Which Epiphone Les Paul is best for you in 2026? The ultimate comparison

Shopping for a new Les Paul? Read our ultimate Epiphone Les Paul comparison and buyer’s guide

The Gibson Les Paul™ is the most iconic electric solidbody guitar of all time. First introduced in 1952, the Les Paul electric guitar has since evolved into multiple models from Gibson and Epiphone with a variety of features and pickup configurations, including the Les Paul Standard, Les Paul Custom, Les Paul Studio, Les Paul Special, and Les Paul Junior, with a choice of pickup configurations including P-90s and humbuckers™. 

It’s no exaggeration to state that Les Pauls appear in almost every record collection and can be heard in heavy rotation on playlists and radio stations around the world. Following in the wake of the pioneering guitar playing of Les Paul himself, the Gibson Les Paul model has appeared in a wide variety of genres across generations, from blues to hard rock, psychedelia, metal, Britpop, punk, indie, and many more. 

In the hands of players like Eric Clapton, Michael Bloomfield, and Peter Green, the Les Paul Standard became the go-to guitar for electric blues before Jimmy Page cranked up the volume and used it to define the sound and aesthetic of the rock guitar god. As rock evolved into many different forms, the Les Paul was along for the ride, with Les Paul Customs appearing in the hands of players as diverse as Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, Randy Rhoads during his seminal period with Ozzy Osbourne, Slash, and Adam Jones of Tool. Meanwhile, a Les Paul Special could be found in the hands of reggae icon Bob Marley, and the Les Paul Junior became a go-to for several generations of punk upstarts from Johnny Thunders to Mick Jones and Billie Joe Armstrong.  

Quite simply, there are very few guitars that have provided as much inspiration in as many styles, scenes, and sounds as the Les Paul. When you buy your first Les Paul, you are joining that family of iconic guitarists. Thankfully, today, Epiphone makes it easier than ever to own a Les Paul model for every player and every stage.  

Whether you’re just getting started with your first electric guitar, looking for the best beginner electric guitar for a younger player that they won’t need to upgrade, or you need an accessible workhorse guitar that can handle dive bar gigs, garage rehearsals, studio recording, and anything else you want to throw it it, this Epiphone Les Paul buyer’s guide and comparison for 2026 will help you pick the best Epiphone Les Paul for you. Watch our Epiphone Les Paul comparison video below to get started: 

We’ve already compared the differences between every Epiphone SG, and we’ve even put the Gibson Les Paul up against the Gibson SG to see which of these iconic guitars is best for you. However, as you are here, we’re guessing that you’ve already made the decision that a Les Paul is the guitar for you. Good choice.

Now you’re asking, “Which Epiphone Les Paul should I buy?” or “Is the Epiphone Les Paul worth it?” Happily, this Epiphone Les Paul buyer’s guide for 2026 compares the whole range of models so after reading, you’ll easily be able to choose the best Epiphone Les Paul for your needs, style, and budget. However, if you are new to the Les Paul, still need convincing, and don’t understand what all the fuss is about, read our love-letter to the Gibson Les Paul, which offers more background on the world’s most desirable electric guitar

What are the differences between the four main Epiphone Les Paul collections?

Epiphone Les Paul guitars are grouped into four main collections: Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom, Inspired by Gibson (including Original and Modern), Epiphone Tribute, and additionally the Artist Collection. Each collection is designed with a certain kind of player in mind—from professionals who want vintage tone and features to modern metal players, beginner guitarists, younger players, and parents looking for first guitars for their children.

Working out which collection suits you will make it much easier to decide which model best fits your playing style and what you’re looking to get out of your Les Paul. Here’s a quick rundown of the main differences in each Epiphone Les Paul collection:

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom

This is where you’ll find the most historically accurate Epiphone Les Paul models, with premium components and features. Made in collaboration with Gibson Custom, these guitars feature vintage-style specifications like USA-made pickups and meticulous attention to detail, making them as faithful as possible to the historic guitars they’re based on, only without the price tag of the high-end Gibson version.

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson

This collection is split into two sections: Original and Modern. The Original Collection Les Paul guitars recreate Gibson Les Paul models from the 1950s and 60s, delivering traditional wood choices, neck profiles, and electronics. The Modern Collection takes the Les Paul and updates it for the modern player—the clue is in the name!— with features like coil splitting, advanced switching, and higher-output pickups that deliver a whole new world of tonal possibilities.

