Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus Review

Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus is an homage to the legendary guitarist and guitar innovator, one and only Les Paul. This model is a blend of traditional LP features such as single cutaway, dual PAF humbuckers, slim taper neck and 22 frets with modern appointments which include very handy push-pull coil splitting function. Les Paul Tribute Plus starts off with a solid single cutaway body made of solid mahogany back and flame maple veneer cap on the top for added tonal complexity. This model is available in faded cherry sunburst, black cherry, midnight ebony, midnight sapphire and vintage sunburst with all of the color options being finished in polyurethane gloss. Burst color options and maple`s flame patterns are complimented with creme binding around the top and fingerboard. The bridge compartment on the Les Paul Tribute Plus consists of nickel plated Locktone tune-o-matic with a stoptail bar. From the shape to bridge and onwards to the pickup setup, the tradition shines strong on this Les Paul Tribute Plus. Pickups built onto this model are Gibson USA '57 Classic humbucker with Alnico II magnets in the bridge and Gibson USA'57 Classic Plus humbucker with Alnico II magnets in the neck position. These pickups are detailed replicas of Seth Lover`s Patent Applied For humbuckers from the late '50s. They are controlled through a seemingly traditional setup of separate volume and tone pots with a three-way toggle switch. But, this model received it`s share of innovations and the tone knobs also feature a push-pull system for coil splitting. The neck is made of mahogany and the player faces a choice between 1960s slim taper profile or a more modern asymmetrical contour with multiple radii and a combo of d shape on the bass side with the C shape on the treble side. The fingerboard is made of rosewood and features 22 jumbo frets, mother of pearl trapezoid inlays, 1.68" wide PVC nut and 12" radius. The hardware on this model is nickel plated to add the grace as the aging process takes its toll. Tradition also breathes through a 24-3/4" scale and three-a-side headstock. Tuners are locking Grovers with nickel plating and 16:1 ratio. This model also features a set of Epiphone`s own strap locks plated in nickel. The MSRP for Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus is set at $1,332.