What pickups are used in the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Amethyst Sparkle?

This guitar is equipped with genuine Gibson USA 490R (neck) and 498T (bridge) humbuckers. These are the same pickups found on many American-made Gibson models.

What is the neck profile of this model?

It features a 50s Rounded Medium C profile. This offers a slightly chunkier, more vintage feel compared to the SlimTaper profiles found on other modern models.

Does this guitar have an ebony fingerboard?

Yes, this model uses a genuine ebony fingerboard. Ebony is preferred for its smooth feel and bright, snappy tonal response.

What makes the 'Inspired by Gibson' range different from standard Epiphones?

The 'Inspired by Gibson' range features collaborations with the Gibson Custom Shop. These guitars often include premium upgrades like USA-made pickups and higher-quality hardware.

How many frets does the Epiphone Les Paul Custom have?

The guitar features 22 frets on an ebony fingerboard, allowing for traditional Les Paul playability across the full range of the instrument.

What is the finish of the hardware?

True to the 'tuxedo' style of the Les Paul Custom, this model features elegant gold hardware throughout, including the bridge, tailpiece, and pickup covers.

What is the price of this guitar?

The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 999. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Is the finish a solid purple or a sparkle?

This specific model features an Amethyst Sparkle finish, which gives the guitar a striking, reflective appearance under stage lights.

Which famous artists are associated with the Les Paul Custom?

The Les Paul Custom has been used by a wide variety of legendary artists, including the namesake Les Paul and modern icons like Taylor Swift.

How does the sound of the 498T bridge pickup compare to the 490R neck?

The 498T is a high-output pickup designed for more aggressive sounds and bite, whereas the 490R is warmer and smoother, designed for classic blues and jazz tones.

What kind of body binding does the guitar have?

It features multi-layer binding on the body. This is a hallmark of the 'Custom' aesthetic, distinguishing it from the 'Standard' or 'Studio' models.

Can this guitar handle high-gain rock and metal?

Yes, thanks to the Gibson USA 498T bridge humbucker, this guitar is well-equipped for high-gain applications, providing focused mids and strong output.

Gear article

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Inspired by Gibson (Amethyst Sparkle)

The Epiphone Les Paul Custom Inspired by Gibson in Amethyst Sparkle is a premium solid-body electric guitar developed in collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop. It features authentic Gibson USA humbuckers and high-end 'tuxedo' aesthetics, designed to provide professional-grade performance at a mid-range price point.

See live prices

Overview

The Epiphone Les Paul Custom Inspired by Gibson is a high-specification recreation of the classic 'tuxedo' Les Paul. This specific model distinguishes itself with a unique Amethyst Sparkle finish, combined with the traditional multi-layer binding and gold hardware associated with the Custom line. It represents a collaboration between Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop, aiming to bring authentic Gibson components and construction methods to the Epiphone brand.

Construction and Playability

Built following classic Les Paul specifications, the guitar features a solid mahogany body and a mahogany neck. The neck is carved to a '50s Rounded Medium C' profile, offering a substantial feel that remains comfortable for a wide variety of playing styles. The fingerboard is made of genuine ebony, providing a smooth, fast playing surface across 22 frets. The inclusion of multi-layer binding on the body and headstock reinforces the premium aesthetic of the Custom series.

Electronics and Sound

A significant feature of this model is the inclusion of genuine Gibson USA electronics. It is equipped with a 490R humbucker in the neck position and a 498T humbucker in the bridge.

490R (Neck): Delivers warm, vintage-style tones with rounded lows and clear mids, suitable for jazz, blues, and smooth lead lines.
498T (Bridge): Offers higher output with an emphasis on upper-midrange frequencies, making it ideal for overdriven rock and heavy metal rhythms.

This combination allows the guitar to cover a broad tonal spectrum, from clean jazz textures to high-gain rock.

Target Audience and Comparison

This guitar is designed for players who desire the look and performance of a Gibson Custom Shop instrument but are working within a more accessible budget. It is particularly suited for professional gigging musicians and serious enthusiasts.

When compared to other premium electric guitars, such as the Fender Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT HH or the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90, this Epiphone stands out for its specific 'Inspired by Gibson' hardware upgrades. While it lacks the bolt-on simplicity of a Fender Jim Root Telecaster, it provides the sustain and complex harmonic profile typical of set-neck mahogany guitars.

Artists who play it

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What pickups are used in the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Amethyst Sparkle?: This guitar is equipped with genuine Gibson USA 490R (neck) and 498T (bridge) humbuckers. These are the same pickups found on many American-made Gibson models.
What is the neck profile of this model?: It features a 50s Rounded Medium C profile. This offers a slightly chunkier, more vintage feel compared to the SlimTaper profiles found on other modern models.
Does this guitar have an ebony fingerboard?: Yes, this model uses a genuine ebony fingerboard. Ebony is preferred for its smooth feel and bright, snappy tonal response.
What makes the 'Inspired by Gibson' range different from standard Epiphones?: The 'Inspired by Gibson' range features collaborations with the Gibson Custom Shop. These guitars often include premium upgrades like USA-made pickups and higher-quality hardware.
How many frets does the Epiphone Les Paul Custom have?: The guitar features 22 frets on an ebony fingerboard, allowing for traditional Les Paul playability across the full range of the instrument.
What is the finish of the hardware?: True to the 'tuxedo' style of the Les Paul Custom, this model features elegant gold hardware throughout, including the bridge, tailpiece, and pickup covers.
What is the price of this guitar?: The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 999. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Is the finish a solid purple or a sparkle?: This specific model features an Amethyst Sparkle finish, which gives the guitar a striking, reflective appearance under stage lights.
Which famous artists are associated with the Les Paul Custom?: The Les Paul Custom has been used by a wide variety of legendary artists, including the namesake Les Paul and modern icons like Taylor Swift.
How does the sound of the 498T bridge pickup compare to the 490R neck?: The 498T is a high-output pickup designed for more aggressive sounds and bite, whereas the 490R is warmer and smoother, designed for classic blues and jazz tones.
What kind of body binding does the guitar have?: It features multi-layer binding on the body. This is a hallmark of the 'Custom' aesthetic, distinguishing it from the 'Standard' or 'Studio' models.
Can this guitar handle high-gain rock and metal?: Yes, thanks to the Gibson USA 498T bridge humbucker, this guitar is well-equipped for high-gain applications, providing focused mids and strong output.