A reissue of a closet classic, this sub-$500 solidbody has versatility in spades thanks to an array of pickup switching options.
The ’70s were strange days for Epiphone. The early part of the decade saw a shift from US to Japanese production. And after enjoying the benefits of being under Gibson’s wing for over a decade, Gibson’s parent company relegated Epiphone to subordinate status, and the company was left to fend for itself in an ever-growing sea of budget import knockoffs.
Things weren’t all bad though. Epiphone would go on to release a brood of acoustics including the Monticello, Presentation, and Nova series, as well as their now cult-classic scroll-cut guitars (SC 350, 450, and 550). Just before the ’80s hit, they snuck in one more closet classic, the Genesis. Designer Jim Walker had hopes of creating a completely fresh company identity in the form of the Genesis, and he aimed to lasso a younger generation of players with coil-tapping versatility and double-cut design. Unfortunately, the Genesis only enjoyed production for a few years in Taiwan before retiring from the market. Now some 30 years later, Epiphone has reissued a limited run of these horned warriors, dubbed the Genesis Deluxe PRO.
A Double-Cut Classic
Just like Walker’s original design, the Genesis reissue glistens with both vintage vibe and forward-looking, player-centric features. The double-cut body has a similar appeal as Yamaha’s own ’70s cult favorite solidbodies, though the Epi’s slightly rounded horns visually splits the difference between a Yamaha and a Danelectro U2. As on the originals, the Genesis body and set neck are mahogany, and the body is capped by a maple top. Trapezoid inlays mark the length of the 22-fret rosewood fretboard, and Grover tuners and a LockTone Tune-o-matic-style bridge with stop tailpiece anchor the strings at either end of the instrument.
All the reissues have a flame-top finish, gold hardware, and single-ply, cream binding. Pickups are an Epiphone-designed ProBucker-2 in the neck and a ProBucker-3 in the bridge. The latter is a little hotter than the neck pickup (though raising the neck pickup a touch helped even the output.) Where the original Genesis had one tone control and used a DPDT switch to enable coil-tapping, the Deluxe PRO employs push/pull pots and separate tone controls for each pickup. This allows you to split the neck, bridge, or both pickups by simply pulling up on the volume knob (or knobs) for either or both pickups. Factor in the 3-way pickup selector and you have a trove of available tone configurations.
Removing the back plate reveals the quick-connect PCB push/pull pots. Having installed a set of standard push/pulls into a Les Paul, I can say these units streamline the installation process, though they can potentially be more difficult to repair than a circuit connected with a good ’ol soldering iron. On the Genesis, they look plenty sturdy though, and the rest of the wiring is clean. Epiphone also added a bit of foil shielding to the inside of the back plate, which is good for RF noise abatement if you’ve tapped into single-coil mode.
Switching Up the Game
Coil-tapping capabilities are a real asset if you’re trying to keep stage gear to a minimum. Sometimes you just need that single coil-bite and the chunkiness of humbuckers, and coil taps conveniently let you access both without switching guitars. As you’d expect, tapped single-coils generate less output than the humbuckers.
I plugged the Genesis into a clean silverface Bassman with a matching 2x12 cab. With humbuckers selected, the Genesis, perhaps not surprisingly, does a convincing Les Paul imitation that tends toward the brighter side of that guitar’s voice. Single-notes have a blues-tinged bite that you’d expect from a vintage-voiced axe, especially through the darker 6L6 Fender circuit. By pushing the Bassman into higher gain regions, the bridge pickup resonates and sings with a Mick Taylor “Street Fighting Man” kind of fury. Though super high-gain environments find the pickups delivering less detail. And the neck pickup is certainly fat enough if you’d rather play the Richards role.
Using the single-coil tap gives you a lot of extra versatility, but again, you’ll have to devote a little practice to coping with the volume drop if you plan on switching modes onstage—especially within a single song. One of the coolest configurations comes from splitting the neck pickup and leaving the bridge as a humbucker. In this setup, the neck unit delivers a sweet, sustaining chime that rings with that familiar mahogany-and-maple warmth and immediacy, and switching to the bridge pickup generates a boost in high-end content and cut that works well for solo work—a nice little trick that sidesteps the need for a booster pedal.
In general, the ProBuckers in split configuration sound very full, retaining low-end heft and adding the treble sting of single-coils, though you won’t get super-twangy tones in the vein of a Telecaster. P-90 comparisons might be more fitting, especially when you’ve rolled off the tone control a touch.
Ratings
Pros: A solid platform for exploring coil-tapping possibilities. Well built. Covers a lot tone territory.
