Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (14)
$199.00
Guitar Center
4.0 (41)
$199.00
Amazon
4.4 (688)
Reverb
5.0 (20)
$181.63 New
$149.99 Used

Average Price: $182

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Epiphone Les Paul Special Vintage Edition". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Epiphone Les Paul Special Vintage Edition is where classic rock heritage meets affordability, making it an ideal companion for both budding musicians and seasoned players. Embracing the iconic Les Paul silhouette, this guitar is crafted with a lightweight poplar body that ensures a balanced tonality and exceptional sustain. The vintage worn finish not only gives it a timeless look but also offers a smooth, fast feel that's perfect for those high-energy gigs.

At the heart of the Les Paul Special VE are its dual open-coil humbuckers, delivering that rich, warm tone synonymous with the Les Paul legacy. The neck pickup, a warm 650R, and the slightly hotter 700T bridge pickup, provide a versatile sound spectrum from bluesy warmth to hard-hitting rock riffs. The mahogany neck with a 1960s SlimTaper D profile and rosewood fretboard ensures comfortable playability, while the 22 medium-jumbo frets and Pearloid "Dot" inlays add a touch of elegance.

Equipped with all-metal hardware, including the Locktone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, this guitar ensures stable tuning and easy setup. The mastery of craftsmanship is also apparent in the Epiphone Premium Covered tuners with a 14:1 ratio, providing precise tuning capabilities.

Whether you're strumming gently or shredding fiercely, the Epiphone Les Paul Special VE stands as a testament to Epiphone’s dedication to delivering quality instruments that honor the legendary Les Paul name.

Key Features:

  • Classic Les Paul profile with a poplar body
  • Dual open-coil humbuckers: 650R neck and 700T bridge
  • Mahogany neck with 1960s SlimTaper D profile
  • Rosewood fretboard with Pearloid "Dot" inlays
  • Locktone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece
  • Epiphone Premium Covered tuners with 14:1 ratio
  • Vintage worn finish for a broken-in look and feel
  • 3-way selector switch, Master Volume, and Master Tone controls

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Les Paul Special VE Vintage Edition
Finish Vintage Worn Cherry, Vintage Worn Ebony, Vintage Worn Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Vintage Worn Vintage Sunburst, Vintage Worn Walnut
Year 2016 - 2019
Made In China
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Poplar
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Epiphone Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Epiphone Les Paul Special
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

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the body of the Epiphone Les Paul Special Vintage Edition in Ebony?

The body of the Epiphone Les Paul Special Vintage Edition in Ebony is made from poplar wood, which contributes to its lightweight feel and balanced tonal qualities.

What kind of pickups does the Epiphone Les Paul Special VE feature?

The Epiphone Les Paul Special VE is equipped with a pair of passive humbucking pickups, specifically the 650R in the neck position and the 700T in the bridge position, offering a warm and full sound.

Is the neck of the Epiphone Les Paul Special VE bolt-on or set-in?

The neck of the Epiphone Les Paul Special VE is bolt-on, which can provide easier access for adjustments and repairs compared to set-in necks.

What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Les Paul Special Vintage Edition?

The Epiphone Les Paul Special Vintage Edition features a '60s SlimTaper D neck profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

Does the Epiphone Les Paul Special VE come with a case?

The Epiphone Les Paul Special VE does not come with a case. It is sold separately, allowing you to choose a case that best fits your needs.

Is the Epiphone Les Paul Special VE suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Epiphone Les Paul Special VE is suitable for beginners due to its affordable price point, comfortable neck profile, and versatile sound, making it a great choice for those starting out.

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Epiphone Les Paul Special VE, Ebony | Gear4music demo

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Special VE, Ebony | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Epiphone Les Paul Special VE, Ebony | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Special Vintage Edition VE Review 2021 - Some Bad, Mostly Good by Guitarist Next Door

Epiphone Les Paul Special Vintage Edition VE Review 2021 - Some Bad, Mostly Good

Guitarist Next Door

Guitarist Next Door

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Special Vintage Edition by Ben Coombs

Epiphone Les Paul Special Vintage Edition

Ben Coombs

Ben Coombs

Video thumbnail for Demo/Review of the Epiphone Les Paul Special Vintage Edition Guitar by Chris Benton

Demo/Review of the Epiphone Les Paul Special Vintage Edition Guitar

Chris Benton

Chris Benton

Video thumbnail for Epiphone by Gibson Les Paul special vintage edition Review Test demo beginner guitar by musicisfun

Epiphone by Gibson Les Paul special vintage edition Review Test demo beginner guitar

musicisfun

musicisfun

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 Vintage Edition.

Build quality

  • The tuners feel cheap and are smaller than standard, making replacements challenging without widening the holes.

    Source
  • Some models have been noted to have a lighter weight and less sustain, with a black finish that reflects light oddly and appears less polished.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • High E string can slip off the fretboard, often requiring a neck reset for better playability.

    Source
  • Reports indicate the guitar may need nut slot adjustments and significant fret edge smoothing for optimal playability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading to higher-quality tuners is recommended, though finding compatible sizes can be difficult.

    Source
  • Owners frequently use this model for experimenting with different pickups, bridges, and other customizations due to its affordability.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners report the guitar holds tune well and has frets that are acceptably leveled.

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  • Some users found that after personal setup and minor tweaks, the guitar became a reliable practice instrument for casual use and learning.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The intonated bridge is noted for being surprisingly close to accurate, despite being a budget model.

    Source
  • The stock pickups are hot ceramic humbuckers, which may not suit all tastes but are generally considered adequate for certain genres like metalcore.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • For $150, the guitar is seen as a solid entry-level option, especially if you enjoy the Les Paul style.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's small body and 24.5" scale length make it particularly suitable for players who prefer compact instruments, especially for metalcore music.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It's suggested that Yamaha models like RSS20 offer better build quality, while Jackson Monarkh and ESP LTD EC50 provide competitive alternatives in the same price range.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Epiphone Les Paul Special VE Review - IN-DEPTH TESTED

guitaristnextdoor.com

The Epiphone Les Paul Special Vintage Edition offers a compelling entry point for budget-conscious guitarists, boasting solid playability and warm tones that appeal to both beginners and more seasoned players. However, the guitar's tuning machines are notably subpar, requiring frequent adjustments, which can be frustrating. While the overall construction is commendable, minor issues like uneven frets and a rough neck finish detract from its otherwise enjoyable feel. The quality pickups and attractive aesthetic make it a worthwhile investment, but potential buyers should be prepared for some setup work to optimize its performance.

Epiphone Les Paul Special VE - Guitars - Harmony Central

harmonycentral.com

3.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Genre Usage

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