Unboxing Epiphone's CHEAPEST Les Paul! - How Good Is It?

It's cheap...But is it worth buying?
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[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Got another affordable guitar review for you guys! It's the Epiphone Les Paul Special! Enjoy :) Guitar link - imp.i114863.net/GjELbr

[@douglascampbell9809]

You should consider doing a small budget upgrade video for this guitar. The problems you found sound like they would be fairly easy for even a novice to overcome. I actually really dig the sound of this guitar. It reminds me of the sounds of local band and punk rock shows from the late 80's early 90's.

[@richardshort4587]

Looks like a Melody Maker more than a LP or a later version from Gibson named “The Paul”

[@zuperdee]

1) I for one think it would be interesting to see how this compares to something like a Firefly, a Monoprice Indio 66 V2, or better yet, an IYV ILS-300, which has a much more high-end look to it. 2) Your channel is a HUGE asset, very useful for beginners looking for a decent starter guitar, and also useful for intermediates who might be looking at possible upgrade paths for their guitars! It’s nice to know a guitar can actually grow with you! 3) What is it that makes this guitar so much lighter than a “standard” Les Paul? Body thickness? Sub-standard wood? Chambered body?

[@mveitchmunich]

Take a look at the new SX VTG series. Custom handmade. $225. Includes gig bag. $17 shipping. I got the Furrian Tele HH with two point trem. A simply wonderful instrument worth much more than $225. Could not build it for that price.

[@danoliver2817]

2 YEARS AGO, AT THE AGE OF 54, I FINALLY STARTED TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY.... MY FIRST GUITAR WAS SLASH AFD VERSION OF THE SPECIAL 2..... UPGRADED THE NUT, ADDED GRAPHTECH RATIO TUNING MACHINES AND A GRAPHTECH SADDLE AND IT REALLY IMPROVED THE TUNING STABILITY AND OVERALL PLAYABILITY. NICE INSTRUMENT FOR THE MONEY

[@ernestschultz5065]

200 dollars in today's money is roughly equal to 25 dollars in 1970. The cheap guitars of that era were like twice that amount and were no where near the quality and playability of this Epiphone. Just more proof that we are living in a golden age of cheap guitars.

[@llednop]

True... I would say inexpensive.

[@hifibrony]

As bad as the cheap guitars were back then, the cheap basses were vastly worse! 😀 I wuz there!

[@ryanevans371]

Word. The only reason to spend more than $500 on a guitar these days is for very specific features that just aren't done (or done correctly) on less expensive models. And there's no reason at all to spend over $1000 for a player, period. If you're concerned about resale value, sure...pay the Gibson or Fender headstock tax. But if you're looking for an actual player instead of a display guitar or a case queen, there's no reason to get into 4 figures...I guarantee there's a guitar under a grand that'll do whatever it is you're looking for. My entire collection is Schecter, Epiphone, or Ibanez, with one MIM Fender Tele. None were over a grand, most were less than $800, and every single one is an amazing player.

[@Mountainrock70]

@@ryanevans371 I have some $2000+ guitars. In the last 2 years Ive bought 3 new guitars in the $700-$1000 range and all 3 of them I couldn’t ask for more. Ive changed nothing on these guitars either.

[@ryanevans371]

@@Mountainrock70 Yep. Spending much more than a grand anymore means you're either buying an investment guitar, or you always wanted a Gibson (or whatever) and are willing to pay more to realize that dream. Both of which are fine if that's what people are into...I'm not trying to knock the people that do. It's just not necessary if what you're after is a player.

[@Fuff63]

I truly think that Epiphone, based on my own experiences, always tries very hard to maintain the old family business quality level in every guitar they sell. I’ve never been disappointed with them. I’ve also noticed that all reviewers are invariably surprised by them. Cheers!

[@john564holloway]

Nicely put, Fuff63!

[@dr.slimewise7650]

When I was young I never had one so I didn't know how nice they really were

[@doctorskull8197]

Agree

[@caseypayne5138]

I have a Special-II with p90s and it's honestly one of my most favorite guitars. These Special-IIs are a fantastic value and they're really great players. Sound way better than you'd expect and if the pickups are too hot clean you can always just roll off the volume a bit.

[@texasblueschannel]

Volume pot reacted more like a switch than a nice gradient as you rolled off the volume. Pots may be alpha size, but if they are basically an on/off switch, they gotta go. I have a phenomenal Epi (MIK) that I absolutely love, and build quality and hardware (Gibson USA pups) was every bit as good as my Gibby LP Standard. I hate to see Epi putting their name on a sub-par chinese I instrument like this LP Special II.

[@alexanderhanksx]

@@texasblueschannel that's exactly how I feel about it. I'm thinking about swapping the pickups and hardware to give my nephew something to learn on. Someone gave me one of these and I've never touched the thing.

[@0000song0000]

I just know i am hunting a used one to mod. Because the weight and neck shape seemed comfortable to me when i tried it at a pawn shop.

[@john564holloway]

Love P90s! Too bad you can't attach a demo, Casey. I'd love to hear it!

[@ElessarEstel]

The Epiphone special II was my first guitar. 20 years ago when I was just 9 years old. My grandfather got it for me. He was the bassist for a fairly large name band that I'm not going to mention, and he wanted me to at least have the path laid out to learn music. Most significant gift I've ever been given.

[@montruo000000007]

So did you keep playing all these years?

[@ElessarEstel]

@@montruo000000007 I did. I don't play every single day anymore like I should, but its still a significant part of my life

[@Diego-Delgado]

not going to mention because...he wasnt..

