Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty

22 frets
3 humbuckers
weight: 50kg

The golden humbuckers turned black after a couple of years. I polished them with some tooth-paste and now they are silver-coloured. Don't touch them and they'll stay golden I suppose.

Play this guitar an hour a day and you won't have to go to the gym anymore. It's a quite heavy guitar but if you aren't midget-sized you'll probably manage.

The Marshall AS80R (acoustic amp without distortion)I'm using at the time isn't very suitable for electric guitar and especially not for this guitar. The amp sounded great with a Matti Nevalainen vintage strat with three single coils though...
I've played the epi through a marshall vs100 and that was much better.
I also use an Ibanez tube-screamer and a Boss limiter/sutainer.

At first I played the guitar with thick strings. The clean sound of
the basestrings was terrible. Now I play with thinner strings which is better.

Don't buy this guitar if your looking for a good clean sound.
If you're looking for rich distortion sound it's a quite good choice.

The strings were too close to the fretboard which resulted in that the low e-string couldn't vibrate freely when playing hard. It was quite easily adjusted.

The switch is unreliable. You have to switch it back and forth to get any sound out of the guitar.
The plug got loose almost right a way.
It fell over once and the tone-knob broke.

I would gig without a backup since I don't own one.

The guitar stays in tune quite well though.

I've been playing for about 5 years.
I also own an electro-acoustic aria. Therefore I own the AS80R.

If it was stolen I would get a jackson.

I wish it would have a single-coil in the middle instead of the crappy humbucker. The other humbuckers seem better. I don't know why maybe it has to do with the positioning.

Korea, Three pickups, decent quality tuners, mahogany body, it's basically a copy of a Gibson Les Paul 'Black Beauty,' but with a different shape headstock. The neck is a tad on the chunky side, but not uncomfortably so. Plays smooth. Stays in tune. The Middle pickup is wired so that when switched to middle position, you get the bridge and middle pickups "out of phase," with sort of a srat-like 'quack,' but of course much thicker and darker. The pickups are stock. If i didn't like the way the guitar sounded, I wouldn't have bought it.

I play rock, blues, R'n'B, soul, country, power pop, metal, stoner rock, yadda, yadda, yadda, deconstructivist gregorian square dance reels, etc.

But what I have to say about the sound is this: tonight, I was rehearsing with my band, playing the Epi Black Beauty through my Balls M18 2X12 combo. I broke a string, and asked my friend if I could play his wine-colored Gibson Les Paul Custom. I said out loud "well now we'll hear a real Les Paul, eh?" And I plugged in, and I'll be damned if it didn't sound pretty much the same. The main differentce in tone I noticed was that the real LP was a little thinner and brighter sounding. Playability-wise, the real LP's neck was a little slimmer, which I like. But MAN!! When you consider the ASTRONOMICAL difference in price - $700 vs. $3,000! The Epi is a terrific guitar!

Brand new, the action was too low, to such a degree that the high E string was fretting-out in spots. I had my luthier friend set the intonation, and recently I raised the bridge height myself to accommodate slide playing, which this guitar is well suited for.

I've been gigging with this guitar quite a bit lately. It stays in tune, and I use light strings (.009 to .042). The finish is really nice, I've had lots of compliments on the look of this guitar. Had it since last summer, have not spotted anything amiss with the gold hardware, etc. I wouldn't use any guitar on a paying gig without a backup.

No dealings with Epiphone as of yet.

Started playing at 12, now 37. I have a few other amps and guitars & stuff. If it were lost or stolen, I'd be quite annoyed and probably curse out loud. I might replace it, or I might get a Gibson faded SG with crescent moon inlays. I go through guitars like socks....

Overall I'd give this guitar a solid 8. It has certainly been worth every penny I payed for it. People who think that Asians make bad gear are dumb and possibly racist.

the les paul black beauty 3
korean, 2002-2003.
22fret laminated top.
2 volume, 2 tone and a 3 way selecter switch.
3 humbuckers
body is maple, rosewood fretboard.
The finsih is an ebony finish.
Lovely grover tuners
included lead which failed in the next week or so.

