Epiphone has officially expanded its highly acclaimed Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection, introducing two powerhouse models that bridge the gap between imported accessibility and custom-shop historic accuracy: a new flagship Les Paul Custom and the vintage-accurate 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue.
By integrating authentic Gibson USA electronics, premium tonewoods, and historic design templates, these instruments offer players true Custom Shop DNA without the four-figure premium.
The New Flagship: Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom
Originally debuted in 1954 at the personal request of Mr. Les Paul, the Les Paul Custom was envisioned as a “tuxedo” guitar—an instrument so elegant it would look right at home on stage with a formal orchestra.
While 1950s originals utilized all-mahogany construction for a mid-focused growl, Epiphone’s new flagship adaptation opts for the later, highly favored combination of a solid mahogany body paired with a maple cap, injecting extra brightness, snap, and high-end attack into the instrument’s balanced foundation.
Premium Hardware and Authentic Gibson USA Electronics
True to its heritage, the aesthetic appointments remain lavish: multi-ply binding on the top and back, an ebony fretboard adorned with mother-of-pearl block inlays, and the iconic Gibson-style “open book” headstock featuring the split-diamond inlay.
Under the hood, Epiphone pulls out all the stops. The guitar features hand-wired premium electronics, including USA-made Gibson 490R and 498T humbuckers, CTS volume and tone potentiometers, Mallory capacitors, and a genuine Switchcraft 3-way toggle switch.
Tuning stability is anchored by Grover Rotomatic tuners, a Graph Tech nut, and a LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge.
The instrument ships in a premium black hardshell case featuring a plush goldenrod interior.
Available at Andertons in Sedona Burst and Amethyst Sparkle
Available at Sweetwater in Sedona Burst and Amethyst Sparkle
Available at Thomann in Sedona Burst and Amethyst Sparkle
Vintage Vibe Reborn: Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue
For players seeking raw, unadulterated rock-and-roll attitude, Epiphone has also unveiled the 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue. First introduced in 1955 as a dual-pickup evolution of the student-model Les Paul Junior, the Special hit its legendary stride in 1958 and 1960 when Gibson shifted to a double-cutaway design and implemented a thinner SlimTaper neck profile.
Available at Andertons in Cherry Red, TV White, Olive Drab (exclusive), and Oxblood (exclusive)
Available at Sweetwater in Cherry Red and TV White,
Available at Thomann in Cherry Red and TV White.
Authentic P-90 Growl and Historic Appointments
This reissue meticulously honors that golden era. Built on a solid slab mahogany body, it offers unrestricted upper-fret access. The one-piece mahogany neck is carved into a lightning-fast 60s SlimTaper profile, capped with a 12”-radius rosewood fretboard and classic dot inlays.
Tonally, this guitar screams vintage authenticity thanks to a pair of USA-made Gibson Custom P-90 Soapbar pickups. Hand-wired to CTS pots and historic Bumblebee paper-in-oil capacitors, these electronics allow guitarists to sweep seamlessly from sweet, dynamic cleans to aggressive, gritty overdrive. Vintage-style Epiphone Deluxe three-on-a-plate tuners and a rock-solid historic Wraparound bridge round out the hardware suite.
The 1960 Reissue arrives protected in a period-correct brown hardshell case with a striking pink plush interior.
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Les Paul Custom (Sedona Burst) | 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut (TV White) |
| Body Material | Solid Mahogany w/ Maple Cap | Slab Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | One-piece Mahogany, Long Tenon | One-piece Mahogany |
| Neck Profile | Modern Medium C | 60s SlimTaper |
| Fretboard | Ebony (12″ radius) | Rosewood (12″ radius) |
| Pickups | Gibson USA 490R (Neck) & 498T (Bridge) | Gibson USA Custom P-90 Soapbars (x2) |
| Electronics | CTS Pots, Mallory Caps, Switchcraft Jack | CTS Pots, Bumblebee Paper-in-Oil Caps |
| Bridge | LockTone Tune-O-Matic & Stop Bar | Historic Wraparound |
| Included Case | Black Hardshell / Goldenrod Interior | Brown Hardshell / Pink Interior |
More New Finish Options
They have also added new finishes for the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue, in Golden Poppy Burst and Dark Burst.
Available at Andertons in Golden Poppy Burst and Dark Burst.
Available at Sweetwater in Golden Poppy Burst and Dark Burst.
Available at Thomann in Golden Poppy Burst and Dark Burst.
The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1963 Firebird I Reissue is now available in a new Cherry finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes the “Inspired by Gibson Custom” line different from standard Epiphone models?
The Inspired by Gibson Custom series represents Epiphone’s highest tier of manufacturing. Unlike standard models, these guitars feature authentic USA-designed Gibson pickups, premium hand-wired electronics (such as CTS pots, Mallory, or Bumblebee capacitors), one-piece necks with long tenons, the open-book Gibson headstock shape, and included custom hardshell cases.
Does the Epiphone Les Paul Custom have a real ebony fretboard?
Yes. Sticking strictly to the historical lineage of the Les Paul Custom, this model features a genuine, bound ebony fretboard paired with real mother-of-pearl block inlays.
What kind of tones can I expect from the 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut?
The combination of a slab mahogany body and dual Gibson USA P-90 Soapbar pickups yields a highly touch-sensitive, mid-forward tone. It provides clean, jazz-like warmth when rolled back, but easily pushes tube amplifiers into a gritty, articulate classic rock and punk crunch when maxed out.
Verdict & Score
Epiphone and Gibson Custom have raised the bar for what an import guitar can achieve. By focusing heavily on the components that dictate tone and playability—specifically USA-made pickups, premium wiring, and historically accurate neck joints—these instruments transcend typical intermediate offerings.
The Les Paul Custom is a stunning, high-output workhorse perfect for modern rock and metal players who crave high-end elegance. Meanwhile, the 1960 Special Double Cut delivers an incredibly pure, raw vintage experience that collectors and purists will highly appreciate. At these price tiers, they offer unparalleled value.
Essentially, these new finish options expand the existing range of models launched at NAMM earlier this year.
