Epiphone Les Paul Custom Cherry SBurst 2001 (Unsung, Korea) Upgraded 50’s Wiring

The Les Paul is an iconic guitar used by many guitar heroes over the years, and the Epiphone Les Paul Custom has always been the "top of the range" in terms of aesthetic, features and presence. This particular example was built in October 2001 at the highly regarded Unsung factory in Korea.

Early 2000s Korean-made Epiphones from the Unsung plant (typically identified by the “U” prefix) are often considered part of the “golden era” of Epiphone manufacturing. These guitars are widely respected for their skilled construction, quality wood selection, and excellent craftsmanship. When properly set up and maintained, these Unsung-built Customs have developed a strong reputation as serious "value giants," comfortably rivalling far more expensive instruments in both playability and feel.

This guitar has clearly been someone’s "number one" for a long time. It has picked up some honest "war marks" over the years, and discoloration of the gold hardware, typical signs of a great feeling guitar, that a previous owner simply couldn’t put down. This guitar just oozes mojo! Most of the marks and bumps are only noticeable under direct lighting, or when looking up closely, and these are purely cosmetic, with no structural issues. What you can see clearly is that there was some damage to the upper rear front area, (where your right arm rests); this has been re-repaired to a smooth, shiny finish. I have shown all these details as clearly as possible in the pictures and video.

The guitar has just undergone a thorough professional refurbishment in the Sosbro Guitar Co. workshop to bring it back to its best:

• Electronics Overhaul: The previous owner had installed high-output pickups (Iron Gear Hot Slags) and push-pull electrics. Not to my tastes and, in my personal opinion, this didn't do the guitar justice, so I have reverted it to a more vintage-correct character. I have sourced era-correct pickups, an Epiphone 57CH(G) for the neck position and an Epiphone HOTCH(G) in the bridge, providing that classic balance of warm, smooth "PAF" neck tones and a punchy, rock-ready bridge output. The pickup covers are now chrome however as most the gold plating had faded they don’t look out of place, whereas new gold covers would have dramatically changed the aesthetic.
• Sosbro 50s Wiring Harness: To truly make this guitar sing, I have installed a Sosbro Guitar Co. 50s-style wiring harness upgrade (usually priced at £80). This features the best quality components: 4 x CG CTS (USA) 500k Pots and 2 x SoZo (USA) Nexgen 0.022uf Vintage Yellow Mustard Capacitors, all hand-wired with solid 20 AWG tinned wire. This upgrade significantly improves the guitar's clarity and tonal response. More details of the harness can be found in my other listings.
• Professional Setup: Restrung with a fresh set of D’Addario XL Nickel Wound strings (9-42 gauge) and set up for comfortable, medium low action for smooth playability.

Epiphone Les Paul Customs made in the Unsung Factory are becoming harder and harder to find, especially with these kinds of high flame tops. This is an absolute beast of a guitar, with a stunning flame top and a sound and feel that a lot of guitars just don’t have, it’s now fit and ready for its next 20 years of service.

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.