Epiphone Les Paul Studio VS Standard (1959 and ’60s models)

When comparing the Epiphone Les Paul Studio and Standard, you need to decide if you're talking about the 1959 or the '60s Standard models. These are the two most popular Standard versions that Epiphone manufactures.

In terms of quality, the 1959 is at the top of the pile with Gibson humbuckers and a high-grade Maple top, among a handle of other "wins" on the spec sheet.

Here's how I would break them down:

1. Epiphone Les Paul Standard 1959 (top pick)
2. Epiphone Les Paul Standard '60s (best-value pick)
3. Epiphone Les Paul Studio (best budget pick)

The Epiphone Studio matches the approach of the Gibson Studio. It's a simplified and stripped down version of the nicer Les Pauls, meant to be more economical. Though I'd argue the Gibson version of the Studio is a high-value option, while the Epiphone version is just too cheap to be a viable alternative.

Comparison Section for Standard and Studio

We've put both Standard models, the Studio, and one additional Epiphone Les Paul in this table for easy comparing. This will show you basic specs and live pricing as well.

What do these guitars sound like?

It's really hard for a stock humbucker, of any kind, to compete with a Gibson Burstbucker, and you can certainly hear the difference in the 1959.

1959

The 1959 is very sweet and warm, with some snap from the picking and very responsive to your right hand. There's definitely some Strat-like qualities, but that gets balanced out by the Mahogany body. 

Studio

To my ear the Studio produces a weaker tone, without the same fullness you get from the Burstbuckers. It doesn't sound bad. But, again, stock humbuckers can't compete.

Standard '60s

The Standard '60s is somewhere in the middle. It's more pleasing than the Studio, bringing back some of that warmth we lost in the Studio.

This is all just my ear.

You need to keep in mind that the gear around these guitars - amps, pedals, even strings - will have a lot to say about the quality of the sound each one can produce. But when the dust settles, the Standards - both the '60s and 1959 - are simply nicer, more expensive guitars.

You get what you pay for.

Major Spec Differences

There are a lot of differences here, with the 1959 clearly coming out on top. Each guitar has a Mahogany body and neck, though the 1959 uses a higher-grade Maple for the top piece. The Gibson pickups, vintage tuners, and hardshell case included are a few more significant differences. 

Price Comparison

This section has pricing for the 1959, Standard '60s, and Studio all from the biggest music gear retailers. In most cases the Studio will be the cheapest, with the '60s in the middle, and the 1959 at the top. Though, as usual, pricing is always subject to change.

Price updated Wed, June 07th, 2023.

Multiple Vendors

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Best value between the three

Between these three guitars, I'd argue the Standard '60s is probably your best-value option, where value is the convergence of the lowest possible price with the highest possible quality. 

Check the price guides above to be sure, but typically the Standard '60s is right between the Studio and 1959 in price.

Though in terms of quality, it's still closer to the Studio.

If you simply want the nicer guitar, the 1959 should be your first pick, while the '60s would be your second. For those wanting the budget-friendly option, the Studio will get you the lowest price.

Conclusion

Based on everyone's unique situation, there are variables to consider that I can't account for. But I've given you the the bullet points and the main differences between the Epiphone Les Paul Studio and Les Paul Standard. All you have to do is decide your budget, which features matter most to you, and - in a simpler sense - what sounds good to your ear.

Epiphone doesn't tend to disappoint. Their guitars are excellent.

So take my information, and opinion, with a grain of salt and figure out what works best for you.

If you have a question, feel free to leave it in the comments section below and I'll help out.

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