Epiphone Les Paul Standard Cherry Sunburst (2001) Samick, Korea – ‘Scarface’
Price: £365
Description The Les Paul is an iconic guitar used by countless guitar heroes over the years, and this Epiphone Les Paul Standard in Cherry Sunburst is a proper powerhouse. This one was built in November 2001 at the highly regarded Samick factory in Korea. Early 2000s Korean-made Epiphones are legendary among players. Guitars built during this period in Korea represent the “golden era” of Epiphone production and are widely respected for their skilled construction, quality wood selection, and excellent craftsmanship. Many players praise their consistent build quality, resonance, components, and feel, giving these guitars a fierce reputation as serious value giants. When properly set up, these Korean Epiphones are absolute slayers that can comfortably rival far more expensive modern Gibsons in both playability and tone. This 25-year-old instrument, if it could speak, I am sure has some serious stories to tell.
I would love to know the history of this guitar because it arrived having been badly scratched up in a past life. Was it a bad breakup with an ex-partner gone nuts? Was someone tripping and thinking they’d customize the guitar with a carved design using an old-school pencil case compass? Who knows! Either way, this one is definitely not for the faint-hearted. I’ve affectionately nicknamed this one ‘Scarface’ – it’s like Gary Moore & Tony Montana’s b-stard child… so “say hello to my little friend!” And just like Gary & Tony, it is made of tough stuff, with plenty of battle scars to prove it.
I have worked hard to repair the cosmetically damaged area as best as possible using several techniques, primarily utilising custom-coloured resin epoxy. While it is far from perfect or pristine, my restoration work has made a huge improvement to its overall appearance and feel under the hand. A new scratchplate was re-fashioned and fitted to cleanly cover a portion of it, and all of this is fully documented in the listing with before-and-after pictures for 100% transparency. Outside of that specific area, there is still plenty of other natural wear such as surface marks, scratches, general rubbing, dings, and authentic pitting that gives the guitar its overall authentic player-grade mojo. Please note that all imperfections are purely cosmetic, and a thorough bench inspection confirmed there are zero structural issues.
Under the hood, it comes loaded with the factory Epiphone 57CH humbucker in the neck position and a HOTCH in the bridge. To bring the hardware back up to scratch, I fitted new machine heads as the old ones had reached their sell-by date (worn out and not functioning 100%), installed a new jack socket plate, and fitted fresh gold top-hat knobs. There is genuine natural play-wear across the pickup covers and some real vintage oxidation on the bridge, rounding off its proper 2000s player-grade mojo.
As with all instruments that pass through my hands at Sosbro Guitar Co., this guitar has just undergone a thorough professional refurbishment and setup to ensure it arrives stage and studio ready and plays to its best ability. Full setups in most shops are expensive, and because of the high cost of paying a guitar tech, very few new guitars off the shelf or even second-hand guitars ever get a proper going over before being sold. I have personally already done the hard work for you. During its service, I removed the old strings, cleaned the fretwire, polished the frets, cleaned and tested all the volume/tone pots, and polished the entire guitar. Finally, it was restrung with a fresh set of D’Addario XL Nickel Wound strings (9-42 gauge), tuned, and dialed in with a comfortable medium action that makes it an absolute joy to play.
No gig bag or hard case is included in the price, but as a specialist reseller, I have various suitable options available separately. I stock a number of brand-new big brand name bags and cases, as well as a few quality second-hand options. Just ask for details, and I’ll be happy to offer a discount when a case is purchased together with the guitar.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Condition: Used – Natural relic/road-worn condition (Cosmetic resin epoxy repair, see description)
Price: £365
Link to eBay listing: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/158374847606
Shipping available
Buy with confidence – Here are some of my latest customer feedback:
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul Custom – Cherry Sunburst (2006)
Item as described if not it was better , came well packed and super quick delivery, would recommend A+++++
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul Custom – Alpine White (2004, Unsung Factory Korea)
Brilliant seller! Ben was so friendly and helpful throughout, and the Epiphone Les Paul Custom arrived the very next day, exactly as described. He even included an extra pick, which was such a lovely touch, my son was absolutely over the moon! 🎸 Would definitely recommend Ben and wouldn’t hesitate to buy from him again. Thanks so much
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul Standard – Black / Ebony (2016)
Top seller, couldn’t recommend this seller enough. Great communication and was packed so well. Thank you so much and hopefully purchase from You again. All the best
eBay Item:Epiphone Les Paul Standard Tobacco Sunburst (2003) Unsung Korea 50s Wiring+
Fast delivery and very well packaged, excellent service from start to finish and I’m blown away with this guitar, thank so much, very happy and you’re right I’d love this guitar 🙂 I will definitely look to buy again without a doubt. Thanks again 🙂
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plain Top HoneyBurst (2009) with Upgrades
Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish! Communication was excellent throughout, and the seller was friendly, helpful and very professional. The product arrived exactly as described, well packed and arrived the next day! I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. A really smooth and pleasant experience all round. I would highly recommend this seller and wouldn’t hesitate to buy from them again.
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul ES Hollow Body Cherry Sunburst 2002 (Saein factory, Korea)
Such a beautiful guitar and in immaculate condition for its age. Very pleased with this purchase. Seller communicated thoroughly throughout transaction. 100% would recommend.
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul Standard Pro Honey Burst (2014) 50’s Wiring + Other Upgrades
I cannot recommend Ben highly enough for my beautiful new to me guitar tasteful upgrades and professional set up all delivered to me within 24hrs I will definitely be dealing with g with Ben again in the near future Absolute first class item service and advise
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul Standard Pro Honey Burst (2014) Upgraded Pickups & Electronics
Great experience with Ben from the beginning, description, photos and videos where spot on. Guitar arrived cleaned, serviced and set up perfectly. Communication was great, informed me of all shipping details. Postage through parcelforce so no bother there, our local lads are great and tracking is brilliant. Well packed in the big bubble wrap. Lastly, my new guitar is home and it is amazing, I will be keeping an eye on what Ben posts for sale as I would defo buy from him again & highly recommend!
eBay Item: Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black 2005 Unsung, Korea Upgraded Seymour Duncan Pickup
Guitar arrived safe and very well packed. And exactly as described It’s in outstanding condition for its age and plays like a dream. Excellent communication and service from Ben. someone who takes pride in in what he does and goes all the way to make sure everything is at a high standard. I would not hesitate to buy from him again.
eBay Item: Gibson 1959 Les Paul Reissue VOS – R9 Sunrise Tea Burst – 2007
Item exactly as described. Communication first class. Outstanding packaging and dispatch. 100% honest and trustworthy ebayer. AAA Service!
eBay Item: Fender Eric Clapton ‘Blackie’ USA Stratocaster Fender Lace Sensor Pickups (1999)
Great many thanks 👍
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
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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.