Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a guitar that often gets overlooked but packs a serious punch: the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 2013. This guitar is a fantastic option for beginners, intermediate players, and even seasoned guitarists looking for a reliable and affordable Les Paul. Let's break down everything you need to know about this instrument, from its build quality and sound to its playability and overall value.

Overview of the Epiphone Les Paul Standard

The Epiphone Les Paul Standard is essentially the more accessible sibling of the legendary Gibson Les Paul. For decades, Epiphone has been crafting these guitars under the watchful eye of Gibson, ensuring that players get a taste of that iconic Les Paul experience without breaking the bank. The 2013 model holds its own with some notable features that make it a worthwhile instrument.

The Epiphone Les Paul Standard 2013 is a solid body electric guitar, known for its mahogany body and maple top, a classic tonewood combination that contributes to its warm, resonant, and sustain-rich sound. The set-neck construction further enhances sustain and tonal transfer between the neck and body. This model typically features Epiphone's Alnico Classic humbucker pickups, designed to emulate the vintage tone of the original Gibson humbuckers. These pickups provide a versatile range of sounds suitable for various musical genres, from blues and rock to jazz and metal. Hardware components such as the Tune-o-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece contribute to tuning stability and sustain. The guitar's aesthetics are also noteworthy, with a variety of finish options available, including traditional sunburst, cherry burst, and solid colors, often complemented by cream binding on the body and neck. The Epiphone Les Paul Standard 2013 is celebrated for offering an affordable entry point into the world of Les Paul guitars, providing players with a well-built, great-sounding instrument that captures the essence of the iconic Gibson design.

Key Features and Specs

Let's get into the nitty-gritty details that make the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 2013 tick. Understanding these specs will give you a clearer picture of what this guitar offers.

Body and Neck

• Body Wood: Typically made from mahogany, which gives the guitar a warm and rich tone. Many models also feature a maple top, adding brightness and clarity to the overall sound. The combination of mahogany and maple is a hallmark of the Les Paul design, contributing to its balanced tonal characteristics.
• Neck Wood: Usually mahogany, complementing the body wood to enhance sustain and resonance. The set-neck construction, where the neck is glued into the body, further improves tonal transfer and sustain. The neck profile is typically a comfortable '60s SlimTaper D shape, which is easy to grip and play for extended periods.
• Fretboard: Rosewood is the common choice, providing a smooth and playable surface. Rosewood fretboards add warmth and a vintage feel to the guitar. Some models may feature alternative fretboard materials depending on the production run.
• Scale Length: The standard 24.75 inches, which is typical for Les Paul guitars. This scale length contributes to the guitar's warm and full sound, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Pickups and Electronics

• Pickups: Epiphone Alnico Classic humbuckers, designed to mimic the vintage tone of Gibson's original humbuckers. These pickups deliver a balanced and versatile sound, suitable for various genres from blues to rock.
• Controls: Standard Les Paul configuration with two volume and two tone knobs, plus a three-way pickup selector switch. This setup allows for precise control over the guitar's tone, enabling players to dial in a wide range of sounds.
• Potentiometers: Quality potentiometers ensure smooth and responsive control over volume and tone. Upgrading the pots can further improve the guitar's sound and responsiveness.

Hardware

• Bridge: Tune-o-Matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece, providing excellent tuning stability and sustain. This setup allows for fine-tuning of intonation, ensuring accurate pitch across the fretboard.
• Tuners: Epiphone Deluxe tuners, offering reliable tuning stability. While functional, some players choose to upgrade the tuners for even greater precision and stability.
• Hardware Finish: Typically chrome or nickel, complementing the overall aesthetic of the guitar. The hardware finish adds to the guitar's vintage look and feel.

Sound Quality and Tone

Okay, let's talk about what really matters: the sound. The Epiphone Les Paul Standard 2013 is known for its warm, thick tone, thanks to the mahogany body and humbucker pickups. You can get a wide range of sounds from this guitar, making it versatile for different musical styles.

Humbucker Heaven

The Alnico Classic humbuckers deliver a powerful and balanced sound. They're great for:

• Crunchy Rhythms: Perfect for rock and blues riffs. The pickups provide a full and articulate sound with plenty of bite.
• Smooth Leads: Capable of producing warm and singing lead tones. The neck pickup is particularly well-suited for smooth, bluesy solos.
• Clean Tones: Surprisingly good clean tones, especially when you roll back the volume knob. The pickups retain clarity and warmth, making them suitable for jazz and clean rhythm playing.

Tonal Versatility

One of the great things about the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 2013 is its versatility. You can easily switch between different tones using the pickup selector and tone knobs. Whether you're playing blues, rock, metal, or even jazz, this guitar can handle it.

Playability and Comfort

A guitar can sound amazing, but if it's not comfortable to play, you won't want to pick it up. The Epiphone Les Paul Standard 2013 generally receives positive marks for its playability.

Neck Profile

The neck profile is typically a '60s SlimTaper D shape, which is comfortable for most players. It's not too thick, so it's easy to wrap your hand around, and it's not too thin, so you still have something to grip. This neck profile is great for both rhythm and lead playing.

Fretboard and Frets

The rosewood fretboard feels smooth under your fingers, and the frets are usually well-dressed. However, like with any guitar, it's always a good idea to have a professional setup to ensure the frets are level and the action is just right.

Weight

Les Pauls are known for being on the heavier side, and the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 2013 is no exception. The mahogany body contributes to its substantial weight, which some players find adds to the sustain and overall feel of the guitar. However, others may find it a bit tiring to play for extended periods, especially standing up. A good guitar strap can help distribute the weight more evenly.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Like any guitar, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 2013 can have its share of issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

Tuning Instability

• Problem: The guitar doesn't stay in tune, especially after bending strings.
• Solution: Upgrade the tuners to a higher quality set. Grover and locking tuners are popular choices. Also, make sure the strings are properly stretched and the nut is lubricated.

Fret Buzz

• Problem: The strings buzz against the frets, especially in certain positions.
• Solution: Adjust the action (string height) at the bridge. If the problem persists, the frets may need to be leveled by a professional.

Pickup Issues

• Problem: Weak or muddy-sounding pickups.
• Solution: Consider upgrading the pickups to aftermarket options like Seymour Duncan or DiMarzio. Alternatively, adjust the pickup height to optimize their output.

Scratchy Pots

• Problem: Crackling or scratchy sound when turning the volume or tone knobs.
• Solution: Clean the potentiometers with electronic contact cleaner. If the problem continues, the pots may need to be replaced.

Is the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 2013 Right for You?

So, who should buy this guitar? The Epiphone Les Paul Standard 2013 is a great choice for:

• Beginners: It's an affordable way to get a taste of the Les Paul experience.
• Intermediate Players: It's a reliable and versatile instrument that can handle a variety of musical styles.
• Experienced Guitarists: It's a solid backup guitar or a platform for modifications.

If you're looking for a Les Paul that won't break the bank, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 2013 is definitely worth considering. It offers a great combination of tone, playability, and value.

Final Thoughts

The Epiphone Les Paul Standard 2013 is a solid guitar that offers a lot for its price. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of a Gibson Les Paul, it provides a great playing experience and a tone that's sure to please. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, this guitar is worth checking out. Happy playing, guys!