les-paul-special-II-review

Epiphone Les Paul Special II 2019 Review

The most popular model of Les Paul in the entire model range of electric guitars Epiphone – it is undoubtedly the Epiphone Les Paul Special II. It is a good option for beginners who want to get acquainted with the sound and sensation of Les Paul. For more experienced musicians, Les Paul Special 2 will be an excellent reserve guitar or rehearsal guitar for every day.

les-paul-special-II-reviewBody
The recognizable sound of Les Paul begins with the right wood. The hull and neck of Epiphone LP Special II are made of Okoume. The neck has a profile of the 1960’s SlimTaper ™ and is bolted to the body. The fretboard is also made of Okoume and has 22 frets with inlay in the form of dots.

Electronics
In the heart of the Les Paul Special II, two powerful humbucker with open coils – 650R near the neck and 700T near the bridge with the Alnico V magnets. Like all Epiphone electric guitars, the Special 2 model is equipped with quality full-size potentiometers for volume and tone controls, tumbler type switches, and output connectors with anti-rotation protection.

Furniture
Epiphone Les Paul models got only high-quality, reliable hardware, including a bridge and a string holder with LockTone locking technology on the supports. It does not only make it easier to change strings but also remarkably improves the sound characteristics of the instrument.

My experience with Epiphone Les Paul Special II

Maybe I just got a good copy, but the guitar is done very well! I connected it to the Marshall MG 10, with a Marshall Guv’nor pedal. I liked the sound, as there is no extraneous instrumental noise. In general, I’m completely satisfied, so far, I do not need more. The guitar was made in Indonesia.

Different descriptions on the sites say that they used plywood for Epiphone Les Paul Special II. On the official website, it is written that the guitar is made of Okoume, probably it is. Well, I do not know what it is precisely, but the color is red.

Electric guitar Epiphone Les Paul Special II is an excellent instrument within a low price category. They recommend it for beginners, but even professionals consider it a worthy replica of the legendary Gibson Les Paul.

About the sound

The sound of the instrument is close to the original. They equipped the guitar with powerful electronics and designed it for simple styles. The body resonates perfectly, and the vibration of the tree is well felt. The high and low frequencies sound good. The sound is clean and bright, without any extra noise. On overdrive the sound is bright, not dry, notes are well-read. It’s nice to play a solo on the bridge. The guitar is perfect for rehearsals or performances in small clubs.

Assembly and design

The quality of the assembly is not bad; the paint and varnish are good and lie flat. Frets are polished and drained, well planted; all bolts are tightened enough. The shielding is pretty good.

The only minus is that the pegs are not very well maintained.

The appearance of the guitar is noteworthy. It’s made without superfluous chic, but it looks spectacular. Also, a full-color range will help you choose the color that you will like.

Epiphone-les-paul-special-II-in-different-coulors

Сonvenience and ergonomics

In terms of the ergonomics, the Epiphone Les Paul Special II justified all of my expectations. The body is more “thin” than the original, but it feels even more comfortable. Hand on the neck does not slip and does not hamper.

Cutouts for both hands are buried, so when you play on high frets, there is no discomfort; at the beginning of the neck, you can play as well. The guitar is light – you can play for quite a long time without feeling pressure on your shoulder. The bar does not outweigh the front. Sitting is just as comfortable; the guitar feels convenient on the leg.

And to summarize

Epiphone Les Paul Special 2 is a reliable budget instrument. As always, the Epiphone did everything qualitatively. The company produced high-quality instruments even when most of the modern guitar gurus were knee-high. Epiphone Les Paul Special II is a good and inexpensive replica of the legendary guitar.

Good sound, excellent quality, nice appearance and all this for a low price.

Specifications of Epiphone Les Paul Special II

BodyOkoume
NeckOkoume
Neck ShapeNeck Shape 1960s SlimTaper™ “D” Profile
Neck JointBolt-on
Scale length24.75”
FingerboardDot inlay
Fingerboard Radius12”
Nut Width1.68”
HardwareNickel
Machine HeadsCovered; 14:1 ratio
Neck PickupEpiphone 650R Humbucker
Bridge PickupEpiphone 700T Humbucker
Controls1-volume, 1-tone
Pickup Selector3-way Epiphone toggle
BridgeTune-o-matic
TailpieceStopbar
Typical Weight (+/- 5%)7.9 lbs

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