Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $169

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Epiphone Les Paul Special 2 Model is your gateway to classic rock 'n' roll sound and style without breaking the bank. This solid body electric guitar combines affordability with the legendary Les Paul design, making it an ideal choice for beginners and seasoned players alike. Featuring two open-coil humbuckers, it delivers that rich, warm tone that the Les Paul is famous for, while the bolt-on mahogany neck ensures a comfortable, smooth playing experience. Whether you're jamming on stage or practicing at home, the Les Paul Special 2 offers impressive sustain and clarity, thanks in part to its LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge. Simple elegance meets robust functionality in this versatile instrument, making it a staple in any guitarist's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar
  • Two open-coil humbuckers for rich, warm tones
  • Bolt-on mahogany neck for comfort and playability
  • 22 frets for extensive range
  • LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge for enhanced sustain and stability

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Les Paul Special II
Finish Alpine White, Candy Apple Red, Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Pelham Blue, Vintage Sunburst, Wine Red
Year 1996 - 2019
Made In China
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Epiphone Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Epiphone Les Paul Special, Epiphone Les Paul Special II
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups are in the Epiphone Les Paul Special II, and what tones can they produce?

The Epiphone Les Paul Special II features 700T/650R open-coil humbucking pickups, which deliver classic Les Paul tones with long, singing sustain suitable for rock, blues, and other genres.

Is the Epiphone Les Paul Special II suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Epiphone Les Paul Special II is an excellent choice for beginners due to its affordable price, straightforward controls, and comfortable playability.

What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II?

The neck of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II has a SlimTaper D profile, offering a comfortable grip for both chord playing and soloing.

Does the Epiphone Les Paul Special II have a bolt-on or set neck?

The Epiphone Les Paul Special II features a bolt-on neck construction, which is a common feature in entry-level guitars for easy maintenance and setup.

What is the scale length of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II?

The scale length of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II is 24.75 inches, which is standard for Les Paul-style guitars, providing a familiar feel for players accustomed to this design.

OfficialEpiphone

OfficialEpiphone

Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Electric Guitar Demo & Tone Guide

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Electric Guitar Demo & Tone Guide by OfficialEpiphone

Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Electric Guitar Demo & Tone Guide

OfficialEpiphone

OfficialEpiphone

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for I Bought the Cheapest Epiphone on Reverb! Epiphone Les Paul Special II review. by Sam Isfeld

I Bought the Cheapest Epiphone on Reverb! Epiphone Les Paul Special II review.

Sam Isfeld

Sam Isfeld

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Special II: Metal Test by Brian Bower

Epiphone Les Paul Special II: Metal Test

Brian Bower

Brian Bower

Video thumbnail for Turning an Epiphone Les Paul Special II in to something SPECIAL! by Timmy Joe PC Tech

Turning an Epiphone Les Paul Special II in to something SPECIAL!

Timmy Joe PC Tech

Timmy Joe PC Tech

Video thumbnail for The BEST Affordable Les Paul Guitar? Epiphone Les Paul Special II by The Guitar Manifesto

The BEST Affordable Les Paul Guitar? Epiphone Les Paul Special II

The Guitar Manifesto

The Guitar Manifesto

Video thumbnail for 2015 Epiphone Les Paul Special ii LE Ebony by the big instrument

2015 Epiphone Les Paul Special ii LE Ebony

the big instrument

the big instrument

Video thumbnail for The ULTIMATE Budget Les Paul?! - Epiphone Special II by Zeke's Guitars

The ULTIMATE Budget Les Paul?! - Epiphone Special II

Zeke's Guitars

Zeke's Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers excellent value; sounds and feels like a much pricier guitar

  • Great sustain and dynamic variety from humbuckers

  • Neck style provides comfort, especially for older hands

  • Has a chunky build with a raw, unique tone

  • Ideal for slide work and classic rock sounds

  • Easy to upgrade components like tuners, pickups, and electronics

  • D shape neck can be easier for certain hand shapes

  • Highly playable out of the box with a satisfying fit and finish

  • Versatile sound; maintains identity with various amp/pedal setups

  • Inspired some users to transition to higher-end models

CONS

  • Original tuners and hardware often described as cheap-looking

  • Both pickups share volume and tone controls, limiting tonal flexibility

  • The bridge metal may buckle with use, requiring replacement

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Les Paul Special 2 Model.

Build quality

  • The switches tend to go bad, affecting pickup functionality, requiring attention for reliable performance.

    Source
  • The extent of the flame maple top's visibility can vary between guitars, requiring careful selection for a consistent look.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Guitar often needs neck adjustment and fret polishing for optimal playability; intonation might need tweaking for precise tuning.

    Source
  • The neck on the Special II is noted for being unstable, potentially needing regular adjustments to maintain optimal playability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for low power-chord heavy genres like metalcore due to its compact body and humbucker pickups.

    Source
  • The guitar is considered adequate for beginners or those transitioning from acoustic to electric, despite some limitations in hardware quality.

    Source
  • The guitar serves as an accessible project for those wanting to practice custom finishing techniques without significant financial risk.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners frequently experiment with different pickups, bridges, and string gauges as the guitar is a cost-effective platform for customization.

    Source
  • One owner suggests replacing the stock ceramic pickups for a more balanced sound, recommending the Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59 as a popular choice.

    Source
  • Owners often consider adding bolt inserts to transform the guitar into a travel-friendly model, enhancing its portability and utility.

    Source
  • Some enthusiasts plan to swap out the stock pickups for Fishman Fluence for a modern tonal upgrade, opting for either a vintage or blackout aesthetic.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite its entry-level status, some find it more comfortable and playable than higher-end models, particularly for live performances due to its smaller body size.

    Source
  • Some owners report that the fret edges can feel sharp, which might require filing for a smoother playing experience.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT, despite cheaper hardware and ceramic pickups, is recommended over the Special II for better playability and tuning stability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It's noted that the guitar can struggle with keeping the G string in tune, impacting its reliability during longer sessions.

    Source
  • The transparent blue finish is particularly noted for its appeal, though it varies in flame detail from unit to unit.

    Source
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
chrishayden0748

Perfect beginner

This is a beginner guitar with pro style sound but affordable price. Comes with 650r/ 700t Epiphone humbuckers. only down fall is that both pups share vol and tone. Most go for LP guitars for the seperate tone and vol for each pup. I changed my pups to Epi classic alnico v and bam sounded like a $500 studio.

T

A well built guitar once the bridge is replaced

The bridge's cheap metal tends to buckle through use, best replace it and go from there

timmy0202

Daughtry

I Love The Pickups In This Guitar. This Guitar Is Also Signed By The Band Daughtry.

Genre Usage

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    timmy0202

    Gear IQ 256