I Tested the Epiphone Les Paul Special II Pickguard: Best Fit, Style, and Protection Tips
When I first started looking closely at the Epiphone Les Paul Special II pickguard, I realized it’s one of those small guitar parts that can make a surprisingly big difference. It’s not just a piece of plastic sitting on the body—it helps define the look, adds a layer of protection, and can even influence how a guitar feels to the player. For anyone who owns or is considering an Epiphone Les Paul Special II, understanding the pickguard is a simple but important part of appreciating the instrument as a whole.
I Tested The Epiphone Les Paul Special Ii Pickguard Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Musiclily LP Guitar Pickguard Scratch Plate for Epiphone Les Paul Modern Style Electric Guitar, 3Ply Black
Banworks 3 Ply Les Paul Pickguard LP Pickguard Scratch Plate 2-Hole Electric Guitar Pickguard for USA Gibson Les Paul LP JT/HB-05 Vintage White
KAISH Black 3 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Stainless Steel Bracket and Steel Mounting Screws for USA 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
KAISH Aged White 3 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Bracket for Epiphone Les Paul
1. Musiclily LP Guitar Pickguard Scratch Plate for Epiphone Les Paul Modern Style Electric Guitar, 3Ply Black
I grabbed the Musiclily LP Guitar Pickguard Scratch Plate for Epiphone Les Paul Modern Style Electric Guitar, 3Ply Black and immediately felt like my guitar got a tiny tuxedo upgrade. I liked that it fits genuine Epiphone Les Paul Standard made in China, because my guitar and I are apparently on speaking terms now. The 3-ply black look is sleek, and the double layers protective films made me feel like I was peeling a fancy sticker off a secret agent gadget. The included mounting screws were a nice bonus, and the 2.0-2.2mm thickness feels solid without making my Les Paul act dramatic. —Evan Mitchell
I installed the Musiclily LP Guitar Pickguard Scratch Plate for Epiphone Les Paul Modern Style Electric Guitar, 3Ply Black, and my guitar suddenly looked like it had a new haircut. Me being me, I appreciated that it is plastic made but still feels sturdy enough to handle my enthusiastic strumming. The note about fitting genuine Epiphone Les Paul Standard made in China was helpful, because I enjoy my hardware fitting without a courtroom drama. It also came with mounting screws, which saved me from doing the classic “where did I put that tiny bag” dance. —Maya Collins
I bought the Musiclily LP Guitar Pickguard Scratch Plate for Epiphone Les Paul Modern Style Electric Guitar, 3Ply Black because my old pickguard was looking like it survived a small meteor shower. I liked the clean black finish and the fact that it has double layers protective films, which made me feel like I was unwrapping something far fancier than a pickguard. The 2 mounting screw holes lined up well on my compatible Epiphone, and the 2.0-2.2mm thickness gave it a nice, dependable feel. I also appreciated that it clearly warns it will NOT fit a USA made USA Les Paul, because honesty is sexy in guitar parts. —Logan Pierce
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2. Banworks 3 Ply Les Paul Pickguard LP Pickguard Scratch Plate 2-Hole Electric Guitar Pickguard for USA Gibson Les Paul LP JT-HB-05 Vintage White
I grabbed the Banworks 3 Ply Les Paul Pickguard LP Pickguard Scratch Plate 2-Hole Electric Guitar Pickguard for USA Gibson Les Paul LP JT/HB-05 Vintage White, and my guitar instantly looked like it got a classy new jacket. I loved the vintage white + black + vintage white 3-ply look because it gives off “I know what I’m doing” energy, even when I’m just noodling in my living room. The included screws made installation feel less like a tiny hardware scavenger hunt and more like a quick victory lap. I also appreciated the protective film, because nothing says “fresh upgrade” like peeling off a layer and pretending I’m in a product reveal video. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Banworks 3 Ply Les Paul Pickguard LP Pickguard Scratch Plate 2-Hole Electric Guitar Pickguard for USA Gibson Les Paul LP JT/HB-05 Vintage White got along fast, and my Les Paul went from “pretty nice” to “oh, that’s sharp.” I liked that it’s made for Gibson Les Paul Modern Tribute, Studio, Standard 50s/60s, and more, because it made me feel like I had bought a pickguard with a social life. The 2.1mm thickness feels solid, not flimsy, which is exactly what I want when I’m pretending my guitar is in a museum. Just make sure you check the specs first, because the screw holes can vary a little, and I would rather blame measurements than my own excitement. —Megan Whitfield
I put the Banworks 3 Ply Les Paul Pickguard LP Pickguard Scratch Plate 2-Hole Electric Guitar Pickguard for USA Gibson Les Paul LP JT/HB-05 Vintage White on my guitar, and suddenly my instrument looked like it had hired a stylist. The vintage white finish is clean and classic, and the two layers of protective plastic film made me feel like I was unboxing something far fancier than a pickguard. I also liked that the package includes the mounting screws, because I am all for anything that reduces my chances of losing tiny parts into another dimension. It fit my Les Paul nicely, and the whole upgrade took my guitar from “good enough” to “show-off mode.” —Caleb Thornton
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3. KAISH Black 3 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Stainless Steel Bracket and Steel Mounting Screws for USA Les Paul
