Best Epiphone Electric Guitars Under $300: 6 Spec-Based Picks
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Finding the best epiphone electric guitars under $300 requires looking at the published specifications. We compared 6 models to help you choose. The Epiphone Les Paul 100 E1 Electric Guitar leads the list because it weighs only 10 pounds, offering a lighter feel than heavier alternatives. This guide analyzes the specs published on the listings for each option. You will use this data to decide which body shape and weight suit your playing style. The picks focus on practical details like dimensions and hardware rather than subjective opinions.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epiphone Les Paul 100 E1 Electric Guitar Best overall | players seeking classic Les Paul specs | Check price of Epiphone Les Paul 100 E1 Electric Guitar on Amazon |
| 2 | Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty Best premium | left-handed players seeking classic tone | Check price of Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty on Amazon |
| 3 | Epiphone SG Tribute, Ebony Best budget | Players wanting classic SG ergonomics | Check price of Epiphone SG Tribute, Ebony on Amazon |
| 4 | Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar, Cherry Also great | Players wanting a classic SG under $300 | Check price of Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar, Cherry on Amazon |
| 5 | Epiphone SG Tribute Lefty Cherry Also great | left-handed players wanting a classic SG | Check price of Epiphone SG Tribute Lefty Cherry on Amazon |
| 6 | Epiphone Les Paul Special II Plus Limited Edition Also great | players seeking classic Les Paul aesthetics | Check price of Epiphone Les Paul Special II Plus Limited Edition on Amazon |
The best fit for you
- You want the most compact model on the list Epiphone SG Tribute, Ebony It measures 40.2 inches in length, making it the shortest guitar here.
- You are left-handed and need a Les Paul Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty This model is built for left-handed players with a classic mahogany build.
- You prefer the lightest weight guitar available Epiphone SG Tribute, Ebony It weighs 8.3 pounds, which is lighter than the other options.
- You want a classic Les Paul silhouette Epiphone Les Paul 100 E1 Electric Guitar It features traditional humbucker tone and a manageable 10-pound weight.
Our 6 picks
Epiphone Les Paul 100 E1 Electric Guitar
Best for: players seeking classic Les Paul specs
- Body Material
- Mahogany
- Scale Length
- 24.75"
- Dimensions
- 45 × 17 × 7 inches
- Weight
- 10 pounds
View on Amazon: Epiphone Les Paul 100 E1 Electric Guitar Affiliate link
The Epiphone Les Paul 100 E1 features a mahogany body with a maple top and a 24.75-inch scale length. It includes 700T bridge and 650R neck humbuckers for tone. This model weighs 10 pounds and measures 45 inches long. It suits players seeking traditional Les Paul proportions and dual humbucker versatility within a compact budget.
Pros
- Mahogany body with maple top construction
- 24.75-inch scale length for familiar feel
- 700T bridge and 650R neck humbuckers
- Weighs 10 pounds for manageable portability
Cons
- Limited to two color options
- No included case or hard shell protection
- Standard hardware without premium tuning machines
Good fit if
- You prefer the shorter scale length of a Les Paul
- You want dual humbuckers for versatile tones
- You need a lightweight instrument for practice
Skip if
- You require a longer scale length for lower tension
- You prefer single-coil pickups for bright clarity
- You need a variety of color finishes
Verdict: Epiphone Les Paul 100 E1 delivers classic specs in a lightweight package. It fits players who prioritize traditional humbucker tone and manageable weight over premium hardware or aesthetic variety.
Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty
Best for: left-handed players seeking classic tone
- Body Material
- Mahogany
- Neck Material
- Mahogany
- Fretboard Material
- Indian laurel
- Pickup Configuration
- Zebra Coil Ceramic Humbucker
- Hand Orientation
- left-handed
- Number of Frets
- 22
View on Amazon: Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty Affiliate link
This left-handed Epiphone Les Paul Tribute offers a mahogany body and neck for sustain. It features a 60s slim taper profile and 22 frets on an Indian laurel fretboard. The zebra coil ceramic humbuckers provide classic tone. It suits left-handed players seeking a traditional Les Paul shape and feel within a budget-friendly range.
