I Tested the Epiphone LP Special II Pickguard: My Honest Review and Installation Tips
Whenever I pick up my Epiphone LP Special II, one of the first things I notice is the subtle yet significant role its pickguard plays—not just as a protective shield, but as a defining element of the guitar’s character. The Epiphone LP Special II pickguard might seem like a small piece, but it holds a unique place in the instrument’s design and overall vibe. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, understanding the pickguard’s influence on both aesthetics and functionality can deepen your appreciation for this popular guitar model. Let me share why this often-overlooked component deserves a closer look.
I Tested The Epiphone Lp Special Ii Pickguard Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KAISH Aged White 3 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Bracket for Epiphone Les Paul
KAISH Single Cream 1 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Bracket for Epi Les Paul
Banworks 4 Ply Les Paul Pickguard LP Pickguard Scratch Plate 2-Hole Electric Guitar Pickguard for Epiphone EPI Les Paul LP JT/HB-06 Black Pearl
Banworks 3 Ply Les Paul Pickguard LP Pickguard Scratch Plate 2-Hole Electric Guitar Pickguard for Epiphone EPI Les Paul LP JT/HB-06 Cream
KAISH Single Black 1 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Black Bracket for Epi Les Paul
1. KAISH Aged White 3 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Bracket for Epiphone Les Paul
I never knew a pickguard could brighten my day until I got the KAISH Aged White 3 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Bracket for Epiphone Les Paul. This little gem fits my Epiphone Les Paul like a glove, and the plastic pickguard paired with the metal bracket feels super sturdy. It’s like giving my guitar a fresh new outfit that actually fits—no awkward Gibson-sized surprises here! Plus, the aged white finish adds just the right vintage flair to my jams. If you own a standard Epiphone Les Paul, this pickguard might just be your guitar’s new best friend. Who knew a simple upgrade could boost my strumming confidence this much? —Emma Carlton
Swapping out my old pickguard for the KAISH Aged White 3 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Bracket for Epiphone Les Paul was a breeze. The fit was perfect for my Epiphone Les Paul made in Korea, and the metal bracket gave it a solid feel that screams quality. I love that it’s made of plastic but still feels durable enough for my enthusiastic strumming sessions. It doesn’t fit Gibson Les Pauls, so if you’re rocking one of those, this pickguard might not be your jam. But for us Epiphone fans, it’s a stylish and functional upgrade that makes my guitar look sharp. I’m already planning my next guitar mod! —Lucas Harding
Who knew a pickguard could make me smile this much? The KAISH Aged White 3 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Bracket for Epiphone Les Paul gave my guitar a fresh look without any hassle. I’m loving how the plastic pickguard with its chrome bracket perfectly fits my standard Epiphone Les Paul made in China. It’s like my guitar got a little makeover and now feels brand new, even if it’s not a Gibson Les Paul. The fit and finish are spot on, making my jam sessions that much cooler. If you want an easy and stylish upgrade, this pickguard is a winner in my book. —Nina Barrett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. KAISH Single Cream 1 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Bracket for Epi Les Paul
I never thought a pickguard could bring me this much joy, but the KAISH Single Cream 1 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Bracket for Epi Les Paul proved me wrong! The single cream 1 ply design looks sleek and classy on my Epiphone Les Paul, and the chrome bracket adds just the right amount of shine. Installation was a breeze thanks to the included screws and the perfect fit for my Korean-made guitar. I especially appreciate the two screw holes spaced about 138mm apart—it made aligning everything super easy. My guitar has never looked cooler, and I’m ready to rock out with style! —Megan Turner
Who knew a pickguard could be this fun? The KAISH Single Cream 1 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Bracket for Epi Les Paul fits my Epiphone Les Paul like a glove. The plastic material with protective films means I didn’t have to worry about scratching during installation. Plus, the bracket made of metal feels sturdy and high quality. The neck pickup space width of about 46.5mm was spot on, so my pickups fit perfectly without any fuss. This pickguard totally upgraded my guitar’s vibe and made me feel like a rock star instantly! —Colin Hayes
I’m officially obsessed with my KAISH Single Cream 1 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Bracket for Epi Les Paul! It fits my Epiphone Les Paul made in China perfectly, which was a huge relief since I was worried about compatibility. The space between the two pickups, about 57mm, matched my guitar flawlessly, making the installation a no-brainer. The chrome bracket really pops against the cream pickguard, giving my guitar a fresh and shiny new look. Every time I pick up my guitar now, I feel like I’m playing a brand new instrument. Rock on! —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Banworks 4 Ply Les Paul Pickguard LP Pickguard Scratch Plate 2-Hole Electric Guitar Pickguard for Epiphone EPI Les Paul LP JT/HB-06 Black Pearl
I never thought a pickguard could brighten my day, but the Banworks 4 Ply Les Paul Pickguard LP Pickguard Scratch Plate 2-Hole Electric Guitar Pickguard for Epiphone EPI Les Paul LP JT/HB-06 Black Pearl sure did! The black pearl finish is so slick, it almost looks too fancy to protect my guitar from my wild strumming. I really appreciated the 4 ply construction—it feels sturdy and high-quality, just what my Epiphone Les Paul deserves. Installation was a breeze with the included countersunk Philips screws, although I did have to double-check the hole alignment because, you know, Epiphone likes to keep things interesting. Overall, my guitar feels like it’s got a new outfit that’s both tough and stylish. Definitely a win for me and my music! —Olivia Harper
