Epiphone Matt Heafy Signature Les Paul Review – Stunning Signature Seven-String

Body And Neck:
Electronics:
Hardware:
Sound:
Value:

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Trivium rock, as does front man and lead guitarist Matt Heafy. So there should be no surprises that his signature 7-string guitar rocks pretty hard too. But instead of just allowing his name to be used, Matt played a big part in the design process, and this model is made to his specifications. As a result, it’s a solid performer that wouldn’t be out of place on the world’s biggest stages. No surprise to find it in our chart of the top 7-string guitars then…

Body & Neck

Trivium fans won’t need help identifying this beauty, as it’s with Matt Heafy everywhere he goes. For those not in the know, this signature model features a traditional Les Paul body shape made from solid mahogany with a plain maple veneer top, and is finished with an ominous matte black paint job.

The body has a very clean look with no decoration – not even a scratch plate – although is bordered by some lovely 7-ply black and white binding. However, as we move onto the mahogany neck, we find sparkly pearloid block inlays nicely contrasting with the dark ebony fretboard. This 22-fret neck boasts a very hand-friendly 1960’s SlimTaper D shape, with a deep-set neck, featuring the ‘Axcess’ heel, which enhances playability further. As the price tag demands, this signature model shows off superb workmanship, and looks and feels flawless.

Hardware

Complementing the superior style, the Matt Heafy Signature is stocked with great hardware – the highlight being the two pickups, requested by Matt himself. These are active EMG humbuckers, with an EMG-707 in the neck position and a high-output EMG 81-7 at the bridge. Excellent electronics, tended to by individual volume and tone controls, as well as a three-way pickup selector toggle switch. Sticking to the norm, this Les Paul features a LockTone tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar, for solid tuning stability, enhanced by the set of die-cast tuners, with a 14:1 gear ratio and tulip tuning buttons. Aside from not offering a case of any kind, Epiphone excel with the hardware on offer here.

Sound

Matt Heafy isn’t likely to let a guitar bearing his name out into the public without it sounding awesome – and it does. His signature axe delivers a powerful sound that is tight and responsive even at the highest volumes. Played dirty it offers a beefy low-end that remains articulate, while the high-output active pickups ensure every note is heard, whether you’re playing rhythm or lead.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a fan of Trivium or not, Matt Heafy’s 7-string signature model really is a diamond. It has looks that could kill, a sound to match, and hardware that ensures the guitar is reliable, consistent, and sounding its very best every time. It’s not cheap, but when are great guitars ever cheap?

For more info about the Epiphone Matt Heafy Signature Les Paul, click here.
For more 7 String Electric Guitar you might like, click here.