Best Les Paul Copy

Finding the best Les Paul copy can be a tricky thing.

Maybe you don’t want to play authentic, or maybe you’re disappointed with Gibson’s quality control.

Maybe you want something with more modern features, and modern improvements.

The Les Paul is an iconic guitar that has inspired countless guitarists.

So, there are some things that you absolutely must have in a Les Paul copy to achieve the proper vibe.

So that leaves the door wide open for improvements, and features.

Here you’ll find a list of the best Les Paul copies that I could find.

Best Les Paul Copy: Best Overall

ESP LTD EC-1000 Piezo

If you’re looking for a Les Paul copy that’s innovative and versatile, the ESP LTD EC-1000 Piezo may be it.

It comes with standard magnetic pickups, as well as a separate piezo pickup system in the bridge.

This will allow you to expand your tonal palette by giving you the option of playing acoustic-like tones.

It starts with a mahogany body that has a slightly arched maple top for a beautiful look, and tone.

The 3-piece mahogany neck is set-thru, with a thin “U” shape and a 13.75″ radius.

This means you’ll get incredible sustain, and resonance, as well as stability, and a flat, comfortable playing surface.

A pau ferro fretboard with 24 extra jumbo frets and ESP flag inlays gives you a classic look, and feel.

LTD locking tuners and a Fishman Powerbridge will keep you in tune, as well provide a piezo acoustic pickup for versatile tones.

With active pickups, a Seymour Duncan ’59 pickup in the neck position and a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge position, you can achieve classic and modern electric guitar tones.

It’s got separate jacks for the magnetic and acoustic pickups, so you can mix and separate the outputs from the magnetic pickups, and the piezo pickup crafting your own sound.

With volume and tone for the magnetic pickups, and a volume control for the piezo pickup, as well as a push/pull coil split option, your options are even more diverse.

A 3-way toggle switch, and a “Pickup Blend” switch to activate the piezo pickup lets you choose your sound.

The ESP LTD EC-1000 Piezo is a beautiful Les Paul copy with a wide range of tonal choices.

It plays as well as it looks, and has an amazing variety of tonal option.

Best Les Paul Copy: Best Budget

Epiphone Les Paul VE

If you’re on a tight budget, and you’re looking for a Les Paul copy, the Epiphone Les Paul Special VE may be the guitar for you.

With a poplar body that’s got a broken-in look, you’ll get a balanced tone with plenty of sustain.

The bolt-on mahogany neck has a ’60s SlimTaper “D” profile and a 14″ radius so it’s comfortable and easy to play.

A rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and pearloid dots keeps things simple, and straightforward.

You’ll also still get the traditional Les Paul feel you’re looking for.

A 650R Humbucker in the neck position, and a 700T Humbucker in the bridge position will give you a rich, warm and clear tone thanks to their open-coil design.

With master volume, and master tone “speed knobs” you’ll easily be able to control your sound.

The Tune-o-matic fixed bridge, and premium covered tuners will keep you reliably and accurately in-tune.

The Epiphone Les Paul Special VE is a great Les Paul copy for a beginner, or someone who’s on a budget.

It’s got the classic Les Paul profile that’s been simplified to be affordable, and reliable.

Best Les Paul Copy: Best Runner-Up

ESP LTD EC-1000

If you’re looking for a Les Paul copy that’s affordable and designed to have the looks, tone, and quality of a professional guitar, the ESP LTD EC-1000 is for you.

It’s got a mahogany body with comfort cutouts so it’s comfortable to hold, and allows easy access to the higher frets.

The 3-piece mahogany neck is set-thru, for enduring sustain and resonance, and has a thin “U” shape with a radius of 13.75″ giving you a comfortable neck to play on.

A macassar ebony fretboard with 24 extra jumbo frets and ESP flag inlays so you’ll be able to play runs quickly all the way up the fretboard.

With LTD locking tuners and a Tonepros locking Tune-O-Matic bridge you’ll have rock solid tuning stability.

Active pickups, an EMG 60 at the neck and an EMG 81 at the bridge, will cut through distortion, and give you an aggressive tone, that’s dynamic.

The ESP LTD EC-1000 has classic Les Paul inspired looks with impressive sustain and tone.

It’s an excellent way to get a professional quality Les Paul copy at an affordable price.

Best Les Paul Copy: Best Under $500

ESP LTD EC-256FM

If you’re looking for a Les Paul copy that’s great for a variety of musical styles, and looks beautiful, the ESP LTD EC-256FM may be it.

The mahogany body has a flamed maple cap and strategic cutouts making it comfortable to hold, and play all the way up the fretboard, as well as giving you a great tone and a beautiful look.

A 3-piece neck with set-neck construction, a thin “U” shape and a radius of 13.77″ makes this guitar stable, and easy to play all the way up the fretboard.

Durability is assured with the roasted jatoba fretboard which has 22 extra jumbo frets and ESP flag inlays.

The ESP designed LH-150N humbuckers are suitable for a variety of genres, and the push/pull tone knob will allow you to coil-split, for an ever greater variety of tones.