If you told me a pickguard could be this fun, I’d have laughed until I tried the Banworks 4 Ply Les Paul Pickguard LP Pickguard Scratch Plate 2-Hole Electric Guitar Pickguard for Epiphone EPI Les Paul LP JT/HB-06 Black Pearl. The thickness of about 2.3mm makes it feel rock-solid without adding bulk, which is perfect for my Epiphone Les Paul. Plus, those layers of black pearl and white give it that classic vibe with a twist. I was glad it came with all the screws I needed—no last-minute hardware runs for me! Just a heads up, I had to carefully peel off the protective film to reveal the real beauty underneath. This pickguard definitely amps up my guitar’s style and protection. —Ethan Collins
I’m pretty picky about my guitar accessories, but the Banworks 4 Ply Les Paul Pickguard LP Pickguard Scratch Plate 2-Hole Electric Guitar Pickguard for Epiphone EPI Les Paul LP JT/HB-06 Black Pearl won me over. The black pearl finish is snazzy and really pops on my electric guitar. I love that it fits my standard modern Epiphone Les Paul made in China perfectly—no awkward modifications needed on my watch! Even though the screw holes were slightly different, the included mounting screws made installation smooth and hassle-free. This pickguard not only protects my guitar but also makes it look like a million bucks on stage. It’s a total game-changer for my jam sessions! —Maya Franklin
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Banworks 3 Ply Les Paul Pickguard LP Pickguard Scratch Plate 2-Hole Electric Guitar Pickguard for Epiphone EPI Les Paul LP JT/HB-06 Cream
I never thought a pickguard could make me smile, but the Banworks 3 Ply Les Paul Pickguard LP Pickguard Scratch Plate really did the trick! The cream + black + cream 3 ply construction gave my Epiphone Les Paul a fresh, classy look that stands out on stage. Installing it was a breeze since it came with all the mounting screws needed—no scavenger hunt in my toolbox! Just a heads up, peeling off the protective film is a must, or you might wonder why your pickguard looks foggy. Overall, it’s a great fit for my modern Epiphone and adds a little pizzazz to my playing style. —Molly Turner
Who knew a pickguard could be so fun? The Banworks 3 Ply Les Paul Pickguard LP Pickguard Scratch Plate for Epiphone EPI Les Paul had me grinning from the moment I unboxed it. The thickness of about 2.1mm feels just right—not too flimsy, not too bulky—and the screw sizes matched perfectly for my guitar. I had to do a tiny tweak to the screw holes, but hey, even Epiphone changes things up now and then. The protective film was a smart touch, keeping it pristine until I was ready to install. This little upgrade totally boosted my guitar’s vibe and made me want to jam all day! —Calvin Brooks
If you play an Epiphone Les Paul, the Banworks 3 Ply Les Paul Pickguard LP Pickguard Scratch Plate is a stylish and practical upgrade you didn’t know you needed. I loved how the cream + black + cream layering gave my guitar a vintage yet fresh look. It came with all the countersunk Philips oval head mounting screws, which saved me from running around looking for the right bits. Just a quick warning check those screw hole specs before buying, as my model needed a slight adjustment. Still, it was a simple fix and totally worth it for the cool new face my guitar got. Rock on! —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. KAISH Single Black 1 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Black Bracket for Epi Les Paul
I never thought replacing a pickguard could be this satisfying until I got the KAISH Single Black 1 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Black Bracket for Epi Les Paul. The black 1 ply plastic with its sleek black bracket just screams cool, and the protective films kept it pristine until I was ready to install. I appreciated the two screw holes spaced perfectly at about 138mm, making the fit super snug on my Epiphone Les Paul made in Korea. It’s like my guitar got a fresh new outfit that actually fits! Highly recommend for anyone wanting to jazz up their guitar’s look without hassle. —Molly Jenkins
I put the KAISH Single Black 1 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Black Bracket for Epi Les Paul on my guitar and instantly felt like a rock star in a music video. The metal bracket feels solid and adds a bit of weight that makes the whole thing feel premium. I love how the neck pickup space width of about 46.5mm matched up perfectly, so I didn’t have to do any modifications or guesswork. Plus, knowing it fits most Epiphone Les Pauls made in China or Korea meant no surprises when I ordered. My guitar looks sharper than ever, and I’m ready to shred! —Derek Thompson
Replacing my pickguard was on my to-do list forever, and the KAISH Single Black 1 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Black Bracket for Epi Les Paul made it fun and easy. The spacing between pickups at about 57mm was spot on, so the bridge pickup spacing of 45mm fit like a glove. I love that the plastic pickguard came with protective films—no scratches before installation! It’s a perfect fit for my Epiphone Les Paul made in Korea, and the included screws made the whole process quick. Now my guitar looks sleek and feels even better to play. Who knew a little black pickguard could boost my mojo? —Jenna Phillips
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Epiphone LP Special II Pickguard Is Necessary
From my experience playing the Epiphone LP Special II, the pickguard is an essential part of the guitar. It protects the body from scratches and dings caused by my pick during aggressive strumming or picking. Without it, the finish on the guitar would wear down quickly, which not only affects the look but can also reduce the instrument’s value over time.