Epiphone Tribute Collection

The Epiphone Tribute Les Paul models are designed for beginner guitarists and parents shopping for guitars that children can enjoy playing while learning. Tribute range models combine mahogany bodies, bolt-on neck construction, laurel fretboards, ceramic humbucking pickups, and full gloss finishes to deliver that iconic Les Paul playing experience. The Tribute Collection is an accessible way to experience the look, sound, and feel of a Les Paul with a beginner electric guitar that you’ll actually enjoy using, which makes all the difference when you’re just starting out. 

Epiphone Artist Collection

These Epiphone Les Paul models are built with input and close collaboration from some of the world’s biggest music artists. You’ll see the exact specifications requested by iconic players like Adam Jones of Tool, Slash, Matt Heafy of Trivium, and Joe Bonamassa, to name just a few. It’s the fastest way to get closer to the sound and style of your guitar heroes. 

Next, we’ll break down the Epiphone Les Paul collections in greater detail, looking in detail at specifications and highlighting some key models.

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Paul guitars

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection Les Pauls have been developed in close collaboration with the craftspeople at the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee, and are like taking a time machine back to the first Golden Age of Gibson. This collection recreates the most legendary vintage Les Paul models and brings them into the modern day with vintage-style specs, USA-made Gibson pickups, and handwired electronics.

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Pauls allow you to get your hands on a vintage-style Les Paul without the pro-level price tag. Each and every one of these incredible guitars delivers iconic Les Paul tone and performance, ready to hit the stage and studio. These are some of the key features you’ll find on the Epiphone Les Paul guitars in the Inspired by Gibson Custom collection, followed by some of my favorite Les Pauls in the range:

• One-piece mahogany necks with long tenons for increased stability and sustain and Gibson-style “open-book” headstocks
• Authentic 50s Rounded Medium C and SlimTaper™ neck profiles
• Bound rosewood or ebony fretboards with 22 medium-jumbo frets and mother-of-pearl inlays
• Gibson USA Custombucker humbuckers and Gibson USA P-90s, handwired to CTS® potentiometers and Bumblebee paper-in-oil capacitors
• Switchcraft® three-way toggle switches and output jacks
• Brown hardshell cases with Inspired by Gibson Custom graphics

Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue  

• One-piece mahogany neck with long tenon and 1959 Rounded Medium C profile
• Bound rosewood fretboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets and mother-of-pearl trapezoid inlays
• Mahogany body with carved maple top and AAA flamed maple veneer
• Gibson USA Custombucker humbuckers
• Handwired electronics with CTS® potentiometers
• Includes a brown Inspired by Gibson Custom hardshell case 

Epiphone 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue

• One-piece mahogany neck with long tenon and 50s Rounded Medium C profile
• Bound rosewood fretboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets and mother-of-pearl trapezoid inlays
• Mahogany body with carved plain maple top
• Gibson USA Custombucker humbuckers 
• Handwired electronics with CTS® potentiometers and Bumblebee paper-in-oil capacitors
• Vintage Gloss Double Gold finish
• Includes a brown Inspired by Gibson Custom hardshell case with pink plush interior

Epiphone Les Paul Custom

• Solid mahogany body with maple cap
• One-piece mahogany neck with long tenon and Modern Medium C profile
• Ebony fretboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets and mother-of-pearl block inlays
• Mother-of-pearl split diamond headstock inlay on Gibson-style “open book” headstock
• Gibson USA 490R (neck) and 498T (bridge) humbuckers
• Multi-ply binding (seven-ply top, five-ply back and headstock)
• Includes a black Inspired by Gibson Custom hardshell case with goldenrod interior

Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue 

• Slab mahogany double-cutaway body
• One-piece mahogany neck with long tenon and 60s SlimTaper profile
• Rosewood fretboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets and mother-of-pearl dot inlays
• Gibson USA P-90 Soapbar pickups
• Historic-style Wraparound bridge with intonation screws
• Gibson-style “open book” headstock

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Les Paul guitars

The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Les Paul Collection gives players of all styles access to the iconic single-cutaway body shape of a Les Paul and the sustain-for-days tone that made the Les Paul a mainstay in modern music, at a very accessible price without compromising on quality. Whether you’re practicing at home, stepping onto a stage for the first time, or building a live touring rig, these guitars are designed to deliver.

Something to note when comparing models in this range is that the Inspired by Gibson collection is divided into two subsections: Original and Modern. The Original models stay true to the historic spirit of Golden Age Les Paul design, while the Modern models include performance upgrades like pickups with higher output, ergonomic adjustments like a contoured heel, and a few other tricks for more technically minded players. 

