Guitar World Verdict
Tired of run-of-the-mill guitars? Well, this may be the six-string for you. Gorgeously finished, flawlessly built, and loaded with punchy pickups and player-friendly features, it’s perfect for those who crave something offbeat and inspiring. Yes, it’s hefty and a bit quirky, but if you're looking for a six-string that stands out, this modern take on the RD is the one.
Pros
- +
Very well made.
- +
These pickups are ace.
- +
The color looks better and better the more you stare at it.
Cons
- -
Pretty heavy.
- -
The Posi-Strap buttons look cool, but don’t really give you extra security.
- -
The coil-split sounds aren’t the best.
You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
What is it?
It’s fair to say that the RD stands out as an odd duck among its more traditional Gibson electric guitar siblings. With its quirky silhouette, which looks like someone tried to draw a Firebird or Explorer from memory, the RD made its debut in 1977, eventually catching the eyes and ears of everyone from Jimmy Page to Dave Grohl, and more recently, the Nameless Ghouls of Ghost. Over the decades, this off-kilter Gibson has earned cult status, but it has only recently made its way back into the Gibson lineup – this time with a modern twist as part of the Custom Series. This reboot gave the RD all the Les Paul Custom trimmings, such as multi-ply binding and that unmistakable Custom diamond on the headstock.
The Futura line is best described as ultra-contemporary guitars built for the demands of today’s players
The RD’s comeback was a hit, so much so that it even lured the Foo Fighters’ frontman back to the shape after years away. No surprise, then, that Epiphone wanted to get in on the action, even if the Futura version heads down a slightly different path.
The Futura line is best described as ultra-contemporary guitars built for the demands of today’s players. Alongside those Les Paul Custom cues, the Futura RD rocks a 25.5-inch-scale mahogany neck with a super-fast Modern C profile and a compound-radius ebony fingerboard that shifts from 10 to 14 inches as you climb up for those high notes. Decked out with 22 stainless steel medium-jumbo frets and split-block inlays, lifted straight from the top-tier Gibson Super 400, the neck is crowned with a Kalamazoo headstock and Grover Rotomatic locking tuners.
At the heart of the beast, you’ll find Epiphone’s new ProBucker Ignite humbuckers. These pickups are hotter than your average Epi, packing extra punch to push your amp a little harder. Add in a slew of switching options, like push/pull volume and tone pots that unlock coil-splitting and out-of-phase sounds, and you’ve got a guitar that is trying to be as versatile as possible.
Rounding out the spec sheet is a LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece, a Graph Tech nut, and diamond-shaped Posi-Lok strap buttons.
The entire guitar is wrapped in a rather eye-catching Chromashift finish that morphs through different hues depending on the light. Our review model arrived in the dazzling Twilight Shift, which glistens from deep navy blue to metallic purple as you move the guitar – something the listing pics online can't do justice to. Lastly, Epiphone has even thrown in a padded gig bag to sweeten the deal.
Specs
- Launch price: $899 | £949 | €860
- Made: China
- Type: Six-string electric guitar
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany, Modern C
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Scale length: 647.7mm / 25.5in
- Nut: Graph Tech
- Frets: 22, Stainless steel
- Hardware: LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge, Grover Rotomatic, locking tuners,
- Electrics: Epiphone ProBucker Ignite pickups, 2 volume, 2 tone with push/pull coil split and phase
- Weight: 9lbs / 4.08kg
- Left-handed options: No
- Finishes: Midnight Ember Shift, Twilight Shift (as reviewed), Firestorm Shift
- Cases: Epiphone gigbag
- Contact: Epiphone
Build quality
Build quality rating: ★★★★☆
It has to be said that the RD Futura wears its white binding well, looking sharp, classy, and clean
I’ve always had a soft spot for the RD’s offbeat silhouette. I do think it’s a cool shape, but the original Artist model from the late ‘70s, with the infamous Moog-designed preamp, never really did it for me, there’s a reason vintage RD’s have their innards removed and replaced with standard passive electronics. With this new Epiphone, all that clutter is gone, leaving a modern, streamlined version that ticks all my boxes.
It has to be said that the RD Futura wears its white binding well, looking sharp, classy, and clean. More importantly, the color-changing finish is drop-dead gorgeous in person. Geniunly. I don’t think photos do it justice. It really does dance in the light, morphing through a range of blues and purples. I just know this thing will look fantastic under some bright stage lights.
Of course, looks aren’t everything; the build quality has to back it up. I’m happy to report that this Epiphone is seriously well put together. The finish is flawless, with no dings, scratches, or scuffs anywhere to spoil those charming good looks.