LTD tuners and a Tune-O-Matic bridge will keep you in tune, enhance sustain, and be easy to intonate.

The ESP LTD EC-256FM is intended to be a Les Paul copy that’s perfect for all musical style, as well as look great, and be easy to play.

It’s an affordable choice for a classic looking guitar with modern features.

Best Les Paul Copy: Best Under $300

If you’re on a budget, these Les Paul alternatives are for you.

Each one will appeal to different guitarists desires, but still have that Les Paul inspired soul.

Jackson Monarkh SC JS22

The Jackson Monarkh SC JS22 is a Les Paul copy that’s intended as a start guitar, but by keeping it simple, and playable, you’ll get a guitar that will last you for ages.

The Jackson Monarkh SC JS22 is a Les Paul copy that’s intended as a start guitar, but by keeping it simple, and playable, you’ll get a guitar that will last you for ages.

Sawtooth Heritage H68C

Intended to be a modern day classic, the Sawtooth Heritage H68C is inspired by the vintage Les Pauls of the past.

It’s got a mahogany body with a maple top giving you a great look and tone.

The neck is also mahogany and is set-in for great sustain and stability.

With an ebony fretboard, 22 medium jumbo frets and block inlays you’ll get a great classic look, as well as a classic sound.

In the neck, and bridge positions there are Sawtooth’s Alnico V humbucker pickups which will give you a full, rich tone with plenty of bite.

A 3-way selector switch, and separate volume and tone controls for each pickup will give you complete control over your sound.

An adjustable stoptail bridge will help keep you properly intonated, and enhance your sustain.

The Sawtooth Heritage H68C is a great option for someone looking for a Les Paul copy under $300.

It blends modern day playability improvements with vintage looks, and a vintage inspired neck profile offering you the best of both worlds.

Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT

If you’re looking for a Les Paul copy that give you the Les Paul tones at an affordable price, the Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT may be the guitar for you.

It’s got a carved mahogany body for great tone and sustain.

The bolt-on mahogany neck has a 60’s SlimTaper “D” shaped profile and a 12″ radius making it comfortable to play.

A rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and pearloid dots will make note bending easy.

With a 650R Zebra ceramic humbucker in the neck position and a 700T Zebra ceramic humbucker in the bridge position, you’ll be able to produce a tight low end, with plenty of response.

The LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and 14:1 ratio tuners will keep you precisely in tune, and make any adjustments easy.

Separate volume and tone controls for each pickup will let you craft your sound, all with an elegant, and modern look.

The Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT is a great way to get the Les Paul look and sound at a great price.

It’s got a cool look, and a vintage vibe while sounding great, and being easy to play.

Best Les Paul Copy: Chambered Body

Definitely inspired by the classic Les Paul, this Les Paul will give you a different sound, and playing experience than a solidbody Les Paul copy.

Don’t let that turn you off! This guitar may be the one for you.

Guild Bluesbird

An update to a classic, the Guild Bluesbird is a great alternative for anyone looking for a Les Paul style guitar that’s lighter, and resonant.

It has a chambered mahogany body with a carved maple top so it’s going to weigh less, and resonate more than a similar solidbody guitar.

The mahogany neck is in a “C” shape with a radius of 10″, giving you a very old-school playing experience.

A Pau Ferro fretboard with mother-of-pearl block inlays and 22 medium jumbo frets look great, and will let you jam to your heart’s content.

Your tone will sing with a Seymour Duncan 59 SH-1 humbucker in the neck position, and a Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 humbucker in the bridge.

Separate volume and tone controls for each pickup will allow you to dial in the sound you’re looking for.

A TonePros NVR2 Locking Tune-O-Matic bridge and Grover Sta-Tite tuners will keep your notes in tune, and sound stable.

The Guild Bluesbird offers a great alternative to a Les Paul, especially given its great looks, and resonant sound.

If you’re looking for a vintage playing experience, with modern pickups, this one delivers.

Best Les Paul Copy: Travel Sized

Never again will you have to choose between traveling and taking your guitar with you!

Traveler Guitar LTD EC-1

If you’re looking for a Les Paul inspired guitar that’s got great playability, awesome sound and has ultra portability, the Traveler Guitar LTD EC-1 may be the guitar for you.

With a carved archtop mahogany body, and full size mahogany neck, you’ll have a full sized playing experience that looks great, and is portable.

The neck has a radius of 15.74″ and is in a thin “U” shape making it comfortable and fast to play.

A black walnut fretboard with 22 jumbo frets and LTD flag style inlays will enhance your tone, as well as give you a great look.

An ESP designed ALH-200B active humbucker and headphone amplifier will give you the option of playing along to backing tracks, or using your headphones to jam in silence.

The proprietary in-body tuning system lets you use your favorite strings, while also locking, for even more stability, and the Tune-O-Matic bridge will make intonating easy.

The results of a team up between ESP and Traveler Guitar, The EC-1 is a full scale guitar, so you don’t have to sacrifice anything to take your guitar with you.

The pickup, and built-in amplifier sound great, and will let you rock with 4 different tones.

If you’re looking for a Les Paul copy that you can take with you wherever you go, this one is it.