AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Epiphone Single Cut Guitars 2026
The top pick is Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s ($736). Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus gives you the most for the money at $423. Epiphone Alex Lifeson Signature Les Paul Custom Axcess leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 27 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s
Les Paul Standard 50s WCS · Epiphone
180 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels like a real Les Paul without the weight. The mahogany body and maple top give it a warm, solid sound. It comes with nice pickups and a comfortable neck shape. Great for players who want classic tone on a budget-friendly model.
Pros
- Rich mahogany body with maple top resonance
- ProBucker pickups deliver thick humbucker tone
- Classic 59 neck profile feels comfortable
Cons
- No active electronics for high-gain clarity
- Weight not listed in product description
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$736 now$736€659 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone Les Paul Standard '60s
Les Paul Standard 60s Ebony · Epiphone
133 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels like a classic Les Paul with a mahogany body and comfortable neck. The GraphTech nut and solid tuners make it reliable for players of any skill level. It suits anyone wanting a warm, punchy tone without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body provides warm, resonant foundation
- SlimTaper 60s neck profile feels comfortable for everyone
- GraphTech nut helps with tuning stability and intonation
Cons
- Weight is not specified, so heft may be an issue
- Single cutaway design limits low string access slightly
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$645 now$645€577 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s
Les Paul Standard 50s BB Exc · Epiphone
180 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels like a classic 50s model with its mahogany body and maple top. The 1959 neck profile offers a comfortable grip for playing long songs. It sounds warm thanks to the Graph Tech nut and vintage humbuckers. Great for players who want a reliable, traditional Les Paul feel without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Rich mahogany and maple top construction
- Graph Tech nut ensures intonation stability
- Vintage-style 1959 neck profile feel
Cons
- No weight listed for actual feel
- Single cut shape may suit fewer players
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$736 now$736€659 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone Les Paul Standard '60s
Les Paul Standard 60s Fig ITB · Epiphone
133 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels like a true Les Paul with a solid mahogany body and a comfortable slim neck. The ProBucker pickups give it a thick, classic rock sound that works well for many styles. It is a great choice for players who want a reliable workhorse without the high cost of a full Les Paul.
Pros
- Classic mahogany body with maple top for rich tone
- SlimTaper 60s neck profile feels comfortable for fingers
- ProBucker pickups deliver thick, powerful humbucker sound
Cons
- No weight spec listed makes carrying less certain
- Single-ply binding is simpler than thick multi-ply options
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$725 now$725€649 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s
Les Paul Standard 50s Goldtop · Epiphone
180 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar sounds like the originals with a solid mahogany body and maple top. The vintage wiring and ProBuckers give it a thick, warm tone that players love. It looks great in goldtop and comes with a bag, making it a smart choice for anyone wanting a classic Les Paul feel without the high cost.
Pros
- Mahogany body paired with maple top for classic resonance
- ProBucker pickups deliver thick, full-bodied humbucker tone
- 50s style wiring adds authentic vintage character
Cons
- No weight information provided for player comfort
- CTS electronics may lack premium build quality
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$736 now$736€659 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus
Les Paul Tribute Plus HCS · Epiphone
25 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This guitar feels like a classic Les Paul with a slimmer, easier-to-play neck. The mahogany body and flamed maple top give it a warm, solid sound right out of the box. It is perfect for players who want that vintage vibe without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body with flamed maple top
- Comfortable 60s Slim Taper neck profile
- True humbucker pickups with Zebra coils
Cons
- Laurel fingerboard may wear faster than rosewood
- No active electronics or preamp booster
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$423 now$423€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone Alex Lifeson Signature Les Paul Custom Axcess
Alex Lifeson LP Custom Axcess · Epiphone
25 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Alex Lifeson signature is a serious instrument for the price. The Comfort-Carve and Axcess neck make it incredibly playable, and the pickup combination gives you a wide palette of tones from glassy cleans to aggressive rock. It's a fantastic option for Rush fans or anyone seeking a high-quality, versatile guitar with a modern edge.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides warm sustain and a balanced tone.