Cons: Not as well suited for high-gain applications.
Tones:
Playability:
Build/Design:
Value:
Street: $499
epiphone.com
Smaller amps seem to enhance the volume discrepancy between humbucker and single-coil settings, probably because they have less low-end potency to begin with. But you can still reap the benefits of the split coil’s clean-to-dirty potential. Regardless of amp size, the ProBuckers interact with effects pedals beautifully. Like many fuzz freaks, I love the sound of an aggressive buzz-saw tone coupled with single-coils, and it was a breeze to generate paisley-hued, Summer-of-Love tones with a Fulltone Octafuzz in the mix.
The Verdict
Epiphone’s Genesis reissue is a very well-built guitar for the $499 street price, and easily stands up to a lot of more expensive instruments in terms of fit and finish. Apart from the nice balance and playability, the big plus with the Genesis is the coil-tapping capability, and if crafting more sonic options via your pickups makes more sense than hauling around an additional instrument, this is a very affordable alternative—and certainly easier than retrofitting your current ax. Ultimately, the versatile Genesis has the ability to transform your tone palette. And this is not just through new pickup configurations, but a result of how your pedalboard can sound without ever switching instruments. And whether you’re an old hand at these techniques or just testing the waters, the Genesis is a very rewarding partner for the exploration.
Watch our video demo:
Watch the official video documenting the sold-out event at House of Blues in Anaheim. Join Paul Reed Smith and special guests as they toast to quality and excellence in guitar craftsmanship.
PRS Guitars today released the official video documenting the full night of performances at their 40th Anniversary celebration, held January 24th in conjunction with the 2025 NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants) Show. The sold-out, private event took place at House of Blues in Anaheim, California and featured performances by PRS artists Randy Bowland, Curt Chambers, David Grissom, Jon Jourdan, Howard Leese, Mark Lettieri Group, Herman Li, John Mayer, Orianthi, Tim Pierce, Noah Robertson, Shantaia, Philip Sayce, and Dany Villarreal, along with Paul Reed Smith and his Eightlock band.
“What a night! Big thanks to everyone who came out to support us: retailers, distributors, vendors, content creators, industry friends, and especially the artists. I loved every second. We are so pleased to share the whole night now on this video,” said Paul Reed Smith, Founder & Managing General Partner of PRS Guitars. “I couldn’t be more proud to still be here 40 years later.”
With nearly 1,400 of the who’s who in the musical instrument industry in attendance, the night ended with a thoughtful toast from PRS Signature Artist John Mayer, who reflected on 40 years of PRS Guitars and the quality that sets the brand apart. “The guitars are great. You can’t last 40 years if the guitars aren’t great,” said Mayer. “Many of you started hearing about PRS the same way I did, which is you would talk about PRS and someone would say ‘They’re too nice.’ What’s too nice for a guitar? What, you want that special vibe that only tuning every song can give you on stage? You want that grit just like your heroes … bad intonation? The product is incredible.”
Black Sabbath to Reunite for First Time in 20 Years—Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Performance
The original Sabbath lineup will reunite on July 5 in Birmingham, England, and be joined by Metallica, Pantera, Slayer, and more.
The concert will feature founding members Tony Iommi on guitar, bassist Geezer Butler, drummer Bill Ward, and singer Ozzy Osbourne. Profits from the show, called "Back to the Beginning," will be donated to charities including Cure Parkinson's.
On future Black Sabbath plans, Ozzy's wife, music manager, and TV personality Sharon Osbourne had this to say (via Reuters) about Ozzy: “While other bandmembers might continue to make records and perform, Black Sabbath's gig at the birthplace of the band will certainly be the 76-year-old's final performance.
"For Ozzy right now, it's definitely: 'I love you and good night'," she said.
The shredder and son of legendary artist Frank Zappa gives a tour of his up-to-date gear, including a complex stereo switching system, four racks of pedals, and some of his father’s favorite guitars.
Dweezil Zappa was always going to end up being an incredible guitarist. His dad, Frank Zappa, is celebrated as one of the most talented and creative guitarists in history, and by age 12, Dweezil was recording music produced by Eddie Van Halen. (Little surprise that he’s covering Van Halen’s 1981 stunner “Push Comes to Shove” lately.) He’s been a bona fide guitar star ever since, releasing seven original solo records, six tribute records, two LPs with his brother Ahmet Zappa, and guesting on recordings across the music universe.
