"Where this guitar truly shines is under the fingers of a blues or folk picker": Epiphone Blues King Studio review

What is it?

When you think of Gibson’s most iconic acoustic guitars, chances are your mind drifts to the slope-shouldered J-45 or the grandiose SJ-200. But lurking just outside that spotlight is the humble L-00, a pint-sized troubadour’s companion that’s been favoured by everyone from Bob Dylan to Eddie Vedder. With its compact, ultra-comfortable body and that unmistakable, laser-focused midrange, the L-00 is a secret weapon for songwriters. Of course, if you’re hoping to add one to your stable, you’re looking at a starting price of around $1,699, a figure that’ll send many budget-conscious players searching for alternatives. That’s where Epiphone steps in with a wallet-friendly solution.

​Introducing the Blues King Studio, a fresh face in Epiphone’s acoustic lineup, taking major cues from the L-00 lineage. This compact acoustic features a layered mahogany back and sides, a solid spruce top, and is tastefully wrapped in single-ply cream binding.

True to form, the Blues King Studio sports a classic mahogany neck with Gibson’s time-honoured 24.75” scale length and a player-friendly rounded C profile. Topping the neck is a rosewood fretboard with 19 “standard” frets and understated pearloid dot inlays. Capping it all off is a '60s Kalamazoo-style headstock, which brandishes the Epiphone logo in a gold silkscreen.​

If you’re planning to take your new axe to the stage, you’re covered. Epiphone equips the Blues King Studio with Fishman electronics, including an S-Core under-saddle pickup and a Fishman Presys VT preamp with intuitive soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls.

​Other notable specs include a compensated plastic saddle atop a rosewood bridge with ivory-coloured pins, and vintage-inspired three-on-a-plate tuners with matching ivory buttons. You can grab the Blues King Studio in two throwback finishes, Ebony and Dark Burst, with options for both right- and left-handed players. Each guitar ships with a lightweight, non-padded gig bag to get you on the road.

Specs

• Launch price: $399/£349/€389
• Made: China
• Body shape: L-00/Parlour
• Body top: Solid Spruce
• Top bracing: X-braced
• Back & sides: Layered Mahogany
• Neck/shape: Mahogany, C-profile
• Scale length: 628.65mm / 24.75in
• Nut/width: White Plastic, 43.0mm / 1.69in
• Fingerboard/Radius: 304.8mm / 12.0in
• Finish: Dark Burst/ Ebony
• Bridge/pins: Rosewood Rectangle/ivory plastic
• Tuning Machines: Three-on-a-Plate with Ivory Plastic Button
• Electronics: Fishman Presys VT/S-Core
• Case: Gig bag
• Left-handed options: Yes
• Contact: Epiphone

Build quality

Build quality rating: ★★★☆☆

In recent years, I’ve been quick to sing the praises of Epiphone’s build quality. There’s been a noticeable leap forward, and, if you ask me, the brand has been churning out some of its most exciting models to date, which is probably why my disappointment with the Blues King Studio stings a little more.

​Unboxing the Blues King Studio, I’m met with a guitar swaddled in a no-frills gig bag. Let’s be honest, at this price, nobody’s expecting a tour-ready case, but the total lack of padding is worth flagging. If you’re headed out to a jam or rehearsal, don’t count on this bag for real protection; it’s more of a dust cover than a shield. Still, it’s better than nothing, and hey, it’s a freebie.

But as I lift the guitar from its bag, trouble rears its head. The battery compartment for the pickup system is rattling loose inside the soundhole, a decidedly inauspicious beginning. A few attempts to reseat it prove futile, so I resign myself to the rattle.

Casting my eye over the body, another flaw jumps out. Around the soundhole, right by the rosette, the finishing work leaves a lot to be desired. Patches of spruce peek through the black, lending a distinctly unfinished look that feels a bit careless for a brand on the upswing.

​Aesthetics aside, the fretwork is solid, no sharp edges or rogue high frets to be found. Sure, they could stand a polish, but the installation is top-notch, which is what counts. The nut is well cut, and the tuners are surprisingly good, gliding smoothly and holding pitch without complaint.

