Epiphone Les Paul Custom Ebony Elektrisk guitar

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Ebony — Tuxedo Tone With Real Gibson Pickups

The Epiphone Les Paul Custom Ebony brings the legendary "tuxedo" aesthetic and tonal range of Gibson's most iconic singlecut into a more accessible Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop package. Wrapped in a deep gloss ebony finish with gold hardware, this model channels the visual heritage of the 1950s Les Paul Custom while delivering genuine Gibson USA humbucker tone. Built for musicians seeking authentic Custom Shop character without flagship pricing, period-correct appointments blend with modern playability refinements.

What Sets This Custom Apart

Above standard Epiphone Les Paul Customs, what elevates this instrument is the inclusion of genuine Gibson USA 490R and 498T humbuckers — the same pickup set found in the base-level Custom Shop Les Paul Custom from Gibson. The control cavity is hand-wired with CTS potentiometers and Mallory capacitors, a rarely seen electronics combination at this tier. Custom Shop-inspired details also include a long-tenon set neck joint, multi-ply binding, and a Graph Tech nut.

Body Construction — Resonance and Sustain

Classic Les Paul construction shapes the body for resonance, sustain, and tonal weight. A solid mahogany body delivers the warmth and midrange punch expected from the model, while the gloss finish keeps the wood protected and visually striking.

• Body Material: Mahogany — warm, dense tonal foundation
• Body Finish: Polished gloss — deep, mirror-like sheen that highlights the ebony color and protects the wood for years of stage use
• With its HH pickup configuration, players can explore the entire Les Paul tonal palette from vintage to modern.

Neck and Fingerboard — Modern Playability, Classic Feel

A one-piece mahogany neck with a Modern Medium C profile balances vintage chunk and modern slimness. The bound ebony fingerboard (305 mm radius) enables both robust rhythm and fluid leads, while 22 medium-jumbo frets allow easy upper-register access.

• Neck Material: One-piece mahogany — contributes to the long-tenon set neck joint
• Fingerboard Material: Ebony — slick, dense, and articulate under the fingers, with a smooth surface that rewards expressive bending
• Scale Length: 629 mm — the classic Les Paul scale
• Nut Width: 43 mm — comfortable width for rhythm chording and lead bending alike

Electronics and Hardware — Genuine Gibson Voice

Gibson USA humbuckers anchor the electronics package for Custom Shop voicing at a more attainable price point. CTS pots and Mallory capacitors preserve signal detail, while Grover Rotomatic tuners and a LockTone Tune-o-matic bridge maintain tuning and intonation for demanding performances.

• Neck Pickup: Gibson USA 490R humbucker — warm, vocal-like character ideal for bluesy leads and smooth jazz chords
• Bridge Pickup: Gibson USA 498T humbucker — aggressive upper-mids and tight low-end punch for rock riffs and searing solos, with the articulation needed for high-gain metal work
• Tuners: Grover Rotomatic, 18:1 ratio — reliable tuning stability
• LockTone Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar provide secure string anchoring and transfer sustain efficiently, with locking posts for easier string changes

Who Should Play This Guitar

This model suits rock, blues, and metal players craving genuine Gibson USA humbucker tone and Custom Shop-inspired looks without the flagship price tag. Those upgrading from a standard Epiphone will immediately notice the long-tenon neck joint’s effect on resonance and sustain, especially during gigs where Grover tuners and LockTone hardware keep performance reliable.

The Les Paul Custom Legacy

Debuting in the early 1950s as Gibson's "tuxedo" guitar, the Les Paul Custom was marked by its black finish, gold hardware, and ornate binding. It has since become the instrument of choice for many renowned artists across genres. Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop series renews this legacy with real Gibson USA pickups and period-correct details. The impact of the long-tenon neck joint on string energy transfer is immediately felt by experienced players.