Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (2)
$799.00
Guitar Center
3.5 (4)
$799.00
Amazon
4.4 (4)
Used
Reverb
5.0 (13)
$755.30 New
$499.95 Used
zZounds
5.0 (4)
$799.00
Thomann
4.8 (9)
$725.00 $719.00 $6.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£699.00

Average Price: $746

Budget/Beginner

$999

$2500+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* 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

Step into the realm of vintage allure with the Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody Electric Guitar, a masterful blend of classic design and modern versatility. This guitar is not just a nod to the past but a bridge to a myriad of sonic possibilities. The Emperor Swingster is crafted around the iconic body and neck of the Emperor-II, celebrated by jazz virtuoso Joe Pass. But it doesn’t stop there: Epiphone’s SwingBucker pickups are at the core of this instrument, offering a seamless fusion of warmth, bite, and twang. The series/parallel wiring further expands your tonal palette, allowing for effortless transitions from rich, jazzy humbucker sounds to crisp, single-coil-like tones.

A licensed Bigsby vibrato provides a delightful vintage-inspired flair, perfect for adding expressive textures to your playing. Meanwhile, the Tune-o-matic bridge and Grover Rotomatic tuners ensure that your performance remains stable and precise, no matter how dynamic the session gets. Visually, the Swingster stands out with its multi-bound headstock, adorned with a mother-of-pearl vine inlay, and a 22-fret Indian laurel fingerboard accented by block inlays. Whether you're diving into jazz, rockabilly, or country, the Epiphone Emperor Swingster is your ticket to a world of musical exploration.

Key Features:

  • Inspired by the body and neck of the renowned Emperor-II
  • Equipped with 2 SwingBucker pickups for a unique blend of tones
  • Series/parallel wiring for versatile soundscapes
  • Licensed Bigsby vibrato for classic vibrato effects
  • 22-fret Indian laurel fingerboard with block inlays
  • Durable Tune-o-matic bridge and Grover Rotomatic tuners
  • Distinctive multi-bound headstock with a mother-of-pearl vine inlay

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Hollowbody
Body Shape Emperor Swingster Singlecut
Body Material Maple
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Slim Taper
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Pearloid Blocks
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 24.724"
Nut Width 1.692"
Nut Material Graph Tech NuBone
Bridge/Tailpiece LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge with pinned Laurel base, Bigsby Vibrato Tailpiece
Tuners Kidney-style Tuners
Neck Pickup Epiphone SwingBucker Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Epiphone SwingBucker Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 2 x tone (push/pull series parallel)
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings .11-.50
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of music is the Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody Electric Guitar best suited for?

The Epiphone Emperor Swingster is ideal for genres like jazz, rockabilly, and blues, thanks to its hollowbody design and SwingBucker pickups, which produce warm, rich tones and a smooth sound perfect for these styles.

Does the Epiphone Emperor Swingster come with a case or gig bag?

The Epiphone Emperor Swingster does not include a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately to ensure protection and portability.

What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Emperor Swingster, and how does it affect playability?

The Epiphone Emperor Swingster features a Slim Taper neck profile, which provides a comfortable and fast playing experience, particularly beneficial for players who prefer a thinner neck for easier fret access.

Can the Epiphone Emperor Swingster handle high-gain settings without feedback issues?

While the hollowbody design of the Epiphone Emperor Swingster can be prone to feedback at high-gain settings, proper amp settings and positioning can help manage and minimize feedback for a smoother performance.

What are the standout features of the Epiphone Emperor Swingster's electronics?

The Epiphone Emperor Swingster is equipped with SwingBucker humbuckers and push/pull tone controls for series/parallel switching, offering versatile tonal options from warm, vintage sounds to brighter, more articulate tones.

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Epiphone Swingster Guitar Demo - PMT

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Swingster Guitar Demo - PMT by PMTVUK

Epiphone Swingster Guitar Demo - PMT

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for A Swingster Says What?!? - NEW Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody Guitars! by Andertons Music Co

A Swingster Says What?!? - NEW Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody Guitars!

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for The Epiphone Emperor Swingster by OfficialEpiphone

The Epiphone Emperor Swingster

OfficialEpiphone

OfficialEpiphone

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Emperor Swingster Archtop | Gear4music Demo by Gear4music Guitars

Epiphone Emperor Swingster Archtop | Gear4music Demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Emperor Swingster Demo and Tone Guide by OfficialEpiphone

Epiphone Emperor Swingster Demo and Tone Guide

OfficialEpiphone

OfficialEpiphone

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Swingster Wine Red - Guitar Demo by TheSouthmark

Epiphone Swingster Wine Red - Guitar Demo

TheSouthmark

TheSouthmark

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Emperor Swingster by Rich Bischoff

Epiphone Emperor Swingster

Rich Bischoff

Rich Bischoff

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Emperor Swingster | Demonstration & Reasons To Buy With James by Rimmers Music

Epiphone Emperor Swingster | Demonstration & Reasons To Buy With James

Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Video thumbnail for Blutone reviews the Epiphone Emperor Swingster.  All tones and no talking! by Blutone Music

Blutone reviews the Epiphone Emperor Swingster. All tones and no talking!

Blutone Music

Blutone Music

Video thumbnail for My Epiphone Emperor Swingster: It was all going so well! by Blutone Music

My Epiphone Emperor Swingster: It was all going so well!

Blutone Music

Blutone Music

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Emperor Swingster | Russo Music Snacks by Russo Music

Epiphone Emperor Swingster | Russo Music Snacks

Russo Music

Russo Music

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Emperor Swingster Semi | Orange | Ex Display | Blackpool Store by Rimmers Music

Epiphone Emperor Swingster Semi | Orange | Ex Display | Blackpool Store

Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Emperor Swingster White Royale Pearl White Guitar | Bonners Guitar Store by Bonners Guitar Store

Epiphone Emperor Swingster White Royale Pearl White Guitar | Bonners Guitar Store

Bonners Guitar Store

Bonners Guitar Store

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning aesthetic with beautiful finish and intricate inlays

  • Versatile pickups offering a wide range of tones

  • Bigsby tremolo provides excellent tuning stability

  • Plays well across various genres: jazz, blues, country, rockabilly

  • High-quality build with attention to detail from Epiphone Custom Shop

  • Great playability, comparable to more expensive guitars

  • Push/pull tone controls for versatile pickup options

  • Excellent value for a hollowbody electric guitar

CONS

  • Stock electronics can be muddy and require upgrades for live performances

  • Strings may pop out of the saddle under heavy playing

  • Tone pots have limited useful range and are difficult to upgrade

  • Some setup work may be needed out of the box

  • Large and heavy body may require adjustment for comfort

Owner Insights

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

Value and pricing

  • Owners report that $500 is a fair price for a 2011 model in pristine condition, often seen between €500 and over €1000.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar offers a pleasing sound even when unplugged, highlighting its acoustic resonance and build quality.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner humorously notes the whammy bar's ability to "freak out" pets, indicating its smooth functionality and user enjoyment.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 16 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jeremy_crockett

Versatile and Awesome!

I have become enthralled with the great hollow body players like Chet Atkins and Joe Pass. As such, I began looking for a quality Jazz Box at a reasonable price. The Epiphone Emperor Swingster fits the bill perfectly!

Not only is this is a genuine Tone Monster, but it is also absolutely gorgeous! The neck, headstock, and body are all beautifully bound and finished. Speaking of the headstock, the inlay is stunning and headstock shapely. Many of the online photographs fail to do the Red Wine color adequate justice.

One of the best features are the two push/pull Tone controls that allow you to change each pickup's output individually from parallel to series wiring. The Bigsby-licensed B30 tremolo has the original "wire" handle and is pure Chet Atkins!

While it is definitely not suited to heavy rock, the Emperor Swingster excels in Jazz, Blues, Country, and Rockabilly.

If you are thinking about purchasing this particular Jazz Box, do not hesitate! Get it today! You will love it!

Roles:
Genres:
matthew_mcnally

Great guitar!!

Not only does it look absolutely stunning, but it's great for pretty much any genre, rock, metal, folk, etc. The Bigsby tail piece is also a great addition, and the guitar stays in tune very well.

jimmarchi1

There ya go, buddy. That was a reasonably comprehensive review. You told us the guitar's features, strengths, ya skipped the swingster's weaknesses and I'm sure a modern epi has some... but that was short and sweet with only one glaring error, there's no such thing as excessive use of a Bigsby. Not possible.

Now go back and re-do your 80s Sheraton review so its more like this one. Somewhat informative and useful to other musicians.

alli3rk

Beautiful Guitar with an even Sexier Sound

The feel of the neck is amazing and there is duel, pickups. So even though it is a hollow body there is a lot of versatility. 10 out of 10 would recommend. Also, the headstock has an aggressive but gorgeous inlay.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Izzy Stradlin uses Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody

Izzy Stradlin

Singer, Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Pinterest

Izzy can be see with his Emperor Swingster guitar in some older photos with Guns 'N Roses.

See how Wilbur Soot uses Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody

Wilbur Soot

Singer, Guitarist

Lovejoy

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Wilbur Soot - Being A Rockstar" on YouTube, Wilbur Soot can be seen with his Epiphone Emperor Swingster in Sunrise Orange. The guitar also appears in the background during his cover of "Fake Tales of San Francisco."

See how Luis Alberto Spinetta uses Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody

Luis Alberto Spinetta

Singer, Guitarist

Spinetta y Los Socios Del Desierto

...
Verified via YouTube

Video del tema Preconicion, en el Canal Oficial https://youtu.be/Pey9CdqNy64

See how Goran Bregovic uses Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody

Goran Bregovic

Guitarist, Composer

Bijelo dugme

...
Verified via Facebook

Played at Saint Denis in 2016.

See how Louane Emera uses Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody

Louane Emera

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Louane Emera can be seen playing the Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody Electric Guitar - White Royale during her full set on September 23, 2016, in Braunschweig, as captured in the YouTube video.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
clem3693

clem3693

Gear IQ 969

cjzonneveld

cjzonneveld

Gear IQ 211

clem3693

clem3693

Gear IQ 969

cjzonneveld

cjzonneveld

Gear IQ 211

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