We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Epiphone Guitars 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Epiphone Electric Guitar (Firebird, Vintage Sunburst)

The Epiphone Firebird in Vintage Sunburst is a stylish and distinctive guitar with some standout features. Its reverse body and headstock design immediately catch the eye, making it a unique addition to any guitarist's collection. The 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck-through-body construction is a significant strength, ensuring robust build quality and enhanced sustain.

The SlimTaper neck profile with a bound Indian laurel fingerboard offers a comfortable playing experience, particularly for those who prefer a slimmer neck. Outfitted with ProBucker FB720 pickups, this guitar is equipped to deliver a versatile range of tones suitable for various music styles. The use of high-quality materials like mahogany for the body, top, and back, as well as laurel for the fretboard, adds to its durability and rich sound profile.

However, some players might find the reverse body and headstock design unconventional or challenging to get used to. Additionally, while the ProBucker pickups are generally praised, they might not satisfy those looking for a very specific tonal quality or who prefer a different pickup configuration. In summary, the Epiphone Firebird is an excellent choice for musicians who value a unique design, solid construction, and versatile sound, though it may not be for everyone due to its unconventional aesthetics and specialized pickup configuration.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Neck Profile
Neck is surprisingly beefy, offering a comfortable and solid playing experience.
Pickups
Pickups clean up nicely when rolling back the volume knob, enhancing versatility.
#3

Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar, Black

The Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar in black is a solid choice for musicians seeking an affordable, versatile instrument. The body, constructed from a combination of Alder and Maple, offers a good balance of weight and durability, making it suitable for various playing styles. The neck, made of Maple, paired with a Rosewood fingerboard, provides a comfortable playing experience, especially for those who prefer a smoother feel. The 24.75-inch scale length is standard for many electric guitars, ensuring playability and familiarity for most players.

Equipped with two open-coil humbuckers, this guitar delivers a robust and versatile tone, suitable for genres ranging from rock to blues. The Tune-O-Matic bridge enhances tuning stability and ease of adjustments, which is a significant advantage for both beginners and experienced players. However, the angled headstock design might not appeal to everyone and can be prone to damage if not handled carefully. At 11 pounds, this guitar might be a bit heavy for some users, particularly during extended playing sessions.

Despite these considerations, the Epiphone SG Special is well-regarded in the market. It’s ranked highly in the solid body electric guitars category, indicating its popularity and reliability. This guitar is best suited for right-handed players looking for a reliable and stylish electric guitar that offers good performance without breaking the bank.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Pickups
The guitar's beefy sound and good pickups make it an excellent choice for both beginners and as a reliable practice or travel guitar.

Buying Guide for the Best Epiphone Guitars

Choosing the right Epiphone guitar can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some understanding of the key specifications that differentiate one model from another. By focusing on these specs, you can find a guitar that matches your playing style, skill level, and musical preferences. Here are the key specs to consider when selecting an Epiphone guitar.
Body TypeThe body type of a guitar affects its sound and playability. Epiphone guitars come in various body types such as solid body, semi-hollow, and hollow body. Solid body guitars are versatile and suitable for a wide range of music genres, offering a balanced tone and good sustain. Semi-hollow and hollow body guitars provide a warmer, more resonant sound, making them ideal for jazz, blues, and rockabilly. Choose a body type based on the genre of music you play and the sound you prefer.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile refers to the shape and thickness of the guitar's neck, which can impact comfort and playability. Common neck profiles include 'C' shape, 'D' shape, and 'U' shape. A 'C' shape neck is rounded and comfortable for most players, making it a good all-around choice. A 'D' shape neck is flatter and may be preferred by players with larger hands or those who play fast solos. A 'U' shape neck is thicker and can provide a more substantial feel, often favored by rhythm guitarists. Consider your hand size and playing style when choosing a neck profile.
PickupsPickups are the devices that capture the sound of the strings and convert it into an electrical signal. Epiphone guitars typically feature single-coil, humbucker, or P90 pickups. Single-coil pickups produce a bright, clear tone and are great for genres like country and pop. Humbucker pickups offer a thicker, warmer sound with reduced noise, making them suitable for rock and metal. P90 pickups provide a balance between single-coil and humbucker tones, offering versatility for various music styles. Choose pickups based on the sound you want to achieve and the music you play.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge of the guitar, affecting string tension and playability. Common scale lengths for Epiphone guitars are 24.75 inches and 25.5 inches. A shorter scale length (24.75 inches) results in lower string tension, making it easier to bend strings and play with a lighter touch. A longer scale length (25.5 inches) provides higher string tension, which can enhance clarity and sustain. Consider your playing style and preference for string tension when choosing a scale length.
Wood TypeThe type of wood used in a guitar's construction influences its tone and resonance. Common woods for Epiphone guitars include mahogany, maple, and alder. Mahogany offers a warm, rich tone with good sustain, making it ideal for blues and rock. Maple provides a bright, clear sound with strong attack, suitable for genres like jazz and pop. Alder delivers a balanced tone with a mix of warmth and brightness, making it versatile for various music styles. Choose a wood type based on the tonal characteristics you prefer.
Bridge TypeThe bridge type affects the guitar's tuning stability and intonation. Epiphone guitars typically feature fixed bridges or tremolo bridges. Fixed bridges, such as Tune-O-Matic, provide stable tuning and are easier to maintain, making them a good choice for beginners and players who prefer a straightforward setup. Tremolo bridges, like the Bigsby or Floyd Rose, allow for pitch bending and vibrato effects, offering more versatility for advanced players. Consider your playing style and whether you need the additional features of a tremolo bridge when making your choice.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now