Epiphone Les Paul Custom (1989 - 2012)

4.5 (39)

$799.00

4.7 (62)

5.0 (35)

$399.00 39 available Used

4.0 (11)

$799.00

4.6 (76)

$739.00

Average Price: $805

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Epiphone Les Paul Custom (1989 - 2012) is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Epiphone Les Paul Custom (1989 - 2012)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Unleash the iconic sound and timeless elegance of the Epiphone Les Paul Custom (1989 - 2012), a marvel in the world of electric guitars. With its rich heritage, this solid body guitar encapsulates the essence of the original Les Paul Custom, also known as the "Black Beauty." Crafted for musicians who demand excellence and style, it boasts multi-ply binding, gold-plated hardware, and block inlays, making it not just an instrument, but a piece of art. Whether you're shredding solos or crafting melodious chords, this guitar ensures a performance that stands out.

Key Features:

Multi-ply binding and block inlays for a distinguished look
Gold-plated hardware adds a touch of elegance
Two pickup configuration offers versatile sound dynamics
Reissue of the classic Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty"

Product specs

Number of Strings	6
Left-/Right-handed	Right-handed
Body Type	Solidbody
Body Shape	Les Paul Custom
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Finish	Gloss
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Shape	Slim Taper
Neck Joint	Set Neck
Radius	12"
Fingerboard Inlay	Pearloid Blocks
Number of Frets	22, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length	24.75"
Nut Width	1.693"
Nut Material	GraphTech
Bridge/Tailpiece	LockTone ABR Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece
Tuners	Kidney-style Tuners
Neck Pickup	ProBucker-2 Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	ProBucker-3 Humbucker
Controls	2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching	3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings	Gibson, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag	Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Epiphone Les Paul Custom's pickups?: The Epiphone Les Paul Custom features ProBucker-2 and ProBucker-3 humbuckers, which deliver a warm, full-bodied tone with plenty of sustain, suitable for rock, blues, and jazz genres.
Is the Epiphone Les Paul Custom suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Epiphone Les Paul Custom is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable slim taper neck profile and versatile tone options, making it a great choice for those starting out on electric guitar.
How does the neck profile of the Epiphone Les Paul Custom affect playability?: The slim taper neck profile of the Epiphone Les Paul Custom offers smooth playability and is ideal for fast playing styles, making it comfortable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
What is the body material of the Epiphone Les Paul Custom and how does it impact the sound?: The body of the Epiphone Les Paul Custom is made of mahogany, which contributes to its rich, resonant sound with excellent sustain and depth, characteristic of the classic Les Paul tone.
Does the Epiphone Les Paul Custom come with a case or gig bag?: No, the Epiphone Les Paul Custom does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately to protect the instrument during transport and storage.

Videos

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This 1989 Epiphone Les Paul is Incredible.

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Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional fit and finish with stunning aesthetics, especially in Ebony and Alpine White models
Ebony fretboard offers a unique feel and enhances playability
ProBucker pickups deliver articulate sound with impressive sustain
Near-perfect setup out of the box, requiring minimal adjustments
Excellent value for money, comparable to higher-end Gibson models
Vintage-style frets provide a distinct playing experience
Reliable tuning stability with high-quality tuners
Gold-plated hardware adds a luxurious touch
Versatile sound suitable for various music genres
Durable construction with solid body and long-lasting components

CONS

Neck profile may not appeal to those preferring a more classic LP feel
Heavy weight can be uncomfortable for extended play
Occasional issues with fretwork, such as fret sprout
Variations in neck materials between different production years
Potential for minor cosmetic issues due to storage conditions

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Les Paul Custom (1989 - 2012).

Build quality

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A 1989 model weighs 10.6 pounds, highlighting its substantial build compared to lighter models.
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The 1989 Epiphone Les Paul Custom features a set neck, which some owners prefer for its added sustain compared to bolt-on necks.
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The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson series is praised for its long neck tenon, contributing to better acoustic resonance, resembling traditional Gibson models.
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Features and functionality

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The 1989 model shares the same headstock shape with recent versions, maintaining a consistent design over decades.
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The first-year Korean-made models are noted for their high-quality construction, often considered superior to later models.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners have noted the use of Gotoh tuners on some models, suggesting a reliable hardware choice.
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Some users suggest replacing the neck pickup if issues are noticed, as older models can have diminished performance due to age.
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Custombuckers are highlighted in the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson line, noted for significantly enhancing sound quality compared to stock pickups in a Gibson Tribute.
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User experience

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Aged binding on older models appeals aesthetically to some users, indicating a preference for vintage looks.
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Owners frequently mention the guitar's weight, approximately 9.9 lbs, as a factor that contributes to its tonal depth but may be uncomfortable for extended play.
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After extensive testing with about 30 LPs in-store, one owner chose an Epiphone '59 Les Paul due to its superior playability and feel, even over higher-priced Gibsons.
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Comparisons

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The 1989 model is described as having a unique character compared to later iterations, with some preferring its distinct tonal qualities.
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Some users have found the Epiphone '59 Les Paul to outperform many Gibson models in terms of playability and sound during side-by-side tests with various Les Paul models.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners report that Epiphones may require additional setup for optimal performance, such as fret leveling and polishing, to match Gibson's playability.
Source

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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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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