I’m very much hoping that I can chalk this up to bad luck and not an indication of what the entire series will be like. Let’s hope this is just one guitar that slipped through the cracks.

Playability

Playability rating: ★★★★☆

Sliding into playing position, the Blues King Studio feels instantly approachable. Thanks to its compact body, the guitar nestles comfortably against you, a refreshing change if, like me, you’re accustomed to the broad shoulders of a J-45. I’ve always had a soft spot for the L-00 body. To me, the smaller frame invites long sessions, making it a perfect sofa companion for late-night songwriting or extended practice stints.

The neck deserves a nod as well. Epiphone has dialled in a smooth, rounded profile that sits pretty naturally in the hand. It is a little thicker than expected, but I must say, I like how it feels. There’s enough meat on the bone to really dig in. It doesn’t feel spindly or thin.

The factory setup delivers a respectable action of around 1.8mm on the low E and 1.7mm on the high E string. For me, it’s low enough for easy fretting up and down the board, but not so low as to invite dreaded fret buzz or compromise dynamics. Barre chords and intricate fingerstyle passages come off cleanly, and transitions up the neck are fairly effortless.

All told, the Blues King Studio nails that elusive balance: it’s forgiving enough for newcomers, but responsive and articulate enough to keep seasoned players engaged. Whether you’re strumming, picking, or exploring some delta blues licks, this guitar rewards your touch with comfort and clarity.

Sounds

Sounds rating: ★★★★☆

Soundwise, the Blues King Studio makes no secret of its sonic pedigree. There’s that signature midrange punch you’d expect from a compact, parlour-style body. The attack is focused, immediate, and pokey. Yes, there’s a hint of boxiness to the tone, especially when you dig in with a heavy strum, but that’s part and parcel of the smaller footprint. If you’re looking for the cavernous, room-filling resonance of a jumbo, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Where this guitar truly shines is under the fingers of a blues or folk picker. The voice is bright and articulate, with a crisp attack that brings out subtle nuances in fingerstyle playing and bluesy bends. Single-note runs and classic licks pop with clarity, and the guitar responds well to dynamic shifts.

Strumming, on the other hand, exposes the Blues King’s limitations. The sound lacks the low-end depth and open bloom you’d find in larger-bodied acoustics. Chords can feel a bit compressed, and the guitar doesn’t quite fill the room on its own.

Plugged in, the story is much the same: the Fishman system delivers a sound that, while a touch scratchy and somewhat raw around the edges, remains more than serviceable at this price point. It’s gig-ready for coffeehouses and open mics, capturing the instrument’s natural character without any major surprises - flaws and all.

In short, the Blues King Studio is purpose-built for players who value character over sheer volume. It’s a natural fit for blues pickers, fingerstylists, and anyone seeking that old-school, rootsy vibe in a modern, affordable package.

Verdict

There could be a lot to love about Epiphone’s new wallet-friendly parlour. It boasts charming good looks, inviting playability, and that unmistakable small-bodied tone that’s become a hallmark of blues and roots music. For players seeking a comfortable, portable acoustic with vintage flair, the Blues King Studio certainly ticks several boxes.

However, those appealing features are counterbalanced by some glaring finishing issues. The lack of attention to detail, whether it’s rough edges, patchy finishing, or loose hardware, can’t be glossed over, even at this price point. These aren’t just minor quibbles; they’re the kind of flaws that separate an instrument you love from one you merely tolerate.

Yes, it’s an entry-level guitar, but that doesn’t mean it gets a free pass on quality. In a market crowded with affordable acoustics that deliver both style and substance, Epiphone needs to bring its A-game in every department. The Blues King Studio comes close to being a standout, but ultimately, it falls just short of greatness.

If you’re after a bluesy, compact acoustic for casual jams or songwriting, and can look past the cosmetic missteps, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. I'm hoping the QC issues here are not indicative of the general Blues King standard out there.

MusicRadar verdict: This is a handsome parlour-sized acoustic that certainly has potential, but as it stands, poor finishing and a battery compartment that’s trying to make a break for it every time you strum leave us less than impressed with this test example of Epiphone’s latest offering.

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