Ahead of his gig at Memphis’ Minglewood Hall on his 2024 Rox(postroph)y tour, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of Frank Zappa’s Apostrophe (') and Roxy & Elsewhere records, Dweezil gave PG’s John Bohlinger a boot-to-bonnet look at his current road setup. There’s a lot of ground to cover between his and his father’s catalogues, and Dweezil loves the challenge, which he meets with a mix of his own gear and some special vintage assists courtesy of his dad.
Brought to you by D’Addario.Shut Up ’n Play Yer Les Paul
This coveted Gibson Les Paul Custom, featured on the cover of Frank’s 1981 record Shut Up ’n Play Yer Guitar, came out on the road this tour. Dweezil says that around 1986, his dad swapped in Dan Armstrong-made ceramic pickups. At one point, Frank installed a second input to try to use the guitar as a synth controller, but it didn’t track well enough to continue the experiment.
Along with the standard controls, the guitar includes switches to turn on different parts of the onboard preamp, which boosts the signal and adds plenty of gain. A rotary knob controls a wired-in parametric EQ set up to emulate different settings along the sweep of a wah pedal. Dweezil didn’t get much of the lowdown from his father on the complex operations; it was more trial-and-error. “You just have to turn knobs until you find something that you like,” he says. He connects to his rig with ZZYZX SnapJack magnetic cable connectors.
Rockin' with Roxy
Also out on the Rox(postroph)y tour is Frank’s iconic Roxy & Elsewhere-era Gibson SG. Like the Les Paul, it’s got a preamp circuit to boost the signal, a sweepable EQ, and can achieve acoustic, piezo-adjacent sounds. The preamp configuration in this one is red-hot; it dishes out tons of gain.
Signature Shabat
For Strat-style tones, Dweezil calls on his signature Shabat Lynx DZ, which has been used to dial in his cover of “Push Comes to Shove.” Per Shabat, it has a “body-mounted HSS configuration with a push/pull phase shift on the middle pickup, simplified single-knob layout, custom-cut 3-ply parchment/gold pickguard, and … a Vega-Trem VT1 tremolo."
The Lynx DZ is constructed with an alder body and a quartersawn hard maple, medium-C-profile neck with a 25.5" scale length. It’s loaded with Lollar Special S and Lollar El Rayo pickups, and the middle Special S is wired for phase shift. The Lynx, as well as the SG and Les Paul, are strung with Optima Gold-Plated 2028 FZ Frank Zappa strings (.008–.046), and struck with D’Addario .50 mm celluloid picks. (Dweezil likes them for pick slides.)
On the Ground
Zappa keeps a significant board at his feet, which he controls with a Fractal FC-12 controller. He runs his sound in stereo, with different effects going to each side, so he keeps volume pedals for each side in front of him, plus a wah and expression pedal.
The row of pedals perched atop the pedalboard includes a TC Electronic Polytune 3 Noir, a Marshall-style prototype pedal, J. Rockett Audio Designs PXO, Union Tube and Transistor Lab, SoloDallas Orbiter, a Jext Telez White Pedal (to nab a specific tone for playing “Nanook Rubs It”), and a 29 Pedals FLWR.
In the Rack
On our 2013 Rig Rundown, Dweezil was using the Fractal Axe-Fx II, and this time around, he’s upgraded to the Axe-Fx III as the basis of his sound. Given the sonic territory covered in his shows, it simply became too unwieldy and expensive to tour an analog rig.
The brains of his show are held in a rack system. A couple of out-of-sight splitter boxes help with the complex stereo signal paths, as do a pair of Voodoo Lab HEX audio switchers. The Axe-Fx III lives on the top shelf, and just below it are an Eventide H90 and TC Electronic TC 2290 that go to both sides.
The next rack down runs only to the left side, and includes a BK Butler Tube Driver, DigiTech FreqOut, Red Panda Radius and Raster, Krozz Devices Airborn Analog Flanger, and a Paul Trombetta Design Tornita! fuzz.
The level below it runs to the right side, with a “Clown Vomit” fuzz, Chase Bliss Warped Vinyl, Korg FLG-1 Flanger, Chase Bliss Generation Loss, Goochfx Holy Cow, and another Red Panda Raster.
Wrapping up the rig is the bottom rack, which again runs to both sides. It carries most of Zappa’s exquisite dirt sounds, thanks to a Union Tube and Transistor Tsar Bomba, Chase Bliss Automatone Preamp MKII, Goochfx Dirty Hippie, Tru-Fi Two Face, Foxrox Electronics Paradox TZF2, and a Paul Trombetta Design Rotobone that … somewhat reasonably apes a trombone sound. Paul Trombetta, we salute you.