Pros
- Mahogany body and neck construction
- 60s Slim Taper neck profile
- Zebra Coil Ceramic Humbuckers
- Left-handed orientation
Cons
- Limited to 22 frets
- Ceramic magnet pickups
- Only available in three color options
Good fit if
- You play left-handed
- You prefer a slim neck profile
- You want a traditional Les Paul shape
Skip if
- You require a right-handed instrument
- You need more than 22 frets
- You prefer modern high-output pickups
Verdict: Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty is a solid choice for left-handed players who want a classic mahogany build and slim neck feel.
Epiphone SG Tribute, Ebony
Best for: Players wanting classic SG ergonomics
- Body Material
- Mahogany
- Neck Material
- Mahogany
- Fretboard Material
- Indian laurel
- Pickup Configuration
- Double Black Coil Ceramic Humbucker
- Number of Frets
- 22
- Dimensions
- 40.2 × 20.9 × 3.5 inches
View on Amazon: Epiphone SG Tribute, Ebony Affiliate link
This Epiphone SG Tribute features a mahogany body and neck with a 60s slim taper profile. It includes 22 frets on an Indian laurel fretboard. The double black coil ceramic humbuckers provide distinct tone. Weighing 8.3 pounds, it offers a balanced feel. This model suits players seeking classic SG ergonomics and reliable hardware.
Pros
- Mahogany body and neck construction
- 60s Slim Taper neck profile
- Locktone Stop Bar and Tune-O-Matic bridge
- Indian laurel fretboard with 22 frets
- Double Black Coil Ceramic Humbuckers
Cons
- Heavier at 8.3 pounds compared to lighter alternatives
- Limited to 22 frets
- Ceramic magnets may lack high-end detail
Good fit if
- You prefer the classic SG double-cutaway shape
- You want a mahogany body for warmth
- You value a slim taper neck for speed
Skip if
- You need a lighter guitar under 8 pounds
- You require more than 22 frets
- You prefer rosewood fretboards over laurel
Verdict: The Epiphone SG Tribute Ebony delivers solid mahogany construction and classic hardware. It fits players who prioritize ergonomic comfort and traditional tone over lightweight design.
Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar, Cherry
Best for: Players wanting a classic SG under $300
- Body Material
- Mahogany
- Neck Material
- Mahogany
- Fretboard Material
- Indian laurel
- Pickup Configuration
- Double Black Coil Ceramic Humbucker
- Number of Frets
- 22
- Dimensions
- 40.3 × 8.8 × 3.5 inches
View on Amazon: Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar, Cherry Affiliate link
The Epiphone SG Tribute in Cherry features a mahogany body and neck for resonance. It includes a 60s slim taper neck profile and 22 frets on an Indian laurel fretboard. The double black coil ceramic humbuckers provide classic tone. This model weighs 8.9 pounds and measures 40.3 inches in length. It suits players seeking a traditional SG feel under $300.
Pros
- Mahogany body and neck construction
- 60s Slim Taper neck profile
- Indian laurel fretboard with 22 frets
- Double Black Coil Ceramic Humbuckers
Cons
- Heavier at 8.9 pounds
- Ceramic magnet pickups
- Standard 22-fret count
Good fit if
- You want a traditional mahogany SG body
- You prefer a slim taper neck profile
- You like the classic Cherry finish
Skip if
- You need a lighter guitar under 8 pounds
- You prefer rosewood fretboards
- You want a left-handed model
Verdict: Epiphone SG Tribute Cherry is a solid choice for players who prioritize a lightweight mahogany body and classic humbucker tone. It fits those who want a reliable SG under $300 without extra features.
Epiphone SG Tribute Lefty Cherry
Best for: left-handed players wanting a classic SG
- Body Material
- Mahogany
- Neck Material
- Mahogany
- Fretboard Material
- Indian laurel
- Pickup Configuration
- Double Black Coil Ceramic Humbucker
- Hand Orientation
- left-handed
- Number of Frets
- 22
View on Amazon: Epiphone SG Tribute Lefty Cherry Affiliate link
This left-handed SG Tribute features a mahogany body and neck for balanced resonance. It includes a 60s slim taper neck profile and 22 frets on an Indian laurel fretboard. The double black coil ceramic humbuckers provide clear tone. It suits left-handed players seeking a traditional SG shape and reliable hardware under $300.