[@ElessarEstel]

@@Diego-Delgado no. Not going to mention because I don't need dumbasses saying exactly what you just said lol

[@twentyeight602]

Now I want to know the band😭😭

[@gregbrown4136]

You could make a stick of wood with twine tied on sound good

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

😂😂😂 Thanks GB!

[@teknomanning]

Jack White did just that win metal cord😊👍🏿

[@Alex-ug2vm]

so true ! every guitare you play seems awesome with you skill and amps set :)

[@roastpenguin8787]

200th like

[@freakindawgen]

Look thru youtube, guy made one out of concrete.

[@mistershabadoo]

The Special ii was my main guitar for 22 years. Got it as a Christmas present in ‘96 in vintage sunburst. I changed the tuning keys and the pups, but it never failed me. I played it until the cost of repair outweighed it’s value. A great guitar for the money!

[@ssalvaterra]

Still is my main one. Can't get enough of it

[@mistershabadoo]

@@ssalvaterra right?! Lol 🤘🤘

[@gringogreen4719]

Zach, here is the thing about guitars. If you enjoy playing it, it is worth the repair. I look at instruments as an "investment in happiness," meaning do I derive as much joy out of the cost of admission that it provides? I have a early 1970s Epiphone 12 string that I have spent more money than its worth. Basically the guitar has X bracing and three out of four arms had lifted off the bottom of the top. I paid $110 for it and immediately had to pay $240 to fix the laundry list of issues it had. Now these guitars are $350 if you can find them in good to great condition. The repairs were done, turns out some repairs would exceed the cost I already have in the guitar to properly fix. Essentially the bridge would need to be replaced and a new nut to start with. That said warts and all I have a really cool 12 string that has scars and battle damage that you cant really replicate with a relic style finish. It also sounds great and the easiest 12 I have ever played. I recorded some songs last year and the engineer said it had really cool mojo. My Epiphone SL with Nashville tuning is already exceeded what it is worth with a new nut and bridge. If I compare it to a better quality guitar, say a Squire Classic Vibe Tele or an older MIM Tele than I am pulling ahead of what that would cost plus a new nut and maybe new bridge saddles. My SL has a new bone nut for Nashville tuning and a Wilkinson bridge. I intend to replace all electronics and pickups too, this will be me doing all that work. So for a guitar that I paid $150ish with tax for, and will be done for around $300ish, I have a permanent Nashville tuned guitar with upgraded everything that will last for decades. The turquoise and white color also matches the high tones it produces and it makes me smile every time I play it. Overkill for a Epiphone? Yup. Pulling ahead with a quality guitar that sounds great, plays great, and will last? Oh yeah! So I will get well more than $300 worth of enjoyment out of the guitar. Everyone who plays it is astonished how well it sounds and plays and I have a reliable "other" guitar that compliments my main guitarsm. So upside down on a bolt on Epiphone but pulling ahead on happiness and what I want that guitar to do.😉👍✨

[@noi5emaker]

That's all anyone needs to know! Road tested for 22 years. That's a great testimony:)

[@jimmyz2098]

Cool story Bro! I got one in '96 as well. Was my first guitar - and it was the black one. Great little axe! I liked it, and I missed it some after treading up. They are awesome to learn on.

[@SoundAuthor]

I really appreciate that you also review entry level guitars and not just high end stuff like a lot of other guys do.

[@athathoth01]

I did not expect that guitar to sound so great. To me, it's one of the best sounding guitars you've had on your show.

[@shakeyoulikehaiti]

Sometimes simple doesn't mean leaving out features, it means nailing the few features you choose to include. Which I feel they did in this case.

[@noahmarchand1900]

tool parabola profile pic

[@MeMeBengi15]

Buying a good amp makes all the difference!

[@wallysymons7540]

The problem I've always found with the cheaper range of guitars is they are hit and miss, one can sound great then the next one off the line sounds awful.

[@coomerdark6524]

As long as the pickups are fine there really isn’t much on a guitar that can „sound bad“ when you apply gain.

[@jts3339]

56 years ago this Xmas I got my first electric guitar: a Japanese-made Conrad Model 1245 that played like a cheese grater. At 13 years old I would have loved this guitar, and would have learned a lot faster with an instrument that I didn’t have to fight to play.

[@anthonybizzell3857]

51 years ago my great-uncle brought me a Guyatone guitar and amp from Japan. I didn't know it at the time, but it was a lot better than most affordable guitars available here in the US. I was embarrassed by the shape. It looked like a Strat that had melted in shipment.

[@indrajithak47]

@@anthonybizzell3857 lol, that was a good description, even the company name sounds comedic

[@fredmerrill4002]

Interesting too because Conrad was actually related to Epiphone, a few models (like the 70s ET-270 I had) were sold under both the Conrad and Epiphone and Aria brands, albeit with different necks, the Conrad neck had a strat-like headstock.

[@jts3339]

@@fredmerrill4002 I received mine for Christmas, 1965, so I would have missed the Epiphone connection. I occasionally saw a Conrad branded guitar in later years and they did seem to improve in quality and design. You are correct about the headstock: it was an elongated Strat style with a unison string tree and open tuners.

[@illi41]

@@indrajithak47 my 80s Guyatone amp very hissy bit still works n sounds good!

[@ricklee4513]

Many of the earlier Epiphone Special II’s had a bolt on neck. It’s what is standard for budget Epiphones. Same vol tone and selector locations. Colour is nice.

