Across the guitar world, Epiphone has always carried an interesting dual identity: historically intertwined with Gibson, yet carving out its own space by making classic designs accessible to a wider range of players. The latest Inspired by Gibson collection is the strongest expression of that idea to date. Instead of simply mimicking iconic models, this range focuses on consistency, historical accuracy, and genuinely thoughtful updates to playability. Epiphone has tightened up neck carves, improved hardware stability, refined fretwork, and chosen pickups that actually reflect the sonic intent of the originals. What emerges is a line of instruments that feel cohesive yet individually distinct—each carrying the personality of its Gibson ancestor while offering the reliability and modern detail that today’s players demand. From single‑pickup punk boxes to high‑gain machines, from retro classics to elegantly figured takes on familiar shapes, this collection makes a compelling case that heritage designs can evolve without losing what made them iconic in the first place.
Explorer 80s EMG – The unspoken icon of early‑’80s metal
The Explorer 80s EMG may be the boldest statement of the lineup, and Epiphone even leans into that mystique with an “if you know, you know” approach. In truth, the inspiration is hardly a secret: this model is a clear nod to one of the most defining metal guitars of the early eighties, the same style heard across the landmark thrash records Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets. The angular mahogany body, SlimTaper neck, and active EMG 81/60 set place this guitar squarely in that sonic world, delivering the tight, percussive attack and compressed sustain that shaped an entire generation of heavy music. What’s impressive is how well the Explorer balances its aggressive voice with versatility—the neck pickup offers a smoother, fuller clean than many expect from active circuits, and the overall stability of the LockTone hardware keeps the guitar feeling road‑ready. It’s not marketed as a signature, but the lineage is unmistakable, and for players chasing that era of tone, it’s the most direct route Epiphone has ever offered.
Firebird – Mini‑humbuckers, neck‑through vibes, and unmistakable attitude
The Firebird stands at almost the opposite end of the tonal spectrum, and Epiphone’s latest take on this reverse‑bodied icon captures the quirky elegance of the early sixties’ originals. With its elongated wings and distinctive lines, the Firebird has always appealed to players who want clarity, presence, and a guitar that almost insists on being played with swagger. The mini‑humbuckers give it a voice all its own—brighter than a full humbucker, thicker than a P‑90, with an articulate attack that cuts through a mix without feeling sharp. Combined with a fast 60s‑style neck and the classic Kalamazoo‑inspired headstock, the Firebird retains that unmistakable blend of chime and bite. Epiphone’s set‑neck construction preserves the sustain associated with the original neck‑through designs, making this a guitar with a surprisingly authoritative low end for its bright‑voiced pickup format. It remains one of the most unique guitars in the Inspired by Gibson family, both visually and sonically.
Flying V 70s – A retro‑futuristic staple with fat ’70s attitude
The Flying V 70s taps into a very different era of guitar history—the time when rock and early metal players adopted the original 1958 oddity and refashioned it into a symbol of power and stage presence. Epiphone’s interpretation draws heavily from the harder‑edged seventies version, complete with a two‑piece mahogany body, a comfortable SlimTaper neck, and T‑Type PRO humbuckers that emulate the brighter, slightly microphonic pickups of that decade. This gives the guitar a uniquely immediate response with a crisp top end that pairs beautifully with fuzzes, treble boosters, and higher‑gain amps. The Flying V 70s feels fast and lively in the hands, and for players who appreciate clarity even in dense arrangements, its voice sits confidently in the upper midrange without becoming harsh. More importantly, it retains the swagger that has made the V a perennial favourite for players who like their guitars to look as bold as they sound.
Les Paul Special Double Cut – A stripped‑back classic with modern reliability
The Les Paul Special Double Cut shows just how well Epiphone can bring vintage simplicity into the modern age. Historically positioned between the no‑frills Junior and the more ornate Standard, the Double Cut had the advantage of easy upper‑fret access and the power of dual P‑90s. Epiphone’s recreation embraces that heritage with a mahogany body, SlimTaper neck, bound rosewood fretboard, and P‑90 PRO Soapbars that capture the smoky midrange, airy highs, and dynamic response of the originals. The compensated Lightning Bar wraparound bridge is a welcome refinement, offering more accurate intonation while preserving the sustain and immediacy that make wraparounds so appealing. This model plays with the same feisty energy that made early Specials cult favourites—open, expressive, and always ready to bark back when pushed.
Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured – Same vibe, more flair—and humbuckers
For players who love the Double Cut shape but want a touch more flash and a more modern tonal palette, the Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured provides a stylish alternative. The AAA figured maple veneer instantly changes the character of the guitar, elevating it aesthetically without losing its stripped‑back charm. More significantly, Epiphone swaps the P‑90s for a ProBucker 2 in the neck and a hotter ProBucker 3 in the bridge, giving the guitar a broader sonic personality that leans comfortably into classic rock territory. The bound body and neck, Grover tuners, and Kalamazoo‑style headstock reinforce the upscale feel, while the SlimTaper neck ensures that it plays fast and comfortably. It maintains the spirit of the Double Cut while offering a tighter, more modern take on the classic format.
Les Paul Junior – A single pickup, endless nuance
The Les Paul Junior remains a masterclass in minimalism, and Epiphone’s version captures everything players love about this single‑pickup powerhouse. With a slab mahogany body, a chunky 50s‑style neck, and a single Dogear P‑90 PRO, the Junior thrives on touch sensitivity and tonal nuance. Rather than relying on multiple pickups or complex electronics, the Junior rewards changes in picking position, attack, and the subtleties of the volume and tone controls. The Lightning Bar wraparound bridge enhances resonance, and the Deluxe tuners with ivory buttons contribute to the guitar’s vintage character. It’s a direct, no‑nonsense instrument that has influenced countless players precisely because of its simplicity and honesty.
SG Special P‑90 – A snarling, articulate take on the classic SG
The SG Special P‑90 takes the classic SG silhouette and infuses it with the open, gritty character of dual P‑90s. With a lightweight mahogany body, 60s SlimTaper neck, and wraparound bridge, it’s a guitar that feels quick, lively, and effortlessly playable. The P‑90 PRO Soapbars give the SG Special a distinctive tonal signature—bright and articulate when clean, aggressive and raw when driven. The bound rosewood fretboard and vintage‑style tuners deliver the right visual cues, while the overall feel remains true to the early sixties SG ethos. This is the kind of guitar that excels at everything from jangly indie to garage rock to classic blues, all while retaining that unmistakable SG snarl.
Les Paul Standard 50s – Thick, warm, and bursting with vintage midrange
The Les Paul Standard 50s is Epiphone’s love letter to the golden age of the Burst. With a mahogany body topped by a maple cap, a 1959 Rounded Medium C neck profile, and ProBucker 1 and 2 pickups, it embraces the warmth, thickness, and dynamic response that defined late‑fifties Les Pauls. The long neck tenon enhances sustain, while the CTS pots and 50s wiring offer excellent control over brightness and output as the volume is rolled back. The Vintage Deluxe tuners, gold Top Hat knobs, and Kalamazoo‑style headstock complete the look. It’s a model that feels full, rich, and harmonically complex—perfect for players who gravitate toward thick midrange and expressive lead tones.
Les Paul Standard 60s – Same ingredients, tighter feel
By contrast, the Les Paul Standard 60s offers a tighter, more modern‑leaning feel, thanks largely to its SlimTaper 60s C‑profile neck and ProBucker 2 and 3 pickup combinations. The mahogany and maple tonewood formula remains the same, but the guitar has a slightly brighter, more aggressive voice that suits faster playing and more contemporary rock styles. Grover Rotomatic tuners replace the Vintage Deluxe set of the 50s model, contributing to a more precise and immediate feel, while the CTS electronics maintain the responsiveness and clarity expected of a Les Paul. The 60s Standard is for players who love the classic shape and sound but prefer a neck that moves quickly under the fingers.
SG Standard – Lightweight, fast, and unmistakably SG
The SG Standard rounds out the lineup with a timeless design that has remained one of the fastest‑playing and most recognisable guitars in rock history. Epiphone’s take includes a lightweight mahogany body, SlimTaper neck, bound rosewood fretboard, and a ProBucker 2 and 3 pairing that recreates the punchy, mid‑forward voice of the original. The Grover Rotomatics and LockTone hardware contribute to excellent tuning stability and sustain, and the guitar’s naturally quick attack and upper‑fret accessibility make it a comfortable fit for rhythm and lead players alike. The SG Standard balances vintage character with modern reliability, offering a familiar feel that remains as compelling now as it was in the sixties.
This new range is available in Australia now, contact these Epiphone dealers for pricing and chance to demo these exciting new models.
Epiphone Dealers Australia – https://linktr.ee/Epiphone_AU
