For decades, musicians have chased the legendary sound of a Gibson guitar, but let’s be real—the price tag often feels like a world away.
What if you could capture that same iconic design, that classic feel, and that roaring tone without having to sell your car?
This is precisely the promise of Epiphone guitars. This is your all-access pass to the incredible world of Epiphone, from their stunning electric guitars like the timeless Les Paul and the devil-horned SG, to their richly resonant acoustic guitars and deep-toned bass models.
We’re going to dive deep into how the Inspired by Gibson and Gibson Custom collections deliver an authentic experience, right down to the powerful pickup in every guitar.
The journey of the Epiphone company is a fascinating one, starting way back in 1873 with Anastasios Stathopoulos.
It wasn’t until the company moved to its famous Kalamazoo factory that its destiny intertwined with Gibson.
After being acquired by Gibson in 1957, Epiphone began producing instruments that shared the DNA of their famous parent company, offering quality instruments to a wider range of players and becoming a cornerstone of the guitar market.
The Epiphone Legacy: More Than Just a “Budget Gibson”
For too long, some players dismissed Epiphone as a lesser version of Gibson.
But honestly, that misses the point entirely.
Epiphone has its own rich heritage, having been the choice for legends like John Lennon and Paul McCartney of The Beatles, who used the Epiphone Casino to craft some of the most famous songs in history.
These weren’t just stepping-stone instruments; they were, and still are, professional-grade tools for serious musicians.
Today’s Epiphone guitars are better than ever, especially with the “Inspired by Gibson” collection.
This lineup isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about faithfully recreating the magic of classic Gibson models.
Think of it as getting access to a legendary recipe, crafted with care and precision, but served at a price that invites everyone to the table.
The Icon: Finding Your Perfect Epiphone Les Paul
When you close your eyes and picture a rock guitar, chances are you’re seeing the single-cutaway silhouette of a Les Paul.
The Epiphone Les Paul is the quintessential rock machine, capturing the timeless design and thunderous sound that has defined genres for over 60 years.
From its mahogany body that provides warmth and endless sustain to its comfortable neck, this guitar is a true workhorse for any style of music.
You have an incredible selection of Epiphone models to choose from, like the revered Epiphone Les Paul Standard or the sophisticated Epiphone Les Paul Classic.
For those who want the ultimate in elegance, the Les Paul Custom in a stunning Ebony or Alpine White finish is an absolute showstopper.
If you crave a vintage vibe, the 1955 Les Paul Standard reissue with its gritty P-90 pickups might be your perfect match.
The Epiphone Les Paul Custom electric guitar is a fan favorite, delivering premium features and jaw-dropping looks that make it one of the best values in the guitar market.
- Brand: Epiphone
- Color: sunburst
- Epiphone Masterbilt Hummingbird - Aged Cherry Sunburst Gloss
Les Paul Variations to Explore
Epiphone Les Paul Standard: The classic, all-around performer. Available in stunning finishes like Aged Cherry Sunburst and Vintage Sunburst.
Les Paul Custom: The “tuxedo” model, known for its multi-ply binding and elegant appointments.
Epiphone Les Paul Classic: Features open-coil “zebra” humbuckers for a hotter, more aggressive tone.
1955 Les Paul Standard: A nod to the golden era, equipped with soapbar P-90 pickups for a raw, articulate bite.
Sharp Horns & Devilish Tone: The Epiphone SG
If the Les Paul is the heavy hammer of rock, the Epiphone SG is the sharp-edged sword.
Known for its lightweight body, slim neck, and aggressive tone, the SG is a lightning-fast electric guitar built for players who demand speed and power.
The double-cutaway mahogany body gives you unrivaled access to the upper frets, making it a shredder’s dream.
The Epiphone SG Standard electric guitar is the perfect starting point, delivering that classic snarl in a beautiful Cherry Red finish.
And just like its Les Paul cousins, the SG is part of the Inspired by Gibson family, ensuring it has the authentic feel and sound you’d expect.
Whether you’re playing blistering solos or chunky rhythms, the SG is a solidbody electric guitar that will never hold you back.
Beyond Solidbody: The Magic of Epiphone Semi-Hollow Guitars
There’s a special kind of magic in a semi-hollow electric guitar.
It breathes with an acoustic-like resonance while still resisting feedback at high volumes, giving you the best of both worlds.
Epiphone is a master of the archtop and semi-hollow form, with iconic models that have been used by everyone from blues pioneers to modern indie rockers like Gary Clark Jr.
The Epiphone Casino is perhaps the most famous, a true hollowbody known for its airy, chimey tone, famously used by The Beatles.
