Types of Epiphone acoustic models: Everything you need to know

Which Epiphone acoustic guitar is right for you in 2025? Read our complete Epiphone acoustic comparison and buyer’s guide

The Epiphone acoustic catalogue is pretty huge, and there are many different types of Epiphone acoustic models available to you. If you’re wondering “what’s the best Epiphone acoustic guitar,” I’m here to help you find the best Epiphone acoustic for your taste and stage of playing. Like the Epiphone SG comparison and buyer's guide and the Epiphone Les Paul comparison I’ve covered previously, in this article, I’ll compare all the different types of Epiphone acoustic models across the collections so you can choose the best model for your level of playing and your unique style. By the end, you’ll know whether you should be looking at a beginner-friendly PRO-1 dreadnought, a high‑spec Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom acoustic , or perhaps a roots‑ready resonator from the Epiphone Bluegrass Collection.

A little history

For nearly a century, Epiphone acoustic guitars have become the soundtrack to front porches, coffee houses, and stages alike, and their connection to Gibson heritage means many models carry the DNA of classics like the Hummingbird™, J‑45™, and the SJ‑200™. Paul McCartney used an Epiphone Texan in The Beatles to write and record some of the greatest songs of all time, and other famous Epiphone acoustic players include Peter Frampton.

When you throw in the impact of the company’s electric models, it’s hard to overstate how important Epiphone has been to music. All Epiphone guitars are as comfortable on stages around the world as they are in your bedroom or living room. So there’s no “wrong” choice. There’s an Epiphone acoustic for every kind of player, ready to match the sound, feel, and playing style you’re looking for—as well as your budget. Let me explain the various Epiphone collections first.

What are the different Epiphone acoustic collections?

Different Epiphone acoustic models are divided into seven collections: Made in USA, Inspired by Gibson Custom, Inspired by Gibson, Original, Modern, Artist, and Bluegrass. Each collection is aimed at a different kind of player and budget, from beginners and casual strummers to experienced guitarists, gigging musicians, and collectors. Here, I’ll explain the differences and give you some examples of highlights in each range. 

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom acoustics

The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection is where you’ll find some of the top-tier Epiphone acoustic models. Developed in collaboration with the team at Gibson Custom, these instruments carry the DNA of the Gibson Custom Shop, and feature all‑solid tonewoods with meticulous craftsmanship, vintage‑correct specs, and premium electronics. If you’re after the closest thing to a historic Gibson acoustic with a more accessible price tag, this is the place to start.

You’ll find models like the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1957 SJ‑200 Reissue and 1960 Hummingbird Reissue offer vintage‑correct neck profiles, bone nuts and saddles, and L.R. Baggs™ or Fishman® electronics—premium Gibson Custom specs that simply don’t exist elsewhere in the market at this price point.

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson acoustics

The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson range of acoustic guitars brings the look and feel of classic Gibson guitars into reach for those who need a workhorse guitar. Guitars such as the Epiphone Hummingbird and Epiphone J‑45 EC Studio utilize solid spruce tops, mahogany bodies, and vintage‑style appointments, often with under‑saddle pickups so you’re ready to gig. They’re perfect for players who want classic Gibson acoustic shapes and styles at accessible prices.

Epiphone Original Collection acoustics

Celebrating nearly 100 years of Epiphone acoustic guitar craftsmanship, the Epiphone Original Collection offers straightforward, reliable instruments that play well straight out of the box, designed for guitarists who want a guitar based on classic models at a more affordable price—including original Epiphone models that are icons in their own right, such as the Texan and Frontier. They’re ideal for beginner and intermediate players. Models like the Epiphone Songmaker DR‑100 and Epiphone PRO-1 are industry-standard guitars for beginners, parents buying a first guitar, or working musicians on a budget who want something that sounds and feels great.

Epiphone Made in USA Collection acoustics

The Epiphone Made in USA Collection is for pro guitarists, tone aficionados, and those who want the most iconic Epiphone they can get their hands on. It brings two of Epiphone’s most legendary acoustics—the Epiphone Texan and the Frontier —to the modern era, with the instruments handcrafted in Bozeman, Montana, in the same craftory where Gibson acoustic guitars are made. These guitars celebrate Epiphone’s legacy as the go-to for songwriters and are built to the same exacting standards as Gibsons.

The Texan is forever linked to Paul McCartney, and is one of the most famous songwriting guitars of all time. Fun fact: he wrote and recorded “Yesterday” on it, and it was his go-to acoustic for writing and recording for the majority of the Beatles era. Peter Frampton used the Epiphone Texan to write some of his classics too, including “Baby, I Love Your Way” and “Show Me the Way.” Even if you don’t realize it, the Epiphone Texan has an iconic tone you are already familiar with.

