General
For those fully seduced by the shape of a vintage LP but in need of something that won't fold under more modern demands, here's the Epiphone Les Paul Modern, satisfyingly mixing the single-cut curves of yesteryear with some contemporary twists. While the stealth-bomber-style, matt-black paint-job is the first modern feature you're likely to notice, the feel of the neck and contoured heel are also a welcome upgrade. An equally welcome detail is the weight relief treatment of the body where, before the top is bound, wide apertures are made in the solid wood to reduce the overall weight. Meanwhile, the thick and authentic tone of this LP is taken care of by a pair of Epiphone humbuckers that, using the ultra-up-to-date push/pull potentiometer, can be split for a light single-coil sound.