Epiphone has once again collaborated with a legendary musician. This time, they’ve teamed up with Takahiro Matsumoto, the iconic guitarist of the Japanese rock band B’z. The result is a stunning 1955 Les Paul Standard signature model that pays homage to Matsumoto’s iconic guitar.
A Tribute to a Guitar Legend
Takahiro Matsumoto, a Grammy-winning session musician, solo artist, and record producer, is one of Japan’s most celebrated guitarists. His influence on Japanese rock music is undeniable, and his signature guitars have become highly sought-after by guitar enthusiasts worldwide.
The new Epiphone signature model is a meticulous recreation of Matsumoto’s 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop. It features a stunning Antique Gold finish, a mahogany body with a maple top, and a 12″ radius laurel fretboard.
The guitar has a pair of Gibson Burstbucker Pro Alnico 5 humbuckers, delivering powerful and versatile tones. It also features 50s-style wiring, including CTS pots and Luxe Grey Tiger paper in oil capacitors.
Wraparound Bridge
1955 was a transition year for Gibson, and this model comes with a wraparound bridge. Unlike the recent Joe Bonamassa Epiphone signature 1955 Les Paul model with a two-piece ABR- 1 and stop tail bridge.
Key Features of the Epiphone Tak Matsumoto 1955 Les Paul Standard
- Vintage-Inspired Design: The guitar’s design is faithful to the original 1955 Les Paul, with a classic open-book headstock and a wraparound bridge.
- Premium Woods: The mahogany body and maple top provide a warm, resonant tone, while the laurel fretboard offers smooth playability.
- High-Quality Pickups: The Gibson Burstbucker Pro Alnico 5 humbuckers deliver powerful and versatile tones, perfect for a wide range of musical styles.
- Elegant Finish: The Antique Gold finish gives the guitar a timeless and classic look.
A Must-Have for B’z Fans and Guitar Enthusiasts
The Epiphone Tak Matsumoto 1955 Les Paul Standard is a dream come true for B’z fans and guitar enthusiasts alike. It’s a high-quality instrument that offers stunning looks, exceptional sound, and incredible playability.
Limited Exclusive
This model is exclusive to the Japanese market, so it may be more challenging for anyone outside Japan to track down. However, the specifications are excellent, so that it would be worth the hunt. It will also be much more affordable than his Gibson Custom Shop model, which came out a few years ago.
Guitar Bomb Verdict
If you’re looking for a guitar that can handle any musical style, from blues and rock to metal and beyond, the Epiphone Tak Matsumoto 1955 Les Paul Standard is an excellent choice.