Pros
- Left-handed orientation
- Mahogany body and neck
- 60s Slim Taper neck profile
- Double Black Coil Ceramic Humbuckers
Cons
- Only 22 frets
- Ceramic magnet pickups
- Indian laurel fretboard
Good fit if
- You are a left-handed guitarist
- You want a mahogany SG shape
- You prefer a slim neck profile
Skip if
- You are right-handed
- You need more than 22 frets
- You prefer rosewood fretboards
Verdict: Epiphone SG Tribute Lefty Cherry is a solid option for left-handed players who want a classic SG form factor. It delivers standard tonal characteristics without extra features.
Epiphone Les Paul Special II Plus Limited Edition
Best for: players seeking classic Les Paul aesthetics
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 44 × 17 × 7 inches
- Weight
- 11.8 pounds
View on Amazon: Epiphone Les Paul Special II Plus Limited Edition Affiliate link
This Epiphone Les Paul Special II Plus is a solid-body electric guitar finished in Transparent Black. It measures 44 inches in length, 17 inches wide, and 7 inches high. The instrument weighs 11.8 pounds. This size and weight profile makes it a standard full-scale option for players seeking a classic Les Paul silhouette. It suits those who prefer a traditional form factor without excessive bulk.
Pros
- Classic Les Paul body shape
- Transparent Black finish
- Standard 44-inch length
Cons
- Heavier at 11.8 pounds
- Limited color options in this edition
- Standard weight may cause fatigue
Good fit if
- You want a traditional Les Paul look
- You prefer a solid black finish
- You are comfortable with standard weight
Skip if
- You need a lightweight instrument
- You prefer vibrant or multi-color finishes
- You want a compact travel size
Verdict: Epiphone Les Paul Special II Plus offers a classic silhouette for players who value traditional aesthetics over modern weight savings. It is a solid choice for those who prioritize the iconic Les Paul form factor.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Epiphone Les Paul 100 E1 Electric Guitar | Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty | Epiphone SG Tribute, Ebony | Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar, Cherry | Epiphone SG Tribute Lefty Cherry | Epiphone Les Paul Special II Plus Limited Edition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Material | Mahogany | Mahogany | Mahogany | Mahogany | Mahogany | not stated |
| Neck Material | not stated | Mahogany | Mahogany | Mahogany | Mahogany | not stated |
| Fretboard Material | not stated | Indian laurel | Indian laurel | Indian laurel | Indian laurel | not stated |
| Pickup Configuration | not stated | Zebra Coil Ceramic Humbucker | Double Black Coil Ceramic Humbucker | Double Black Coil Ceramic Humbucker | Double Black Coil Ceramic Humbucker | not stated |
| Hand Orientation | not stated | left-handed | not stated | not stated | left-handed | not stated |
| Number of Frets | not stated | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | not stated |
| Scale Length | 24.75" | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Color | Ebony | Heritage Cherry Sunburst | Black | Cherry | Cherry | Black |
| Dimensions | 45 × 17 × 7 inches | not stated | 40.2 × 20.9 × 3.5 inches | 40.3 × 8.8 × 3.5 inches | not stated | 44 × 17 × 7 inches |
| Weight | 10 pounds | not stated | 8.3 pounds | 8.9 pounds | not stated | 11.8 pounds |
| Model | ENB-EBCH1 | E1LPOHSNH1L | E1SGTEBNH1 | E1SGTCHNH1 | E1SGTCHNH1L | ENS2TBNH3 |
| Size | not stated | not stated | 41 cm (width) x 103 cm (length) x 9 cm (height) | not stated | not stated | not stated |
How to choose the right one
-
Check hand orientation
You must select the correct hand orientation before buying. The Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty and the Epiphone SG Tribute Lefty Cherry are built specifically for left-handed players. If you play with your right hand, these models will be unusable. The other models on this list are standard right-handed instruments. Verify the hand orientation in the product attributes to ensure the guitar fits your playing style. Choosing the wrong orientation results in a difficult setup or a return.
-
Compare body weight
Weight affects comfort during long practice sessions. The SG Tribute models are notably lighter than the Les Paul variants. The SG Tribute in Ebony weighs 8.3 pounds, while the Cherry version weighs 8.9 pounds. In contrast, the Les Paul Special II Plus Limited Edition is the heaviest at 11.8 pounds. The Les Paul 100 E1 sits in the middle at 10 pounds. If you prefer a lighter instrument for standing performances, the SG models offer a more manageable load. Check the weight spec to match your stamina.
-
Review physical dimensions
Body size influences how the guitar feels against your torso. The Epiphone Les Paul Special II Plus Limited Edition has a width of 17 inches and a height of 7 inches. The SG Tribute Ebony is wider at 20.9 inches but shorter in height at 3.5 inches. The Les Paul 100 E1 matches the Special II in width and height. Consider these measurements if you have a smaller frame or specific ergonomic needs. The SG models offer a different silhouette that may feel more compact in certain positions.
-
Select a finish
Color is a personal preference but affects the visual appeal of your instrument. The Epiphone Les Paul 100 E1 comes in Ebony, a solid black finish. The SG Tribute is available in Black and Cherry. The Les Paul Tribute Lefty features a Heritage Cherry Sunburst. The SG Tribute Lefty Cherry also offers a Cherry finish. The Les Paul Special II Plus Limited Edition is listed in Black. Choose the color that matches your aesthetic taste, as the visual design does not impact the sound or playability specs.
-
Match body style
The body shape determines the ergonomic feel and tonal character. The Les Paul models feature a solid, single-cutaway design that rests firmly on the leg. The SG models have a thinner, double-cutaway body that allows easier access to higher frets. The SG Tribute Ebony and Cherry models share this classic SG form factor. The Les Paul Tribute Lefty retains the traditional Les Paul silhouette. Decide whether you prefer the weight distribution of a Les Paul or the lighter balance of an SG based on your playing habits.
Frequently asked questions
Which Epiphone electric guitar under $300 is the lightest?
The Epiphone SG Tribute in Ebony is the lightest option on the list. It weighs 8.3 pounds. This makes it significantly lighter than the Les Paul models, which range from 10 to 11.8 pounds. You should choose this model if you want to minimize fatigue during long playing sessions.
Are there left-handed Epiphone guitars available in this price range?
Yes, there are specific models built for left-handed players. The Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty and the Epiphone SG Tribute Lefty Cherry are both available. You must select these specific variants because standard models are built for right-handed use. These options ensure proper string orientation and balance for left-handed players.
Which model has the shortest body length?
The Epiphone SG Tribute in Ebony has the shortest length at 40.2 inches. The Cherry SG version is slightly longer at 40.3 inches. The Les Paul models are longer, measuring between 44 and 45 inches. If you prefer a more compact instrument, the SG Tribute Ebony is the best fit.
What color options are available for the SG Tribute models?
The SG Tribute series is available in Ebony and Cherry finishes. The Ebony version is described as black in the product attributes. The Cherry version offers a classic cherry color. Both models share similar dimensions and weight, allowing you to choose based on your aesthetic preference without compromising on ergonomics.
Which guitar is best for players who want a classic Les Paul look?
The Epiphone Les Paul 100 E1 is the top choice for classic Les Paul specs. It features a 45-inch length and 17-inch width, matching the traditional silhouette. The Les Paul Special II Plus also offers this iconic form factor. These models prioritize traditional aesthetics over the lighter, more compact designs found in the SG series.
How much does the heaviest guitar on the list weigh?
The heaviest model is the Epiphone Les Paul Special II Plus Limited Edition. It weighs 11.8 pounds. This is heavier than the Les Paul 100 E1, which weighs 10 pounds. You should consider this weight difference if you plan to play standing up for extended periods.
Does the SG Tribute come in different sizes?
The SG Tribute models have consistent dimensions across color variations. The Ebony version measures 40.2 inches in length, while the Cherry version is 40.3 inches. Both share the same width and height. You do not need to worry about size differences between colors, as the physical footprint remains nearly identical.