The Frontier, with its maple back and sides and bold lariat and cactus pickguard design, is another iconic acoustic that looks as good as it sounds, with a powerful, widescreen voice that’s as inspiring today as it was when it debuted in 1958. A square-shoulder dreadnought, it predated both the Gibson Dove and Hummingbird. Singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton and Noel Gallagher of Oasis are both fans.

No matter which instrument you choose, these Epiphone Made in USA models pay homage to vintage Epiphone icons with unmatched quality and Bozeman craftsmanship, making them the most sought-after acoustics in the Epiphone line.

Epiphone Modern Collection acoustics

The Epiphone Modern Collection is where you’ll find classic shapes with contemporary upgrades. Expect slimmer necks, ergonomic contours, cutaways, and built‑in preamps. The Epiphone J-200 EC Studio, for example, features a cutaway for easy upper‑fret access and onboard Fishman electronics—great for singer‑songwriters and gigging players who need a guitar that’s comfortable to play and gig with.

Epiphone Artist Collection acoustics

The Epiphone Artist Collection features signature models created in collaboration with renowned artists. These guitars have distinctive finishes and custom specs tailored to the performer’s style. The Epiphone Miranda Lambert Bluebird Studio acoustic guitar is the current highlight, with its bold Bluebonnet finish, solid spruce top, mahogany body, and Fishman Presys™ pickup. It's a really great player that's at home in any stage or studio situation.

Epiphone Bluegrass Collection

The Epiphone Bluegrass collection of instruments honors Epiphone’s roots in folk and bluegrass. Resonators like the Dobro™ Hound Dog M‑14 Metalbody use nickel‑plated brass bodies and single‑cone resonators for that metallic bark, while mandolins such as the MM‑30S A‑Style pair solid spruce tops with mahogany bodies for bright, percussive tones. It’s a great collection for Americana and roots musicians seeking traditional sounds with modern reliability.

Now you’ve got a flavor for the various Epiphone acoustic collections and the instruments they contain, let’s look at the best acoustics depending on your stage of playing.

Best Epiphone acoustic guitars for beginners

When you’re just starting out on guitar, it should all be about comfort, accessibility, and sounding as good as it can. The more you enjoy playing, the better you’ll get. Parents and new players want an instrument that feels good in the hands, encourages practice, and doesn’t require a big financial commitment—especially if you’re not sure how long your child or student will stick with it. The best entry level Epiphone acoustic guitars on this list have comfortable neck shapes that make it easier to form chords and strum, and their price points mean you’re not taking a big risk, while still getting a quality instrument that will inspire you or your loved one to play guitar. Top tip: don’t just keep the guitar in its case all the time, keep it out on a stand because it will encourage new players to play it when they see it.  

Here are two of what I consider to be the best Epiphone acoustic guitars for beginners. Caveat: This is not to say you can’t buy any of these guitars, regardless of what stage you’re at. This is just based on the level of investment needed and the specifications of each guitar.

Songmaker DR‑100 (Original Collection)

The Epiphone Songmaker DR-100 is one of the best Epiphone acoustic guitars for beginners. It’s got a classic square-shoulder dreadnought shape, while the select spruce top and mahogany back and sides deliver balanced tone, so it sounds good. Its SlimTaper “C” neck profile makes chords comfortable for smaller hands.

Epiphone J-45 Express (Modern Collection)

The Epiphone J‑45 Express is one of the best Epiphone acoustic guitars for younger beginners as it’s a 7/8‑size dreadnought with a shorter 22.68‑inch scale, making it ideal for children’s smaller hands and easy to take along to class or school. Layered tonewoods mean it sounds engaging and bright, and the travel case makes it easy to transport, too. 

Best Epiphone acoustics for intermediate players

As you start to progress as a guitar player, you’re going to start to notice the details of your instrument like its neck shape, fret size and shape, tonewood resonance, and the convenience of built‑in pickups or a cutaway body. In my opinion, the best Epiphone acoustics for intermediate guitar players offer upgraded appointments like solid tops for a more responsive feel, louder projection, and a more sophisticated tone, as well as upgraded hardware and onboard electronics for jamming or gigging. This means your guitar is ready for anything and grows with you on your musical journey. Here, I’ve picked three guitars that are incredible options for guitarists who are at the intermediate stage. 

Epiphone J‑45 EC (Inspired by Gibson)

The Epiphone J-45 EC is a sloped‑shoulder dreadnought with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, plus a comfortable Rounded C neck. It features a Fishman Sonicore™ under‑saddle pickup with a Presys II preamp. This is one of the best Epiphone acoustic guitars for gigging and intermediate guitarists who need access to the upper frets, and players who enjoy soloing on acoustic.

Epiphone Hummingbird (Inspired by Gibson)

The Epiphone Hummingbird perfectly captures the vintage vibe with its timeless cosmetics, solid Sitka spruce top, and solid mahogany back and sides. Its Fishman Sonicore under-saddle pickup and Sonitone preamp mean it was born ready for live solo performances and band gigs.

