Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
A glam shot of a cherry red Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Firebird Les Paul Special in action
Guitars Epiphone revamps core lineup with the Inspired By Gibson series
Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Acoustics 2026: the new all-solid core range takes its design cues from classic high-end Gibson USA builds.
Guitars Epiphone raises the bar for its acoustic guitar range with all-solid builds, rosewood fingerboards and affordable takes on Gibson classics
Harley Benton NAMM 2026 releases include left-handed options on its V-style electric and offset bass guitars, fresh finish options for the SC single-cuts, and new colours for its HSS S-style
Guitars Harley Benton’s 2026 mega-drop: Metallica makeovers, fresh colours and a baritone SC Custom III, all-solid acoustics for under $250 and more
The Gibson Songwriter Recording Artist Series in cutaway and non-cutaway versions, and in Rosewood Burst or Antique Natural finishes.
Guitars A future player favourite? Gibson unveils the Songwriter Recording Artist acoustics
Faith Guitars Nexus Neptune and Venus 2026
Acoustic Guitars “For those seeking acoustic power, projection and an enormous amount of volume": Faith unleashes a slew of updates and new models at NAMM
All the best guitar gear from this year's NAMM Show
Guitars The best new guitar gear of NAMM 2026: More effects, more amps, more guitars and more tech than ever
Lamb of God's Mark Morton performs live on a stage lit in yellow and orange. He plays his new Les Paul Modern Quilt
Artists Mark Morton and Gibson unveil a signature Les Paul that brings the fire with a “flamethrower” bridge humbucker
Epiphone Blues King Studio
Acoustic Guitars "Where this guitar truly shines is under the fingers of a blues or folk picker": Epiphone Blues King Studio review
The new models of theMartin Road Series 2026 are photographed in a living space.
Guitars Has Martin redefined the workhorse acoustic? Legendary brand announces blockbuster refresh of its Road Series
The Epiphone Fatouma Diawara SG has a Malian graphic finish
Guitars “Everybody can play it... Just bring your own energy”: Fatoumata Diawara’s signature SG wears her Malian roots proudly on its horns
Gibson Original Collection (L-R) featuring the SJ-200 60s, J-160E, and the LG-2 50s.
Guitars The Beatles-approved J-160E makes its return as Gibson unveils a trio of Original Collection flat-tops celebrating the golden era of acoustic guitar making
Chris Buck RS02CB Revstar Signature Electric Guitar in Honey Gold
Guitars “The truest conduit between the acoustic resonance of the guitar and its electric voice” says Chris Buck of the custom P90-style pickups in his new signature Yamaha Revstar
Close up of Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars under $500/£500 2026: Affordable electrics
NAMM 2026
Tech NAMM 2026: rolling news from the world's biggest music-making gear show
Mark Morton with his signature Les Paul Modern
Artists How Mark Morton and Gibson reinvented the Les Paul for modern metal – and why passive beats active humbuckers hands down
More
  • Sly and Survivor
  • In My Life
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • One chord Diamond
  1. Guitars
  2. Bass Guitars

Summer NAMM 2017: Epiphone announces 8 new guitar and bass models, including $99 Les Paul

News
By Michael Astley-Brown published 14 July 2017

Fresh electrics and acoustics on the way

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

SUMMER NAMM 2017: Hold up: a Les Paul with single coils? You better believe it: the Les Paul SL is the most affordable two-pickup LP ever, and heads up Epiphone’s formidable SNAMM line-up.

Besides the previously announced James Bay ‘1966’ Century, the company has launched a number of tasty basses (Thunderbird Vintage Pro, anyone?), quality acoustics and new, low-price tag LP and SG models.

Head on through the gallery for the lowdown on each model, and pay a visit to Epiphone for more info.

Page 1 of 9
Page 1 of 9
Epiphone Les Paul SL

Epiphone Les Paul SL

PRESS RELEASE: Epiphone presents the 2017 Les Paul SL, the most affordable 2-pickup Les Paul ever made with a slim lightweight Poplar body with powerful Epiphone Ceramic pickups.

Available in six exclusive colors—Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Pacific Blue, Sunset Yellow, Turquoise, and Vintage Sunburst.

Available from September.