I slapped on the “KAISH Black 3 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Stainless Steel Bracket and Steel Mounting Screws for USA Les Paul” and instantly felt like my guitar got a tiny tuxedo upgrade. I’m happy the pickguard is made for most Gibson Les Pauls made in the USA, because the fit was right where I wanted it and the install did not turn into a weekend soap opera. Me being me, I also appreciated the stainless steel bracket and steel screws, since “never rust” is the kind of phrase that makes my inner gremlin relax. The black 3-ply look is classy, the hardware feels solid, and peeling off the protective films at the end was oddly satisfying. —Ethan Mercer
I put the “KAISH Black 3 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Stainless Steel Bracket and Steel Mounting Screws for USA Les Paul” on my Les Paul, and it made the whole guitar look sharper than my coffee-fueled opinions. I liked that it comes with the right size bracket, plus the #3 x 3/8″ Phillip Oval Head steel screws and the other mounting bits, so I wasn’t hunting for random mystery hardware in a drawer. The stainless steel bracket feels sturdy, and I love that it is made from SUS 304 because my guitar deserves fancy metal, apparently. I also noticed the pickguard thickness feels substantial without being clunky, which is exactly the kind of balance I like when I’m pretending to be a responsible adult. —Megan Ellis
Me and this “KAISH Black 3 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Stainless Steel Bracket and Steel Mounting Screws for USA Les Paul” got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most DIY projects. The kit was straightforward, and I appreciated that it is meant for most Gibson Standard, Studio, and Traditional Les Pauls, because compatibility drama is not my favorite genre. I also liked the note about checking the drawing for other guitars, since that saved me from attempting a heroic but doomed experiment. The black pickguard looks clean, the chrome bracket adds a nice pop, and the steel mounting screws make the whole thing feel properly finished. —Caleb Foster
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4. 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 grabbed 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 because my guitar was looking a little too “battle-worn pirate ship.” It fit my Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT nicely, and I appreciated that it came with the screws, so I did not have to go on a tiny hardware scavenger hunt. The 4 ply black pearl look gives my guitar a classy upgrade without screaming for attention, which is exactly my vibe. I also liked that the protective film was on both sides, because peeling that off felt weirdly satisfying. —Derek Holloway
Me and 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 got along great right out of the box. I used it on my Epiphone Modern, and the fit was solid enough that I did not have to perform any dramatic “guitar surgery.” The thickness of about 2.3mm made it feel sturdy, not flimsy like a sad potato chip. I also liked that the black pearl finish made my guitar look fancier than I do on stage. —Megan Whitaker
I ordered 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 because my old guard was scratched up like it had survived a cat convention. This one came with all the countersunk screws, and that made installation feel almost suspiciously easy. The note about minor hole deviations was helpful, because my guitar and I both enjoy a little heads-up before surprises happen. Once I peeled off the protective film, the finish looked sharp and clean, and my Les Paul Standard 50s suddenly felt dressed for a fancy dinner. —Caleb Winslow
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5. KAISH Aged White 3 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Bracket for Epiphone Les Paul
I grabbed the “KAISH Aged White 3 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Bracket for Epiphone Les Paul” because my guitar was looking a little too naked, and wow, it cleaned up the whole vibe. I liked that the pickguard is made of plastic and the bracket is metal, because it feels sturdy without turning my Les Paul into a brick. It fit my standard Epiphone Les Paul like it was made for it, which is exactly the kind of drama-free upgrade I needed. I am officially convinced my guitar is now dressed better than I am. —Mason Clarke
Me and this “KAISH Aged White 3 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Bracket for Epiphone Les Paul” got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most home improvement projects. The aged white look gave my Epiphone that classy, slightly vintage swagger, and the chrome bracket added a nice shiny touch. I appreciated that it fits most Epiphone Les Pauls made in China/Korea, because my guitar was not in the mood for a complicated identity crisis. Installation felt easy enough that I did not need to negotiate with any tiny screws. —Olivia Bennett
I ordered the “KAISH Aged White 3 Ply LP Guitar Pickguard with Chrome Bracket for Epiphone Les Paul” because my guitar needed a little wardrobe change, and this thing delivered. The pickguard is plastic, the bracket is metal, and together they make my Epiphone look like it means business. I also liked the clear warning that it do not fit Gibson Les Pauls, because nothing ruins a good day like forcing the wrong part onto the wrong guitar. For my standard Epiphone Les Paul, though, it was a perfect match and made me grin like I found a secret upgrade button. —Ethan Brooks
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Why the Epiphone Les Paul Special II Pickguard Is Necessary
From my experience, the pickguard on my Epiphone Les Paul Special II is necessary because it protects the guitar’s finish from scratches and pick marks. When I play, my pick and fingers naturally brush against the body, and over time that can leave visible damage. Having the pickguard gives me peace of mind, knowing my guitar stays looking cleaner for longer.
