Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $329

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unveil your musical prowess with the vintage charm of the Epiphone EA-250, a semi-hollow electric guitar that emanates a rich, warm tone. Originating from Japan in the 1970s, this guitar exhibits Epiphone's meticulous craftsmanship and innovation. With its dual humbucker design, the EA-250 offers a versatile sound palette, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of music genres.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow electric guitar for a unique balance of resonance and control
  • Dual humbucker design for a wide spectrum of tonal possibilities
  • Originated in the 1970s, showcasing Epiphone's vintage charm and advanced guitar technology
  • Predecessor of the later EA-255, hinting at the instrument’s rich history and evolution
  • Crafted in Japan, ensuring high-quality build and performance

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model EA-250 with Trapeze Tailpiece, EA-250 with Vibrato Tailpiece
Finish Cherry
Year 1972 - 1974
Made In Japan
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Red
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Epiphone EA-250
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"

FAQs

What kind of music is the Epiphone EA-250 best suited for?

The Epiphone EA-250, with its semi-hollow body and dual humbucker pickups, is well-suited for genres like blues, jazz, and classic rock, offering a warm, resonant tone with a touch of vintage character.

Does the Epiphone EA-250 have a bolt-on neck, and how does it affect playability?

Yes, the Epiphone EA-250 features a bolt-on neck, which provides a snappy response and makes it easier to adjust or replace, contributing to its versatile playability.

What is the scale length of the Epiphone EA-250, and what does it mean for the guitar's feel?

The Epiphone EA-250 has a 25.5-inch scale length, which offers a balanced tension across the strings, providing a familiar feel for players accustomed to both Fender and Gibson-style guitars.

How does the pickup configuration on the Epiphone EA-250 influence its sound?

The Epiphone EA-250 is equipped with a dual humbucker (HH) configuration, delivering a thick, warm tone with reduced hum, ideal for achieving classic rock and blues sounds.

Is the Epiphone EA-250 a good choice for beginners?

The Epiphone EA-250 is a solid choice for beginners due to its comfortable playability and versatile tone, making it easy to explore various musical styles while learning.

laritouille

laritouille

Epiphone EA-250 Vintage Hollow Body

Video thumbnail for Epiphone EA-250 Vintage Hollow Body by laritouille

Epiphone EA-250 Vintage Hollow Body

laritouille

laritouille

Video thumbnail for 1972 Epiphone EA-250 by ZIMM'S GUITARS

1972 Epiphone EA-250

ZIMM'S GUITARS

ZIMM'S GUITARS

Video thumbnail for Epiphone EA-250 1970's Hollowbody Guitar Review by JandW Music

Epiphone EA-250 1970's Hollowbody Guitar Review

JandW Music

JandW Music

Video thumbnail for Noel Gallagher's Epiphone EA-250 by Laurence Carpenter Memorabilia Expert

Noel Gallagher's Epiphone EA-250

Laurence Carpenter Memorabilia Expert

Laurence Carpenter Memorabilia Expert

Video thumbnail for 1970s Epiphone (Matsumoku) EA-250 hollowbody electric guitar by Jake Wildwood & Co

1970s Epiphone (Matsumoku) EA-250 hollowbody electric guitar

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Video thumbnail for 1970s Epiphone EA-250, Supersonic Reimagined by God's Own Guitars

1970s Epiphone EA-250, Supersonic Reimagined

God's Own Guitars

God's Own Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Vintage charm with a unique red burst body and flawless finish

  • Maxon pickups deliver incredible warmth and tone

  • Original wiring harness maintains historical authenticity

  • Easy to play once properly set up

  • Bolt-on neck design offers customization potential

  • Semi-hollowbody provides rich, resonant sound

CONS

  • Neck pockets often require shimming for proper playability

  • Narrower fingerboard width may not suit all players

  • May require restoration or repairs to reach full potential

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone EA-250.

Build quality

  • The EA-250 features bolt-on neck construction, which is uncommon for semi-hollow guitars, potentially affecting sustain and resonance.

    Source
  • It's noted that these guitars were made by Matsumoku in the '70s, indicating a step down in quality compared to '60s Kalamazoo models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pickups, although humbucker-style, reportedly contain single coils, providing less traditional humbucker warmth.

    Source
  • The Bigsby-style tremolo can be swapped for a trapeze tailpiece if preferred, offering a straightforward modification option.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The EA-250 shares design elements with Univox and Aria models, but lacks their recognition, impacting perceived value.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Low flat frets may require more pressure for clean notes, potentially complicating bends and fast playing.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The EA-250, once considered low-quality, now sells for significantly more due to its vintage appeal, though some believe this doesn't justify the price increase.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's pickups are debated for their suitability for jazz versus vintage rock, with some suggesting a lack of traditional warmth for jazz tones.

    Source
  • Some owners consider 70's Japanese Epiphones, like the EA-250, as underrated gems, appreciating their vintage appeal for both collection and live performance.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners have experienced issues significant enough to discard the guitar, indicating potential long-term reliability concerns.

    Source
  • The EA-250's Bigsby-style tremolo is humorously compared to a "kickstand," indicating it might be oversized or awkward for some users.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's been noted that the PolyTune Clip is a favored choice for live play, suggesting a focus on accurate tuning and performance readiness.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Noel Gallagher uses Epiphone EA-250

Noel Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via YouTube

In this early Oasis video Noel can be seen using an Epiphone EA-250. Noel is also seen holding this guitar while sitting on a piano on the cover of Oasis first single Supersonic. He is also seen using this guitar in some very early photographs taken by photographer James Fry in 1993.

See how Robert Smith uses Epiphone EA-250

Robert Smith

Singer, Guitarist

The Cure

...
Verified via YouTube

In a performance of "Hot Hot Hot" on the final episode of "The Tube," Robert Smith of The Cure can be seen playing a 1970s vintage Epiphone EA-250 with a uniquely positioned toggle switch, as captured in a video by Cyberman on YouTube.

See how Liam Gallagher uses Epiphone EA-250

Liam Gallagher

Singer

Oasis

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo we see Liam playing a 1970s Epiphone EA-250 in red

See how Paul Arthurs uses Epiphone EA-250

Paul Arthurs

Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via Photo

Paul Arthurs uses a 1970 Epiphone EA-250, as confirmed by his Instagram post where he thanks Chris from @ampguitars for the guitar, stating, "Good to see you yesterday."

See how Eugene Kelly uses Epiphone EA-250

Eugene Kelly

Singer, Guitarist

The Vaselines

...
Verified via Photo

"...the Epiphone that most of the 1980's Vaselines songs were written on."

-@eugenekelly on twitter

Album Usage

The Epiphone EA-250 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Epiphone Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides