800-ZZOUNDS (800-996-8637)
When you call, mention priority code QTY-NV8Q
close [x]
  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri 8AM - 10PM (EST)
  • Sat 9AM - 6PM (EST)
  • Sun 1PM - 7PM (EST)

Rating And Reviews: Epiphone Les Paul Ultra 3

User Ratings
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
What do you think? Rate and Review This Product
| | |

"Tried all the LP's from Epi & Gibson - LOVE this one!" submitted August 13, 2012

By David C in Georgetown, TX
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: Playing 40 yrs, Jam with friends, Intermediate
Music Style: Rock, Blues, Classical, Pop
Back to Product Information
VERIFIED BUYER
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Overall: I spent 2 days in another store trying out all the Les Paul's from Epiphone and Gibson. This one felt as good as the $2600 Gibson with the great feeling neck binding and 60's neck profile and has the beautiful sounding Shadow Nanomag (tm). It did have just a touch of fret buzz (work around by picking CLOSE to the bridge or low on the neck) which reviews all over the web mention. My second and 3rd choices were Gibson LP Studio Faded and the Epi Les Paul Standard Plus Top Pro. Yeah...kind of a wide price range, but all under $1000. Long story short... I chose the Blemished Ultra 3 in Vintage Sunburst from zZounds. Although I didn't get the payment plan, it was a huge savings! When it came in I looked all over for the blemishes. After nearly an hour of looking WITH A MAGNIFYING GLASS, I found a tiny nick in the paint on the rear near the neck. I could barely even feel it with my fingers! So then I tried it out. A tiny bit out of tune... no surprise. Good intonation. A tiny bit of fret buzz. All electrics worked as specified. Then WOW....This thing has some great sustain in all the pickup positions. I compared it to my Gibson SG. Eleven seconds longer sustain on the D string 9th fret... ELEVEN SECONDS! So I played for an hour or so then took it to my local shop to be set up. Half and hour later, no more fret buzz, great action, and a true pleasure to play...and only 50 bucks. I am now REALLY loving this guitar. I find time whenever I can to play/practice on it. I would recommend both this guitar and zZounds.
27 of 27 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"Epiphone Les Paul Ultra III" submitted August 30, 2012

By J.J. Schmidt in Des Moines, IA
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: I have been playing for over 30 years, I play guitar, percussion and keyboards, I am a Studio Musician.
Music Style: Mainly a Jazz, Blues and Christian Rock player.
Back to Product Information
VERIFIED BUYER
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Overall: I was hesitant to buy a guitar manufactured in China, I currently own about 40 other guitars including Gibson Les Pauls, Yamaha, Washburn, Hamer and several custom built guitars, and have been playing for over 30 years. To my surprise I was pleasantly pleased when this guitar arrived and I had a chance to give it a thorough going over. I had researched this guitar heavily before deciding to buy it, and despite it's lackluster review on Harmony Central I was PLEASED! The Ultra III not only looked beautiful it felt better in my hands than my favorite Gibson L.P. The finish was flawless, and the set up was very near perfect. (I am a Luthier also). After a few minor adjustments it was ready to play. The sound was very nice. For what I play (mainly Progressive Jazz) I found that blending the Nano Mag PU and the Humbuckers worked the best. I love the neck on this thing, perfectly comfortable! It is a well thought out, thoughtfully engineered, and masterfully crafted in China instrument well worth it's weight in compliments! It has taken the place of my favorite Gibson, something I thought I would never say. Our USA team should be incorporating this technology into the American Les Pauls. Epiphone, you really have done yourselves proud with this instrument! I can with 100% honesty say I am completely proud to own the new Ultra III! Thank you also to zZounds for making it easy to own one of these beautiful guitars!!!!
19 of 19 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"Great guitar!!! " submitted October 20, 2012

By Dustin B in Murfreesboro , TN
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: I've been playing for bout 10 yrs. I play worship music at church, jam with friends and jam at home
Music Style: Christian, Blues, Jazz, Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, 60s,70s,80s Rock/pop
Back to Product Information
VERIFIED BUYER
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Overall: I have 7 guitars and out the 7 this is my 2nd favorite one ( the Taylor Acoustic being number 1 ). I was originally going to buy me a Gibson Les Paul but then stumbled across this and instantly fell in love with it. Watch both tutorial videos they have on here on the guitar. The addition of the 3rd pickup, The Nanomag, is pretty stinking sweet along with USB compatibility. I have never seen a guitar that can do what this one does, and I've been to tons of guitars stores both in person and online stores. Of course like most all Les Pauls this has great tone and the neck feels great. The Midnight Ebony finish looks great, I usually go for the sunburst look on a les paul but this finish was worth getting. This is my 3rd time buying from zZounds.com and it has been great each time. I highly recommend this site. So far I bought my Marshall Tube Amp head, Fender Srat and now the Les Paul. The payment plans they have works great. I really like that they added an 8 payments plan cause now I'm able to own this Les Paul.
5 of 5 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"Epiphone Les Paul Ultra III" submitted September 12, 2012

