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Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard
Epiphone Les Paul Modern
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Playability
72
Sound
73
Build
56
Value
72
Score
67
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Playability
73
Sound
71
Build
67
Value
75
Score
70
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Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard vs Les Paul Modern

Reasons to Get
Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard over Les Paul Modern

Release Year
2021 vs 2020
From a more recent year
Neck Profile
Alex Lifeson vs Asymmetrical Slim Taper
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Volume Knobs
3 vs 2
More volume control
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.83'' (21.1mm) vs 0.82'' (20.8mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.94'' (23.9mm) vs 0.9'' (22.9mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
Nut Width
1.688'' (42.9mm) vs 1.693'' (43mm)
Favors small hands, easier bar chords and other shapes
Bridge
Floyd Rose vs Fixed
Allows intense vibratos and techniques like Dive Bombs

Reasons to Get
Epiphone Les Paul Modern over Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard

Weight Relief
Yes vs None
Lighter Body
Neck Profile
Asymmetrical Slim Taper vs Alex Lifeson
Adapts to the natural shape of your hand
Tone Knobs
2 vs 1
More tone control
Locking Tuners
Yes vs None
Easier to change strings
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.82'' (20.8mm) vs 0.83'' (21.1mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.9'' (22.9mm) vs 0.94'' (23.9mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands
Nut Width
1.693'' (43mm) vs 1.688'' (42.9mm)
Less likely to mute strings by accident and more space for fingerstyle
Bridge
Fixed vs Floyd Rose
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Value Score
75 vs 72
Better price/quality relationship

Other Key Differences
Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard vs Les Paul Modern

Bridge Pickup
Epiphone ProBucker 3 vs ProBucker 3
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Epiphone Ceramic Pro vs ProBucker 2
Different Neck Pickup
Fretboard Wood
Laurel vs Ebony
Different Fretboard Wood
Nut Material
Locking vs NuBone
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard vs Les Paul Modern

Body Wood
Mahogany
Same Body Wood
Neck Wood
Mahogany
Same Neck Wood
Headstock
3-3
Same Headstock
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
3
Same pickups versatility
Pickups
HH
High output without hum
Number of Frets
22
Same maximum octave
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Scale Length
24.75'' (628.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Fretboard Radius
12'' (304.8mm)
Same fretboard comfortability
Pickups Power
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Decorative Top
Carved Maple with AAA Flame Maple veneer vs Plain Maple
Finished with beautiful natural wood patterns
Neck Joint
Set
Neck is glued to the body
Type of Frets
Medium Jumbo
You'll feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • High-Quality Nut
  • Expensive Wood

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • Top Pickup Brand
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard Prices

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Epiphone Les Paul Modern is probably the better product overall with its final score of 70 compared to the Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard's 67 score, although not by a lot.

The Epiphone Les Paul Modern wins when it comes to playability, build quality, value for the money. On the other hand, the Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard has the upper hand when it comes to sound.

If you got small hands, you'll probably feel more comfortable playing the Epiphone Les Paul Modern.

Which One is Better for Beginners?

If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, the Epiphone Les Paul Modern is the better choice.

The Epiphone Les Paul Modern meets 5 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard meets only 3. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players.

New Player Friendliness

Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard
  • Comfortable shape
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners
  • Easy-to-use bridge

New Player Friendliness

Epiphone Les Paul Modern
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Locking tuners
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale

Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing an instrument, you should pick the one more compatible with your personal style. Still, below we'll try you to give you our results as objectively as it's possible to help you decide.

Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard Overview

  • From Epiphone's 2021 Artist Collection series
  • Alex Lifeson Signature
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 24.75"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Carved Maple with AAA Flame Maple veneer top
  • Mahogany body
  • Mahogany neck
  • Indian Laurel fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Epiphone ProBucker 3 (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Epiphone Ceramic Pro (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 3 volume and 1 tone Bell knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Graph Tech Ghost Tremolo bridge
  • Alex Lifeson Set neck
  • 22 Medium Jumbo frets
  • Epiphone Deluxe with Keystone buttons tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Epiphone Les Paul Modern Overview

  • From Epiphone's 2020 Modern Collection series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 24.75"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Plain Maple top
  • Mahogany body
  • Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: ProBucker 3 (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: ProBucker 2 (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 2 volume and 2 tone Bell knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • LockTone ABR bridge
  • Asymmetrical Slim Taper Set neck
  • 22 Medium Jumbo frets
  • Grover Locking Rotomatic with Tulip Buttons 18:1 ratio tuners
  • Weight between 8.1lbs (3.7kgs) and 8.5lbs (3.9kgs)
  • Compare Specs >

Sound Quality Comparison

The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

Woods Used in Both

Mahogany wood pattern used for guitar building
Mahogany

Mahogany is a fairly rare wood nowadays. It's used mostly for bodies due to its relatively lightweight. Gibson popularized it with their Les Paul guitars during their golden years, so this wood has a lot of good reputation behind it. The most expensive type comes from South America and it's still used by Gibson even today. Find out more about Mahogany.

