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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

What is the neck profile like on the Epiphone ET-270?

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.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Epiphone ET-270?

The ET-270 is equipped with single-coil pickups that deliver a bright and punchy sound, ideal for genres like rock and blues.

Is the Epiphone ET-270 suitable for beginners?

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.

Does the Epiphone ET-270 have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Epiphone ET-270 features a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch modulation effects during play.

What is the scale length of the Epiphone ET-270?

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.

How does the Epiphone ET-270 compare to other vintage guitars?

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.

NirvanaGuitars

NirvanaGuitars

Kurt Cobain's Epiphone ET 270 | Nirvana Guitar History Episode 2 | Live Bleach Era & Smart Sessions

Video thumbnail for Kurt Cobain's Epiphone ET 270 | Nirvana Guitar History Episode 2 | Live Bleach Era & Smart Sessions by NirvanaGuitars

Kurt Cobain's Epiphone ET 270 | Nirvana Guitar History Episode 2 | Live Bleach Era & Smart Sessions

NirvanaGuitars

NirvanaGuitars

Video thumbnail for NIRVANA RIFFS on an Epiphone ET-270 - Boss DS-1 - Fender Mustang IV v2 (2017) by Lord Fuzzman

NIRVANA RIFFS on an Epiphone ET-270 - Boss DS-1 - Fender Mustang IV v2 (2017)

Lord Fuzzman

Lord Fuzzman

Video thumbnail for 1970s Epiphone ET270 T Electric Guitar Demo by drowninginguitars

1970s Epiphone ET270 T Electric Guitar Demo

drowninginguitars

drowninginguitars

Video thumbnail for 1975 Epiphone ET 270 | Automatic Jack by Jack Mason

1975 Epiphone ET 270 | Automatic Jack

Jack Mason

Jack Mason

Video thumbnail for 1970s Epiphone ET270 Guitar Demo #2 by drowninginguitars

1970s Epiphone ET270 Guitar Demo #2

drowninginguitars

drowninginguitars

Video thumbnail for 1970s Epiphone ET270 Guitar Demo #3 by drowninginguitars

1970s Epiphone ET270 Guitar Demo #3

drowninginguitars

drowninginguitars

Video thumbnail for Epiphone ET 270 Kurt Cobain Nirvana Guitar Demo by guitarsmith

Epiphone ET 270 Kurt Cobain Nirvana Guitar Demo

guitarsmith

guitarsmith

Video thumbnail for 1972 Epiphone ET-270 Electric Guitar Vintage Japan Like Kurt Cobain Nirvana by johnnyangel69

1972 Epiphone ET-270 Electric Guitar Vintage Japan Like Kurt Cobain Nirvana

johnnyangel69

johnnyangel69

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight body for comfortable play

  • Matsumoku neck is thin and easy to handle

  • Unique tone blending Strat and P90 characteristics

  • Potential for rewiring tone switch for creative use

  • Beautiful, distinctive tone praised by users

CONS

  • Stock pickups may need upgrading for optimal sound

  • Nylon saddles on bridge may lack durability

  • Vibrato use can disrupt tuning stability

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ET-270 is part of Epiphone's original Japanese designs, distinct from later Gibson clones, paralleling the ET-290 as a sought-after model.

    Source
  • Owners suggest that the ET-270 pickups outperform the Univox P90s, indicating superior sound quality and performance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • For a Nirvana-style mod, some suggest replacing the neck with a reverse headstock Fender-style neck, mimicking Cobain’s live setups.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report breaking strings during play, highlighting potential durability issues or setup challenges with the ET-270.

    Source
  • Despite its age, the ET-270 is described as having smooth playability with super low action, making it comfortable for extended use.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A Fender Jaguar hard shell case fits the ET-270 well, but Roadrunner and Crossrock offset cases are also recommended as more affordable alternatives.

    Source
  • Owners find the ET-270's bridge challenging to remove if screws are stripped, which can complicate minor repairs or adjustments.

    Source

Build quality

  • The ET-270 has a thick poly finish that can be brittle, particularly around the edges, leading to chipping over time.

    Source

Other

  • The guitar's unusual aesthetic is likened to a hybrid of a Fender Mustang and an SG, offering a unique visual appeal.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
D

Very nice.

I own one and the tone, oh god the tone. It's just beautiful. There is no way to explain it other than listening for yourself. Whammy bar, bass boost switch, it's all there just waiting to be utilized.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kurt Cobain uses Epiphone ET-270

Kurt Cobain

Singer, Guitarist

Nirvana

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Frank Iero uses Epiphone ET-270

Frank Iero

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via reverb.com

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”.

See how James Iha uses Epiphone ET-270

James Iha

Guitarist, Bassist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via Photo

James Iha can be seen playing a Epiphone Doublecut ET-270 in this photo.

See how Justin Trosper uses Epiphone ET-270

Justin Trosper

Singer, Guitarist

Unwound

...
Verified via YouTube

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."

See how Billy Idol uses Epiphone ET-270

Billy Idol

Singer

Billy Idol

...
Verified via YouTube

In this youtube video Billy is playing an Epiphone ET-270 for a German promo video (starts at 2:10)

See how Connor Hanwick uses Epiphone ET-270

Connor Hanwick

Guitarist, Drummer

The Drums

...
Verified via Photo

Seen using ET-270 live with The Drums.

See how Eric Earley uses Epiphone ET-270

Eric Earley

Guitarist

Blitzen Trapper

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video,Eric can be seen playing Epiphone ET-270

See how DarrenSmallman uses Epiphone ET-270

DarrenSmallman

Singer, Guitarist

Toad

...
Verified via Photo

This is the guitar I use...

See how OSKÄR STALIN uses Epiphone ET-270

OSKÄR STALIN

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "PARTE 1 MARATON DE GUITARRAS," OSKÄR STALIN is shown using an Epiphone ET-270 electric guitar.

Album Usage

The Epiphone ET-270 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.

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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