NAMM06: Epiphone Announces Magnificent Seven

US Seven new guitars for 2006 19/01/06

ES 175

Buying Choices

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Epiphone have launched seven new guitar models that they believe to combine tradition with innovation.Hereâ€™s the lowdown in Epiphoneâ€™s own wordsâ€¦

First out of the blocks is the ES-175, which is the jazz guitar of choice. While this classic hollow-body was first launched by Gibson in 1949, this year will bring its distinctive rich tone within reach of working musicians, via Epiphoneâ€™s ES-175 reissue. With its laminated maple top, mahogany body and pair of Alnico Classic humbuckers, this reissue offers the same dark and sultry tone as the original, while a hard maple neck and rosewood fingerboard ensure the performance matches any modern design.
Thereâ€™s no mistaking the sound of a Firebird running on angry. For 2006, Epiphone has launched a Worn Studio version of this cherished electric design, complete with faithful body styling, a set neck and full-size Alnico Classic humbuckers. It looks like a vintage, and plays like one too, but with Steinberger 40:1 direct-drive tuners delivering unequalled tuning precision, this is an instrument for the new millennium.
Next up is the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plain Top â€“ an affordable version of the axe thatâ€™s been thrashed by everyone from Jimmy Page to Slash. This model is all about the rock, with a traditional solid mahogany body, unfigured maple top and glued-in mahogany neck supplying the perfect blend of tone, comfort and understated cool. A pair of Alnico Classic humbuckers supply the muscle, and the trusty tune-o-matic/stop bar combination ensures it can take the punishment as well as dish it out.
You wonâ€™t find a cooler bass than the new Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass. Thanks to the unmistakable whiff of rock â€˜nâ€™ roll supplied by that iconic body, this is the only model to be seen with onstage. A solid mahogany body and glued-in maple neck combine to produce a deep and expressive tone, while two specially designed Alnico bass humbuckers and separate volume/tone controls bring versatility to the table. Itâ€™s a dream to play too, thanks to the flawless weight distribution and 34â€� scale length.
Then thereâ€™s the New Masterbilt EF-500RCCE. A stunning solid acoustic with warm tone and unrivalled comfort, this â€˜fingerstyleâ€™ model is a reaction to the continued success of the Masterbilt range, and the demand amongst acoustic players for quality instruments at competitive prices. With a solid rosewood body and a solid cedar top, the EF-500RCCE sounds as good as it looks, while an L.R. Baggs acoustic/electric piezo pickup ensures all that killer tone cuts through in any context.
The MB-100 is known as the â€˜first pickâ€™ banjo because of its keen pricing and inviting performance. You wonâ€™t argue when you try it. With no resonator (and therefore a lighter weight) this new 5-string model is perfect for impromptu jam sessions and musicians on the move.
And lastly, thereâ€™s the PR-4E Acoustic/Electric Player Pack. This awesome all-in-one set contains everything you need to start rocking, including the new PR-4E acoustic/electric from Epiphone, plus a 15watt acoustic amplifier and all the accessories that a fledgling rock star needs.

More info:
www.epiphone.com