- Ebony fingerboard offers a slick, fast playing experience.
- Axcess neck profile is comfortable and surprisingly versatile.
Cons
- The Floyd Rose tremolo demands a learning curve for tuning stability.
- Mahogany body contributes to a noticeable weight, may be tiring for some.
52AudioFu
Index↓ 6.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,317 · Aug 17$1,228 now$1,228€1,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone Futura Les Paul Custom
Les Paul Custom Futura TS · Epiphone
28 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar feels solid thanks to the mahogany body and neck, giving it a sturdy build. The modern C neck shape is easy to play, and the coil split switch lets you change the tone quickly. It suits players who want a reliable Les Paul feel with modern upgrades like the Graph Tech nut.
Pros
- Solid mahogany set neck offers strong stability.
- Modern C profile fits many hand sizes well.
- High-quality Graph Tech nut aids tuning stability.
Cons
- Twilight Shift color may hide dirt easily.
- No listed weight makes heavy lift uncertain.
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,060 now$1,060€949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone Billie Joe Armstrong Signature Les Paul Junior
Billie Joe Armstrong LPJ RR · Epiphone
22 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels solid with a mahogany body and set neck. The P-90 pickup gives a bright, classic rock tone that cuts well. It plays nicely with a vintage neck shape and extra long frets. It suits players who want a direct, punchy sound without extra complications.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body and set neck for sturdy feel
- Bright Pro P-90 bridge pickup for crisp, cutting tone
- Vintage '50s neck profile offers comfortable playability
Cons
- No weight data listed for the finished instrument
- Deluxe heads may lack the locking stability of premium options
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$636 now$636€569 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels like a classic 1959 model in your hands. The mahogany body and maple top give it a warm, thick sound that cuts through any mix. It comes with two powerful humbuckers and a solid bridge, making it ready for heavy rock or blues. The smooth neck is comfortable for long sessions, though it is heavier than some modern players prefer.
Pros
- Rich mahogany body with maple top for warm tone
- Smooth 1959 rounded neck profile fits any hand size
- Two high-output humbuckers deliver thick, powerful sound
Cons
- Heavy single-ply binding adds noticeable weight to the guitar
- Deluxe machine heads may lack the stability of premium brands
49AudioFu
Index↓ 17.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,451 · Aug 17$1,201 now$1,201€1,075 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 27 single cut guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Epiphone Les Paul Custom Ebony IGCEpiphone · 3 finishes47↓ 4.8%$1,116€999$1,116€999Check ↗
- 12
Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Standard WCSEpiphone · 2 finishes47↓ 1.7%$1,226€1,097$1,226€1,097Check ↗
- 13
Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard WBBEpiphone · 2 finishes47↓ 5.7%$1,250€1,119$1,250€1,119Check ↗
- 14
Epiphone Les Paul Custom Widow IBEpiphone · 4 finishes46Stable$949€849$949€849Check ↗
- 15
Epiphone IGC Les Paul Custom SBEpiphone · 2 finishes46↓ 4.2%$1,391€1,245$1,391€1,245Check ↗
- 16
Epiphone Prophecy Les Paul OSSEpiphone · 3 finishes46Stable$1,518€1,359$1,518€1,359Check ↗
- 17
Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine WHEpiphone · 2 finishes45↓ 1.1%$794€711$794€711Check ↗
- 18
Epiphone 1957 Les Paul Goldtop DGEpiphone43Stable$1,395€1,249$1,395€1,249Check ↗
- 19
Epiphone Les Paul Junior TV YellowEpiphone42Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 20
Epiphone Les Paul Modern Figured MBEpiphone42Stable$893€799$893€799Check ↗
- 21
Epiphone IGC 1959 LP Standard Re DBEpiphone42Stable$1,290€1,155$1,290€1,155Check ↗
- 22
Epiphone Prophecy Les Paul Baritone OSSEpiphone42Stable$1,518€1,359$1,518€1,359Check ↗
- 23
Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Vintage SBEpiphone · 2 finishes41Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 24
Epiphone Jerry Cantrell "Wino" Les Paul CustomJerry Cantrell Wino LP Custom · Epiphone40Stable$909€814$909€814Check ↗
- 25
Epiphone Jeff Beck Oxblood 1954 LesPaulEpiphone40↓ 1.2%$1,156€1,035$1,156€1,035Check ↗
- 26
Epiphone Matt Heafy LP Custom OriginsEBEpiphone40↓ 4.6%$1,172€1,049$1,172€1,049Check ↗
- 27
Epiphone LP Custom 1979 Adam JonesEpiphone36Stable$1,455€1,302$1,455€1,302Check ↗
Single Cut Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 480 models we track, not a sample.
