6 Best Alternatives to the Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special (2026)

How alternatives compare to Epiphone

Enya INSPIRE PRO SD Smart Electric Guitar

The Enya Inspire Pro SD shifts focus from traditional wood construction to portability and smart features. It weighs just 7 pounds, making it significantly lighter than the Epiphone’s slab mahogany build. This carbon fiber electric guitar is designed for practice and recording without an amp, which the Epiphone cannot do natively. You trade the classic P-90 tone and included hardshell case for a durable, travel-friendly instrument. If you prioritize carrying your guitar everywhere or recording directly into a computer, this option suits you. However, you give up the thick, resonant mahogany body sound and the traditional aesthetic of the Les Paul Special design.

PRS SE Silver Sky Lefty Storm Gray

The PRS SE Silver Sky Lefty offers a completely different tonal profile and physical orientation. It is built for left-handed players, whereas the Epiphone is a standard right-handed instrument. The PRS uses single-coil pickups, providing clear articulation and versatility, which contrasts with the Epiphone’s custom Gibson P-90 Soapbars known for their thicker, vintage tone. It weighs 12.3 pounds, slightly heavier than the Enya but comparable to typical solid-body guitars. You gain standard scale length playability and a distinct look. You lose the specific P-90 character and the included protection case. This model is ideal if you need a left-handed option or prefer single-coil clarity over humbucker-style warmth.

Yamaha Pacifica Solid-Body Electric Guitar

The Yamaha Pacifica focuses on versatile 6-string tone and reliability rather than a specific reissue aesthetic. It features Seymour Duncan pickups and coil-split flexibility, offering more tonal options than the Epiphone’s fixed P-90 configuration. The Yamaha is a solid-body guitar designed for standard playing, but it lacks the included hardshell case and the slab mahogany body construction of the Epiphone. It weighs less and offers a different feel. You gain versatility and reliable hardware for a broader range of styles. You give up the classic Les Paul Special look and the specific vintage P-90 sound. This choice fits players who want a reliable workhorse with more tonal flexibility than a dedicated reissue model.

Fender Player II Stratocaster Rosewood

The Fender Player II Stratocaster Rosewood provides a traditional Stratocaster experience with rosewood fretboard warmth. It differs from the Epiphone in body shape, pickup configuration, and tonal character. The Stratocaster uses single-coil pickups, offering brighter tones compared to the Epiphone’s P-90 Soapbars. It weighs 11.2 pounds, which is lighter than many traditional Les Paul-style guitars. You gain a classic design and rosewood feel. You lose the mahogany body resonance, the P-90 tone, and the included hardshell case. This option suits players who prioritize classic Stratocaster tone and feel over the thicker, mid-heavy sound of the Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special.

ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Demonology Electric Guitar

The ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Demonology targets metal players with a signature model aesthetic and standard dimensions. It weighs 16 pounds, making it heavier than the Epiphone. The guitar is built for heavy playing with a distinct black look, differing significantly from the TV Yellow finish of the Epiphone. It offers a specific signature model experience rather than a classic reissue. You gain a design tailored for metal and a robust build. You lose the traditional mahogany tone, the P-90 pickups, and the included case. This model is best for players who want a specific signature instrument for metal genres rather than a versatile classic rock or blues guitar.

Cort KX507MS 7-String Multi-Scale

The Cort KX507MS 7-String Multi-Scale is designed for extended range and modern metal. It features 7 strings and a multi-scale fretboard, which is a major departure from the Epiphone’s standard 6-string setup. The scale length ranges from 25.5 to 27 inches, providing precise tension control for lower tunings. You gain extended range and modern active tones suitable for complex genres. You lose the traditional 6-string layout, the P-90 tone, and the classic Les Paul Special construction. This option is ideal for players who require extended range and do not mind a complex neck profile. It is not suitable for those seeking a standard vintage-style instrument.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special TV Yellow

Best for: Players seeking classic P-90 tone

Body Material

Slab Mahogany

Neck Material

1pc Mahogany

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Pickup Configuration

2 custom Gibson P-90 Soapbar pickups

Body Type

solid body

View on Amazon: Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special TV Yellow Affiliate link

This solid-body electric guitar features a slab mahogany body and a one-piece mahogany neck. It uses a bound rosewood fretboard and two custom Gibson P-90 Soapbar pickups. You get individual volume and tone controls for sound shaping. The package includes a hardshell case with a pink plus interior. It suits players seeking a classic Les Paul Special tone and build.

