Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Epiphone Les Paul Special II Review - Solid Quality, Low Cost

By: R. S. Rasnick

Because the market for novice guitars is so popular, you're
beginning to find beginner-level instruments everyplace you
turn. Even retailers like Target and Wal-Mart have gotten in on
the action.

However, the old proverb "you get what you pay for" applies when
purchasing a musical instrument at the same place you can buy
motor oil. Obviously, it's difficult to buy a substantial,
beginner guitar without wasting your money.

Look out, then, for the Epiphone Les Paul Special II! It has a
street price of less than $170, so it's moderately obvious that
this instrument is aimed at budget-conscious consumers. Despite
the low cost, you get rather a bit for your money.

There's no shortage of instruments in the budget market, and the
Epiphone Les Paul Special II is a worthy entry into this growing
marketplace with its killer rock sound and ease of play.

The Epiphone Les Paul Special II boasts two open-coil humbucking
pickups (the 700T and 650R), which translates the acoustic tone
from its basswood body. The guitar features a bolt-on neck
(mahogany) and a rosewood fretboard. A tune-o-matic bridge with
stopbar tailpiece are standard, as are dot inlays.

A 3-way selector switch along with master volume and tone
controls allows you to set your sounds. The guitar's
specifications include a 24-3/4" scale and 1-5/8" nut width.

Upon our first review, we did have to make a few little
adjustments such as intonating the guitar, adjusting the action,
and tightening up the tuners. The pickup selector was also a bit
scratchy.

After we took care of these minor problems, we were extremely
pleased with the overall quality of the guitar. The finish is
moderately thin, so you do have to be cautious, but the wine red
finish was well done overall.

We were encouraged with the action and tones, which are simply
superb for a guitar as budget-priced as the Les Paul Special II.
We did observe a couple of dead spots on the neck, but what do
you want for $170? We still enjoyed the instrument very much.

Given its price, we strongly recommend the Epiphone Les Paul
Special II for anyone seeking a budget-level instrument that is
both playable and good-sounding.

About the author:
If you are looking for a great price on a guitar for beginners
or for a wonderful budget-priced guitar, you should definitely
consider the Epiphone Les Paul Special II. For the
absolutely lowest prices, look no further than http://www.raysguitarshop.com">Ray's
which offers the best prices on all used and new electric and
acoustic guitars on the Internet.

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