Epiphone just dropped a major expansion of its popular Inspired by Gibson Custom collection, introducing a range of new finishes across several of its most sought-after models.
The new finishes include Dark Burst, Golden Poppy Burst, Amethyst Sparkle, Sedona Burst, Cherry Red and TV White. Before we get into the guitars, the pricing for all the below models are:
- Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue ($999.00)
- Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue ($1,299.00)
- Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1963 Firebird I ($1,299.00)
- Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom ($1,299.00)
Shop the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom line right here: Sweetwater | Guitar Center | American Musical Supply | Musician’s Friend
Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Gets New Burst Finishes
Leading the expansion is the Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue, now available in Dark Burst and Golden Poppy Burst.
The guitar features a solid Mahogany body paired with a carved Maple cap and AAA Flamed Maple veneer, along with a one-piece Mahogany neck carved to the period-correct 1959 Rounded Medium C profile. Additional vintage appointments include a long neck tenon, bound Rosewood fingerboard with mother-of-pearl trapezoid inlays and a Gibson-style open-book headstock.
Electronics remain equally authentic, with a pair of USA-made Gibson Custombucker humbuckers loaded with Alnico 3 magnets and hand-wired to CTS potentiometers, Black Beauty paper-in-oil capacitors and Switchcraft components.
1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue Adds Cherry Red and TV White
Epiphone has also expanded the finish options for its Inspired by Gibson Custom 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue, which now joins the traditional TV Yellow finish with new Cherry Red and TV White variations.
Originally introduced as a more versatile evolution of the Les Paul Junior, the Les Paul Special became known for combining stripped-down simplicity with expanded tonal flexibility thanks to its dual P-90 pickup configuration. The 1960 Double Cut version further enhanced playability with improved upper-fret access and a comfortable SlimTaper neck profile.
The Epiphone recreation stays true to that formula with a solid Mahogany body, one-piece Mahogany neck and Rosewood fingerboard loaded with 22 medium jumbo frets. Two Gibson Custom USA P-90 Soapbar pickups provide everything from warm cleans to aggressive overdriven tones, while vintage-inspired electronics featuring CTS controls and Bumblebee capacitors complete the package.
Epiphone Revives the 1963 Firebird I Reissue
Another highlight of the collection is the Inspired by Gibson Custom 1963 Firebird I Reissue, now offered in a classic Cherry finish. Originally designed by renowned automotive stylist Ray Dietrich, the Firebird represented one of Gibson’s most ambitious guitar designs and introduced neck-through-body construction to the company’s lineup.
The new Epiphone version faithfully recreates the original’s architecture with a nine-ply Mahogany-and-walnut neck-through core joined to solid Mahogany body wings. A Rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets, Kluson banjo tuners and a Lightning Bar Wraparound bridge reinforce the model’s vintage credentials.
Remaining true to the minimalist design of the original Firebird I, the guitar is equipped with a single Gibson USA Firebird mini humbucker featuring Alnico 5 magnets. Combined with CTS electronics and premium components throughout, the pickup delivers the articulate attack and distinctive voice that helped make the Firebird a favorite of players including Johnny Winter, Keith Richards and Eric Clapton.
Les Paul Custom Receives Eye-Catching New Sparkle and Burst Options
For players seeking something more visually dramatic, Epiphone has introduced two new finishes for its Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom: Amethyst Sparkle and Sedona Burst.
Long regarded as the most luxurious member of the Les Paul family, the Les Paul Custom traces its roots back to 1954, when Les Paul envisioned a more sophisticated version of his signature instrument. The modern Epiphone recreation maintains that heritage with premium appointments including multi-ply binding, block inlays, an ebony fingerboard and the iconic split-diamond headstock inlay.
Construction consists of a solid Mahogany body topped with maple, paired with a one-piece Mahogany neck featuring a Modern Medium C profile and long neck tenon construction. A pair of Gibson USA 490R and 498T humbuckers provide the guitar’s powerful voice, while CTS controls, Mallory capacitors and Switchcraft hardware ensure premium performance throughout.
