Epiphone makes a comeback with its acoustic line, introducing a 1963 Dove and other iconic models, thanks to the assistance of Gibson Custom Shop, signifying a new era for Epiphone acoustics.
Introducing the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Acoustic Guitars
Epiphone has unveiled a new line of acoustic guitars in collaboration with Gibson Custom, offering vintage-accurate reissues that combine high-quality tonewoods, authentic design, and modern playability enhancements.
The collection, which includes six models, features thermally aged solid tops, scalloped X-bracing, and LR Baggs acoustic guitar pickup and preamp systems. Each guitar boasts a vintage gloss finish, Gibson open book headstocks, rosewood or ebony fretboards, and certain models sport gold Grover Rotomatic tuners and ornate bridges reminiscent of historical details.
Key Specifications
The 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue sports a thermally aged solid Sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, a V-shaped mahogany neck, and a teardrop pickguard. The 1957 SJ-200 Reissue features a thermally aged solid Sitka spruce top, solid figured maple back and sides, and a two-piece flame maple neck with a laurel fretboard. The Hummingbird Deluxe EC sports a thermally aged solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides, and a one-piece mahogany neck with a Rounded "C" profile.
Pricing and Availability
The new Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom acoustics are priced around $1,299 USD for the 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue, with prices for the collection typically falling within Epiphone's premium acoustic tier, usually from about $1,200 to $1,500. The guitars are available now and can be found at authorized Epiphone dealers, the Gibson Garage locations, and Epiphone.com.
Iconic Models
Notable models in the lineup include the Dove, played by musical legends such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Tom Petty, and the Banner Era 1942 J-45 Reissue, which should appeal to fans of Bob Dylan. The collection also includes two versions of the SJ-200: a Pre-War Rosewood Reissue and a 1957 variant, each offering a unique blend of tone and design.
In addition, there are two Hummingbird models: a Hummingbird Deluxe EC cutaway in Autumn Burst and Natural finishes, and a 1960 Hummingbird Reissue in Heritage Cherry Sunburst. These guitars share similar features, including LR Baggs Element Bronze VTC electronics, thermally treated solid Sitka spruce on top, solid mahogany on the back and sides, multi-ply binding on the top and back of the body, single-ply on the fingerboard, and MOP split parallelogram inlays on the fingerboard.
With these new acoustics, Epiphone marks a fresh chapter for its acoustic line and expresses excitement about its collaboration with the Gibson Custom team. The latest Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom acoustic guitars offer high-end vintage design and tonewood quality at a more accessible price point, making them an attractive choice for musicians seeking authentic, high-quality instruments.
Technology and entertainment intersect as Epiphone unveils its new line of acoustic guitars, the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Acoustic Guitars. This collaboration merges cutting-edge technology through the LR Baggs acoustic guitar pickup and preamp systems with the classic artistry of the music industry, aiming to please both tech-savvy musicians and music enthusiasts.