The Les Paul’s iconic single-cut design and rich, sustaining tone have inspired countless guitar manufacturers. While Gibson holds the original patent, many other brands produce exceptional “Les Paul style” guitars—often referred to as single-cut or LP-style—that offer unique features, different price points, and diverse tonal palettes.
Top 10 Les Paul Alternatives
Here’s our Top 10 list of Les Paul-style guitars not made by Gibson, along with a few reasons why you should check them out. If you are looking for a single-cut guitar and want something a little different, then these ten models are ones you should be aware of.
The list includes models at various price points, both humbucker-equipped and P90 options, with vintage and modern styles catered for, so there are plenty of tonal variations to choose from.
We have avoided boutique, rare, hard-to-find luthier-made instruments for our list, and instead opted for guitars you can buy from around the world from authorized dealers, with no wait lists. Our list has a few curveballs in there, so make sure you let us know what your favorites are in the comments section below.
1/ Heritage H-150:
Why check it out: Built by former Gibson employees in the original Kalamazoo factory, Heritage guitars are as close to a vintage Gibson as you can get without the name on the headstock.
They often use similar construction methods and offer incredible quality and classic tones for a more competitive price than high-end Gibsons.
US
Heritage Standard H-150 Electric Guitar – Dirty Lemon Burst at Sweetwater
Heritage Standard H-150 Electric Guitar – Original Sunburst at Sweetwater
Heritage Standard H-150 P-90 Electric Guitar – Cherry at Sweetwater
UK
Heritage H-150 Lemon Burst at Andertons
Heritage Standard Collection H-150 P90 at Andertons
EU
Heritage Guitar H-150 Ebony at Thomann
Heritage Guitar H-150 P90 Original Sunburst at Thomann
Heritage Guitar H-150 Original Sunburst at Thomann
2/ Epiphone Les Paul:
Why check it out: While owned by Gibson, Epiphone has significantly closed the gap in quality and features with its Gibson counterparts through the “Inspired by Gibson” and “Inspired by Gibson Custom” series.
They offer classic Les Paul looks, tones, and feel at a much more accessible price point, often incorporating Gibson-spec pickups and electronics.
Thankfully, with Epiphone, there are numerous choices available at various price points, which will suit just about any budget.
US
Epiphone Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar – Ebony at Sweetwater
Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Electric Guitar – Washed Bourbon Sunburst at Sweetwater
Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Standard Reissue Electric Guitar – Iced Tea Burst
UK
Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue in Deep Cherry Sunburst at Andertons
Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue in Washed Bourbon Burst at Andertons
Epiphone Les Paul Custom Inspired by Gibson Custom, Ebony at Gear4Music
Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue, Deep Cherry Sunburst at Gear4Music
EU
Epiphone Les Paul 59 Factory Burst VOS at Thomann
Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine White at Thomann
Epiphone 1959 Les Paul IceTea Burst VOS at Thomann
3/ PRS SE Singlecut McCarty 594:
Why check it out: Paul Reed Smith is renowned for its quality and playability. The SE Singlecut offers a slightly shorter 24.5″ scale length (similar to a Les Paul), a comfortable, wide-fat neck, and PRS’s signature attention to detail.
It provides versatile, articulate humbucker tones with excellent sustain, with a stunning aesthetic appeal.
US
PRS SE Singlecut McCarty 594 Electric Guitar – Black Gold at Sweetwater
PRS SE Singlecut McCarty 594 Electric Guitar – Vintage Sunburst at Sweetwater
PRS SE McCarty 594 Singlecut Electric Guitar – Charcoal at Sweetwater
UK
PRS SE McCarty 594 Singlecut Electric Guitar – Charcoal at Andertons
PRS SE Singlecut McCarty 594 Electric Guitar – Vintage Sunburst at Andertons
PRS SE Singlecut McCarty 594 Electric Guitar – Black Gold at Andertons
EU
PRS SE McCarty 594 Singlecut Black Gold at Thomann
PRS SE Singlecut McCarty 594 Charcoal at Thomann
4/ ESP LTD EC-1000 Series:
Why check it out: If you’re into modern rock and metal, the LTD EC-1000 series is a fantastic option. These guitars often feature active pickups (like EMG or Fishman Fluence), thinner necks, and excellent upper-fret access.
They are built for speed and aggression while still maintaining a classic single-cut silhouette.
US
ESP LTD EC-1000 Electric Guitar – Vintage Black at Sweetwater
ESP LTD EC-1000S Fluence Electric Guitar – Black at Sweetwater
ESP LTD EC-1000 Electric Guitar – See-thru Purple Sunburst at Sweetwater
UK
ESP LTD EC-1000 QM Electric Guitar in See Thru Purple Sunburst at Andertons
ESP LTD EC-1000 in Vintage Black with Seymour Duncan Pickups at Andertons
EU
ESP LTD EC-1000 Electric Guitar Black at Thomann
ESP LTD EC-1000 BP Blue Natural Fade at Thomann
ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune Black at Thomann
5/ Tokai Love Rock Series:
Why check it out: Tokai has a long-standing reputation for producing incredibly accurate and high-quality Les Paul replicas, particularly their Japanese-made models.
