Press Releases
EPIPHONE EXPANDS INSPIRED BY GIBSON CUSTOM ACOUSTIC COLLECTION WITH SIX NEW GUITAR MODELS
For over 150 years, Epiphone has been a leading innovator in instrument design, inspiring some of the most beloved music artists on the planet. By leveraging its iconic past and leaning into the future, Epiphone has set the stage for the next era of sound for present and future generations. The game-changing Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection, developed in close collaboration with the skilled luthiers at Gibson Custom Acoustic in Bozeman, Montana, continues to expand, establishing a new tier of premium Epiphones for every player. Featuring world-renowned Gibson “open book” headstocks, rosewood fretboards, and vintage gloss finishes, the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection brings Gibson Custom designs to the masses, adding to Epiphone’s full array of instruments for all player levels. The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection is available worldwide at authorized Epiphone dealers, the Gibson Garage locations in Nashville and London, and on Epiphone.com. Today, Epiphone is proud to introduce six stunning acoustic models to the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom lineup: the 1942 Banner J-45, 1957 SJ-200, 1960 Hummingbird, 1963 Dove, Hummingbird Deluxe EC, and the Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood. “Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection just got bigger—and we couldn’t be more excited” says Lewis McKinney, Brand Manager at Epiphone. “In close collaboration with the Gibson Custom team, we’ve reissued a new wave of era-accurate acoustics. Rebuilt from the ground up with precision and care, these guitars embody our ongoing commitment to quality, accessibility, and innovation. This launch marks a fresh chapter for Epiphone acoustics, and we can’t wait for players to experience them. Happy playing.” Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Acoustic Collection (L-R): 1960 Hummingbirdand the 1963 Dove. Explore the full Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom lineup of premium acoustic guitars for players of every level HERE, and read more about the new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Acoustic Collection models on the Gibson Gazette.  |
| Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 Epiphone, in collaboration with Gibson Custom, proudly unveils the 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue—an inspired recreation of the iconic “Workhorse” acoustic that defined a generation. Originally introduced in 1942, the J-45™ became Gibson’s best-selling acoustic, celebrated for its warm tone, elegant simplicity, and legendary reliability. This reissue features a thermally aged solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, solid mahogany back and sides, and vintage-style appointments including a teardrop pickguard, open-back tuners, and the classic Gibson “open book” headstock. The V-shaped mahogany neck is topped with an Indian rosewood fretboard and mother-of-pearl dot inlays. Modern performance is ensured with an L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC pickup system, making it stage and studio ready. Each guitar ships with a Red Line-inspired hardshell case, proudly bearing the Inspired by Gibson Custom logo. Watch a demo of the new Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 HERE. |
 Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45Epiphone 1957 SJ-200 |
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| Epiphone 1957 SJ-200 Epiphone and Gibson Custom proudly present the 1957 SJ-200 Reissue—an Inspired by Gibson Custom recreation of the legendary “King of the Flat-Tops.” Originally introduced in 1937, the SJ-200™ became iconic for its bold sound, striking presence, and use by artists across genres. This reissue features all-solid wood construction: a thermally aged Sitka spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, figured maple back and sides, and a flame maple neck with walnut stringer. The bound Indian rosewood fretboard showcases mother-of-pearl graduated Crown inlays, while vintage-style details include a graphic SJ-200 pickguard, Moustache™ bridge, and Gibson “open book” headstock with Gibson Crown inlay. Modern players will appreciate the built-in L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC pickup system for plug-and-play performance. Each guitar comes with a Red Line-inspired hardshell case featuring Inspired by Gibson Custom graphics. Watch a demo of the new Epiphone 1957 SJ-200 HERE. Epiphone 1960 Hummingbird |
