Epiphone introduces a revival of six classic acoustics, including a 1963 Dove model, thanks to collaboration with Gibson Custom Shop - an exciting new era for Epiphone acoustics.
Epiphone Announces New Inspired By Gibson Custom Acoustic Guitars
Epiphone has expanded its high-end collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop, unveiling six top-tier acoustic guitars that bring Gibson Custom Shop quality and vintage accuracy to more players at accessible Epiphone prices.
The new Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom acoustic guitars feature thermally aged solid spruce tops with scalloped X-bracing, enhancing tonal resonance and vintage appeal. The backs and sides are primarily solid mahogany, except for specific models like the 1957 SJ-200 Reissue, which uses solid figured maple, and the Hummingbird Deluxe EC with solid rosewood for a richer sound profile. All models incorporate rosewood or ebony fretboards and maintain the classic Gibson "open book" headstock design combined with vintage gloss or full gloss finishes to capture the historical aesthetic.
The collection includes six main models:
- 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue: This model boasts a thermally aged Sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, scalloped X-bracing, V-shaped mahogany neck, teardrop pickguard, open-back tuners, and an onboard L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC pickup system for amplification. Priced around $1,299.
- 1957 SJ-200 Reissue: This model features solid figured maple back and sides, a thermally aged Sitka spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, two-piece flame maple neck, and vintage-inspired features.
- 1960 Hummingbird: Details not fully specified but consistent with vintage-inspired design and materials.
- 1963 Dove Reissue: Featuring rosewood fretboards and vintage gloss finish, part of the collection with vintage details.
- Hummingbird Deluxe EC: Upgraded with solid rosewood back and sides offering deeper bass and sparkling highs, keeping vintage style and modern tonal improvements.
- Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood: Likely features rosewood construction; details align with historic accuracy and premium appointments.
Across all models, vintage-correct details, historic Gibson design influences, and modern playability features like quality pickups (L.R. Baggs system included for amplification) make these guitars a more premium offering within the Epiphone line, developed closely at the Gibson Custom Acoustic facility in Montana.
The Hummingbird models share a lot of DNA, including thermally treated solid Sitka spruce on top, solid mahogany on the back and sides, and multi-ply binding on the top and back of the body. The J-45 model features a banner-style logo on the headstock, three-on-a-plate tuners with cream buttons, and a V profile mahogany neck. The Hummingbird models also have MOP split parallelograms inlaid on the fingerboard.
The SJ-200, one of the models, has a thermally aged Sitka spruce top, figured maple on the back and sides, and features engraved celluloid pickguards, two-bar moustache bridges, MOP graduated crown inlays, and gold Epiphone Deluxe tuners. A less common version of the SJ-200, the Pre-War version, has an ebony fingerboard and bridge, a set of Grover Imperial tuners, and a rounder neck shape.
The Banner Era 1942 J-45 Reissue is presented in a Vintage Sunburst hue, a color that should appeal to Bob Dylan's disciples. The Hummingbird models are equipped with LR Baggs Element Bronze VTC electronics. The controls for the electronics are secreted in the soundhole of all the guitars.
The new Inspired By Gibson Custom acoustics are available now, with the 1942 Banner Reissue J-45, the Hummingbirds, the Dove, and the SJ-200s priced at £1,099/$1,299, £1,099/$1,399, £1,099/$1,399, and £1,399/$1,499 respectively. These guitars aim to blend historic form and modern functionality, offering a unique blend of vintage accuracy and affordable pricing.
Technology and entertainment collide with the newly announced Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom acoustic guitars. These gadgets meet music aficionados' desire for a blend of vintage appeal and modern features, with options for various genres and sound profiles, such as the J-45 Reissue's L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC pickup system for amplification. The innovative fusion of technology and classic music instruments promises an unparalleled listening experience for contemporary audiences.