This guitar really does kick ass for its price tag, it suits me and my bands style down to the ground, amazing "power" feel. bags of tone and options. i use a marshall valvestate2000 avt150 and it really goes well together. no noise or feedback. loads of variety, no bad points about the sound.

this guitar is set up amazingly, just what a beginner needs, pick-ups are well set up together to give loads of variety. there was one poor finish which i found but is hardly visable and thats the white stripe going around the edge of the guitar, where the 2 ends of the stripe is joined, there is a small mis-placement.
Amazing build quality!!!

this guitar is a perfect live guitar as the poly finish will withstand many knocks whithout any chipping. i dont think anything will go wrong with this guitar, everything is put together so well!!
the paint, tuning pegs and neck will definatly last a few years with no signs of wear. strap buttons are very solid and i will always use my epiphone black beauty for live gigs.

i have been playing a year and a half now and after learning on a squire strat for a year, with my epiphone i have already played three gigs, and one was backing up aeroplane blonde. if my black beauty was lost or stolen i would probably put up with my squire strat for a while until i can afford a gibson les paul.
Compared to the squire strat, this guitar is nothing short of amazing. i just wish it had the quality, sound of a gibson.

I have a 1999 model black beauty. All mahogany with i think a maple top. Three epi pickups, rosewood fretboard and epi tuners.

My styles are all over the place. Classical stuff to Slayer. I dont know why people hate epi pickups so much. They arent great but they do their job well. So far the only sound I can't get out of this guitar is a Texas Blues type sound which I wasnt expecting. Everything else is done very nicely. Most versatile guitar I"ve ever played.

Well the action on mine isn't set low so I can get string resistance but also a few bad frets keep me from going low but that is due to excessive playing. To me the action is heaven, fits my hand perfectly. The neck is slightly thinner than the gibson model but its better that way. The finish is beautiful but cant take scratches and dings to well.

I dont have a backup and will never need one with this guitar. Sturdy as a rock and you can tell by its massive weight, but hey like zack wylde says about LP weight "grow some hair on your balls wimp!"

Havent dealt with em.

Great guitar, highly recommended for a low budget guy and rich guys alike.

This is a great guitar for its price. The Black Beauty has three humbuckers (anyone who loves versatility will love this guitar; I know some guitarists aren't very versatile, though), all passive. The body is made of mahogany, as is the neck, with a carved alder top for just a bit of a brighter tone, and the fretboard is rosewood. Nice classy pearloid inlays. The neck is very fast playing, and probably the only drawback is that it's very difficult to reach the 22nd fret (21st fret is fine), but that's not a huge issue unless you're just weird like I am. And well, the easy solution would be tapping the 22nd instead, which is done a lot. It's just a very solid guitar with massive sustain (set neck with a HEAVY body). Oh, yeah, the body is pretty heavy compared to other guitars, but you get used to it. It's not an issue. And it's more comfortable for me, now.

I play pretty much everything from soft rock, blues, jazz, alt rock, hard rock, metal... But mostly, I play prog rock. This guitar meets every one of those requirements quite well. The only drawback is that it is only mediocre for metal. But this is really where the guitar shines. It will handle almost everything you throw at it. The bridge is great, turning the tone knob up for a great, bright, distorted lead tone for all the harder rock songs you're bound to play. Then, turn the tone knob down for a muddy, messy, grunge sound.

Flip to the mid. This is an interesting pick-up because it has the bassiness and warmth of the neck pick-up, and the brighter, dirtier sound of the bridge. Well, it's not bright enough and too bassy for lead... But the neck is TOO bassy and TOO warm for metal or hard rock rhythm... So I use the mid for my heavy rhythm playing. It's perfect. It handles distortion very well, but has that rhythm tone to it. Literally, I can get the perfect rhythm sound out of this for metal (that it is so bassy, yet bridge-like at the same time make it great distorted for metal; my issue with metal palying on this guitar comes from the bridge and lead).

