The iconic Gibson Les Paul was first released in 1952 and was one of the first mass-manufactured solid body guitars. Today, Les Paul is one of the most widely recognised guitars in the world. Typically Les Paul style guitars feature a set neck rather than a bolt-on, a carved mahogany body, a single cutaway for upper neck access, a rosewood fingerboard on a 24 3/4 inch scale neck, two humbucking pickups with independent volume and tone controls and a stop tail bridge.
Many legendary guitar players have used Les Paul guitars to create their signature sound including Les Paul himself, Jimmy Page, Slash, Billy Gibbons, Ace Frehley just to name a few.
Like most iconic products Gibson Les Pauls do attract quite a considerable price tag, however, there are plenty of guitars produced by other manufacturers which will give you the feel, tone and swagger of the original. Here are our favourites in no particular order of Les Paul style guitars you can pick up for under $500.00.
*These guitars come in a variety of colours and not just the colours pictured.
Epiphone Les Paul Special VE
Epiphone guitars are produced by the Gibson company so if you want to get as close to the original as possible this one may be for you. Epiphone instruments have a very strong linage in their own right having produced the Casino made famous by John Lennon. Today apart from producing a couple a high end models, Epiphone focus on producing affordable guitars based on classic Gibson designs such as a range of Les Pauls, SG and hollow bodies such as the ES335.
Top 3 Features
- Lightweight well balanced popular body
- Vintage slim 1960’s slim taper “D” shape neck profile
- Vintage worn finish provides an attractive retro vibe
Discover our range of Epiphone LP VE Series.
Cort CR100
Like all Cort instruments, the CR100 represents exceptional value for money.
Cort produces a range of acoustic and electric guitars that demonstrate excellent build quality and attention to detail and often offer high-end third-party parts such as Fishman pickups in their acoustic/electric guitars.
Top 3 Features
- Carved maple top
- Canadian hard maple neck
- Traditional Tune-O-Matic bridge with stop tailpiece for sustain and tuning stability
Discover our Cort LP Style CR Series.
SX EH3CS
Like Cort, SX guitars are exceptional for their respective price point and despite this guitar being one of the cheapest on the list it arguably has the most authentic vintage aesthetic on this list. SX guitars are obviously a great choice for the beginner, however, we have found them to be very popular with experienced players looking for a backup or project guitar to “pimp” up with after-market pick-ups or parts.
Top 3 Features
- Multi bound headstock with Grover style tuners
- Bound rosewood fingerboard with pearl block inlays
- Includes U Play Guitar guide with free online lessons
Discover our range of SX LP Style EH Series.
ESP / LTD EC10
ESP / LTD are the of the most respected manufacturers of metal and core style guitars and basses. James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Stephen Carpenter of the Deftones and Tom Araya of Slayer all use ESP as their weapon of choice. While the EC10 has it’s roots firmly rooted in the traditional LP design there are some more modern touches giving this guitar a heavier more contemporary edge than its original inspiration.
Top 3 Features
- Comfortable U shaped neck with 24 frets accessing
- Basswood body for a warm and fat tone great for high gain guitars
- Includes gig bag for easy storage and portability
Discover our range of ESP/LTD LP Style EC-10 Series.
Jackson Monarkh JS22
Like ESP, Jackson guitars have a big history of designing instruments perfect for music at the heavier end of the musical spectrum. Randy Rhodes famously paired with Jackson to produce the Flying V-inspired Concorde in 1980 and since then Jackson has produced legendary designs in its own right like the Dinky, Soloist, King V and Kelly. Today Jackson is owned by Fender ensuring quality at reasonable price points.
Top 3 Features
- Mahogany body with a maple “speed” neck defined for fast playing
- Compound radius fingerboard curved for easy chords then flattening out up the neck for fast and precise single note playing.
Discover our range of Jackson Monarch LP Style Series.
Special mention just over $500.00
Michael Kelly Patriot
Michael Kelly is the youngest company in this space and is known for its innovative approach to guitar design and the sonic possibilities of the instrument. Based in Florida USA and manufactured mainly in South Korea Michael Kelly offers a fresh take on tried and true designs. This guitar still stays true to the LP legacy, however, it takes the original ideas and moves them bravely into new territory
Top 3 Features
- Mahogany body with set neck true to the original LP design
- String through Tune-O-Matic string through bridge.
- Pearl bones inlays and modern body contours.
Discover our range of Michael Kelly Patriot LP Style Series.
Genuine Aussie Stock