Epiphone is one of the first names a new player hears, the kind even non-guitarists recognize. That name recognition is exactly why it pays to look closer before you buy.
Here’s the part that trips people up. The cheapest Epiphones and the mid-tier ones feel like different instruments, so the answer depends heavily on which one you grab.
This article gives you a straight read on Epiphone acoustics and where the line sits between basic and genuinely good. We’ll cover build, finish, the brand’s tie to Gibson, and a few models worth your money.
Let’s start with what the brand is and whether it delivers.
What Are Epiphone Guitars and Are They Good?
If you thought Gibson was old, you may be surprised that the best Epiphone acoustic guitars come from an even earlier source. Founded in 1873, Epiphone started as a stringed-instrument maker in Turkey and later moved to the USA around the turn of the century, producing mandolins much like Gibson did.
Epiphone was a fierce rival in the archtop guitar market throughout the 1930s and 1940s, and was eventually acquired by Gibson in 1957. Essentially becoming Gibson’s “value brand,” Epiphone remains the one company in the world that can build officially licensed Gibson designs.
That heritage is a big reason their guitars are good for the money.
Do Epiphone Acoustic Guitars Have Solid Tops?
Some Epiphone acoustic guitars have a solid top. Historically, most Epiphone guitars had laminated tops, but the lineup now includes several models with good solid tops.
Solid tops on Epiphone acoustics generally offer a brighter, more open sound than laminated tops. One of the main differences is that a solid top may not sustain quite as long because the wood vibrates differently than a laminated top does.
As a rule, a solid top is the feature to look for if tone matters most to you.
How Easy Is It to Learn on an Epiphone Acoustic?
The ease of learning on an Epiphone acoustic depends on which specific model you own. Epiphone makes a large selection of acoustic guitars, some of which are easier to play than others.
In general, though, Epiphone acoustic guitars are well balanced and have a quality sound that’ll keep any musician engaged. For a first instrument, that balance of playability and tone makes them a sensible choice.
Are Epiphone Guitars Good Quality?
Ask any seasoned guitar player how they feel about Epiphone and you’ll probably get mixed reviews. That’s because the brand makes some excellent guitars and some that are merely okay.
Now and then they build a guitar so good that it cuts into sales of the equivalent Gibson model, and the parent company isn’t thrilled about that.
For example, the solid-body Epiphone Del Rey was modeled on a Gibson Les Paul double-cut. The workmanship and manufacturing standards were so high that Gibson discontinued the model.
Like most guitars, you get what you pay for with Epiphone. The cheaper models are basic, while the more expensive models have a genuinely good sound.
One thing that may help your decision: Epiphone guitars are made in factories in several different countries, which is part of the reason for the variation between models. Currently, Epiphone guitars are produced in factories in Indonesia, Japan, China, and the United States.
For the best quality, we recommend looking for an Epiphone acoustic guitar in the $350 to $500 range.
Some of our favorite Epiphone models include:
- Epiphone Casino
- Epiphone Dot
- Epiphone ES-335 (a Gibson ES-335 copy)
- Epiphone SG (a Gibson SG copy)
Do Epiphone Guitars Have a Good Finish?
While Gibsons are finished with old-school nitrocellulose lacquer, Epiphone guitars are sealed with the more conventional polyester and polyurethane finishes. These finishes are far more common and are considered the modern standard, used by nearly all major instrument makers.
Poly finishes are popular because they offer excellent protection, with a thicker coating that resists wear and looks glossier. Because of this, some players believe poly-finished Epiphone guitars sound slightly sealed-in and less acoustically resonant, with reduced sustain.
Ultimately, it depends on how thick the finish is.
The bigger reason so many brands use poly finishes is that they’re much cheaper to apply. The application is simple because it relies on a synthetic resin, which means no solvents remain after it’s applied and it hardens completely.
Poly finishes therefore don’t require the many layers that nitrocellulose lacquer does, saving both time and money.
The Best Epiphone Acoustic Guitars Worth the Money
Based on our experience and reviews from other guitar players, we recommend spending at least $300 on your Epiphone acoustic guitar. You can find some great options in the $300 to $500 range, so if your budget is under $500 you’ll still find an excellent instrument.