Median $949 — half of all single cut guitars here cost less.
median of 362 models · 42 mm (1.65")–43.1 mm (1.7")
median of 423 models · 625 mm (24.61")–648 mm (25.51")
most common · 394 models
most common · 321 models
How to choose the best single cut guitars
Heritage & Design
Epiphone's lineage is undeniable. They've been building guitars for over 100 years, often following Gibson's blueprints. This means you're getting a familiar aesthetic and layout, but with some key differences in materials and construction.
Tonewoods & Construction
Let's be real - the mahogany and maple combinations aren't always the same grade as a Gibson. Expect a slightly less resonant core, but Epiphone has been improving their wood selection steadily. The weight relief (chambering) on some models is a big factor in playability, but it can affect sustain.
Pickup Voicing
This is where Epiphone really shines or falls short. Their Alnico Classic PRO pickups are a huge step up from older generations - they offer a good balance of clarity, warmth, and that essential fat midrange honk that screams Les Paul. However, they still don't quite have the nuance and airiness of a Gibson Burstbucker.
Hardware & Playability
The tuners, bridge, and nut are often the first corners cut. Entry-level models can feel a little cheap, but the higher-end Epiphones (like the ProBucker models) get decent hardware. Neck profiles vary wildly - from slim tapers to chunkier '50s style - so finding one that feels right is crucial.
Value Proposition
This is the big one. Epiphones offer incredible bang for your buck. You're getting a guitar that looks and feels like a high-end instrument for a fraction of the price. The question is, where are those compromises, and are you okay with them?
Buying guide
Alright, so you're in the market for an Epiphone single cut? Smart move. They offer incredible value, especially if you're chasing that classic Gibson vibe without dropping a grand. We're going to break down the best Epiphone single cuts - from the Les Paul Standards to the SG Classics - and figure out which one will actually work for your gigs and your tone.
Don't expect a direct Gibson clone. Epiphone guitars are their own thing - a great starting point or a reliable workhorse. Spend a little more for a ProBucker model if you're serious about tone; the hardware upgrades are worth it.
And always, always have a professional setup done - a good setup can transform even a budget Epiphone.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 46 single cut guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 480 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Epiphone Les Pauls heavy?
Yeah, most are. The weight relief options help, but even then, expect a heft. Try before you buy if back pain is a concern.
Can I upgrade the pickups on an Epiphone?
Absolutely! It's a common mod. Swapping in some Seymour Duncan or Bare Knuckle pickups will dramatically improve the tone, but factor in the cost of the pickups and a professional installation.
Are Epiphone SGs as good as Les Pauls?
They're different. SGs are lighter and more aggressive, with a more raw, biting tone. Les Pauls are thicker and warmer. It depends on your style - both are fantastic guitars.
What's the difference between an Epiphone Standard and a ProBucker?
ProBuckers generally have better pickups, hardware, and finish. They're a noticeable step up in terms of quality and playability, and usually have a nicer neck profile.
Are Epiphones good for recording?
Definitely! With a decent preamp and some EQ, you can get great sounds out of an Epiphone. The Alnico Classic PRO pickups respond well to compression and saturation, giving you that classic rock tone.