Epiphone Original Collection Les Paul guitars

The Epiphone Original Collection celebrates what made this guitar so great in the first place. This means mahogany bodies with carved maple tops on Standard models, massive sustain from powerful pickups, and era-correct neck shapes. Featuring P-90s, ProBucker™ humbuckers, and some iconic sunburst finishes, if you’re doing an Epiphone Les Paul comparison or looking for the best Epiphone Les Paul for those iconic Les Paul tones and feel on a budget, this is a great place to start. Here are some key features to look out for, followed by some of my favourite guitars in the line. 

• Mahogany bodies for classic Les Paul tone and sustain
• ProBucker™ humbuckers or P-90 pickups for vintage-inspired voicing and dynamic response
• Graph Tech® nuts and CTS® electronics
• Traditional Les Paul control layouts with 50s-style wiring on select models
• Optional or included premium gig bags for convenience and portability

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s

• Mahogany body with maple cap and highly figured maple veneer
• Mahogany neck with long tenon and 1959 Rounded Medium C profile
• Bound rosewood fretboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets and pearloid trapezoid inlays
• Epiphone ProBucker 1 (neck) and ProBucker 2 (bridge) humbuckers
• CTS potentiometers with 50s-style wiring
• Includes Epiphone premium gig bag

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s

• Mahogany body with maple cap and highly figured maple veneer
• Mahogany neck with long tenon and SlimTaper 60s C profile
• Bound rosewood fretboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets and pearloid trapezoid inlays
• Epiphone ProBucker 2 (neck) and ProBucker 3 (bridge) humbuckers
• Includes Epiphone premium gig bag

Epiphone Les Paul Junior

• Single-cutaway slab mahogany body
• Mahogany neck with 50s Vintage profile
• Rosewood fretboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets and pearloid dot inlays
• Single Epiphone P-90 PRO™ Dogear pickup
• Compensated Lightning Bar wraparound bridge
• Epiphone Deluxe tuners with ivory buttons and Graph Tech nut
• Includes Epiphone premium gig bag

Epiphone Modern Collection Les Paul guitars

Next up in our Epiphone Les Paul buyers guide are the Modern Collection Les Pauls. These electric guitars are firmly rooted in the tradition of the iconic Les Paul, but come with quality-of-life improvements for more technically minded players of heavier styles. With features like Fishman pickups for that extra-aggressive tone (metal players I’m looking at you), coil splitting, phase switching, compound-radius fretboards, locking tuners, and weight-relieved bodies, these Epiphone Les Paul models are designed to handle anything you want to throw at them. Here are the key features you need to know about, followed by my top picks from the collection. 

• Ultra Modern weight relief and sculpted heels for improved comfort and upper-fret access
• Coil-splitting, phase switching, and active pickups, depending on the model
• Locking tuners for tuning stability
• Ebony or bound fretboards with stainless steel or jumbo frets on select models
• Premium gig bags included on most models

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Modern Figured

• Mahogany body with Ultra Modern weight relief and maple cap with AAAA flame maple veneer
• Mahogany neck with 60s SlimTaper C profile and Modern Contoured Heel
• Bound ebony fretboard with 10-14 inch compound radius and 22 stainless steel medium-jumbo frets
• Epiphone T-Type PRO humbuckers with push/pull coil splitting and phase switching
• Locking Grover® Rotomatic® tuners and Graph Tech nut
• Posi-Lok™ strap buttons
• Includes Epiphone premium gig bag

Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy

• Mahogany body with Ultra Modern weight relief and carved hard maple cap with AAA flame maple veneer
• Mahogany neck with asymmetrical SlimTaper™ profile
• Ebony fretboard with 24 jumbo frets and block and triangle inlays
• Fishman Fluence® Epiphone Prophecy pickups with three selectable voicings
• Push/pull controls for coil splitting and Vintage/Modern tone switching
• Grover locking Rotomatic tuners and Graph Tech NuBone® nut
• Includes Epiphone premium gig bag

Epiphone Tribute Les Paul guitars

Next up in our Epiphone Les Paul buyer’s guide is the Epiphone Tribute Collection. These beginner-friendly Les Pauls are designed for new players and developing musicians who want a reliable instrument that makes learning rewarding rather than frustrating. Rooted in classic Les Paul styling but built with practical, player-friendly specs that help you learn and sound great along the way, the Epiphone Les Paul Tribute models are ideal for players starting out on their musical journey or upgrading to a solid, dependable instrument that won’t look out of place at a band rehearsal or your first gig. Here are the key features followed by some model recommendations. 

