New models include Mastertone banjos, F-5 mandolins, and the Mandobird
Epiphone has unveiled a new Bluegrass Collection featuring banjos and mandolins that pay homage to legendary Gibson instruments while offering modern playability and accessibility. This new lineup includes the Inspired by Gibson™ Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe banjo, Mastertone Bowtie Open Back Banjo, Mastertone Classic Banjo, Mandobird, and F-5 Studio Mandolin, as well as the Inspired by Gibson Custom F-5G Mandolin.
These instruments are designed to excite musicians and preserve the rich heritage of bluegrass music for every stage. While the new Epiphone Mandobird may take issue with this statement, acoustic instruments will never die, and this lineup is poised to bring you closer to a genre of music performed by some of the finest players of all time.
Video: The Epiphone Bluegrass Collection featuring Wyatt Ellis and Charlie Worsham
Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe—a tribute to a legendary artist
The Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe Banjo is a meticulously crafted replica of the renowned Gibson RB-Granada Mastertone five-string banjo. This instrument features a three-ply maple resonator with a figured maple veneer, gold hardware, and a 26.4″ scale figured maple neck with an ebony fretboard. Adorned with “Hearts and Flowers” and a Mastertone Block inlaid in mother-of-pearl, this banjo is a fitting tribute to Scruggs’ lasting influence on bluegrass music. A hardshell case ensures it stays protected during travel. Learn more.
The Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe and hardshell case awaits
Mastertone Bowtie Open Back—vintage style for modern players
The Mastertone Bowtie Open Back Banjo combines high-quality craftsmanship with vintage aesthetics inspired by Gibson’s Mastertone models from the 1950s and 60s. It features a satin-finished mahogany neck, a bound laurel fretboard with Bowtie inlays, and an 11″ Remo® Fiberskyn® head for warm, vintage tones. This banjo is ideal for both clawhammer and Scruggs-style players, and it comes with a premium gig bag for easy transport. Learn more.
The Mastertone Bowtie Open Back
Mastertone Classic—inspired by an icon
The Mastertone Classic Banjo is a faithful recreation of the iconic Gibson RB-3 Mastertone five-string banjo from the 1930s. With a mahogany resonator, a three-ply mahogany rim, and nickel hardware, this banjo offers an authentic playing experience. The 26.4″ scale-figured mahogany neck, laurel fretboard with Style 3 inlays, and included hardshell case make this instrument a must-have for serious banjo enthusiasts. Learn more.
The Mastertone Classic and hardshell case
F-5G Mandolin—a collaboration with Gibson Custom
Epiphone and Gibson Custom have joined forces to create the F-5G Mandolin, a stunning instrument that honors the original F-5 mandolin designed by Lloyd Loar. This mandolin delivers a balanced, resonant tone with great carrying power. It features all-solid wood construction, a figured maple back and sides, a solid Sitka spruce top, and an ebony fretboard with a compound radius. The rich Cremona Sunburst finish and vintage-style rectangular hardshell case add to its timeless appeal. Learn more about the Inspired By Gibson Custom F-5G.
Epiphone and Gibson Custom have joined forces to create the F-5G Mandolin
Mandobird—electric excellence for studio and stage
The Mandobird electric mandolin is perfect for players exploring new tones and alternate tunings. This mandolin offers versatility and style with its Reverse Firebird™-inspired solid nato wood body, bolt-on mahogany neck, and Epiphone Firebird pickup. The headstock has four Grover® Mini Rotomatic® tuners for excellent tuning stability. The Mandobird comes with a gig bag, making it easy to take on the road. Learn more.
The Mandobird and a Gibson Falcon 5 1×10 Combo amplifier
F-5 Studio—high-quality construction and classic design
The F-5 Studio Mandolin is based on Lloyd Loar’s legendary F-5 design and offers high-quality construction at an accessible price. This mandolin delivers a balanced, resonant sound with a solid maple back and sides, a solid Sitka spruce top, and a maple neck with a laurel fretboard. The thin satin finish enhances its tone, and a premium gig bag ensures it’s protected wherever you go. Learn more.
Gibson Master Luthier Lloyd Loar designed the original F-5 mandolin in the early 1920s
What are the highlights of the new Epiphone Bluegrass Collection?
For the banjos, enjoy these attributes:
Gibson banjos are some of the most desirable banjos on the vintage market, and these Inspired by Gibson models from Epiphone feature Gibson-influenced looks and appointments throughout.
The inlays of the new Inspired by Gibson banjos from Epiphone are real mother of pearl, and their styling is based on vintage Gibson inlay designs for an authentic vintage look.
The new Inspired by Gibson banjos from Epiphone all come with either a hardshell case (Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe and Mastertone Classic) or a premium gig bag (Mastertone Bowtie Open Back) to keep your banjo safe during travel or after the gig.
For the mandolins, you’ll discover:
Whether you’re a bluegrass traditionalist seeking a high-quality F-style mandolin like those used by your favorite players or a more modern-leaning player who wants to expand their tonal options with an electric model, the new Epiphone Bluegrass Collection has a mandolin that’s perfect for you.
The new mandolin models from Epiphone feature authentic styling inspired by some of the most desirable mandolins ever created, and they feature Gibson looks and appointments throughout.
To help protect your instrument, the Epiphone Mandobird ships with a gig bag, the F-5 Studio comes with a premium gig bag, and the top-of-the-line F-5G includes a vintage rectangular-style hardshell case.
For 150 years, Epiphone instruments have been beloved by musicians worldwide. Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the hands of aspiring players, Epiphone’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and affordability ensures that its instruments continue to help shape the music industry.
Explore the legacy of bluegrass with Epiphone’s latest offerings, and pair a Mandobird with a Gibson amplifier for rich tube tones.
