Music has been a part of humanity since the beginning of time. It had many shapes and forms but was always developing and improving. Instruments were born and we've gone a long way since then. There are hundreds of amazing brands that produce high-quality instruments, and Epiphone is one of them. The guitars they make are a combination of history, quality and experience. Guitars that create heavenly sounds and, as they say, are for every stage.
The History of Epiphone
The story of Epiphone starts way back in 1890. Anastasio Stathopoulo, the son of a wood merchant, became interested in his father’s trade and started learning about tonewoods. He became invested and opened his first instrument factory in 1890. His son Epi inherited the company and gave it the name Epiphone, a combination of his name and the Greek word for voice/sound.
Anastasios had the courage to move to Izmir in Turkey where he sold and repaired violins, lutes and bouzoukis. Soon after, he had the money to open up the factory there. In 1909 they even patented their first instrument, an Italian-style mandolin. After 1930 Epi realised that Gibson was his biggest competitor and decided to take over the market. In 1931 they created the first Masterbilt line of guitars. Soon Epiphone joined Gibson and created amazing things together.
Since then, popular bands and singers such as John Lee Hooker, Paul McCartney, The Beatles, Oasis, Jack Casady, The Strokes and many more. Having these musicians acknowledge the quality of the Epiphone products is incredible proof of their quality. With their extensive research about guitars electric Epiphone models is a high-end sound creator.
The Best Epiphone Electric Guitars
Les Paul Standard ‘60s
The Les Paul Standard ‘60s guitar is one of the most popular models. It's part of the Inspired by Gibson collection and it’s in the so-called, bourbon burst colour. It was recreated in 2020 and has the original aesthetics and tone as in the ‘60s. The incredible mahogany body is combined with CTS electronics and vintage ProBucker humbucking pickups.
It has a classic, transparent and crisp tone caused by a specific set of parts such as wax potting, Gibson-shaped and sized bobbins, Alnico II magnets, 4-conductor leads and wire and 18% nickel silver bases and covers. It has a 628.65mm long scale and a fingerboard radius of 304.8mm.
Adam Jones Les Paul Art Guitar
The Adam Jones Les Paul Custom Art Collection guitar is an exceptional instrument. You'll have the power to create your next musical masterpiece. It's a combination of luxurious woods and has a mahogany body, maple cap, maple neck and ebony fretboard. This is a limited-edition series that portrays the dark and gorgeous “Self-Portrait as Not Dead Yet.”
Julie Heffernan is responsible for creating this masterpiece. It has elements of rococo surrealism and a satirical twist on social issues. The themes may vary from one model to another. They can be feminism, history, art, social norms, literature, environmental issues and politics. This instrument is a true piece of art and something that’s worth having in your collection.
B.B. King Lucille
B.B. King is a blues legend. Epiphone created this detailed masterpiece as a tribute to him. It's finished with ebony and inspired by the Gibson ES models that King played and named Lucille. It has several things that make it unique such as Grover Rotomatic tuners, gold hardware, brass truss rod cover, Graph Tech nut, multi-ply binding and a semi-hollow body that reduces feedback.
The electronics are also very impressive. A Varitone switch of 6 positions, a pair of Alnico humbucking pickups connected to CTS potentiometers and of course, mono and stereo output jacks to give you as much flexibility as you need. This is not just a guitar for a King fan, but also an instrument for everyone that appreciates high-quality guitars electric Epiphone-style.
The Best Epiphone Acoustic Guitars
J-45 EC
This is an instrument first introduced in 1942. But even after so many years, it’s still a favourite among musicians. The new model has a round shoulder and solid Sitka spruce top. It gives the musician access to the upper frets. It's made of mahogany and has a cosy C-neck profile. The fingerboard radius is 305mm and it’s 628mm long.
Dove Studio
This acoustic guitar was first made in 1962 in Kalamazoo and it was one of the fastest-recognised acoustic guitars in rock and roll. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, the Dove will provide you with incredible sound. It's made of maple and has a glossy finish. Its length is 647.7mm and has a fingerboard radius of 304.78mm.
Lil' Tex Travel
The Lil’ Tex Travel model is a sized-down version of the Epiphone Texan. It also has its classic look and sound. The best part is that it’s perfect for carrying around and travelling. It's one of the best guitars for beginners. It has a faded cherry finish and a mahogany neck. You get a lifetime warranty because Epiphone stands strong behind the quality of its products.
Epiphone Accessories
The Epiphone electric guitars are not the only thing this company is famous for. They're also making incredible guitar accessories. Their cases are made with a canvas exterior and a 5mm padded interior. They also have 2 adjustable straps for simple and easy transport. You also have an external storage zipper pocket that lets you store picks, straps, cables or other accessories.
Epiphone also has hardshell cases which are a great way to protect your instrument. They have a plush lining inside and highly-durable latches. Plus, you get an accessory compartment and comfy handles. If you need picks, Epiphone has them as well. They come in a pack of 12, are made of celluloid and come in 3 options: heavy, medium and thin.
They even equip you with straps. They have one model made of cotton. This gives the strap more strength and makes it lightweight. The ends are made of black leather and have a plastic buckle for adjustment. You can also get the leather option with a double stitch for more durability. And finally, you have a strap made from the same material as seatbelts. Choose what’s most comfortable for you and start your Epiphone adventure.
