The Epiphone 59 Les Paul Standard - As good as they say?

In this video I take a long overdue look at the Limited Edition Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard. I go over the specs and give my thoughts on the model, offering my perspective on what sort of value for money it is, relative to Epiphone's other Les Pauls. Of course I talk about the build quality, quality of the fretwork, and overall playability, and demo the guitar clean and with some light overdrive.

[@karlmartin849]

I still have my old Epiphone LP 1960's tribute from 2010. It was the first real guitar I ever purchased. Quality is outstanding, as I imagine yours is also.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

You know, a good guitar is a good guitar, regardless of price point. Thanks for watching.

[@chuckpotockimusic2288]

​@@leonardgriffieblues5845Very much agreed!

[@samright4661]

I used to have one my was the Ebony but it looked Green. I loved that guitar. But I have a 08 Traditional now no compression between them. The Gibson is just better

[@davidfridley190]

I have one of these. I don't expect I will be "outplaying" this guitar...😂

[@leedee4968]

Great review and playing and even though I got a lemon burst a few weeks ago and I love it I still tend to view all of these good videos about it ... the first Epiphone make and model that I think is really great😮

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much and I’m very happy you’re enjoying yours.

[@danstringer7610]

Nice playing and good video. I enjoyed it. Mine is cherry sunburst. I added locking tuners to mind and touched up the fret ends…now it perfect. I like satin finish, neck is perfect for my hand.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

That’s great. Yeah, a little setup work is usually all these need. Thanks so much for watching.

[@viperBSG]

The Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard deserves the Les Paul name on the head stock as much as any Gibson. I owned Gibson's in the past Studios, Classics, Faded Standards and even played older models like the Deluxe and an 54 Custom. But I love my Epi '59 LP Standard (Southern burst) I will keep this one. I regret letting my Gibson's go. Perfect Video on this guitar thank you so much for making it.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

It’s a solid, gig worthy Les Paul. Happy you’re enjoying yours. Thanks so much and thanks for watching.

[@poodleguiderpeyes7388]

I have the '59 Cherry Fade example, it's colorful😀Have had it for several months now & very much enjoy playing it.What a deal it is, $ wise! I like it better than my Gibson Studio LP. I actually dig the VOS satin finish, especially on the neck - it's so smooth!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Nice. Great to find something that you enjoy. Thanks for watching.

[@dhodoadrian]

great video.. it was my very first guitar ever. I bought it 5 months ago. and love it

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

That’s great. Enjoy it and thanks for watching.

[@Trial212]

An enjoyable video. You hit on all the reasons as to why this Epiphone is such a good guitar. I'm well pleased with mine.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much. It’s great you’re enjoying yours.

[@Darrentalksball]

Great review! I bought my '59 epi right around the same time that my band's other guitarist bought a Gibson SG standard with the '57 classic humbuckers. There were some slight differences in tone, obviously, but as far as quality went the '59 Epi was right up there with his Gibson in terms of build and tone.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Very nice. Glad you’re enjoying yours and thanks for watching.

[@guitarzan0515]

Yep, I did enjoy this video! Thx Mr. G, great playing! Looking forward to the next episode!!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks my friend.

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

I got one about a month ago and gotta say, the matte finish doesn't bother me the way I thought it would. Sounds and plays great.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

That’s great. Glad you’re enjoying it and thanks so much for watching.

[@milankotevski1663]

I don't give a rat's ass about finish on a guitar. Guitars are meant to be played.

[@kengouthro]

Love your playing. I have this guitar in cherry. I was initially underwhelmed with the satin finish but it's growing on me. Thanks for the review.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much. I have heard of some having success buffing the finish to a semi-gloss.

[@wiggyone]

I got a dark burst 59 today. Quite pleased with it. You were right about the fret ends, mine were a little rough at the bottom E 12th fret and up, so no biggie. Other than that I can't fault the build quality as there wasn't a single blemish on it. I think the neck itself is sublime - a perfect fit for me. The guitar is heavy like a Gibson too, but not too heavy - just about right. Only tested on a Vox Amplug AC so far and it sounds pretty great on that, especially the cleans, but I have a couple of Vox amps to put it through next (which are very very dusty) - a new VX15 and a MV50 AC with cab - so should be interesting paired up with an equally dusty Boss ME80 pedalboard. It's shaping up to be a pretty sweet home player :) - so cheers for the review, it really helped me decide on this. Subbed. 👍

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

That’s great. Always happy when my reviews are useful. Thanks for watching.

