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Description

The Epiphone Les Paul Special II with EMG pickups delivers a powerful punch for both beginners and seasoned players alike. This solid body electric guitar is crafted to capture the classic Les Paul look and feel, while providing a modern edge with its upgraded electronics. The special EMG pickups offer a crisp and clear tone, perfect for rock, metal, and other high-energy genres where precision and intensity are key.

Designed with a mahogany body, this guitar ensures rich resonance and sustain, crucial for those soaring solos and chunky riffs. The bolt-on mahogany neck is topped with a rosewood fingerboard, offering a smooth playing experience that's both comfortable and highly responsive. The Les Paul Special II maintains its iconic single-cutaway design, giving musicians easy access to higher frets for those face-melting solos.

This guitar is not just about looks and sound; it also focuses on practicality. The Tune-o-Matic bridge system ensures stable tuning and easy adjustments, making it a reliable companion for gigs and practice sessions alike. Whether you're jamming at home or performing on stage, the Epiphone Les Paul Special II with EMG pickups is built to impress while maintaining accessibility and ease of use.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body for rich resonance and sustain
  • Rosewood fingerboard on a bolt-on mahogany neck
  • EMG pickups for a powerful and clear tone
  • Classic Les Paul single-cutaway design
  • Tune-o-Matic bridge for stable tuning and easy adjustments
Dampfwalzi

Dampfwalzi

Epiphone Les Paul Special 2 + EMG JH-Set Demo/Test - UltraHD

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Special 2 + EMG JH-Set Demo/Test - UltraHD by Dampfwalzi

Epiphone Les Paul Special 2 + EMG JH-Set Demo/Test - UltraHD

Dampfwalzi

Dampfwalzi

Video thumbnail for GEAR PORN: Epiphone Les Paul Special 2 + EMG JH-Set by Dampfwalzi

GEAR PORN: Epiphone Les Paul Special 2 + EMG JH-Set

Dampfwalzi

Dampfwalzi

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Les Paul Special II w/ EMG pickups.

Value and pricing

  • At around $125, it's viewed as a budget option, but many suggest spending more on alternatives like used Epiphone LP 100 for improved features.

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User experience

  • The thick poly finish on the neck may cause sticky playability, affecting smooth transitions during fast playing.

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  • The neck finish reportedly causes friction, impacting smooth playability, despite the neck's otherwise nice feel.

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Features and functionality

  • The coil-splitting feature on Epiphone Les Paul Standard PRO models offers versatility but is often described as underwhelming compared to expectations.

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  • The body shape is less comfortable for beginners, particularly when seated, due to its weight and tendency to slide.

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  • Installing EMG JH set pickups requires space for a battery; ensure there's adequate room in the guitar cavity.

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Build quality

  • Frequent issues with electronics, including pickup selector switches and wiring faults, are noted after prolonged use.

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  • The Epiphone Les Paul Special II is noted to have a heavier body than necessary, which can be uncomfortable for prolonged beginner practice sessions.

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Comparisons

  • PRS SE 245 and Yamaha Revstar are notable alternatives, offering better tone and playability for similar price points.

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  • Agile Guitars are frequently mentioned as superior in terms of fit and finish compared to Epiphone Les Paul Special II, even outperforming Epiphone Studios.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Reports of sharp fret ends and unpolished tops on newer models; investing in a PLEK setup for around $200 significantly enhances playability.

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  • Users have reported uneven frets and significant fret buzz, which can be a major issue for maintaining playability.

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  • A setup and nut replacement can significantly enhance playability; expect costs around $160, including a new nut and setup.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Installing Fishman Fluence pickups provides humbucker, single-coil, and PAF modes for diverse tonal options.

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  • Owners recommend replacing the nut and bridge with Gotoh or GraphTech parts to improve string life and tonal quality.

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  • Gotoh locking tuners are a popular mod; however, installation may require drilling new holes for proper fitting.

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Use cases and applications

  • The pickups are often described as muddy, which may not suit players seeking clarity in heavier music styles.

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Artist usage

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See how Y.K.C uses Epiphone Les Paul Special II w/ EMG pickups

Y.K.C

Guitarist, Keyboardist

coldrain

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by lhmvic, Y.K.C is seen playing an Epiphone Les Paul Special II Black with EMG pickups. The video captures him skillfully performing licks on the guitar during a recording session for the song "Time Bomb."

Genre Usage

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

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