Limited Edition Les Paul Custom Silverburst Review

With the same vaunted visual vibe of the original, this Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul has all the fixin's 5-ply top, back, and headstock binding; bound rosewood fretboard; split diamond mother-of-pearl headstock inlay; and 4-ply pickguard. And it's got something special a brilliant silverburst finish set off by chrome hardware. Dual humbuckers on an alder top with mahogany back and set neck.

Features:	9.3
Sound:	9.3
Action:	9.7
Reliability:	9.7
Impression:	9.7
Overall rating:	9.5
Users rating:	9.2
Comments:	37

overall: 9.6

Featured review by: PaperStSoapCo, on july 04, 2007

Purchased from: Musicians Friend

Features: With the same vaunted visual vibe of the original, this Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul has all the fixin's 5-ply top, back, and headstock binding; bound rosewood fretboard; split Diamond mother-of-pearl headstock inlay; and 4-ply pickguard. And it's got something special a brilliant silverburst finish set off by chrome hardware. Dual humbuckers on an alder top with mahogany back and set neck. Other then that: 22 frets, creme binding, 2 chrome covered alnico pickups, Grover tuners (non-locking I think), 2 vol, 2 tone, and 3-way selector switch. And it came with a cable and I bought a hard shell case along with it. // 10

Sound: So far I've been playing a lot of hard rock and metal. It sounds great with distortion (But not too high gain). Clean is beautiful, especially with delay. And overall, with this guitar I feel like I could play in almost any genre. I like using the bridge pickup for the distorted sounds as well as leads, but the neck pickups it perfect for chords and strumming. Very warm and full sound. But I mosltly use the bridge because I like the brighter sound that it gives off, but still warm. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: It plays very nicely. Feels very natural. The guitar is fairly light weight and is very easy to play. I was shocked. I bought this guitar online, which means I didn't have the chance to play it before I bought it (you should never do that) but I was very very pleased. And this is a beautiful guitar as well. The Silverburst finish is what had sold it to me, and it looks way better in person! The only thing I found wrong with it is a slight buzzing at the 3rd fret, 5th string. Hardly a problem. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I've only had this guitar a little over a week now, but I think this would be my main guitar on stage. I think my Epi will hold up well on stage. But it would be wise to always have a back up. With a Planet Waves strap, I'll never have to worry about dropping this guitar. As long as take care of it (and I will) I think this guitar will last me a good long while. // 9

Impression: This guitar will do well by certain rock standards, but it isn't good for loads of distortion. So I might consider changing the pickups sooner or later. My other guitar is an ESP LTD F-100FM (wrote a review for that as well) and this Epi is far better then that. Even though I'm playing through a Spider 2 amp, everything is great. I love the sound I get. I'm a Tool fan, and when I play the intro to "Right In Two" with the right delay setting on my amp, it sounds just like the album, I swear to god! And if anyone tries to steal this guitar I will cut thier face. I mean it. I think what I love the most about it is the look. I don't think you can find another Silverburst Les Paul in this price range. This is a great value. Get this guitar before it becomes a collectors item. // 10

overall: 9.4

Reviewed by: rbj1313, on july 20, 2007

Price paid: $ 600

Purchased from: Musiciansfriend.com

Features: With the same vaunted visual vibe of the original, this Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul has all the fixin's 5-ply top, back, and headstock binding; bound rosewood fretboard; split Diamond mother-of-pearl headstock inlay; and 4-ply pickguard. And it's got something special a brilliant silverburst finish set off by chrome hardware. Dual humbuckers on an alder top with mahogany back and set neck. // 9

Sound: I play mostly metal, heavy rock, and some classic rock. The Les Paul has a nice chunk to it. The pickups gave out a little hum but nothing too big. I play through a Line 6 Spider II amp on insane and it sounds fantastic with my genres of music. It also has a very nice clean sound. It sounds sort of like Zakk Wylde's clean tone, at least for me. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: When my Silverburst arrived I was stoked to see the box. I pulled it out and I was amazed. Everything was set up very nicely. The action was set a little high, but no so high that it made a difference. The pick up height was perfect. The stock strings that came with it were strong, lasted me about a month with regular playing. Also, the finish is beautiful, as you can tell from the pictures. // 10

