Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ?

captainfantastic027 · 06-25-2010, 11:22 AM

Is this a good guitar?

1959lespaul · 06-25-2010, 11:44 AM

No, tried one, didnt like it. save urself the trouble and get a standard...

Sinmastah · 06-25-2010, 11:44 AM

It's not good, but there are worse things out there. I didn't mind mine and thought it was amazing, at least until I upgraded to my g-400

blink75 · 06-25-2010, 01:03 PM

With the right amp it sounds great. I think purists give this guitar a hard time, but it is a great buy for the money. Repeat must have a good amp!

leifpaul · 06-25-2010, 03:09 PM

the guitar wont stay in tune, thats my experience with the special II

jay1williams · 06-25-2010, 03:13 PM

Its an ok guitar once properly setup. Can't beat the price point, especially if your a beginning guitarist and don't want to shell out $$$$ for something you may not like / be into a year from now... A good amp is a must as stated above!

Mantis · 06-25-2010, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainfantastic027

Is this a good guitar?

save up $200 more than the special II price costs and get one of these: Buy Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special SC Electric Guitar | Solid Body Electric Guitars | Musician's Friend

i'm gonna snag another one as soon as i get the funds

Drew224 · 06-25-2010, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mantis

save up $200 more than the special II price costs and get one of these: Buy Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special SC Electric Guitar | Solid Body Electric Guitars | Musician's Friend

i'm gonna snag another one as soon as i get the funds

i need that...

Mantis · 06-25-2010, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drew224

i need that...

yes....yes you do, it's a great guitar !

brianugly · 06-25-2010, 04:39 PM

I had one years ago that worked fine. Needed to be set up. If I had one again, I'd rewire it and put in some better pickups.

sasquatch · 06-25-2010, 06:23 PM

The new ones are excellent*!

*for beginners or if you just want a cheap banger that don't cost much

E6type · 06-25-2010, 09:58 PM

Actually I never had any tuning or intonation issues with mine and the hardware has held up over the years. I did eventually buy a Standard and a G400 but the Special still doesn't get too neglected.

I think that they're better than the Squires though.

dennistruckdriver · 06-25-2010, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinmastah

It's not good....I didn't mind mine and thought it was amazing....

What do you really think, Sin?

xxjagerxx · 06-26-2010, 02:43 AM

I still rip mine out occasionaly for a shred.for a poverty model from a company you could do alot worse

diceman · 06-26-2010, 03:02 AM

I'd spring for a Studio.

That said, if it is well set up, it'll get the job done just fine.

The_Sentry · 06-26-2010, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainfantastic027

Is this a good guitar?

It's like...the best guitar of Earth, man! It's even BETTER than those lame ass Gibson Custom Shop Reissues! In fact...it's even BETTER than those old, musty vintage guitars they want tens of thousands of dollars for!

IT'S THE GREATEST GUITAR EVER MADE BY MANKIND!!!

Awesomeness is what it is!!

(PS: I can say that 'cause I don't own one.

)

chivitajm · 06-26-2010, 07:12 PM

its a good guitar specially if you like a slimmer neck but its not a les paul.

Howard2k · 06-26-2010, 10:32 PM

I have a Special II, was my first guitar just over a year ago.

The frets are small and shallow, which actually DOES make it harder to play than something with bigger frets. But it is not a Wal Mart guitar, it does not suck. As a first guitar I think it is pretty good.

I then bought an Epi Les Paul Standard (used). But then I broke the neck on it after only 3-4 months

So back to the Special II, which is a noticeably inferior guitar to the Standard. At this point I also realized that the pickups suck for feedback (the Standard had potted pickups). Stuck with the Special II for a while longer while deciding whether to pick up another Epi Standard or go for a Gibson. In the end I went for a Gibson.

However, I still have my Special II. I still pull it out (the Gibson is in a case and the Special II is on a stand) but most importantly I figure that the Epi is a much better guitar to learn maintenance on. I played around with the truss rod adjustment, pickup stuff etc.

I would actually buy another one again if I broke the neck on this one... Just because for the price, as a home guitarist who does not need a backup gig guitar, it is a dirt cheap backup guitar and if I bugger up the maintenance then it can go in the trash without too much pain.

sFLsniper · 06-26-2010, 10:52 PM

The special 2 got me interested in buing a guitar. Although after similar research I passed on it. When I was in your shoes I ended up saving $400 and bought a great standard with hard case, frets leveled, etc..

you can get a nice standard right here in the classifieds for around $300.