[@forcemajeur.5138]

I recently got the lemon burst and having had older epi LP's and playing buddies older Gibsons and my Gibson Flying V (different thing I know) but I am very impressed with the guitar so far. Glad to see Epiphone stepping it up, they went through a bad spell there for a second. I may have gotten lucky but the fretwork and neck are phenomenal for the price. The kalamazoo headstock is a plus as well.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

After reviewing several, I agree Epiphone seems on the right track. The fretwork can be a little bit or miss, and I’ve had both really nice and not so great. But overall they’re doing a lot of things right. Glad you got a nice one and thanks for watching.

[@francescozottola5496]

Great video sir!. Could you ever consider doing a review of the aio brand, they are a store in los angeles that make their own guitars, they adjust the guitar according to your specifications for free, in particular I would love a honest review of the s3 relic strat because there are practically no good ones reviews of that guitar and are very few out there. I really enjoy your videos, u have a new subscriber!.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I would be happy to if the opportunity presents itself. Understand my channel is still too small for any sponsorship or other financial support, and funds are limited. So I have to buy everything I review and be able to recoup as much of what I spend as I possibly can. The lesser known brands are, sadly, the most difficult to resell but if the opportunity presents itself, I’m always up for something different. Thanks so much for watching. It helps.

[@braddietzmusic2429]

I’m inspired to play a Les Paul tonight! I agree with you that the finish is a bit too “satin”. I also agree that at this price point, and particularly when competitors to it more reliably, that Epiphone should up its finishing game and produce guitars with consistently better fretwork. Otherwise, I have no problem with the specs you mention and what I see. I have no problem with the name on the headstock, and I’d love to try one. Maybe even own one, however in full disclosure I already have three Les Pauls, each with different electronics configuration, and this one would double my Tokai. A further thought: it does seem this in every way, a “main” guitar. It seems good enough, and deserves better than being “backup” status. In any event, great playing, sounds and thoughtful review as always.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you so much. I agree. No reason it can’t be a main guitar.

[@williamkyle6275]

I don’t recall if I commented on this video but I bought the 59 in Southern Fade. After about 20 applications of Carnauba Wax, it looks fantastic. I just realized that the neck had a rounded shoulders and it’s too much for my hands. I agree with you, the 50’s model f lt much more comfortable than the 59. Also, the 2012 SG Pro I mentioned in the SG video has the sand shoulders as the 59 LP. And that is why I stated that the 2012 SG neck felt too wide for me. Thanks for pointing that feature out. Cheers!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Players are very different in their neck preferences. I can adapt to almost anything but I still have a strong preference for a certain range of thickness and feel. Sounds like you’re finding what you prefer and that’s a good thing.

[@CustomTele52RI]

My quest for the best Les Paul experience available for under $1000 US led me to your site. After watching MANY videos and speaking with several local pros, I decided on the used Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Limited Edition, which comes with genuine Gibson Burstbucker 2&3 pickups, for $700. That left enough budget to replace the bridge & tail hardware with a Faber Master Kit (~ $225 I think). I also buffed out the factory satin body to a glossier finish with Meguiars ScratchX and darkened the laurelwood neck with some walnut stain so that it looks *exactly* like the rosewood fretboard on my relic Strat by Dan Strain (Danocaster). The Faber hardware is a solid upgrade and I think it looks better AND more authentic now. It's not really a problem but I could do with a little less gain - I may buy a Gibson Burstbucker 1 for the neck and move the BB2 down to the bridge, keeping the stock bridge BB3 as a spare. Mine weighs 9.3 lbs which is 2 lbs more than my Fender type guitars. I wouldn't go any heavier, and would advise to look for 8.5 to 9 pounds for the best balance. Beyond that, each tree sounds a little different so try to play the one you buy (I didn't and got lucky :o)

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Nice. Sounds like you’re really enjoying your guitar. I hope you found my channel useful and thanks very much for watching.

[@RagggedTrouseredPhilanthropist]

The stand out features here are the Gibson Custom Shop pickups. Ive got this guitar and they sound unreal!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yes, from a functional standpoint, higher quality pickups and a top notch setup is all most modern Epiphones need, and more are becoming available with USA pickups. Even the import pickups seem to be improving. Thanks so much for watching.

[@dmarlan]

Got one love it.Wish they were limited though.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

LOL. I think they’re limited to how many they can sell! Seriously though, they are good guitars and not having to upgrade electronics is a big plus.

