This early‑2000s Epiphone JCLP Custom is one of the more unique artist models Epiphone ever produced — a full‑tilt metal‑ready LP Custom with a maple fretboard, black block inlays, factory brass nut, and the unmistakable flames‑over‑trans‑black top. It’s a rare piece from a short production run, built for the heavy, articulate riffing Sevendust was known for during that era.
Specs & Features
• Model: Epiphone John Connolly Signature Les Paul Custom
• Era: Early 2000s
• Finish: Trans‑Black with Flame Graphic
• Body: Mahogany with maple cap
• Neck: Set mahogany
• Fretboard: Maple with black block inlays
• Nut: Factory brass
Hardware: Black
• Pickups: Original bridge humbucker (professionally rewound) + stock neck pickup
• Case: Plush‑lined, form‑fit hard shell case (mint condition)
Case
The guitar comes with a beautiful, form‑fit hard shell case lined in soft grey plush — the kind of deep, velvety interior that cradles the guitar like a teddy bear. It’s in mint condition and feels every bit as premium as the instrument itself.
Condition & Work Performed
The original bridge humbucker was professionally rewound for improved clarity and output, and the frets were dressed and leveled to dial in the playability. Together, these upgrades push this Les Paul into Gibson territory in terms of feel and craftsmanship. It has a few honest dings from its life as a touring guitar, but nothing that affects performance — it’s absolutely worthy of professional stage or studio use.
The guitar is currently set up and intonated for 11s in Drop‑C tuning, with a tight, articulate response and excellent tuning stability. Can handle anything from Drop-A to Drop-D, although intonation adjustments may be required. I play Drop-B, C, and C# with no problems.
Tone & Feel
The maple fretboard and brass nut give this guitar a fast, snappy attack with great note separation under high gain. The rewound bridge pickup brings out the punch and clarity this model always deserved, while the leveled frets and setup make it feel far more refined than most Epiphones from this era. It’s a powerful, modern‑voiced LP Custom with real personality.
This is a well‑kept, personalized example of the John Connolly/Sevendust signature model, upgraded and dialed in with the kind of attention you’d expect from a Gibson‑level QC check. It delivers the tight, drop‑tuned punch that defined Sevendust’s early‑2000s sound. If you’re an old‑school Sevendust fan, this one hits the mark.