By Jeff T in Hilliard, OH
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: Gtr for over 20 yrs, some bass, drums, keys. In a band called OnePrettyMintute and have played in about 10 through the years
Music Style: Rock, Indie, Hard Rock, gothic rock, acoustic/folk
Back to Product Information
VERIFIED BUYER
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Overall: Great guitar. Haven't used it much yet but will take it into next practice to see how the humbuckers sound. If they sound good, I won't switch them out, but if they sound okay, I'll switch them out for 490/498 set or something else. As far as the Nanomag sounds, it's okay through an amp and a little better through a board, but I haven't tried it with an acoustic amp yet. I'd bet it would sound good. I'll have to save up and get an acoustic amp later. Haven't tried it with an acoustic simulator pedal either. Might sound good. As far as the USB; I LOVE IT! Very cool feature. Takes a few minutes to set up on the computer though, but not tough. I used to have the Ultra II, which I sold once I saw that Ultra III was coming out. I love the push pot to switch between Nano, humbucker and both. Hated how you had to turn the knob on the Ultra II. I also love the tuner function. They really thought this through on this one. Build-wise, I like it a lot as well. I think Epiphone makes a good product. I have an Epi Les Paul custom that I love and has held up for years and sounds great! Course, I switched the stock p/u. This is a versatile guitar and I'll be getting an A/B/Y switch soon as well as an acoustic pedal
2 of 2 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"Great Guitar and Exceptional Service" submitted October 21, 2012

By Edward M in Lodi, CA
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: Intermediate beginner player. Have multiple guitars including an American Strat from zZounds.
Music Style: Pop some rock and some blues.
Back to Product Information
VERIFIED BUYER
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Overall: I originally purchased another guitar that had a quality problem. zZounds immediately issued a RA# and cost-free shipping label immediately without argument. They shipped the replacement as soon as the shipper logged the shipment. I "chicken-out" when the replacement arrived (probably was an OK instrument) and zZounds again issued another RA# and cost-free shipper without argument- exceptional service! I then upgraded to a Gibson Les Paul Custom Classic Limited Edition Electric Guitar with Case, a beautiful and excellent instrument. I love it. Cannot recommend zZounds enough.
2 of 2 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"AWESOME" submitted August 31, 2012

By Charlie Kasuba in Summerfield, FL
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: Started playing acoustic guitar a year and a half ago started electric 6 months ago
Music Style: Rock, Classic Rock, Alternative, Metal, Jazz and Blues
Back to Product Information
VERIFIED BUYER
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Overall: this guitar when I first saw it what attracted me the most was how versatile it can be. The option to be able to switch from Clean to treble and a mixture of both is insane, I would recommend two amps for this guitar though as if you wanna use the multi-function button on it, it gives it a cleaner tone. All in all very satisfied in fact just ordered another guitar from this site! ROCK ON!!!
2 of 2 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"Ultra goodness, shy of greatness" submitted February 11, 2013

By Don F in Silver Spring, MD
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: I've been playing music for 46 years,as a hobbyist, avocationally and professionally.
Music Style: rock, pop,R&B, jazz-rock, a little Latin and folk piano
Back to Product Information
VERIFIED BUYER
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Overall: This is a very well made, beautiful guitar with two innovative twists, one of which works somewhat, the other one failing to deliver at the same quality level as the guitar overall (4 1/2 stars). This is an electric-acoustic guitar which allows one to overlay and adjust the volumes of the standard, electric humbucking sound that copies a Gibson Les Paul quite faithfully. The acoustic- simulating sound doesn't sound at all convincing. With time, I might have found a use for this sound (and its dedicated second output, for the "stereo" output, which is actually dual mono, one channel-center panned- for the electric, and one for the "acoustic" sound. Stereo does not exist for either sound,t aken individually or together. I would rate the "acoustic" sound at one star quality at most, while the electric sound is at least 4 1/2 stars, possibly into 5-star territory! It's almost as good overall as a Gibson Les Paul in a comparable price range (under $1k). For my own enjoyment, I'd either go with an ep8iphone from the LP100 lineup (I happily owned one) to a $500 model that plays and sounds fine. I'd consider buying a Gibson, not for superior quality or sound, but for resale value, as Gibsons retain much more resale value compared to Epiphones. The best thing about this guitar is its playability, as the neck was SWEET< an ease to play. The sound in electric mode didn't disappoint at all, which is more than I can say for many a Gibson Les Paul. My least favorite thing about this model and particular guitar was the "acoustic" sound. It valiantly bombed.
1 of 1 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"epi les paul ultra 3" submitted November 7, 2012