Kepma Guitars introduces the new Fenix Series of Grand Auditorium acoustic guitars, offering premium features at an entry-level price, plus their new travel-sized FC Mini Series.
Designed for both aspiring players and seasoned musicians, the Fenix Series offers premium features typically found in higher-priced instruments, all starting at just $249.99.
“The new Fenix models represent our commitment to making premium-quality guitars accessible to players at every level, without compromising on sound, playability, or innovation,” said Kepma USA president Tony Moscal. “With their torrefied solid tops, thinner neck profiles, and unparalleled playability, these guitars deliver exceptional sound and feel typically reserved for professional instruments—all at an entry-level price.”
The Kepma Fenix Series features a Grand Auditorium body style with a solid torrefied Sitka spruce top, delivering exceptional tonal resonance and stability. The proprietary Kepma Torrefication Process uses a precise combination of heat and humidity to remove moisture, oils, and sap from the wood, resulting in a stronger, more stable top that enhances string vibration and ensures consistent performance in any environment.
Back and sides are crafted from layered African mahogany, providing a warm, balanced sound. The neck, made of durable nato wood, is reinforced with a two-way adjustable truss rod and finished with a smooth satin coating for effortless playability.
The Fenix Series is packed with cutting-edge features to elevate the playing experience:
- New 4-Point Bolt-On Neck Joint: Ensures unparalleled stability that allows for easy adjustments and maintenance - a first at this price point.
- Ultra-Thin Water-Based Finish: Environmentally friendly and just 0.042mm thick, this finish protects the guitar while maximizing tonal projection and preserving the natural beauty of the wood.
- Beveled Binding for Comfort: High-quality ABS beveled binding enhances durability, prevents edge damage, and ensures a comfortable playing experience.
- C-Shaped Fast Neck: A player-friendly design that reduces hand fatigue, enhances playing fluidity, and supports all playing styles.
For players seeking even more versatility, the optional AcoustiFex K-10 Pro Pickup, Preamp & FX System transforms the Fenix into an all-in-one performance and practice powerhouse. This system includes built-in reverb, delay, and chorus effects, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a companion app for rhythm looping, metronome functions, and more. Whether you’re performing on stage or practicing at home, plugged into an amp or mixer, or simply playing unplugged, the AcoustiFex system delivers unmatched sound and convenience.
The Kepma Fenix™ Series offers four configurations to suit every player’s preferences:
- FGA1-130 (Natural Finish): Grand Auditorium, solid torrefied spruce top, layered mahogany back and sides. MAP: $249.99
- FGA1-130A (Natural Finish with AcoustiFex): Grand Auditorium, solid torrefied spruce top, layered mahogany back and sides, AcoustiFex K-10 Pro Pickup System. MAP: $299.99
- FGA1-130SB (Sunburst Finish): Grand Auditorium, solid torrefied spruce top, layered mahogany back and sides, sunburst finish. MAP: $249.99
- FGA1-130ASB (Sunburst Finish with AcoustiFex): Grand Auditorium, solid torrefied spruce top, layered mahogany back and sides, sunburst finish, AcoustiFex K-10 Pro Pickup System. MAP: $299.99
The new Fenix models are designed to inspire beginners and seasoned musicians alike, setting a new benchmark for performance and value in the industry.
Kepma Guitars is thrilled to announce the introduction of its versatile FC Mini Series, packed with cutting-edge technology that redefines expectations for travel-sized guitars.
The new FC Mini models include a variety of configurations to suit every player’s needs. The Spruce/Rosewood and Spruce/Mahogany options feature solid torrefied spruce tops paired with layered rosewood or mahogany back and sides, available in natural and sunburst finishes. The Mahogany/Mahogany model features a solid torrefied mahogany top with layered mahogany back and sides in a natural finish. Each guitar is offered in three versions: no pickup, with the AcoustiFex® K-10 Pro system, or equipped with the Elfin Sound System, and all come with a deluxe gig bag. Prices range from $399.99 to $549.99 MAP.
Big Sound in a Compact Package Traditionally, smaller guitars have been associated with compromised sound and tone. Kepma’s FC Mini Series shatters this notion by integrating advanced innovations and meticulous design to create a guitar that offers the full resonance and projection of a standard acoustic.
Premium Materials and Construction The torrefaction process removes moisture, oils, and sap from the wood, enhancing stability and delivering superior tonal richness. Back and sides crafted from high-quality mahogany or rosewood ensure durability and warmth in every note.
Technological Innovations
- Proprietary Bolt-On Neck Design: Kepma’s neck contour bolt-on neck joint ensures a perfect and stable connection between neck and body, offering ultimate playability and infinite adjustability.