Pros

• Slab mahogany body construction
• One-piece mahogany neck
• Two custom Gibson P-90 Soapbar pickups
• Bound rosewood fretboard
• Includes hardshell case

Cons

• Fixed bridge limits string gauge changes
• Single-cutaway design restricts upper fret access
• No onboard electronics for active tone shaping

Good fit if

• You want a classic P-90 tone
• You prefer a one-piece mahogany neck
• You need a hardshell case included

Skip if

• You need a double-cutaway body
• You require active electronics
• You prefer a maple neck

Verdict: Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special Reissue delivers a traditional mahogany build with P-90 pickups. It fits players who value classic tone and included protection over modern features.

2 Also great

Enya INSPIRE PRO SD Smart Electric Guitar

Best for: Portable practice and recording without an amp

Body Material

Carbon fiber

Pickup Configuration

HSS

Color

Purple

Weight

8 pounds

View on Amazon: Enya INSPIRE PRO SD Smart Electric Guitar Affiliate link

The Enya Inspire Pro SD features a one-piece carbon fiber body for stable tone and moisture resistance. It includes Seymour Duncan SSL+TB4 pickups and a 20W onboard speaker with 50+ amp models. This electric guitar weighs 7 pounds and offers USB-C OTG recording. It suits players seeking a lightweight, all-in-one instrument for practice or live performance without needing an external amplifier.

Pros

• One-piece carbon fiber body for stability and shock resistance
• Seymour Duncan SSL+TB4 pickup configuration for rich output
• 20W onboard speaker with over 50 amp presets
• USB-C OTG recording and silent headphone practice
• Lightweight 7-pound build for easy transport

Cons

• No traditional external amplifier output jack listed
• Heavyweight for a solid-body electric at 7 pounds
• Requires smartphone app for full tone customization

Good fit if

• You want a moisture-proof guitar for varied environments
• You need silent practice with built-in headphone support
• You prefer an all-in-one unit with no extra amp

Skip if

• You require a traditional wood body tone
• You need a standard guitar for a conventional stage rig
• You prefer analog controls over digital app management

Verdict: Enya Inspire Pro SD Carbon Fiber Electric Guitar is a smart choice for players who prioritize portability and integrated recording features. It fits those who want a durable, lightweight instrument for practice or travel without carrying extra gear.

3 Best left-handed

PRS SE Silver Sky Lefty Storm Gray

Best for: left-handed players seeking single-coil clarity

Body Material

poplar

Neck Material

maple

Fretboard Material

rosewood

Pickup Configuration

three single-coil

Hand Orientation

left-handed

Number of Frets

22

View on Amazon: PRS SE Silver Sky Lefty Storm Gray Affiliate link

The PRS SE Silver Sky Lefty is a solid-body electric guitar designed for left-handed players. It features a poplar body and a bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fretboard. The 25.5-inch scale length and 22-fret neck offer a familiar feel. Three single-coil 635JM pickups provide distinct tones. This instrument suits left-handed musicians seeking a versatile, well-built alternative to the Epiphone Les Paul Special.

Pros

• Left-handed orientation specifically for left-handed players
• Three single-coil 635JM pickups for tone variety
• Bolt-on maple neck with rosewood fretboard
• 25.5-inch scale length for standard string tension

Cons

• Poplar body is less premium than mahogany options
• 22-fret limit restricts access to highest notes
• Includes only a gigbag, not a hard case

Good fit if

• You play left-handed and need a dedicated model
• You prefer single-coil clarity over humbucker warmth
• You want a bolt-on neck for bright attack

Skip if

• You require a right-handed instrument
• You need a hard case included in the box
• You prefer a thinner neck profile with more frets

Verdict: PRS SE Silver Sky Lefty, Storm Gray delivers reliable left-handed playability with versatile single-coil tones. It fits left-handed players who value standard scale length and clear articulation over the thicker sound of Les Paul-style guitars.

4 Best budget

Yamaha Pacifica Solid-Body Electric Guitar

Best for: versatile 6-string tone and reliability

Number of Strings

6

Hand Orientation

Right

Body Type

Solid-Body

Dimensions

18 × 7 × 45 inches

View on Amazon: Yamaha Pacifica Solid-Body Electric Guitar Affiliate link

The Yamaha PAC612VII is a right-handed solid-body electric guitar in translucent black. It features Seymour Duncan SSL-1 and TB-14 pickups with a push-pull coil split on the master tone knob. The Wilkinson VS50 bridge and Graph Tech TUSQ nut provide stable tuning. This 6-string model suits players seeking versatile tones and reliable hardware for various genres.

