Epiphone's Inspired by Custom line premieres a new era with the introduction of coveted vintage Gibson models for the first time
Epiphone has unveiled six new vintage-inspired acoustic guitars in their Inspired by Gibson Custom range. The collection, developed in close collaboration with Gibson Custom's Bozeman, Montana facility, offers a more premium line of guitars within Epiphone's price range.
Authentic Vintage Aesthetics and Playability
Each model in the range features thermally aged solid spruce tops with scalloped X-bracing, solid mahogany back and sides, and 24.75" scale mahogany necks with rounded or C-profiles. They have rosewood fingerboards, vintage gloss finishes, and the classic Gibson "open book" headstock design, capturing authentic vintage aesthetics and playability with upgraded premium specifications.
Key Features Across the Models
The six newly introduced models—including the 1942 Banner J-45, 1957 SJ-200, 1960 Hummingbird, 1963 Dove, Hummingbird Deluxe EC, and Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood—each boast unique features. For instance, the 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue features a teardrop pickguard, open-back tuners, and an onboard L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC pickup system. The 1957 SJ-200 Reissue was inspired by what Gibson calls the "King of the Flat-Tops" and was used by rock royalty like Brian May and Jimmy Page. It has more thermal aging, a Sitka spruce top, figured maple back and sides, a flame maple neck, walnut stringer, and a bound Indian rosewood fingerboard with mother-of-pearl graduated Crown inlays.
Notable Artists and Models
Keith Richards and Thom Yorke favor the 1960 Hummingbird, while the 1957 SJ-200 Reissue has been a favourite of artists like Andy McKee and Tommy Emmanuel. The Hummingbird Deluxe EC's neck is a one-piece mahogany with a C-profile, and it's joined by gold Grover Rotomatic tuners, a reverse belly ebony bridge, and a gold-etched Hummingbird pickguard. The Epiphone Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood features a Moustache bridge and an ornate SJ-200 pickguard, and the 1963 Dove has a rosewood bridge and an engraved pickguard, with figured maple back and sides and mother-of-pearl split parallelogram inlays.
Pricing and Availability
The 1942 J-45 Reissue lists at $1,299, making these guitars an attractive option for players seeking authentic vintage style with modern reliability and versatile stage performance. Lewis McKinney, Brand Manager at Epiphone, states that the new acoustics are reissued in close collaboration with the Gibson Custom team, rebuilt from the ground up with precision and care, and embody Epiphone's ongoing commitment to quality, accessibility, and innovation.
In summary, the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom acoustics emphasize vintage-correct tonewoods, detailed historic appointments, upgraded hardware, and quality pickups, making them an excellent choice for musicians seeking a blend of vintage charm and modern functionality.
Gibson Custom's collaboration with Epiphone produced six new acoustic guitars, embodying a more premium line within Epiphone's price range. Each model features thermally aged solid spruce tops, solid mahogany back and sides, and 24.75" scale mahogany necks. Keith Richards and Thom Yorke favor the 1960 Hummingbird model, while the 1957 SJ-200 Reissue has been favored by artists like Andy McKee and Tommy Emmanuel. The Hummingbird Deluxe EC has a C-profile neck, gold Grover Rotomatic tuners, and a gold-etched Hummingbird pickguard. Epiphone's Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood features a Moustache bridge and an ornate SJ-200 pickguard. The 1963 Dove has a rosewood bridge and an engraved pickguard. The 1942 J-45 Reissue lists at $1,299, making these guitars an attractive option for players seeking authentic vintage style with modern reliability and versatile stage performance. The collection emphasizes vintage-correct tonewoods, detailed historic appointments, upgraded hardware, and quality pickups, making them an excellent choice for musicians seeking a blend of vintage charm and modern functionality. These guitars are reissued in close collaboration with the Gibson Custom team, rebuilt from the ground up with precision and care, and embody Epiphone's ongoing commitment to quality, accessibility, and innovation. This range of acoustic guitars is a blend of music, technology, entertainment, and gadgets, as they bring a touch of vintage elegance into the modern world of guitar playing.
