Epiphone today announces a refreshed and expanded lineup within the Inspired by Gibson Collection, delivering elevated playability, upgraded hardware and electronics, and refined body contours across a suite of classic, Gibson-inspired instruments. Designed to bring authentic design DNA to players at every level, the 2026 collection blends timeless style with modern reliability, premium feel, and refined performance, making these guitars perfect for every player and every stage.
The refreshed Epiphone lineup spans some of the most iconic silhouettes in guitar history, including the Explorer™ 80s EMG, Firebird™, Flying V™ 70s, Les Paul™ Special Double Cut, Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured, Les Paul Junior™, SG™ Special P‑90, Les Paul Standard 50s, Les Paul Standard 60s, and SG Standard. Each model has been thoughtfully updated with rosewood or ebony fretboards, high‑quality hardware and electronics, and improved body contours and specifications—delivering the unmistakable feel of a classic with the performance demands of today’s stage and studio.
The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson lineup is now available worldwide at Gibson Garage locations, via authorized Epiphone dealers, and on Epiphone.com.
To complement these refreshed builds, Epiphone introduces a bold finish palette that honors heritage while inviting self-expression. Available colors include Classic White, Wine Red, Vintage Sunburst, Maui Blue, TV Yellow, Cherry Red, Bourbon Burst, Ocean Water, Goldtop, Washed Cherry Sunburst, Ebony, and Iced Tea Burst. Whether you’re stepping into the spotlight, tracking in the studio, or rehearsing for the next tour, there’s an Inspired by Gibson model—and a finish—that’s‑ unmistakably yours.
“Epiphone has always been about opening doors,” says Lewis McKinney III, Brand Manager of Epiphone. “Inspired by Gibson brings real heritage into the hands of players who want more than the look—they want a guitar they can count on, in any situation, every time they plug in. This all-new collection stays true to that mission: guitars that feel right, sound right, and show up, always.”
These refreshed Epiphone models bring classic tones and familiar feel together with contemporary reliability—ideal for gigging artists, studio professionals, and emerging players alike. The result is a lineup that honors decades of music history while meeting the demands of modern performance.
Epiphone is celebrating the launch in true punk fashion, teaming up with San Francisco Bay Area firebrands Spiritual Cramp, whose raw energy fuels the accompanying release video. Guitarist Nate Punty tears through “Go Back Home,” a standout from the band’s recent full-length album Rude, delivering a performance as gritty and immediate as the track itself.
The collaboration doesn’t stop there. As Spiritual Cramp head back out on the road in February, Epiphone will join them once again for an exclusive Epiphone Live Session, “Live at Alexandra Palace,” captured on location in London during their late‑2025 tour with The Hives.
And with the band’s headlining Rudest Band in the World Tour, sponsored by Alternative Press, kicking off in February, fans across the country will have plenty of chances to experience the chaos firsthand. The coast-to-coast run features rotating support from Bass Drum of Death, Mizery, Guv, and more.
Catch Spiritual Cramp live—and see their Epiphone guitars in full swing on tour—by grabbing tickets at: https://spiritualcramp.com/pages/tour-dates.
Explorer 80s – EMG
First launched in 1958, the Explorer™ was ahead of its time. Initially met with mixed reactions, its bold design and commanding tone eventually won over players. By the 1970s, its futuristic look became a favorite among rock icons, and in the high-energy 1980s, it truly hit its stride, earning a place in the hands of some of the era’s most influential guitarists. The new Explorer 80s – EMG pays homage to the sought-after 1984 model, a standout in Gibson’s history for its striking aesthetics and powerful sound. Artists like The Edge, Billy Gibbons, and James Hetfield helped cement the Explorer’s legendary status. For players who love retro-futuristic style, the Explorer 80s – EMG delivers the attitude and edge of that iconic decade.
This modern tribute features a mahogany neck with a fast-playing 60s SlimTaper™ profile, paired with a rosewood fretboard that hosts 22 medium jumbo frets and pearloid dot inlays. The headstock is fitted with mini die-cast tuners and a Graph Tech® nut for rock-solid tuning. At the other end, an Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and LockTone Stop Bar tailpiece provide exceptional stability and sustain. The angular mahogany body is loaded with active EMG™ pickups—an EMG 60 in the neck and an EMG 81 in the bridge—delivering the fat, aggressive tones that defined the era. Powered by a 9V battery housed in a rear compartment for easy access, the electronics include dual volume controls, a master tone, and knurled metal knobs. With no pickguard, the Explorer 80s – EMG boasts a sleek, slightly menacing look. Complete with a premium gig bag, it’s ready to bring classic attitude to modern stages.
