Looking Beyond the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How Each Alternative Compares

Donner 39 inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit

The Donner 39-Inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit targets beginners who need a complete, affordable solution. Unlike the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s, which features a mahogany body with a maple top and ProBucker pickups for a classic tone, this Donner kit is a solid body instrument designed for assembly. It is smaller, measuring 52.8 inches in length, making it more manageable for new players. While the Epiphone offers a premium, ready-to-play experience with a gig bag, the Donner requires you to put the instrument together. It is a practical choice if you are budget-conscious and willing to build your own guitar rather than buying a finished, high-spec instrument.

Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster Lefty Bundle

The Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster Left Bundle provides a complete starter kit with a classic single-coil sound. This differs significantly from the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s, which uses mahogany and maple construction with ProBucker humbuckers for a thicker tone. The Squier is a solid body guitar with a distinct Stratocaster shape, measuring 44.9 inches in length. It is designed for beginners who need an affordable, ready-to-play setup. While the Epiphone offers a traditional Les Paul aesthetic and heavier build, the Squier offers versatility and a brighter tone. If you prefer a lighter instrument with a different tonal character, this bundle is a solid alternative for starting your left-handed journey.

Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed

The Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed offers solid build quality and tonal versatility for left-handed players. It differs from the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s, which is built with a mahogany body and neck and a maple top. The Ibanez is a full-size instrument weighing 8.16 pounds, providing a reliable performance for beginners and intermediates. While the Epiphone focuses on a classic Les Paul tone with its ProBucker pickups, the Ibanez emphasizes versatility and classic styling. It is a good choice if you want a versatile instrument that handles different styles well. The Ibanez provides a solid alternative for players who value build quality and tonal flexibility over the specific vintage aesthetic of the Les Paul.

Yamaha Pacifica Left-Handed Yellow Natural Satin

The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL Left-Handed is a solid choice for players seeking versatile tones and build quality. It differs from the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s, which features a mahogany body with a maple top and ProBucker pickups. The Yamaha is lighter, weighing 7.5 pounds, and has a compact body size. It is ideal for intermediate musicians exploring different styles due to its balanced specs. While the Epiphone offers a traditional, heavier Les Paul experience, the Pacifica provides a lighter, more versatile option. If you prioritize a lighter instrument with a broad tonal range, the Yamaha is a strong alternative. It suits players who want reliability and versatility without the specific weight and tone of a Les Paul.

ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Signature KH-202 Left-Handed

The ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Signature KH-202 Left-Handed offers a locking tremolo and humbuckers for aggressive playing. This contrasts with the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s, which has a fixed bridge and ProBucker pickups for a traditional tone. The ESP is designed for left-handed metal players who prioritize tuning stability and high-output tones. It features a black finish and a solid body construction. While the Epiphone focuses on vintage aesthetics and classic tone, the ESP is built for modern, high-gain performance. If you need a guitar that stays in tune during heavy use and delivers powerful tones, the ESP is a better fit. It sacrifices the classic Les Paul look for functionality suited to metal and hard rock.

Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster Left-Handed

The Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster Left-Handed offers vintage Fender styling with alnico pickups. It differs from the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s, which uses mahogany and maple construction with ProBucker pickups. The Squier is a solid body guitar with a distinct Telecaster shape, measuring 44.5 inches in length. It is designed for players who prioritize classic aesthetics and reliable hardware. While the Epiphone provides a thicker, humbucker-driven tone, the Squier offers a brighter, single-coil sound. It is a good choice if you prefer vintage Fender styling over the Les Paul look. The Squier suits players who want a reliable instrument with a classic tone, sacrificing the weight and warmth of the Epiphone for a lighter, brighter alternative.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s Figured Lefty

Best for: left-handed players wanting classic Les Paul tone

Body Material

Mahogany body and neck with a maple top

Neck Material

Mahogany

Fretboard Material

rosewood

Pickup Configuration

ProBucker pickups

Hand Orientation

left-handed

Body Type

solid body

View on Amazon: Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s Figured Lefty Affiliate link

This left-handed solid body guitar features a mahogany body and neck with a maple top. It uses ProBucker pickups, a Graph Tech nut, and a rosewood fingerboard. The LockTone bridge and tailpiece provide stable tuning. Single ply cream binding adds detail. A gig bag is included. It suits players seeking a classic Les Paul feel in a left-handed configuration.