Woods Used in the Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard

Laurel wood pattern used for guitar building
Laurel

There are many types of Laurel, but East Indian is the most common for guitar building. Its color can vary from dark to light brown with black lines. Many people find its tonality similar to Rosewood, which favors the warmer frequencies. Find out more about Laurel.

Woods Used in the Epiphone Les Paul Modern

Ebony wood pattern used for guitar building
Ebony

Ebony is a high-end wood, so it is not cheap. It's only used for fretboards because it's also very heavy. It does an excellent job as a durable material while looking elegant. Find out more about Ebony.

Winner: Epiphone Les Paul Modern.

Pickup Configuration

Both pickup configurations are HH. Double Humbucker (HH) is the choice for people who want a fuller, more round sound with tons of mids and lows. Humbuckers also get rid of the hum noise that plague single-coil pickups. They can work out for almost any genre going from Djent to even Jazz.

Pickups Quality

None of these use a specialized pickup brand for their pickups. Some of the best guitars on the market come with pickups from brands like EMG, Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, etc. You might want to replace your pickups eventually if you want to get the best sound out of any of these instruments.

Both use Passive pickups. This is what's used for most music genres. They have a regular output and will serve you for both high-gain and clean tones. The alternative (Active pickups) offer a higher output that is mostly used for heavy music.

Winner: Tie.

Versatility Comparison

Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

Switch Options

Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.

Both give you different pickup mod options.

The Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard offers Coil Split, Multi-Voicing.

Coil Split lets you disconnect one of the pickup coils. When used with humbuckers, it turns them into single-coil with lower output and cleaner tone.

Multi-Voicing means the pickups come with multiple ''voices'', which means they can change the tone and gain by a simple switch or knob. Piezo, Fishman and similar are considered multi-voicing pickups.

On the other hand, the Epiphone Les Paul Modern comes with the following: Coil Tap, Phase Out.

Coil Tap is similar to Coil Split but it works a bit differently. Instead of completely cancelling one of the coils of the humbucker, it only cuts part of the output once activated. Some people believe this gives the split pickups a more real single-coil sound.

When the Phase Out option is activated, the pickups will ''work against each other'', meaning that they will cancel out their shared frequencies. The result is a very thin sound, instead of a full, rich tone. This is an interesting sound for genres like reggae or funk and has also been used in classic Hard Rock.

Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard's switch options
Epiphone Les Paul Modern pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Epiphone Les Paul Modern's switch options

When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

Winner: Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard
Pickups 60
Sustain 70
Versatility 78
Tuning Stability 85
Sound 73
Epiphone Les Paul Modern
Pickups 60
Sustain 75
Versatility 68
Tuning Stability 80
Sound 71

Build Quality Comparison

When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard compares to the Epiphone Les Paul Modern.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. Both in this comparison where made in China.

China has a bad reputation when it comes to building quality. However, times have changed and now respectable brands use China's cheap labor to build good instruments for a lower price. Don't discount a guitar only because it was built in China, but also expect more quality from countries like Korea.

Winner: Tie

Nut Material

If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

The Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard has a Locking nut. Instead of a regular nut, this guitar has a locking system that will lock down the strings at the nut, preventing it from getting out of tune. It removes one of the disadvantages of tremolo bridges, tune stability.

On the other hand, the Epiphone Les Paul Modern comes with a NuBone nut. It's made by the same company that makes TUSQ nuts. It's slightly softer but hard enough to give you a brighter sound when playing open strings. It's also self-lubricating, so it's good for tuning stability.

Winner: Tie.

Fret Material

Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

Unfortunately, none of them come with stainless steel frets.

Winner: Tie.

Bridge

The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.

The Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard's brige is a Floyd Rose. This is a double-locking bridge system that allows you to perform techniques like dive bombs and pinch harmonics. The locking nut allows your guitar to stay in tune even after the most intense tremolo usage. The disadvantage is that it takes more work to change the strings and set up everything correctly.

On the other hand, the Epiphone Les Paul Modern's is a Fixed. It's a simple bridge that is very beginner-friendly since it doesn't require any set-up. You can swap strings easily. It might also give more sustain since it doesn't have complex moving parts that make the strings lose vibration. However, it doesn't have the same versatility as a tremolo bridge.

Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.

Winner: Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard.

Tuners

The Epiphone Les Paul Modern has the best tuners of the two because they are locking tuners. They'll help to keep your guitar in tune because they allow you to tune it without wrapping the strings around the posts. This avoids variations in the tuning due to the strings changing position at the post after a bend. They come at the disadvantage of being slightly heavier than regular tuners. Also, it makes it a lot easier to restring.

Nevertheless, the Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard has a locking nut, so it should have even better tune stability and doesn't need locking tuners.

Winner: Epiphone Les Paul Modern.

Neck Joint

Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

Both have a Set neck joint. This neck is tightly glued to the body. They give you the least versatility because you can't swap them for a neck that fits your hand better if you want to, unlike bolt-on necks. Some people think this gives more resonance and sustain, but there's no real difference if the bolt-on joint is well built.

Winner: Tie.

Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

Strengths & Weaknesses
Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard
  • Expensive Wood
  • Locking Nut
  • Coil Split, Multi-Voicing Pickups
  • Tremolo
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in China
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Retainer Bar
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Epiphone Les Paul Modern
  • Locking Tuners
  • Expensive Wood
  • NuBone Nut
  • Coil Tap, Phase Out Pickups
  • Weight Relief
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • Made in China
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard
Quality of materials 43
Features 65
Quality Control 60
Build Quality 56
Epiphone Les Paul Modern
Quality of materials 70
Features 70
Quality Control 60
Build Quality 67

Playability Comparison

Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

Nut Width

Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard Nut Width
Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard Nut Width
Epiphone Les Paul Modern Nut Width
Epiphone Les Paul Modern Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, the Epiphone Les Paul Modern has the wider nut with 43mm (1.693'') vs 42.9mm (1.688''). This is a 0.1mm (0.0050000000000001'') difference

This means that it will be more difficult to do bar chords on the Epiphone Les Paul Modern, especially closer to the nut. However, it's also easier to play without muting strings accidently. This favors people with big hands.

Scale Length

Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard and Epiphone Les Paul Modern's Scale Length
Both have the same scale length

The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

In this case, both have a scale length of 24.75".

This is the scale length that Gibson uses for most of its Les Paul guitars. It's a smaller scale than the typical Stratocaster's 25.5''. Short scale lengths like this make it easier to bend the strings, which is pretty important if you have a fixed bridge. They also have a shorter fret separation, which makes it easier to change position fast at the fretboard.

On the other hand, a shorter scale like this one will make fret buzz more likely, which can affect you if you want to use thicker string gauges.

Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

Neck Profile

Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard Neck Profile
Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard's neck profile
Epiphone Les Paul Modern Neck Profile
Epiphone Les Paul Modern's neck profile

No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

In this case, both have different neck shapes:

The Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard has a C type of neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

The Epiphone Les Paul Modern, on the other hand, has a Asymmetrical neck. Even though this neck shape looks like a poorly-made job, it's, in fact, the neck that most naturally adapts to the arc of your hand when grabbing a guitar neck. You'll notice that the lower part of your palm makes a more pronounced, deeper curve while the upper part makes a more subtle arch. This is the shape that adapts the best to that natural arch your hand makes while playing.

Fretboard Radius

Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard Fingerboard Radius
Both Guitars Have The Same Fretboard Radius

Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

Both the Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard and the Epiphone Les Paul Modern have the same fretboard radius of 12". This is the radius used in most Gibson guitars. It gives you a good balance for playing chords without muting, but also good comfortability for playing single notes and bending.

Hand Size Comfortability

Everyone has a different hand size, and that's why it's recommended to try a guitar before buying, even if others tell you that it's comfortable to play. However, we can know whether a guitar favors small or large hands just by knowing its exact measurements.

And after taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that the Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard favors large hands more than the Epiphone Les Paul Modern.

Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Epiphone Les Paul Modern:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard and Epiphone Les Paul Modern Frets Size
Both have a similar Medium Jumbo fret size

Both have a Medium Jumbo fret size. These are slightly shorter than full Jumbo frets, so you'll still feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings. However, they interfere less with your fretting hand than medium-size frets. This is a good size if you like easy-to-press frets, but would still like to feel a bit of the fretboard when playing.

Final Playability Scores

Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard
Bending & Vibrato Ease 80
Chord Playability 65
Solo Playability 70
Playability 72
Epiphone Les Paul Modern
Bending & Vibrato Ease 85
Chord Playability 75
Solo Playability 60
Playability 73

Specs Side-by-Side

Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard vs Les Paul Modern
General Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard Les Paul Modern
Brand: Epiphone Epiphone
Year: 2021 2020
Configuration: HH HH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: China China
Series: Artist Collection Modern Collection
Colors: Sunburst Black, Blue, Red
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Mahogany Mahogany
Bridge: Graph Tech Ghost Tremolo LockTone ABR
Neck
Neck Joint: Set Set
Tuners: Epiphone Deluxe with Keystone buttons Grover Locking Rotomatic with Tulip Buttons 18:1 ratio
Fretboard: Indian Laurel Ebony
Neck Material: Mahogany Mahogany
Decoration: Trapezoid Trapezoid
Scale Size: 24.75" 24.75"
Shape: Alex Lifeson Asymmetrical Slim Taper
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.83'' (21.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.94'' (23.9mm) 1st Fret: 0.82'' (20.8mm) - 12th Fret: 0.9'' (22.9mm)
Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo Nickel Silver 22 Medium Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 12" 12"
Nut: Locking NuBone
Nut Width: 42.9mm (1.688'') 43mm (1.693'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: Epiphone ProBucker 3 (Humbucker / Passive) ProBucker 3 (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: Epiphone Ceramic Pro (Humbucker / Passive) ProBucker 2 (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 3 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Bell Bell
Pickup Mods: Coil Split, Multi-Voicing Coil Tap, Phase Out
Volume Controls: 3 2
Tone Controls: 1 2