The original idea for the Epiphone Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar was to create a somewhat lower-priced Paul by dispensing with some cosmetics. The result was an especially clean, handsome guitar with all the Les Paul essentials. Newly designed in 2004, the Studio now has a thicker body that matches its namesake, hot open-coil Alnico Classic humbuckers, a set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, and mahogany body with carved top. Limited lifetime warranty.

Undeniably classy yet still menacing and dangerous, the Gibson SG Custom boasts all the upgraded elegance of the Les Paul Custom it replaced in 1961. Its array of three "Patent Applied For" humbuckers, custom gold hardware, ebony fretboard with pearl block inlays, and neck and headstock binding look smart on the then-new thinline mahogany body.The SG Custom is now part of the Gibson Vintage Original Spec series-the next step in Gibson's journey toward perfection and historic accuracy. Vintage Original Spec series instruments receive a special nitro-cellulose finish treatment yielding the patina of a gently-aged vintage guitar while handcrafting enhances comfort and playability. Each VOS model has a solid mahogany back; historically accurate long-neck tenon for strength and sustain; and period-correct neck profile, hardware, and electronics.

The RGA121 electric guitar from Ibanez features a mahogany body with maple top for loads of sustain and bright harmonics. The 5-piece maple/walnut Wizard Prestige neck is topped with a rosewood fretboard. 24 jumbo frets make for quick lead playing and easy chording. An IBZ V7 humbucker in the neck position and an IBZ V8 in the bridge position give you loads of tonal options, while the double-cutaway body delivers easy access to the entire neck.