Description

Les Paul, more Pickups! 2005 MIK Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty with triple Humbuckers, $699!

The 2005 Epiphone Black Beauty Les Paul is a high-quality, affordable version of the iconic Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty, offering many of the same design elements and features at a fraction of the cost. The Black Beauty is known for its elegant appearance, featuring triple humbucker pickups and a rich, glossy black finish, complemented by gold hardware. Designed to provide the classic Les Paul tone and feel, this guitar is favored by players looking for a versatile instrument with a luxurious aesthetic that can handle everything from blues to rock to metal.

Key Features

  • Mahogany body and mahogany top for rich, warm tones and excellent sustain
  • Mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability and a warm, rounded tone
  • Triple humbucker configuration (three Epiphone humbuckers) for a wide range of tonal possibilities, from thick, warm lows to bright, cutting highs
  • Set-neck construction for improved sustain and resonance
  • Gold hardware, including a Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, for tuning stability and a luxurious appearance
  • 22 medium jumbo frets with pearloid block inlays, adding to the guitar’s classic and elegant aesthetic
  • 3-way pickup selector switch for versatile sound combinations
  • Glossy black finish with multi-ply white binding on the body, neck, and headstock, replicating the classic “Black Beauty” look

Sound Profile
The Epiphone Black Beauty offers the iconic Les Paul sound, with deep, rich lows and a pronounced midrange, making it perfect for rock, blues, and heavy tones. The triple humbucker setup provides added tonal flexibility compared to the standard two-pickup configuration, allowing you to blend pickups in unique ways. The bridge pickup offers biting, articulate tones for lead playing, while the neck pickup provides smooth, warm tones ideal for rhythm playing. The middle pickup adds more tonal options, giving you even more versatility for clean or distorted settings.

Applications
This guitar is well-suited for players who need a versatile instrument capable of handling a wide range of styles. The triple humbuckers allow for rich, complex tones that work well in rock, blues, jazz, and metal settings. The guitar’s robust construction and excellent sustain make it ideal for both rhythm and lead playing, and the classic Les Paul feel ensures comfort for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re playing in the studio or on stage, the Epiphone Black Beauty can deliver powerful, dynamic tones in both clean and overdriven contexts.

Build Quality and Aesthetic
The 2005 Epiphone Black Beauty is known for its solid construction and attention to detail. The mahogany body and neck provide a rich, resonant sound, while the set-neck construction ensures improved sustain and stability. The gold hardware and multi-ply binding add a touch of luxury, making the Black Beauty stand out visually. The glossy black finish gives the guitar its classic, timeless appearance, while the pearloid block inlays and gold hardware contribute to its upscale look. Overall, the build quality of this Epiphone model is highly regarded for its price range.

Country of Manufacture
Korea (Epiphone’s production shifted to Korea before transitioning to China, and many players value the Korean-made Epiphones for their solid craftsmanship)

Collectibility and Market Value
The 2005 Epiphone Black Beauty is not considered a rare collectible, but it is valued for its excellent performance, classic aesthetic, and affordable price point. Epiphones from this era, particularly those made in Korea, are often sought after due to their build quality and reliability. The Black Beauty model holds strong resale value, especially among players who appreciate the combination of vintage Les Paul styling and versatile, modern features. It’s a great option for guitarists seeking the Les Paul look and tone without the high price tag of a Gibson counterpart.

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