Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty vs Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar, (2026): Key Differences
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When you compare the epiphone les paul tribute lefty vs sg tribute electric guitar, you see two distinct shapes from Epiphone. Both instruments share a mahogany body and neck, along with a 22-fret Indian laurel fretboard and matching 60s slim taper profiles. The core difference lies in the body style and handedness. The Les Paul Tribute is available in a left-handed configuration with a single-cutaway design, while the SG Tribute features a double-cutaway body for right-handed players. This guide breaks down how these specifications affect your playing experience.
Key differences
| Aspect | Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty | Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar, Cherry |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Orientation | Left-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Les Paul single-cutaway | SG double-cutaway |
| Pickup Configuration | Zebra Coil Ceramic Humbucker | Double Black Coil Ceramic Humbucker |
| Color | Heritage Cherry Sunburst | Cherry |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty if
- You are a left-handed player seeking a traditional Les Paul silhouette.
- You prefer the slightly heavier, warmer tonal character often associated with zebra-coil pickups.
- You want a classic single-cutaway body style for easier access to the highest frets.
Choose Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar, Cherry if
- You play right-handed and prefer a lighter, more balanced guitar.
- You like the double-cutaway SG shape for better upper-fret accessibility.
- You prefer the visual contrast of double black coil pickups against a solid cherry finish.
Verdict: The Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty is the practical choice for left-handed players who want a classic Les Paul look and feel. The SG Tribute suits right-handed musicians who prefer a lighter instrument with a double-cutaway body. Your decision depends primarily on your handedness and preferred body shape.
Les Paul vs SG Tribute Specs
Hand orientation
The Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty is built specifically for left-handed players. This model features a left-handed configuration, making it ready for your needs without modification. In contrast, the Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar is listed with standard specifications. The data does not explicitly confirm a left-handed variant for the SG Tribute. If you play left-handed, the Les Paul model is the clear choice. The SG model typically defaults to right-handed orientation unless a specific lefty version is noted in the full product details. For left-handed accessibility, the Les Paul takes the lead.
Body shape
Body shape significantly affects balance and comfort. The Les Paul Tribute Lefty uses a traditional Les Paul shape with a mahogany body. This design is known for its solid feel and sustain. The SG Tribute Electric Guitar features the classic SG shape, also constructed from mahogany. The SG body is generally thinner and lighter than the Les Paul. This difference in profile can change how the guitar rests on your lap or against your body. Both use mahogany, but the silhouette differs. The Les Paul offers a bulkier, classic silhouette, while the SG provides a sleeker, double-cutaway profile for easier high-fret access.
Pickup configuration
Both guitars use Epiphone 650R and 700T ceramic humbuckers. The key difference lies in the coil appearance. The Les Paul Tribute Lefty features Zebra Coil humbuckers, which have alternating black and white bobbins. This is a vintage aesthetic choice. The SG Tribute Electric Guitar uses Double Black Coil humbuckers. Both configurations deliver similar tonal characteristics typical of these models. The coil color is primarily visual. It does not change the output or tone. You get the same pickup specs in both instruments. The choice comes down to whether you prefer the classic zebra look or the uniform black look on your guitar.
Neck profile
The neck profile is identical on both instruments. Both the Les Paul Tribute Lefty and the SG Tribute Electric Guitar feature a Mahogany neck with a 60s Slim Taper profile. This profile is designed to feel comfortable and familiar to players accustomed to vintage-style necks. The width and depth are consistent across both models. You will not notice a difference in how the neck feels in your hand. The fretboard material is also the same, using Indian laurel with 22 frets. This consistency ensures that your playing technique translates directly between the two shapes without adjustment.
Hardware
Both guitars share the same hardware setup. They both use a Locktone Stop Bar tailpiece and a Locktone Tune-O-Matic bridge. This hardware is known for providing solid sustain and stable tuning. The stop bar anchors the strings, while the tune-o-matic allows for precise intonation adjustment. Since the components are identical, there is no functional difference in your ability to tune or maintain the guitar. The hardware supports the mahogany construction effectively. You get reliable performance from both instruments. The choice between them will not be influenced by bridge or tailpiece differences.
Which guitar fits your playing style
Left-handed players needing a ready-to-play setup
This model is built specifically for left-handed players. You get a left-handed configuration that requires no modification. The mahogany body and neck provide a solid foundation. The 22-fret Indian laurel fretboard offers familiar playability. You can start playing immediately without worrying about right-handed restrictions or special orders.
Right-handed players wanting a classic SG shape
This guitar features the iconic SG shape with a mahogany body. It includes a Locktone Stop Bar and Tune-O-Matic bridge for stable tuning. The mahogany neck with a 60s slim taper profile ensures comfortable handling. You get double black coil ceramic humbuckers for a distinct tone. It is the standard choice for right-handed musicians.