[@chuckpotockimusic2288]

They're outstanding guitars, but Leonard, I definitely agree with you about the finish...the Dark Burst is great, but personally, I can't stand that matte-y finish. In fact, every person I know that owns these immediately gave the finish the once-over with some mild rubbing compound and a buffing wheel in an effort to add some shine and gloss to them. And they look so much better that way! Great review and great playing, Leonard! 🎸😊👏👍👊

[@c.f.pedraza4057]

Wow, thats a great idea. I have my site's on a guitar that has that finish, and was wondering more or less how to buff it out more.

[@c.f.pedraza4057]

@@chuckpotockimusic2288 awesome!!!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much. I finished a guitar in nitro once and did all the buffing by hand, using the various Meguiar’s products. It came out very professional and I would think these finishes would gloss up just fine.

[@Worlds_Worst_Guitarist]

You need to take off the Pickguard! It looks way way more decent that way, even with that Matte Finish.

[@garyp5522]

Great Video, Nice playing.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you my friend.

[@yotam1]

Great review, I own one (in lemon burst from andertons), but whats actually limited about it?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yeah, it certainly doesn’t seem at all “limited” to me when there are plenty in stock everywhere. But that’s the official name. Probably “limited” to the number of units they sell before interest wanes. LOL Thanks for watching.

[@garyb1036]

I got the lemon burst from Andertons also,sold out now,doesn't say anything about more stock coming in but I'd be interested to know how many are being made

[@mortonwilson795]

Just came across this review! With you on all the points you make but no problem with the fret finishing on the Cherry Burst I bought and I do like the satin finish . . . I guess I like the low key vibe and certainly the back of the neck feel, preferable to nitro or poly. I think it's a good buy, especially for gigging if you don't have a guitar tech and security team in tow to keep on eye on your original 50s or 60s Gibson while you're signing autographs and having an after show dwink 😆

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Totally get it. I used to do fly in shoes with a Gibson 335, and while I couldn’t afford to worry about it, still, with affordable guitars getting so much better, it’s great to have that option. Thanks for watching.

[@GradualErase]

Love your style. Just got one

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much. Enjoy the guitar.

[@therollband1290]

Nice sounds

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yeah, they sound pretty darned legit. Thanks for watching.

[@danstringer7610]

Thanks!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much.

[@akjl01]

Great guitar! Big bang for buck..

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

They are a really good value. Thanks for watching.

[@scottanderson4175]

I was unimpressed I returned mine 😐 it was ok but I’m going to get the Greeny it’s $1,499 but it has the Gibson headstock 👏😆

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Well, the Gibson headstock wouldn’t sway me but if it’s a significantly better guitar it’d be well worth it. I hope it’s a great one. Thanks for watching.

[@scottanderson4175]

@@leonardgriffieblues5845 I was joking 🫡 I’m not paying $1,499 for an Epiphone

[@JackTheSkunk]

I think Epi would do well to offer this model and a few others with a factory installed Bigsby option.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

There have been a few. - the Gary Clark Jr. Casino, a Bonamassa Les Paul, the Wildcat - but not many. I have to think those responsible for such decisions must have thus far concluded the size of the market wouldn’t justify the additional models. Of course I’m only guessing but the modern Epiphone company is very much a huge mass production outfit so cost vs. gain will have been weighed. Still, there’ll likely be some available in the future. Thanks so much for watching.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

There have been a few. - the Gary Clark Jr. Casino, a Bonamassa Les Paul, the Wildcat - but not many. I have to think those responsible for such decisions must have thus far concluded the size of the market wouldn’t justify the additional models. Of course I’m only guessing but the modern Epiphone company is very much a huge mass production outfit so cost vs. gain will have been weighed. Still, there’ll likely be some available in the future. Thanks so much for watching.

[@grizz1887]

I highly recommend for u ppl to try it

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

👍🏼😎

[@grizz1887]

Hi Leonard. I was in my local music store the other day and tried the Epiphone lp classic. One test I like is, hitting the power chord A at the 5th fret to see how it sounds or etc. It didn't sound good. In the '59, it was perfect. Ever notice that in some guitars? I assume the guitars are set to play decent or could it be that when it comes in,they tune it and put it in the rack? After a customer buys and gets it set the way they want it, the power chord of A will sound better?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

@@grizz1887Some set them up, most don’t or don’t until purchase. But regarding those guitars, first, the main difference you’re probably hearing is the 1959 Standard has Gibson Burstbucker pickups. Second, if the fret leveling isn’t decent, chords and single notes won’t ring out as well. It doesn’t have to be noticeably buzzing. Slight high frets will dampen the strings.

[@650thunderbird]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks.

