Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $179

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step into the world of electric guitars with the Les Paul Special II, a perfect blend of simplicity and iconic design. Crafted for both beginners and seasoned players seeking a reliable practice instrument, this guitar offers a seamless balance of quality and affordability. Its solid body construction promises durability, while the dual humbucker pickups deliver a rich, full-bodied sound that is synonymous with the classic Les Paul tone.

The bolt-on mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard offer smooth playability and comfort, making those long jam sessions a breeze. With 22 frets and a LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge, you’ll experience remarkable sustain and tuning stability, enhancing both your performance and creativity. Whether you're shredding solos or strumming chords, the Les Paul Special II is your gateway to versatile soundscapes.

This guitar encapsulates the essence of what makes the Les Paul series legendary, but with a more accessible learning curve. It’s not just an instrument; it’s an invitation to explore, create, and express.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar
  • Bolt-on mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • 22 frets for expansive playability
  • Dual humbucker pickups for classic tone
  • 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 music is the Epiphone Les Paul Special II best suited for?

The Epiphone Les Paul Special II is versatile and well-suited for rock, blues, and metal, thanks to its dual humbucker pickups which offer a powerful, warm tone with good sustain.

Is the Epiphone Les Paul Special II suitable for beginner guitarists?

Yes, the Les Paul Special II is ideal for beginners due to its affordable price, comfortable playability, and straightforward controls, making it easy to learn on.

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

The neck of the Les Paul Special II features a slim taper profile, which provides a comfortable grip and easy playability for both beginners and experienced players.

What materials are used in the construction of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II?

The Les Paul Special II features a basswood body, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard, contributing to its warm and resonant sound.

How does the Epiphone Les Paul Special II differ from other Les Paul models?

The Les Paul Special II is an entry-level model with a bolt-on neck and simpler controls, offering a more affordable option while maintaining the classic Les Paul tone and style.

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 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 Epiphone Les Paul Special II Player Pack [Product Demo] by Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Epiphone Les Paul Special II Player Pack [Product Demo]

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Special II - Beginner Guitar Review by Appetite for Guitar

Epiphone Les Paul Special II - Beginner Guitar Review

Appetite for Guitar

Appetite for Guitar

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

  • Affordable price without sacrificing sound quality and playability

  • Humbuckers provide strong tonal variety and sustain

  • Neck design is comfortable, especially for those with smaller hands

  • Versatile sound, works well with various amps and pedals

  • Easily upgradeable components for a personalized setup

  • Great for slide work and capturing classic rock sounds

  • Lightweight and easy to handle for extended play sessions

  • Offers a raw and engaging playing experience

  • Comparable feel and sound to more expensive models

CONS

  • Original tuners are considered cheap-looking and may require replacement

  • Requires initial setup and tweaks for optimal performance

  • Need to search for a well-built unit, as quality can vary

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about les paul special II.

Value and pricing

  • Purchases under $100, like a $70 used model, are seen as low-risk for a backup guitar or lending to friends.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Refinishing the guitar and experimenting with new pickups is a common project for owners looking to personalize their instrument.

    Source
  • Grover vintage tuners and Duncan Hot Rod humbucker sets are used by some owners to enhance performance and tone.

    Source
  • Musiclilly tuners are a recommended upgrade to improve tuning stability, which is a common issue with the original tuners.

    Source
  • Fretwire P90 pickups are popular for upgrading the Les Paul Special II, providing a distinct tonal change from the stock humbuckers.

    Source
  • Users express the need for potential upgrades to extend the guitar's usability as a player progresses, highlighting that it may not suffice long-term without modifications.

    Source
  • Users suggest the Epiphone Les Paul Special II as a testbed for customization, from trying new pickups to practicing truss rod adjustments.

    Source

User experience

  • High-quality strings and a proper setup can resolve severe intonation issues that many users face with this model.

    Source
  • One owner shared a disappointing experience with the guitar, preferring Squier Strats for better playability and sound within a similar price range.

    Source
  • Despite being an entry-level guitar, some owners find it has a surprisingly good acoustic resonance for its lightweight build.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report that leveling, crowning, and polishing the frets significantly enhances playability and sound quality.

    Source
  • Many guitars require nut slot adjustments and fret edge smoothing to be in optimal playing shape.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners report that the tuners are not sealed, making tuning stability a common issue, especially when combined with nut problems.

    Source
  • The bolt-on neck design of the Les Paul Special II is criticized for not delivering the same feel as traditional set-neck Les Paul models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners suggest considering Epiphone LP Standard or Classic models for a longer-term investment, noting better build quality and playability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The smaller body and 24.5 scale length make it easier to play power chords compared to larger guitars like Fenders.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pickups are hot ceramic humbuckers, which are ideal for metal or punk rock but may sound muddy in other genres.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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1 star
katymsock

Easy and reliable guitar.

I first got this Epiphone Les Paul Special II mainly for its sound. I don't think you can go wrong with Epiphone in my opinion. This guitar comes set up really well and its light and easy to play. I love it.

horse_to_water

Epiphone does great things for the money - My ES339, the Dot, The Sheraton II, Casino, LP pros.... the list goes on. One of the best things IMHO is that on the models mentioned above, you don't feel the need to rush out and replace the pickups. But if you do, much like the Squier classic vibes, great platforms for modding...

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