[@VictorEMusique]

I actually have one and was comparing it during the video - very similar - I was at a local music store and I was looking for a les paul style guitar and without seeing the price just picked it up and it played so nice that when I found out it was 249 cad I pulled my wallet out right away - that was easily 8 years ago and it's still a good guitar...

[@Owenwestrick]

Bolt ons are definitely superior, I mean If you drop your Gibson after your warranty expires, that's at least 1,200 dollars down the drain, that's also assuming that you have a warranty

[@teslaedison6236]

@@Owenwestrick The only thing I don't like about bolt on is that they're a little ugly. Then again people usually see the front of your guitar not the bsck.

[@AffiBlues]

@@Earl_Wallace ......and that makes us "all dummies and fools"? Quite a statement.

[@courtney5796]

Epi was the first electric guitar i bought. It was for my daughter's 13 birthday. 2003 studio (we upgraded bridge pu) It is absolutely a blast even with practice amps. This is new and less than what I paid. I think as a first guitar for ANYONE this would be a fine vessel!

[@DaMainDude]

I bought one of those as my first guitar something like 15 years ago. I upgraded the whole hardware and electronics for about €160 last year and now it is a completely adequate guitar -> the bare bones of the thing are quite good!

[@theartoflivingoutloud888]

Wow!!! I have that guitar same color. I’ve had it for almost a year. I’m inspired to pick it back up. I love how it feels.

[@JaketheDawg222]

This was my first guitar, so good to see an honest review! Thx Darrel!

[@GK-yf8mg]

Thanks for reviewing this one! This was my first ever electric about 15 years ago. Mine was all black, and the fret ends were like razor blades. I didnt know about filing frets back then so I put a dab of superglue on both sides of each fret end and let it dry, smoothed them out perfectly haha! Other than that it was a great guitar, great tone, a little heavy but alot of fun.

[@marcanglin7127]

Darrell, those harmonics at 6:02 are gorgeous !!! You could make a broomstick strung with a rubber band sound good !!!

[@sorenahlback]

I bought the cheapest Epiphone to have on my boat and after the mods I have done it is a really great instrument, very fun to play. I have fixed the frets, sanded the neck, put PRS tuners I had that needed some drilling, changed the nut and other adjustments. Cost me almost nothing but work. It’s a lightweight guitar and the neck is great.

[@superfella]

@+❶ ２６Ѳ ❻➂❸ ➆➁➈５ shut up

[@oldguydave7355]

Thanx Darrell for all the Guitars you checked out for us. Have a great and safe New year!

[@rolandrichards39]

I bought one of these years ago when the 1st special came out. It is a really good guitar to learn on. I eventually changed the pickups to a Seymour Duncan '59 in the neck and a DiMarzio super distortion in the bridge. New pots and frets polished and grover tuners & it plays & sounds great!

[@stevesutton5498]

I bought one in2000 my son in law bought a Gibson studio ,everything we jammed he would get mad because my special made his Gibson sound terrible,of course I had been playing for 35 yrs.

[@rxdhxrns]

I have an Epiphone Special-II WR edition, it sounded good for a cheap guitar, so I decided to customize it to upgrade it. I ended up buying hi-gain humbuckers, a pickguard, pickup covers, locking tuners, new inlays and changing the wiring. I just expended like $250 USD for everything including the guitar itself ($199) and it WORTHS it. Some of my mates told me it's a bad guitar and customizing it was a bad idea, but now it looks and sounds AMAZING, far better than the cheapest Gibson Les Paul in our local music store lol. I'm in love with my guitar, seriously I recommend this model.

[@WesleyWattley-xy4fg]

What's WR? Plz 🙏 o

[@MikeColeVocals]

Really dig that colour. It’s a pretty nice budget instrument. I can’t complain about the stuff epiphone is putting out now, I bought a LP Modern a few months back and just love it. Couldn’t justify the Gibson price for my first LP but the Epi Modern scratches that itch and does it very well!

[@rastamon5969]

I bought an lp modern last year as well. My fave guitar so far. Did you do any mods to it?

[@MikeColeVocals]

@@rastamon5969 nope no mods at all. Plays and sounds amazing straight out of the box. Need to polish the frets a little still but that is just a minor thing. Have you done anything to yours? I was thinking of MAYBE changing the pickups out to burstbuckers but that’s not a must do

[@rastamon5969]

@@MikeColeVocals i did change the pickups to some older Seymour Duncan's i had laying around. Quite impressive

[@tramlad2]

Happy New Year Daryll, looking forward to your videos and reviews in 2022

[@Clambelly]

Darrell Braun the No. 1 KZbin channel for great guitar reviews. Love you enthusiasm, format, and presentation.

[@jamesmarchetti3286]

Wow I was surprised! Tone -wise I agree! Kinda the best of both worlds. Good value for beginners or possibly? Intermediates. Tuners change eventually down the road. May be fine in the meantime. Really good price and weight for beginners!

[@BOBANDVEG]

I have a special ii, which I eventually replaced everything on. Not that everything needed it....I was just did it to learn "how" . Now its got 24 frets , DF quadrails etc..... I recently just got a special I in tv yellow. I love it. The only thing I'll change is tuners, but they holes are 8s so I'll have to ream to 10

[@Alex_3311DesignCo]

I did tuner and bridge upgrade to mine. It’s a special I. Would love to change the bridge on Mine

[@ChrisVanMiddelkoop]

That looks like a very good starter guitar. I think it looks pretty good, I think doing a couple of things like wrapping the strings over the stop piece and changing the tuners would make this thing really playable. I started with a flat top les paul. But mine had the combo bridge and this one has the tunomatic style which I really prefer for intonation.