Firebird
Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Firebird™ brings back the bold reverse body and headstock design that made waves when the Firebird debuted in 1963. Conceived by renowned automotive designer Ray Dietrich, the Firebird was Gibson’s first neck-through-body guitar, a groundbreaking innovation at the time. Its 9-ply mahogany and walnut neck-through construction delivers exceptional sustain and warm, resonant tone. Because the tuners, pickups, bridge, and tailpiece are all mounted on the same continuous piece of wood, the Firebird offers unmatched resonance and stability. The SlimTaper C-profile neck is paired with a bound rosewood fretboard featuring 22 medium jumbo frets and pearloid trapezoid inlays, ensuring smooth playability and classic style.
This refreshed Firebird is equipped with ProBucker™ FB720 pickups, designed with Alnico 2 magnets and built to the original 1960s Firebird specifications. Wired to CTS® potentiometers, they recreate the bright, hum-free tone that made the Firebird famous. Unlike mini humbuckers, Firebird pickups use two blade magnets inside the coils and a steel reflector plate, omitting pole pieces entirely for a sound that’s truly unique among humbucking designs. Premium hardware includes an Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge, LockTone Stop Bar tailpiece, Grover® Mini Rotomatic tuners, and a Graph Tech® nut for rock-solid tuning. The pickguard proudly displays the iconic Firebird emblem in red. With its radical silhouette, distinctive voice, and included premium gig bag, the Firebird is ready to deliver pure rock ’n’ roll attitude on any stage.
Flying V 70s
A 70s rock icon that’s ready to help today’s players rock the world
Today, the Gibson Flying V™ is one of the most famous and instantly recognizable guitar designs of all time, but its rise to fame and popularity wasn’t instantaneous. Upon its initial release in 1958, it was met with a less-than-enthusiastic reception. However, as the years passed, guitarists soon began to discover its many charms, with famous players adopting them later in the 1960s. However, it was when hard rockers adopted its futuristic shape and powerful sound in the 1970s that the Flying V truly began to come into its own in the hands of players like Michael Schenker, Jimi Hendrix, K.K. Downing, Marc Bolan, Steve Jones, and many more. The new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Flying V 70s is based on those iconic 70s models that changed music history forever.
The Flying V 70s features a two-piece, center-seamed mahogany body that is sure to turn heads. The mahogany neck has a comfortable, Rounded C profile and a volute at the neck/headstock junction, just like the vintage models from the 70s. The neck is topped with an ebony fretboard that features 22 medium jumbo frets and simple pearloid dot inlays. The slightly shorter 70s-era arrowhead-shaped headstock is equipped with Grover® Rotomatic® tuners with spade buttons and a Graph Tech® nut, ensuring solid tuning stability. The other ends of the strings pass over an Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and are anchored with a LockTone Stop Bar tailpiece. The iconically shaped mahogany body is outfitted with Epiphone’s new T-Type PRO™ humbucking pickups. They accurately capture the unique, fat-toned sound and rich sustain of the Flying V models that many players preferred during that era. The pickups are wired to individual volume controls and a master tone control; the controls are capped with Witch Hat control knobs. Other era-correct details are present, including a 70s-style Flying V pickguard and a 70s-style truss rod cover with the Epiphone logo hot stamped on it, and highlighted with black nickel hardware. With eye-catching gloss finishes, style, and sound that can’t be ignored, the new Epiphone Flying V 70s is ready to help you rock the world. If you’re into retro-futuristic guitars, this is a model you need in your collection. A premium gig bag is included, so the Flying V 70s is ready to go wherever and whenever you are.
Les Paul Special Double Cut
An Inspired by Gibson classic that truly lives up to its name
When Gibson introduced the Les Paul™ Special in 1955, it was designed as a step up from the Les Paul Junior, adding a second pickup and refined touches like a mother-of-pearl headstock inlay and a bound fretboard. This positioned it between the elegant Les Paul Standard and the student-friendly Junior. In 1958, the model evolved with a double-cutaway body for improved upper fret access, and by 1960, the neck pickup was slightly repositioned and paired with a SlimTaper™ profile for faster, more comfortable playability.
Epiphone proudly brings back that spirit with the Les Paul Special Double Cut, an Inspired by Gibson recreation of those early 60s favorites. It features a solid mahogany body with a double-cutaway design for unrestricted fretboard access. The glued-in mahogany neck sports a 60s SlimTaper profile and a bound rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and pearloid dot inlays. The 1960s Kalamazoo-style headstock includes Epiphone’s three-on-a-plate tuners with ivory buttons, a Graph Tech® nut for tuning stability, and a mother-of-pearl Epiphone logo for vintage flair. At the other end, an Epiphone Lightning Bar compensated wraparound bridge anchors the strings directly to the body for exceptional sustain and resonance.
