Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (1)
$899.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$899.00
Amazon
$1,299.00
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$899.00
Thomann
4.8 (4)
$879.00
Gear4Music
£911.00

Average Price: $975

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Epiphone J-180 LS Acoustic-electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Epiphone J-180 LS Acoustic-electric Guitar is where classic design meets modern innovation. In collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop, this guitar offers a remarkable blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge tech. The thermally aged Sitka spruce top not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also delivers a warm, resonant sound that feels seasoned right out of the case. Paired with solid mahogany back and sides, the J-180 LS offers a rich tonal palette that spans crisp highs, resonant mids, and robust lows.

But it's not just about the wood; the neck is crafted from mahogany with a comfortable C-profile, ensuring effortless playability. The fingerboard, adorned with mother-of-pearl star inlays, adds a touch of elegance and serves as a nod to its Gibson heritage. When you're ready to amplify your sound, the LR Baggs Element Bronze VTC electronics come into play, capturing the guitar's natural acoustic characteristics with precision and clarity. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this system ensures your sound remains authentic and dynamic.

The iconic jumbo body shape not only provides visual appeal but also contributes to the guitar's full-bodied acoustic tone. From singer-songwriters to folk enthusiasts, the J-180 LS is versatile enough to suit a broad range of musical styles. Epiphone's attention to detail, from the vintage-inspired headstock to the Epiphone Deluxe tuners, makes this guitar a must-have for musicians who appreciate both tradition and quality.

Key Features:

  • Thermally aged Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides
  • Jumbo body for a rich, full sound
  • Mahogany neck with C-profile and Indian laurel fingerboard
  • Mother-of-pearl star inlays and Gibson-style open-book headstock
  • LR Baggs Element Bronze VTC electronics for superior amplified tone
  • Epiphone Deluxe machine heads with Keystone buttons

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape J-180 LS Jumbo
Back & Sides Wood Mahogany
Top Wood Thermally aged Spruce
Top Finish Gloss
Body Bracing Scalloped X-bracing
Binding 3-ply Ivory/Black
Neck Wood 1-piece Mahogany
Neck Shape C
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Starts
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.724"
Nut/Saddle Material Bone/Compensated Bone
Bridge Material Laurel
Tuning Machines Epiphone Deluxe
Electronics LR Baggs Element Bronze VTC
Strings Gibson, .012-.053
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Epiphone J-180 LS Acoustic-electric Guitar?

The Epiphone J-180 LS features a thermally aged spruce top and mahogany back and sides, providing a warm and resonant tone ideal for various music styles.

Is the Epiphone J-180 LS suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Epiphone J-180 LS is equipped with LR Baggs Element Bronze VTC electronics, making it well-suited for live performances with clear and natural amplified sound.

How does the neck profile of the Epiphone J-180 LS affect playability?

The guitar features a C-shaped neck profile, offering a comfortable grip for most players, making it suitable for both strumming and fingerstyle techniques.

Does the Epiphone J-180 LS come with a case?

Yes, the Epiphone J-180 LS comes with a hardshell case, providing protection for the guitar during transport and storage.

What is the scale length of the Epiphone J-180 LS Acoustic-electric Guitar?

The scale length of the Epiphone J-180 LS is 25.5 inches, which contributes to its bright tone and comfortable string tension.

OfficialEpiphone

OfficialEpiphone

Epiphone J-180 LS - Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom

Video thumbnail for Epiphone J-180 LS - Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom by OfficialEpiphone

Epiphone J-180 LS - Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom

OfficialEpiphone

OfficialEpiphone

Video thumbnail for Dirk Witte | Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom J-180 LS by Dirk Witte Music Store

Dirk Witte | Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom J-180 LS

Dirk Witte Music Store

Dirk Witte Music Store

Video thumbnail for Epiphone J180 LS - New Inspired By Gibson Custom Shop by Rich Tone Music

Epiphone J180 LS - New Inspired By Gibson Custom Shop

Rich Tone Music

Rich Tone Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautiful, crisp highs and brighter-than-usual mids, delivering a stunning sound profile

  • Strong, natural sustain enhances musical depth and resonance

  • LR Baggs Element VTC pickup provides a strong signal, outperforming some higher-end models

  • High-quality craftsmanship, visually appealing with mother of pearl star inlays

  • Comes with a well-crafted case comparable to premium Gibson cases

  • Perfect budget-friendly option for those seeking an iconic guitar design

  • Balanced sound profile and comfortable neck make it enjoyable to play

CONS

  • Bass E tuner may be prone to breaking, needing replacement

  • Requires setup adjustments for optimal action and playability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone J-180 LS Acoustic-electric Guitar.

Comparisons

  • The Epiphone J-180 LS is described as having a brighter tone than the Gibson J-180, yet remains balanced, appealing to those who enjoy a rich sound.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some users express a preference for a Rosewood fingerboard over the Indian Laurel, suggesting the former may better justify the price point.

    Source
  • The guitar includes a case, suggesting a focus on protecting the instrument during shipping and transit.

    Source

User experience

  • Enthusiasts are particularly interested in how closely the Epiphone J-180 LS can mimic the dream-like playability of the Gibson version.

    Source
  • Owners express disappointment when receiving damaged units but report positive experiences with replacements.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some units have arrived with significant top cracks and bridge lifting, even though they were shipped with a case.

    Source
  • The top is constructed from two glued wood pieces, which may contribute to structural issues in some cases.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45, 1957 SJ-200 and J-180 LS review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Epiphone's J-180 LS is a striking acoustic-electric that delivers superb craftsmanship and a rich, resonant tone that will impress any player. With its vintage aesthetics and solid wood construction, it exudes quality and playability. However, those distinctive star inlays may not suit everyone's taste, and the lack of left-handed options is disappointing. Still, for its price point, this guitar offers exceptional value, making it a worthy contender for both stage and studio.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Lia Metcalfe uses Epiphone J-180 LS Acoustic-electric Guitar

Lia Metcalfe

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo from the official Gibson website, Lia Metcalfe is seen holding an Epiphone J-180 LS Acoustic-electric Guitar. This is further confirmed by an artist spotlight on the Gibson website, where she states,

I love the feel and the depth of the sound; it’s got a warm tone to it but without it being too pretty-sounding for me to play. I like instruments to reveal themselves to me by instinct.

Genre Usage

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

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