NGD: Epiphone Les Paul 59

[BoneDigger]

As noted in a previous thread, I decided to return my 50s Standard Epi LP and upgrade to the 59 model. I had to order this one from GC and it arrived today. The guitar is in sunburst with a matte finish and it comes with a brown case with a VERY pink interior. The fit and finish on this particular guitar is quite good. I do not have the eye that some have for that, but I see nothing to complain about.

The setup from the factory isn't bad. I will lower the action a bit and the frets definaty need a polish. I suspect I will polish the frets, but on some new strings of my choice, and then set it up accordingly. I can do all of that, so not a big deal.

In comparison to the 50s model, this one certainly has more sustain. Although the 50s gold top was no slouch, the 59 has more clarity and more sustain. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised at the tight bass on this guitar. It really does sound quite good.

The neck on this particular guitar is a hand full. It definately feels beefier than the 50s model. There may be some variation between guitars, but if you like a hefty neck, this guitar certainly has that! It's also not as light as the 50s. Or at least it SEEMS heavier to me!

Overall, I'm quite happy with this guitar! I have a Bigsby B7 I "might" put on it, but I'm not sure just yet. So far, so good on the 59!20210126_213819.jpg20210126_213900.jpg20210126_213919.jpg20210126_214509.jpg

[Steve DeRosa]

Except for the "plush" material - the '50s versions were more "velvet" in texture - I've seen a couple original LP case linings that faded to a similar color...

Use it well, often, and LOUD...

[BoneDigger]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Except for the "plush" material - the '50s versions were more "velvet" in texture - I've seen a couple original LP case linings that faded to a similar color...

Use it well, often, and LOUD...

Yeah, the case is a nice touch, but I would have been happy enough with a blue or black interior! [emoji1787]

[Chickee]

The brown case with the pink interior is historically correct to a ‘59 era LP, as is that beefy neck you mentioned. Kudos to Epiphone in keeping with the history of the guitar. Your new guitar and case are quite beautiful. Best of luck to you and your new purchase.

Bigsby’s look elegant on LP’s, and I'm sure you will be using a Vibramate to install it as to not drill holes into the top of your new guitar. That addition will make a heavy guitar even heavier though. Just a thought.

[guitararmy]

I just read the Guitar Player magazine review of that new model, and it sounds like a winner!
Congratulations!!

[BoneDigger]

Thanks guys! I was playing it a bit more late last night and it really is a very nice Les Paul! I have owned other versions by Gibson and Epiphone and this one ranks right up there.

[Dru Edwards]

Congrats Todd! Glad to hear you got it.

I have a Joe Bonamassa signature Epi Les Paul Goldtop and it has that same case. I don't like that pink plush.

[BoneDigger]

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

Congrats Todd! Glad to hear you got it.

I have a Joe Bonamassa signature Epi Les Paul Goldtop and it has that same case. I don't like that pink plush.

It helps me stay in touch with my feminine side.

[BoneDigger]

Thinking of .10s on this guitar. Anyone recommend .11s, or is .10 fairly standard?

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

Thinking of .10s on this guitar. Anyone recommend .11s, or is .10 fairly standard?

I have 9s and 10s on my Les Pauls. I do lots of bending/soloing and 11s would kill my fingers. If you're going to do a lot of bending I wouldn't put on 11s. Otherwise, it's just a preference.

[FrankHudson]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

Thinking of .10s on this guitar. Anyone recommend .11s, or is .10 fairly standard?

.010 or 009 high E sets are most common, and what you'll find on most when they come out of the box or what would be on most guitars displayed in stores. On most of my electrics I use a .009 set but I have .010 high E sets on on some--but I have old joints and play a lot of "lead" and bend.

Note, I said "most." I have three with I think* .011 sets with a wound G. Two of these are full hollow body archtops with wooden bridges and that kind of thing likes a wound G. One is a Tele I have a set of .011 flats with a wound G on. With my old hands I don't bend much on those, and the extra resistance makes then nice to play when playing them as I would play one of my acoustics.



*It's been awhile since I changed the flats on one of the hollow bodies and they could be .012 high E, I can't recall.

[Glennwillow]

Nice guitar! Pretty, too!

Congratulations!

- Glenn

[Dru Edwards]

Darrel Braun (YouTuber) did a review of this guitar 3 days ago. I watched it last night. Seems like a great guitar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46cG...ellBraunGuitar

[guitararmy]

I like the 9.5-44 gauge on shorter scale length electric guitars, like Gibson and PRS.

[Kerbie]

That's pretty, BD... congratulations! Nice burst. Enjoy it.