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“The closest alignment with Gibson’s legacy that Epiphone has ever achieved”: Epiphone draws on its 152-year-old history and Gibson’s aspirational craftsmanship to bring the Inspired by Gibson Custom Acoustic Collection to players at all levels
For over 150 years, Epiphone has taken pride in innovation – an ethos that continues to this day and is epitomized by the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection, where top-tier design meets history as well as affordability.
And, like every greatest hits album, this game-changing series kicked off with the heavy hitters: six acoustic models – namely, the 1942 Banner J-45, 1957 SJ-200, 1960 Hummingbird, 1963 Dove, Hummingbird Deluxe EC, and the Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood – whose legacy of being brandished by the best there ever was precedes them.
“The Inspired By Gibson Custom Collection is Epiphone at its absolute peak,” explains Richard Akers, Epiphone's Senior Product Development Engineer. “These instruments are crafted in our world-class Gibson Qingdao craftory – one of the finest guitar factories anywhere.
“Every choice matters: the wood selection, the hardware, the smallest design detail. All of it is carefully refined to deliver the best possible playing experience.”
As he aptly puts it, “The goal is simple but ambitious: to expand the magic of the Gibson Custom Shop to players who might never otherwise hold one in their hands.”
How did the idea for the Inspired By collection come about?
Akers: “The Inspired By collection was born in 2018. The vision was clear: bring Epiphone models into true alignment with their Gibson counterparts.
“The success of the original Inspired By Gibson line proved the appetite was there, and the next logical step was bold: deliver a Custom Shop experience at a price point within reach of far more players.”
Aljon Go, Epiphone’s Senior Product Development Manager: “Honestly, I’ve always loved Gibson Custom Shop guitars. They were the dream growing up. So the idea of making that experience more accessible really hit home for me.
“Working closely with the Custom Shop and our own team of builders, we set out to create something that feels true to that legacy but is available to more players. We’re not cutting corners, we’re building the best guitars we’ve ever made, and it’s exciting to see people connect with them the way we hoped they would.”
We’re not cutting corners, we’re building the best guitars we’ve ever made
What was the process of having two brands and two teams collaborate?
Akers: “Collaboration across Gibson’s brands has always existed, but since 2019, that spirit has grown deeper and more intentional. For this project, the partnership between Epiphone and Gibson Custom was stronger than ever, driven by our leadership and a shared commitment to excellence.
“Much of the development began with the U.S.-based Epiphone Product Development team working hand-in-hand with Gibson Custom and Gibson Acoustic to design every element of these models.
“Once finalized, those design packages were brought to life in Qingdao under my guidance, and implemented with precision by Guan Yunpeng, our long-standing Director of Engineering at Gibson Qingdao. The result is a seamless fusion of expertise from both sides of the globe.”
What were some of the challenges encountered – and the highlights or lessons learned?
Akers: “One of the most valuable lessons came from the acoustic side of the collection: meaningful progress often lies in the details. By making several subtle refinements across bracing, construction, and finishing, we unlocked a dramatic improvement in tone. It was a powerful reminder that excellence is rarely about one sweeping change, but about dozens of precise, thoughtful ones working together.”
Why were these specific models chosen?
Go: “The Inspired by Gibson Custom acoustic line is kind of like our greatest hits album. These are the legendary models that players have obsessed over for decades. We picked designs that have real history, real vibe, and real staying power.
“Now, we’re giving players a chance to experience that magic without breaking the bank. You still get the look, the feel, and a ton of the tone that made these guitars famous, but at a price that’s way more accessible.
“And we didn’t cut corners; these are built with serious attention to detail and craftsmanship. It’s our way of honoring the originals while opening the door for more players to join the story.”
What makes each of these models particularly well-suited for the Inspired By concept?
Go: “Each model in our Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom (IGC) acoustic range was chosen with purpose. They represent the cornerstone designs and finishes that define Gibson’s legacy in acoustic guitar craftsmanship. These are not just popular models; they are the flagships, the ones that have shaped musical history and continue to inspire players across generations.
“To tell the story of Gibson’s historic reissues, you have to start with the icons: Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood, 1957 SJ-200, 1942 Banner J-45, 1963 Dove, and 1960 Hummingbird reissues, each with its own distinct voice, aesthetic, and cultural impact.
“Their classic finishes, like Vintage Sunburst and Heritage Cherry Sunburst, and legendary pickguards are instantly recognizable and emotionally evocative. These guitars are symbols of artistry, authenticity, and timeless design.”
They represent the cornerstone designs and finishes that define Gibson’s legacy in acoustic guitar craftsmanship
Why was it important for Epiphone to also offer left-handed versions for some of these models?
Go: “Epiphone values all players. While 10% of the guitarists in the world are left-handed, we wanted to make sure we had some great options for our fans. We see you, southpaws!”
What design or engineering considerations went into making sure these models meet the live, touring, and recording needs of today’s players?
Akers: “Every acoustic in the collection reflects a host of nuanced upgrades. Refined bracing and kerfing, thermally aged tops, solid-wood construction, and historically accurate body shapes – all developed in close collaboration with Gibson Acoustic.
“Importantly, every model was built from the ground up with professional use in mind. Whether on stage, in the studio, or at home, these guitars are designed to deliver the reliability and tonal depth today’s players demand at an incredible price point.”
In what way does the range represent Gibson’s and Epiphone’s separate – but increasingly merged – legacies?
Akers: “The Inspired By Gibson Custom acoustics represent the closest alignment with Gibson’s legacy that Epiphone has ever achieved. They stand as the pinnacle of Epiphone acoustic quality in the modern era, true instruments of tonal excellence.
“But they also showcase one of Epiphone’s greatest strengths: Gibson Qingdao, our state-of-the-art craftory. Because this facility is fully dedicated to Epiphone, we’ve been able to invest in continuous improvement, drawing on over a century of hard-earned knowledge in guitar making. These instruments honor Gibson’s past while showcasing Epiphone’s ability to bring that legacy to more players than ever before.”
In your opinion, why are vintage reissues currently having a moment in the guitar world and even pop culture in general?
Go: “Epiphone’s vintage reissues are blowing up now because they hit that sweet spot between timeless style and modern creativity. Players are pulling inspiration from the legends like Dylan, Elvis, Lennon, and mixing it with today’s vibe to create something fresh.
“It’s like retro is the new cool, and with Epiphone teaming up with Gibson Custom Shop, we’re able to bring those iconic guitars back with killer accuracy and heart. These designs never go out of style, and now they’re showing up in music videos, social feeds, and studios everywhere. We’re glad to be part of pop culture.”
What else can we expect from the Inspired By Gibson Custom collection?
Go: “I love that fans are hungry for more from the IGC series; it means we’re doing something right! We want to keep bringing back the icons and classic reissues, but we’re also looking to mix in some modern flavor soon.
“Gibson Custom has made some wild and wonderful guitars over the years, and let’s just say we’re digging into that vault. We’ve got some exciting stuff cooking, so stay tuned, the best is absolutely yet to come!”
- Find out more at Epiphone.
