Looking Beyond the Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How these alternatives compare

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine White

The Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine White shares the traditional mahogany construction and classic Les Paul silhouette found in the 1959 Standard. It distinguishes itself with 490/498 pickups, which provide a distinct tonal character compared to the vintage wiring of the original. At 19.4 pounds, it is slightly lighter than many heavy Les Pauls, though still substantial. You get the Alpine White finish for a cleaner aesthetic. If you want the classic Les Paul tone and build but prefer the specific pickup configuration or the white finish, this model is a strong alternative. It prioritizes traditional sustain and construction over modern hardware flexibility.

ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte Black Satin

The ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte is a stark departure from the Epiphone 1959 Standard. It features a heavier build at 25 pounds and an ebony fingerboard, contrasting with the rosewood and mahogany of the Les Paul. The primary difference is the EMG JH SET active pickups, designed for high-output metal rhythm tones rather than the vintage rock sound of the original. With a length of 53 inches, it is physically larger. This guitar suits players who prioritize aggressive, modern metal tones and the specific feel of ebony over the classic aesthetics and lighter weight of the Epiphone. It is a tool for heavy playing, not a vintage reissue.

Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster HSS Floyd Rose

The Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster HSS Floyd Rose offers a completely different platform. It uses an HSS pickup configuration with a bridge humbucker, providing versatile tones that differ from the dual humbuckers of the Les Paul. The Floyd Rose tremolo system allows for dive bombs and stable tuning, a feature absent in the fixed-bridge Epiphone. Weighing only 13.9 pounds, it is significantly lighter than the 1959 Standard. The 3-Color Sunburst finish offers a classic look, but the body shape and neck profile are distinct. You should choose this if you need tremolo stability and a bridge humbucker for genres beyond classic rock, valuing modern neck comfort and tuning flexibility over traditional Les Paul sustain.

ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune Black Satin

The ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune Black Satin focuses on tuning stability through its Evertune bridge, a significant upgrade over the standard tune-o-matic of the Epiphone. It features active pickups and an ebony fingerboard, offering a darker, more aggressive tone compared to the vintage-voiced humbuckers of the 1959 Standard. At 12 pounds, it is lighter than the original. The Black Satin finish provides a heavy, dark look suitable for metal and hard rock. This guitar is ideal for players who prioritize absolute tuning stability and a modern, aggressive aesthetic. It gives up the classic mahogany/rosewood feel and vintage tone for precision and active power.

Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Cherry Red with Hard Case

The Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-Hollow is a f-hole equipped alternative that offers a different sonic profile. While it shares the 1959 naming convention and traditional construction ethos, the semi-hollow body produces a brighter, more resonant tone with less sustain than the solid mahogany body of the Standard. It is larger, measuring 47.2 inches in length and 19.7 inches in width. The Cherry Red finish provides a classic aesthetic. You should pick this if you want a vintage tone seeker with a semi-hollow sound without extra bulk. It fits players who value the included hard case and traditional construction but require the acoustic resonance and feedback resistance of a semi-hollow design over the solid body punch of the Les Paul.

ESP LTD EC-1000QM Piezo

The ESP LTD EC-1000QM Piezo offers unique versatility through its Fishman Powerbridge system. It maintains the classic Les Paul shape and mahogany body but adds piezo capabilities for acoustic-electric tones. This is a major functional difference from the purely electric Epiphone 1959 Standard. Weighing only 10 pounds, it is the lightest option listed. The See Thru Black finish provides a sleek look. You should choose this if you want piezo versatility in a Les Paul shape. It is ideal for players who value the classic silhouette combined with the ability to switch between electric and acoustic sounds, sacrificing the pure vintage electric tone for multi-textural flexibility.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue

Best for: Classic rock tones and vintage aesthetics

Neck Material

1pc Mahogany

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Number of Strings

6

Body Type

solid body

Dimensions

44.1 × 15.7 × 6.1 inches

View on Amazon: Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Affiliate link

This solid-body electric guitar features a mahogany body with a maple top and a one-piece mahogany neck. It includes a rosewood fretboard and vintage-style hardware like CTS pots. The full-size instrument measures 44.1 inches long and comes with a hardshell case. It suits players seeking a classic 1959 Les Paul aesthetic and tonal profile without the custom shop price tag.