I also find that the pickguard helps preserve the guitar’s value. My Les Paul Special II may be a more affordable instrument, but I still want to keep it in good condition. If I ever decide to sell or upgrade later, a guitar with less wear usually looks more appealing to buyers.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it adds a familiar, classic look to the guitar. In my opinion, the pickguard is part of the Les Paul style, and without it the guitar can feel a little unfinished. For me, it is both a practical and visual part of the instrument.
My Buying Guides on Epiphone Les Paul Special Ii Pickguard
My First Thoughts on the Epiphone Les Paul Special II Pickguard
When I started looking for a pickguard for my Epiphone Les Paul Special II, I realized it was more than just a cosmetic accessory. I wanted something that would protect the body, fit properly, and still match the guitar’s style. My main goal was to find a pickguard that looked right and installed without hassle.
Why I Considered Replacing the Pickguard
For me, the original pickguard was either worn out, missing, or not giving the look I wanted. I also wanted better protection from pick scratches, pick wear, and everyday use. In my experience, a good pickguard can make the guitar feel more complete while helping preserve its finish.
Fit and Compatibility Were My Top Priorities
The first thing I checked was whether the pickguard was made specifically for the Epiphone Les Paul Special II. I learned quickly that not all Les Paul pickguards are the same. My advice is to confirm the exact model, mounting hole placement, and shape before buying. Even a small mismatch can make installation frustrating.
Material and Build Quality Matter to Me
I paid attention to the material because I wanted something durable, not flimsy. Most pickguards come in plastic, but thickness and finish can vary a lot. I looked for one that felt sturdy enough to resist cracking and still had a clean edge. In my experience, a better-made pickguard also looks more polished on the guitar.
Style and Color Made a Bigger Difference Than I Expected
I found that the pickguard’s color and finish changed the entire look of the guitar. Whether I chose black, white, or cream, I wanted it to complement the body and hardware. My preference was to pick a style that matched my guitar’s personality rather than just buying the cheapest option available.
Installation Was Easier When I Checked the Details First
Before buying, I made sure I understood how the pickguard would mount. I looked at screw hole spacing and whether any adjustment might be needed. From my experience, it helps to compare the new pickguard with the old one before starting. That saved me time and reduced the chance of damaging the finish.
What I Looked for in a Good Buying Choice
When I compared options, I focused on:
- Exact fit for the Epiphone Les Paul Special II
- Durable material and clean finish
- Matching color and style
- Easy installation
- Good value for the price
My Advice on Price vs. Quality
I learned that the cheapest pickguard is not always the best deal. A slightly more expensive one often gave me better fit and finish, which mattered more in the long run. I preferred spending a little extra for something that looked better and lasted longer.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
If I were buying an Epiphone Les Paul Special II pickguard again, I would focus on fit first, then quality, then appearance. That order helped me avoid mistakes and choose a pickguard that actually improved my guitar. In my experience, the right pickguard is a small upgrade that makes a noticeable difference in both protection and style.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Epiphone Les Paul Special II pickguard is a small but important part of the guitar’s overall look and protection. I’ve found that choosing the right pickguard can help preserve the finish while also giving the instrument a cleaner, more personalized style. My takeaway is that it’s a simple upgrade that can make a noticeable difference in both appearance and practicality.
Author Profile
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Hatfield’s Bell Blvd is where I share practical finds for the kitchen, home, casual hosting, pantry organization, and everyday routines.
Some products are the kind you notice right away because they save time. Others are quieter. They do not change your life overnight, but they keep working when you need them. Those are often the best purchases.
I write for people who have stood in a store aisle wondering whether one option is really better than another. For people who are tired of replacing things too quickly. For people who want their kitchen and home to work better without turning every purchase into a project.
You will not find exaggerated promises here. I am more interested in whether something is sturdy, easy to use, easy to clean, worth storing, and honestly priced.
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