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Average Price: $829
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$400
$1001+
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Description
Discover the charm of vintage sound with the Epiphone ET-270, a solid body electric guitar that has captured the hearts of musicians since its initial release. Known for its distinct retro vibe, this guitar offers a blend of classic design and modern playability, appealing to both collectors and active musicians alike. The ET-270 features dual single-coil pickups that deliver a bright, punchy sound, making it versatile enough to handle genres ranging from surf rock to indie pop. Whether you're jamming in a garage or gracing a stage, this guitar’s unique tonal character will stand out.
The ET-270 is equipped with a bolt-on neck, providing a comfortable playing experience with smooth, fast action. Its sleek, ergonomic body design allows for easy access to higher frets, perfect for solos and intricate chord progressions. The simple yet effective control layout includes individual volume and tone knobs for each pickup, offering a myriad of tonal possibilities at your fingertips. Finished with durable hardware, the ET-270 is built to withstand the rigors of regular play, making it a reliable choice for any guitarist.
Key Features:
- Dual single-coil pickups for bright and punchy sound
- Bolt-on neck for comfortable playability
- Ergonomic body design for easy fret access
- Individual volume and tone controls
- Durable hardware for long-lasting performance
Product specs
| Brand | Epiphone |
| Model | ET-270 (1802T) |
| Finish | Cherry Red |
| Year | 1970 - 1975 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Tailpiece |
| Color Family | Red |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Epiphone ET-270 / 1802T |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Epiphone ET-270?
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The Epiphone ET-270 features a slim neck profile that is comfortable for both beginners and experienced players, making it easy to navigate the fretboard.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Epiphone ET-270?
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The ET-270 is equipped with single-coil pickups that deliver a bright and punchy sound, ideal for genres like rock and blues.
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Is the Epiphone ET-270 suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Epiphone ET-270 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and easy playability, making it a great choice for those starting out.
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Does the Epiphone ET-270 have a tremolo system?
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Yes, the Epiphone ET-270 features a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch modulation effects during play.
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What is the scale length of the Epiphone ET-270?
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The Epiphone ET-270 has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which is standard for many electric guitars and contributes to its comfortable playability.
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How does the Epiphone ET-270 compare to other vintage guitars?
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The Epiphone ET-270 is known for its unique vintage style and sound, with a distinctive cherry red finish and reliable build quality from its Japanese manufacturing era.
Videos
NirvanaGuitars
Kurt Cobain's Epiphone ET 270 | Nirvana Guitar History Episode 2 | Live Bleach Era & Smart Sessions
Reviews
PROS
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Lightweight body for comfortable play
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Matsumoku neck is thin and easy to handle
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Unique tone blending Strat and P90 characteristics
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Potential for rewiring tone switch for creative use
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Beautiful, distinctive tone praised by users
CONS
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Stock pickups may need upgrading for optimal sound
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Nylon saddles on bridge may lack durability
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Vibrato use can disrupt tuning stability
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Inconsistent quality, some guitars play poorly
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone ET-270.
Value and pricing
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The ET-270 is often subject to high auction bids, particularly in charity settings, indicating its desirability and potential for appreciating value.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The ET-270 was used by Kurt Cobain during early 1990 concerts, adding a historical and cult appeal for fans of Nirvana and grunge music.
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Comparisons
Mods and upgrades
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For a Nirvana-style mod, some suggest replacing the neck with a reverse headstock Fender-style neck, mimicking Cobain’s live setups.
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User experience
Features and functionality
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It's noted that the ET-270 is not featured on the Bleach album but was intended for subsequent recordings, marking its historical significance in Nirvana's discography.
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The ET-270 has a boost mode that enhances its sound when used with overdrive, offering a richer tone compared to the thinner non-boost mode.
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The guitar's pickups are reminiscent of those found in Robert Smith’s early Woolworth Top 20 models, suggesting a bright, jangly tone suitable for post-punk styles.
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Setup and maintenance
Build quality
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The ET-270 has a thick poly finish that can be brittle, particularly around the edges, leading to chipping over time.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this live preformance, Cobain can be seen with an Epiphone ET-270.
Cobain used this Guitar in Nirvana's early days during the “Bleach” era, it was later smashed while preforming live at the Pyramid Club in New York.
A still shot of this Guitar can be seen here.
This guitar was sold on his official Reverb.com shop. He mentions in the listing’s description that he was using the guitar to “nail down what [he] wanted when designing the Phantomatic for Epiphone”.
At the end of this clip [8:25] from a show at Jabberjaw, Justin accidentally damages the neck pickup on his ET-270. In a second part of the show [https://youtu.be/hpPDRL3tRjg?t=471], he remarks "My guitar is falling apart... so am I."
In this youtube video Billy is playing an Epiphone ET-270 for a German promo video (starts at 2:10)
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 ET-270, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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