Are you in the market for new guitar gear? Today, we’re diving deep into the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Widow, a Guitar Center exclusive that has caught the attention of many guitar enthusiasts. With its stunning Indigo Burst finish and impressive specifications, this guitar promises to deliver both aesthetic and sonic appeal. Let’s explore what makes this guitar a worthy contender for your next purchase.
Unboxing the Epiphone Custom Widow
Upon receiving the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Widow, my expectations were sky-high. This guitar comes packaged in a standard Epiphone gig bag, which, while not as protective as a hard case, offers adequate padding for transportation. Inside, you’ll find hang tags, stickers, and an Allen key, along with some silica gel to keep things dry. But the excitement truly begins when you unveil the guitar itself.
First Look at the Indigo Burst Finish
The first thing that strikes you about the Les Paul Custom Widow is its breathtaking Indigo Burst finish. It’s a vibrant blue that is not only visually appealing but also somewhat polarizing. Many guitarists have mixed feelings about blue guitars, but this one seems to defy the odds. The blue binding adds an extra touch of elegance, making it look almost illuminated.
For those who might not prefer the Indigo Burst, the guitar is also available in other colors, including a classy purple burst, orange burst, and a traditional red burst. Each color option maintains the same high-quality craftsmanship that Epiphone is known for.
Setup: Amps and Pedals for the Demo
To truly assess this guitar’s capabilities, it was essential to plug it into some quality gear. I used the Fender Deluxe Reverb and the NRG Alternator Two amps, which provide a blend of rock and doom tones. This setup allows you to explore the full range of the guitar’s sound, from clean to heavily distorted tones.
First Playthrough: Dirty and Clean Tones
Upon my initial playthrough, the Les Paul Custom Widow proved to be a great feeling and sounding guitar. The neck, described as a medium C shape, offers a comfortable grip, especially for those who prefer chunkier neck profiles. While the guitar played well, I noticed a couple of minor issues: it felt a bit too pristine and clean, and there was a slight buzzing sound that needed addressing.
To address the buzzing, I adjusted the retainer bar holding the saddle screws down, which resolved the issue. A bit of fast fret on the strings also enhanced the overall feel, making it more playable and enjoyable.
Minor Issues and Quick Fixes
While the guitar performed admirably, it’s important to acknowledge its minor shortcomings. The initial cleanliness of the neck and strings made it feel sterile, which can be an easy fix with a little playing and care. Additionally, the buzzing was a minor issue that could be resolved with a simple adjustment.
Full Spec Breakdown and Features Overview
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Widow a solid choice for both beginner and seasoned players:
- Body: Mahogany body with a flamed maple veneer top
- Neck: Mahogany neck with a medium C profile and scarf joint
- Fretboard: Ebony with 22 medium jumbo frets
- Pickups: ProBucker Custom humbuckers with CTS potentiometers
- Bridge: LockTone bridge for enhanced stability
- Tuners: Grover tuners for smooth tuning
- Nut: Graph Tech nut for improved tuning stability
All of these features contribute to a guitar that not only looks good but also plays well, making it an appealing option for those looking to invest in new guitar gear.
Playtest: Clean, Crunch, and High-Gain Tones
After diving into the specs, it was time to put the guitar through its paces with different tonal settings. The Les Paul Custom Widow excels at producing classic Les Paul sounds, from warm cleans to crunchy overdrive. However, I did notice that as the gain increased, the pickups tended to lose some dynamics, resulting in a slightly muffled sound.
Despite this, the guitar retains its fundamental Les Paul character, making it a versatile instrument for various genres. Whether you’re playing blues, rock, or heavier styles, this guitar has got you covered.
Deep Dive: Pickup Cavity and Electronics
Opening up the guitar reveals a well-organized interior with quick-connect wiring for the pickups and switch. This makes it easier for anyone looking to swap out components in the future. The electronics are straightforward, featuring CTS pots that offer reliable performance.
The output jack is also well-placed and straight, a welcome change from previous Epiphone models that had issues with crooked jacks. Overall, the build quality under the hood is impressive, matching the high standards set by the exterior.
Final Build Quality Check (Frets, Bridge, Weight)
Before concluding my review, I took a moment to evaluate the overall build quality. The frets were smooth, with only a minor snag on the fifth fret, which is easily overlooked. The bridge was comfortable, and the weight of the guitar was surprisingly manageable, coming in at about 8 pounds 6 ounces.
This weight is typical for a Les Paul, making it a comfortable option for long playing sessions. The overall craftsmanship is commendable, especially considering the price point of $799.
Honest Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?
In summary, the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Widow offers a lot of value for its price. It combines aesthetic appeal, quality craftsmanship, and a versatile sound palette, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles.
If you’re considering new guitar gear, this model is worth checking out. It may not be perfect, but it stands out in a crowded market and offers features that many guitarists will appreciate. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Widow deserves a spot on your radar.
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Thank you for reading, and I hope this review helps you make an informed decision on your next guitar purchase. Happy playing!