Welcome to the Epiphone Strat & Telecaster Specifications Guide.
This page is not associated with The Epiphone Company, Gibson Corporation or any partners or affiliates. This webpage is a personal project designed to help clarify the differences between the various series and models of Epiphone brand strat-style guitars.
This guide is an ongoing project and may not be 100% accurate.
This webpage online since February, 2010.
Last Update: Oct. 30, 2010
EPI-SERIES
Epiphone ES-200: 1995
- 2 Single Coil Pickups
- Chrome Hardware
- Offset Double-Cutaway Laminate Body
- Bolt-on Maple Neck
- Vintage-Style Tremolo
- 1 Vol / 1 Tone Knobs
- 3-way Selector Switch
- Maple Fingerboard
- Dot Inlays
- $249 MSRP (1995)
- Ebony
- White
- Red.
The Epiphone Epi-Series was produced in 1995 as an entry level line in the Epiphone range of guitars and basses. The guitars were produced in China and Indonesia.
"The Epiphone Company of Nashville, TN USA proudly introduces a new line of entry level instruments called 'Epi'"
"Designed by professionals, these new instruments offer the beginning guitar player the spirit of Epiphone at a very affordable price".
- Epiphone 1995
Epiphone ES-300: 1995
- 3 Single Coil Pickups
- Chrome Hardware
- Offset Double-Cutaway Plywood Body
- Bolt-on Maple Neck
- Vintage-Style Tremolo
- 1 Vol / 2 Tone Knobs
- 5-way Selector Switch
- Rosewood Fingerboard
- Dot Inlays
- $259 MSRP (1995)
- Ebony
- White
- Red
- Vintage Sunburst
The Epiphone Epi-Series was produced in 1995 as an entry level line in the Epiphone range of guitars and basses. The guitars were produced in China and Indonesia.
"The Epiphone Company of Nashville, TN USA proudly introduces a new line of entry level instruments called 'Epi'"
"Designed by professionals, these new instruments offer the beginning guitar player the spirit of Epiphone at a very affordable price".
- Epiphone 1995
T-SERIES
- Two Single Coil Pickups
- Chrome Hardware
- Laminated Alder Body
- Bolt-on Maple Neck
- Maple Fingerboard
- Dot Inlays
- White
- Black
- Fiesta Red
- Vintage Sunburst
- Natural (Custom Only)
Solid Maple, Slim-Taper Neck with Maple Fingerboard for smooth, fast playing ease and classic vintage feel.
Double-Plated Chrome Bridge with Individual String Height and Intonation Adjustments for more accurate intonation and customized string action adjustment.
Custom High-Output Epiphone Single-Coil Pick-ups and Three-Way Selector Switch for that traditional "twang" that's just right for country, rock, or blues.
Epiphone T-310 Custom: 1995-1999
The T-310 Custom was introduced in 1995 and had an Ash body and an Alnico Classic Humbucker.
- One Single Coil Pickup
- One Alnico Classic Humbucker
- Chrome Hardware
- Solid Ash Body
- Bolt-on Maple Neck
- Maple Fingerboard
- Dot Inlays (black)
- Natural (Custom Only)
Solid Maple, Slim-Taper Neck with Maple Fingerboard for smooth, fast playing ease and classic vintage feel.
Double-Plated Chrome Bridge with Individual String Height and Intonation Adjustments for more accurate intonation and customized string action adjustment.
Custom High-Output Epiphone Single-Coil Pick-up at the bridge, Alnico Classic Humbucker in the neck position and Three-Way Selector Switch.
S-SERIES
Epiphone S-200: 1986-1988
- 2 Tech-II Series Humbucker Pickups
- 1 Volume / 2 Tone Controls
- 3-Position Selector Switch
- Vintage or Bennder Tremolo
- Maple Bolt-on Neck
- Optional Locking Nut
- Chrome or Black Hardware
- Alder/Plywood Laminate Body
- Maple or Rosewood fretboard
- Dot Inlays
- Epiphone by Gibson Inlay on Headstock
- Available Left Handed
- Black
- Ivory
- Fiesta Red
The Epiphone S-200 was introduced in 1986 as the entry level model in the S-Series. The next step up was the S-300.
The 1986 S-200 headstock featured the "Epiphone By Gibson" inlay in both the older and newer styles.
The S-200 ran until 1988.