Welcome to the Les Paul club!

TKOjams · 06-27-2010, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diceman

i'd spring for a studio.

That said, if it is well set up, it'll get the job done just fine.

+1

zontar · 06-27-2010, 01:42 AM

It's not a great guitar, but it's better than no guitar--if that's all you can afford it's better than others in that price range==although you might be able to find something used that's better in that range as well.

It is important though, when buying a guitar, not to settle for something.

That guitar will never be the one you want--and will disappoint if you take that attitude.

captainfantastic027 · 06-27-2010, 04:54 AM

Thanks guys! I ended up getting a used Standard for a good price.

The Special 2 I am sure is ok, as it is my first electric guitar I did not really want to pay big money. It has the basic shape of the Les Paul I guess but I don't think it looks as good as the Standard. I don't know how they sound yet so I can't comment on that!

E6type · 06-27-2010, 11:47 AM

Congrats, now post some NGD pics!

mgridgaway · 06-27-2010, 09:03 PM

I'm currently using a Special II until I afford a better guitar. With a little work (and maybe $100 worth of upgrades), you can make a great player out of it. It's also a great guitar to learn on if you want to do your own work on a guitar.

zontar · 06-28-2010, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainfantastic027

Thanks guys! I ended up getting a used Standard for a good price.

The Special 2 I am sure is ok, as it is my first electric guitar I did not really want to pay big money. It has the basic shape of the Les Paul I guess but I don't think it looks as good as the Standard. I don't know how they sound yet so I can't comment on that!

Cool.

I think I mentioned something about that.

Sometimes used is the way to go.

Daniel · 06-28-2010, 11:12 AM

I bought one for my kid (can't beat the price) and I like the neck profile and the way it sounds and plays but like it's been said it's not a great guitar.

Now you must also take this with a grain of salt coming from me 'cause I can't play for shit.

06-25-2010, 11:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
captainfantastic027 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: ireland Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? Is this a good guitar?

06-25-2010, 11:44 AM	#2 (permalink)
1959lespaul Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Staten Island, NY Posts: 587 Thanks: 9 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? No, tried one, didnt like it. save urself the trouble and get a standard...

06-25-2010, 11:44 AM	#3 (permalink)
Sinmastah Epi Verification Expert Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota. Posts: 16,406 Thanks: 8 Thanked 611 Times in 108 Posts	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? It's not good, but there are worse things out there. I didn't mind mine and thought it was amazing, at least until I upgraded to my g-400 __________________ Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Cherry(Jonesey'd and WB'd) Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Brown (EMG's) Epiphone MIJ Les Paul Ebony LQ Fender Mexi Oly White Strat Squier Natural Vintage M Jazz bass Peavey Classic 50 SG's FTW

06-25-2010, 01:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
blink75 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Louisville Posts: 236 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? With the right amp it sounds great. I think purists give this guitar a hard time, but it is a great buy for the money. Repeat must have a good amp! __________________ 2012 Gibson LP - 70s Tribute Goldtop Studio 2007 Epiphone G400 SG 2006 Epiphone LP - Cherry Burst Plain Top "Who Knows" Fender Squier Bugera V5 Peavey Vypyr 15

06-25-2010, 03:09 PM	#5 (permalink)
leifpaul Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: hammerfest, norway Posts: 422 Thanks: 2 Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? the guitar wont stay in tune, thats my experience with the special II

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06-25-2010, 03:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
jay1williams Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 895 Thanks: 23 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? Its an ok guitar once properly setup. Can't beat the price point, especially if your a beginning guitarist and don't want to shell out $$$$ for something you may not like / be into a year from now... A good amp is a must as stated above!

06-25-2010, 04:39 PM	#10 (permalink)
brianugly Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah Posts: 5,421 Thanks: 307 Thanked 87 Times in 19 Posts	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? I had one years ago that worked fine. Needed to be set up. If I had one again, I'd rewire it and put in some better pickups.

06-25-2010, 06:23 PM	#11 (permalink)
sasquatch Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Charlotte, N.C. Posts: 1,338 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? The new ones are excellent! for beginners or if you just want a cheap banger that don't cost much __________________ Epiphone LP Special wP-90's Squier CV 60's Jazz Bass Squier VM Jaguar Bass Marshall HDFX 100/a cab Acoustic B200 115 Sansamp DI/Boss TU-3 Digitech RP-355

06-25-2010, 09:58 PM	#12 (permalink)
E6type Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 504 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? Actually I never had any tuning or intonation issues with mine and the hardware has held up over the years. I did eventually buy a Standard and a G400 but the Special still doesn't get too neglected. I think that they're better than the Squires though.

