Epiphone Les Paul ES Hollow Body Cherry Sunburst 2002 (Saein factory, Korea)
Price: £695
Description:
The Les Paul is an iconic guitar used by many guitar heroes over the years. This is a fantastic example of the beautiful, expertly constructed, semi-hollow Epiphone Les Paul ES. This particular guitar was built in October 2002 at the prestigious Saein factory in Korea.
Early 2000s Korean-made Epiphones from the Saein plant, (identified by the “I” prefix), are legendary among players. This Epiphone factory is often referred to as the “Shine” factory and was actually awarded Gibson’s “Best Quality Award” for their manufacturing excellence during this exact era. These guitars represent the “golden era” of Epiphone production. Guitars built during this period in Korea are widely respected for their skilled construction, quality wood selection and excellent craftsmanship. Many players praise the consistent build quality, resonance and use of high-quality woods, components and feel, and these guitars have developed a strong reputation as serious value giants. When properly set up, they can comfortably rival far more expensive modern Gibsons, in both playability and tone.
I have sold many guitars over the years, and I have to say, Epiphone ES models from this era are among my absolute favourite Epiphones. They offer a unique “woody” hollow body resonance, and a lighter feel without sacrificing that classic Les Paul punch.
Now over 24 years old, this guitar is in great condition for its age and has clearly been well looked after. Naturally, over nearly a quarter-century of use, it has picked up some minor cosmetic marks, bumps, and light surface scratches and some discoloration of the gold hardware. Some of the cream plastics are showing slight degeneration. Interestingly, this guitar has started to develop some lovely light wear on the fretboard wood (around the 2nd to 5th frets), the kind of authentic “player wear” that only comes from years of being genuinely enjoyed. Most of the bumps, marks, and degeneration are only visible under direct lighting and are purely cosmetic, with no impact on the structure. I have shown these as clearly as possible in the pictures and videos.
The guitar has just undergone a thorough professional refurbishment in the Sosbro Guitar Co. workshop. This included the installation of a new neck pickup tone pot, a clean up of the hardware, and the cleaning and testing of all pots and switches. It has also been restrung with a fresh set of D’Addario XL Nickel Wound strings (9-42 gauge) and has received a full professional setup to ensure it plays beautifully with a comfortable, medium action.
These “Golden Era” Korean ES models are becoming harder and harder to find in good condition at a sensible price. This is the third Epiphone Les Paul ES I’ve had in stock, the first (an Unsung build), sold for over £700, and the second sold very quickly, within just two weeks. They are rare, highly sought after, and play beautifully. Don’t let this one get away from you!
Other than the minor cosmetic signs of age mentioned above, this is a well-built, mature Korean-made Epiphone that deserves to continue to be played and enjoyed.
I can assure you, if this becomes your new axe, you will not be disappointed!
No gig bag or hardcase is included in the price, but as a specialist reseller, I have various suitable bags and hardcases available separately, just ask for details. These bags and cases are listed separately on eBay however, they will be offered at a discount when purchased together with a guitar.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Condition: Used but in good condition for its age (see description)
Price: £695
Shipping available
Link to eBay listing: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/168386417798
Buy with confidence – Here are some of my latest customer feedback:
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul Standard – Cherry Sunburst (1997, Unsung Korea) with Hardcase
Very well looked after guitar and great value for money. It was in strong packaging and sent out straight away. The seller was helpful and communicated well.
Reverb Item: Epiphone Les Paul Standard 2010 – Black / Ebony
Very responsive and helpful. The item was delivered promptly despite Reverb suspending my brand new account, making it very difficult to communicate. My son now has the guitar he wanted for his 18th birthday and it sounds amazing.
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60’s (2022) Inspired by Gibson Iced Tea Burst – MINT
Purchased Epiphone les paul standard 60s, guitar exactly as described, it had been well looked after, the setup on the guitar was exactly how I like it nice low action, guitar was packaged really well and seller kept me informed after purchase, would highly recommend this seller.
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul ES Hollow Body Cherry Sunburst 2001 (Unsung factory, Korea)
Beautiful instrument, exactly as described, and arrived very promptly and so well packed the set up and tuning was still spot on. Excellent communication from the vendor keeping apprised through as to what stage the packing and dispatch had reached.
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s (Late 2019) “Inspired by Gibson” Vintage Sunburst
Excellent and trustworthy seller. Top tier communication and customer service. Speedy dispatch and delivery and safely packaged. Guitar looks and plays great. Delighted with purchase. Would buy from again.
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul Traditional PRO-II – Sunburst (2016) with Active Circuit
Great condition, better than described. Well packaged and reasonable postage. Good communication. Perfect transaction.
eBay Item: Gibson Premium Softcase Les Paul – SG – Black
Great guitar case, exactly as described and delivered the next day!! Thank you.
eBay Item: Les Paul 50’s style wiring harness upgrade – Best Components USA CTS/SoZo
Excellent item and very fast delivery , very pleased thanks. 5 STAR !!
Reverb Item: Epiphone Les Paul Custom Classic PRO 2014 Ebony / Black 2014 – Gibson USA Pickups
Absolutely perfect, seller extremely friendly and helpful – Rapid shipping and packaging was nothing short of perfect. If I’m ever in the market for another guitar I know what my first stop will be. Cannot recommend enough.
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul Standard – Cherry Sunburst 2009 Unsung Factory & Gator Fitted Hardcase for Les Paul (024)
I’m very happy with this guitar. The whole transaction was smooth and the seller was a pleasure to deal with. Thanks very much Perfect thank you very much just the job
eBay Item: Marshall Lead 12 (Year: 1990). Sympathetically modified for an external speaker
Sounds ace
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul Standard in Ebony (Black) 2012
Absolutely over the moon with my purchase. Very professional seller. Bought on Sunday arrived Tuesday with brilliant packaging too. Highly recommend this seller. Staying in touch ever step of the way too. Item as described and very good value for money. Many thanks Ben. Hope to do business again
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul Standard in Cherry Sunburst 2005
Guitar has played absolutely excellently at past couple of gigs and looks stunning ! (Has received several compliments!) The seller was quick to dispatch the guitar and it was packaged perfectly, they also maintained thorough and transparent communication throughout the transaction and were kind enough to include a quality hard case for a great price, no complaints here +++
eBay Item: Danelectro DC12 – 12 String Guitar Black with Cream body sides – c.1998 with Bag
Brilliant ebayer, great item, great communication, fast dispatch and delivery.
eBay Item: Fender USA Stratocaster 1987 in Olympic White Maple Fingerboard
First things first, excellent communication and quick turnaround. The packaging was A1 – absolutely first class. trust me, I can instantly tell when someone knows what they are doing. The guitar was exactly as described, absolutely spot on with axcellent photo’s which really help. All in all, it’s been an absolute pleasure to deal with Sosbro and would 100% reccomend.
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul Custom – Ebony Fingerboard (new spec) in Alpine White
Great seller, fast postage, item as described & great communication. Thank you
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul Custom – Black – Ebony Fingerboard
Fantastic communication, speedy delivery. Thank you, son is very very happy!
Reverb Item: Marshall Lead 12 (MK1) – Modified to allow for an external cab to be connected
My Second purchase from this super shop! The amp arrived bang on time & well wrapped. A Very fast posting service indeed! It is in nice, clean & tidy condition & works very well. Overall a superbly pleasing & top quality Reverb shopping experience. Top marks.