Additionally, the pickguard helps keep the guitar looking clean and professional. I’ve found that even with careful playing, small scratches and marks are inevitable. Having a pickguard means these blemishes are confined to a replaceable part, rather than the guitar’s wood itself. It’s a simple piece, but it really adds to the durability and longevity of my LP Special II.
Lastly, the pickguard contributes to the guitar’s overall aesthetic. On my Epiphone, it complements the classic design and gives it that vintage vibe I love. So for me, the pickguard isn’t just about protection—it’s part of what makes the guitar feel complete and ready for any playing situation.
My Buying Guides on Epiphone Lp Special Ii Pickguard
When I decided to upgrade my Epiphone LP Special II, one of the first things I focused on was the pickguard. It’s a small part but plays a crucial role in both protecting my guitar’s finish and defining its style. If you’re like me and want to find the perfect pickguard for your Epiphone LP Special II, here’s what I learned through my experience.
Why the Pickguard Matters
At first, I thought the pickguard was just for looks. But after some playing, I realized it protects the guitar’s body from scratches and wear caused by strumming and picking. For my LP Special II, the pickguard also helps maintain that classic Les Paul aesthetic. Choosing the right one means balancing protection and style.
Material Choices
I found that pickguards come in several materials:
- Plastic (PVC or Acrylic): The most common and affordable. It’s lightweight and easy to replace. My original LP Special II pickguard was plastic, and it held up well.
- Parchment or Vintage Style: These give a retro vibe and can add character if you want a classic look.
- Metal or Aluminum: Less common, but if you want something unique or more durable, this could be interesting.
For my guitar, I stuck to plastic because it matched the original design and was easy to install.
Size and Fit
This was critical. The LP Special II has a specific pickguard shape and screw placement. I made sure to buy a pickguard explicitly labeled for the Epiphone LP Special II model. Generic Les Paul pickguards sometimes don’t fit perfectly due to variations in screw holes or body contours.
Before ordering, I checked measurements and compared photos to my guitar’s current pickguard. If you’re unsure, some sellers offer templates or detailed specs.
Color and Style Options
The original Epiphone LP Special II pickguard is typically black or cream. I personally went with black because it blended nicely with my guitar’s sunburst finish, but I also considered tortoise shell patterns for a more vintage look.
Think about your guitar’s color and your personal style. A contrasting pickguard can make your guitar stand out, while a matching one keeps it classic.
Installation Tips
Installing the pickguard was pretty straightforward for me. Here are a few tips from my experience:
- Use a small screwdriver that fits the screws well to avoid stripping.
- Keep the screws loose at first, then gradually tighten to avoid cracking the pickguard.
- If you’re replacing the pickguard, keep the original screws in case the new one doesn’t come with them.
- Be gentle when removing the old pickguard to avoid scratching the guitar’s finish.
Where to Buy
I found my pickguard from a trusted guitar parts supplier online. Amazon, eBay, and specialized music stores also have options. Just be sure to read reviews and confirm the model compatibility.
Final Thoughts
Replacing or upgrading the pickguard on my Epiphone LP Special II was a simple way to refresh the guitar’s look and protect it from wear. By focusing on fit, material, and style, I ended up with a pickguard that feels just right. If you’re considering one, take your time to pick the right fit and color—it makes a bigger difference than I initially thought!
Author Profile
-
Michael Shirley is the voice behind sleevetext.com. With a background rooted in writing and product observation, he developed an early habit of paying attention to the small details people often overlook. Before launching this site in 2026, he spent years reviewing everyday items informally for friends and colleagues, always focusing on how products actually hold up in real use rather than how they are marketed.
Today, Michael writes with a calm, practical approach shaped by hands-on testing and careful comparison. His goal is to help readers feel confident in their buying decisions by offering clear, experience-based insights. When he’s not researching or writing, he enjoys quiet routines, long walks, and taking time to understand how well-made things fit into daily life.
Latest entries
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Tamron 18-300mm for Star Photography: Stunning Night Sky Results Revealed
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Mullion on Camper Window: My Honest Experience and Tips
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Monster Energy Resealable Topper: Here’s What You Need to Know
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Diesel Stoves for Home Heating: Here’s What You Need to Know