6 Best Alternatives to the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Les (2026)
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The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Les Paul Custom Lefty features a mahogany body with a figured maple veneer, Grover Rotomatic 18:1 gear ratio tuners, and a LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge. If you need different specifications, looking at epiphone inspired by gibson les alternatives gives you viable options beyond this specific design. You might prefer a different pickup configuration, a tremolo bridge system, lighter instrument dimensions, or another brand such as Fender, Donner, or Ibanez.
This guide highlights 6 instruments to consider for 2026. We chose these alternatives because their specifications overlap with the original, including a dedicated left-handed orientation and solid-body electric guitar construction. At the same time, each model introduces distinct differences, such as single-coil pickups, maple necks, or bundled practice amplifiers. Comparing these published specs directly allows you to evaluate hardware, body woods, and electronics so you can choose the right setup for your playing needs.
Our top pick: Epiphone Les Paul Custom Lefty, Ebony.
How each alternative compares
Donner 39 inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit
The Donner 39 inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit is a budget-focused alternative to the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Lefty. It has a solid body and a smaller 39-inch scale, making it more compact and lighter for beginners. It gives up the mahogany body with figured maple veneer, Grover tuners, and LockTone bridge found on the Epiphone. The Donner also comes as a kit, which may include accessories, but its hardware and materials are less premium. Choose the Donner if you are a left-handed beginner on a tight budget and want a simple, smaller guitar to start with.
Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed
The Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed offers a different design from the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Lefty. It features a quilted maple top, H-S-H pickup configuration, and a tremolo bridge, giving you more pickup versatility and the ability to use the tremolo arm. It weighs about 8.16 pounds. It gives up the mahogany body, LockTone bridge, and Grover tuners of the Epiphone. The Ibanez is better for left-handed players who want a wider range of tones and a tremolo system, while the Epiphone delivers a classic Les Paul feel with fixed bridge and simpler controls.
Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster Lefty Bundle
The Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster Lefty Bundle is a complete starter package, unlike the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Lefty which is sold as a guitar with a gig bag. The Squier bundle includes an amplifier and accessories, making it a one-box solution for beginners. It has a lightweight Stratocaster design with single-coil pickups and a tremolo bridge, offering brighter, clearer tones compared to the Epiphone's humbuckers. It gives up the mahogany body, figured maple veneer, and premium hardware of the Epiphone. Choose the Squier bundle if you are a left-handed beginner who wants a complete setup at a lower entry point.
Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed Bundle
The Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed Bundle is another all-in-one starter package, similar to the Squier bundle but with different specs. It includes an amplifier and accessories, while the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Lefty comes only with a gig bag. The Ibanez has a maple neck, Infinity pickups, and a tremolo bridge, giving you more pickup tonal options than the Epiphone's two humbuckers. It gives up the mahogany body, Grover tuners, and LockTone bridge of the Epiphone. This bundle is for left-handed beginners who want a versatile guitar with a tremolo and everything needed to start playing.
Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty
The Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty, Heritage Cherry Sunburst is a more affordable Les Paul alternative to the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Lefty. It has a mahogany body and classic humbucker tone, but lacks the figured maple veneer, Grover tuners, and LockTone bridge of the Custom model. The Tribute does not include a gig bag. It gives up some premium features like a rosewood fretboard or coil-splitting. Choose the Les Paul Tribute if you want a left-handed Les Paul at a lower price point and are willing to accept simpler hardware and no included bag.
The PRS SE Custom 24 Lefty offers a different body style and feature set compared to the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Lefty. It has 24 frets, versatile pickups, and a PRS-style design, while the Epiphone has 22 frets and a classic Les Paul layout. The PRS includes a gig bag, similar to the Epiphone. It gives up the mahogany body with figured maple veneer and the LockTone bridge of the Epiphone. The PRS is better for left-handed players who want a modern PRS feel with more fret access and a wider tonal range, while the Epiphone stays true to traditional Les Paul specs.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Epiphone Les Paul Custom Lefty, Ebony
Best for: left-handed players wanting a classic Les Paul Custom
- Body Material
- Mahogany with figured maple veneer
- Hand Orientation
- Lefty
- Dimensions
- 44.5 × 21.7 × 5.51 inches
This Epiphone Les Paul Custom is a left-handed model with a mahogany body and figured maple veneer. It features Grover Rotomatic 18:1 tuners, a LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge, and a Kalamazoo headstock. A premium gig bag is included. It suits left-handed players looking for a classic Les Paul Custom spec in an ebony finish.