• Gabon mahogany bodies with full gloss finishes
• Bolt-on neck construction for stability and easy setup
• Laurel fretboards with acrylic inlays
• Epiphone ceramic humbucker pickups and ceramic capacitors
• Kalamazoo-style headstocks with die-cast tuners
• Gig bags included

Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus

• Mahogany body with carved, bound top and AAA flame maple veneer
• Bolt-on mahogany neck with 60s SlimTaper Rounded C profile and sculpted heel
• Bound laurel fretboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets and pearloid trapezoid inlays
• Epiphone 650R™ (neck) and 700T™ (bridge) ceramic humbuckers
• Optional Epiphone gig bag or hardshell case available separately

Epiphone Les Paul Tribute

• Mahogany body with carved mahogany top
• Mahogany neck with laurel fretboard and tapered neck joint
• Laurel fretboard with pearloid inlays
• Epiphone 650R (neck) and 700T (bridge) ceramic humbuckers with nickel covers
• Available in multiple finishes and left-handed versions
• Optional Epiphone gig bag available separately

Epiphone Artist Collection Les Paul guitars

As explained at the top of this article, some of the most iconic players in music history have relied on the Les Paul to shape their sound and define genres. The Epiphone Artist Collection Les Paul models bring you closer to those iconic tones. These signature guitars are developed with direct input from the artists themselves, so you’re not simply getting a guitar that looks like the guitar your guitar hero or heroine plays, you’re getting a stage-ready instrument built to the specifications and performance standards artists demand, including custom pickups, finishes, and other cool features. Here are some standout Epiphone Les Paul Artist models available now:

Epiphone Matt Heafy Les Paul Custom Origins

• Mahogany body with maple cap and Modern weight relief
• Mahogany neck with SpeedTaper™ D profile and contoured heel
• Fishman Fluence custom-voiced pickups with three selectable voicings per pickup
• Push/pull volume and tone controls for expanded tonal control
• Gold hardware, including locking Grover Rotomatic tuners with tulip buttons
• Les Paul Custom styling and appointments
• Includes custom hardshell case

Epiphone Jared James Nichols “Blues Power” Les Paul Custom

• Mahogany body with classic Les Paul Custom styling
• Single Seymour Duncan® Silencer™ JJN P90B bridge pickup
• Lightning Bar wraparound bridge
• Grover locking Rotomatic tuners
• Includes EpiLite™ case

Epiphone Tak Matsumoto 1955 Les Paul Standard

• Mahogany body with maple top
• One-piece mahogany neck with long tenon and custom Tak Matsumoto profile
• Laurel fretboard and Gibson-style “open book” headstock
• Gibson Burstbucker PRO Alnico 5 pickups
• 50s wiring with CTS potentiometers, Grey Tiger capacitors, and Switchcraft electronics
• Gibson Historic Wraparound bridge with intonation set screws
• Includes vintage-style Inspired by Gibson Custom brown/pink hardshell case

Epiphone Kirk Hammett “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard

• Mahogany body with maple cap
• Gibson USA Greenybucker pickups with reverse-mounted neck pickup and reverse polarity magnet
• CTS potentiometers, Mallory™ capacitors, and Switchcraft electronics
• Grover Rotomatic tuners with spade-style buttons
• Gibson-style “open book” headstock
• Includes vintage-style brown and pink hardshell case

Epiphone Slash “AFD” Les Paul Special-II

• Mahogany body with AAA flame maple veneer top
• Mahogany bolt-on neck with Slash Custom C-shape profile
• Epiphone Ceramic Plus™ Zebra-coil humbuckers
• 3-way toggle with master volume and tone controls
• Includes premium gig bag and Slash signature picks

Which Epiphone Les Paul is the best for you in 2026?

Are you still asking, “Which Epiphone Les Paul should I buy in 2026?” The answer begins with an understanding of what matters most to you as a player right now, and what you need from a guitar on the next steps of your musical journey. Choose an Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom model for vintage tone and Custom Shop features, or the Inspired by Gibson Original Collection models for classic rock tone and traditional design. The Modern Collection is your go-to for expanded tonal options and ergonomic upgrades, while guitars in the Artist Collection offer the quickest route to sounding like your heroes. Finally, beginners and younger players are best served by the Epiphone Tribute models. 

The good news is that there isn’t really a wrong choice. Every Epiphone Les Paul model is designed to be a stage-ready and reliable musical companion on every step of your journey. Whether you want the punk-rock punch and simplicity of a Les Paul Junior, the luxury vibe of a Les Paul Custom, or the iconic look and tone of a sunburst Les Paul Standard, Epiphone has you covered. The rest is up to you. 

Explore the Epiphone Les Paul Collection now and check out our Gibson Les Paul comparison guide for more. If you’re also looking for the best Epiphone acoustic for you, we’ve got this complete comparison, too.