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Average Price: $425
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$1001+
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Description
The Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Reissue is a harmonious blend of classic design and modern innovation, offering musicians an instrument that has stood the test of time and gained respect over the years. Originally introduced in 1993, the Nighthawk was a bold departure from traditional Gibson styles. Fast forward to today, and it has become a beloved choice for guitarists who crave versatility and unique aesthetics.
This reissue captures the essence of the original with its SlimTaper D-shaped neck, offering comfort and speed for all playing styles. The Nighthawk's tonal versatility is unmatched, thanks to its distinct trio of pickups: two 4-wire humbuckers and a fiery NSX single-coil. Whether you're into blues, rock, or jazz, this guitar's wide tonal palette will inspire your creativity. The String-Thru Body bridge design ensures extended sustain, making every note resonate with clarity and precision.
The Nighthawk also boasts a stunning mahogany body topped with a AAA flame maple veneer, delivering both visual appeal and rich, resonant sound. With its 25-1/2" scale length and 22 medium-jumbo frets, players can enjoy a familiar yet distinct playing experience. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Reissue is ready to make its mark.
Key Features:
- Mahogany body with AAA flame maple veneer top
- SlimTaper D-shaped mahogany neck
- Rosewood fretboard with mother-of-pearl "Crown" inlays
- 25-1/2" scale length
- 22 medium-jumbo frets
- Slant NHT humbucker (bridge), NSX single-coil (middle), NHR mini-humbucker (neck)
- 5-way slider switch with push/pull coil tapping
- Nighthawk fully-adjustable bridge with String-Thru Body design
- Grover 14:1 ratio tuners
- Nickel hardware and body/fingerboard binding
Product specs
| Brand | Epiphone |
| Model | Nighthawk Custom Reissue |
| Finish | Fireburst, Honeyburst, Trans Amber, Trans Black |
| Year | 2010 - 2013 |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | String-Through |
| Color Family | Black, Brown, Yellow |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Epiphone Nighthawk |
| Model Sub-Family | Epiphone Nighthawk Custom |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HSH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Wood Top Style | Flamed |
FAQs
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What type of music is the Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Reissue best suited for?
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The Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Reissue is versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres, including rock, blues, and jazz, due to its HSH pickup configuration and mahogany body, which provide a rich and dynamic tone.
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How does the HSH pickup configuration on the Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Reissue affect its sound?
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The HSH configuration offers a broad tonal palette, allowing for powerful humbucker sounds as well as bright single-coil tones, making it ideal for players who need versatility in their sound.
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Is the Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Reissue comfortable for extended playing sessions?
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Yes, the single cutaway design and set-neck construction provide easy access to higher frets, while the 25.5" scale length and slim neck profile enhance playability, making it comfortable for long sessions.
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What is the benefit of the string-through body design on the Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Reissue?
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The string-through body design enhances sustain and resonance, providing a fuller and more vibrant tone, which is beneficial for both rhythm and lead playing.
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Does the Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Reissue come in different finishes?
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Yes, the Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Reissue is available in several finishes, including Fireburst, Honeyburst, Trans Amber, and Trans Black, allowing players to choose a style that suits their aesthetic preference.
Videos
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Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Reissue
Reviews
PROS
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Lightweight and comfortable, making it easy to play for extended periods
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Versatile sound with three pickups and 5-way switch, plus coil splitting
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Excellent tonal range from rock/blues to clean sounds
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Ebony fretboard and figured veneer top add to the aesthetic appeal
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High-quality construction for a budget-friendly price
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Ideal for both live performances and studio recordings
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Loved by both beginners and seasoned players for its playability
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Unique tonal options make it a great recording guitar
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Fast and slim neck enhances playability for leads and high notes
CONS
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Frets can be sharp, potentially uncomfortable for some players
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Lacks an included hard case, which some players expect
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Neck mini humbucker may produce overly bass-heavy tones
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Reissue.
User experience
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Owners appreciate the Nighthawk's versatility, capable of producing tones from Les Paul-like warmth to Telecaster and Stratocaster brightness.
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The middle pickup was specifically praised for its unique contribution to the guitar's versatile tone palette.
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Despite being 6'5", one owner found the guitar playable but not inspiring, indicating it suits a wide range of player heights.
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The first run of Indonesian reissues reportedly faced issues with dual-action truss rods, requiring close inspection before purchase.
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Comparisons
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Compared to a Les Paul, the Nighthawk is about 3/4 in scale and thinner, offering a unique alternative to traditional Les Paul dimensions.
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The Nighthawk's mini-humbucker in the neck position delivers less bass and more treble, aligning closer to Fender-like tones than the traditional Les Paul sound.
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The Nighthawk's 25.5" scale length offers a slightly different tone and feel compared to the Les Paul's 24.75", resembling a Fender more than a traditional Gibson.
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The Indonesian reissue's ebony fretboard, noted for its smooth feel, contrasts with the rosewood board on the Korean version, preferred by some for its warmth.
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Value and pricing
Use cases and applications
Build quality
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The Nighthawk is praised for its slimmer neck profile compared to typical Les Pauls, offering a comfortable playing experience for some users.
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The 2012 Indonesian Nighthawk Custom Reissue features a set neck, preferred by some for better sustain compared to the bolt-on neck of the 1996 Korean model.
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The Korean model's build quality is often praised due to its construction at the reputable Samick factory, known for consistent craftsmanship.
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Features and functionality
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 6 Reviews and 16 Ratings
33
great guitar
Great for beginner or intermediate guitar. Also good for a cheap collectors item. The variety of pickups offers a very wide range of music that can be played. The only problem I've discovered with the nighthawk is that while using the neck mini hum bucker the sound becomes very bass. Even with the bass turned very far down on my amp. It can be solved through the coil tap feature but that takes away from the hard rock sound. Overall great guitar for all genre's.
characteristic and versatile
I fell in love with Nighthawks from seeing them in magazines in the 90s... I came across this one while on tour with Paul Di'Anno and Blaze Bayley in Sweden, and bought it right there and then... I have put in a Seymour Duncan 59 bucker in the bridge position however, and it gave the whole guitar clearer sense of purpose in my rig...
91
Tone? It's got several!
Humbucker, single coil, and a mini humbucker. All coil tapped. Pick a sound, any sound! And boy, does it look good. Shmexy!
Artist usage
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Community setups
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Add recommendation1 alternative for Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Reissue, curated by the Equipboard community.
$2,000.00
The nighthawk Custom most resembles the S2 or core, single cut solid body models (IMO). They would be complementary to each other, while not being too similar too justify.
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