Pros
- Mahogany body with figured maple veneer
- Grover Rotomatic 18:1 gear ratio tuners
- LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece
- Includes a premium gig bag
Cons
- Only available in two colors (Ebony and Alpine White)
- No coil-splitting or push-pull pots listed in specs
Good fit if
- You are a left-handed player seeking a Les Paul Custom-style guitar
- You want Grover tuners and a LockTone bridge for tuning stability
- You prefer a mahogany body with a figured maple veneer
Skip if
- You need a right-handed guitar
- You want a guitar with active pickups or extended switching options
- You prefer a lighter or smaller-bodied guitar
Verdict: Epiphone Les Paul Custom Lefty, Ebony is a solid left-handed Les Paul Custom with quality hardware and a mahogany body, though color options and switching are limited.
Donner 39 inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit
Best for: budget-conscious left-handed beginners
- Hand Orientation
- Left-Handed
- Body Type
- Solid body
- Color
- Sunburst
- Dimensions
- 52.8 × 38.2 × 33.5 inches
View on Amazon: Donner 39 inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit
This Donner 39-inch left-handed electric guitar kit offers a solid body and a sunburst finish. It is designed for left-handed players who want a complete package to start playing. The guitar comes in a 39-inch size, making it a compact option for beginners or players with limited space.
Pros
- Solid body construction for durability and sustain
- Available in six color options including sunburst, black, and red
- Left-handed orientation for left-handed players
- 39-inch size is compact and easy to handle
Cons
- No included amplifier or accessories listed in the specs
- Limited to a 39-inch scale length, which may not suit all players
Good fit if
- You are a left-handed beginner looking for an affordable electric guitar
- You prefer a compact 39-inch guitar for easy storage or travel
- You want a solid body guitar with multiple color choices
Skip if
- You need a full-size 41-inch or larger guitar
- You expect an amplifier or starter kit included with the guitar
Verdict: Donner 39 Inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit is a budget-friendly solid-body option for left-handed beginners who want a compact guitar with color variety.
Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster Lefty Bundle
Best for: left-handed beginners wanting a complete Stratocaster starter bundle
- Body Material
- Poplar
- Pickup Configuration
- three single-coil
- Number of Strings
- 6
- Hand Orientation
- left-handed
- Body Type
- solid body
- Dimensions
- 44.9 × 15 × 3.9 inches
View on Amazon: Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster Lefty Bundle
This is a left-handed Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster bundle that includes a Frontman 10G amp, cable, tuner, strap, and picks. It has a lightweight poplar body, a comfortable C-shaped neck, and three single-coil pickups for versatile tones. The vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge lets you add expressive vibrato. It is a complete starter package for left-handed players who want a classic Stratocaster design and a ready-to-play setup.
Pros
- Three single-coil pickups deliver clear, versatile tones for many genres
- 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge for expressive vibrato effects
- Lightweight poplar body with an easy-to-play C-shaped neck
- Sealed-gear tuning machines provide smooth and accurate tuning
- Bundle includes a Frontman 10G amp, cable, tuner, strap, and picks
Cons
- Poplar body is less resonant than mahogany or alder used on premium models
- No locking tuners or high-output humbuckers for heavier styles
Good fit if
- You are a left-handed beginner or intermediate player seeking a complete starter bundle
- You want the classic Stratocaster look and single-coil tones for rock, blues, or pop
- You value a lightweight guitar with a tremolo bar for added expression
Skip if
- You need humbucker pickups for high-gain metal or hard rock
- You prefer a set-neck or neck-through construction for sustain
- You already own an amplifier and do not need a bundled starter kit
Verdict: Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster Left-Handed Bundle is a practical all-in-one starter package for left-handed players who want a lightweight Stratocaster with versatile single-coil tones and a tremolo bridge, though it lacks the premium materials and pickups of higher-end alternatives.
Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed
Best for: left-handed players wanting a versatile H-S-H tremolo guitar
- Hand Orientation
- Left-Handed
- Dimensions
- 9.1 × 9.1 × 9.1 inches
- Weight
- 8.16 pounds
The Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed is a full-size solid-body electric guitar with a quilted maple art grain top and transparent blue burst finish. It features high-output Infinity R pickups in an H-S-H configuration and a synchronized tremolo. This model is designed for beginner and intermediate players who want a versatile, left-handed instrument with reliable tuning and classic Ibanez styling.
