Epiphone unveils refreshed Inspired by Gibson lineup with modern upgrades

Epiphone has revealed a fully refreshed lineup for its Inspired by Gibson Collection, offering players enhanced playability, premium hardware, upgraded electronics, and sleek new body contours. The 2026 collection blends timeless Gibson-inspired designs with modern reliability, making it a go-to choice for stage, studio, and practice alike.

The expanded lineup spans classic silhouettes including the Explorer™ 80s EMG, Firebird™, Flying V™ 70s, Les Paul Special Double Cut, Les Paul Junior™, SG™ Special P‑90, Les Paul Standard 50s and 60s, and SG Standard. Each model receives updates such as rosewood or ebony fretboards, top-quality electronics, refined body contours, and enhanced hardware, delivering the feel of a classic guitar with contemporary performance reliability.

Bold finishes and heritage-inspired designs

To complement the updated builds, Epiphone introduces a vibrant palette of finishes that blend heritage with self-expression. Players can choose from Classic White, Wine Red, Vintage Sunburst, Maui Blue, TV Yellow, Cherry Red, Bourbon Burst, Ocean Water, Goldtop, Washed Cherry Sunburst, Ebony, and Iced Tea Burst. Every finish is designed to match the guitar’s timeless design with today’s performance standards.

Lewis McKinney III, Epiphone Brand Manager, emphasizes the mission behind the refresh: “Inspired by Gibson brings real heritage into the hands of players who want more than the look—they want a guitar they can count on, in any situation, every time they plug in. This collection delivers guitars that feel right, sound right, and show up, always.”

The collection is now available worldwide at Gibson Garage locations, authorized Epiphone dealers, and online at Epiphone.com, making it accessible to both seasoned players and newcomers alike.

Epiphone teams up with Spiritual Cramp for launch

Epiphone is celebrating the 2026 launch in true punk style, teaming with San Francisco’s Spiritual Cramp for a release video featuring guitarist Nate Punty performing “Go Back Home” from their album Rude. The performance captures the raw energy and grit that matches the boldness of the new lineup.

The collaboration continues with an Epiphone Live Session, “Live at Alexandra Palace,” filmed during Spiritual Cramp’s late‑2025 tour with The Hives. Fans can also catch the band during the Rudest Band in the World Tour, sponsored by Alternative Press, which kicks off in February with rotating support from Bass Drum of Death, Mizery, Guv, and more.

The refreshed Epiphone Inspired by Gibson guitars combine classic tone and iconic design with modern playability, ensuring that every player—whether on stage, in the studio, or at home—can experience the instruments’ full potential.