Pros

• Seymour Duncan SSL-1 and Custom 5 TB-14 pickups
• Push-pull coil split on master tone knob
• Graph Tech TUSQ nut for tuning stability
• Wilkinson VS50 bridge

Cons

• Right-hand orientation only
• No multi-scale fretboard for extended range clarity
• Standard 6-string configuration limits low-end depth

Good fit if

• You want versatile tones via coil splitting
• You prefer Seymour Duncan pickups
• You play standard 6-string repertoire

Skip if

• You are left-handed
• You need 7-string capability
• You require multi-scale fretboards

Verdict: Yamaha PAC612VII Translucent Black offers reliable hardware and versatile pickup options for standard 6-string players. It fits those who value Seymour Duncan tones and coil-split flexibility over extended range or left-handed designs.

5 Best rosewood

Fender Player II Stratocaster Rosewood

Best for: players seeking traditional Strat tone

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Dimensions

42 × 17 × 4.5 inches

Weight

11.2 pounds

View on Amazon: Fender Player II Stratocaster Rosewood Affiliate link

The Fender Player II Stratocaster offers a classic Stratocaster body shape with a rosewood fingerboard. It measures 42 inches in length and weighs 11.2 pounds. The guitar features a 3-color sunburst finish. You will appreciate the traditional feel and the specific tonal characteristics provided by the rosewood fretboard. This model is available in multiple color options to suit your visual preferences.

Pros

• Rosewood fingerboard for warm tone
• Classic Stratocaster body design
• Available in 3-color Sunburst finish
• Lightweight at 11.2 pounds

Cons

• Heavier than many competitors in this list
• Standard 22-fret scale limits extreme high-register playability
• No smart features or digital connectivity

Good fit if

• You prefer the warm tone of rosewood over maple
• You want a traditional Stratocaster feel
• You value classic aesthetics over modern tech

Skip if

• You need a 7-string guitar
• You require smart connectivity features
• You prefer a lighter instrument under 10 pounds

Verdict: Fender Player II Stratocaster Rosewood is a solid choice for players seeking traditional tone and feel. It suits those who prioritize classic design and rosewood warmth over modern features or extreme versatility.

6 Also great

ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Demonology Electric Guitar

Best for: Metal players wanting a signature model

Color

Black

Dimensions

47 × 5 × 19 inches

Weight

16 pounds

View on Amazon: ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Demonology Electric Guitar Affiliate link

The ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Demonology is a black electric guitar designed for high-gain performance. It measures 47 inches in length and weighs 16 pounds. The body width is 5 inches, and the height is 19 inches. This model features a signature design linked to the Metallica guitarist. It suits players seeking a specific aesthetic and scale length for heavy music styles.

Pros

• Signature Kirk Hammett model design
• Solid black finish
• Standard 47-inch overall length
• 5-inch body width

Cons

• 16-pound weight may be heavy for long sessions
• No specific tonewood or pickup specs listed
• Limited to two style variations

Good fit if

• You want a signature model from a metal icon
• You prefer a standard scale length
• You like the Demonology aesthetic

Skip if

• You need detailed pickup configuration data
• You prefer lighter instruments under 15 pounds
• You want a traditional Les Paul shape

Verdict: ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Demonology fits players who want a specific metal signature model. It offers a distinct look and standard dimensions for heavy playing.

7 Best premium

Cort KX507MS 7-String Multi-Scale

Best for: extended range modern metal

Body Material

Mahogany

Neck Material

5pcs Maple and Purple Heart

Fretboard Material

Macassar Ebony

Pickup Configuration

Fluence Modern Humbucker Set

Number of Strings

7

Scale Length

25.5"- 27"

View on Amazon: Cort KX507MS 7-String Multi-Scale Affiliate link

The Cort KX507MS is a 7-string solid-body electric guitar designed for extended range playing. It features a multi-scale length ranging from 25.5 to 27 inches, which tightens tension on the low B string. The body uses mahogany with a pale moon ebony top, while the neck combines five pieces of maple and purple heart. Macassar ebony covers the fingerboard, and Fluence Modern humbuckers provide the sound.

Pros

• 7-string configuration with multi-scale length (25.5"- 27")
• Mahogany body with pale moon ebony top
• Fluence Modern Humbucker Set pickups
• Macassar ebony fingerboard

Cons

• Multi-scale design requires adaptation for standard scale players
• Seven strings limit chord voicings compared to 6-string models
• Heavy and complex build may not suit beginners

Good fit if

• You need extended low-end range for modern metal or djent
• You prefer tighter string tension on the lowest strings
• You want active pickups with clear articulation

Skip if

• You only play standard 6-string repertoire
• You prefer traditional single-scale necks
• You are a beginner looking for simplicity

Verdict: Cort KX507MS 7-String Multi-Scale is built for players who require extended range and precise tension control. It fits those who need modern active tones and do not mind a complex neck profile.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

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