Then there’s the legendary Epiphone ES-335, a versatile semi-hollow electric guitar that can handle anything from smooth jazz to roaring rock.
Recent models, like the incredible Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 and the Epiphone 1959 ES-355, showcase just how committed Epiphone is to producing high-quality, desirable semi-hollow instruments.
Epiphone steps it up with the Les Paul Modern Figured guitar, featuring versatile, dynamic tone thanks to ProBuckers with coil-splitting and a gorgeous figured top! Along with coil-splitting, this guitar also has phase switching and a treble bleed circuit. The Ebony fingerboard offers that classic look and feel of all the best Les Pauls.
Notable Semi-Hollow Models
Epiphone Casino: A true hollowbody with P-90 pickups. Bright, articulate, and lightweight.
Epiphone ES-335: The ultimate jack-of-all-trades. The center block tames feedback, making it perfect for the stage. It’s often compared favorably to the Gibson ES-335.
Epiphone RivierA stylish alternative with a frequensator tailpiece and mini-humbuckers.
Unplugged Excellence: Epiphone Acoustic Guitars
While famous for its electric guitars, Epiphone also boasts a stellar lineup of acoustic guitars.
These instruments carry on the tradition of quality craftsmanship and deliver rich, full-bodied tone that’s perfect for songwriting, performing, or just strumming on the couch.
Whether you need a powerful dreadnought or a comfortable concert-size acoustic-electric guitar, Epiphone has you covered.
The Epiphone Hummingbird and Dove are two of the most visually stunning and sonically beautiful acoustic guitars you can find, adorned with their famous pickguard art.
For those seeking the legendary tone of a Gibson J-45 or Gibson Hummingbird without the high cost, the Epiphone versions are absolutely phenomenal.
Models like the Epiphone Texan have a storied history of their own, cementing Epiphone as a true force in the world of acoustic music.
And if you’re just starting, an Epiphone Player Pack comes with everything you need to begin your musical journey.
The “Inspired by Gibson Custom” Difference: Is It Worth It?
For the player who wants the absolute best that Epiphone has to offer, there is the Inspired by Gibson Custom collection.
This is where the line between Epiphone and Gibson becomes truly blurred.
Produced in partnership with the Gibson Custom Shop, these guitars feature premium appointments usually reserved for much more expensive guitars.
So, what do you get?
You get the iconic “open book” headstock, one-piece mahogany necks, ebony or rosewood fretboards, and most importantly, genuine Gibson USA pickups.
For example, the 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue comes with the same Gibson Custombucker pickups found in Gibson Custom instruments.
When you play one of these, you’re not just playing a great Epiphone; you’re playing a world-class guitar, period.
Models like the 1957 Les Paul Custom, the 1955 Les Paul Standard, and the SG Standard with a Maestro Vibrola are standout examples of this incredible partnership between Gibson and Epiphone.
These are truly original instruments for the modern player.
- Fishman Presys VT undersaddle pickup and preamp
- Square Shoulder Dreadnought Shape
- Select Maple Body, Back, and Sides
- Previously called Dove Pro
Radical Shapes and Artist Icons
Beyond the classic single and double-cutaway designs, Epiphone has never been afraid to embrace its wild side.
For the player who wants to make a bold visual statement, the Epiphone Firebird electric guitar and the Flying V electric guitar are pure, unadulterated rock and roll attitude.
These instruments aren’t just about looks; their unique construction and powerful pickups deliver tones that are just as aggressive as their shapes suggest, making them perfect for hard rock and metal.
This rebellious spirit is also captured in the brand’s many artist models, celebrating players who broke the mold.
While there have been many signature models over the years, from the heavy-hitting Zakk Wylde Les Paul to a conceptual model for a legend like Epiphone Jimi Hendrix, each one offers a unique set of features.
These limited edition collaborations, like the Joe Bonamassa 1959 Les Paul or the Alex Lifeson Les Paul Custom Axcess with a Floyd Rose tremolo, prove that Epiphone serves not just beginners, but top-tier professional artists as well.
The Epi Originals: Guitars with a Unique Voice
While the Inspired by Gibson series is phenomenal, it’s crucial to remember that Epiphone has its own history of creating unique original instruments.
Models like the Wilshire, the Coronet, and the Sheraton II have no direct equivalent in the Gibson lineup, giving them a special place in the hearts of collectors and players seeking a different flavor.
These guitars are a testament to the innovation that took place at the Epiphone factory long before and after the Gibson acquisition.