[@Bigturtle-jk4mi]

This was my first electric. I got it a year ago for Christmas and I’ve gone through the motions with it. I just recently put new tuners and strings on it and it is working infinitely better. You could listen to your strings fall out of tune when you did anything heavier like I do. I play a lot of Metallica, Megadeath, and metal covers, and it sounds phenomenal running through my Boss Katana. I do agree that the clean sounds are a little gritty, but it gets the job done. I think the next thing to do is to replace the pots because they are getting a bit crunchy, but beyond that, great guitar and a wonderful introduction to this world.

[@wunderhelm]

Thank you for this review. Darrell. I've been contemplating this model as a good starter guitar for my 12 yr old boy. It sounded better than what was expecting. 👍🏻

[@john564holloway]

Fantastic demo, Darrell! I love that 'blue burst'!...I have the 2014 Wine Red LP Special II and wouldn't trade it for anything because of the great pups and the feel. No rough edges on the frets and stays in tune really well with the same tuners. Don't mind a bit with the bolt-on neck. The guitar is comfy, balanced, light-weight and plays so well...If you wanna great go-to, in-your-face-pups, don't-mind-scratches-or-dings axe, this is for any guitar player, especially if you have a low budget. Just to measure my liking of this axe, I gave my Epi LP Plus Top Pro-Cherry Sunburst (with Probuckers 2 & 3 pups) to my stepson instead of giving him my LP Special II.

[@DerokLee]

I started on one of these almost 15 years ago now. I thought it was a great starter guitar and used it at church for years. However, I think there are soooo many more options now. Not sure I would recommend it anymore given how much better Squier has gotten since then. It does look awesome, so if you are starting out and think it looks cool, then you’d be more inclined to pick it up! It’s definitely good enough for a first

[@coryrogers4100]

Thanks for the review just got one of these in Ebony for Christmas and I enjoy it so far. I always wanted a Les Paul but couldn't afford them. It was nice to find this one, and I am happy with it so far. I am just a beginner but this guitar should push me to start learning more.

[@path-andromeda]

Thank you Darrell, always informative and helpful.

[@BobPerrone]

That was surprising! Looks like good value for the money and sounded surprising when clean. Great student guitar or certainly a great project instrument!

[@herbiehill2215]

Hi Darrell, merry Christmas....is that a bit late? Mmmm well merry Christmas anyway. That looks amazing and sounds amazing

[@herbiehill2215]

Will do brother thank you 😎

[@waynewilcox444]

Came here for the gear review.....loving your riffs from 6:30-7:45 mark Thanks for both!

[@SuperVids98]

I’ve had this exact guitar for almost 10 years and it’s still good, great first guitar and still holds it tune

[@michaelelliott2280]

I got a les paul special 2 a few years ago in a player pack. And after a basic setup and fret redress I still have it and play it to this day. Absolutely love it and have nothing bad to day about it whatsoever. I do agree with replacing the tuners as they are a little finicky to get used to but it's definitely a great first guitar for someone just starting out!

[@teslaedison6236]

Sometimes the way you string it up fixes the tuning key issues. Did you try the " locking" string up method that epiphone and Gibson reccomend?

[@michaelelliott2280]

@@teslaedison6236 I have not. I will have to look into that.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

It's a huge improvement when you install some 18:1 tuners so your not fighting trying get the right spot when tuning. Makes a huge difference in what guitar I want to play.

[@michaelelliott2280]

Yeah I mean over all my guitar stays pretty stable even if I don't play for a few days. I have yet to try the locking method mentioned Above but in terms of the tuners that come standard in the guitar like I said they get the job done just a little finiky

[@johannessilver8653]

Any issues with the pup selector ? Mine broke after one year of average use (not hard hand). Soft metal fork popped out from the frame and is so worn that do not match and hold anymore. Otherwise nice beginner guitar even though miss a proper belly cut cause so tiny and sharp cut in the body now.

[@marcopolo6198]

I bought one of these on a whim and it was like $159 USA because I had a little store credit and I love it. It's so easy to play. The frets were gritty but after a few months of play they've been smoothed out. The pickups aren't great but hey, the price was. The tuning keys are a little stiff maybe some lube would smooth them out. Out of the the other three guitars I own I always come back to this one because it is just so easy on my hands.

[@robbyh7412]

I have the black Epiphone Les Paul Special ii. After a year of having it, I tossed some 57 Classic pickups in it I won dirt cheap on Ebay, and did some other small and cheap upgrades. I love it so much. Couple years later I still play it more than my PRS.

[@renski8976]

One of these was my Christmas present when I was 13. It was my favorite guitar, I played the hell out of it and even played rocksmith 2014 on the pc to test tones. When I moved, I had to leave it behind, a buddy of mine has it now and he loves it. Still works well after 13 years of playing.

[@d.j.linhart935]

Hi Darrell! Hope that you had a merry Christmas! Thanks for the new video.

[@jimfonville8622]

Over the years I've had about 10 of these special ii's. I've got 4 left that get played constantly. The others paid a bill or two. Overall, I'd pick these up to play around the house and onstage and leave my standard in the case (it only comes out for special occasions). The older models actually were made of mahogany from southeast asia. Heavy and sustain for days. The newer ones i believe are basswood or something similar. Light stuff but good for metal. I think they changed to the lighter woods around 2005 or so. All mine were pre-2003. The electronics are basically the same and durable. I've only replaced one pickup but it was dead when I bought the guitar. I'd have to say they're good enough for home and stage and only with plenty of gain in the studio. Like the squire teles, these things are the best bang for the buck. Great review as always, Darrell. Keep on rockin!

