PRS SE Custom 24-08 vs Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s
Quick Verdict
Choose the PRS SE Custom 24-08 if you want individual coil-tap switches, 24 frets, and a 25 inch scale length for extended tonal range and lead work. Its quilt maple top and ebony fingerboard add premium appeal. Choose the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s if you prefer a classic single cut Les Paul design with ProBucker humbuckers and a LockTone bridge. Both include a gig bag, but the PRS has more published playability specs while the Epiphone has slightly higher playability and tone scores. Check missing spec details before buying.
| Spec | PRS SE Custom 24-08 | Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Maple top with mahogany back | Mahogany body with a maple top |
| Neck and fingerboard | Ebony fingerboard; neck wood not published in listing | Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard |
| Scale length | 25 inches | Not published in listing |
| Frets | 24 | Not published in listing |
| Pickups | Two humbuckers with individual coil-tap switches; pickup models not published in listing | ProBucker pickups |
| Controls | Two mini-toggle coil-tap switches; other controls not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Bridge | Not published in listing | LockTone bridge and tailpiece |
| Tuners | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Finish | Lake Blue over quilt maple top | Iced Tea Burst |
| Included accessories | Gig bag included | Gig bag |
Body, Neck and Playability
The PRS SE Custom 24-08 uses a maple top with a mahogany back, while the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s uses a mahogany body with a maple top. Both combine mahogany and maple for a balanced foundation, but the PRS specifies a quilt maple top under its Lake Blue finish. The Epiphone does not describe its maple top figure, only naming the Iced Tea Burst finish. Both bodies should provide good sustain and resonance, though the listings do not publish weight.
For the neck and fingerboard, the PRS has an ebony fingerboard but does not publish the neck wood. The Epiphone has a mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard. Ebony is often considered harder and smoother than rosewood, but the Epiphone's mahogany neck is a known quantity from the listing. The PRS scale length is 25 inches and it has 24 frets. The Epiphone listing does not state scale length or fret count, which makes a direct playability comparison harder.
Playability scores are 22 for the PRS and 23 for the Epiphone, a slight edge for the Epiphone despite its missing scale and fret data. This suggests the Epiphone's known mahogany neck and rosewood board contribute positively. The PRS has more published playability facts, including its 25 inch scale and 24 frets. Neither listing publishes neck profile or nut width, so buyers cannot compare feel precisely without handling the guitars.
Pickups and Tone
The PRS SE Custom 24-08 has two humbuckers with individual coil-tap switches for each pickup. This means each humbucker can be split to a single-coil tone independently. The pickup models are not published in the listing, so the exact voicing is unknown. The Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s uses ProBucker pickups, which are Epiphone's humbucker line, but the listing does not give output or magnet details.
Tone scores are 19 for the PRS and 20 for the Epiphone, a narrow difference. The Epiphone's ProBucker pickups are a known element that likely contributes to its slightly higher tone score. The PRS offers more switching options through its coil-taps, which can expand tonal range. However, without knowing the PRS pickup models, it is hard to compare the fundamental humbucker character.
For players who want both humbucker and single-coil sounds from the same guitar, the PRS has a clear advantage. For players who want a straightforward, classic humbucker tone without coil-splitting, the Epiphone is a solid choice. Both should handle rock, blues, and similar styles well, but the PRS can cover more ground with its switching.
Hardware and Electronics
The PRS SE Custom 24-08 lists two mini-toggle coil-tap switches as part of its controls. Other controls, such as volume and tone knobs, are not published in the listing. The bridge and tuners are also not published. This leaves a significant gap in the hardware picture, especially for a buyer who wants a specific bridge type like a tremolo or hardtail.
The Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s has a LockTone bridge and tailpiece, which the listing names. The pros also include a Graph Tech nut, adding a quality touch. The control layout and tuners are not published, so the full switching scheme and tuning hardware remain unknown. Hardware scores are both 8, indicating similar overall quality, but the Epiphone provides more specific hardware details.
In terms of electronics, the PRS has the coil-tap switches, which add functional value. The Epiphone likely has a traditional Les Paul control layout, but the listing does not confirm this. Buyers who need to know the bridge type or tuner brand on the PRS should contact a dealer for that missing information before purchasing.
Build Quality and Finish
The PRS SE Custom 24-08 shows a higher level of cosmetic detail with its quilt maple top and Lake Blue finish. The mahogany back and ebony fingerboard further suggest quality materials. The Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s has a mahogany body with a maple top and an Iced Tea Burst finish, which is a classic look. Its rosewood fingerboard and mahogany neck are also quality tonewoods.
Build and materials scores are 13 for the PRS and 12 for the Epiphone. The PRS earns a slight edge, possibly due to the quilt top and ebony board. Both guitars include a gig bag, which indicates some attention to day one protection, but neither listing mentions a hard shell case.
Neither listing publishes construction details such as neck joint type, country of origin, or weight. Without this data, it is hard to assess long term durability beyond the listed materials. Both brands have reputations for consistent build quality, but the listings are incomplete in this area.
Setup Out of the Box
Neither listing publishes factory setup specifications such as string action, neck relief, or intonation. Without this data, we cannot compare how either guitar arrives from the factory. Both include a gig bag, which suggests basic protection but does not indicate a professional setup.
Some manufacturers include quality check documents or setup cards, but the listings do not mention these for either model. Buyers should plan to have a professional setup performed after purchase to match their playing style. The lack of setup data means we cannot assign a score difference based on out of box playability.
