Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (76)
$499.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (270)
$229.00
Amazon
4.4 (26)
Reverb
5.0 (6)
$197.00 2 available Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (100)
$229.00

Average Price: $295

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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

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Description

Meet the Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special-I Electric Guitar, where authentic Les Paul design meets affordability and performance. Crafted for both budding musicians and seasoned players alike, this guitar captures the essence of Gibson's iconic Les Paul without the hefty price tag. Featuring a lightweight basswood body, it promises a balanced sound, with tight lows and smooth highs, perfect for long gigs and practice sessions.

The 1960s SlimTaper mahogany neck is designed for comfort and speed, allowing you to effortlessly glide up and down the fretboard. The neck’s construction also enhances sustain, providing that classic, singing tone that Les Pauls are famous for.

Equipped with a pair of Epiphone 700T and 650R humbucking pickups, this guitar delivers the fat, warm tones associated with rock legends. The 700T bridge pickup offers an aggressive sound perfect for solos and riffs, while the 650R neck pickup gives smooth, melodic leads.

This guitar doesn't skimp on the essentials, featuring a 24.75" scale and a 12" radius rosewood fingerboard. With trapezoid inlays and a Les Paul trademark headstock, it looks as classic as it sounds. The intonated wraparound bridge and stopbar tailpiece ensure easy restringing and stable tuning.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight basswood body
  • Bolt-on 1960s SlimTaper mahogany neck
  • 24.75" scale length, 12" radius rosewood fingerboard
  • Epiphone 700T bridge and 650R neck humbuckers
  • Intonated wraparound bridge and stopbar tailpiece
  • Trapezoid inlays and Les Paul trademark headstock

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Les Paul Special I
Finish Worn Black, Worn Cherry, Worn TV Yellow
Year 2012 - 2013
Made In China
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Wrap-Around
Color Family Black, Red, Yellow
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 Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special-I have?

The Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special-I is equipped with open-coil humbuckers, specifically the Epiphone 700T bridge pickup and the Epiphone 650R neck pickup, offering a warm and powerful tone suitable for various music styles.

Is the Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special-I suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special-I is an excellent choice for beginners due to its affordable price, comfortable 1960s SlimTaper neck profile, and versatile sound.

What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special-I?

The neck of the Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special-I features a 1960s SlimTaper profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience.

What materials are used in the construction of the Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special-I?

The guitar features a basswood body and a bolt-on mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard, delivering a balanced tone and solid build quality.

Does the Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special-I come with a case or gig bag?

The Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special-I typically does not come with a case or gig bag. It's advisable to purchase one separately for protection during transport.

What are the finish options available for the Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special-I?

This model is available in Worn Black, Worn Cherry, and Worn TV Yellow finishes, each offering a distinct aesthetic appeal.

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Reviews

PROS

  • Solidly built foundation suitable for aspiring musicians

  • Classic Les Paul sound with full response

  • Satisfying pickup selector switch snap

  • Smooth turning, non-crackling potentiometers

  • Matte red finish with appealing wood grain

  • Slim neck for fast playability with a Les Paul feel

  • Excellent value for the price

  • Good for heavily overdriven and treble tones

  • Built-in distortion and clean sounds work well with amps

CONS

  • Requires setup adjustments out of the box

  • Stock strings are of poor quality

  • Cheap tuning machines affect pitch stability

  • Intonation not set from the factory

  • Clean and bass tones could be improved

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special-I Electric Guitar.

Setup and maintenance

  • Grover 133N Deluxe Tuning Machines fit 11/32" peg holes without drilling the peg holes, though screw holes need drilling.

    Source
  • The peg hole size on the Epiphone Les Paul Special-I is 8.8 mm, smaller than other Epiphone models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Grover 133N tuners are recommended as they fit directly into existing 11/32" peg holes on the Les Paul Special-I.

    Source
  • Some users have added chrome knobs for aesthetic enhancement, indicating ease of cosmetic modification.

    Source
  • Owners frequently replace original pickups and tuners to improve playability, specifically mentioning the need for new electronics and blocking the trem for stability.

    Source

User experience

  • The guitar is notably lightweight, making it easier to handle during extended play sessions compared to traditional Les Pauls.

    Source
  • Owners describe the Special-I as fun to play, encouraging energetic playing styles reminiscent of rock performances.

    Source
  • Some users report dissatisfaction with the Les Paul Special-I, preferring alternatives like Yamaha Pacifica for better quality in the budget category.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar is equipped with ceramic pickups, which can become microphonic under high gain settings, affecting sound clarity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for those who enjoy playing acoustically without amplification, despite its electric nature.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Described as better than expected for its price point, especially when properly set up for performance.

    Source
  • Despite mixed reviews, some owners appreciate the Les Paul Special-I as a starter electric guitar due to its affordability compared to higher-end models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Harley Benton guitars are often preferred over low-end Epiphones for their superior pickups, though both brands may have quality control issues.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
loganmorin1of5

good

very good for heavily over driven and treble tones but i think the clean and bass tones could be better

andy_breckenridge

Great Guitar

awesome sounding guitar. Great pick ups, built in distortion and clean sounds, perfect in amps and really cheap

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Crisis uses Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special-I Electric Guitar

Crisis

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Guitar Center

Crisis describes the Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special-I Electric Guitar as "the most badass thing I’ve ever played," highlighting its impact on his music. This statement can be found on Guitar Center's product page.

N

Nickelodeon

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified

Red Samurai Ranger Jayden Shiba’s Les Paul.

Genre Usage

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

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soulsuckingwendigo

soulsuckingwendigo

Gear IQ 90

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