This RD is no lightweight; we’re talking beefy Les Paul territory
The frets are top-notch, too. The stainless steel frets are expertly installed and polished to a mirror shine, with the ends rounded off so there’s not a sharp edge in sight. Moving up and down the neck feels effortless. At the headstock, the nut is cut cleanly and precisely, with no blemishes or hairline cracks where it meets the neck. The locking Grover Rotomatics do the business, as expected, feeling smooth and accurate, and keep the tuning rock-solid.
Now, moving on to the weight. It’s the first thing I notice as soon as I pick it up. This RD is no lightweight; we’re talking beefy Les Paul territory, tipping the scales at around 9 pounds. Compared to my own Firebird and Explorer, it’s got a lot more heft, but that’s the deal with a solid slab of mahogany and a body this size. It’s even heavier than some vintage RDs I’ve played. Personally, I don’t mind it too much; the extra mass gives it a sturdy, road-ready feel. But if you’re prone to back aches or just prefer a lighter axe, it’s worth trying one out before you commit.
Next are the diamond-shaped Posi-Lok strap buttons. These are a throwback to some late-’70s and early-’80s Gibsons, being found on a number of models before they were phased out. I must say, I do like the look of them, and props to Epiphone for dipping into the archive to add a touch of retro class to an otherwise modern build, but sadly, in practice, they don’t actually hold the strap any better than standard buttons. In fact, I just found them awkward and sharp. If you’re after real peace of mind, proper strap locks are still the way to go, in my opinion.
Playability
Playability rating: ★★★★½
Balance is always the big question with guitars like these, and I’m pleased to say the RD Futura dodges the dreaded neck-dive
Despite the body being rather big, the sculpted back and rounded edges do their part to keep things comfortable, whether you’re sitting or standing. For me, it’s a design that feels instantly inviting, especially if you’re already a fan of other Gibson outliers like the Firebird or Explorer, as I am. Although it has to be said that this RD is marginally longer than those, at 25.5”. Yes, it’s a bit of a stretch at times to reach the end, but I actually favor this longer format, as I can feel a little cramped and boxed in with, say, a Les Paul.
Maybe it’s the early Foos fan in me, but I think this guitar feels best slung low. Balance is always the big question with guitars like these, and I’m pleased to say the RD Futura dodges the dreaded neck-dive that plagues so many offset electrics. Even with the longer scale, it stays put, so there’s no fighting gravity mid-song to keep it upright. The weight, as mentioned before, is on the substantial side, but it’s distributed in a way that never feels ungainly or awkward. To me, it’s a solid presence, rather than a burden.
As you’d expect, the upper fret access is pretty excellent. Thanks to the deep cutaway and small heel, hitting the 17th fret and beyond is a total breeze. There’s no awkward hand cramping or weird wrist angles required here. Lead lines and wide bends feel effortless, thanks in part to those gleaming stainless steel frets, and I found myself exploring the upper register more than I typically would on another guitar.
A standout feature for me is how well the RD handles drop tunings
As for the neck itself, I think Epiphone’s Modern C profile will be a real winner for the vast majority of players. It’s slim enough for fast runs and complex chord shapes but still has enough meat to anchor your thumb for big bends. The compound radius fingerboard (10 to 14 inches) is fairly subtle but noticeable enough to let you know this is a modern build, especially if you’re jumping between rhythm and lead parts. Down by the nut, chords are comfy, while up high, the flatter radius makes for easy bends and expressive vibrato. While it’s not as extreme as some shredder necks, it strikes a great middle ground in my opinion, by being fast, but not insubstantial.
A standout feature for me is how well the RD handles drop tunings. Thanks to the 25.5-inch scale length, a rarity for a Gibson-style instrument, down-tuning feels totally natural, and dare I say mandatory. Drop D is tight and punchy, with no flab on the low string, and the guitar holds its intonation beautifully even when you venture down to C. The extra string tension means you can drop down without the playability taking too much of a hit.
Of course, no guitar is perfect. The RD’s size means it won’t suit everyone. As you’d imagine, players with smaller frames might find the body a handful and find it difficult to maneuver. That said, there are plenty of other options within the Futura line if you want these specs in a more manageable format.
Sounds
Sounds rating: ★★★★½
Handling the tone are a pair of Epiphone’s new ProBucker Ignite humbuckers. In keeping with this guitar's modern sensibilities, these pickups are designed with higher-gain amps in mind, promising more output and a sculpted frequency response ideal for face-melting riffage. It seems fitting, then, to plug this contemporary axe into an equally modern amp, so I opt for a Positive Grid Spark Edge and its accompanying cab. I load up the SLO 100 model, which is, of course, Positive Grid’s take on the classic Soldano head, and get to riffing.