This is a common omission in mid range guitar listings. Both the PRS SE Custom 24-08 and the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s are likely to arrive in usable condition, but the listings do not confirm. Players with specific action preferences should budget for a setup.
Daily Use and Practice
For daily practice, the PRS SE Custom 24-08 offers 24 frets and a 25 inch scale length, which many players find comfortable for both rhythm and lead work. The ebony fingerboard is smooth and durable. The Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s has a mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard, but its scale length and fret count are not published. Traditional Les Paul scale is often 24.75 inches, but we cannot assume that from the listing.
The PRS coil-tap switches allow quick changes between humbucker and single-coil tones, which can be useful for practicing different styles without changing guitars. The Epiphone likely has a simpler control layout, but the listing does not publish the controls. Weight is not published for either model, so long session comfort cannot be compared.
Both guitars include gig bags, making them easy to transport to lessons or jams. The PRS has more published playability specs, which may give buyers more confidence in daily use. The Epiphone has a higher playability score, but its missing details could be a concern for players who need specific neck dimensions.
Versatility and Styles
The PRS SE Custom 24-08 scores a 9 for versatility, the highest in its breakdown. The individual coil-tap switches provide both humbucker and single-coil tones from each pickup, making it suitable for rock, blues, pop, funk, and even some cleaner styles. The 24 frets add range for lead playing. The unknown pickup models do not change the switching capability.
The Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s scores an 8 for versatility. Its ProBucker humbuckers deliver classic humbucker tones that work well for rock, blues, and heavier styles. Without coil-splitting or other switching, it is less flexible for single-coil sounds. The traditional Les Paul design is well suited to genres that rely on thick, sustaining humbucker tone.
If a player needs a wide range of tones in one guitar, the PRS is the stronger choice. If a player wants the classic Les Paul humbucker sound and does not need single-coil options, the Epiphone is a solid pick. Both are versatile within their intended musical styles, but the PRS has a clear advantage in tonal flexibility.
The Deciding Question
The core decision comes down to tonal flexibility versus classic Les Paul design. The PRS SE Custom 24-08 offers 24 frets, a 25 inch scale, ebony fingerboard, and individual coil-tap switches. The Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s offers ProBucker pickups, a LockTone bridge, and a traditional single cut body with an Iced Tea Burst finish.
The PRS has a higher overall score of 80 versus the Epiphone's 78, but the gap is small. The PRS wins on versatility and build materials, while the Epiphone wins on playability and tone in the submitted scores. The PRS listing omits pickup models, bridge, and tuners. The Epiphone listing omits scale length, fret count, and controls.
Buyers who want a modern playing platform with switching options should lean toward the PRS. Buyers who want a straightforward, classic humbucker guitar with a familiar Les Paul look should lean toward the Epiphone. Because both listings have significant gaps, a in-person inspection or contacting a seller for missing specs is the best way to make a final choice.
Who Should Buy Which
Choose the PRS SE Custom 24-08 if you are an intermediate to advanced player who wants a visually striking guitar with 24 frets, a comfortable 25 inch scale length, and individual coil-tap switches for tonal variety. The quilt maple top, Lake Blue finish, and ebony fingerboard add premium appeal. You are willing to confirm missing specs like bridge type, tuners, and pickup models before buying.
Choose the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s if you want a classic Les Paul style guitar with ProBucker humbuckers, a LockTone bridge and tailpiece, and a traditional Iced Tea Burst finish. This model suits intermediate players who value a familiar single cut design and do not need coil-splitting or an extended fret range. You accept that the listing does not publish scale length, fret count, or control layout.
Both guitars include a gig bag, making them ready for transport. The PRS is better for players who need more switching options and a longer scale with extra frets. The Epiphone is better for players who prioritize classic Les Paul tone and hardware. Neither is a bad choice, but the PRS edges out on versatility.
PRS SE Custom 24-08
Pros
- Individual coil-tap switches for each humbucker
- 24 frets and a comfortable 25 inch scale length
- Quilt maple top with Lake Blue finish
- Ebony fingerboard and mahogany back
- Gig bag included
Cons
- Pickup models not published in listing
- Bridge and tuner details not published
- Neck wood and profile not published
- No hard case, only gig bag
Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s
Pros
- Classic single cut look with Iced Tea Burst finish
- Mahogany body and neck with a maple top
- ProBucker humbucker pickups
- LockTone bridge and tailpiece
- Graph Tech nut
- Gig bag included
Cons
- Scale length and fret count not published
- Control layout and tuners not published
- Weight not published
- No hard shell case
Who Should Buy Each
PRS SE Custom 24-08
- Intermediate players upgrading from an entry-level guitar
- Cover band guitarists needing quick pickup combination changes
- Players who want PRS aesthetics with a quilt maple top and Lake Blue finish
- Guitarists who value 24-fret access and a 25 inch scale
Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s
- Players who want a recognizable single cut with vintage style humbuckers
- Guitarists seeking a mid range upgrade from a starter instrument
- Musicians who value an included gig bag for lessons and small gigs
- Buyers comfortable with Epiphone's take on the Les Paul Standard 60s
Quick Decision Guide
| If you need individual coil-tap switches for humbucker and single-coil sounds from each pickup | Choose PRS SE Custom 24-08 |
| If you prefer a traditional single cut Les Paul design with mahogany body and maple top | Choose Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s |
| If you want a 25 inch scale length and 24 frets | Choose PRS SE Custom 24-08 |
| If you want ProBucker pickups and a LockTone bridge | Choose Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s |
| If you want the higher published playability score of 23 versus 22 | Choose Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
Read our full research methodology.
We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.