The S-Series was introduced in 1986 with the following models: S-200, S-300, S-400,
S-500, S-600, S-800, and S-900.
The S-210 and S-310 were introduced in 1989. The S-300 became a starter pack.
Epiphone S-300: 1986-1988
- Tech-II Series Single Coil Pickups
- Vintage Tremolo
- Maple Bolt-on Neck
- Optional Locking Nut
- Chrome or Black Hardware
- Alder/Plywood Laminate Body
- Maple or Rosewood fretboard
- Dot Inlays
- Epiphone by Gibson Inlay on Headstock
- Available Left Handed
- Three single coil pickups
- 2-Point Fulcrum
- Maple Bolt-on Neck
- Chrome Hardware
- Alder/Plywood Laminate Body
- Maple or Rosewood Fingerboard
- Epiphone EP-150 Amplifier
- Gigbag, Cord & Strap
- Available Left Handed
- Black
- Ivory
- Fiesta Red
- Vintage Sunburst
- Seafoam Green
- Banana Yellow
The Epiphone S-300 was introduced in 1986 as a part of the S-Series and a step up from the S-200.
The 1986 S-300 headstock featured the "Epiphone By Gibson" inlay in both the older and newer styles.
In 1989 the S-310 was introduced. The S-300 became a starter package including an Epiphone amp, gigbag, cord, and strap.
The S-Series was introduced in 1986 with the following models: S-200, S-300, S-400,
S-500, S-600, S-800, and S-900.
Epiphone S-210: 1996-1999
- Three Single Coil Pickups
- Vintage-Style Tremolo
- Maple Bolt-on Neck
- Chrome Hardware
- Alder/Plywood Laminate Body
- Maple or Rosewood Fingerboard
- Dot Inlays
- Batwing Headstock
- Black
- Pearl White
- Fiesta Red
- Vintage Sunburst
In 1996, the S-Series headstock changed to the "batwing" style, and the S-210 was introduced. These guitars had "Made in Korea" ink stamped onto the heels and "Epiphone" engraved into the neck plates as well as the serial numbers.
In 1999, the S-Series guitars were redesigned with the addition of an open-coil humbucker in the bridge position. The S-210 became the FAT-210, and the S-310 became the FAT-310
The S-series continued production with only the FAT-210 and FAT-310 until 2004.
Epiphone FAT-210: 1999-2004
- Two Single Coil Pickups/One Humbucker
- Vintage-Style Tremolo
- Optional Schaller/Floyd Rose Tremolo
- Maple Neck
- Angled Headstock With Natural Wood Finish
- Silkscreened Logo
- Rosewood Fretboard
- Dot Inlays
- Available In Player Pack
- Ebony
- Red
- Vintage Sunburst
- Vintage White
In 1999, the S-Series guitars were redesigned with the addition of an open-coil humbucker in the bridge position. The S-210 became the FAT-210.
The FAT-210 had a rosewood fretboard and natural headstock.
A sticker on the heel of the neck designated the model and color of the guitar. The neck plate was engraved with the "Epiphone" logo. The serial number was on a sticker underneath the neck plate.
The series continued production unchanged until it was discontinued in 2004.
Epiphone S-310: 1989-1999
- Three Single Coil Pickups
- 2-Point Tremolo
- Maple Bolt-on Neck
- Chrome or Black Hardware
- Alder/Plywood Laminate Bbody
- Maple or Rosewood Fingerboard
- Dot Inlays
- Available Left Handed
- Black
- Pearl White
- Fiesta Red
- Vintage Sunburst
- Seafoam Green
- Banana Yellow
In 1989 the S-310 was introduced.
The S-series headstock was changed to the "hockeystick" shape and the logo changed to just "Epiphone". The S-310 replaced the S-300. The S-300 became a starter package.
In 1996, the S-Series headstock changed to the "batwing" shape, borrowed from classic Epiphone designs.
The S-310 was produced until 1999 when the S-series was redesigned. The S-310 became the FAT-310 with an open coil humbucker in the bridge position.
The S-series continued production with only the FAT-210 and FAT-310 until 2004.
Epiphone S-310: 1994-1996
- 1 Humbucker / 2 Single
- 2-Point Tremolo
- Maple Bolt-on Neck
- Chrome Hardware
- Ash Body
- Maple Fingerboard
- Dot Inlays
- Natural
In 1989 the S-310 was introduced.