- Rosewood Bracing: Solid rosewood bracing enhances top stability and reduces energy loss, resulting in superior articulation and sustain.
- Arched Back Design: A unique arched back improves resonance and eliminates the need for back bracing, allowing for harmonious vibrations and a fuller sound.
Enhanced Playability The FC Mini Series is engineered with the player in mind. The slightly thicker neck provides added stability, while the ergonomic C-shape design reduces fatigue during extended playing sessions. The sleek cutaway provides access to the higher notes on the fretboard for better playability. Lower string action, beveled binding, and redesigned precision sealed tuners further enhance comfort and ease of use.
Attention to Detail Kepma’s commitment to excellence is evident in every detail of the FC Mini Series:
- D'Addario XS Strings: Coated strings extend playing life and offer superior projection.
- Elegant Aesthetics: Features include a magnolia inlay on the fretboard, upgraded rosette, and a refined rosewood veneer headstock.
- Eco-Friendly Finish: A thin, water-based matte finish minimizes vibration damping for a clear, transparent sound.
Advanced Electronics for Modern Musicians
AcoustiFex K-10 Pro System Each new FC Mini Series model is available with the AcoustiFex K-10 Pro System, offering:
- Built-in reverb, delay, and chorus effects
- Bluetooth audio streaming for playing along with backing tracks
- An on-the-go USB interface for app connectivity, enabling looping, rhythm tracks, and practice tools like a metronome and tuner
- Whether you’re performing on stage or practicing at home, plugged into an amp or mixer, or simply playing unplugged, the AcoustiFex system delivers unmatched sound and convenience.
Elfin Sound System The FC Mini Series are also available with the new Elfin K-13 Sound System, developed collaboratively by Kepma and Double Acoustics. The system offers high sensitivity, accurate sound reproduction, strong output power, and low noise. The under-saddle piezo pickup delivers sweet treble and punchy bass, making it ideal for fingerstyle playing. Additionally, the preamp features a rechargeable battery system that can be conveniently charged using a standard USB-C phone charger cable. The Elfin K-13 Sound System was developed and voiced specifically for the Kepma ¾ size FC Mini Series guitars.
Complete Package Each FC Mini guitar comes with a padded deluxe gig bag and an accessory kit that includes a custom truss rod wrench, microfiber polishing cloth, bridge pins, picks, extra saddle, and string height gauge.
Purchase Options
Spruce/Rosewood, Natural Finish
- Solid Torrefied Spruce Top/Layered Rosewood Back & Sides
- No Pickup: Model FCM-SR, MAP: $449.99
- With AcoustiFex K-10 Pro: Model FCM-SRA, MAP: $549.99
- With Elfin Sound System: Model FCM-SRE, MAP: $549.99
Spruce/Rosewood, Sunburst Finish
- Solid Torrefied Spruce Top/Layered Rosewood Back & Sides, Sunburst Finish
- No Pickup: Model FCM-SR-SB, MAP: $449.99
- AcoustiFex K-10 Pro: Model FCM-SRA-SB, MAP: $549.99
- Elfin Sound System: Model FCM-SRE-SB, MAP: $549.99
Spruce/Mahogany, Natural Finish
- Solid Torrefied Spruce Top / Layered Mahogany Back & Sides, Natural Finish
- No Pickup: Model FCM-SM, MAP: $399.99
- With AcoustiFex K-10 Pro: Model FCM-SMA, MAP: $499.99
- With Elfin Sound System: Model FCM-SME, MAP: $499.99
Spruce/Mahogany, Sunburst Finish
- Solid Torrefied Spruce Top / Layered Mahogany Back & Sides, Sunburst Finish
- No Pickup: Model FCM-SM-SB, MAP: $399.99
- With AcoustiFex K-10 Pro: Model FCM-SMA-SB, MAP: $499.99
- With Elfin Sound System: Model FCM-SME-SB, MAP: $499.99
Mahogany/Mahogany, Natural Finish
- Solid Torrefied Mahogany Top / Layered Mahogany Back & Sides, Natural Finish
- No Pickup: Model FCM-MM, MAP: $399.99
- With AcoustiFex K-10 Pro: Model FCM-MMA, MAP: $499.99
- With Elfin Sound System: Model FCM-MME, MAP: $499.99
The new Kepma FC Mini Series combines portability, premium materials, and advanced technology to offer an unparalleled sound and playing experience. Whether you’re a traveling musician or a beginner seeking comfort and quality, the FC Mini Series is your perfect companion.
For more information, please visit kepmausa.com.