Epiphone Les Paul Special DC Cherry Red

Epiphone Les Paul Special DC Cherry Red review

The Epiphone Les Paul Special DC Cherry Red pairs a mahogany body and set-in mahogany neck with two P-90 PRO soapbar pickups. Its straightforward control layout and wraparound bridge keep the design focused, while the double-cutaway body gives players clear access to the upper frets. The supplied owner feedback is sharply divided: one player praised its sound, feel, and fit, while another reported poor fret finishing on two guitars. That difference makes a hands-on inspection especially worthwhile.

The listed price is $471. The specifications identify the Cherry Red, high-gloss finish, a rosewood fingerboard, 22 medium-jumbo frets, and pearloid fingerboard inlays. A black pickguard and nickel hardware complete the visible details. Epiphone lists the model as available since January 2026. The supplied item number is 634558.

Body, neck, and playability

The body and set-in neck are both mahogany, with a single-ply bound rosewood fingerboard. The neck has a '60s Slim Taper profile, a 305 mm (12-inch) fingerboard radius, and a 42.9 mm (1.69-inch) nut width. Scale length is 629 mm (24.75 inches). These measurements describe a familiar, relatively compact electric-guitar layout, though comfort will depend on the player's hands and preferences.

Upper-fret access was a clear strength in one owner's account. They found it easy to reach the 22nd fret without the heel getting in the way, a practical advantage for lead parts that travel high on the neck. Another owner described the guitar as comfortable and solid in weight. That report did not include a measurement, so it should not be treated as a verified weight figure for every example.

There is also a significant caveat in the feedback. One buyer said the frets on both of their recently purchased Epiphone guitars had sharp ends and needed crowning and polishing. Those are specific reports from individual instruments, not proof that every guitar has the same issue. Still, sharp fret ends can affect comfort and may require professional attention. Check the edges along both sides of the fingerboard, and play across the neck before buying when possible. If ordering online, ask about the return policy and whether the seller inspects fretwork before shipment.

P-90 pickups and controls

The guitar has two P-90 PRO soapbar pickups, positioned at the neck and bridge. Separate volume and tone controls let players adjust each pickup's output and character, while a three-way switch selects the neck pickup, bridge pickup, or a combination of both. One owner praised the sound and called it among the best they had heard. That is a personal impression rather than a measured performance claim, but it suggests the P-90 setup was a major part of their satisfaction.

The two-pickup layout offers a useful range of basic sounds without a complicated control system. The bridge position is available for a more direct, cutting response, while the neck position provides a different tonal balance. The combined setting gives players another option. Exact results depend on the amplifier, playing style, and control settings, so trying all three switch positions is a sensible part of an in-person test.

Bridge, hardware, and included bag

A compensated Lightning Bar wraparound bridge anchors the strings, and the guitar has no tremolo. Epiphone Deluxe tuning machines handle tuning adjustment. The listed package includes a gig bag, but not a hard case. Buyers who need more protection for frequent travel should factor that into their plans rather than assuming a case is supplied.

The available specifications list the color as Cherry and describe the finish as Cherry Red with high gloss. They do not list a separate top, so there is no basis here for claiming a figured or additional top wood. The confirmed construction details are mahogany for the body and neck, with rosewood for the fingerboard.

Verdict

The Epiphone Les Paul Special DC Cherry Red has a focused specification: a mahogany set-in-neck build, twin P-90 PRO pickups, familiar controls, and easy-reach upper frets according to one owner. Positive feedback describes strong sound and a comfortable feel. The main concern is inconsistent reported fretwork, including sharp ends and a need for finishing on two guitars. At $471, inspect the frets carefully and confirm the seller's support options. The included gig bag is useful, but a hard case is not part of the package.