[@xscorpx]

Yeah mines a 2002 , mahogany neck rosewood fretboard, mahogany plywood body. Its almost 2lb heavier than the one in this video. I had to replace all the electronics on it in 2006 the output jack and pickup switch shorted out so I dropped seymour duncan invaders into it at the same time. Little cheap guitar makes big sound.

[@xyrius]

True,m after 2005 they were made from basswood.

[@rafaelconstanzovicens9094]

Mine is a 2012 Mahogany body, maple neck and rosewood fretboard. I changed basically everything in the guitar just because I wanted to experiment, but I would only recommend to change the pickups and the nut.

[@kimdecell5096]

​@@rafaelconstanzovicens9094I have a les paul Jr. 89.00 $ I put a gibson pick up in it . It sounds great thru my fender 100 champ. 2x12. Just bought a es 339

[@2012turok]

I had a Les Paul copy, loved it now I've got back into learning guitar I want another and seeing your great vid I might get this one great for beginner. Thank u for a great video.

[@ragingskeptic9753]

I have a Epi Les Paul Special Custom Shop that I paid $99 for. It plays like a magnificent dream. I swapped out the pups and electronics, and it’s now my go-to practice axe. I love it.

[@frankiechan9651]

I wouldn't mind seeing this vs the ESP LTD E10 and the Jackson JS22 Monarck - all affordable, bolt-on single cuts with a few on-brand features. I think these 2 are a bit more modern - with comfort and access carves etc but in the same vein as the Epiphone.

[@markzuelch7452]

It was in January 1968 that my mother brought home a second-hand classical acoustic guitar and gave it to me, saying that she thought I might like it. So, here I am, 50+ years later still trying to figure the thing out. The Big Hurdle for me was after playing a long time the doctors told me I had Parkinson's, so I figured that was that. Then...I had seen something about how Michael J. Fox was still playing, so I said, "Well, if he can do it..." So I got a few things and started playing again. Clapton I ain't (and never was!), and that there were challenges is an understatement. Still are. Having played previously I got some cool stuff in my head, but getting it across to my fingers is something else again. To be able to continue to play is amazing; do I wish I was better at it? Of course. Will I get better at it? Over time possibly but not likely. Which is okay too, we all plateau eventually but with me, likely sooner than later. One of these days I hope to have an all white Strat (very classy looking to me) and then look out! Haha! One final hopeful note. The neurologist says he now feels I have "complex Parkinsonsisms" which translates to having the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease (involuntary movements, difficulties speaking, thinking, etc.) without "full blown" Parkinson's. So time will tell, guys. Happy New Year and God bless!

[@jackflash5659]

Happy New Year Darrell and family!

[@ickyham4626]

Found this guitar at a Pawn Shop near me. Played it for a bit and I love it. While it’s cheap I found to be very fun and comfortable to play. I plan on going back tomorrow and checking to make sure it works with an amp before I get it.

[@ericwarrington6650]

I picked up a special 2 used last summer and although I haven't put any time into it yet I did play it initially and impressed with the quality for the $..hot pickups for sure

[@lfaf9509]

The best advice I could ever give anyone is the same as was given to me, when you first get a guitar its better to do a setup on it that includes shining the frets and of course changing the strings. Everyone seems to like there action a little different from one another, so that helps with that. These guitars sit in their boxes while being shipped by boat over the ocean and then sit in a warehouse until you buy them, so new strings and a good fret shining is always a must. When it comes to taking care of the fret ends, the minimum is usually done with nothing more than a cheap sanding block, that will knock out any fret sprout that may have happened. I would also say its best to let a guitar climatize in your house for a few days before setting it up as well. That way when you adjust the neck, it wont need to be done again in a few days. You wouldn't expect a cheap guitar to come with great fret ends, but you do expect them to come level with one another. I don't have the tools to level frets and re-crown them, and I do not expect the average person ether. Now when it comes to tuners, I grow tired of dirt cheap tuners that need to be replaced, seeing as you can buy a cheap set of locking tuners for very little money, I don't see why guitar manufactures think its okay to give you craptistic tuners. None the less, it is more often then not a cheap and easy fix to replace tuners, so that is just something that disappoints me about these guitars. So I would just replace them, though as a side note I had a Epiphone SG Special VE, for 5 years, and the tuners held out fine. The guitar worked great that last time I saw it, which was about two years ago. I have had no reports that the tuners need changed from the person who I gave it too, his kid wanted to learn to play the guitar, so I gave it too his father so that his father could be the cool dad. Now, I would play this guitar all night long, its bridge pickup seemed to want to go even when on a clean channel, so maybe not the best pickup for someone who wants to play clean.. Then again lowering the pickup a little would likely fix that issue. I find that these specials sound a lot better if you tweak the height of the pickups, they are sometimes just a little too close to the strings and that causes them to break up a bit. Its the curse of the really hot pickup, if you want a hot pickup to sound good clean, you are forced to lower the pickup, or play with the volume knob at 8. ..

[@bushcry1]

Agreed! Just small tweaks give you sweet spot tones...

[@trbrmc1348]

Had one of these, was the first guitar I bought with my own money. Was pretty decent playing guitar. I loaded an active pickup in it and rocked out with it for several years. Ended up selling it to a buddy. Was a good little guitar.