[@matthewstearle7395]

Do you prefer this or the PRS SE McCarty or DGT?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

My own preference is the PRS SE models. They’re lighter and feature usually superior fretwork, and if you watch my SE DGT review, you’ll see I was impressed with the pickups. Thanks for watching.

[@matthewstearle7395]

@@leonardgriffieblues5845 thank you,I think I will get the PRS

[@rvlewis1950]

I have a Gretsch G5230T. Would this be an upgrade?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Actually more of a sidestep. The Gretsch is a very different guitar. I think the quality is going to be similar, but the construction, neck shape, pickups, etc. are all very different. You’d really have to see which one suits you better. Thanks for watching.

[@Dad-Gad]

Sounds amazing , fantastic playing , but goddamn that fingerboard looks dry .

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks. Yeah, that Indian Laurel usually does. And I oiled it when I changed strings. I’ve reviewed some they weren’t so light and dry looking.

[@chuckpotockimusic2288]

Many of the Indian Laurel boards are lighter colored compared to Rosewood, but yes, they are very dry from the factory. I have a 2020 Epiphone SG Standard and the fretboard was so dry that it took 5 applications of Music Nomad F-ONE oil to fully hydrate as well as darken it up some; normally, it only should take 1 to 2 applications at the very most. The 1st application absorbed into the wood so fast that I literally watched it getting sucked right up...😮

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

@@chuckpotockimusic2288 Well, one’s all it gets from me. LOL. Seriously though, if this were a guitar I was going to keep, I’d work on it a little more. For one thing, those fret ends definitely need attention. Thanks so much for engaging with the channel.

[@samueldubois9790]

Use japanese katana oil (camelia oil).

[@curtishansen7270]

So you would gig with this guitar?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Im not personally much of a Les Paul guy, but I’d have no trouble playing a show with this guitar. I would want to spend some time fixing the frets though. Thanks for watching.

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

I do. In fact it has become my number 1 gig guitar: the sound of a Gibson Les Paul without the fear of accidentally damaging a $3,000 guitar.

[@srh361]

What gets me is this guitar is a 59 in name only, not one single spec has anything to remotely do with a 59, they couldn't even put a real rosewood fretboard on it for a grand.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Well supposedly it was designed in partnership with the Gibson custom shop to provide an Epiphone version of the CS R9. The neck is a nice 50s carve, but in many ways I actually preferred the 50s goldtop I reviewed last year. As I said in the video, the price difference is mostly about the pickups and case. Thanks for watching.

[@BeeRumblin13]

For $1,000 you would think the fret ends and high frets would be addressed. That isn't a cheap guitar nowadays.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yeah, who wants to spend $1000 on a guitar then have to spend another $200 getting the fretwork right. With the Epiphones, I’ve found it’s very much hit or miss. But while a few have been great, the majority would never be up to my standards without taking it to my luthier and having him do the full treatment, which ain’t cheap. To be fair, this used to be the case with even expensive USA guitars. Most of them went straight to my guy. But fretwork was a lot less expensive back then, plus now you have affordable guitars like Sire and PRS SE that manage to deliver nice fretwork right out of the box.So yeah, Epiphone needs to up their game in that regard. Thanks for watching.

[@pierregaude1528]

Better get a made in Japan Les Paul clone for half the price

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I’m a big fan of made in Japan guitars. However, I’ve never seen a MIJ LP style guitar that sells for $500 new (or the equivalent). If you know of one I’d be interested to know what that is. If you’re referencing used prices then sure, there are a lot of used options that would be less than this costs new, but that’s not really a valid comparison. Thanks for watching.

[@samueldubois9790]

I don't think you've ever had the Epiphone 59 in your hand. Except if you switch to a Gibson Standard, you won't have a better Les Paul... The Tokai are superb, but very expensive in their MIJ version, and bad in their Chinese version… This 59 is just fabulous!

[@pierregaude1528]

@@samueldubois9790 Until the Epiphone fell off the stand and the scarf joint gives up...

[@danbaron2561]

Why don't they fill Les Pauls with helium, to make them lighter?!! 😂

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Probably no vintage correct helium available. 😆

[@викторчеботарев-я3в]

WHAT CAN I ANSWER IF YOU ARE PLAYING YOUR ROLE AND WE (CONSUMERS) ARE BEING TAKEN FOR MONEY. WITH BEST WISHES.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Not sure what you think “my roll” is. I’m not sponsored. I buy guitars with my own money and give my honest assessment. That’s the extent of it. I encourage everyone to try things and make up their own minds.