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| Epiphone 1960 Hummingbird Epiphone and Gibson Custom proudly introduce the 1960 Hummingbird Reissue—an Inspired by Gibson Custom recreation of the first square-shoulder acoustic in Gibson’s history. Originally launched in 1960, the Hummingbird quickly became a favorite of legends like Keith Richards, Thom Yorke, and Gillian Welch for its rich tone and unmatched versatility. This reissue features a thermally aged solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, solid mahogany back and sides, and a one-piece mahogany neck with a Rounded profile. The bound rosewood fretboard includes 20 frets and mother-of-pearl split parallelogram inlays. Classic details include the engraved Hummingbird pickguard, belly-up rosewood bridge with bone saddle, and the iconic Gibson “open book” headstock with aged mother-of-pearl inlays. Equipped with an L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC pickup system, it’s ready for any stage or studio. A Red Line-inspired hardshell case with Inspired by Gibson Custom graphics is included. Watch a demo of the new Epiphone 1960 Hummingbird HERE. Epiphone 1963 Dove |
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| Epiphone 1963 Dove Epiphone and Gibson Custom proudly present the 1963 Dove Reissue—an Inspired by Gibson Custom recreation of one of Gibson’s most iconic square-shoulder acoustics. First introduced in 1962, the Dove™ has been favored by legends like Elvis, Tom Petty, and Alex Lifeson for its bright, balanced tone and striking visual appeal. This reissue features a thermally aged solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, solid figured maple back and sides, and a 25.5″ scale mahogany neck with a Rounded profile. The bound rosewood fretboard includes 20 frets and split parallelogram inlays. Signature Dove details include a mother-of-pearl dove pickguard, dove-inlaid rosewood bridge, Kluson® Waffleback tuners, and the Gibson “open book” headstock with aged inlays and the Inspired by Gibson Custom logo on the rear. Equipped with an L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC pickup system, it’s ready for any stage or studio. A Red Line-inspired hardshell guitar case is included. Watch a demo for the new Epiphone 1963 Dove HERE. |
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| Epiphone 1963 Dove |
| Epiphone Hummingbird Deluxe EC |
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| Epiphone Hummingbird Deluxe EC Epiphone and Gibson Custom proudly introduce the Hummingbird Deluxe EC—an Inspired by Gibson Custom cutaway version of the iconic Hummingbird™. Designed in collaboration with the Gibson Custom team in Bozeman, Montana, this model features a solid rosewood back and sides paired with a thermally aged solid spruce top for enhanced resonance, deeper bass, and sparkling highs. The cutaway body offers easy access to the upper frets, ideal for lead players. A one-piece mahogany neck with a Rounded C profile is topped with an ebony fretboard and mother-of-pearl split parallelogram inlays. Premium appointments include gold Grover® Rotomatic® tuners, a reverse belly ebony bridge, and a gold-etched Hummingbird pickguard. Equipped with an L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC pickup system, it’s stage and studio-ready. Each guitar ships with Epiphone’s new Protector Ultralite case—combining gig bag portability with hardshell protection. Watch a demo of the new Epiphone Hummingbird Deluxe EC HERE. Epiphone Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood |
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| Epiphone Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Epiphone and Gibson Custom proudly present the Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue—an Inspired by Gibson Custom recreation of the rare, rosewood-bodied SJ-200s from the late 1930s. Revered for their powerful tone and scarcity, these pre-war models are among the most sought-after vintage acoustics today. This reissue features solid rosewood back and sides, a thermally aged solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, and a two-piece maple neck with a rosewood stringer and Round D profile. The ebony fretboard includes 20 frets and mother-of-pearl graduated Crown inlays. Vintage-style appointments include a Moustache bridge, ornate SJ-200 pickguard, and the iconic Gibson “open book” headstock with aged inlays with a stinger and an Inspired by Gibson Custom logo on the rear. Equipped with an L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC pickup system, it’s ready for any performance. A Red Line-inspired hardshell guitar case with Inspired by Gibson Custom graphics is included. Watch a demo of the new Epiphone Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood HERE. |
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| Epiphone Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood |
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