Page 2 of 9
Page 2 of 9
Epiphone AJ-210CE Outfit

Epiphone AJ-210CE Outfit

PRESS RELEASE: Epiphone presents the new AJ-210CE Acoustic/Electric Outfit, a superb professional dreadnought guitar featuring a Select Spruce top with classic cutaway, state of the art Shadow Performer Tuner Preamp and NanoFlex under saddle pickup system, plus a hard case.

Dreadnought acoustic guitars like the AJ-210CE are renowned for their commanding volume and full tone that’s perfect for singer songwriters or for leading a band. And like every Epiphone, the AJ-210CE comes with Epiphone’s Limited Lifetime Guarantee.

Available from July.

Page 3 of 9
Page 3 of 9
Epiphone SG-Special VE

Epiphone SG-Special VE

PRESS RELEASE: The new Epiphone SG-Special VE is a great way for new players to discover a rock classic at a price anyone can afford.

Featuring Epiphone open-coil humbuckers with Ceramic Magnets and available in five beautiful Vintage Worn finishes including Cherry, Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Vintage Sunburst, and Walnut.

Available from July.

Page 4 of 9
Page 4 of 9
Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT

Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT

PRESS RELEASE: Epiphone presents the new Les Paul Studio LT, an incredible introduction to the world’s greatest electric guitar that is affordable for everyone.

The Les Paul Studio LT has all the classic “Les Paul” features including a carved Mahogany top, powerful Zebra-Coil Ceramic humbuckers, and a Mahogany neck with an easy-to-play tapered neck joint.

Available in Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Vintage Sunburst, and Walnut color finishes.

Available from August.

Page 5 of 9
Page 5 of 9
Epiphone Masterbilt DR-400MCE

Epiphone Masterbilt DR-400MCE

PRESS RELEASE: The Masterbilt DR-400MCE Acoustic/Electric Guitar is Epiphone’s most affordable solid body acoustic guitar ever made with the legendary build quality that Masterbilts are world famous for.

Featuring a Solid Sitka Spruce Top, cutaway for easy access, Mahogany body and neck, bone nut, and the superb eSonic HD preamp system and NanoFlex-HD pickup for true acoustic sound when plugged in.

Available in Natural, Faded Cherry Sunburst, Violinburst and Vintage Sunburst.

Available from September.

Page 6 of 9
Page 6 of 9
Epiphone Masterbilt Century De Luxe 4-String Bass

Epiphone Masterbilt Century De Luxe 4-String Bass

PRESS RELEASE: Epiphone presents the newest member of the Masterbilt Century family, the Masterbilt De Luxe Classic 4-String Acoustic/Electric Bass Guitar, featuring all of the Masterbilt Century’s critically acclaimed features including a Solid Spruce top with traditional longitudinal bracing, Ebony fretboard, and the eSonic and Shadow NanoFlex HD pickup system for true acoustic tone when plugged in.

Available from October.

Page 7 of 9
Page 7 of 9
Epiphone Embassy Pro Bass

Epiphone Embassy Pro Bass

PRESS RELEASE: Epiphone presents the new Embassy PRO Bass, inspired by the rare 60s classic and commemorating the 60th anniversary of Epiphone joining the Gibson Family of Instruments.

Featuring new ProBucker #760 Bass Humbuckers and improved hardware including a Tune-o-matic bridge, a 1960s-inspired “claw” tailpiece, and 2-on-a-side Premium 17:1 ratio tuners for better balance. Available in Antique Ivory, Dark Cherry, and Ebony finishes.

Available from October.

Page 8 of 9
Page 8 of 9
Epiphone Thunderbird Vintage Pro Bass

Epiphone Thunderbird Vintage Pro Bass

PRESS RELEASE: The Epiphone Thunderbird Vintage PRO Bass is an incredibly accurate reproduction of the classic electric bass first introduced in 1963 that has since powered dozens of hits by artists like The Who, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Cheap Trick.

Featuring new ProBucker Bass Humbuckers and a vintage styled 60s Tune-o-matic bridge and Claw tailpiece. The new Thunderbird Vintage PRO is available in Alpine White, Ebony, and Tobacco Sunburst.

Available from October.