There’s plenty of muscle in these pickups, but they aren’t so hot that they’ll turn off traditional PAF lovers. The sound is tight and focused, with a slightly hollowed-out mid-range that pairs really well with a cooking amp. The bottom end is noticeably tamed and taut, making the guitar sound polished and controlled, even when playing de-tuned open chugs with enough gain to level a small city.
Flipping to the neck pickup and the character shifts. Suddenly, I’ve got a flood of low end for a creamier, more rounded tone. Thankfully, it holds onto enough clarity that the notes never sound bloated.
Like most coil-split systems on humbuckers, it’s not the most inspiring sound on its own
I must say, I like these pickups a lot, and that’s before I get to testing out the wealth of switching on board. Moving on to a JC120-style model, I want to explore the RD’s coil-splitting. A quick pull on the volume control engages the split, and while it certainly thins out the tone somewhat, it doesn’t quite have the spank and dynamic response of a Strat.
Like most coil-split systems on humbuckers, it’s not the most inspiring sound on its own – with the inevitable drop in bottom end. It’ll get you in the ballpark for lighter, funkier moments, but it’s not quite a replacement for a true single-coil guitar.
That said, the phase switch is a different story – I think it’s genuinely useful. Flip the selector to the middle position, pull up on the tone knob, and you’re instantly in Peter Green territory. The tone becomes mid-focused and nasal, with a cutting quality that’s perfect for slicing through a mix or adding character to a solo. It’s one of those features you might not use all the time, but it’s a handy secret weapon when you need a totally different sound.
Verdict
Okay, the big body and long scale won’t suit everyone, but if you’re already a fan of Gibson oddballs, you’ll feel right at home
With the Futura RD Custom, it’s obvious that Epiphone knew exactly who the target audience was when they set out designing this model. Loaded with all the modern specs today’s players want from higher output pickups to stainless steel frets, locking machine heads, and plenty of onboard switching, this is a sleek and contemporary instrument that feels fresh.
The Build quality is genuinely impressive, the fretwork is flawless, the hardware is solid, and that Chromashift finish is pure eye candy. The white binding, sharp inlays, and modern appointments give it a real sense of occasion, but thankfully, the substance more than matches the style. Sure, it’s heavy, there’s no getting around that, but the payoff in sustain and resonance is well worth the workout.
Okay, the big body and long scale won’t suit everyone, but if you’re already a fan of Gibson oddballs, you’ll feel right at home. And that long scale makes the RD an absolute beast for down-tuning, with tight, punchy lows that stay articulate even when you’re in drop C.
Sound-wise, the ProBucker Ignite humbuckers pack plenty of heat without losing clarity, and they’re versatile enough to handle everything from classic crunch to modern high-gain, while the phase and coil-split options offer plenty of extra colors for you to paint with.
In short, the Futura RD Custom is certainly a statement, and one that rewards players who aren’t afraid to stand out and lean into something a little different. If you want a guitar that inspires new riffs, looks killer, and can handle just about anything you throw at it, this is as good as it gets at this price point.
Guitar World verdict: Tired of run-of-the-mill guitars? Well, this may be the six-string for you. Gorgeously finished, flawlessly built, and loaded with punchy pickups and player-friendly features, it’s perfect for those who crave something offbeat and inspiring. Yes, it’s hefty and a bit quirky, but if you're looking for a six-string that stands out, this modern take on RD is the one.
Test | Results | Score |
|---|---|---|
Build quality | The Epiphone Futura RD Custom boasts flawless craftsmanship, eye-catching Chromashift finish, and solid hardware that make it as sturdy as it is stylish. But it is heavy in weight and we're not a fan of the strap buttons. | ★★★★☆ |
Playability | Despite its hefty weight and bold shape, the sculpted body, Modern C neck, and compound-radius fingerboard deliver comfort and smooth playability across the fretboard. | ★★★★½ |
Sounds | The ProBucker Ignite humbuckers pack plenty of punch and clarity, with versatile switching for everything from classic crunch to modern high-gain tones. | ★★★★½ |
Overall | If you want a striking, inspiring guitar that rewards adventurous players, the Futura RD Custom delivers in spades. | ★★★★½ |
Also try
Hands-on videos
Official Epiphone and Gibson Gear Guide
Electric Flamingo
- Best metal guitars: hell-raising electrics for shredders on any budget
