Based upon Epiphone's top-selling Les Paul Ultra, the Epiphone Ultra-II adds a proprietary NanoMag low-impedance pickup embedded into the fingerboard and custom electronics to create a Les Paul that is not only capable of blistering, electric guitar riffs but also shimmering acoustic-like tones and when combined, greatly expanded frequency range and tonal capabilities.

 

First, the new Ultra-II is all Les Paul. It's pair of Alnico Classic magnetic humbucking pickups combined with traditional LP design lets you rock like legendary Les Paul players. However, the Ultra's body is strategically chambered to not only reduce the weight, but to add subtle acoustic overtones. Taking advantage of this design, Epiphone teamed up with the premier German acoustic pickup maker, Shadow to take the Ultra to the next level. The result is the Ultra-II.

 

The goal of the Ultra-II was to create a more versatile guitar that was capable of not only real Les Paul tone, but also acoustic-like qualities but without adding a lot of controls and changing the overall appearance of the legendary Les Paul. Unlike other instruments that attempt to create a completely new guitar design, Epiphone went about this differently by starting with a proven electric guitar design and adding to it.

 

At the heart of the Ultra-II is the NanoMag pickup. Referring to it's small size and it's composition, the NanoMag is a completely new kind of magnetic pickup that combines 3 Samarium-Cobalt magnets with on-board, active electronics to produce a low-impedance pickup with absolute linear response and an uncharacteristically wide frequency range. Voiced specifically for the Ultra-II, the NanoMag is embedded in the fingerboard after the 22nd fret. Positioned at this harmonic-rich "sweet spot", the NanoMag is able to capture all the harmonics - from the lowest to the highest - with incredible accuracy. All with ZERO noise or artificial coloration. This again is different from all other acoustic pickup technology.

 

Front mounted controls for the Ultra-II remain in the standard LP locations. However, function is changed to Neck Volume (magnetic), Bridge Volume (magnetic), Master Tone and NanoMag volume. Controls specifically for the NanoMag, as well as the 9-volt battery compartment are discretely mounted on the back of the instrument on the control cavity plate.

 

Using the back controls, you can set the treble, bass and gain of the NanoMag. Once you find the settings you want, you generally won't make many changes to them. However, the control is there if you need it. The Ultra-II also adds true stereo outputs that allow you to either combine it's Alnico Classic humbuckers with the NanoMag output or, separate the two for mixing possibilities. Both options allow the use of standard 1/4" instrument cables. With this, the player can route the magnetic  pickups to a standard electric guitar amplifier and the NanoMag to an acoustic guitar amp or the PA. Using the front mounted volume controls, unlimited blending and mixing of the two signals is possible.

 

Specifications:

Chambered mahogany body

Quilted Maple top

Set in mahogany neck with slim taper and satin finish

Rosewood fingerboard with classic Les Paul inlays

22 medium jumbo frets

Alnico Classic Plus humbuckers (neck and bridge)

Alnico Classic NanoMag pickup between neck pickup and fingerboard

Controls: Neck volume, bridge volume, NanoMag volume/treble/bass/gain, Master Tone, 3-way switch

LockTone Tuneomatic bridge with stoptail

Grover die-cast tuners

Gold tone hardware

24.75" scale

1.65" nut width

1/4" mono and stereo outputs

NanoMag powered by 9V Battery (not included)

Gold tone hardware

Bound body and neck

Case not included