Rosewood fretboards and Vintage Gloss finishes feature on six new Epiphone acoustic guitar models, including a 1963 Dove Reissue and cutaway-equipped Hummingbird
Featuring the famous Gibson “open book” headstock design, rosewood fretboards, and vintage gloss finishes, the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection brings Gibson Custom designs to the masses, adding to the full array of Epiphone electric and acoustic guitars for all playing levels and every stage. Six new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom acoustic guitars are now available worldwide at authorized Epiphone dealers, the Gibson Garage in Nashville and London, and on Epiphone.com.
“Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection just got bigger—and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Epiphone Brand Manager, Lewis McKinney. “In close collaboration with the Gibson Custom team, we’ve reissued a new wave of era-accurate acoustics. Rebuilt from the ground up with precision and care, these guitars embody our ongoing commitment to quality, accessibility, and innovation. This launch marks a fresh chapter for Epiphone acoustics, and we can’t wait for players to experience them. Happy playing.”
Let’s dig in to the specifications of each of the new models in detail and hear each one in action, courtesy of Dinesh Lekhraj from the Gibson Gear Guide.
Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue
First introduced in 1942, the Gibson J-45™ quickly became a beloved classic, earning the nickname “The Workhorse” for its simplicity, elegance, and widespread use. Now, Epiphone and Gibson Custom proudly present the Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue—a faithful recreation of the original. It features a thermally aged solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, solid mahogany back and sides, and single-ply ivory binding. The one-piece mahogany neck has a V-shaped profile and an Indian rosewood fretboard with mother-of-pearl dot inlays. Vintage-style details include the “open book” headstock, tear drop pickguard, and three-on-a-plate tuners with cream buttons. The rosewood bridge has a compensated bone saddle, with bone nut and bridge pins. Modern updates include an L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC pickup system for stage and studio use. A Red Line-inspired hardshell case with the Inspired by Gibson Custom logo is included.
Epiphone 1957 SJ-200 Reissue
Introduced in 1937, the Gibson SJ-200™ earned the title “King of the Flat-Tops” for its bold sound, projection, and iconic presence. Originally built with rosewood backs and sides, maple became standard in 1947. Played by legends across genres, vintage SJ-200s remain highly sought after. Now, Epiphone and Gibson Custom present the 1957 SJ-200 Reissue—an Inspired by Gibson Custom model that brings this classic within reach. It features all-solid wood construction, including a thermally aged Sitka spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, figured maple back and sides, and a two-piece flame maple neck with walnut center stringer. The bound rosewood fretboard has 20 frets and Crown inlays. Vintage touches include the SJ-200 pickguard, moustache bridge, bone nut and saddle, and “open book” headstock with pearl inlays. Modern upgrades include an L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC pickup system. A Red Line-inspired hardshell case with Gibson Custom graphics is included.
Epiphone 1960 Hummingbird Reissue
Introduced in 1960, the Gibson Hummingbird™ was the first square-shoulder acoustic in the Gibson catalog and became a favorite of artists like Keith Richards, Thom Yorke, and Gillian Welch. Known for its versatility, it delivers rich tones whether fingerpicked, strummed, or played with intensity. Now, Epiphone and Gibson Custom present the 1960 Hummingbird Reissue—an Inspired by Gibson Custom model that faithfully recreates the original. It features a thermally aged solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, solid mahogany back and sides, and a 24.75″ scale mahogany neck with a Rounded profile. The rosewood fretboard has 20 frets and split parallelogram inlays. Vintage details include the engraved Hummingbird pickguard, moustache bridge, bone nut and saddle, and “open book” headstock with pearl inlays. A built-in L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC pickup system makes it stage-ready. It comes with a Red Line-inspired hardshell case featuring Inspired by Gibson Custom graphics.
Epiphone 1963 Dove Reissue
Introduced in 1962, the Gibson Dove™ became one of the most iconic square-shoulder acoustics, played by legends like Elvis, Tom Petty, and Alex Lifeson. Now, Epiphone and Gibson Custom present the 1963 Dove Reissue—an Inspired by Gibson Custom model that faithfully recreates the early Dove. It features a thermally aged solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, solid figured maple back and sides, and a 25.5″ scale mahogany neck with a Rounded profile. The rosewood fretboard has 20 frets and split parallelogram inlays. Signature Dove details include the engraved pickguard, dove-inlaid bridge, bone nut and saddle, and “open book” headstock with pearl inlays. Kluson® Waffleback tuners ensure stable tuning. For modern performance, it includes an L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC pickup system. A Red Line-inspired hardshell case with Inspired by Gibson Custom graphics is included, making this beautifully crafted acoustic stage and studio-ready.
Epiphone Hummingbird Deluxe EC
The unmistakable Hummingbird™ joins the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom lineup in a new Deluxe cutaway edition. Designed in collaboration with Gibson Custom’s acoustic team in Bozeman, Montana, the Hummingbird Deluxe EC features solid rosewood back and sides paired with a thermally aged solid spruce top for rich, resonant tone and enhanced bass and sparkle. The cutaway body offers easy access to upper frets, ideal for lead players. A one-piece mahogany neck with a Rounded C profile is topped with an ebony fretboard featuring 20 frets and split parallelogram inlays. Premium appointments include multi-ply binding, gold Grover® Rotomatic® tuners, a reverse belly ebony bridge, and a gold-etched Hummingbird pickguard. The headstock showcases the “open book” profile with pearl inlays and the Inspired by Gibson Custom logo. Equipped with an L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC pickup system, it’s stage-ready. It comes with Epiphone’s new Protector Ultralite case, blending gig bag portability with hardshell protection.
Epiphone Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue
The aforementioned early SJ-200 models featured rosewood back and sides, later replaced by maple in 1947. Due to limited pre-war production, rosewood-bodied SJ-200s are now highly prized by collectors. Epiphone and Gibson Custom have recreated this rare icon with the Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue. It features solid rosewood back and sides, a thermally aged spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, and a two-piece maple neck with a rosewood stringer and Round D profile. The ebony fretboard has 20 frets and Crown inlays. Vintage details include the SJ-200 pickguard, moustache bridge, bone nut and saddle, and “open book” headstock with pearl inlays and stinger. Modern updates include an L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC pickup system. A Red Line-inspired hardshell case with Inspired by Gibson Custom graphics is included.
