Epiphone has officially unleashed a massive expansion of its Inspired by Gibson Collection, marking a new era for the legendary brand. This isn’t just a paint job; it’s a deep-spec overhaul. By reintroducing Rosewood fretboards, high-end active EMG electronics, and “lost” designs like the 1984-spec Explorer, Epiphone is delivering professional-grade instruments to players who demand Gibson-level DNA without the Custom Shop price tag.
Epiphone’s Refreshed “Inspired by Gibson” Collection
The headline for many purists is the return of Rosewood fretboards across the majority of the line, replacing Laurel to provide that authentic dark aesthetic and oily feel players crave.
From the metal-ready Explorer 80s to the vintage-correct Les Paul Standard 50s, this collection bridges the gap between Epiphone accessibility and Gibson Custom Shop soul.
Kalamazoo Headstock
Most models feature the classic 60s-style clipped ear headstock, bringing the silhouette closer to its Gibson cousins.
Below is the exhaustive breakdown of the new lineup, including technical specifications for every model.
1. The Heavy Hitters: 80s & 70s Era Icons
Explorer 80s EMG
This model is a direct homage to the stripped-down “1984” Explorer made famous by thrash-metal royalty. We spotted it last November, leaked at some European dealers, and now it is officially here. By removing the pickguard and adding active electronics, it becomes the ultimate metal machine.
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Body: Solid Mahogany with a sleek, menacing “No-Pickguard” aesthetic.
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Neck: Mahogany with a 60s SlimTaperâ„¢ profile for high-speed shredding.
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Fretboard: Rosewood, 22 Medium Jumbo frets, Pearloid dots.
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Pickups: Active EMG 81 (Bridge) and EMG 60 (Neck). This combo delivers the high-output, ceramic punch required for modern high-gain tones.
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Hardware: Black Nickel, Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge, and Stop Bar.
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Finish: Classic White.
Flying V 70s
Based on the hard-rock evolution of the V, this model features the rare Maui Blue finish—a legendary early 80s custom color—paired with premium materials.
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Body: Two-piece, center-seamed Mahogany.
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Neck: Mahogany with a Rounded C profile and a period-correct volute at the headstock junction for added strength.
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Fretboard: Ebony (a premium upgrade), 12″ radius, Pearloid dots.
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Pickups: Epiphone T-Type PROâ„¢ Humbuckers. These are designed to replicate the “T-Top” pickups found in late 60s and 70s Gibsons, known for clarity and bite.
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Hardware: Black Nickel with “Witch Hat” knobs and Grover Rotomatic tuners.
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Finish: Maui Blue.
Firebird
The radical reverse-body classic returns with the historically accurate neck-through construction that defines the Firebird’s sustain.
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Neck/Body: 9-ply Mahogany/Walnut neck-through construction with Mahogany wings.
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Fretboard: Bound Rosewood with Pearloid Trapezoid inlays.
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Pickups: ProBucker FB720. Unlike standard mini-humbuckers, these use Alnico 2 blade magnets to recreate the bright, searing “jangle” of the 1963 originals.
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Hardware: Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners (crucial for Firebird balance) and a Graph Tech nut.
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Finish: Wine Red.
2. The Double Cut & Junior Series
Les Paul Special Double Cut (New to Collection)
The workhorse of the 1960s returns. This model offers the perfect balance between the minimalist Junior and the fancy Standard.
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Body: Solid Mahogany Double Cutaway for total upper-fret access.
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Pickups: Dual P-90 PRO Soapbars. These pickups feature tin-plated brass base plates and sand-cast Alnico 5 magnets for that “growl” that cleans up beautifully with the volume knob.
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Bridge: Lightning Bar compensated wraparound bridge for direct-to-body resonance.
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Finishes: TV Yellow, Cherry Red.
Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured
A premium “hot rod” version of the Special DC, previously only available through the Gibson Custom Shop.
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Top: AAA Figured Maple Veneer for a high-end boutique look.
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Pickups: Upgraded to ProBucker 2 (Neck) and ProBucker 3 (Bridge) humbuckers, moving the tone from P-90 grit to thick, creamy Les Paul sustain.