Flip the switch up again, and you've got the neck. LIterally, this is the best pick-up. Make just a little brighter with the tone knob, and you've got a warm, creamy jazz tone. A great blues down. Turn the tone knob down, and you've got a bassy almost acoustic-like rhythm for softer sounds. Turn it up again, and strum some open chords, and every note rings clearly, warmly, smoothly. The epitome of "clean electric guitar." Leave the tone closer to five, and play some alt rock licks.

Literally, this guitar is probably the most versatile I have ever witnessed [i]with the stock pick-ups in[/i]. And maybe you're not looking for ultimate versatility in a guitar, but imagine if you're a metal guitarist, and want to be able to play chunky rhythms, insane shred solos, and everything in between. Well, switch the pick-ups out to better suit your tastes, and you have the ultimate metal guitar. If you're all jazz, blues, and softer things, then switch them out, and you've got every sound you could ever want, with gorgeous clarity. But the best part about this guitar is the potential to play everything. Switch the bridge out to something that is very heavy, very hot, and just scorching with distortion... Perfect metal/rock lead guitar. Switch the mid out to something a little more versatile and all-around rock-like, and you can get most tones inbetween, whether you want heavy rhythm playing, or just plain alt rock sounds. And then the neck... Do something gorgeous with this. Put a jazz pick-up in. Put a pick-up in known for gorgeous clean tone... And you now have EVERY sound you could ever want. In one guitar.

I ordered from Musician's Friend, and it came pretty much set-up. The action was too low for my tastes (perfect for a lot of people I know; I just play with higher action), so I raised it. The only issue I had was with my strap peg, because it came out, and the wood was almost smooth inside the hole. So I did the toothpick method, and it doesn't budge, now. The gold hardware on the guitar fades a little, but I've done a good job of wiping the guitar down after every session, so it's good and shiny. I won't mind when it fades, either, because it's starting to get a really good, aged look.

I have had this guitar for two years. Other than the strap peg, nothing has gone wrong. When I get some more money, I will turn it into the most versatile guitar ever. But the pick-ups that come stock are great, too. I have gigged with this guitar without a back-up, and it has never failed on me (unless I broke a string, but who can help that? That's not the guitar's fault). The finish is thick, and so far, has not scratched at all. I keep in the hardshell case I have, so maybe that's why it isn't scratched. I love this guitar to pieces, and it has not yet failed me.

Can't say.

I have been playing for three years, which is not that long, though, I suppose, but I'm better than anyone else I know save two guys who're just godly (one of which is in my band, so I'm good). Of every guitar I have played, this is the most versatile. There are sounds from this you cannot get with any other guitar. And any other guitar won't be able to match every sound the Black Beauty can pummel forth. You cannot, however, make this guitar sound like a Strat (thank god; least in my case), because no matter how bright it gets, it is still meaty. There is still a very full tone to it. It can get very bright, though.

There is nothing, really, I can say about this guitar that I really dislike. I don't hate anything, even if I don't get a great lead metal tone out of it. I mean, it's extremely versatile. It matches so many sounds, and furthermore, the POTENTIAL it has for reaching other sound is great once you ocnsider all the pick-up combitinations and such you can do to it. I don't think I'd even bother getting the Gibson, because I probably would've been not as happy. I mean, '57 Classics are great, but I would want to switch the pick-ups out. I would want each pick-up to be different, and while it is put together better, it seems to me that the Gibson is mostly for the pick-ups, which.. if I kept them in, it would never be as versatile as it could be.

If this guitar were lost or stolen... I would cry. I would cry, and stab the thief. I'd stab him repeatedly. And then castrate him. Yes, I would buy it again.

2003 model? Could be older as it had a lot of dust on it from sitting around the store. Standard set up with Grover tuners and typically dodgey Epi hardware.

My style is an typical conglomeration of post-punk angst with a dash of jangled Britpop.

The stock pick ups are pure mud. No tonal clarity. They Sound awful. I really don't understand why Epihphone even bothers since the first thing you have to do is swap them out. I went with Seymour Duncans and now this guitar sounds x100 better. No matter what you upgrade to it can only improve the sound. I think tinfoil and some ungrounded wires could sound better.

