Is the 1959 Reissue worth $151 more than the Standard 50s?

Yes if you want Gibson Burstbucker pickups and the most accurate 1959 specs. No if you just want a solid Les Paul for rock and blues, because the Standard 50s already has the same body, neck shape and long tenon.

Which is better for a beginner?

The Standard 50s. It costs less, has far more owner ratings, and the ProBuckers are easy to dial in. The Reissue's extra cost buys details a beginner will not notice at first.

Do they sound different?

Yes, mainly from the pickups. The Burstbuckers on the Reissue are brighter and more open. The ProBuckers on the Standard 50s are hotter and thicker, which suits distorted rock.

Which one holds value better?

The 1959 Reissue, because it is a limited-style reissue with Gibson pickups and fewer were made. Neither is a collector's item, so expect both to lose value used.

Are the necks the same?

Yes. Both use the '59 Rounded Medium C profile with a 24.75-inch scale and a 12-inch fretboard radius, so they feel close in the hand.

Both should last decades with normal care. They share the same mahogany body, maple cap, CTS pots and Graph Tech nut, so wear parts are the same.

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s Electric Guitar vs Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Electric Guitar

Buy the Standard 50s for most players. It costs $499 at Dave's Guitar Shop as of November 4, 2026, versus $650 at eBay for the 1959 Reissue. The Reissue is the closer copy of a real 1959 Les Paul, with a long neck tenon and Gibson USA Burstbucker pickups, so pay the extra only if you want those parts.

Today the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s Electric Guitar costs $151.00 less at its best price.

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