Both instruments pay homage to age-old Gibson and Epiphone designs, but implement a series of more modern appointments
(Image credit: Epiphone)
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.
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Epiphone Newport Bass in Classic Cherry(Image credit: Epiphone)
Epiphone Newport Bass in California Coral(Image credit: Epiphone)
Epiphone Newport Bass in Sunset Yellow(Image credit: Epiphone)
Epiphone Newport Bass in Pacific Blue(Image credit: Epiphone)
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.
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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.
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Epiphone El Capitan J-200 Studio Bass in Aged Vintage Natural(Image credit: Epiphone)
Epiphone El Capitan J-200 Studio Bass in Aged Vintage Sunburst(Image credit: Epiphone)
For more information on both new bass models, head to Epiphone.
Sam was Staff Writer at GuitarWorld.com from 2019 to 2023, and also created content for Total Guitar, Guitarist and Guitar Player. He has well over 15 years of guitar playing under his belt, as well as a degree in Music Technology (Mixing and Mastering). He's a metalhead through and through, but has a thorough appreciation for all genres of music. In his spare time, Sam creates point-of-view guitar lesson videos on YouTube under the name Sightline Guitar.