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

I used to have one of these that I bought for use as a travel guitar. It's servicable in that role, though the clean sound from the pickups is less than satisfying. The tuners are pot-metal garbage, with a TON of backlash. However, after replacing the nut with a black Graphtech, it would stay in tune. Just keep it lubed and remember to ALWAYS tune UP to the note. Your review is prettty much spot on. Long term, the fret wire is relatively soft, and will show wear sooner. But, for it's intended use, it's ok.

[@chrisgonzalez1597]

I bought my dad this guitar for his birthday. His has a dark rosewood fretboard. It's plenty good for an intermediate player.

[@carpathus]

Like how Darrell takes the time to review these less expensive guitars. Have a 2014 Les Paul Special II and a 2013 SG Special that I bought used recently. Love them both. Been a Fender/Squier devotee but for some reason decided to try something different. Now I'm an Epiphone devotee as well.

[@juliofrancatv]

I got mine Les Paul Special II (Cherry Sunburst with PAF-style pickups) in the early 2000, I love it and play it everyday since. Great review!

[@rayanfernandes2631]

Yours channel is the goto one i watch , when im planning to buy a new guitar , many thanks :)

[@danny_the_K]

Daryl, I for one would love to see you compare the special-II to the Firefly Les Paul. Both are about $200, but the glued in neck vs the bolt on would interesting. Thanks for all your work.

[@joep5627]

I have one of these with the p-90 style pick ups. (Cost $129.99 U.S.) The planets must have been aligned when they made it because it really plays and sounds well. Great go to when I do not want to bang up my more expensive guitars

[@bushcry1]

The Special 1s with P90s are a best kept secret... Some have ordered them and need some fret leveling or even a setup. Other than that they are worth it!

[@lehmusic2675]

I have the red model with 2 p90s and has great tone

[@jackhaugh]

I bought one last year, and the damned thing is impossible to keep in tune for more than 5 seconds. I really just wanted a guitar with P90s. When it was in tune it sounded good for 5 seconds at a time. Mine must need set up or new tuners or something. I’m actually going to go pull it out right now.

[@joep5627]

@@jackhaugh File the nut, get new strings, and enjoy a guitar that can hold a tune.

[@lehmusic2675]

@@jackhaugh my lower end Epiphones do better with heavy strings. Yes! File the nut add some pencil lead, I have fishing reel oil I'll put a drop of it in as well. Also back of the tuners tighten the screws into the wood and the button tops just don't over tighten them the button will be to hard to turn

[@jokkon13]

I've always wanted a Les Paul - this seems like a great entry way to get one!

[@8raindamag354]

I have the 2011 cherry sun burst version of this one , my very first electrical guitar , such a joy to go back and play on it sometimes

[@brutesmagootes3996]

To me this is a good bang for your buck. Great guitar for starting out. Hell, I just got the Dean Exile multi-scale and had to completely rework a guitar at a $2600 price point.

[@lostreb]

That color would be my preference if I were interested in this guitar. And yes, I asked, I think I would recommend it for a beginner and at the same time volunteer to set it up for them when it arrived and at the same time teach them how to do a simple set-up so they don't have to learn by the "School of Hard Knocks" like I did. Having started playing in 1962 (through the school of self-teaching) I'm a fan of clean tones. Not really interested in anything to do with Distortion, Gain, or Overdrive, so I think that pretty well covers why I would recommend this guitar for a beginner. (Besides, having taught guitar for 10 years in the late 69's & 70's, until marriage and wife / family demands forced me into other pursuits, I am a firm believer that beginners need to learn with Clean Tone, or acoustics. Once they have the basics, then they can pursue the whole Distortion, Gain, Overdrive world on their own.)

[@homesweetplanet]

We don't have any guitar shops nearby so I ordered one of these in trans blue from Best Buy to try out a Les Paul. I am SO GLAD for your review and am looking forward to its arrival! My other guitar atm is a HSS Bullet Squier and I wanted to try a Les Paul but was worried about the heaviness and this sounds PERFECT!

[@dinushkamahawedage3186]

That middle pickup is just delicious !

[@kentac1911]

I am wanting to learn to play guitar and this seems like a good starter. For someone who is looking for their FIRST guitar and love the look and heritage of a Les Paul, this seems like a great buy.

[@Jeymez]

Kentac: ya it's definitely a good value, but if this is your first time wanting to play, if i was to give a little advice, if you have any music stores near you or even a Pawn Shop, yes even a Pawn Shop, i would recommend to go check out some guitars. the reason why im giving some advice is because, watching guitar reviews can only help so much. at the end of the day, you need to get a feel of a guitar in your hands. he gave a good review of this guitar, but it doesn't do much for the viewer unless you try the same guitar he showed. there are lots of affordable guitars, but you need to find something that feels comfortable in your hands. how do your fingers feel on the fretboard. when i first got into guitar playing, i had a certain guitar in mind that i wanted, but when it came time to checking out this guitar, it wasn't very comfortable in my hands. im sure this guitar can probably work for you just fine, but i don't know your hand size and finger size. Les Paul style guitars they say are good for people with average size hands with longer fingers or fat fingers. Strat style guitars they say it can fit a variety of hand sizes, but even though i don't have the biggest hands, Strat style guitars are a little hit and miss with me. Telecaster style guitars fits my hands and fingers the best, my Mexican Telecaster is what i play most. anyway just a little advice is all.

[@kentac1911]

@@Jeymez Thank you for the reply! Seems like very sound advice. I will check some out in person. Thanks again!

[@Nightfall-TCG]

Hey bro, what did you end up going with? Did you like the feel of the ole les Paul?

