From blues to metal: TOP 5 representative models of the famous Les Paul electric guitar

Cort is known for making inexpensive yet reliable guitars that are hard to kill. Most of the company's instruments are preferred by beginners who place more emphasis on technique than sound quality. Technically, Cort guitars are impeccable. It's easy to learn how to play them. And in the case of the CR250, it's also nice. For the sound of the instrument is almost Gibsonian.

The design of the "Court" Les Paul completely repeats the classic Gibson Les Paul. Everything is identical here. Ranging from humbuckers, vintage knobs and tuners, to maple tops, push-pulls and mother-of-pearl fret markers. Don't forget about the pickguard. It is classic, ivory. The guitar is offered in two colors: sunburst and black. The case is filled with a glossy varnish. Appearance is just great.

The soundboard is made of mahogany, but judging by the weight, and it is relatively light, there is no question of mahogany. Most likely, this is a low-cost NATO. However, this aspect does not drastically affect the sound, it is soft and warm, close to the original, also thanks to the Alnico II magnets in the pickups, and the maple top, which provides good readability of the upper and middle notes.

Pleased with the mechanics. The closed Kluson tuners are smooth-running and stay in tune even after heavy play and braces. And with the reinforced polymer NuBone nut, thanks to its excellent resonant characteristics, you can not be afraid of "dead notes".

All in all, the CR250 is a great option for those who dream of a Gibson Les Paul but don't have the financial means to get one. In fact, we have 80 percent identity, and the cost is three to four times less, only $400.

The guitar from ESP LTD's subsidiary EC-401 will please metal fans in the guise of "lespole". The tool is created in the best traditions of ESP and is a low-cost version of the Eclipse series, despite the considerable price of $1000. However, for comparison, the Eclipse series of tools, for example, ESP E-II Eclipse-II DB M cost twice as much.

LTD EC-401 is available in black with gold-plated hardware and white with chrome. Unlike the classic Gibson Les Paul, the ESP guitar uses 3 knobs and does not have a pickguard. The case is made in a glossy finish.

Why we mentioned metal becomes clear at the first glance at the pickups. The guitar is equipped with active EMG pickups - the dream of any "metalhead" who likes to carve out a powerful "evil" sound. The sound of the EC-401 is very frisky. Saturated timbre, juicy, for the drop it's the best. The perfect option to extract is "the most evil evil."

The mechanics of the guitar do an excellent job with the tension of thick strings and active playing. The build doesn't float, and the thin 24-fret neck with Thin U profile allows you to “walk around” on solos on the top notes.

All in all, the LTD EC-401 is an perfect choice for the heavy-duty guitarist, though it's also great for other types of music, down to blues and funk. The guitar plays well on overdrive, and sounds bright and transparent on a clean sound.

We are used to the fact that Japanese goods are always made to last. This applies not only to electronics, but also to musical instruments. The Japanese learned how to make excellent guitars from the Americans, when they once entrusted them with making copies of the famous Gibson and Fender. Japanese analogues were not inferior to American ones either in sound or in quality. The Fujigen NCLS-10R is a Japanese reincarnation of the Gibson Les Paul.

According to some guitarists, "Gibson is not the same anymore." He is increasingly preferred by custom PRS or Fujigen. The Japanese version, which costs just over $1,000, is more musical and ergonomic than the original Les floors, which cost two to three times more.

Based on the materials, Fujigen is also not inferior. The body and neck are made from African mahogany, one of the finest mahogany in the world. Thanks to it and the glued neck connection, the guitar has a soft velvety sound with excellent sustain throughout the entire range. At the same time, the maple top accentuates the upper frequencies and high mids.

A feature of Fujigen guitars is the Circle Fretting System (CFS) radial fretting system. Thanks to it, accurate intonation and sonorous harmonics are ensured. Gotoh mechanics are of high quality, durable, and most importantly, provide smooth fine tuning and tuning stability. Fujigen's signature humbucking pickups deliver clear, intelligible sound, whether overdrive or clean.

Well, the Japanese would not be themselves if they did not take care of protecting the instrument by adding a branded case to the package.

Fujigen NCLS-10R is the case when the copy is better than the original. Feel free to buy and enjoy!

Gibson never ceases to please its fans with new products. This time around, the focus is on the new Les Paul Studio, a reissue of the 60s guitar released by the company in 2019.

The instrument is available in soft vintage colors Satin Tobacco Burst and Satin Iced Tea. The coating of nitrocellulose varnish, unlike polyurethane, allows the wood to "breathe", which better reveals its musical properties. The body of the guitar is made of mahogany, the top is made of wavy maple. Moreover, it is chosen so that small knots are necessarily present, which makes the guitar even more rare. The neck is also maple, the fretboard is traditionally rosewood. The fret markers are in the form of dots, although in our opinion, rectangles would have looked better.

The instrument sounds great. Nothing to complain about. Classic Les Paul with its abundant sustain, velvety and simultaneous precision of every note. The sound is very juicy and thick with care in the middle, without sharp high and deaf bottoms.

As befits a branded Les Paul, the instrument weighs decently, almost 4 kg, this point should be taken into account if you often have to carry the guitar or you are going to buy a case for it. A soft case is supplied with the instrument, but with a case it will definitely be more reliable, given the considerable cost of the guitar ($1200).

The Gibson Les Paul Studio Tribute 2019 is a beautiful looking and great sounding guitar for fans of the brand who want to experience the atmosphere of the 60s. but if you're used to lighter, more ergonomic guitars, this is not the instrument for you.

The Ibanez ARZ6UC is the perfect choice for those who want a Les Paul-shaped guitar that still sounds like a classic Ibanez Super Strat.

The body of the guitar is made of mahogany with a maple top. True, in a black matte finish, the difference in the texture of the wood is imperceptible, so this moment does not affect the appearance in any way. It dilutes the conciseness of the color with a white edging. The tool looks very impressive, and most importantly, expensive, to match the price. She, by the way, has a considerable almost $ 3,000.

With an oversized 638mm scale and 24 fret fretboard with ebony fretboard, the guitar is great for both solos and heavy down-tuned riffs.

System stability is ensured by the mechanics of the Japanese company Gotoh, which is one of the best in the business.

The heart of the guitar (its most expensive organ) can be considered two passive Bare Knuckle Nailbomb humbuckers with ceramic magnets, hand-assembled in the UK. Thanks to them, the instrument delivers tight deep lows with rich mids and aggressive highs.

All that is left in the ARZ6UC from Les Paul, except for the form, is, perhaps, the sound on a pure sound. Here it is warm and maximally close to the original Gibson. On overload, it's the classic "evil" Ibanez, as heavy music fans love it.

The instrument comes complete with a branded case, which, given the cost of the guitar, is not even discussed.

The Ibanez company remains true to its traditions. That is why the sound of her guitars is recognizable from the first chords, even if they look like Gibson Les Paul.

The Ibanez ARZ6UC is a guitar for the real pro who loves to light up the audience on stage with powerful riffs and spectacular solos.