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Hardware: Grover Rotomatic tuners and gold Top Hat knobs.
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Finishes: Bourbon Burst, Ocean Water.
Les Paul Junior
The “one pickup, no excuses” rock machine. Loved for its simplicity and surprisingly versatile tonal range.
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Neck Profile: Substantial 50s Vintage profile.
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Pickup: A single P-90 PRO Dogear.
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Controls: Master Volume and Tone with CTS Potentiometers.
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Finish: TV Yellow.
3. The Flagship Standards: 50s vs. 60s
| Feature | Les Paul Standard 50s | Les Paul Standard 60s |
| Neck Profile | 1959 Rounded Medium C | 60s SlimTaperâ„¢ |
| Pickups | ProBuckerâ„¢ 1 & 2 (Lower Output) | ProBuckerâ„¢ 2 & 3 (Higher Output) |
| Tuners | Epiphone Vintage Deluxe | Grover® Rotomatic |
| Wiring | 50s-Style w/ CTS Pots | 60s-Style w/ CTS Pots |
| Finishes | Goldtop, Washed Cherry Sunburst | Ebony, Iced Tea Burst |
4. The SG Collection
SG Special P-90
Capturing the early 60s vibe used by everyone from Pete Townshend to Tony Iommi.
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Body: Slim Mahogany with deep carvings.
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Neck: 60s SlimTaper with a bound Rosewood fretboard.
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Pickups: Dual P-90 PRO Soapbars for punchy, mid-forward rock tones.
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Bridge: Compensated Wraparound.
SG Standard
The most popular “double-cut” in history, updated with the 60s-style Kalamazoo headstock.
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Pickups: ProBucker 2 & 3 Humbuckers.
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Hardware: 5-ply full-face pickguard and LockTone hardware.
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Finishes: Cherry, Ebony.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Q: What makes the “P-90 PRO” pickups different from standard Epiphone P-90s?
A: They are designed from the ground up to match vintage 1950s specs, including the specific pole piece alloys and Alnico 5 magnets, resulting in less “mud” and more “sparkle.”
Q: Are the neck profiles the same across the line?
A: No. The 50s models feature a thicker, “baseball bat” style feel, while the 60s and 80s models feature the SlimTaperâ„¢ profile, which is much thinner and flatter.
Q: Is the Firebird a “true” Firebird?
A: Yes. Unlike cheaper bolt-on versions, this model features 9-ply neck-through construction, the most critical element for authentic Firebird tone and stability.
Q: Do these come with a battery for the EMGs?
A: A 9V battery is required for the Explorer 80s but is not included. The compartment is located on the back for tool-free access.
Our Thoughts: The Verdict
Epiphone has successfully transitioned from being a “budget alternative” to a “legitimate choice” for professional musicians.
The Winner: The Flying V 70s in Maui Blue. Between the Ebony fretboard and the T-Type reissue pickups, it is spec-for-spec one of the best values in the industry right now.
Final Conclusion: By bringing back Rosewood and adding high-end electronics like CTS pots and EMG pickups, Epiphone has removed almost every reason to “need” an immediate upgrade after purchase.
Score
We give the new upgrades range a solid 8 out of 10 score across the board.
Premium Performance, Accessible Pricing
One of the most impressive aspects of the 2026 refresh is how Epiphone has maintained an accessible price point despite the significant hardware and tonewood upgrades. The collection is strategically priced to occupy the “mid-tier sweet spot,” ranging from roughly $499 to $999 USD (£430 – £880).
The entry point remains the minimalist Les Paul Junior and SG Special P-90, typically found around $499 – $529.
The flagship Les Paul Standard 50s and 60s models sit comfortably in the $599-$699 bracket, while the highly anticipated Flying V 70s in Maui Blue commands a slightly higher premium at approximately $699 due to its ebony fretboard.
At the top of the range, the Explorer 80s EMG—packed with active electronics and a custom-style “no pickguard” body—retails for around $899 – $985, offering a massive saving compared to its Gibson counterparts while delivering the exact same high-output stage performance.
Official Epiphone Dealers
More Information
#Epiphone #Inspired by Gibson
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