06-26-2010, 02:43 AM	#14 (permalink)
xxjagerxx Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 531 Thanks: 51 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? I still rip mine out occasionaly for a shred.for a poverty model from a company you could do alot worse

06-26-2010, 03:02 AM	#15 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 29,930 Thanks: 1,212 Thanked 419 Times in 83 Posts	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? I'd spring for a Studio. That said, if it is well set up, it'll get the job done just fine.

06-26-2010, 07:12 PM	#17 (permalink)
chivitajm Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 238 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? its a good guitar specially if you like a slimmer neck but its not a les paul.

06-26-2010, 10:32 PM	#18 (permalink)
Howard2k Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 8,426 Thanks: 51 Thanked 95 Times in 44 Posts	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? I have a Special II, was my first guitar just over a year ago. The frets are small and shallow, which actually DOES make it harder to play than something with bigger frets. But it is not a Wal Mart guitar, it does not suck. As a first guitar I think it is pretty good. I then bought an Epi Les Paul Standard (used). But then I broke the neck on it after only 3-4 months So back to the Special II, which is a noticeably inferior guitar to the Standard. At this point I also realized that the pickups suck for feedback (the Standard had potted pickups). Stuck with the Special II for a while longer while deciding whether to pick up another Epi Standard or go for a Gibson. In the end I went for a Gibson. However, I still have my Special II. I still pull it out (the Gibson is in a case and the Special II is on a stand) but most importantly I figure that the Epi is a much better guitar to learn maintenance on. I played around with the truss rod adjustment, pickup stuff etc. I would actually buy another one again if I broke the neck on this one... Just because for the price, as a home guitarist who does not need a backup gig guitar, it is a dirt cheap backup guitar and if I bugger up the maintenance then it can go in the trash without too much pain. __________________ I take photographs like Jimmy Page and play guitar like Ansel Adams. Overly sensitive? Offended by those who have an opinion that may differ from yours? Click here to ignore me.

06-26-2010, 10:52 PM	#19 (permalink)
sFLsniper Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Fl Posts: 662 Thanks: 14 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? The special 2 got me interested in buing a guitar. Although after similar research I passed on it. When I was in your shoes I ended up saving $400 and bought a great standard with hard case, frets leveled, etc.. you can get a nice standard right here in the classifieds for around $300. Welcome to the Les Paul club! __________________ Epi LP that's been Jonesyfied Squier Fat Strat Modded EVJ Marshall 4x12 w/ v30's Digitech RP-250 Planet Waves Tru Strobe Tuner

06-27-2010, 01:42 AM	#21 (permalink)
zontar Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: In a people house Posts: 10,217 Thanks: 80 Thanked 116 Times in 61 Posts	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? It's not a great guitar, but it's better than no guitar--if that's all you can afford it's better than others in that price range==although you might be able to find something used that's better in that range as well. It is important though, when buying a guitar, not to settle for something. That guitar will never be the one you want--and will disappoint if you take that attitude. __________________ I've been a pilgrim on this earth since the day of my birth, I'm a long way from my home.

06-27-2010, 04:54 AM	#22 (permalink)
captainfantastic027 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: ireland Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? Thanks guys! I ended up getting a used Standard for a good price. The Special 2 I am sure is ok, as it is my first electric guitar I did not really want to pay big money. It has the basic shape of the Les Paul I guess but I don't think it looks as good as the Standard. I don't know how they sound yet so I can't comment on that!

06-27-2010, 11:47 AM	#23 (permalink)
E6type Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 504 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? Congrats, now post some NGD pics!

06-27-2010, 09:03 PM	#24 (permalink)
mgridgaway Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 220 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? I'm currently using a Special II until I afford a better guitar. With a little work (and maybe $100 worth of upgrades), you can make a great player out of it. It's also a great guitar to learn on if you want to do your own work on a guitar. __________________ No dice.

06-28-2010, 11:12 AM	#26 (permalink)
Daniel Banned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Deeply embedded in The Demokratik Republik of Kalifornia Posts: 7,729 Thanks: 634 Thanked 805 Times in 178 Posts	Re: Wha do you think of the Epiphone Les Paul Special II ? I bought one for my kid (can't beat the price) and I like the neck profile and the way it sounds and plays but like it's been said it's not a great guitar. Now you must also take this with a grain of salt coming from me 'cause I can't play for shit.

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