If you’ve spent much time on our site here at KGR (of course you have…right?!?) you most likely will have come across a few of our reviews on various Epiphone Les Paul models (such as the Studio and the Custom Pro), and you’ll know that we think they are mighty fine guitars in their own right.

While we really do believe that to be true, there’s no faking the fact that Epiphone Les Paul guitars are simply lower-cost versions of their much higher priced Gibson counterparts. But were you aware that – with a few fairly easy Les Paul mods that you can do on your own – you can get that Epi to sound and play just about as well as a true Gibson (even more than they already do right off the rack)?

We may be stating the obvious here, but to get the price down to that ‘sweet spot’, Epiphone did have to make some compromises on part and component choices

Upgrading your bridge and tailpiece will further make your Les Paul perform and play better, but make sure to check that the replacement bridge fits in place of your existing bridge. The risk of getting the wrong sized parts for your guitar is what makes this one of the higher difficulty Les Paul mods on this list.

Firstly, you’ll want a bridge with metric posts (typically import guitars are metric, domestic guitars are imperial), then you’ll want to measure the spacing between the posts. You’ll want to make sure you choose a bridge that fits those measurements, or you’ll end up sending it back.

Once you have all of your measurements figured out, TonePros, Gotoh, Callaham, Wilkinson and Graph Tech have a number of tune-o-matic bridges and tailpieces that would snug perfectly on your Epiphone Les Paul, and if you want to go for something higher quality, check out one of the boutique guitar parts sellers.

Graph Tech also has graphite String Saver saddles for Les Pauls, they contribute to a bright resonant tone and are self-lubricating which will save you from breaking your strings in the future.

You can also try top wrapping when installing your strings. From the pickup side, you insert your strings through the tailpiece and wrap them over the top. This will not only reduce string breakage by reducing the break angle but also lessen the tension, making your strings slinkier and a lot smoother to bend. This is a technique and mod that requires zero cost. Joe Bonamassa is known to do have a wrap-around to make his 11s strings feel like 10.5s.

Read More: Ultimate Epiphone Les Paul Upgrade Guide