Epiphone
Since 1873
Epiphone is Gibson's long-running sister brand known for delivering classic designs at accessible prices. From the Casino and Sheraton to Inspired by Gibson Les Paul and SG models, Epiphone blends vintage heritage with modern production across solid-body, hollowbody, and acoustic lines.
153
Years in Business
30M+
Guitars Sold
$300M
Annual Revenue
Complete Epiphone Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Epiphone guitars.
Epiphone Price Overview
Epiphone covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$750
+6% vs last year
eBay Listings
4,200
Active listings
Sold This Month
1,700
+5% vs last month
Price Range
$150-$3,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Epiphone Timeline
Founded in Smyrna
Anastasios Stathopoulos begins building lutes and ouds, setting the roots for Epiphone.
Masterbilt Archtops
Epiphone launches the Masterbilt archtop line, rivaling Gibson in jazz guitar circles.
Acquired by Gibson
Gibson acquires Epiphone, positioning it as a sister brand with shared designs.
Casino Spotlight
The Casino gains fame through players like The Beatles, cementing Epiphone's hollowbody legacy.
Modern Overseas Production
Production shifts to Korea and later Qingdao, China, enabling consistent global output.
Inspired by Gibson Relaunch
Epiphone refreshes its lineup with Gibson-correct headstocks, specs, and upgraded electronics.
USA Collection Returns
USA-made Casino and Texan models reintroduce American production alongside global lines.
Complete Epiphone Product Lineup
Epiphone brings Gibson DNA to attainable price points while keeping hero models like the Casino and Texan in regular players' reach.
Inspired by Gibson Electrics
Core Les Paul and SG family with modern QC and vintage-inspired specs.
Slim taper neck, Burstbucker pickups, AA flame tops
Weight relief, coil-splitting, locking Grovers
Maestro and stopbar options with Alnico Classic PRO
Modernistic shapes with ProBucker or HotCH pickups
Semi-Hollow & Archtops
Iconic Casinos and Sheratons plus jazz-forward designs.
Fully hollow P-90 classic, Bigsby variants
Semi-hollow with ProBuckers and coil-splitting
Mini-humbuckers and slim body profile
Jazzbox with floating mini-humbuckers
Gretsch-inspired vibrato and Filter'Tron-style tones
Acoustic & Masterbilt
Heritage-inspired flat-tops with solid woods and LR Baggs/Fishman electronics.
Satin finish, slope-shoulder warmth
Square-shoulder classic with ornate pickguard
Long-scale slope-shoulder projection
Maple back/sides, rope binding aesthetics
All-solid builds with vintage appointments
Bass & Artist Models
Affordable takes on classic basses and signature builds.
Neck-through growl with modern hardware
Balanced double-cut with dual humbuckers
Hollowbody bass with low-impedance pickup
Short-scale comfort and punchy tone
USA Collection
Limited USA-made runs for flagship acoustics and hollowbodies.
Kalamazoo-built hollowbody with nitro finish
Long-scale slope-shoulder with LR Baggs VTC
"Epiphone brings Gibson DNA to attainable price points while keeping hero models like the Casino and Texan in regular players' reach."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Les Paul / SG (Inspired by Gibson)
Electronics & Wiring
ProBuckers with coil-splitting/phasing deliver wide tonal range; check for push-pull pots and wiring neatness.
Neck & Weight Relief
Slim taper necks dominate; Modern LPs use chambering for lighter weight—important for long sets.
Hardware Tier
Locking Grover tuners and Graph Tech nuts improve tuning stability; verify setup and nut slots out of the box.
Casino / Archtops
Feedback Management
Fully hollow P-90s are lively—use lower stage volume or foam in f-holes for loud gigs.
Neck Joint & Feel
60s C profiles and medium jumbo frets play fast; check neck angle for proper bridge height on older units.
Vibrato Options
Factory Bigsby variants add shimmer but raise setup complexity—inspect arm tension and roller bridge alignment.
Masterbilt / Acoustic
Tonewoods & Scale
Slope-shoulder mahogany (J-45/Texan) vs. maple (Frontier); scale length affects tension and projection.
Electronics Package
LR Baggs or Fishman systems vary—verify battery access, phase controls, and saddle height for clean output.
Setup & QC
Most Masterbilts arrive well-finished; still check nut/saddle fit, fret ends, and humidity cracks if buying used.