The Sheraton II, for instance, is often considered a more deluxe version of the ES-335, featuring more intricate inlays and gold hardware, making it a standout archtop.
The slab-bodied Wilshire and Coronet, with their simple yet effective P-90 or mini-humbucker pickup configurations, were workhorse guitars of the 60s garage rock scene.
This history of creating unique designs is a core part of the Epiphone identity.
More Than Just Guitars: A Broader Musical Heritage
The history of the House of Stathopoulo is richer and more diverse than many realize.
Before the guitar became its flagship instrument, Epiphone was a powerhouse in the world of fretted instruments, becoming the Epiphone Banjo Company in 1928.
The company produced world-class Epiphone banjos and mandolins, which were highly sought after by professional musicians of the day.
Even after the acquisition by Gibson, this legacy continued.
For a time, Epiphone was the brand responsible for producing Gibson’s upright double basses.
This deep history across a wide range of string instruments is why the Epiphone name has resonated with musicians for 150 years; it’s a brand built on a complete understanding of what makes a quality musical instrument, not just a guitar.
- 6-string acoustic guitar
- Advanced jumbo body style
- Mahogany back, neck, and sides with solid Stitka spruce top, and Rosewood bridge and fretboard
- 25-1/2" scale
- Sealed die-cast tuners with 14:1 ratio
Finding Your Voice: The Final Note
Ultimately, choosing an Epiphone guitar is about finding an instrument that inspires you to play.
It’s about getting that timeless design, whether it’s a Les Paul, an SG, a semi-hollow Casino, or a beautiful acoustic dreadnought, without the barrier of owning one of the more expensive guitars.
Paired with a quality amp or amplifier, your Epiphone is ready for any stage, studio, or bedroom jam session you can throw at it.
The selection of Epiphone models available today is staggering, from the vintage-inspired 1957 Epiphone reissues to the ultra-modern Prophecy series with modern figured tops.
You’re not just buying a budget instrument; you’re buying into a legacy that includes The Beatles, blues legends, and modern rock icons.
You’re buying a piece of the Kalamazoo spirit and the heritage of Anastasios Stathopoulo—a commitment to quality instruments that has lasted for a century and a half.
- Mahogany body
- Select Spruce top
- 25.5 scale
FAQ
What are the main features of the Epiphone Les Paul?
The Epiphone Les Paul features a solid mahogany body, a maple top, and a set neck construction. It is known for its rich, warm tone, making it suitable for various music genres. The model is available in various finishes, including vintage sunburst and wine red.
How does the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar differ from the standard model?
The Epiphone Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar typically includes additional features such as upgraded pickups, a more ornate binding, and sometimes a different finish like aged cherry sunburst. It is often considered more luxurious and is favored by professionals.
Can I use an Epiphone acoustic-electric guitar for live performances?
Yes, Epiphone acoustic-electric guitars are designed for live performances. They come equipped with built-in pickups and preamps, allowing you to connect to an amplifier for a more amplified sound.
What is the significance of the Epiphone ES-335 in the guitar world?
The Epiphone ES-335 is a semi-hollow electric guitar that is highly regarded for its versatility and tonal qualities. It can be used across various genres, from jazz to rock, and is known for its warm, full sound.
What colors are available for the Epiphone Hummingbird?
The Epiphone Hummingbird is available in several colors, including cherry red and vintage sunburst. These finishes enhance the aesthetic appeal and are popular among both players and collectors.
What makes the Epiphone Flying V Electric Guitar unique?
The Epiphone Flying V Electric Guitar is known for its distinctive shape and bold design. It offers a powerful sound and is often associated with rock and metal music, making it a favorite among guitarists like Zakk Wylde.
What is the difference between the Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 and other models?
The Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 is designed to be a versatile instrument with a unique aesthetic and sound tailored to Grohl’s style. It features a semi-hollow body, a set neck, and custom pickups for a distinct tone compared to standard models.
Are Epiphone guitars considered to be good for beginners?
Yes, Epiphone guitars, especially models like the Player Pack, are considered excellent options for beginners. They offer quality craftsmanship at an affordable price, making them accessible for new players.
What is the history behind the Epiphone brand?
The Epiphone brand was founded in 1873 and became known for its high-quality instruments. It was acquired by Gibson in the 1950s, leading to the production of iconic models like the Epiphone Les Paul and the Epiphone ES-335, which are celebrated in the guitar community.
Can I customize my Epiphone guitar with different pickups?
Yes, many Epiphone models, including the Les Paul and SG series, allow for pickup upgrades. Customizing your pickups can enhance your guitar’s sound and tailor it to your personal playing style.