Reliability & Durability: You could probably take this guitar and throw it of 1000 ft. cliff, then sacrifice the fiddle to Pele in Hawaii by throwing it in a volcano and it still would be playable. I would definately use this guitar in a gig without a back up for sure. The strap buttons are very solid, and the finish looks like it won't be chipping anytime soon. // 10

Impression: If this was stolen, I would definately go and buy another. It's well worth it. I love the finish especially though. The silverburst is way different than your regular sunburst. I did compare the silverburst to the Epi Les Paul Standard, but I went with the silverburst (now it's only just 50 dollars more than the Standard). This guitar is definately worth the money. // 9

overall: 9.6

Reviewed by: CrossBack7, on july 16, 2008

Price paid: $ 465

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Features: This 2008 Limited Edition Les Paul Custom Silverburst is truly a beautiful guitar. Made in China, inspected in the USA, this guitar is not only beautiful to look at but also to hear. It has 22 frets with Diamond pearl inlays on a rosewood fretboard. It features two Alnico Humbucker laid in an alder & mahogany body. The neck is set. The finish is absolutely flawless and really makes the guitar stand out along with the chrome hardware. It has two volume knobs, along with two other tone knobs. It has a three-way selector along with a Tune-O-Matic bridge and Grover tuners. It came with a crummy cable and allen wrench. I would've liked a case with it is my only complaint. // 9

Sound: I mostly play rock/alt/metal, and this guitar is well-suited for all of them. I can get an amazing lead/clean sound from the neck pickup, and the bridge pickup is perfect for rythm. I use it with an AG-10 practice amp, by no means a good amp, along with a DigiTech RP350 Multi-Effects Processor, and it can produce some very good sounds. I can make it noisy if I so choose too, but it's a very clean sounding guitar overall. I've been able to produce every sound that I've needed from the guitar. I really enjoy playing it clean. It has a very bright, sustained sound, but it has no trouble laying down the heaviest distortion either. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The guitar was set-up fairly well when I received it, though the action was a tad high for me. The pickups were at the correct height, and I noticed no flaws. The finish is absolutely amazing. It's sure to grab your friends' attentions. It even came relatively well tuned. // 9

Reliability & Durability: This guitar feels very solid, and I'm not afraid to really shread on it. I've had no problems with any of the hardware, not even the loosening of the input jack, a common problem on even the most expensive guitars. The strap buttons are solid, though I'd probably get some good strap locks if I was playing in a gig. It seems like a very dependable guitar, but I would never play any guitar in a gig without a backup by choice. The finish is what really makes this guitar stand out. I don't see it fading anytime soon either. // 10

Impression: I enjoy everything from the chug-chug of a good metal riff, to the smooth lead of a more mellow rock song, to pure shredding. And the great thing about this guitar is that I feel that I could play just about any style with it. I've been playing for about two and a half years, and this guitar is perfect for those looking to step out of the beginner stage. I own an Aria STG-003 Strat knock-off, along with an Asheville acoustic. I use an AG-10 practice amp, as I've yet to have a need for anything better. I also have a DigiTech RP350 Multi-Effects Pedal that really lets me experiment with different sounds. I'd advise any beginner to buy one to keep them interested and having fun while learning. I'd most certainly buy another if it was lost. I compared it to a Standard Fender Stratocaster and choose it because it was cheaper, better looking, just as playable, and better suited my style. I love how it looks, as well as how it plays. I feel like it really makes me a better player. I'll probably replace the pickups within a year or so, but the Alnico's it comes with really aren't too bad. // 10

Comments

[PaperStSoapCo]

i forgot to mention that the tuners dont stay in tune when i leave it in the case. but oh well. it hasnt been a major problem in the last few days.

I'm also glad to be the first person to review this guitar. there is so much more to be said for it, i just couldnt find the right words. other reviews on the website where i bought it place this guitar above some Gibson models. i cant say that for sure, but i think anyone who is lucky enough to get their hands on this Epi will be pleasantly surprized.

[PaperStSoapCo]

also, the price was $550 US, and "Action" should have been a 9, not a 10. my mistake

im being very anal. im sorry

[martylm]

i got this guitar too, it is awesome. I strongly recomend it to anyone who finds one and is considering buying it. It sounds great through any amp and all rock metal lovers will like it with a tad bit of distortion. I got mine for $800 Aus on sale, well worth it

[Octtwe88]

Just like the album? Thats effing awesome. I seriously want to find one of these.

