellent sound quality, comparable to higher-end Gibsons
Ebony fretboard enhances playability and aesthetics
Stylish look suitable for stage performances
Versatile pickups handle multiple musical styles
Great value for the price, especially for a "Gibson-inspired" guitar
Offers a classic Les Paul feel at a more accessible price

CONS

Minor binding imperfections visible upon close inspection
Fretboard action lacks precision for the price range
Some quality inconsistencies compared to other Epiphone models
Nut overhang on side of neck appeared sloppy
Double diamond stamp on headstock is barely visible

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" Les Paul Custom.

Features and functionality

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The Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" Les Paul Custom offers upgraded Gibson USA pickups, enhancing tone quality compared to standard models.
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The Inspired by Gibson Custom series includes a one-piece neck and long neck tenons, which are typically found in higher-end custom shop models.
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The AJ LP Custom features 50s wiring with Orange Drop caps, unlike many models that use a circuit board with quick-connectors.
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Setup and maintenance

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One owner reported the need to adjust guitar height and pole pieces to reduce muddiness and improve tone.
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Mods and upgrades

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Some users have replaced stock pickups with Fishman Fluence Moderns for a more versatile sound.
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Owners often replace tuners with locking varieties for better stability, indicating a common mod to address tuning issues.
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Some users replace stock pickups with P90s for a tonal shift during a P90 phase, not due to dissatisfaction with stock pickups.
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Build quality

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Several owners noted issues with tuners, mentioning that some screws were either loose or stripped, impacting stability.
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Real mother of pearl inlays and a uniformly dark ebony fretboard are standout features noted for their quality.
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Owners of older white models note slight aging, with the finish turning less pristine over time despite limited sunlight exposure.
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Comparisons

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Owners compared this model to the Gibson LP Custom, noting it feels similar but sounds slightly warmer and is more affordable.
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The Inspired by Gibson line has a semi-gloss finish unique among Epiphones, setting it apart from older models with poly finishes.
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The Adam Jones 1979 model offers a silverburst finish, Seymour Duncan pickups, and custom-soldered electronics for about $200 more than the standard model.
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Value and pricing

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Custombuckers, included in some models, have a standalone value of around €400, highlighting their contribution to the guitar's overall value.
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User experience

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The neck profile on the newer models offers more comfort with a thinner carve on lower frets, making it preferable for some players transitioning from Gibsons.
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Owners choosing white appreciate its contrast against darker clothing, noting it stands out more visually compared to black.
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Critic Reviews

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom | Review - Guitar Interactive Magazine

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

Epiphone's "Inspired by Gibson Custom" Les Paul Custom strikes a chord with its seamless blend of iconic design and performance. Its mahogany body, ebony fretboard, and ProBucker pickups offer rich, vintage tones, making it versatile for any genre. The guitar's aesthetics, from the gold hardware to the new Gibson-style headstock, elevate its elegance. While some might argue it's just a costly headstock upgrade, the inclusion of Gibson USA electronics and premium materials justifies the price. Despite a conservative factory setup, a simple adjustment unlocks its full potential. This guitar is a rocker's dream, delivering punchy, high-gain tones with ease, rivaling its Gibson counterparts in playability and feel. For those seeking that classic Les Paul experience without breaking the bank, this Epiphone is a superb choice.

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Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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