Becoming Part of Something Bigger
In 1957, Epiphone became part of the legendary Gibson family—a turning point that helped redefine the brand.
This partnership allowed Epiphone to carry forward the iconic designs, tones, and spirit of Gibson, while making them more accessible to musicians around the world.
From that moment on, Epiphone became a gateway for players to experience legendary sound without compromise.
Built for Musicians, Everywhere
What makes Epiphone special is its balance between heritage and accessibility.
It’s a brand trusted by beginners picking up their first guitar—and equally respected by experienced musicians who want dependable tone and feel.
Across decades, Epiphone instruments have been played on stages, in studios, and in bedrooms around the world—becoming part of countless musical journeys
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom
This is where you’ll find the most historically accurate Epiphone Les Paul models, with premium components and features. Made in collaboration with Gibson Custom, these guitars feature vintage-style specifications like USA-made pickups and meticulous attention to detail, making them as faithful as possible to the historic guitars they’re based on, only without the price tag of the high-end Gibson version.
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson
This collection is split into two sections: Original and Modern. The Original Collection Les Paul guitars recreate Gibson Les Paul models from the 1950s and 60s, delivering traditional wood choices, neck profiles, and electronics. The Modern Collection takes the Les Paul and updates it for the modern player—the clue is in the name!— with features like coil splitting, advanced switching, and higher-output pickups that deliver a whole new world of tonal possibilities.
Epiphone Tribute Collection
The Epiphone Tribute Les Paul models are designed for beginner guitarists and parents shopping for guitars that children can enjoy playing while learning. Tribute range models combine mahogany bodies, bolt-on neck construction, laurel fretboards, ceramic humbucking pickups, and full gloss finishes to deliver that iconic Les Paul playing experience. The Tribute Collection is an accessible way to experience the look, sound, and feel of a Les Paul with a beginner electric guitar that you’ll actually enjoy using, which makes all the difference when you’re just starting out.
Epiphone Artist Collection
These Epiphone Les Paul models are built with input and close collaboration from some of the world’s biggest music artists. You’ll see the exact specifications requested by iconic players like Adam Jones of Tool, Slash, Matt Heafy of Trivium, and Joe Bonamassa, to name just a few. It’s the fastest way to get closer to the sound and style of your guitar heroes.
Next, we’ll break down the Epiphone Les Paul collections in greater detail, looking in detail at specifications and highlighting some key models.
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Les Paul guitars
The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Les Paul Collection gives players of all styles access to the iconic single-cutaway body shape of a Les Paul and the sustain-for-days tone that made the Les Paul a mainstay in modern music, at a very accessible price without compromising on quality. Whether you’re practicing at home, stepping onto a stage for the first time, or building a live touring rig, these guitars are designed to deliver.
Something to note when comparing models in this range is that the Inspired by Gibson collection is divided into two subsections: Original and Modern. The Original models stay true to the historic spirit of Golden Age Les Paul design, while the Modern models include performance upgrades like pickups with higher output, ergonomic adjustments like a contoured heel, and a few other tricks for more technically minded player
Now at Musical Buddies
At Musical Buddies, we’re proud to bring Epiphone closer to our community
This isn’t just about adding a new brand—it’s about giving musicians access to a legacy, a sound, and an experience that has shaped music for generations.
Whether you’re starting your journey or leveling up your sound, Epiphone is here to inspire every step of the way.