Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $639

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

The Epiphone ET-285 brings a classic vibe to modern bass playing with its vintage design and robust sound. This electric bass guitar is perfect for musicians who appreciate a retro aesthetic paired with reliable performance. Crafted for both beginners and seasoned players, the ET-285 offers a warm, rich tone that fits seamlessly into any genre, from jazz to rock. Its dual humbucker pickups deliver a versatile sound palette, allowing for deep, resonant lows and crisp, articulate highs. The bolt-on neck ensures stability and ease of playability, making long jam sessions comfortable and enjoyable.

The ET-285’s construction is both durable and stylish, with a solid body that amplifies its resonant sound quality. Whether you’re recording in the studio or performing live, this bass guitar provides consistent, high-quality performance. Epiphone’s attention to detail is evident in the ET-285’s hardware and craftsmanship, ensuring that it not only looks great but is built to last. The vintage-inspired headstock adds a touch of nostalgia, making the ET-285 not just an instrument, but a statement piece for any musician’s collection.

Key Features:

  • Dual humbucker pickups for versatile sound
  • Bolt-on neck for durability and ease of play
  • Vintage-inspired headstock design
  • Reliable hardware and craftsmanship
  • Suitable for various music genres

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model ET-285
Finish Vintage Sunburst
Year 1972 - 1977
Made In Japan
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Epiphone ET-285
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Epiphone ET-285 have?

The Epiphone ET-285 features passive pickups in a single-coil configuration, which provide a classic, warm tone suitable for various music styles.

Is the Epiphone ET-285 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Epiphone ET-285 is a good choice for beginners due to its straightforward design, manageable weight, and versatile sound profile.

What is the neck profile like on the Epiphone ET-285?

The Epiphone ET-285 typically features a slim neck profile, making it comfortable for players with smaller hands or those who prefer faster playability.

Can the Epiphone ET-285 handle different music genres?

Yes, the Epiphone ET-285's passive single-coil pickups offer a versatile sound that can suit a range of genres from rock and blues to funk and jazz.

What is the fretboard material of the Epiphone ET-285?

The fretboard of the Epiphone ET-285 is made from rosewood, which contributes to its warm tonal characteristics and smooth playing feel.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone ET-285.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners advise against drilling all the way through the headstock to avoid blowout; stopping halfway from both sides ensures clean holes.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Original tuners on 70s Epiphone ET-285 were Grovers; replacements often require adapting due to size differences.

    Source

Build quality

  • Due to limited wood thickness on headstock, enlarging peg holes is risky; careful choice of tuners is crucial to maintain structural integrity.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how D'arcy Wretzky uses Epiphone ET-285

D'arcy Wretzky

Singer, Bassist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified

In this older image of the band, found on this fan site, D'arcy can be seen playing an Epiphone ET-285 bass.

See how Clay Parton uses Epiphone ET-285

Clay Parton

Singer, Guitarist

Duster

...
Verified via YouTube

In the provided video by the source, Calm: Live at Huntington Beach Library, 1996, Clay Parton is clearly observed on the left side playing an Epiphone ET-285 bass guitar. Identification of the instrument is confirmed through distinctive features including the headstock design, the placement of pickups, the sunburst finish, and the overall shape of the guitar. This evidence establishes the use of the Epiphone ET-285 by Clay Parton during this performance.

See how Rory MacDonald uses Epiphone ET-285

Rory MacDonald

Singer

Runrig

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 1978 performance captured on YouTube by Tim Hyder, Rory MacDonald is seen playing an Epiphone ET-285 bass guitar.

See how Noah Dombroski uses Epiphone ET-285

Noah Dombroski

Bassist

The Custodians

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: 3 Tone Sunburst

In this live photo from 2025, Noah Domrboski can be clearly seen playing an Epiphone ET-285 in 3 Tone Sunburst.

Genre Usage

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

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