Epiphone 59 Les Paul Standard, tobacco burst, made in China 2020. Here we have a guitar that marked some new territory for Epiphone: instead of borrowing from Gibson's normal production models, why not borrow from the very fancy Custom Shop R9s and the like? As such, this gets a few interesting touches: a satin finish missing the final coat of gloss so it should age more like a nitro guitar, AAA flame maple veneer top, fancy tuners and hardware, CTS pots, a Switchcraft jack, and a snazzy set of Gibson's Custombucker pickups. It feels integrous in the hands, with the smooth finish on the neck allowing for easy movement, a pleasing weight and balance and some nicely executed woodwork. The pickups deliver the goods too: open and sweet up high, growl and girth through the mids, fast and full down low... glassy and smooth on the neck pickup, wide and warm on the bridge. The little touches like the switch cover and the nice docs tie it all together nicely. So, what would you rather? A Gibson R9, or this and enough change to buy yourself a month long Europe vacation?

Model: Epiphone 'Inspired by Gibson' '59 Les Paul Standard 
Made: China, 2020
Serial: 20061528623
Finish: tobacco burst, 'Vintage Original Sheen' satin,
Body: mahogany, chambered, AAA flame maple veneer top
Neck: mahogany, laurel fretboard, 24.75"  scale, 12" radius, '1959 rounded medium C' profile
Weight: 3.855kg
Mods: none 
Pickups: Gibson Custombucker x2
Accessories: Epiphone deluxe hard case and docs

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear on the back only. The back has dimples near the switch cavity and some rub wear on the top edge and elbow area. The sides have minor scuffs on the top horn, rub wear in the elbow area and some dimples near the jack. The front has dimples near the knobs, rub wear in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: excellent condition (9/10)

Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/52 strings.
Fret Life: 8/10, minor wear only