[guitarmaster88]

the negative is that you'll find yourself tuning more often then usual, but sound is good, and i mean shes a beauty aint she ... love it

[PaperStSoapCo]

i haven't had to tune it in a while. but i don't play it everyday. it's not a big deal for me.

[kfong03]

it looks so sexy....

[PaperStSoapCo]

right now, with regular playing, the tuners are holding up pretty good. i guess it just needed some time for the strings to settle in and stretch. anyone looking at this guitar and thinking about lower tunings, i recommend Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom (Orange pack). I'm in drop D and its just perfect. give it a try.

[maidenfreak666]

dude i just bought one of these when i was wandering around my local guitar store with some money. i thought i was gonna go for a the epi standard and i saw this beautiful guitar staring at me with a sale sign on it for $499.99, looks like i stepped up in the world

[Dallinisrad]

i own this guitar and it is so nice. but yeah i have a problem with the third fret to!
its annoying, but i still love this guitar

[tsoyguitar]

i got this guitar and OMG is it awesome. i dont know whether its the guitar or my playing the guitar that got me more girls.

[SaintsinneR82]

had mine for bout a month...im really pleased with it...im def switching out the PuPS for an emg active set...overall it sounds the way i want it to for now..lil bassy but over all i like it alot...neck is right guitar weighs pretty good...like i said for what i paid i love it its awesome...took the pick gaurd off cause it messes with the way i play(i anchor my pinky under the bridge pickup)but it looks better withgout it anyway..so yea overall ver happy with it

[MiniMoose22031]

i've been looking for this guitar everywhere, but the only places i've seen it are online. is it worth the risk to get it online or should i wait untill i find it at a store?

[ksmash5]

what would be the difference in the epiphone one and the regular one.. Is the sound really that much better or is it just so much more because there were less made?

[H, Omitted]

the original ones are very rare to find due to paint issues (the silver paint changed color in the sun and the paint was lead so it altered the tone of the guitar). even if someone finds one it costs an arm and a leg

[PaperStSoapCo]

MiniMoose22031 wrote:

i've been looking for this guitar everywhere, but the only places i've seen it are online. is it worth the risk to get it online or should i wait untill i find it at a store?

That's what I did. If you are not sure, just be prepared to send it back if you don't like it. But, I'm sure you will It is very much worth the risk, I assure you. I bought it without playing it and I've never been happier with a guitar.

[[B]C [R]ich]

limited edition?
so does that mean there were only a certain number of these made? and if so, how many?

[PaperStSoapCo]

[B]C [R]ich wrote:

limited edition?
so does that mean there were only a certain number of these made? and if so, how many?

At this point, seems like there is nothing "limited" about. I've had it for a year and it seems like more and more people are getting it everyday.

I guess it was supposed to be limited, but it just became so popular, how could they only make a small amount of them?

[King_Metal]

I'm probably buying one of these tomorrow,
can't wait to play it ^^

[CrossBack7]

Bought my a few days ago from GC. Delivered tomorrow.

Got it for $500.

[SpinalTapped666]

I was buying this guitar with monthly payments of $60 Canadian for a total purchase price of about 550-600 bucks. It was a total impulse buy because i was so blown away by the silverburst body I just had to have it. I just recently took it back because the novelty of it wore off and the more i played it the more i disliked the sound it put out through my Peavey amp compared to my Telecaster which I have started playing as my main guitar again. Granted, if you changed out the pickups for some quality ones instead of the stock it comes with, lowered the action and installed a Floyd Rose (because it was CONSTANTLY falling out of tune in mid-riff) it would be a solid sounding guitar, but that wasn't my plan. Long & Mcquade were nice enough to let me return it minus a restocking fee and basicly a rental fee. I also dont like the fact that it doesnt have a Truss Rod in the neck..I live southwest coast of British Columbia and not being able to adjust the bowing in the neck due to the moist/dry fluctuating weather so if youre not going to be playing it for a long time I suggest loosening all the strings to relieve the tention on the neck. In conclusion, id say only buy this guitar if you intend to modify it extremely, including the rewiring on the rhythem/tremolo switch which wore out pretty quickly on mine. Id be interested to know how the other buyers guitars are holding up.

[CrossBack7]

Mine's doing pretty good. It does come out of tune a bit more than I'd like, but I live in Kentucky, it's humid as hell and the weather's pretty crazy sometimes.