Powering this classic are two Epiphone P-90 PRO™ Soapbar pickups, delivering everything from shimmering cleans to raw, gritty overdrive. Each pickup has its own volume and tone control for maximum versatility. Complete with a premium gig bag, the Les Paul Special Double Cut is a timeless design made more accessible than ever.
Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured
The Les Paul Special, reimagined with premium style
Originally introduced in 1955, the Gibson Les Paul™ Special was conceived as an upgrade to the Les Paul Junior, adding a second P-90 pickup for greater tonal range, along with refined details like fretboard binding and a mother-of-pearl headstock logo. This positioned it between the elegant Les Paul Standard and the entry-level Junior. By 1958, the model evolved into a double-cutaway design for improved upper fret access, and in 1960, a SlimTaper™ neck profile and repositioned rhythm pickup enhanced playability and stability.
Epiphone now proudly unveils the Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured, an Inspired by Gibson model that elevates this classic design with stunning visual flair. It features a mahogany double-cutaway body topped with a AAA figured maple veneer and bound edges for a premium look. The glued-in mahogany neck sports a fast-playing SlimTaper profile and a bound rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and acrylic dot inlays. The 1960s Kalamazoo-style headstock is fitted with Grover® Rotomatic® tuners and adorned with a mother-of-pearl Epiphone logo for vintage authenticity.
Unlike traditional Les Paul Specials, this version swaps P-90s for a pair of Epiphone ProBucker™ humbuckers—a ProBucker 2 in the neck and a hotter ProBucker 3 in the bridge—delivering everything from warm rhythm tones to searing leads. Individual volume and tone controls, plus a three-way toggle switch, provide versatile sound-shaping options. Complete with a premium gig bag, the Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured combines timeless playability with next-level style.
Les Paul Junior
Classic simplicity meets P-90 punch
Introduced in 1954 during Gibson’s first Golden Era, the Les Paul™ Junior was created as a high-quality yet affordable solidbody electric guitar for students and beginners. Stripped of the ornate features found on standard Les Paul models—such as carved maple tops, binding, and multiple pickups—the Junior offered a straightforward design with a slab mahogany body and a single pickup, making it accessible without sacrificing tone. It didn’t take long for players of all skill levels, including top professionals, to embrace its raw power and versatility. Legends like Leslie West, Martin Barre, Charlie Starr, Glenn Frey, Johnny Thunders, John Lennon, Billie Joe Armstrong, and Steve Howe have all relied on the Junior’s distinctive voice. Its simplicity hides a surprising tonal range, with endless possibilities unlocked by adjusting picking position and the master volume and tone controls.
Epiphone proudly introduces the modern Les Paul Junior, a faithful Inspired by Gibson recreation that captures the essence of the original while meeting the needs of today’s players. It features a single-cutaway mahogany body, a mahogany neck with a comfortable 50s Vintage profile, and a rosewood fretboard with pearloid dot inlays. A single Epiphone P-90 PRO™ Dogear pickup delivers everything from shimmering cleans to gritty rock tones. Vintage-style Epiphone Deluxe tuners with ivory buttons, paired with a Graph Tech® nut, ensure tuning stability, while a compensated Lightning Bar wraparound bridge anchors the strings directly to the body for exceptional sustain and resonance. Complete with a premium gig bag, the Les Paul Junior is ready to go wherever inspiration strikes.
SG Special P90
Rock royalty with the bite of P-90s
The SG™ Special returns to the classic design that made it a favorite across decades and genres. First introduced in the early 1960s, the Gibson SG Special was created as a middle ground between the entry-level SG Junior and the SG Standard, blending the Junior’s simplicity with added versatility and refined styling. Despite its streamlined approach, it quickly became a cornerstone of rock history, powering countless iconic riffs and performances. This Epiphone recreation captures the look, feel, and tone of those early 60s models that defined an era.
Part of the Inspired by Gibson Collection, the Epiphone SG Special P-90 features a solid mahogany body with the signature double-cutaway shape, paired with a mahogany neck sporting a fast-playing 60s SlimTaper™ profile. The bound rosewood fretboard includes 22 medium jumbo frets and pearloid dot inlays for classic appeal. The 1960s Kalamazoo-style headstock is fitted with Epiphone Deluxe tuners with ivory buttons, a Graph Tech® nut, and a mother-of-pearl Epiphone logo. At the other end, a compensated wraparound bridge anchors the strings for vintage authenticity, solid intonation, and
impressive sustain.
Under the hood, a pair of Epiphone P-90 PRO™ Soapbar pickups delivers the raw, dynamic tone that players love—bright and articulate when clean, aggressive, and punchy when driven. Individual volume and tone controls for each pickup, plus a three-way toggle switch, provide exceptional tonal flexibility. Complete with a premium gig bag, the SG Special P-90 is ready to bring classic rock attitude to any stage.
