Epiphone USA Coronet Electric Guitar Ebony
USA-made reissue of Epiphone's iconic 1958 single-pickup rocker, loaded with a bridge P-90 soapbar and all-mahogany construction. A no-frills garage rock machine that channels the stripped-down spirit of Les Paul Juniors but with Epiphone's own symmetrical double-cut DNA.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Gibson P-90 soapbar delivers authentic vintage snarl with articulate midrange punch and surprisingly versatile clean tones
- +Premium USA build quality with CTS pots, Graph Tech nut, nitrocellulose finish, and flawless fretwork straight from the factory
- +Lightweight mahogany body (just over 6 lbs) with zero neck dive and excellent balance for extended playing
- +Slim Taper neck profile and 1.695" nut width offer modern comfort while retaining vintage vibe
- +Historically significant reissue played by Hendrix, Johnny Marr, and Steve Marriott
Cons
- −Single pickup configuration limits tonal versatility compared to multi-pickup guitars
- −P-90 pickup sits low from factory; some players shimmed it for more bridge-position bite and sparkle
- −Volume taper can feel abrupt (on/off) without gradual sweep, typical of vintage-style pots
- −At $1,699, it's competing with used American Gibsons and higher-spec imports
The Verdict
The Epiphone USA Coronet is a purist’s rock machine that refuses to apologize for its simplicity. One P-90, two knobs, all attitude. The USA build elevates this beyond typical Epiphone territory into legitimate Gibson-quality craftsmanship, and that soapbar pickup absolutely rips through a cranked amp. Perfect for players who want the Les Paul Junior vibe but prefer Epiphone’s original symmetrical body shape. At $1,699 it’s a steep ask, but the nitro finish, CTS electronics, and sub-6.5-pound weight justify the premium. If you worship at the altar of Leslie West and Johnny Thunders, this is your guitar.
