Epiphone has added two new bass guitar models to its product lineup for 2023, the revived Newport Bass and the acoustic El Capitan J-200 Studio Bass.
The first, the Newport Bass, pays homage to a classic Epiphone design which debuted in 1961, offering a series of refinements which the company says “meet the needs of today’s bass players”.
Appointments include a 30.5” scale length, medium C neck profile, 20-fret Indian Laurel fingerboard, and a symmetrical mahogany double-cutaway body for unimpeded access to the upper frets.
“Rich, deep tones” come courtesy of the Epiphone Bass Sidewinder pickup in the neck position, while a TB PRO pickup in the bridge position offers “brighter timbres”. These are controlled via master volume and tone pots and a blend knob for added tonal versatility.
The Newport Bass is available in four colorways – Classic Cherry, California Coral, Sunset Yellow and Pacific Blue – and is priced at $379.
Next up, the El Capitan J-200 Studio Bass is a welcome addition to Epiphone’s acoustic bass lineup, taking stylistic cues from the classic Gibson SJ-200 acoustic guitar.
These include a 20-fret Indian laurel fingerboard with pearloid crown inlays and the iconic Moustache bridge, which join other specs including a solid Sitka spruce top, layered mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck, 30.5” scale length and medium C profile.
The El Capitan J-200 can be plugged in, too, as it’s equipped with a Fishman Sonitone under-saddle pickup and Sonicore preamp.
In terms of pricing and availability, the El Capitan J-200 comes in Aged Vintage Sunburst and Aged Vintage Natural, and boasts a $699 price tag.
For more information on both new bass models, head to Epiphone.