Les Paul Standard 50s
Experience the legend
The Gibson Les Paul™ Standard models of the 1950s are among the most iconic guitars ever made. Celebrated for their stunning looks, effortless playability, and unmatched tone, these instruments have graced countless stages and recordings, earning a place as some of the most sought-after vintage guitars in history. Epiphone proudly presents the refreshed Les Paul Standard 50s, part of the Inspired by Gibson collection, designed to capture the essence and sound of those revered originals. Epiphone’s connection to Les Paul dates back to 1940, when Les crafted one of the first solidbody electric guitars at the original Epiphone factory in Manhattan. His pioneering design, known as “the Log,” laid the foundation for what would become the Les Paul Standard—widely regarded as one of the greatest electric guitars ever built.
The Les Paul Standard 50s features a mahogany body topped with a maple cap, delivering the warm midrange of mahogany complemented by the brightness of maple—hallmarks of the classic Les Paul tone. Its mahogany neck sports a 1959 Rounded Medium C-profile and a long neck tenon for superior strength and sustain. A rosewood fretboard with pearloid trapezoid inlays and 22 medium jumbo frets adds to its vintage appeal. The Kalamazoo-style headstock is fitted with Epiphone Vintage Deluxe tuners and a Graph Tech® nut for reliable tuning, while the strings run across an Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O Matic™ bridge and LockTone Stop Bar tailpiece. Power comes from a pair of acclaimed Epiphone ProBucker™ humbuckers™, with a ProBucker 1 in the neck and a hotter ProBucker 2 in the bridge for a versatile tonal range. The electronics use CTS® pots with 50s-style wiring, and the controls are finished with gold Top Hat knobs and dial pointers. A premium gig bag completes the package. The Les Paul Standard 50s is an accessible homage to a legendary instrument, ready to inspire players everywhere.
Les Paul Standard 60s
Authentic 60s Les Paul style, tone, and feel for every player
The Gibson Les Paul™ Standards from 1958–1960 are among the most celebrated guitars ever made. Known for their stunning looks, smooth playability, and legendary tone, these instruments have appeared on countless stages and recordings, earning their place as some of the most desirable vintage guitars in history. Epiphone proudly introduces the Les Paul Standard 60s, part of the Inspired by Gibson™ Collection, designed to capture the sound and spirit of those iconic models.
Epiphone’s relationship with Les Paul began in 1940, when Les built one of the first solidbody electric guitars while working nights at the original Epiphone factory in Manhattan. His groundbreaking creation nicknamed “the Log,” paved the way for the Les Paul Standard—widely regarded as one of the greatest electric guitars ever produced. The Les Paul Standard 60s recreates the look, feel, and tone of early 1960s Les Pauls, featuring a mahogany body with a maple cap for classic warmth and clarity. Its mahogany neck is paired with a rosewood fretboard, pearloid trapezoid inlays, 22 medium jumbo frets, and a fast SlimTaper™ 60s C-profile for effortless playability. The Kalamazoo-style headstock comes equipped with Grover® Rotomatic® tuners and a Graph Tech® nut for exceptional tuning stability, while the strings pass over an Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece.
Tone comes from a perfectly matched set of Epiphone ProBucker™ humbuckers™, with a ProBucker 2 in the neck and a hotter ProBucker 3 in the bridge, each wired to individual volume and tone controls with high-quality CTS® pots. Finished with gold Top Hat knobs and packaged in a premium gig bag, the Les Paul Standard 60s delivers an authentic playing experience at an accessible price point.
SG Standard
The SG Standard – a legendary favorite
Part of the Inspired by Gibson™ Collection, the Epiphone SG Standard has been updated for today’s players while staying true to its iconic roots. The SG™ has earned its place as one of the most influential guitars in history, embraced by artists across genres. From Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Eric Clapton, and George Harrison to Robbie Krieger, Angus Young, Tony Iommi, and countless others, the SG has shaped the sound of generations.
The Epiphone SG Standard features a lightweight, double-cutaway mahogany body that offers effortless access to all 22 frets. Its set mahogany neck enhances sustain and is carved to a fast SlimTaper™ C profile. A bound rosewood fretboard with pearloid trapezoid inlays, 22 medium jumbo frets, and a 12-inch radius delivers smooth playability for chords and bends alike. Premium Grover® Rotomatic® tuners and a Graph Tech® nut work in tandem with an Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece for rock-solid tuning and precise intonation.
For tone, the SG Standard is equipped with a pair of Epiphone ProBucker™ humbuckers™ that deliver the classic SG sound players love. A ProBucker 2 sits in the neck position, while a hotter ProBucker 3 occupies the bridge, each wired to individual volume and tone controls with a three-way selector for maximum versatility. Complete with a premium gig bag, the Epiphone SG Standard is a modern take on a timeless classic—ready to inspire players everywhere.