Pros

• Mahogany body and neck with maple top
• ProBucker pickups for classic tone
• Graph Tech nut for tuning stability
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Includes gig bag

Cons

• Single ply cream binding may wear over time
• No active electronics or onboard tuning features
• Fixed bridge limits string gauge changes

Good fit if

• You need a left-handed Les Paul style guitar
• You prefer traditional mahogany and maple construction
• You want a guitar with a gig bag included

Skip if

• You require right-handed orientation
• You prefer active pickups for high gain
• You need a tremolo bridge system

Verdict: Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s Lefty delivers a traditional solid body experience with mahogany construction and ProBucker pickups, making it a solid choice for left-handed players seeking classic tone and stability.

2 Best budget

Donner 39 inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit

Best for: budget-conscious left-handed beginners

Hand Orientation

Left-Handed

Body Type

Solid Body

Target Audience

Beginners

Color

Sunburst

Dimensions

52.8 × 38.2 × 33.5 inches

View on Amazon: Donner 39 inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit Affiliate link

The Donner EC1223 is a solid-body electric guitar designed for left-handed players. It features a 39-inch body length and a classic sunburst finish. This kit includes a full set of hardware for assembly, making it a complete starting point. It suits beginners who need a left-handed instrument without a high price tag. The solid construction provides a stable base for learning.

Pros

• Solid body construction for durability
• Specifically designed for left-handed use
• Includes all necessary hardware for assembly
• Classic sunburst finish option available

Cons

• Requires full assembly before playing
• No included amplifier or accessories
• Basic hardware suitable only for beginners

Good fit if

• You are a left-handed beginner on a tight budget
• You want a complete kit with hardware included
• You prefer a solid body design

Skip if

• You need a right-handed instrument
• You want a pre-assembled instrument
• You require premium hardware or electronics

Verdict: Donner 39-Inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar is a practical entry-level option for left-handed players who need a complete, affordable kit. It fits those ready to assemble their own instrument and start learning.

3 Also great

Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster Lefty Bundle

Best for: left-handed beginners needing a full starter kit

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 Affiliate link

This left-handed Squier Sonic Stratocaster features a poplar solid body and a C-shaped neck for comfortable playability. It uses three single-coil pickups to deliver clear, versatile tones across genres. The bundle includes a Frontman 10G amp, cable, tuner, strap, and picks. You get a complete setup with sealed-gear tuning machines for accurate pitch. It is a practical option for left-handed players seeking a full starter kit.

Pros

• Three single-coil pickups provide crystal clarity and versatile tones
• Lightweight poplar body with an easy-to-play C-shaped neck
• Bundle includes Frontman 10G amp, cable, tuner, strap, and picks
• Sealed-gear tuning machines offer smooth and accurate tuning

Cons

• Poplar body is less tonally complex than mahogany or alder
• Frontman 10G amp is a basic entry-level model
• Vintage-style tremolo may lack stability for heavy vibrato use

Good fit if

• You are a left-handed player starting out
• You want a complete kit with an amp and accessories
• You prefer the classic Stratocaster single-coil sound

Skip if

• You need a right-handed guitar
• You require a premium solid wood body like mahogany
• You want a guitar without bundled accessories

Verdict: Squier Sonic Stratocaster Left-Handed Bundle offers a complete, affordable entry into left-handed playing. It suits beginners who need a ready-to-play setup with a classic single-coil sound.

4 Also great

Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed

Best for: left-handed players seeking versatility

Neck Material

Maple

Pickup Configuration

HSH

Hand Orientation

Left-Handed

Number of Frets

22

Dimensions

9.1 × 9.1 × 9.1 inches

Weight

8.16 pounds

View on Amazon: Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed Affiliate link

The Ibanez GRX70QAL is a full-size left-handed electric guitar featuring a quilted maple art grain top and transparent blue burst finish. It uses a versatile H-S-H pickup configuration with Infinity R pickups and a synchronized tremolo bridge. Weighing 8.16 pounds, it offers stable tuning and classic styling. This model suits beginners and intermediate players seeking a reliable instrument with chrome hardware and comfortable playability.

Pros

• Quilted maple art grain top
• Versatile H-S-H pickup configuration
• Infinity R high-output pickups
• Synchronized tremolo bridge
• Chrome hardware

Cons

• Heavier than many competitors at 8.16 pounds
• No included case or accessories in base spec
• Standard tremolo may lack advanced locking features

Good fit if

• You need a left-handed guitar with a classic look
• You want versatile tones from an H-S-H setup
• You are a beginner or intermediate player

Skip if

• You prefer lighter instruments under 7 pounds
• You need a right-handed guitar
• You require a hardtail bridge for tuning stability

Verdict: Ibanez GRX70QAL Left-Handed delivers solid build quality and tonal versatility for left-handed players. It fits beginners and intermediates who value classic styling and reliable performance.