If you can spend a little more, up to $700, you can get an even better guitar for the money.
Epiphone Hummingbird acoustic-electric guitar (step-up pick): Right now we think this is the strongest all-around choice for beginners who want an Epiphone acoustic-electric they won’t outgrow. It’s a great-looking guitar with classic Hummingbird styling, and the Inspired by Gibson build sounds better than its price suggests.
It has a solid spruce top, which means the more you play it, the better it sounds.
Advantages:
- SlimTaper neck makes it easy to play for small hands
- Has a comfortable feel
- Reliable, consistent sound
- Really shines when plugged into an amp
- Smooth frets
Disadvantages:
- Higher action out of the box
- Flatter, less lively sound compared to higher-end Epiphones
Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar (premium pick): If you have a little more room in your budget, you won’t be disappointed by this guitar. We think it’s hands down the best-sounding acoustic in Epiphone’s lineup.
Like the other guitars in this range it’s really an electro-acoustic, and it sounds great whether plugged in or not. It combines traditional construction methods with premium all-solid tonewoods for deep, rich lows, sparkling highs, and a good amount of midrange.
Advantages:
- SlimTaper neck makes it easy to play for small hands
- Has a comfortable feel
- Solid woods throughout
- Great depth and tone
- Really shines when plugged into an amp
Disadvantages:
- Short tuner posts
- Sharp saddle edge
Check out our full Epiphone DR-500MCE review here.
Epiphone EJ-200SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar (mid-range pick): If you have a bit more cash to spend, this instrument is a great choice for a good blend of value and quality. It’s one of the better Epiphone acoustic-electric guitar options for the money.
This large-body guitar is Epiphone’s take on the classic Gibson J-200, and it sounds genuinely good for a fraction of the Gibson’s cost. The tone from its solid spruce top is enhanced by the classic rosewood “mustache” bridge and synthetic bone saddle.
Advantages:
- SlimTaper neck makes it easy to play for small hands
- Comfortable feel and good action
- Great, consistent sound
- Really shines when plugged into an amp
Disadvantages:
- Big body is awkward for smaller players
- Tuners aren’t great
You can read our full Epiphone EJ-200SCE review here as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Epiphone guitars made by Gibson?
Yes. Gibson acquired Epiphone in 1957, and Epiphone has operated as Gibson’s value brand ever since.
It’s the only company permitted to build officially licensed versions of classic Gibson designs.
That relationship is why so many Epiphone models, like the ES-335 and SG copies, look and feel like more affordable takes on famous Gibson guitars.
Where are Epiphone acoustic guitars made?
Epiphone acoustic guitars are built in factories in several countries, including Indonesia, Japan, China, and the United States. The country of origin is part of why quality varies from model to model.
If consistency matters to you, focus on the mid-priced and higher-end models, which tend to have tighter build standards than the cheapest options.
Is an Epiphone good for a beginner?
Yes, an Epiphone is a good choice for a beginner, especially a model in the $300 to $500 range. They’re well balanced, play comfortably, and produce a quality sound that won’t hold a new player back.
The very cheapest models are still playable, but spending a little more gets you a solid top and better tone that’ll keep you motivated to practice.
What’s the difference between Epiphone and Gibson?
The main differences are price, materials, and finish. Gibson uses nitrocellulose lacquer and higher-end appointments, while Epiphone uses more durable poly finishes and a mix of solid and laminated woods to keep costs down.
For many of the same iconic designs, Epiphone delivers most of the look and tone for a fraction of the price, which is the whole appeal of the brand. For more, see our Epiphone vs Gibson Les Paul comparison.
Final Thoughts
Epiphone acoustic guitar quality can be hit or miss, but if you stick to a reasonable budget you can find some excellent-sounding instruments. The brand’s Gibson heritage and licensed designs mean you get a lot of guitar for the money, particularly once you move past the entry-level models.
Whether you’re looking to play alongside your bandmates or just sing around the campfire, the Epiphone acoustic-electrics profiled above are all great choices. For the best balance of solid tops, playability, and tone, aim for the $300 to $700 range rather than the cheapest options on the shelf.
If we had to pick one, the Epiphone EJ-200SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar gets our nod for top value for the money.
