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10 Best Epiphone Guitars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar, Cherry

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,382
Neck Profile

Most important from
691 reviews

Neck Profile
The neck is superb, offering a great feel and playability right out of the box.

The Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar in Cherry is a solid choice for those who are seeking classic rock and metal tones. Its signature SG styling is complemented by a solid mahogany body, which contributes to a rich, resonant sound. The guitar features Epiphone Humbuckers for its pickups, offering a powerful output ideal for rock and metal genres. These pickups are known for their ability to handle high gain without losing clarity, making them suitable for heavier music styles.

The neck of the guitar boasts a SlimTaper D profile, which provides a comfortable grip and facilitates quick playing. This is particularly beneficial for players who enjoy fast-paced styles or transitions. The neck is made of maple, adding a touch of brightness to the overall sound, which balances well with the warm tones of the mahogany body.

With a scale length of 24.75 inches, the guitar offers a familiar feel to those accustomed to Gibson-style guitars. This size is often favored for its playability and comfortable string tension. The rosewood fretboard further adds to the warm tonal quality. An additional feature is the LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge, known for providing excellent tuning stability and sustain. This is a significant advantage, especially for live performances or extended play sessions.

On the downside, the guitar's solid body construction and overall weight of 11 pounds might be a bit cumbersome for some players, particularly during long performances. Additionally, while the mahogany and other wood choices offer good tonal quality, they are relatively standard at this price point and may not stand out to those seeking a unique sound signature.

The SG Special is an accessible option for beginners and intermediate players due to its affordability and reliable performance. It’s also a good fit for those looking to explore the classic SG look and sound without investing in a high-end model. Customer reviews are generally positive, reinforcing its standing as a solid entry in the electric guitar market.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,382
Neck Profile

Most important from
691 reviews

Neck Profile
The neck is superb, offering a great feel and playability right out of the box.
#2

Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack, Ebony

Rating
10.0
Pickups

Most important from
1957 reviews

Pickups
This guitar stays in tune and sounds great, and the humbucker pickups effectively reduce unwanted humming.

The Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack is a solid choice for beginners looking to start their guitar journey. The pack includes a genuine Les Paul Special-II LTD guitar, which is a reliable entry-level instrument. It features two classic humbucker pickups, providing a versatile sound suitable for various music styles. The 10-watt Electra guitar amp and 10ft cable included in the pack make it easy to get started right away. The guitar also comes with a clip-on tuner, strap, medium picks, and a gig bag, making it a comprehensive starter pack.

The neck and body are made of mahogany, offering durability and a rich tone, while the rosewood fretboard adds a comfortable playing experience. The 24.75-inch scale length is standard for Les Paul models, making it familiar for players transitioning to other guitars in the future. The Tune-O-Matic bridge system provides stability and ease of use for maintaining intonation. However, some users might find the weight of 22.2 pounds a bit heavy, especially for younger players. The included amp is suitable for practice but might not be powerful enough for larger spaces or performances.

The guitar's ebony color and classic design are visually appealing, but those looking for more variety might find the single color option limiting. With a customer rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, it is well-regarded by users. While it's a great package for beginners, more advanced players might seek additional features and higher quality components. This pack is ideal for new players who need an all-in-one solution to start playing right away.

Rating
10.0
Pickups

Most important from
1957 reviews

Pickups
This guitar stays in tune and sounds great, and the humbucker pickups effectively reduce unwanted humming.
#3

Epiphone ES335 Semi Hollowbody, Cherry

Rating
9.9
Pickups

Most important from
35 reviews

Pickups
This guitar offers great value for the money with well-made construction and excellent sounding pickups.

The Epiphone ES335 Semi Hollowbody in Cherry is a visually striking guitar with several notable strengths. The body type is semi-hollow, which offers a balance between the resonance of a hollow body and the feedback resistance of a solid body, making it versatile for various music styles. The neck is made of mahogany, known for its durability and warm tone, while the fretboard is crafted from laurel wood, providing a smooth playing experience.

The guitar features a classic Tune-O-Matic bridge, which is reliable and allows for precise intonation adjustments. The pickups are configured in an H-H (humbucker) setup, delivering a rich, full sound with reduced noise, suitable for genres ranging from blues to rock. The scale length of 24.75 inches is standard for many electric guitars, offering comfortable playability. The use of maple wood for the body, top, and back not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the guitar's bright and clear sound profile.

However, at 12.45 pounds, this guitar is relatively heavy, which might be a concern for players who prefer lighter instruments. Also, while the layered maple strings add a unique touch, some might prefer traditional string materials for their familiarity and proven performance. The Epiphone ES335 is best suited for intermediate to advanced players looking for a reliable, versatile guitar with a classic design.

Rating
9.9
Pickups

Most important from
35 reviews

Pickups
This guitar offers great value for the money with well-made construction and excellent sounding pickups.

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.

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