Pros

• Mahogany body with maple top and AAA flame maple veneer
• One-piece mahogany neck with 59 rounded medium C profile
• Rosewood fretboard with single-ply binding
• CTS pots with 50s era wiring and Mallory capacitors
• Vintage-style brown and pink hardshell case included

Cons

• Solid body design lacks the hollow-body resonance of ES-355 models
• Standard tuners rather than locking or locking tremolo systems
• Fixed bridge limits pitch modulation capabilities

Good fit if

• You want a classic 1959 Les Paul reissue
• You prefer a mahogany body with a maple top
• You need a guitar that includes a hardshell case

Skip if

• You require a tremolo bridge system
• You prefer a hollow-body archtop design
• You need locking tuners for heavy vibrato use

Verdict: Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue offers a traditional mahogany and maple build with vintage wiring for players who value classic tone and aesthetics over modern hardware flexibility.

2 Also great

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine White

Best for: players wanting classic Les Paul tone and build

Pickup Configuration

Gibson 490/498 Humbucker set

Dimensions

43.8 × 15.8 × 5.91 inches

Weight

19.4 pounds

View on Amazon: Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine White Affiliate link

This Epiphone Les Paul Custom features a solid mahogany body with a two-piece maple top. It includes a Gibson 490/498 Humbucker set for tone. The long neck tenon design aims to maximize sustain. It weighs 19.4 pounds and measures 43.8 inches in length. This instrument suits players seeking a classic Les Paul build with high-end pickup specifications.

Pros

• Gibson 490/498 Humbucker set
• Solid mahogany body with maple top
• Long neck tenon for sustain

Cons

• Heavy at 19.4 pounds
• Long 43.8-inch length
• No piezo or multi-output options

Good fit if

• You want Gibson 490/498 pickups
• You prefer a mahogany and maple build
• You like the Les Paul Custom aesthetic

Skip if

• You need a lighter guitar
• You want a Stratocaster configuration
• You require piezo electronics

Verdict: Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom delivers classic tone via its 490/498 pickups. It fits players who prioritize traditional mahogany construction and heavy sustain over lightweight portability.

3 Best premium

ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte Black Satin

Best for: Metal rhythm players seeking active tone

Body Material

Mahogany

Neck Material

Three-piece mahogany

Fretboard Material

Ebony

Number of Frets

22

Scale Length

24.75"

Dimensions

53 × 23 × 6 inches

View on Amazon: ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte Black Satin Affiliate link

This ESP LTD model is a set-neck guitar built for heavy rhythm playing. It features a mahogany body and three-piece mahogany neck for sustain. The ebony fingerboard has 22 extra-jumbo frets and a snake inlay. EMG JH SET active pickups provide high output. Weighing 25 pounds, it is a substantial instrument suited for metal musicians seeking a specific signature tone and build quality.

Pros

• Set-neck mahogany construction for enhanced sustain
• EMG JH SET active pickups for high output
• Ebony fingerboard with 22 extra-jumbo frets
• TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece

Cons

• Heavy at 25 pounds
• Active pickups require battery power
• No passive pickup option listed

Good fit if

• You play metal and need high-output active pickups
• You prefer the feel of an ebony fingerboard
• You want a set-neck design for sustain

Skip if

• You need a lightweight instrument for long gigs
• You prefer passive pickups for vintage tones
• You want a lighter gauge fretboard like maple

Verdict: ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte is a heavy, high-output tool for metal rhythm players. It suits those who prioritize the EMG JH SET tone and ebony feel over lightweight comfort.

4 Best budget

Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster HSS Floyd Rose

Best for: players needing bridge humbucker and tremolo stability

Neck Material

Modern "C" neck (not specified)

Fretboard Material

12" radius fingerboard (not specified)

Pickup Configuration

HSS

Dimensions

42.1 × 15.3 × 4.7 inches

Weight

13.9 pounds

View on Amazon: Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster HSS Floyd Rose Affiliate link

This Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster features an HSS pickup configuration with a bridge humbucker and noiseless strats. It includes a double-locking Floyd Rose Special tremolo for stable pitch changes and a coil-split control for single-coil tones. The modern C neck with rolled edges aids playability. This bundle includes a gig bag, strap, and cable. It suits players seeking versatile Strat tones with modern hardware stability.

