LP Special II - pros and cons?

[Phoenix59]

In order to temporarily sate my thirst for a Les Paul, I have been considering the purchase of either an Epi LP Special II or Junior. There are a couple of things I am wondering about, though.

I know the Epi varieties of both of these instruments come with humbuckers, and in the interest of making them more like their Gibson counterparts, I would be considering replacing the hummers with P-90s. Now, I believe that the normal soapbar-style P-90s are smaller than a humbucker -- what would my options be as far as retrofitting a P-90 to make it look "right"?

Also, I note that the Epi Special II has but one volume and one tone control, while the Gibson LP Special has the more traditional 2-V, 2-T setup -- is this something that should concern me? (I suppose I could learn to live with it...)

 

[River]

P-90s are both narrower and deeper than Humbuckers. You're talking some real work to swap the two and have it look decent. There are good HB-sized P-90s available, but you're probably more interested in these looking right. Not worth the trouble, IMO.

If you're willing to shop used, look for one of the limited-run Epi '57 Reissue Juniors. They're more authentic, and all of us here who have them find them very good guitars.

One volume/one tone on a twin P-90 guitar is not all that limiting, IME. On a HB guitar, I can't say.

 

[lpplayer]

GFS makes P90 pickups that fit a humbucker route. They are probably some of their best sellers. I only see raves about them from people who use them. They are inexpensive too.

I had a Special II years ago and I liked it very much. They take lots of verbal abuse from guitarists because of the cheapyness of it, and the bolt on neck. Its just a straight on 2 humbucker electric without any fancy details. Miine sounded and played just fine stock, after I changed the strings and set it up.

 

[leifpaul]

my experience is that the special and the junior wont stay in tune.better going for a studio,much better

 

[kysrsoze]

I agree you should go for at least a used Studio - even the Standards are sometimes very cheap on craigslist. You also have the option of a used G-400 (EPI SG), not an LP but nice and dirt cheap. I see them all the time used for $200 or even less.

BTW - I had the GFS Mean 90s and they were pretty nice, but I sold the guitar they were in.

 

[Phoenix59]

You also have the option of a used G-400 (EPI SG), not an LP but nice and dirt cheap. I see them all the time used for $200 or even less.

That would be an option if I didn't hate the SG body style.

Oh, and I was just lamenting last night that our South Dakota Craigslist SUCKS.

 

[SlashGallagher]

I hate mine. It wouldn't get used if I wasn't in desperate need to practice while I'm away in college

 

[Phoenix59]

:sigh: OK, then. No cheapie Special for me.

 

[TeleDog]

Epiphone has a LP Special now, the REAL THING, you can buy one and it comes with P90s and everything.

Now let me say this. I had a little LP Special II, installed a new nut ($8) and new tuners ($20). The guitar stayed in tune, the guitar played nice. If you like it then get it.

A LP Studio? Why? They're different guitars. If you really want a bargain and a good guitar then look for a used Studio, and I mean a Gibson. If you want a cheap yet fun and playable guitar, the Special II will do you just fine.

 

[TwangMan]

I had a little LP Special II, installed ...... new tuners ($20).

Which replacement tuners did you fit - there are so many different ones to choose from.

 

[nzo]

I picked up a Special II from MF a few years ago for $110. Tusq nut was $10, Gotoh bridge from SMac was $30. I went a little nuts and put $70 locking Grovers on it. It stays in tune very well. Most would probably agree, the weak area's on any Epi is the nut and bridge. For about $40 bucks, you can make a nice playable guitar. Having said that, I just couldn't get used to the narrower fretboard and gave it to my daughter-she LOVES it. If money is tight, go the Special II route and be playing in a few days. If you can wait, save up and get the studio.

 

[VirusSnake]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRePT2hBmEI]YouTube - Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar White[/ame]

 

[TeleDog]

I tried some tuners from Guitar Fetish, they worked well, not the best but an improvement.... I found a deal for Gotoh tuners later on and bought them for 20 bucks. LOL....

 

[mattholohan]

i bought a new epi special II a couple of years ago that i still have and i am quite happy with it, i don't care about it only having 1 volume and tone knob and the selector is in the wrong spot because it handles all kinds of music that i play easily (blues, rock, metal). I am very happy with it and for the price it was i think it's great.

 

[VealCutlet]

I was at GC today and checked out the Epiphones, as I'm looking for a guitar for my 13 year old son who has (FINALLY) taken an interest in playing.

First, I checked out a Special II in a very nice translucent indigo finish. It really feels like a substantial guitar, though clearly smaller than a Studio or Standard. For $170 it isn't a great guitar, but it isn't bad at all. Very solidly built with a beautiful finish. Playing through a Vox Valvetronix 50 W combo, the pickups sounded great, with a minimum of noise. Action was a bit high for my tastes, but a setup probably would have done the trick.

Next, I checked out an SC Special in a nice yellow finish. Felt just a little more substantial than the Special II, played quite a bit better, and had great sound from the P-90s. $299 for this one.

I then played an Epi LP Studio Limited in a beautiful Alpine White w/gold hardware. This was one super guitar. Easily the equal of my 99 Epi Standard. Really felt like a solid guitar. The neck was similar to my Standard, otherwise the body felt almost identical to my my Gibson LP Studio. I really wanted to take this one home. $400.

The thing that impressed me the most about all of these guitars was the apparent quality in the look, feel, and sound of the instrument. Beautiful finishes, solid, substantial feel even with the LP Special II, which is clearly a beginner's guitar. And the Studio Limited Edition, with the trapezoid inlays and gold hardware looked stunning.