The third pick up provides the range I think is often missing from other Les Paul copies. This alone is obviously why I went with the Black Beauty. This thing has a balls-out roar and can deliver a fuller overall sound. The natural sustain of the guitar is great. Even if the body is made out of the equivalent of balsa wood. The only problem I have is that I wish the 3-way toggle had more options. There should be at least 5 settings, like on a Strat, but unfortunately Epiphone has deemed this unnecessary. So my next project will be to replace that switch (which needs it anyway). My evaluation of the sound is based only upon the new pickups- I think that replacing the stock pickups is a must.

Factory set up is moot because everybody's playing style is different and so are their hands. The factory strings are little better than household wire strung across the neck. They feel like plastic, not even like metal. Again, this seems like poor planning on Epi's part because if you were to judge this thing in the store by it's factory picks ups and strings... I doubt you'd buy it.

Once set up the neck is fast and comfortable. Really nice detailing and overall craftsmanship. Strange how Epi bodies are always really well made but the hardware is always shoddy. Hmmm. It is a beautiful instrument though, no doubt about that.

The toggle is VERY noisy. But the knobs and input jack are fine. The frets are well done and nothing has pulled apart or come unglued.

Live it's winner. the Grovers are fairly stable and the weight is just right for me. The gold plating is fast wearing off, but I really don't care. In fact I like the tarnished look. Makes me think I've been playing harder and longer than I really have.

Haven't needed it but I wouldn't even bother given what I've heard.

For the money, even after upgrading the hardware, this guitar is well worth it. It plays and looks great. I've always preferred the Gibson style guitar and neck but never have the cash to buy the the top shelf versions. I think with the right modifications this thing comes close. And if you wreck it or someone burgles it then your not out a lot of cash.

I'd definitely get another if anything ever happened to it.

hey this is a revision of a review i did a long time ago. frankly i'm fed up w/ the switch on this guitar. it breaks every 4 months or so. and ya know that wouldn't be all that bad...i could deal with that if all i had to do was buy a replacement, high quality switchcraft switch. but no...they have to make the hole for the toggle so that the only switch that fits in is their piss poor korean toggle. i'm about 4 months away from boring the current hole, because the switch craft isn't long enough, and putting it in there. then, my rock solid les paul will be fragile because it will only have 3/16ths of an inch of wood left. ya know, i've put far too much money into this guitar for it to just break. i know it's a 600 dollar guitar, and that might not seem to much next to a gibson, but that's a lotta money. i'm buying a fender. screw epiphone.

if any one is considering buying this guitar ask yourself a question first. "do i really need 3 pickups?" i used to think so till i played for a while and realized all i use is my neck pickup for clean and distortion. maybe i'll just have the guitar soldered so that that's the only pickup i can use...just bypass the switch. save up for a little while longer and buy a used gibson studio, not as pretty lookin but it's got a million times better tone and feel. a crappy gibson is better than an awesome epiphone.

22 frets, made in Korea, 2002-2003, Maple Carv-top, mahogony back, 2 tone, 2 vole, 3 way selector, 3 humbuckers (they arent the greatest)
neck is mahogony.

I play a general sound of hardrock, blues, and metal (black metal, thrash, etc) and I'm also into vitruoso styles of music. I'm basically using a marshall combo, 65 watts, dod chorus pedal, and a dunlop jimi hendrix wah. personally for me, I love the sound of it. It sounds beautiful for blues, and despite what you may think, It does sound good for metal (Opeth,et) But I also have it rigged with jazz strings, on standard. (SRV fan)

Action needed a little adjustment, but other than that it's fine, The bridge needed a little adjustment also, but thats just for my jazz strings, set up on 009's or 010's, it seemed fine.

Reliability, It needs a tonepro's bridge, without a doubt, and at first, the machine heads didnt do shit, they slipped alot, and the strings fell out of tune in 3 seconds. So I stripped those and put on some Grovers and it works fine. Also with jazz strings its less likely to fall out of tune.

I wouldnt use it at a gig, without a back up. It really does need a tone pro's locking bridge, the finish is good, the gold will fade though, sadly.

