Epiphone has teamed up with Jerry Cantrell for two new additions to its line of signature guitars: a significantly more affordable version of its hallowed “Wino” Les Paul Custom and a Fishman Fluence-equipped Prophecy Les Paul Custom.
At first glance, the “Wino” Les Paul takes inspiration from Cantrell’s original Gibson counterpart with some budget-friendly tweaks, while the Prophecy LP appears to be a high-end, hot-rodded version of Epiphone’s existing Les Paul model of the same name.
They both mark the latest installments of the Alice in Chains icon’s signature six-string arsenal, following the arrival of Cantrell’s signature Gibson acoustic electric guitars earlier this year.
Read on for a closer look at Jerry Cantrell’s all-new Epiphone signatures.
Epiphone Jerry Cantrell “Wino” Les Paul Custom
First up is Epiphone’s surprisingly affordable version of Cantrell’s original Gibson “Wino” Les Paul. While a Murphy Lab finished version hit the scene last year with a premium price tag of $8,999, Epiphone’s own edition costs just $849 — that’s more than 10 times cheaper.
There’s a good reason for that though, and while it sure looks good, the Epiphone “Wino” Les Paul prefers affordability over some of the Gibson’s standout specs.
Obviously, the lack of a Murphy Lab treatment helps with the price tag, but at its core, the Epi “Wino” seems like a pretty robust take on Cantrell’s Les Paul.
It has a mahogany body with a solid maple cap and nine-hole weight relief system, and combines a mahogany neck with a 22-fret ebony fingerboard. Elsewhere, the six-string 24.75-inch shell features a Graph Tech nut, Pearloid block inlays, and a 12-inch fingerboard radius.
The guitar is also treated to a plethora of elegant bindings, including seven-ply top, five-ply back and single-ply fingerboard binding.
Despite the aesthetic similarities, there are a handful of notable anomalies in the electronics department that help explain its affordable price tag. The piezo pickup found in the original that offered off-the-cuff acoustic tones has been completely removed.
Likewise, the 490R and 498T humbuckers have been swapped out for Alnico Classic Pro and 98T Pro alternatives, which are controlled by a three-way toggle switch, as well as pickup-specific volume and tone controls.
Other equipment includes a “Jerry Cantrell” printed truss rod cover, two-way adjustable truss rod, LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece and, of course, a Dark Wine Red colorway.
The Epiphone “Wino” Les Paul is available for $849.
Epiphone Jerry Cantrell Prophecy Les Paul Custom
The “Wino” is joined by a similarly minimalist yet modern Prophecy Les Paul, topped by a pair of Fishman Fluence humbuckers and custom Circle in Diamond fingerboard inlays.
Reputedly made to Cantrell’s specifications, the Prophecy features a double-bound, state-of-the-art, low-weight mahogany body with a maple top, as well as a mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard. It is treated to two additional frets – 24 Jumbo frets in total – and features a Graph Tech nut and a 12-inch radius.
Other notable appointments include the custom inlays, Gloss Bone White colorway, “Jerry Cantrell” embellished truss rod cover, knurled metal control knobs, brushed stainless steel hardware, and an assortment of seven-ply, five-ply and single-ply body and fingerboard binding.
Described as the “perfect blend of modern and traditional features”, Cantrell’s second Epi Les Paul is equipped with coil-splitting Fishman Fluence humbuckers, providing a trio of different sounds.
Using push/pull volume and tone controls, the Prophecy promises a range of vintage, proprietary, warm, modern, and shimmering single-coil tones. The control circuit is completed by a three-way pickup selector switch.
Due to the slightly souped-up spec sheet, the Prophecy Les Paul is the more expensive of the pair, weighing in at $1,149.
For more information, visit Epiphone.