Epiphone 1963 Dove™ Reissue (Inspired By Gibson Custom)

The Epiphone 1963 Dove Reissue pairs a thermally aged solid spruce top with figured maple back and sides for a responsive tone and beautiful aesthetic, adding premium touches like a bone nut and saddle, mother‑of‑pearl inlays, Kluson® tuners, and an L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC pickup. You also get a hardshell case. Easily one of the best Epiphone acoustic guitars for intermediate and pro guitarists alike, over the years the Dove has been the choice for legendary players such as Elvis, Tom Petty, and John Mellencamp, and its longer 25.5-inch scale length gives it a voice all of its own in the Epiphone and Gibson acoustic stable.

Best Epiphone acoustics for professional players

When you’re playing at a professional level, the guitar you’re holding in your hands needs to deliver uncompromising tone, feel, stability, and reliability. It’s also a guitar you’re likely never going to need to upgrade. For professional players, the best Epiphone acoustic guitars on this list come from the Inspired by Gibson Custom and Made in USA Collections, replicating the construction and appointments of vintage acoustic guitars, complete with thermally aged woods, scalloped bracing, and bone nuts and saddles. You also get premium onboard electronics so they’re ready for touring right out of the case. Here are three of the best Epiphone acoustics you'll find anywhere.

Epiphone Pre‑War SJ‑200 Rosewood Reissue (Inspired by Gibson Custom)

The Epiphone Pre‑War SJ‑200 Rosewood Reissue is easily one of the best and most beautiful Epiphone acoustic guitars for pro players and collectors alike. A thermally aged spruce top and rosewood back and sides give this reissue its big, balanced voice, while vintage‑correct X‑bracing and a two‑piece maple neck evoke the sound and style of the pre-war era. Premium touches like an ebony fretboard with Crown inlays, bone nut and saddle, L.R. Baggs VTC pickup, and a Red Line-inspired hardshell case, make it a real collector’s piece. Just make sure you play it—these guitars have serious stage presence.

Epiphone 1942 Banner J‑45 Reissue (Inspired by Gibson Custom)

The Epiphone 1942 Banner J‑45 Reissue features a thermally aged spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a V‑shaped mahogany neck, replicating the ultimate “Workhorse” tone and feel of the iconic Gibson Banner J-45. A teardrop pickguard, bone nut and saddle, and an L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC pickup with soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls make it ready to perform with, straight out of the hardshell case. This is easily one of the best Epiphone acoustic guitars for professional players and also those who want a hard-working strummer with a legendary voice for playing at home.

Epiphone Frontier (Made in USA Collection)

The Epiphone Frontier is one of the best Epiphone acoustic guitars for professionals, thanks to its incredibly versatile sound for picking and strumming, premium tonewoods and onboard electronics. It also looks incredibly cool. It has returned to USA production, is built in Bozeman, Montana and features a solid Sitka spruce top and solid figured maple back and sides. Its 25.5-inch scale, Indian rosewood fretboard, and traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing give it a bold, balanced tone, while gold-plated Gotoh Keystone tuners add a premium touch. With its iconic lariat and cactus pickguard design and an L.R. Baggs VTC pickup, it’s ready for stage or studio in Antique Natural and Frontier Burst finishes.

Which Epiphone acoustic is best for you in 2025?

If you’re wondering, “Which Epiphone acoustic should I buy?” or “Which Epiphone acoustic guitar is best?,” I’ll say it again: there’s no wrong answer. Epiphone acoustic guitars are designed to accompany you wherever you are in your musical journey, offering outstanding value, great tone, and dependable build quality across every collection.

If you’re chasing professional performance, heritage tone, vintage‑inspired craftsmanship, and premium appointments, look at the Inspired by Gibson Custom or Made in USA range. If you feel you fit into the intermediate category, and you want iconic shapes and incredible value for money without stepping up to the highest pricing tier, then the Inspired by Gibson Collection is likely the best option for you.

Beginners and casual players should explore the Original Collection, where models like the PRO‑1 and Songmaker DR‑100 deliver high-quality playability and tone at an entry-level price. The Modern Collection adds comfortable cutaways, slimmer necks, and built-in electronics, while the Artist Collection is where you’ll find stage-ready signature models built with the input of legendary musicians. And if your sound leans toward vintage Americana, folk, or bluegrass, the Bluegrass Collection offers traditional instruments made for players of today—from resonators to mandolins, we have everything you need.

No matter which Epiphone acoustic you choose, you’re getting an instrument designed to inspire. Whether it’s your first guitar or the latest addition to a growing collection, the right Epiphone acoustic will help you write songs and play shows as your voice grows as a musician. Now go and pick one up and start playing!

Explore the Epiphone Acoustic Collection now and check out our Gibson J-45 versus Gibson Hummingbird comparison guide for more acoustic guitar buying advice.