Never dealt with them. has a 5 year warranty I believe, but thats only if you dont change anything, which i'm going to do, so out of luck there

I've been playing since I was 9-10, and I'm 18 now. I also own a Jackson DKMG (one of my favorite guitars). If it was stolen, I'm not sure if I would buy another, Because no guitar is like another. My favorite feature is the Middle pick up, I do believe you get a lot more tone out of it (which matters alot).

No guitar is like another, read this, go from there, The guitar really needs to be broken in before it shines, and yes its not the real deal, but I don't have $3,000 and, half of the reason why Gibsons are so expensive is cuz of there name, edromanguitars.com (check out heritage)

I think this category has been beat to death. Came with an Epiphone Hardshell Case. Mine was made in Korea in 1995. Bought it in 1996. Still have it.

The sound is awesome on this guitar! I play a little bit of everything. Rock, Metal, Country, Jazz, Blues, etc. This guitar is best suited for Rock or Metal, but you can pull off blues in a pinch. I play through an 80 Watt Marshall Combo. I have several effects, but the guitar pairs well with my Boss Metal Zone pedal. Black Beauty + Metal Zone (Gain cranked to Max) + Marshall = Demolition Quality Riffs! Played clean, the pickups are a bit weak. A boost from a pedal of some kind is definitely in order.

It played well right out of the box. After playing it for a couple years, it developed a string buzz around the 1st-3rd frets. I took it to the local repair shop. A truss rod adjustment, intonation adjustment, slight string lowering, and $50 later, no more buzz. When I first bought it, the gold tailpiece was already almost silver. Since it was bought new it was disappointing, but everything else was in such good shape, I didn't want to take any chances by sending it back for another one. Especially since I had heard it would happen anyway. The binding was middle of the road quality.

This is a very durable guitar. Very solidly built. I think "like a tank." was used earlier. I agree. The paint has held up well. From standard wear and tear from years of use, I have a few dents in the finish, but the paint has never chipped off. The gold on the pickups has slowly been tarnishing. It might not have if I wiped them down after each time playing, but with the strings in the way, what a pain in ass. I have used this guitar at gigs with no backup and felt comfortable doing so.

Never dealt with them.

I've been playing for 13 years. I also own a DeArmond Starfire Special, Yamaha 5-string Bass (w/Active pickups), A Seagull Duet II Acoustic with Solid Cedar Top and L.R. Baggs pick up, and various other El Cheapo guitars (Squire, Danelectro, etc.) If it was lost or stolen, there is a 50-50 chance I would replace it. For the money, it has been a diamond in the rough. If I did some shopping and found a great deal on a Gibson, I'd probably trade up though. I love the fact that it has been so reliable, has great sustain, almost never goes out of tune, and is very easy to play. I hate the tarnished gold hardware. What crap. I don't know why they even put gold harware on guitars that are going to be played.

I'm offering this as an update to my previous review. I had always planned to upgrade the pickups on this wonderful guitar to Seymour Duncan SH-1's. I finally got the pickups from Black Rose on line at a great price and with great support. I diverged from the look of the model by going with black SH1's. It wasn't cost, just my preference.

I took the conversion a step further. In a recent interview with Peter Frampton he talked about the new version of the Black Beauty is was putting out with Gibson. I like the way he has the pickups wired so that is what I did.

Here's the new arrangement:

The neck and bridge pickups are wired to the upper volume and tone control (the ones closest to the bridge). It is now a master volume and tone control.

The neck and bridge pickups are wired to the three-way toggle (which I also replaced and it made a major difference, like no sound when I change settings). So it operates like a standard Les Paul neck-neck/bridge- bridge, off of the same volume and tone.


The middle pickup is wired to the bottom volume and tone controls and I blend it in and out with the volume control.

I now have the same three settings as before except I can adjust the middle pickup - and that offers a lot of color experimentation. I also have a neck/bridge, neck/middle, neck/middle/bridge, and middle.

So, the combination of the enhanced pickups and re-wiring the pickup switching(I also replaced most of the wires that came with the guitar)has made this just a fantastic sounding guitar. My Marshall DSL50 head and 1936 2x12 with greenbacks sounds so beyond awesome it has openned up a whole new level of enjoyment for me.

It cost me about $240 in parts (pickups and switch) and $60 in labor