Page 9 of 9
Page 9 of 9
Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown
Social Links Navigation

Mike has been Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com since 2019, and an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict for far longer. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and 15 years' experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. His writing also appears in the The Cambridge Companion to the Electric Guitar. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock as Maebe.

Read more
A glam shot of a cherry red Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Firebird Les Paul Special in action
Guitars Epiphone revamps core lineup with the Inspired By Gibson series
 
 
Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Acoustics 2026: the new all-solid core range takes its design cues from classic high-end Gibson USA builds.
Guitars Epiphone raises the bar for its acoustic guitar range with all-solid builds, rosewood fingerboards and affordable takes on Gibson classics
 
 
Harley Benton NAMM 2026 releases include left-handed options on its V-style electric and offset bass guitars, fresh finish options for the SC single-cuts, and new colours for its HSS S-style
Guitars Harley Benton’s 2026 mega-drop: Metallica makeovers, fresh colours and a baritone SC Custom III, all-solid acoustics for under $250 and more
 
 
The Gibson Songwriter Recording Artist Series in cutaway and non-cutaway versions, and in Rosewood Burst or Antique Natural finishes.
Guitars A future player favourite? Gibson unveils the Songwriter Recording Artist acoustics
 
 
Faith Guitars Nexus Neptune and Venus 2026
Acoustic Guitars “For those seeking acoustic power, projection and an enormous amount of volume": Faith unleashes a slew of updates and new models at NAMM
 
 
Epiphone Blues King Studio
Acoustic Guitars "Where this guitar truly shines is under the fingers of a blues or folk picker": Epiphone Blues King Studio review
 
 
Latest in Bass Guitars
Les Claypool of Primus performs at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre on July 16, 2025 in Sterling Heights, Michigan
Bass Guitars I said, ‘Hey, you guys want to jam on some Isley Brothers?’ Nobody laughed”: Les Claypool on his audition for Metallica
 
 
Melissa Auf der Maur and Courtney Love in 1998
Bass Guitars “It took me one second to understand that she's a survivor”: Melissa Auf der Maur on why she’s “proud” of Courtney Love
 
 
Alex James of Blur performs at the Coachella Stage during the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Gigs & Festivals “Who knows what’s next?”: Alex James on Britpop Classical, Blur and prospect of returning to Coachella
 
 
A shot of a crowd during a packed show in a small music venue.
Music Industry Marshall launches membership scheme and pledges percentage of online sales to support grassroots music venues
 
 
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush perform live in 2015.
Artists Geddy Lee on honouring Neil Peart and why he and Alex Lifeson are getting back together as Rush
 
 
A black-and-white portrait of Rush's Geddy Lee [left] and Alex Lifeson as they announce their reunion tour.
Artists Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are bringing the Rush reunion tour to the UK, Europe and South America
 
 
Latest in News
Shaun Ryder attends The BRIT Awards 2026 at Co-op Live on February 28, 2026
Bands “Me and Bez would just walk in, skin up and have a laugh”: Shaun Ryder on life in the Happy Mondays
 
 
Apple MacBook Neo
Computers The first reviews of the MacBook Neo are in, and it looks like good news for budget-conscious music producers
 
 
The Gibson Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector's Edition is a forensic replica of the guitar made famous by the former UFO and Scorpions guitarist – a guitar that is now owned by Metallica's Kirk Hammett.
Artists How a broken string, a loan from his brother and a fresh paint job helped Michael Schenker turn this Flying V into an icon of rock
 
 
A Soma Warp multi-effects unit on a desk with various bits of studio gear
Guitar Pedals Shake off the winter lull and dust off the cobwebs with up to 60% off guitars, pedals, synths, mixers, and more in the massive Thomann Spring Sale, including £542 off an ESP LTD and £70 off a UAFX reverb pedal
 
 
Les Claypool of Primus performs at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre on July 16, 2025 in Sterling Heights, Michigan
Bass Guitars I said, ‘Hey, you guys want to jam on some Isley Brothers?’ Nobody laughed”: Les Claypool on his audition for Metallica
 
 
izotope
Tech iZotope's Tonal Balance Control 3 captures audio directly from Spotify, YouTube and your DAW timeline for fast and intuitive referencing
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...