Pros
- Quilted maple art grain top for visual appeal
- High-output Infinity R pickups with H-S-H configuration
- Synchronized tremolo for pitch effects
- Left-handed orientation for southpaw players
- Full-size body suitable for most players
Cons
- No gigbag or case included in the base package
- Weight of 8.16 pounds may feel heavy for some players
Good fit if
- You are a left-handed beginner or intermediate player
- You want a versatile pickup configuration with a tremolo bridge
- You prefer a visually distinctive quilted maple top
Skip if
- You need a guitar with a fixed bridge for tuning stability
- You prefer a lighter instrument under 8 pounds
- You want a model that includes a case or bag
Verdict: Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed offers a quilted maple top, H-S-H pickups, and a tremolo bridge at an accessible level for left-handed players, making it a solid alternative to the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Les Paul.
Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed Bundle
Best for: left-handed beginners wanting a complete electric guitar bundle
- Neck Material
- Maple
- Pickup Configuration
- Infinity pickups
- Hand Orientation
- Left-Handed
- Dimensions
- 41.9 × 17.7 × 3.35 inches
- Weight
- 10.4 pounds
This Ibanez GIO GRX70QAL is a left-handed electric guitar bundle that includes an amp, gig bag, tuner, cable, picks, instructional DVD, and polishing cloth. It has a maple neck for stability and bright tone, Infinity pickups for clear high-gain sound, and a T106 tremolo bridge with six independent saddles for precise setup adjustments. It suits beginners or players who want a complete starter package.
Pros
- Maple neck provides stability and bright tonal character
- Infinity pickups deliver tight, dynamic sound with clarity under high gain
- T106 tremolo bridge with six independent saddles for precise intonation and height adjustments
- Bundle includes amp, gig bag, tuner, cable, picks, DVD, and polishing cloth
Cons
- No coil-splitting or additional pickup voicing options listed
- Bundle adds weight and bulk compared to guitar-only options
- Tremolo bridge may require more maintenance than a fixed bridge
Good fit if
- You are a left-handed guitarist looking for a complete starter bundle
- You want a maple neck for bright tone and stability
- You prefer a tremolo bridge for subtle pitch effects
Skip if
- You already own an amp and accessories and want a guitar only
- You need a fixed bridge for tuning stability during heavy use
- You want a Les Paul-style body or set-neck construction
Verdict: Ibanez GIO GRX Left-Handed Bundle offers a solid left-handed starter package with a maple neck, Infinity pickups, and a tremolo bridge, plus essential accessories in one box.
Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster Left-Handed
Best for: left-handed players wanting vintage Telecaster specs
- Fretboard Material
- Maple
- Pickup Configuration
- Fender-Designed alnico pickups
- Hand Orientation
- Left-Handed
- Dimensions
- 44.5 × 15 × 4 inches
- Weight
- 10.5 pounds
View on Amazon: Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster Left-Handed
This full-size electric guitar gives you a left-handed build inspired by 1950s Telecaster designs. It features Fender-designed alnico pickups, a maple fingerboard, nickel-plated hardware, and a vintage-tint gloss neck finish. Weighing 10.5 pounds, it includes a two-year warranty. You get traditional Fender specifications if you prefer single-coil clarity over thicker dual-humbucker tones.
Pros
- Fender-Designed alnico pickups
- Maple fingerboard with vintage-tint gloss neck finish
- Two-year warranty included
- Nickel-plated hardware
Cons
- Heavy build at 10.5 pounds
- Does not include a gig bag or case
Good fit if
- You play left-handed and want vintage 1950s Telecaster styling.
- You prefer a maple fingerboard with Fender-designed alnico pickups.
Skip if
- You want a lighter instrument under 10 pounds.
- You prefer dual humbuckers over vintage single-coil voiced pickups.
Verdict: Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster Left-Handed suits left-handed players who want classic Fender alnico pickup response and maple-neck construction. It provides a distinct vintage single-coil alternative to traditional mahogany dual-humbucker instruments.
Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty
Best for: left-handed players wanting a traditional Les Paul
- Body Material
- Mahogany
- Neck Material
- Mahogany
- Fretboard Material
- Indian laurel
- Pickup Configuration
- Zebra Coil Ceramic Humbucker
- Hand Orientation
- left-handed
- Number of Frets
- 22
This is a left-handed Epiphone Les Paul Tribute in Heritage Cherry Sunburst. It has a mahogany body and mahogany neck with a 60s Slim Taper profile. The 22-fret Indian laurel fretboard and Epiphone 650R & 700T Zebra Coil Ceramic Humbucker pickups give you classic Les Paul tone. It suits left-handed players who want a traditional Les Paul look and feel without the higher price of a Custom model.