The S-series headstock was changed to the "hockeystick" shape and the logo changed to just "Epiphone". The S-310 replaced the S-300. The S-300 became a starter package.
In 1996, the S-Series headstock changed to the "batwing" shape, borrowed from classic Epiphone designs.
The S-310 was produced until 1999 when the S-series was redesigned. The S-310 became the FAT-310 with an open coil humbucker in the bridge position.
The S-series continued production with only the FAT-210 and FAT-310 until 2004.
Epiphone FAT-310: 1999-2004
- Two Single Coil Pickups/One Humbucker
- Chrome Hardware
- Die-cast Machine Heads
- 2-point Fulcrum Tremolo
- Vintage Yellow Antique Maple neck
- Pearl Inlaid Headstock Logo
- Maple Fingerboard
- Dot Inlays
- Ebony
- Red
- Vintage Sunburst
- Vintage White.
In 1999, the S-Series guitars were redesigned with the addition of an open-coil humbucker in the bridge position. The S-310 became the FAT-310.
The FAT-310 had a maple fretboard with black dots and a black headstock with inlaid logo.
A sticker on the heel of the neck designated the model and color of the guitar. The neck plate was engraved with the "Epiphone" logo. The serial number was on a sticker underneath the neck plate.
The series continued production unchanged until it was discontinued in 2004.
Epiphone S-400: 1986-1988
- Two Single Coil Pickups / One Humbucker
- Tech-II Series Pickup System
- Chrome or Black Hardware
- Locking Nut
- Allen Keys & Holder on Headstock
- Rosewood or Maple Fretboard
- Dot Inlays
- Two Optional Tremolos:
• Standard Non-locking Tremolo
• Epiphone Bennder Locking Vibrola
- White
- Alpine White
- Black
- Black Metallic
- Blue
- Light Blue Metallic
- Red
- Red Metallic
- Green
- Green Metallic.
The S-Series was introduced in 1986 with the following models: S-200, S-300, S-400,
S-500, S-600, S-800, and S-900.
Headstocks:
1986 - The S-Series featured body-color headstocks with an inlaid "Epiphone by Gibson" logo in both the older and newer styles.
1987 - The tips of the headstocks were rounded off to avoid lawsuits from Jackson.
1988 - The headstocks were changed to an elongated version of the "hockeystick" shape seen on the Gibson Explorer.
Epiphone S-500: 1986-1988
- Two Single Coil Pickups / One Humbucker
- Tech-II Series Pickup System
- Chrome or Black Hardware
- Locking Nut
- Allen Keys & Holder on Headstock
- Rosewood Fretboard
- Shark Fin Inlays
- Two Optional Tremolos:
• Standard Non-locking Tremolo
• Epiphone Bennder Locking Vibrola
- White
- Alpine White
- Black
- Black Metallic
- Blue
- Light Blue Metallic
- Red
- Red Metallic
- Green
- Green Metallic.
The S-Series was introduced in 1986 with the following models: S-200, S-300, S-400,
S-500, S-600, S-800, and S-900.
Headstocks:
1986 - The S-Series featured body-color headstocks with an inlaid "Epiphone by Gibson" logo in both the older and newer styles.
1987 - The tips of the headstocks were rounded off to avoid lawsuits from Jackson.
1988 - The headstocks were changed to an elongated version of the "hockeystick" shape seen on the Gibson Explorer.
Epiphone S-600: 1986-1988
- Two Single Coil Pickups / One Humbucker
- Tech-II Series Pickup System
- Coil Tap for Humbucker
- Chrome or Black Hardware
- Locking Nut
- No Pickguard
- Maple Bolt-on Neck
- Allen Keys & Holder on Headstock
- Output Jack Relocated to Side of Body
- Shark Fin Inlays
- Three Optional Tremolos:
• Epiphone Bennder
• Schaller Floyd Rose
• Steinberger KB Colors:
- White
- Alpine White
- Black
- Black Metallic
- Blue
- Light Blue Metallic
- Red
- Red Metallic
- Green
- Green Metallic
- Candy Pink Metallic (Limited Ed. 1987).
The S-Series was introduced in 1986 with the following models: S-200, S-300, S-400,
S-500, S-600, S-800, and S-900.
Headstocks:
1986 - The S-Series featured body-color headstocks with an inlaid "Epiphone by Gibson" logo in both the older and newer styles.
