Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $900

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$500

$1201+

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Description

Introducing the Epiphone Emperor, a true embodiment of elegance and sonic prowess. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar seamlessly blends vintage aesthetics with contemporary craftsmanship. With its beautifully arched maple body, the Emperor promises a warm and resonant tone that is both rich and articulate. The mahogany neck combined with a rosewood fingerboard ensures smooth playability, making every note feel effortless.

At the heart of the Epiphone Emperor lies its mini-humbucker pickups, designed to capture the guitar's full-bodied sound while minimizing feedback, a common challenge in semi-hollow bodies. The guitar's trapeze tailpiece adds a classic touch, enhancing sustain and giving it a distinctive vintage vibe. Meanwhile, beautifully crafted F-holes and block inlays on the neck provide a visual appeal that is as striking as its sound.

Perfect for jazz, blues, or rock, this guitar is equipped with gold-plated hardware that not only looks stunning but also offers durability and reliability. The Emperor's controls are intuitively built into the pickguard, allowing for seamless adjustments during live performances or recording sessions. Whether you’re an aspiring musician or a seasoned player, the Epiphone Emperor is designed to inspire and elevate your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Archtop body style
  • Maple body with a mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard
  • Mini-humbucker pickups for warm, articulate tones
  • Trapeze tailpiece for enhanced sustain
  • F-holes and block inlays for a classic aesthetic
  • Gold-plated hardware for durability and style
  • Intuitive controls built into the pickguard

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Emperor
Finish Cherry Sunburst, Natural, Vintage Sunburst
Year 1984 - 1990
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Epiphone Emperor
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of music is the Epiphone Emperor best suited for?

The Epiphone Emperor, with its hollow body design and warm tone, is ideal for jazz, blues, and rockabilly. Its smooth sound and elegant aesthetics make it a favorite among players looking for a versatile guitar that excels in these genres.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Epiphone Emperor's pickups?

The Epiphone Emperor features dual humbucker pickups that provide a rich, warm tone with excellent sustain. These pickups offer a balanced sound, making them suitable for clean jazz tones as well as more driven rock sounds.

Is the Epiphone Emperor suitable for beginners?

While the Epiphone Emperor is a high-quality instrument, its size and hollow body design may be more comfortable for intermediate to advanced players. Beginners looking for a jazz or blues guitar might find it rewarding, but should consider their comfort with the larger body style.

How does the neck profile of the Epiphone Emperor affect playability?

The Epiphone Emperor features a set-neck construction with a maple neck, offering a comfortable grip and smooth playability. Its neck profile is designed to facilitate easy chord changes and fast lead playing, making it suitable for various playing styles.

What type of finish options are available for the Epiphone Emperor?

The Epiphone Emperor is available in Cherry Sunburst, Natural, and Vintage Sunburst finishes. Each option provides a classic look that enhances the guitar's visual appeal while maintaining a high-gloss finish for durability.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Jonathan Stout playing our Epiphone Emperor at Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Jonathan Stout playing our Epiphone Emperor at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Jonathan Stout playing our Epiphone Emperor at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Emperor's tone knobs can be pulled up to switch pickups between humbucker and single-coil modes, providing versatile sound options.

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  • Owners are curious about how the guitar handles feedback when pickups are split, indicating that this is a key area of interest for potential buyers.

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  • The absence of a center block results in feedback at higher amplified volumes, especially when playing at loud levels.

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User experience

  • One owner noted the guitar sounds like an acoustic when unplugged, highlighting its resonance and build quality.

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  • Despite cosmetic issues, users report the guitar remains in tune and plays well, indicating structural integrity is unaffected.

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Value and pricing

  • A user acquired an Epiphone Emperor in mint condition with a case for $375, suggesting strong value for the quality received.

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Comparisons

  • The Epiphone Emperor Swingster's playability is likened to a 1993 Gretsch Country Classic II, indicating high performance at a lower price point.

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  • When plugged into a Fender Bassman, the guitar transitions from an acoustic-like sound to a classic jazz box tone.

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Build quality

  • The late '80s model features beautiful wood and abalone inlay on the headstock, indicating premium craftsmanship for its era.

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  • The thick poly finish on the Emperor can be prone to cracking, particularly noticeable where materials meet.

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Use cases and applications

  • Its thick body allows it to play like a regular f-hole acoustic, ideal for jazz progressions with the neck pickup tone rolled back.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Finish cracking is common where the binding meets the wood and often cosmetic. However, some suggest monitoring for any progression.

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Critic Reviews

Epiphone Emperor Guitar (PH Jun 89)

muzines.co.uk

The Epiphone Emperor commands attention with its rich jazz tones and versatile performance. Its neck pickup delivers a deep, lush sound ideal for chordal work, while the bridge pickup offers a bright, edgy tone. The craftsmanship, with gold-plated hardware and a classic sunburst finish, adds to its allure. However, the guitar's large body and heel can hinder access to higher frets, making it less suited for high-register solos. Despite some tuning quirks, the Emperor's solid, comfortable playability and elegant design make it a worthy choice for those inclined towards hollow-body guitars.

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Artist usage

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See how Frank Iero uses Epiphone Emperor

Frank Iero

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via YouTube

Frank uses an Epiphone Emperor in this video. It can be seen best at 0:10.

See how Jimmy Buffett uses Epiphone Emperor

Jimmy Buffett

Singer, Guitarist

The Pelicanaires

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "A Tour Of Jimmy's Guitars" on the Jimmy Buffett Official channel, guitar tech Dan Cook confirms that Jimmy Buffett uses an Epiphone Emperor, as he shares stories about the instruments.

See how Deke Dickerson uses Epiphone Emperor

Deke Dickerson

Singer, Guitarist

Los Straitjackets

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Natural

In an Instagram post by Deke Dickerson, he is seen using an Epiphone Emperor guitar. The post's caption reads: "Well, that was a blast! I got to be a Texas Playboy for a night. What’s even more fun is that I get to do it again tomorrow in Fort Worth. Thanks again to Brett Bingham, Jason Roberts, and all the rest of the band. I was just trying to hold my own and not cause any train wrecks, all the people in the band were super nice and supportive. I had a blast!" The image, uploaded on November 7, 2025, shows Deke playing the Epiphone Emperor.

See how Franny Beecher uses Epiphone Emperor

Franny Beecher

Guitarist

Bill Haley & His Comets

...
Verified via Dutcharchtopguitarmuseum

Beecher would play his 1940 Soloist Emperor often with the Benny Goodman Orchestra, before making his television debut with Bill Haley & His Comets playing it. It may be one of only three ever made.

Genre Usage

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

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