Pros
- Mahogany body and neck for warm, resonant tone
- 60s Slim Taper neck profile for comfortable playability
- Epiphone 650R & 700T Zebra Coil Ceramic Humbucker pickups
- Stop Bar Tailpiece and Locktone Tune-O-Matic bridge for stable tuning
- Available in three colors: Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Vintage Sunburst, and Ebony
Cons
- Indian laurel fretboard instead of rosewood or ebony
- No coil-splitting or push-pull pot options listed
- Only 22 frets, not 24
Good fit if
- You are a left-handed player looking for a classic Les Paul design
- You prefer a slim neck profile for faster playing
- You want a mahogany body and neck for rich sustain
Skip if
- You need a right-handed guitar
- You want a fretboard made of rosewood or ebony
- You require 24 frets or extended range
Verdict: Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty, Heritage Cherry Sunburst is a solid left-handed Les Paul option with mahogany construction and classic humbucker tone, but it lacks some premium features like a rosewood fretboard or coil-splitting.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Epiphone Les Paul Custom Lefty, Ebony | Donner 39 inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit | Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster Lefty Bundle | Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed | Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed Bundle | Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster Left-Handed | Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Material | Mahogany with figured maple veneer | not specified | Poplar | not specified | not specified | not specified | Mahogany |
| Neck Material | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Maple | not specified | Mahogany |
| Fretboard Material | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Maple | Indian laurel |
| Pickup Configuration | not specified | not specified | three single-coil | not specified | Infinity pickups | Fender-Designed alnico pickups | Zebra Coil Ceramic Humbucker |
| Number of Strings | not specified | not specified | 6 | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Hand Orientation | Lefty | Left-Handed | left-handed | Left-Handed | Left-Handed | Left-Handed | left-handed |
| Body Type | not specified | Solid body | solid body | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Number of Frets | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 22 |
| Color | Ebony | Sunburst | Black Left-Handed | Transparent Blue Burst | Left-Handed - Transparent Blue Burst | Butterscotch Blonde | Heritage Cherry Sunburst |
| Dimensions | 44.5 × 21.7 × 5.51 inches | 52.8 × 38.2 × 33.5 inches | 44.9 × 15 × 3.9 inches | 9.1 × 9.1 × 9.1 inches | 41.9 × 17.7 × 3.35 inches | 44.5 × 15 × 4 inches | not specified |
| Weight | not specified | not specified | not specified | 8.16 pounds | 10.4 pounds | 10.5 pounds | not specified |
| Size | Large | 39 Inch Left Handed | Left- Handed Sonic Strat w/ Amp | Full | Bundle w/ Amp | Full | not specified |
| Model | EIGLPCEBGH1L | EC1223 | not specified | GRX70QALTBB | GRX70QALTBB | 0374035550 | E1LPOHSNH1L |
If you manage studio airflow, you can compare tosot 12 alternatives based on published noise and cooling specifications.
Frequently asked questions
Are there left-handed alternatives with different pickup configurations?
Yes, you can choose models with different pickup layouts like the Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed. This model features an H-S-H pickup arrangement instead of standard dual humbuckers. It also includes a tremolo bridge and a quilted maple top, giving you more tonal variety than traditional configurations.
Which alternative provides a traditional single-cut design and mahogany construction?
You can look at the Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty. This model provides classic mahogany body construction and traditional humbucker tone in a Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish. It keeps the familiar single-cut feel, though the published specs note it lacks coil-splitting controls and does not use a rosewood fretboard.
Can you find all-in-one starter bundles among these alternatives?
Yes, several models come as complete packages. The Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster Lefty Bundle includes an amplifier and features single-coil pickups with a tremolo bridge. Alternatively, the Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed Bundle includes an amplifier, a maple neck, and Infinity pickups, weighing 10.4 pounds in the package.
What is a vintage-style alternative to a modern Epiphone Les Paul?
You can consider the Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster Left-Handed. Made by Fender, this full-size instrument features a Butterscotch Blonde finish and classic vintage styling. At a listed weight of 10.5 pounds, it gives you a distinct single-cut alternative with standard Telecaster dimensions measuring 44.5 inches in total length.
How heavy are these left-handed electric guitar options?
Guitar weights vary across the catalog based on hardware and body size. For example, the standalone Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed weighs 8.16 pounds. In contrast, the Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster Left-Handed lists at 10.5 pounds, giving you a heavier, vintage-styled build to support sustained playing stability.
Which left-handed alternative includes a tremolo bridge system?
You have options like the Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL and the Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster Lefty Bundle. Both models feature integrated tremolo bridges for pitch modulation. The Ibanez uses Infinity pickups in an H-S-H layout, while the Sonic Stratocaster package provides traditional single-coil pickups and an included amplifier.