1987 - The tips of the headstocks were rounded off to avoid lawsuits from Jackson.
1988 - The headstocks were changed to an elongated version of the "hockeystick" shape seen on the Gibson Explorer.
Epiphone S-800: 1986-1988
- Two Single Coil Pickups / One Humbucker
- Tech-II Series Pickup System
- Mini-toggle Killswitch for Each Pickup
- Coil Tap for Humbucker
- Chrome or Black Hardware
- Locking Nut
- Maple Bolt-on Neck
- Allen Keys & Holder on Headstock
- Output Jack Relocated to Side of Body
- Shark Fin inlays
- Three Optional Tremolos:
• Epiphone Bennder
• Schaller Floyd Rose
• Steinberger KB Colors:
- White
- Alpine White
- Black
- Black Metallic
- Blue
- Light Blue Metallic
- Red
- Red Metallic
- Green
- Green Metallic
- Candy Pink Metallic (Limited Ed. 1987).
The S-Series was introduced in 1986 with the following models: S-200, S-300, S-400,
S-500, S-600, S-800, and S-900.
Headstocks:
1986 - The S-Series featured body-color headstocks with an inlaid "Epiphone by Gibson" logo in both the older and newer styles.
1987 - The tips of the headstocks were rounded off to avoid lawsuits from Jackson.
1988 - The headstocks were changed to an elongated version of the "hockeystick" shape seen on the Gibson Explorer.
Epiphone S-800: 1986-1988
- Two Single Coil Pickups / One Humbucker
- Tech-II Series Pickup System
- Mini-toggle Killswitch for Each Pickup
- Coil Tap for Humbucker
- Binding Around Body
- Locking Nut
- Maple Neck-through Design
- Allen Keys & Holder on Headstock
- Output Jack Relocated to Side of Body
- Shark Fin Inlays
- Three Optional Tremolos:
• Epiphone Bennder
• Schaller Floyd Rose
• Steinberger KB Colors:
- White
- Alpine White
- Black
- Black Metallic
- Blue
- Light Blue Metallic
- Red
- Red Metallic
- Green
- Green Metallic
- Candy Pink Metallic (Limited Ed. 1987).
The S-Series was introduced in 1986 with the following models: S-200, S-300, S-400,
S-500, S-600, S-800, and S-900.
Headstocks:
1986 - The S-Series featured body-color headstocks with an inlaid "Epiphone by Gibson" logo in both the older and newer styles.
1987 - The tips of the headstocks were rounded off to avoid lawsuits from Jackson.
1988 - The headstocks were changed to an elongated version of the "hockeystick" shape seen on the Gibson Explorer.
I-SERIES
Epiphone 435i: 1989-1991
- Samick Vantage Pickups
- Screened "i" Logos
- Two Single Coil Pickups / One Humbucker
- Black Hardware
- Epiphone "Bennder" Fine-tune Tremolo
- Offset Double-cutaway
- "Select Hardwood" Body
- Bolt-on Maple Neck
- Allen Keys & Holder on Headstock
- 22-fret Rosewood Fingerboard
- Offset Dot Inlays
- $399 MSRP (1991)
- Metallic Black
- Pearl White
- Metallic Red
Made in Korea by the Samick Corporation 1989-1991.
The Epiphone I-Series was introduced in 1989 after several models in the S-Series were discontinued.The I-series was most likely created to replace the discontinued S-Series models.
Often confused with the Pro-Series.
Epiphone 635i: 1989-1991
- Samick Vantage Pickups
- Screened "i" Logos
- Two Single Coil Pickups / One Humbucker
- Black Hardware
- Schaller-built Floyd Rose Locking Tremolo
- Offset Double-cutaway
- Carved Poplar Body
- Bolt-on Maple Neck
- Allen Keys & Holder on Headstock
- 24-fret Rosewood Fingerboard
- Offset Dot Inlays
- $599 MSRP (1991)
- Metallic Black
- Pearl White
- Metallic Red
Made in Korea by the Samick Corporation 1989-1991.
The Epiphone I-Series was introduced in 1989 after several models in the S-Series were discontinued.
The I-series was most likely created to replace the discontinued S-Series models.
Often confused with the Pro-Series.