By akeem j in greenville, MS
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: been playing for 6 months. i only play guitar.
Music Style: blues
Back to Product Information
VERIFIED BUYER
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Overall: i love this guitar and i love you guys for making it affordable for me. zZounds is the greatest site for musical equipment. im planning on ordering a new amp and im gonna order from you guys!!! thanks so much!
1 of 1 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"blue Epi Les Paul Ultra 3" submitted September 11, 2012

By Rodney J in Ephrata, PA
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: I've been playing guitar for over 30 years. I play out acoustically.
Music Style: Classic rock
Back to Product Information
VERIFIED BUYER
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Overall: Great guitar for the money. Looks great and sounds great. Love the built-in tuner and nanomag pickup feature.
2 of 2 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"Epiphone Les Paul Ultra III Guitar" submitted September 9, 2012

By Ray H in Philadelphia, PA
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Music Style: Blues, Rock
Back to Product Information
VERIFIED BUYER
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Overall: The guitar is more than I expected, the service was amazing. I received both guitar and amp two days after ordering. I can't say enough about the guitar, a pleasure to play, great action.
1 of 1 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"Les Paul" submitted October 15, 2012

By Darrell S in Fort Meade, FL
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: Since 70
Music Style: Christian
Back to Product Information
VERIFIED BUYER
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Overall: Awesome service turn around and help in buying my Les Paul
2 of 2 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"Epiphone Les Paul Ultra III" submitted August 30, 2012

By Curtis G in Easton, MO
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: 25 years, guitar, all high school band instruments.
Music Style: classic rock, rock, hard rock
Back to Product Information
VERIFIED BUYER
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Overall: Had the guitar about 3 weeks now and love it!
2 of 2 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"On The fence about this one, " submitted March 9, 2013

By Freddy S in Lincolnton , NC
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: I have played for years in and out of bands, mostly as a keyboardist or piano player.
Music Style: Old school rock, blues, some jazz, and motown.
Back to Product Information
VERIFIED BUYER
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Overall: Okay, I'm going to be as fare as I can on this guitar, first of all I have been a fender strat lover and I will always be. I got my Epi about the 3 days ago and it came package good by way of FedEx. When I opened it up and got her out she was a beautiful guitar, I got the vintage burst which to me is the best looking one. As I looked it over I first found two pits on the front of it right between the controls of the volume and tone. On the back of her there was two more pits were the nick meets the body, and down the middle you can see lines that looks like were the body was put together. Now I got this guitar to play so I can live with this, but I had bad fret buss, so I have been working on setting her up to stop the buss. It's A lot better than it was but I had to raise the strings to get it out, and I also backed off on the truss rod to get just a little bit of a contour in the nick. It's not always good to have the neck as straight as an arrow, sometimes you want a very small amount of downward contour. know for the guitar it self I love it, I have never had a LP before like I said I have always played fenders but I do love this LP she's all together different guitar. And by the way I'm comparing this to a MIM fender black top, I just wish quality control would have done a better job on the Epi before it was package and shipped. The neck of this LP takes some getting used to but it dose feel good very good when you get the feel of it. Then there is the sound, it is incredible very strong and very sweet when needed to be. Love the coil tapping it's great and seem to come natural to me considering I've never used 1 before. All the good about this guitar outweighs all of the flaws on the finish of the guitar I received, and working on the setup has took care of the bussing for the most part. It's A lot of guitar for the money you pay and I do love this LP, she is a great instrument with a lot of endless ability.
2 of 3 people (66.67%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"Best Les Paul I have ever Played including Gibson" submitted May 6, 2012

By Dannis R in Travelers Rest, SC
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: Been playing since I was 7 years old. I play Guitar, Bass, Woodwinds, keyboard.
Music Style: Rock, Blues, Country
Back to Product Information
VERIFIED BUYER
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Overall: With all the performance of a Gibson Les Paul without the price. I love the extra acoustic pickup with the combination of the built in Tuner. My guitar had a perfect finish which really looks good. It was already perfectly setup. With the additional electronics it has a range over a standard Les Paul. The ability to split the acoustic pickup output to a second amp is a real plus for me. I would highly recommend this guitar. I also like but from Zzounds. They are great people to work with.
11 of 11 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"Best Les Paul I have ever Played including Gibson" submitted April 13, 2012

