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Average Price: $750

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Description

Designed to captivate both seasoned players and aspiring musicians, the Epiphone Nighthawk Special 3 brings a unique twist to the classic electric guitar design. This solid body electric guitar combines the best of both worlds, offering a sleek look with versatile tonal capabilities. The Nighthawk Special 3 is a modern homage to the original Gibson Nighthawk, known for its innovative features and distinctive appeal.

Equipped with an array of tonal options, this guitar features a Humbucker-Single-Humbucker pickup configuration, allowing players to switch between a wide range of sounds, from warm, rich tones to bright, sharp leads. The 25.5-inch scale neck provides a comfortable feel for both rhythm and lead playing, catering to various playing styles. Crafted with a solid mahogany body and a maple top, the Nighthawk Special 3 delivers a resonant sound with excellent sustain, making it suitable for genres ranging from blues to rock and beyond.

The guitar's sleek design is complemented by its smooth rosewood fingerboard, offering a comfortable playing experience. The Nighthawk Special 3 also features a string-through body bridge for enhanced tuning stability and sustain, allowing you to play with confidence during extended sessions or performances.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body with a maple top
  • Humbucker-Single-Humbucker pickup configuration
  • 25.5-inch scale length neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • String-through body bridge for enhanced sustain and tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Nighthawk Special 3
Year 1993 - 1999
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder, Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Epiphone Nighthawk
Model Sub-Family Epiphone Nighthawk Special
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HSH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the pickup configuration of the Epiphone Nighthawk Special 3?

The Epiphone Nighthawk Special 3 features an HSH pickup configuration, which includes a humbucker in the neck position, a single-coil in the middle, and a humbucker in the bridge position, offering a versatile range of tones.

What is the scale length of the Epiphone Nighthawk Special 3?

The Epiphone Nighthawk Special 3 has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which is typical for many Gibson and Epiphone guitars, providing a comfortable playing experience with a slightly shorter reach.

Is the Epiphone Nighthawk Special 3 suitable for different music genres?

Yes, the Epiphone Nighthawk Special 3 is versatile due to its HSH pickup configuration, allowing it to handle a wide range of genres from rock and blues to jazz and pop.

What materials are used in the construction of the Epiphone Nighthawk Special 3?

The Epiphone Nighthawk Special 3 features a body made of alder and mahogany, a maple top, and a rosewood fretboard, contributing to its rich tone and sustain.

Does the Epiphone Nighthawk Special 3 have a bolt-on neck?

Yes, the Epiphone Nighthawk Special 3 has a bolt-on neck construction, which can offer easier neck adjustments and repairs compared to set necks.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Nighthawk Special 3.

Build quality

  • The Samick factory's Korean models are reputed for better build quality compared to Indonesian versions.

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  • The mini humbucker receives high praise for its unique sound, adding to the guitar's appeal and tonal versatility.

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Features and functionality

  • The 2012 Indonesian model has a set neck with a SlimTaper D-shaped profile, while the 1996 Korean model features a bolt-on neck.

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  • The 2012 Custom Reissue includes a fully-adjustable Nighthawk bridge with a string-thru body design.

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  • The Nighthawk is notably smaller and thinner, roughly three-quarters the scale of a Les Paul, which can affect comfort and playability for some users.

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  • The Nighthawk offers a versatile tonal range with three pickups, a push-pull coil tap, and a five-position switch, suitable for rock, blues, and metal styles.

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User experience

  • Owners have reported issues with the DA truss rods in the first run of the Indonesian reissues, suggesting caution and testing before purchase.

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  • Despite its smaller size, a player standing at 6'5" found it comfortable, though not particularly inspiring, highlighting its unique appeal as a collectible rather than a daily player.

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  • Owners appreciate the Nighthawk's lighter weight for extended play, especially compared to heavier models like the Gibson Les Paul.

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Comparisons

  • The Korean ST3 model, despite its bolt-on neck, is considered overpriced compared to the Indonesian set neck model.

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  • The Nighthawk's scale length is debated but seems closer to a Fender at 25.5", differentiating it from the typical Gibson scale length.

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Value and pricing

  • A potential buyer has noted that the Korean ST3 is priced higher but can be inspected in person, unlike the Indonesian model available only via eBay.

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Use cases and applications

  • Due to its smaller size, the Nighthawk is considered well-suited for younger players or those seeking a more compact instrument.

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  • The middle pickup is highly praised for its versatility and distinctive tonal qualities, making it a standout feature of the Nighthawk.

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  • Some players transition to the Nighthawk from heavier guitars to avoid back strain without sacrificing the neck feel they enjoy.

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