Pros

• HSS pickup configuration with modified humbucker and noiseless strats
• Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo system
• Coil-split tone control on second knob
• Modern C neck with rolled edges

Cons

• Heavier at 13.9 pounds compared to standard Strats
• Floyd Rose tremolo can be complex for beginners
• Fingerboard material not specified in data

Good fit if

• You want Strat versatility with a bridge humbucker
• You need stable tuning for heavy vibrato use
• You prefer a bundle with essential accessories

Skip if

• You prefer traditional single-coil Stratocaster sounds only
• You want a lighter instrument under 10 pounds
• You dislike double-locking tremolo systems

Verdict: Fender Player II Modified Strat HSS Floyd Rose delivers versatile tones and stable tuning for players who need a bridge humbucker and reliable vibrato performance. It is ideal for those who value the included accessories and modern neck comfort.

5 Best black

ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune Black Satin

Best for: heavy metal and hard rock players

Body Material

mahogany

Neck Material

mahogany

Fretboard Material

ebony

Pickup Configuration

2 active humbucking pickups

Body Type

solidbody

Color

Black

View on Amazon: ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune Black Satin Affiliate link

The ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune BB is a solidbody electric guitar finished in black satin. It features a mahogany body and neck with a maple top. The ebony fingerboard pairs with two active humbucking pickups. Weighing 12 pounds, it offers a stable build. This model suits players seeking tuning stability and a dark aesthetic for heavy styles.

Pros

• Mahogany body and neck construction
• Ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
• Two active humbucking pickups
• Black satin finish

Cons

• Heavier at 12 pounds
• Active pickups may require battery changes
• Limited tonal flexibility compared to passive setups

Good fit if

• You want reliable tuning stability
• You prefer a dark black finish
• You play high-gain or heavy music

Skip if

• You need a lighter guitar
• You prefer passive pickups
• You want a vintage aesthetic

Verdict: The ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune BB fits players who prioritize tuning stability and a heavy, dark look. Its active pickups and ebony fingerboard support aggressive playing styles.

6 Also great

Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Cherry Red with Hard Case

Best for: vintage tone seekers

Dimensions

47.2 × 19.7 × 6.3 inches

View on Amazon: Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Cherry Red with Hard Case Affiliate link

This Epiphone ES-355 is a full-size semi-hollow electric guitar in Cherry Red. It features a long neck tenon for stability and gold-plated aluminum stop bar tailpiece. The body includes multi-ply binding for a classic look. It comes with a hardshell case. This model suits players seeking vintage-style tone and build quality without the weight of a solid body.

Pros

• Gold-plated lightweight aluminum stop bar tailpiece
• Long neck tenon for structural stability
• Multi-ply binding on the body
• Includes a hardshell case

Cons

• Semi-hollow construction may feedback at high volumes
• Larger body size than standard Les Pauls
• No piezo or electronic switching options listed

Good fit if

• You want a vintage-style semi-hollow tone
• You prefer the weight of a semi-hollow body
• You need a hardshell case included

Skip if

• You need a solid body for high-gain metal
• You prefer a smaller, lighter guitar
• You want active electronics or piezo output

Verdict: Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-Hollow is a solid choice for players who value traditional construction and included protection. It fits those who want a classic semi-hollow sound without extra bulk.

7 Also great

ESP LTD EC-1000QM Piezo

Best for: Players wanting piezo versatility in a Les Paul shape

Body Material

mahogany

Fretboard Material

ebony

Dimensions

45 × 5 × 17 inches

Weight

10 pounds

View on Amazon: ESP LTD EC-1000QM Piezo Affiliate link

The ESP LTD EC-1000QM Piezo is a mahogany-bodied electric guitar featuring a quilt maple top and ebony fretboard. It includes Fishman Powerbridge piezo electronics and two humbucking pickups. At 10 pounds, it offers a substantial build. This model suits players seeking acoustic-electric versatility with a classic Les Paul shape. It is designed for those who want to blend magnetic and piezo signals.

Pros

• Mahogany body construction
• Fishman Powerbridge piezo system
• Ebony fretboard
• Quilt maple top
• Two humbucking pickups

Cons

• Heavier at 10 pounds
• Limited to See Thru Black finish in this variant
• Piezo electronics may require external preamp for optimal tone

Good fit if

• You want piezo acoustic-electric capability
• You prefer a mahogany body with an ebony fretboard
• You like the Les Paul form factor

Skip if

• You need a lighter guitar under 8 pounds
• You prefer a solid color finish over translucent
• You do not use piezo systems

Verdict: The ESP LTD EC-1000QM Piezo delivers a versatile acoustic-electric experience with its Fishman Powerbridge and mahogany body. It is an ideal choice for players who value the classic Les Paul shape combined with piezo versatility.

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