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Average Price: $809

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Epiphone ET-290 Crestwood is a tribute to the classic vibes of the 1960s, combining vintage aesthetics with modern playability. This solid body electric guitar is designed for musicians who appreciate the timeless charm of retro instruments without compromising on performance. The mini-humbucker pickups are the heart of the Crestwood, delivering a clear and biting tone that cuts through the mix, making it ideal for rock, blues, and beyond. Crafted with a mahogany body, this guitar offers a warm resonance that complements its articulate sound.

A slim taper neck ensures comfortable playability, accommodating fast fretwork and extended sessions without fatigue. The Crestwood also features a LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, providing enhanced tuning stability and sustain. This guitar is perfect for both seasoned players and those who are just beginning their musical journey, offering a reliable and versatile platform for any style. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Epiphone ET-290 Crestwood stands ready to deliver a vintage sound with a modern twist.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body
  • Slim taper neck design
  • Dual mini-humbucker pickups
  • LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece
  • 22 medium jumbo frets
  • Classic 1960s styling with modern enhancements

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model ET-290 Crestwood
Finish Cherry Red, Cherry Sunburst, Natural
Year 1974 - 1978
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Epiphone ET-290 / Crestwood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Epiphone ET-290 Crestwood have?

The Epiphone ET-290 Crestwood features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, providing a warm, full sound suitable for a variety of music genres.

Is the Epiphone ET-290 Crestwood suitable for beginner guitarists?

Yes, the Epiphone ET-290 Crestwood is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable double cutaway body shape and manageable 24.75" scale length, making it easy to play.

What is the neck profile of the Epiphone ET-290 Crestwood?

The Epiphone ET-290 Crestwood has a bolt-on maple neck, offering a smooth playing experience with a comfortable grip, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.

How does the Epiphone ET-290 Crestwood handle different music styles?

With its versatile humbucker pickups and solid maple body, the Epiphone ET-290 Crestwood is well-suited for rock, blues, and jazz, delivering a rich and dynamic tone.

What is the construction quality of the Epiphone ET-290 Crestwood?

The Epiphone ET-290 Crestwood, made in Japan from 1974 to 1978, is known for its solid construction with a maple body and neck, ensuring durability and consistent performance.

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

1977 Epiphone "Crestwood" (Made in Japan)

Video thumbnail for 1977 Epiphone "Crestwood" (Made in Japan) by GregsGuitars

1977 Epiphone "Crestwood" (Made in Japan)

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Epiphone 70’s Crestwood model Japan ET-290N by The Dirty Denims

Epiphone 70’s Crestwood model Japan ET-290N

The Dirty Denims

The Dirty Denims

Video thumbnail for 1970s Epiphone (Matsumoku) ET-290 (Crestwood) electric guitar by Jake Wildwood & Co

1970s Epiphone (Matsumoku) ET-290 (Crestwood) electric guitar

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Video thumbnail for GUITARE COLLECTION presents Epiphone ET 290 from 1979 by Nico Poges by Guitare Collection

GUITARE COLLECTION presents Epiphone ET 290 from 1979 by Nico Poges

Guitare Collection

Guitare Collection

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound clarity, cuts through mixes like a samurai sword

  • Bright, midrange-forward pickups that resemble P-90s

  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended playing sessions

  • Small neck ideal for fast playing or smaller hands

  • Unique Japanese craftsmanship from the Matsumoku factory

  • Distinctive design, uncommon among modern Epiphone guitars

  • Better pickups than modern Epiphones, hotter than PAFs

CONS

  • Confused with other models, causing potential misidentification

  • Bolt-on neck design complicates upgrades or adjustments

  • Tuners may require upgrading for main guitar use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone ET-290.

Setup and maintenance

  • A standard "metric" bridge with 73.5 mm post spacing and a tailpiece with 82 mm spacing should fit the ET-290's existing setup.

    Source
  • Top winding your strings is suggested when reassembling after bridge replacement for optimal performance.

    Source
  • Owners note the neck shape starts chunky and becomes flatter toward the body, which may require an adjustment period for some players.

    Source

Build quality

  • The new bridge and tailpiece may not screw into the old bushings; adjustments likely needed for proper fit.

    Source
  • The ET-290 is noted for having one of the thinnest neck and body designs among its contemporaries, contributing to its unique playability.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners frequently express regret over selling this model, highlighting its enduring appeal and playability even years after ownership.

    Source
  • The guitar is praised for being super light and having a short scale, making it comfortable for extended playing sessions.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Crestwood was manufactured by Matsumoko, a highly respected company known for quality craftsmanship during its production era.

    Source
  • Pickups appear as humbuckers but are single coils in humbucker housing, offering a distinct tonal character.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ET-290 has been compared to the iconic "Wolf" guitar used by Jerry Garcia, highlighting its aesthetic appeal.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is noted for impressive upper fret access, making it suitable for lead playing and intricate solos.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
phillip_c_duskin

Its Unique

It was alright.......................................................................

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Elliott Smith uses Epiphone ET-290

Elliott Smith

Guitarist, Singer

Heatmiser

...
Verified via Sweetadeline

epiphone crestwood in a guitar player article

See how Ricky Wilson (B-52's) uses Epiphone ET-290

Ricky Wilson (B-52's)

Guitarist, Composer

The B-52's

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Red

You can see Ricky playing an ET-290 in this photo taken by Philippe Carly during a concert in Brussels on December 10th, 1980.

The Epiphone was mostly used for the xADxGA or EADxGA tuning songs (6060-842, Devil's in My Car, Hero Worship,) and it's easy to pick out because it's one of the more overdriven guitars in Ricky's collection (highest gain). Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson also used it on occasion in the early days - Kate as a second guitarist for "52 Girls" and "Hero Worship", and Cindy as a second guitarist for "There's a Moon in the Sky (Called the Moon.)"

See how Matt Diamond uses Epiphone ET-290

Matt Diamond

Singer, Guitarist

Panucci's Pizza

...
Verified via YouTube

Lou uses an Epiphone ET-290 Crestwood throughout this whole video

See how Vigilante Carlstroem uses Epiphone ET-290

Vigilante Carlstroem

Guitarist

The Hives

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:24 in this video of a 2002 live performance, Vigilante Carlstroem can be seen playing a white Epiphone ET-290 Crestwood.

See how Andy Scott (Sweet) uses Epiphone ET-290

Andy Scott (Sweet)

Guitarist

Sweet

...
Verified via YouTube

As you can see in the music video Andy is playing a 70s Epiphone Crestwood in Tobacco Burst in 1975

See how Jacob Hurley uses Epiphone ET-290

Jacob Hurley

Guitarist

Cojum Dip

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Cherry Sunburst

In this photo, Jacob Hurley can be seen using an Epiphone ET-290 Crestwood with a Cherry Sunburst finish. The guitar has been modified to have open-coil humbuckers and different knobs.

The ET-275 is similar, but has different fretboard markings and doesn't come in the same finish.

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-290, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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