I did lower the action on mine eventually, and I'm going to get new pickups somewhere along the line. I really do like it though. A big step up from what I had at least.

[PaperStSoapCo]

Owned it for a year. No problems, and I live in Philadelphia (the seasonal climate shift here is staggering). Nothing to complain about... but I don't play everyday either. It mostly stays in its case.

[elusivEuphoria]

I just got my own Epi LP Silverburst (and i must say the reviews here pushed me over the edge to purchase it). Previous to this guitar I have been playing an Epi LP Studio for a little over a year. I'm a huge Tool fan and I was more or less satisfied with my ability to come close to Adam Jones' tone with that guitar (playing through a Spider III 75). I've only been playing my Epi LP Silverburst for a few days and it is DEFINITELY a step up. At first i thought it was on par with my LP studio, but i guess i just had to break in the strings because it sounds MUCH closer to that Tool sound now.

I am seriously in love with this guitar. It looks, feels and plays fantastic. I can't get over it, every time I set it down and step away... 5 minutes later I'm itching to pick it up and play The Pot, or Stinkfist, or Eulogy, or Triad over and over and over again.

If you are a Tool fan and dont want to prostitute yourself to get the Gibson version, i would absolutely 100% recommend this guitar. While I've been pleasantly surprised by the quality of my Epi Studio.... THIS-IS-THE-GUITAR! Get it!

[Slashpt]

I love this guitar and i would like to know where can i order one for europe?

[SaintsinneR82]

goin on 6 months with mine..still my fav guitar..changed out the knobs for chrome and black ones..and my PuPs for seymour duncans..dimebucker bridge and a 59 in the neck...i love this thing..love the pup combo as well..oh and dunlop strap locks

[kylepianoman]

I just ordered mine..
hopefully it'll be in by friday

how is it with pinch harmonics?

[Fallen Syn]

So pretty I would love to have that guitar

[Julz127]

Adam Jones uses this, Right?

[warrenguitar]

Really awesome guitar, not only in looks, but in terms of sound quality and a really well-set action.

[Rockinguitar]

I bought this guitar and found out that my previous SG was holding me back!!! Every one of my skills leveled up from the time I took it out! I found that Peavey Vypyrs are great combo with this LP too.

[PaperStSoapCo]

Julz127 wrote:

Adam Jones uses this, Right?

No. Adam Jones plays the Gibson Les Paul Silverburst. Save yourself $3000 and get the Epiphone version. As you can tell from the reviews, it's well worth it. And with the right amp (and maybe a pickup swap) you can come close to Adams tone.

Also, I was at Guitar Center the other day (I normally go to Sam Ash, GC is pretty far) and they had this guitar for $750!! I laughed so hard. Yes, the economy is in the crapper right now, but I only bought this guitar a year ago and it was $200 cheaper! Anyway, I plugged into a Mesa Boogie Recto-Verb combo... I almost came in my pants. Good times.

[REKrauser42]

Hi Im james...I have to say for the amount I paid for this guitar...it was well worth it...and then some...I paid $600 on musiciansfriend.com during the summer of this year (on sale)...Now its about 700-750 but Id still buy it to this day...The guitar stays in tune pretty well dispite what some say about epiphone...and if you want to save yourself 2-3000 some dollars I would get this guitar...its a heavier guitar tho to my feel not as heavy as a Gibson les paul...but to me still has the sick sound...so buy if you can ROCK ON!

[Hark-o]

I got this guitar at christmas and was well worth the wait. I love this thing to death, Cant wait to play with this on stage, sounds and looks absolutely shit hot and from these reviews i can see i chose well

[cubkid05]

wow. just wow. alot of people say theres buzz on the third fret i believe. and idk y but i have it too, but i think on like the 7th or somehting wierd. but i mean other than that 10. honestly

[PaperStSoapCo]

cubkid05 wrote:

wow. just wow. alot of people say theres buzz on the third fret i believe. and idk y but i have it too, but i think on like the 7th or somehting wierd. but i mean other than that 10. honestly

Yeah, it's not a big deal for me. Doesn't really come through on my amp, I hear it more when I play unplugged. I may get it adjusted sooner or later, but for right now, I can easily overlook the buzz.

[roundwoundsound]

i played this thing,and it was absolutly perfect.
probably the best epiphone guitar out there