Many players consider them to be on par with or even superior to some Gibsons in terms of build quality and vintage accuracy, often at a lower cost on the used market.
They are harder to track down than the rest of the guitars on our list, but are worth checking out if you can find them. Ideally, look for the Japanese-made models.
6/ Schecter Solo-II:
Why check it out: Schecter offers a modern take on the single-cut. The Solo-II series provides excellent playability, often with comfortable neck profiles, high-output pickups, and a focus on contemporary rock and metal tones.
They are known for their solid construction and great value.
US
Schecter Solo-II Custom Electric Guitar – Trans Black Burst at Sweetwater
Schecter Solo-II Custom Electric Guitar – Gloss Natural at Sweetwater
Schecter Solo-II Custom Electric Guitar – Natural Burl at Sweetwater
UK
Schecter Solo II SLS Elite Evil Twin Electric Guitar in Satin Black at Andertons
Schecter SOLO-II Custom Electric Guitar in Aged Black Satin at Andertons
EU
Schecter Solo II Custom Aged Matte Black at Thomann
Schecter Solo-II SLS Elite Evil Twin at Thomann
![SCHECTER DIAMOND SERIES SOLO II [SYNTHWAVE GUITAR SOLO]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/S6VjNWnD3Wo/maxresdefault.jpg)
7/Eastman SB Series:
Why check it out: Eastman guitars are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and vintage-inspired designs with modern refinements.
The SB series offers a high-quality, boutique-like experience with premium tonewoods and a more “custom shop” feel than many production guitars in its price range.
US
Eastman Guitars SB59/V Solidbody Electric Guitar – Antique Goldburst Varnish at Sweetwater
8/ Gretsch Electromatic Jet Series:
Why check it out: While not a direct clone, the Gretsch Jet series shares the single-cut body shape but offers a distinct tonal flavor with its Filter’Tron pickups.
If you’re looking for something with a more “chimey” and articulate sound, great for rockabilly, classic rock, and even some indie sounds, the Jet is a fantastic option.
They have just released a pair of new sparkly finished models, which we wrote about recently.
US
Gretsch Electromatic Jet Electric Guitar – Gold Sparkle at Sweetwater
Gretsch G5220 Electromatic Jet BT Electric Guitar – Midnight Sapphire at Sweetwater
UK
Gretsch G5220 Electromatic Jet BT Single-Cut With V-Stoptail Laurel Fingerboard Olive Metallic at Andertons
Gretsch G5210 P90 Electromatic Jet Two 90 Single Cut Electric Guitar in Cadillac Green at Andertons
EU
Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet Black at Thomann
Gretsch G5220 Electromatic Sweet Tea at Thomann
9/ Reverend Sensei:
Why check it out: Reverend guitars are celebrated for their unique designs, innovative features (like the Bass Contour knob), and consistent quality.
The Sensei is their single-cut-ish offering (probably more akin to an SG visually), often featuring their proprietary pickups that deliver a wide range of tones, from clear and articulate to fat and aggressive, with excellent clarity.
US
Reverend Sensei Jr. Electric Guitar – Trans Cherry at Sweetwater
UK
Reverend Sensei RA FM in Coffee Burst at Andertons
EU
Reverend Sensei RA Transparent Cherry at Thomann
10/ Hagstrom Swede / Super Swede:
Why check it out: Hagstrom guitars have a unique history and offer a distinct feel. The Swede and Super Swede models feature a “Resinator” fretboard (a composite wood material) that provides excellent sustain and a smooth playing experience.
They have a chunky, solid feel and offer rich, powerful humbucker tones with their Hagstrom pickups.
EU
Hagstrom Swede Gold at Thomann
Hagstrom Super Swede Dark Storm at Thomann
Single-Cut Guitars
Considering a Les Paul-style guitar? Which of these alternatives piques your interest the most?
Be sure to read our Les Paul setup guide here and try our Unearthing Gold: The Top 10 Coolest Pawn Shop Electric Guitars.
#lespaul #gibsonlespaul #singlecutguitar #alternativelespaul #guitar #top10
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6 thoughts on “Unleash Your Tone: Top 10 Les Paul Alternatives That Aren’t Gibson”
What about Harley Benton?
We decided that own brands from stores, including Thomann were not ideal for everyone worldwide.
I was hoping the Godin Radiator would have made the list
Good choice, they are great guitars!
Prestige in Canada impeccable guitar.
100% Agree. Their work always looks amazing. I would love to try some of their guitars one day.