Players preferring the traditional Les Paul silhouette
You choose this model for its classic Les Paul shape. The heritage cherry sunburst finish offers a vintage aesthetic. It shares the same mahogany construction and fretboard as the SG. The zebra coil ceramic humbuckers deliver a unique sound character. If you prefer the bulkier body and traditional look, this lefty version provides that specific tonal and visual profile.
The products compared
Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty
Best for: Left-handed players wanting mahogany Les Paul specs
- 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 mahogany body and neck for sustain. It uses a 60s slim taper neck profile with 22 frets and an Indian laurel fretboard. The Zebra Coil Ceramic Humbuckers (650R and 700T) provide classic tone. It suits left-handed players seeking traditional Les Paul specs and Heritage Cherry Sunburst styling.
Pros
- Mahogany body and neck construction
- 60s Slim Taper neck profile
- Zebra Coil Ceramic Humbucker pickups
- Left-handed orientation
Cons
- Only 22 frets available
- Indian laurel fretboard material
- Heavier mahogany build compared to mahogany-core alternatives
Good fit if
- You need a left-handed Les Paul shape
- You prefer mahogany body and neck wood
- You want a 60s slim taper neck profile
Skip if
- You require right-handed orientation
- You prefer a thinner neck profile
- You want more than 22 frets
Verdict: Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty delivers traditional mahogany specs and Zebra Coil pickups for left-handed players. It is the clear choice for those needing left-handed access to the classic Les Paul form factor.
Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar, Cherry
Best for: Left-handed players wanting classic SG ergonomics
- Body Material
- Mahogany
- Neck Material
- Mahogany
- Fretboard Material
- Indian laurel
- Pickup Configuration
- Double Black Coil Ceramic Humbucker
- Number of Frets
- 22
- Dimensions
- 40.3 × 8.8 × 3.5 inches
View on Amazon: Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar, Cherry Affiliate link
The Epiphone SG Tribute is a left-handed electric guitar featuring a mahogany body and neck. It includes a 60s slim taper profile and 22 frets on an Indian laurel fretboard. The double black coil ceramic humbuckers provide a distinct tone. This model measures 40.3 inches in length and weighs 8.9 pounds. It suits players seeking a classic SG shape with reliable hardware.
Pros
- Mahogany body and neck construction
- Locktone stop bar and tune-o-matic bridge
- 60s slim taper neck profile
- Double black coil ceramic humbuckers
Cons
- Heavier at 8.9 pounds compared to other models
- Only 22 frets on the fretboard
- Standard ceramic humbucker configuration
Good fit if
- You prefer a mahogany body and neck
- You want a classic SG shape
- You need a left-handed model
Skip if
- You prefer a lighter instrument under 8 pounds
- You need more than 22 frets
- You require active pickups
Verdict: Epiphone SG Tribute Cherry offers a solid mahogany build and classic hardware for left-handed players. It fits those who value traditional SG ergonomics and straightforward tone.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty | Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar, Cherry |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Dimensions | not stated | 40.3 × 8.8 × 3.5 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 8.9 pounds |
| Color | Heritage Cherry Sunburst | Cherry |
| Model | E1LPOHSNH1L | E1SGTCHNH1 |
Frequently asked questions
What are the exact dimensions of the Epiphone SG Tribute?
The Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar measures 40.3 inches in length, 8.8 inches in width, and 3.5 inches in height. It weighs 8.9 pounds. These physical specifications help you gauge how the instrument fits your body and playing posture compared to other models.
Does the SG Tribute come in a left-handed configuration?
The provided data for the Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar does not list a left-handed orientation. It is described as offering classic SG ergonomics but lacks the specific left-handed configuration found in the Les Paul Tribute Lefty model.
What is the model number for the Heritage Cherry Sunburst Les Paul?
The Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty in Heritage Cherry Sunburst has the model number E1LPOHSNH1L. This specific identifier helps you locate the exact left-handed version of the guitar with the traditional mahogany specs and Zebra Coil pickups.
What color options are available for these two models?
The Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty is available in Heritage Cherry Sunburst. The Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar is listed in Cherry. These finishes define the visual aesthetic of each instrument while maintaining their respective classic body shapes.
Which guitar is best for players who need left-handed access?
The Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Lefty is the clear choice for left-handed players. It is built specifically for this orientation, providing traditional mahogany specs and Zebra Coil pickups without requiring any modification or special ordering for right-handed setups.
How does the SG Tribute compare in weight to the Les Paul?
The Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar weighs 8.9 pounds. The provided specifications do not list a weight for the Les Paul Tribute Lefty, so a direct comparison is not possible based on the available data. You should check the SG's weight to gauge its balance.