5 Also great

Yamaha Pacifica Left-Handed Yellow Natural Satin

Best for: Left-handed players seeking versatile tones

Body Material

Alder

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Hand Orientation

Left-handed

Body Type

Solid

Dimensions

14.2 × 3.54 × 38.6 inches

View on Amazon: Yamaha Pacifica Left-Handed Yellow Natural Satin Affiliate link

The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL is a left-handed solid-body electric guitar with an alder body and maple neck. It features a rosewood fretboard and a humbucker pickup in the bridge position, paired with two single-coil pickups. This configuration offers a versatile tone suitable for various genres. The vintage-style tremolo bridge adds expressive capabilities. It is designed for players seeking a reliable, well-balanced instrument for left-handed play.

Pros

• Solid alder body for balanced resonance
• Maple neck with rosewood fretboard for smooth playability
• Versatile pickup configuration with bridge humbucker and two single coils
• Vintage-style tremolo bridge for pitch modulation

Cons

• Only one humbucker pickup limits high-gain tones compared to dual-humbucker models
• Single-coil pickups may produce more noise in high-gain settings
• Standard tuning range may not suit drop-tuning styles

Good fit if

• You need a reliable left-handed guitar with versatile tonal options
• You prefer the feel of a maple neck with a rosewood fretboard
• You want a tremolo bridge for expressive playing techniques

Skip if

• You require dual humbuckers for heavy distortion
• You prefer a fixed bridge for tuning stability
• You are looking for a guitar with active electronics

Verdict: Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL Left-Handed is a solid choice for left-handed players who value versatility and build quality. Its balanced specs make it ideal for intermediate musicians exploring different styles.

6 Best premium

ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Signature KH-202 Left-Handed

Best for: left-handed metal players

Body Material

Basswood

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Hand Orientation

Left-Handed

Number of Frets

24

Color

Black

View on Amazon: ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Signature KH-202 Left-Handed Affiliate link

This left-handed solidbody electric guitar features a basswood body and rosewood fingerboard. It is equipped with two humbucking pickups and a Floyd Rose tremolo system in black. The instrument measures 48 inches in height and 19 inches in length. It suits players seeking a stable bridge for heavy playing styles. The black finish aligns with the best black badge for this category.

Pros

• Floyd Rose tremolo system for pitch stability
• Two humbucking pickups for high output
• Basswood body construction
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Left-handed orientation

Cons

• Only two pickup configurations available
• No onboard electronics or active preamp listed
• Floyd Rose requires more setup time than fixed bridges

Good fit if

• You play heavy metal or hard rock
• You need a left-handed guitar with a locking tremolo
• You prefer a black finish

Skip if

• You want a classic Les Paul style
• You prefer single-coil pickup tones
• You need a right-handed instrument

Verdict: ESP LTD KH-202 Left-Handed Black offers a locking tremolo and humbuckers for aggressive playing. It fits left-handed players who prioritize tuning stability and high-output tones over traditional vintage aesthetics.

7

Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster Left-Handed

Best for: vintage-style tone seekers

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 Affiliate link

This left-handed Telecaster is 100% designed by Fender and inspired by 1950s-era models. It features Fender-Designed alnico pickups and a maple fretboard. The body measures 44.5 inches in length and weighs 10.5 pounds. You get nickel-plated hardware and a vintage-tint gloss neck finish. This instrument suits players seeking a classic vintage aesthetic and reliable Fender engineering in a left-handed configuration.

Pros

• Fender-Designed alnico pickups for authentic tone
• Maple fretboard for bright response
• Vintage-tint gloss neck finish
• 100% designed by Fender

Cons

• Heavier at 10.5 pounds than many competitors
• Standard 2-year warranty
• Fixed bridge limits tremolo flexibility

Good fit if

• You want a classic 1950s Telecaster look
• You prefer maple fretboards
• You need a left-handed model

Skip if

• You require active electronics
• You need a lightweight instrument under 8 pounds
• You prefer a modern double-cutaway body

Verdict: Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster Left-Handed offers vintage Fender styling with alnico pickups. It fits players who prioritize classic aesthetics and reliable hardware over modern features.

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