What pickups are used in the Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Standard Reissue?

The guitar is equipped with two USA-made Gibson Custombucker humbuckers. These are premium pickups designed to replicate the sound of original 1950s and 60s PAF pickups.

Is this guitar suitable for left-handed players?

Yes, this specific model is built in a left-handed configuration. It mirrors the specifications of the right-handed version for southpaw guitarists.

What type of finish does this model have?

It features a Vintage Gloss finish in Iced Tea Burst. This finish is designed to give the instrument a slightly worn-in, aged appearance without heavy artificial distressing.

Does the guitar come with a case?

Yes, the Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Standard Reissue includes a period-correct brown hard-shell case. This ensures the instrument is protected during transport and storage.

What is the neck profile of this model?

This guitar features a 60s SlimTaper neck profile. It is thinner than the 1950s style necks, offering a faster and more comfortable feel for many players.

What kind of capacitors are installed in the electronics?

The guitar uses Luxe Bumblebee capacitors. These are period-accurate components known for their specific influence on the tone roll-off in vintage-style circuits.

What is a 'long tenon' neck joint?

A long tenon means the neck wood extends deeper into the body under the rhythm pickup. This design is historically accurate to vintage Les Pauls and is believed to enhance sustain.

What materials are used for the body and top?

The body is made of mahogany, a traditional choice for Les Pauls. It is topped with a AAA flamed maple veneer for a high-end aesthetic.

Are the pots high quality?

Yes, the guitar is fitted with CTS potentiometers. These are industry-standard components valued for their reliability and smooth taper when adjusting volume or tone.

How does this compare to a standard Epiphone Les Paul?

This reissue features higher-end components like USA Gibson pickups and Luxe capacitors that are not found on standard models. It also includes the 'open-book' headstock and a long neck tenon.

What is the typical price range for this guitar in the UK?

The typical price range for this specific Epiphone model is approximately GBP 1199. This reflects its premium status within the Epiphone lineup.

Gear article

Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Standard Reissue Left Handed Iced Tea Burst

The Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Standard Reissue is a premium left-handed electric guitar developed in collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop. It features high-end appointments including USA-made Gibson Custombucker pickups, a AAA flamed maple veneer, and a vintage-style long neck tenon for enhanced sustain.

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Overview

The Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Standard Reissue represents a high-specification collaboration between Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop. Designed specifically for left-handed players, this model seeks to replicate the aesthetics and tonal characteristics of the transition-era 1960 Les Paul. It is distinguished by its 'Open Book' headstock shape, a feature traditionally reserved for Gibson-branded instruments, and a Vintage Gloss finish in Iced Tea Burst that provides a period-correct, aged appearance.

Construction and Materials

The guitar is built upon a solid mahogany body topped with a AAA flamed maple veneer. A critical structural feature is the one-piece mahogany neck, which utilizes a long tenon joint. This construction method extends the neck wood further into the body cavity than standard modern joints, typically resulting in improved vibration transfer and sustain. The fingerboard is adorned with aged mother-of-pearl inlays, contributing to the instrument's vintage aesthetic.

Electronics and Hardware

A primary highlight of this reissue is the inclusion of American-made electronics. It is equipped with two USA Gibson Custombucker humbuckers, which are widely regarded as some of the most accurate PAF (Patent Applied For) reproductions available. The signal path is further refined with high-quality components, including CTS potentiometers and Luxe Bumblebee capacitors, which are wired to provide the nuanced control over tone and volume found on original 1960s units. The hardware is finished in nickel for a classic look.

Playability and Sound

This model features the 60s SlimTaper neck profile, which is thinner and faster than the chunkier '50s profiles found on earlier Les Pauls. This makes it particularly suitable for players who prefer a more modern, ergonomic feel while maintaining vintage tone. Sonically, the Custombucker pickups deliver a rich and dynamic range, capable of producing clear, articulate cleans and thick, harmonically complex overdriven tones characteristic of classic rock and blues.

Comparison and Suitability

While mainstream alternatives like the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster or the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90 offer different tonal palettes, the Epiphone 1960 Reissue occupies a unique space. It provides 'Custom Shop' level specifications—such as the Gibson-designed pickups and premium capacitors—at a price point accessible to serious enthusiasts. It is an ideal choice for left-handed guitarists seeking a vintage-accurate Les Paul without the significant investment required for a Gibson Custom Shop original.

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Frequently asked questions

What pickups are used in the Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Standard Reissue?: The guitar is equipped with two USA-made Gibson Custombucker humbuckers. These are premium pickups designed to replicate the sound of original 1950s and 60s PAF pickups.
Is this guitar suitable for left-handed players?: Yes, this specific model is built in a left-handed configuration. It mirrors the specifications of the right-handed version for southpaw guitarists.
What type of finish does this model have?: It features a Vintage Gloss finish in Iced Tea Burst. This finish is designed to give the instrument a slightly worn-in, aged appearance without heavy artificial distressing.
Does the guitar come with a case?: Yes, the Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Standard Reissue includes a period-correct brown hard-shell case. This ensures the instrument is protected during transport and storage.
What is the neck profile of this model?: This guitar features a 60s SlimTaper neck profile. It is thinner than the 1950s style necks, offering a faster and more comfortable feel for many players.
What kind of capacitors are installed in the electronics?: The guitar uses Luxe Bumblebee capacitors. These are period-accurate components known for their specific influence on the tone roll-off in vintage-style circuits.
What is a 'long tenon' neck joint?: A long tenon means the neck wood extends deeper into the body under the rhythm pickup. This design is historically accurate to vintage Les Pauls and is believed to enhance sustain.
What is the headstock design on this Epiphone?: It features a vintage-style 'open-book' headstock. This was developed in collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop to more closely resemble the iconic Gibson silhouette.
What materials are used for the body and top?: The body is made of mahogany, a traditional choice for Les Pauls. It is topped with a AAA flamed maple veneer for a high-end aesthetic.
Are the pots high quality?: Yes, the guitar is fitted with CTS potentiometers. These are industry-standard components valued for their reliability and smooth taper when adjusting volume or tone.
How does this compare to a standard Epiphone Les Paul?: This reissue features higher-end components like USA Gibson pickups and Luxe capacitors that are not found on standard models. It also includes the 'open-book' headstock and a long neck tenon.
What is the typical price range for this guitar in the UK?: The typical price range for this specific Epiphone model is approximately GBP 1199. This reflects its premium status within the Epiphone lineup.