By Dannis R in Travelers Rest, SC
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: Part Time Pro
Music Style: Rock, Metal, Blues, Country and Southern Rock
Back to Product Information
VERIFIED BUYER
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Overall: I recently bought this guitar because I was Interested in the acoustic sound. After playing it for the last two weeks I can say that it is one of my best. The combination of the pro-buckers with the nano-mag, make for some real nice sounds. I have used it almost all the time at my gigs and everyone ask me what I did do to get that sound. Being an electrical engineer I get accused of developing some new kind of pedal sound. I just say I wish it was me, but it just the stock Ultra III. Best guitar I ever bought for the money. I own more expensive ones, but this on is the best value.
39 of 41 people (95.12%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

BizRate Customer Certified (GOLD) Site
Questions? Our gear experts can help!
800-zZounds (800-996-8637)
When you call, mention priority code QTY-NV8Q. Llame Gratis en Español: 800-460-7976
Lunes-Viernes de 1AM a 1AM EST
Customize Search Results for Your Location
Shop with those who respect your privacy — we do. Copyright © 1996-2013, zZounds Music, LLC. Terms of use apply.
[x] close

ALL ACCESS PASS

5 reasons YOU should sign up for the zZounds newsletter

  • 1. Weekly deals
  • 2. News about zZounds giveaways
  • 3. Interviews with cutting edge artists and producers
  • 4. Limited-time payment plan offers
  • 5. Features on your favorite gear
To get your cool stuff, we'll need your address:
close [x]What is this?
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
 
close [x]What is this?
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
close [x]

1. We offer the most flexible payment plans in the biz

zZounds offers a number of different installment payment plans that make it affordable and convenient for you to get the gear you really want today, without racking up risky credit card debt.

Other stores offer house credit cards that require you to fill out an application and pass a credit check--and, if you qualify, leave you vulnerable to exorbitant interest charges once the initial promotional period ends. zZounds payment plans are easy to get and simple to use; plus we'll never charge you interest!

zZounds payment plans details »

2. We guarantee the lowest price

If we don't already have the lowest price, just send us a link to any legitimate competitor's offer, and we'll beat their price as long as we're not losing money on the deal.

To submit a request for a lower price, click "Seen it for less?" on any product page. We answer most lowest price requests within two hours. For extra peace of mind, you also have 30 days after your purchase to find a lower price; if you do, we'll refund the difference.

zZounds.com price match details »

3. You'll get your gear fast

Because we have two well-situated warehouses--one on each coast--nearly three- quarters of the US population is located within our two-day shipping zones. Plus, we keep both warehouses well stocked with all the most popular products, so you'll usually get your gear fast without having to pay more for expedited shipping.

In fact, zZounds offers free two-day delivery on many of our best-selling products!

zZounds.com shipping details »

4. We make returns super easy

You have 30 days to try your gear at home, in your practice space or studio. If you're not absolutely in love with the sound you're getting, just let us know. We'll promptly arrange for an exchange or a refund without the hassles or hidden charges you face with some of our competitors. If there's something wrong with the gear you bought from us, we'll email you an electronic return label so you can return it easily and free of charge.

zZounds.com return details »

5. Our customer service is consistently rated the best

zZounds customer service is consistently rated at or near the top on every major comparison shopping website--probably because we only hire experienced musicians with outstanding customer service skills to work in our call center, and they don't work on commission. To us, this is our most meaningful measure of success. zZounds has served over a million customers since 1996, and they're the only critics whose reviews really matter to us.

zZounds.com customer service »
close [x]
Available on
orders $249+
learn more

Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

Fast approval.
We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.
It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.
No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

close [x]
on most orders $49+

Just $2.99 on
smaller orders

Really heavy stuff might cost you a
little more

learn more

Why fight traffic and pushy salesmen when we'll bring your gear straight to your home, free of charge?

zZounds free shipping is really free!
No hidden charges or hassles on returns.
Fast, reliable delivery
We have warehouses on both coasts, so most shipments arrive in 3 days or less.
We don't collect sales tax. Bonus!
Only NJ residents pay tax during checkout.
close [x]

A guarantee so solid, you never have to worry about price when shopping at zZounds

We'll beat any price
Simply click the Seen it for less? link next to the gear you want or call us at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637)
Got a coupon from another site?
Use it with us - we'll beat those prices, too!
Find a better price after buying from us?
No problem. We'll refund you the difference for 30 days, so you'll never regret buying from zZounds.

You'll still get the trustworthy service you've come to expect from zZounds, without paying more for your gear!