Updated by Bobby
Updated on August 15th, 2023
Added the 1959 Epiphone Les Paul Custom with Gibson P90 pickups. It's a great looking guitar that has been, unfortunately, discontinued. However, you can still spot it on Reverb and other used markets. Big thanks to Cash in the comments section for highlighting this one.
Which Epiphone Les Paul Comes with Gibson Pickups?
The Limited Edition 1959 Les Paul Standard
Epiphone's Limited Edition version of the 1959 Standard Les Paul comes with a pair of Gibson BurstBucker humbuckers, while most of their other Les Pauls come with Epiphone ProBucker pickups.
I've only ever seen one Epiphone Les Paul that ships with Gibson branded pickups, and it's a Limited Edition version of the 1959 Standard. That means it may or may not be available by the time these words reach your eyes. You'll need to do some checking around.
But for now, you can get Gibson tone for an Epiphone price.
Gibson is like Fender in that they make their own line of pickups which are quite good, and far better than stock.
Read more: Best Electric Guitars Overall
There are a few different finishes on this guitar, but they all look really good. Image via Guitarist Mag
Epiphone ProBucker VS Gibson BurstBucker?
However, when you downgrade to an Epiphone, pickups are one of the main ways they cut cost.
For example, the Epiphone ProBucker set runs at about $170, while the Gibson BurstBucker set is close to $400.
Here's a quick look at the Gibson BurstBucker pickup design:
The Gibson BurstBucker bridge humbucker alone costs more than the Epiphone ProBucker set.
The Epiphone ProBuckers are still decent pickups and they sound great for what you pay. But if you want Gibson, the Limited Edition 1959 is your only shot before upgrading to an actual Gibson brand Les Paul.
The first of its kind - a collaboration between Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop. Though, keep in mind, Gibson owns Epiphone.
On the 1959 LE's product page you get some good information on the 1959 Standard and how it sort of came out of the Gibson Custom Shop.
The Epiphone 1955 Les Paul
Though it has been discontinued (surprisingly), the Epiphone 1955 Les Paul has Gibson P90 pickups. It's just an awesome looking instrument, so we want to at least make mention of it here. Special thanks to Cash in the comments section for drawing attention to this one.
Sweetwater still has a reference page, or you can usually spot one on Reverb.
It's just a beautiful guitar, as this image can attest.
It's a shame this has been discontinued. A solid Epiphone with Gibson P90 pickups in tow. Image via Music Arms
Conclusion
The LE 1959 consistently one of the top selling Epiphone guitars, so I'd expect it to stay on the market, despite being listed as a "limited edition" model. If you want Gibson pickups without buying an actual Gibson, this is your best bet.
The alternative would be some kind of pickup mod, which can be a pain if you don't want to fool with that sort of thing.
If you have questions, leave them in the comments section below and we'll chat.
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Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amps & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Electrics & Reviews
I also own an Epiphone black Les Paul Custom and it plays and sounds beautiful. I’ve been playing professionally for 53 years. The pickups are really hot but don’t get muddy even with the neck pickup. The sound has depth, growling highs and great separation even when playing 16th notes or faster. The Craftsmanship is excellent. I’ve never been happier with a guitar.
Also, the Epi Les Paul 1960’s Tribute. Classic 57’s with push/pull coil splitting & Grover locking tuners. A whole lot of Les Paul, for the money, in the 2010’s. Don’t know why more people didn’t have these on their radar.
I have a 2014 Epiphone Custom Classic Pro that came with Gibson 490r and 498t pups. Sounds and looks rad.
I own a Epiphone LP Traditional Pro III Plus that has a ’57 Classic in the Bridge and a Super ’57 in the neck position. Solid mahogany with a maple cap and a mahogany neck, coil splits, out of phase, and a 15db boost. I wouldn’t trade it for a brand new Gibson Standard. I also know of one other Epi Paul off the top of my head that I believe had Burstbuckers from the factory, the ’60 Tribute. I’m sure there are others. It’s kinda short sighted to state definitively that the ’59 LP Standard outfit is the only Epi Les Paul that ever came with Gibson pickups. Also, I hardly ever hear or read anyone touch on what actually makes the ’59 sound so great, a one piece neck and Nubone nut. Now THAT’S something you don’t see on many Epiphone guitars.
I said that the 59 was the only one that “I’ve seen” ship with Gibson pickups. That’s not to say there aren’t others out there, because there certainly are.
Your Pro III Plus sounds awesome, btw.
Lol, sorry didn’t mean to sound snippy. Those Pro III’s are not real common but they are out there. It is a pretty awesome guitar, especially for the price point. I put it this way; I also own an S2 McCarty 594 and I can’t decide which one is a better guitar.
Nah, no worries, man. I appreciate the comment.
To be honest, I’d probably opt for the Epi over the S2 just because the Epi sounds a lot more unique. Probably more valuable at this point.
I also own a late 2010s/early 2020s (not sure which) Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy that came stock with my favorite pickups, the Gibson Classic ’57s. Those have been discontinued but you may be able to find them used.
I thought those had Fishman Fluence: https://reverb.grsm.io/product7750?type=p&product=epiphone-les-paul-prophecy
I should add that the Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard (which, again, is an SG style) sells new in 2023 and one of the “Inspired by Gibson” guitars.
September, 2023: I just bought an “Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard” (it’s an SG, not a Les Paul, but harkens back to the year that Gibson discontinued the Les Paul and applied the name to SG). It also has Gibson BurstBuckers.
Oh wow, I didn’t even realize that had them too. Awesome! Thanks for sharing, William.
For reference: https://www.epiphone.com/en-US/Electric-Guitar/EPIE517/Aged-Sixties-Cherry
The Epiphone 1955 Custom has Gibson P90’s as standard. Very nice sounding guitar as mine can attest.
Oh wow, this is awesome. I take it you have the “Inspired” version? I’m gonna add a section and mention this. Will credit you in the update box. Thanks!