Epiphone 935i: 1989-1991
- Gibson L-8 Humbucker (bridge)
- Gibson SC-2 Single Coil (neck)
- Black Hardware
- Schaller-built Floyd Rose Locking Tremolo
- Offset Double-cutaway
- Carved Poplar Body
- Set Maple Neck
- Allen Keys & Holder on Headstock
- 24-fret Rosewood Fingerboard
- Offset Dot Inlays
- $769 MSRP (1991)
- Metallic Black
- Pearl White
- Metallic Red
- Magenta
Made in Korea by the Samick Corporation 1989-1991.
The Epiphone I-Series was introduced in 1989 after several models in the S-Series were discontinued. The I-series was most likely created to replace the discontinued S-Series models.
Often confused with the Pro-Series.
PRO-SERIES
Epiphone Pro: 1989-1993
- Gibson L-8 humbucker (bridge)
- Gibson SC-2 Single Coil (neck)
- Black Hardware
- Carved Poplar Body
- Bolt-on Maple Neck
- Schaller-built, Floyd Rose Locking Tremolo
- 24-fret Diagonally-cut Ebony Fingerboard
- Offset Dot Inlays
- "PRO" Inlay at 24th Fret
- Made in Nashville, TN by Gibson Corp.
- Ebony
- Alpine White
- Candy Apple Red.
The Epiphone Pro-Series was created in 1989 alongside the I-Series. From 1989 to 1993, it consisted of only the Pro.
The Pro was built in Nashville, TN by Gibson Corp. The series was discontinued in 1998.
In 1995, the Pro-1 and Pro-2 were introduced. The Pro-1 and Pro-2 were built in Korea by the Samick Corporation
"The Epiphone Pro Series proves Gibson's commitment to modern guitar design at all levels. Each instrument in the series has been researched, designed, and built with close attention to the performance details most important to working musicians."
Epiphone Pro-1: 1995-1998
- 1 OBL HB / 1 OBL HBB-1
- Coil Tapping
- Black Hardware
- Alder Body
- Bolt-on Maple Neck
- Steinberger Tremolo
- 24-fret Diagonally-cut Rosewood Fretboard
- M-III Inlays
- $749 MSRP (1998)
- Metallic Black
- Pearl White
- Metallic Red
- Metallic Blue
In 1995, the Pro-1 and Pro-2 were introduced. The Pro-1 and Pro-2 were built in Korea by the Samick Corporation.
The Epiphone Pro-Series was created in 1989 alongside the I-Series. From 1989 to 1993, it consisted of only the Pro.
"The Epiphone Pro Series proves Gibson's commitment to modern guitar design at all levels. Each instrument in the series has been researched, designed, and built with close attention to the performance details most important to working musicians."
- Epiphone, 1989
Epiphone Pro-2: 1995-1998
- Two Slanted OBL Humbuckers
- Coil Tapping
- Black Hardware
- Alder Body
- Bolt-on Maple Neck
- Steinberger Yremolo
- 24-fret Diagonally-cut Rosewood Fretboard
- M-III Inlays
- $799 MSRP (1998)
- Metallic Black
- Pearl White
- Metallic Red
- Metallic Blue
In 1995, the Pro-1 and Pro-2 were introduced. The Pro-1 and Pro-2 were built in Korea by the Samick Corporation.
The Epiphone Pro-Series was created in 1989 alongside the I-Series. From 1989 to 1993, it consisted of only the Pro.
"The Epiphone Pro Series proves Gibson's commitment to modern guitar design at all levels. Each instrument in the series has been researched, designed, and built with close attention to the performance details most important to working musicians."
- Epiphone, 1989
X-1000
Epiphone X-1000: 1986-1989
- Made in Korea
- 24 Jumbo Frets
- EMG Select Pickups
- Two Single Coil Pickups / One Humbucker
- Mini-toggle Killswitch for Each Pickup
- Coil Tap for Humbucker (added in 1988)
- Locking Nut
- No Pickguard
- Maple Neck-through Design
- Synthetic Ebony Fretboard
- Chevron Inlays
- Neck & Head Binding
- Steinberger-KB Tremolo
- Ebony
- Red
- White Pearl
Double cutaway body with a laminated maple through neck. Synthetic ebony bound fretboard with chevron inlays. Headstock was also bound.
The bridge is a Steinberger KB tremolo.
The pickups are EMG selects. HSS Pick-up configuration with on/off mini-switch for each pickup. 1 volume and 1 tone control.
(coil tap for the humbucker was added in 1988-1989)