[@kentac1911]

@@Nightfall-TCG I LOVE the feel!! I have been looking at several. I still haven't purchased one yet. I don't want to get one, and then want to upgrade in 6 months, so I am looking at one that will last me for a while. I am considering the Gibson Les Paul Studio in ebony, or the Epiphone Les paul Standard in ebony.

[@TheeArtist23]

@@kentac1911 any updates!?

[@Jamanesku08]

That was my first guitar about 15 years ago, I still have it, in red wine color, whatever it was called. Changed pickups and tuners, the thing plays better than a lot of the Gibson's I tried through the years, the only thing from the factory letting it down is the tuners, change only them it's actually enough for it to be good

[@benpowersguitar]

That guitar was so much better than I was expecting. Now I may have to play with one. Great video Darrell.

[@fredfarkel9702]

I own 2 of these of which I use more than my other Gibsons and Fenders. They are lite and really sound good when you really lay into it. For the money you can't beat it!

[@ivan_talivan]

Thanks for continue showing cheap guitars, that's my budget and I can get a better idea of which ones to discard and which ones to try.

[@ivan_talivan]

@+❶ ２６Ѳ ❻➂❸ ➆➁➈５ What a great news!!! :) How can I contact the Admin? Is there any email?

[@mtlslm]

Darrell once again proving that the player makes the biggest difference. Great sound and style for the price Now on to the upgrades!

[@chuckpotockimusic2288]

Exactly right! You could mod the hell out of it from top to bottom and still come out on the good end. You'd have a good guitar transformed into a great guitar!

[@supa_powa7490]

@@chuckpotockimusic2288 what kind of upgrades would u have done to this guitar?

[@john564holloway]

@@supa_powa7490 I've left mine completely alone; no upgrades. Even the cheap tuners work for me. To me, the pups get all the credit.

[@Greghc48]

Great review. Thx for posting.

[@hotshotelectrichead521]

I've gotten that exact model and color and is still one of my favorites!!

[@alwaysrockn2009]

Great video as always Darell! I’d love to see you do a comparison on upgrading it with maybe $100-150 or buy the next model up to determine if this guitar is worth upgrading or abandoning. Rock on.

[@alwaysrockn2009]

@+❶ ２６Ѳ ❻➂❸ ➆➁➈５ so, how do I do that?

[@jameslewis2635]

Honestly, this is not what I expected. On guitars on this end of the price scale (especially from big name manufacturers) the sound from the pickups is usually pretty poor but I would not be rushing off to the shops for replacements in this case (even if the bridge pickup was a bit quacky for my tastes). It looks like the best upgrades for this would probably be new tuners, a higher quality nut and a bit of work with a set of fret files. I was expecting it to be a bolt on as Epiphone has been doing that on its lowest end models for many years now but the decent application of shielding paint and alpha pot was a pleasant surprise.

[@johnjameson2731]

That paint did not work on mine. I had to copper shield it plus put a ground wire on it. Sounds good now, but the jack has to be changed, its crap. Hope this helps.

[@bluepedalsrock9271]

Keep in mind he likely uses high end amps with his demos. Also, him being a pretty sweet player doesn’t hurt.

[@johnjameson2731]

@@bluepedalsrock9271 true, but I also use a high end amp, but not as good a player as Darrell....lol.

[@DavidHBurkart]

For $200 US, the tones, setup, and electronics are above par. This is a surprisingly well-made instrument. You slayed those licks btw!

[@kyotosal]

Love the clean sounds. I think I would buy one. Thanks Darrell.......Sal : )

[@Savethecatgirls]

This was my first guitar that my dad got me for Christmas and I'm still playing strong 15 years later. A really important model to me that shaped me as a guitarist.

[@iamsandman7]

That Epiphone vs a Firefly would be great! Another I’d love to see is a comparison between the 335 models

[@karsenic6436]

I have this guitar in the TV Yellow finish for like…. Almost 10 years. And it rocks!!! I’ve got a soft spot for these guitars because they’re fun. Fun for mods fun for tones and fun to just throw around, beat up and love and then not worry about losing a ton of money

[@stevecolledge8355]

My first guitar is an Epiphone Les Paul Junior. Our lass bought it for me from USA. £60. I've cut the headstock changed the tuners and put a dimarzio pickup on. Still using it. Always my go to guitar.

[@indigos290]

My first Les Paul back in 2001. These little beasts are worth more than they cost.

[@alinchitown7556]

I'd say pretty good guitar for an entry level instrument. When I was a kid (the 70/s) it was either a Les Paul or nothing. Of course there were Jr's and other brands but nothing like this which in 1970 dollars would be $40. So all in all for a beginner or a starving artist great axe.

[@Rabbydabbydoo]

I’ve got a 10yr old one. Sunburst. Mahogany neck and body. Rosewood board for sure. Goes well and hasn’t had issues. Doesn’t get used much now but I still play it occasionally.

[@nmcg2587]

Thanks for sharing this review. Interesting to see what kind of quality you can expect from a budget Epiunit. I'll take your word on the tuners - maybe you can expand a little about what makes them less than desirable?

[@voiceofreasonjnp4112]

My first electric guitar was an Epiphone les Paul special 2. The finish was a black sunburst, and it came with a cheap amp and a few other accessories. The sound was decent; however, the playability was not always the best. The third string would always come out of tune no matter how much you would try to break in the strings. When I started playing guitar as a beginner, I enjoyed it, but as I got more experience and improved my skill, I started to hate it. It is good for a beginner in the art of guitar.

