Tone Report Weekly Issue 155 | Page 45

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro: Epiphone LPs have long been the first stop for shoppers looking for an affordable Les Paul, and for good reason. Once Gibson’s arch rival in the archtop world, Epiphone is now more like its little brother, tasked primarily with releasing less expensive, working persons’ versions of high-end Gibson instruments. Epi’s LP Custom Pro is one such guitar, and it’s a superbly built one that is functionally every bit as good as the Gibson version, only about 4000 dollars more affordable. This is not true of every Epi Les Paul, but this version, a recreation of Les’s legendary “tuxedo” guitar, is outfitted with premium components, including Epiphone’s lovely sounding ProBucker pickups, and the fit and finish are superior. Gold hardware, full body and neck binding, and pearloid inlays complete the package and lend this axe a deluxe feel to go along with its fat, authentic tones. ToneReport.com 45