Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty or Epiphone SG Tribute, Ebony? Which Epiphone Model to Buy
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This guide covers the epiphone les paul tribute lefty vs sg tribute ebony. Both guitars share a mahogany body and neck, offering similar tonal foundations. They also use the same 60s slim taper profile and Indian laurel fretboard. The main difference lies in the body shape and handedness. One is built for left-handed players with a Les Paul silhouette. The other is a right-handed SG model in black. You need to decide which physical form factor suits your playing style.
Key differences
| Aspect | Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty | Epiphone SG Tribute, Ebony |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Orientation | Left-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Les Paul | SG |
| Pickup Configuration | Zebra Coil Ceramic Humbucker | Double Black Coil Ceramic Humbucker |
| Color | Heritage Cherry Sunburst | Ebony |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty if
- You play left-handed
- You prefer the traditional Les Paul body shape
- You like a Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish
Choose Epiphone SG Tribute, Ebony if
- You play right-handed
- You prefer the thinner SG body shape
- You want a solid black Ebony finish
Verdict: Choose the Les Paul Tribute Lefty if you require a left-handed instrument or prefer the classic Les Paul silhouette. Pick the SG Tribute Ebony if you are right-handed and want a lighter, thinner body with a black finish. Both models share identical core construction materials and hardware.
Side by Side Comparison Details
Hand Orientation
The Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty is built specifically for left-handed players. Its design accommodates your left-handed playing style right out of the box. The Epiphone SG Tribute Ebony is listed as a standard right-handed model. If you play left-handed, the Les Paul is the only viable option here. The SG requires a right-handed setup, which changes how you hold and strum the instrument. Choosing the wrong orientation affects your comfort and technique significantly. You must match your hand dominance to the guitar's design.
Body Shape
Body shape influences how the guitar feels against your torso and how you reach the upper frets. The Les Paul Tribute Lefty features a traditional single-cutaway Les Paul shape with a mahogany body. This design is classic but can feel bulkier. The SG Tribute Ebony uses an SG shape, also with a mahogany body. The SG has a thinner, more contoured body with double cutaways. This allows easier access to the highest frets and often feels lighter on the strap. The SG is generally more agile for fast playing.
Pickup Configuration
Both guitars use Epiphone 650R and 700T ceramic humbuckers. The key difference is the coil wrapping style. The Les Paul Tribute Lefty uses zebra coil pickups, which have alternating white and black bobbins. This is a visual choice that does not change the tone. The SG Tribute Ebony uses double black coil pickups. Both sets offer similar output and tonal characteristics. The zebra coils on the Les Paul provide a vintage aesthetic. The black coils on the SG offer a uniform, modern look. The sound remains consistent between the two models.
Neck Profile
The neck feel is crucial for your playing comfort. Both guitars share the same neck construction. They both feature a mahogany neck with a 60s slim taper profile. This profile is designed to replicate the feel of vintage guitars from the 1960s. It is neither too thick nor too thin, offering a balanced grip. The fretboard material is also identical, using Indian laurel on both instruments. This means your hand position and feel will be very similar regardless of which model you choose. The neck specs are a direct match.
Color and Finish
Visual appearance is a personal preference. The Les Paul Tribute Lefty is available in Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Vintage Sunburst, and Ebony. The specific unit compared is the Heritage Cherry Sunburst. This finish offers a warm, classic look with gradient coloring. The SG Tribute Ebony comes in a solid Ebony black finish. This provides a sleek, uniform, and aggressive appearance. The SG also lists a general black color attribute. Your choice here depends entirely on whether you prefer a sunburst gradient or a solid black aesthetic.
Which Epiphone Tribute Suits You
Left-handed players needing a Les Paul shape
This model is built specifically for left-handed use. You get the classic Les Paul silhouette with a mahogany body. The 60s slim taper neck feels familiar. Indian laurel fretboard and ceramic humbuckers provide a solid tone. It is the only choice if you play left-handed.
Right-handed players wanting a lighter SG body
This right-handed SG weighs 8.3 pounds. The double cutaway design reduces weight compared to the Les Paul. You get the same mahogany construction and slim taper neck. The ebony finish looks sharp. It offers easier access to higher frets while maintaining the brand's standard tonal profile.
Players preferring the traditional Les Paul aesthetic
The Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish offers a classic look. You choose the single cutaway body style. The zebra coil pickups match the vintage aesthetic. This model retains the iconic silhouette. It is ideal if you want the traditional visual appeal alongside the mahogany tone and stop bar tailpiece.
Musicians seeking a modern black finish
The Ebony color provides a sleek, modern appearance. You get the double black coil pickups to match. The SG shape is distinct from the Les Paul. This model suits those who prefer a darker aesthetic. It combines the black finish with the reliable mahogany build and Indian laurel fretboard.
The products compared
Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty
Best for: left-handed players seeking mahogany resonance
- Body Material
- Mahogany
- Neck Material
- Mahogany
- Fretboard Material
- Indian laurel
- Pickup Configuration
- Zebra Coil Ceramic Humbucker
- Hand Orientation
- left-handed
- Number of Frets
- 22
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This left-handed Epiphone Les Paul Tribute features a solid mahogany body and neck for resonance. It includes a 60s slim taper neck profile and 22 frets on an Indian laurel fretboard. The zebra coil ceramic humbuckers deliver classic tone. It suits left-handed players seeking traditional Les Paul specs and availability in Heritage Cherry Sunburst.