[@randomshit1645]

When did you start playing?

[@tmcorey1]

With very, very little modding, you can make those guitars pretty amazing.

[@BBQROCKSTAR178]

Happy new year Darrell

[@youngemerican15ify]

Bought my special-II in '04 as my first electric. It's been neglected for some time now. I mainly keep it for nostalgic reasons, however, this makes me wanna dust it off and give it some love. Nice eye-opening review!

[@youngemerican15ify]

Not sure what to think of that reply with a username made up of bingo numbers.

[@musicfromakido]

I've played a Les Paul Special for about 15 years. It was my first guitar, that I bought without knowing anything about what to get. I've never been quite happy with it, but at the same time I've grown so used to it that I'm not really comfortable playing anything else. It's a love/hate relationship for sure.

[@user-ic3kt1eq1p]

I know that feeling lol. I've got a decent epi Les paul standard. Was about 500 quid. My first Guitar. And still my only guitar for a fair few years. Theres something about it that's not quite right. But at the same time I do love it and i;m not sure I'd spend 4k to solve that not quite right thing.

[@graeme1744]

But you still playing it, and that's good

[@chickenpasta7359]

This honestly seems like a great upgrade platform. Put in some nice Dimazrios and locking tuners, maybe a new bridge, and you got a beyond solid guitar

[@johannessilver8653]

And proper pup switch.

[@Ira88881]

Now you have a $600 guitar that you could have bought in the first place.

[@Revy_1995]

​@@Ira88881so adding ~200 dollars to a $200 guitar makes $600?

[@chrispasternack3340]

This was my first guitar bought in 2002. I ended up installing a burstbucker in the bridge, pickguard and locking tuners. I wore the frets out completely. I actually believed it to be a sweet guitar until I really got to play a real one and knew enough to appreciate it.

[@gergemall]

Loved the clean tones ,, jazz sounds

[@fagyu7502]

Heheeey I've got an epi special 2 aswell after replacing the janky switches and electronics and a good setup it plays so good I absolutely love the rosewood neck with the d shape, I couldn't find a second guitar that would be worthy yet.

[@ryangarrettofficial]

I never cared for the Specials as I thought they looked really cheap, even for Epiphone ( I love Epiphone's higher end stuff though), but honestly the finish on this one is gorgeous and the potted pickups definitely interested me. I may have to pick one of these up someday.

[@alexcorona]

My special 2 from 2005 looked nothing like this lol, they have improved the quality. You can get them used for $50, so it's like the best bang for the buck starter or mess a rounded. I still reach around for mine from time to time even though I have much nicer ones now.

[@RByrne]

Yeah this one looks pretty nice! I'd play this no problem..not that my dog really cares what guitar I use though.

[@TeddyBullard]

Imagine caring how a guitar looks. Lmao. Reminds me of those jackanape Yankees who tow their kilobuck shiny Harleys 1000 miles to Myrtle beach only to drive them for an hour a day. 🤡

[@josephtapia4384]

Are the specials a Good choice for beginners? I really really am tempted to buy a Epiphone but can't decide on which one to get 😣

[@joshwokojance3790]

I have a special i with p90s. It was $79 a few years ago. Replaced the tuners , the nut, and pots switch and jack. Still playing it. Love those p90s.

[@nhssn]

The P90 version is so sweet. I’ve got a more expensive guitar but love these special models. Easy to pick up and play, so light, can toss it around without worrying.

[@potatoheadhaoy]

Wow, that's a steal. I've used a lot of crappy guitars in my time but this looks like it would rock with just some minor adjustments if any! Also looks like an awesome project guitar, I'd love to buy one just to do some crazy mods!

[@kostapetrovic5013]

My friend and I bought an 80s Gibson sg from some old guitarists kid for 300 bucks. Absolutely beautiful guitar, shame the kid didn't know any better, it could have sold for thousands of dollars

[@BleachDemon99]

I’d watch you buy, build and improve this guitar…

[@rickdixontn]

Expensive guitars are appreciated by other guitarists. The listening public doesn't care what you play as long as you play it well. Truth is, if you did a blind hearing test with the Les Paul Special next to a Les Paul Standard, very few people could pick out the expensive guitar. With that said, I have about $10,000 of guitars on the wall and always open to adding more.

[@innocentoctave]

A very fair review. The tuners are an automatic replacement if you care about tuning stability, but everything else seems fine. One caveat: I wouldn't describe the guitar as 'very, very light' unless you're comparing it with a full-on Les Paul, which isn't really fair. There are many solid-body guitars with bolt-on necks that come in around 7 - 8 lbs. For me, 'light' starts under 7 lbs, and 'very light' under 6 lbs - like the Epiphone Coronet, for example.

[@petersage5157]

The bolt-on neck is a great design choice for a budget Les Paul. When the neck breaks, as they do on Les Pauls, it's a lot cheaper and faster to replace the neck than to have a luthier repair the break. Replacing the broken neck would also be a good time to upgrade the tuning machines.

[@triax7006]

Bolt on necks also sustain more than fixed or neck throughs & yes they are very easy to work on & can be replaced. So down the line if the frets need replacing the neck could just be swapped out if the person is not going to do the fretwork themselves, it gives people the option. It may not be traditional for the type of guitar but that goes to just how the original Les Pauls were made along with their bad headstock design angle. Guitars should like any other product be giving the consumer the best at any price point of what the latest developments are in the industry. Maybe one day the consumer will finally want the best rather than hark for the traditional bad points.