Your ultimate guide to Epiphone guitars. From the Epiphone Les Paul to the Epiphone SG and everything else in between. Get all the latest Epiphone news, reviews, tips, and tricks in one place…
Latest Epiphone Guitars News, Reviews & Buying Guides
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Epiphone Guitars FAQs
Where Are Epiphone Guitars Made?
Gibson owns Epiphone. But Epiphone guitars, unlike Gibson guitars, are not made in the US. Gibson has made its Epiphone guitars in China since 2004. Gibson’s Chinese Qingdao factory is where all production Epiphone guitars are made – from the most expensive models down to Epiphone’s cheapest, beginner-level guitars.
Does Gibson Own Epiphone?
Gibson and Epiphone started out as separate companies but in 1957 Gibson bought Epiphone. Since then, Gibson and Epiphone have operated as sister brands under the Gibson corporation.
Like Fender’s Squire brand, Epiphone guitars are cheaper than their US-made Gibson counterparts. But unlike Squire guitars, Epiphone guitars are actually really very good and use by professional players.
Who Plays Epiphone Guitars?
Epiphone guitars are great options for players from all walks of life. Plenty of professional guitarists use Epiphone – and they have done for decades. John Lennon and George Harrison used them, Noel Gallagher does, and so does Matt Heafy from Trivium.
Need more examples? Here are a few more:
- Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath
- Joe Pass
- Bjorn Gelotte of In Flames
- Slash of Guns n’ Roses
Our Favorite Epiphone Guitars Right Now
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$649Buy NowThis is probably the closest you will get to an actual Gibson model, under the Epiphone name. These are outstanding for the money. They look like a much more expensive instrument. And you also get plenty of features you DON’T get on a Gibson.
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$499Buy NowThe new “Muse” series doesn’t have much in common with a classic Les Paul outside of the shape. The body woods are completely different, as well as the neck woods. The body itself is chambered to lighten the load of the usually heavy Les Paul. Not to mention, the insanely cool colors that these new models come in
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$499.99Buy NowThese are satin finish models that are very close to the Gibson specs. Make no mistake, this is a proper Les Paul. The specs reinforce this. The cool thing about these different satin finishes is they will eventually “wear away” the more you play. Like their expensive Gibson counterparts!
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$379Buy NowThe Les Paul Junior has been around for a long time and is a staple of Rock and Metal. The body is slightly smaller than a traditional Les Paul, and the top is not carved. Adding to the already simple design is the removal of the neck pickup entirely. This lends the Junior models to being great rhythm guitars for heavy tones.
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$499Buy NowThis is a brand new model for 2020, and it is the most proper Les Paul ever released at this price point! This model has every feature that its bigger brothers have, just at a fraction of the cost.
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$845.00Buy NowWith its Fishman Fluence humbuckers, iconic design, and amazing specs and components, the Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy is easily the best Gibson Les Paul on the market right now. In fact, I think I’d still take one of these over a proper Gibson Les Paul. It is that good…
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BUY NOWThe Les Paul is iconic in almost every genre of music. Heavy metal players that gravitate to them include Slash, Zakk Wylde. The Epiphone Les Paul Studio is the budget-friendly version of its big brother made by Gibson. However, the Epiphone comes with many of the same features as its bigger brother…at a fraction of the cost.
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$499.00Buy Now!The Epiphone Les Paul Studio is modeled after it’s Gibson counterpart in every way. This is a less flashy model, that still gets the job done! The dual humbuckers are ready to roar, and 2021 has added some cool new finishes!
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$899.00BUY NOW
The Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy is part of the “Inspired by Gibson” collection that closely adheres to the classic Kalamazoo style. But don’t let the old school vibe deceive you—there are enough modern twists to make this an extremely versatile player. Featuring a AAA Flame Veneer, satin finish, and Fishman Fluence pickups…th prophecy is a metal machine!
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Buy NowThis Epiphone Les Paul model features the same body tonewoods you’d find on an original ’59 Les Paul: namely mahogany with a AAA maple veneer top. Available in two sunburst finishes, the wood grain shines through and so does the tone. The neck is made of mahogany with a rounded medium C profile. It is an absolute beauty, basically.