Pros
- Mahogany body and neck construction
- 60s Slim Taper neck profile
- Zebra Coil Ceramic Humbuckers
- Left-handed orientation
Cons
- Only 22 frets available
- Indian laurel fretboard material
- Limited to four color options
Good fit if
- You play left-handed
- You prefer mahogany body resonance
- You want a slim taper neck
Skip if
- You require right-handed configuration
- You need more than 22 frets
- You prefer rosewood fretboards
Verdict: Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty fits left-handed players who want a mahogany body and slim neck profile. It offers a practical setup for those prioritizing traditional Les Paul specifications.
Epiphone SG Tribute, Ebony
Best for: players wanting a lightweight double-cutaway guitar
- 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
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The Epiphone SG Tribute in Ebony features a mahogany body and neck with a 60s slim taper profile. It includes 22 frets on an Indian laurel fretboard. The guitar uses a Locktone stop bar and tune-o-matic bridge. Double black coil ceramic humbuckers provide tone. It weighs 8.3 pounds. This model suits players who prefer a lighter, double-cutaway design for comfort and access.
Pros
- Mahogany body and neck construction
- 60s slim taper neck profile
- Locktone stop bar and tune-o-matic bridge
- Double black coil ceramic humbuckers
- Lightweight at 8.3 pounds
Cons
- Only 22 frets available
- Ceramic magnets in pickups
- Fixed bridge limits string gauge changes
Good fit if
- You prefer a lighter guitar for long sessions
- You want a double-cutaway design for high fret access
- You like the classic SG shape and ebony finish
Skip if
- You require a thicker neck profile
- You need more than 22 frets
- You prefer a single-cutaway body style
Verdict: Epiphone SG Tribute Ebony is a practical choice for players seeking a lightweight, accessible guitar. It fits those who value the SG form factor and mahogany tone over a thicker neck feel.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty | Epiphone SG Tribute, Ebony |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Neck Material | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Fretboard Material | Indian laurel | Indian laurel |
| Pickup Configuration | Zebra Coil Ceramic Humbucker | Double Black Coil Ceramic Humbucker |
| Hand Orientation | left-handed | not stated |
| Number of Frets | 22 | 22 |
| Color | Heritage Cherry Sunburst | Black |
| Dimensions | not stated | 40.2 × 20.9 × 3.5 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 8.3 pounds |
| Model | E1LPOHSNH1L | E1SGTEBNH1 |
| Size | not stated | 41 cm (width) x 103 cm (length) x 9 cm (height) |
Frequently asked questions
Can I play the SG Tribute with my left hand?
The Epiphone SG Tribute Ebony is designed as a standard right-handed instrument. The controls and string orientation are configured for right-hand playing. If you are left-handed, you would need to restring it upside down or modify the hardware. This model does not come pre-set for left-handed use, unlike the dedicated lefty Les Paul option.
Does the SG Tribute feel lighter than the Les Paul?
Yes, the SG Tribute Ebony weighs 8.3 pounds. This is generally lighter than traditional Les Paul models due to its thinner body construction. The SG design offers a lightweight double-cutaway form factor. This makes it more accessible for long playing sessions compared to the heavier solid mahogany Les Paul body.
What finish does the lefty Les Paul have?
The Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty features a Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish. This classic aesthetic complements the traditional mahogany body. It provides a vintage look while maintaining the practical setup for left-handed players. The color choice highlights the wood grain and offers a timeless appearance for your instrument.
Is the SG Tribute available in other colors?
The specific model listed is the Ebony version, which has a Black finish. The data confirms this color option for the SG Tribute. Other finishes may exist in the broader product line, but this particular listing is strictly for the black variant. Check the specific model number for exact color availability.
Do both guitars have mahogany bodies?
Yes, both instruments share a mahogany body and neck construction. This common material choice provides a warm, resonant tone foundation for both guitars. The mahogany wood contributes to the sustain and overall sound character. You can expect similar tonal qualities despite the different body shapes and handedness options.
What is the neck profile on these guitars?
Both the Les Paul Tribute Lefty and the SG Tribute Ebony feature a 60s slim taper neck profile. This shape offers a comfortable feel for various playing styles. The slim taper design allows for faster movement across the fretboard. It is a consistent feature across both models for a familiar playing experience.
What fretboard material do these Epiphone models use?
Both guitars are equipped with an Indian laurel fretboard. This material provides a smooth surface for your fingers to glide along the strings. The Indian laurel is known for its durability and consistent texture. It is a standard specification for these tribute models, ensuring a reliable playing surface.
Which model is better for beginners?
The SG Tribute Ebony is often preferred for beginners due to its lighter weight and accessible double-cutaway design. At 8.3 pounds, it is easier to handle for extended periods. The Les Paul Tribute Lefty is ideal only if you specifically require a left-handed instrument. Otherwise, the SG offers a more ergonomic starting point.