What is the difference between a high-end production guitar and a Custom Shop model?

High-end production guitars (such as PRS Core Custom 24 or Gibson USA Standard) utilize advanced CNC precision combined with hand-finishing in standard production runs. Custom Shop models feature lower batch volumes, hand-selected tonewoods, custom hand-wound pickups, period-accurate construction, and master luthier voicing.

Why should I avoid drop-shipped high-end electric guitars?

Drop-shipped guitars are dispatched directly from logistics warehouses without unboxing or inspection. Without a bench inspection and 5-point setup by an in-house guitar technician, you risk receiving an unplayable instrument affected by climate shifts during storage and transit.

What does MusicStreet's 5-point setup include?

Every instrument sold through MusicStreet undergoes a comprehensive 5-point bench inspection: truss rod and neck relief calibration, nut slot depth check, bridge radius and intonation alignment, pickup height and electronic circuit testing, and fretboard conditioning.

Can I try boutique and custom shop guitars in person at MusicStreet?

Yes. MusicStreet operates a showroom at 10 Chequers Court, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, where players can test premium PRS, Fender, and Gibson models through high-end amplifiers in a dedicated testing environment.

Epiphone Original & Alternative Guitars

Step beyond the ordinary with our curated collection of Epiphone Original & Alternative guitars at Music Street. While famous for their classic single-cuts, Epiphone’s most legendary milestones were forged through bold, boundary-pushing designs. From the chiming, hollowbody resonance of the Casino and Riviera to the gritty 1960s garage-rock heritage of the Wilshire, Coronet, and Crestwood Custom, this lineup represents pure sonic individuality.

Looking for aggressive sustain and stage presence? Explore our radical solidbody shapes including the Epiphone Firebird, Explorer, Flying V, and high-performance Prophecy series. Every instrument purchased from Music Street receives a comprehensive multi-point workshop inspection and pro setup in our Huntingdon facility before dispatch. Enjoy free UK courier delivery on orders over £99, flexible 0% finance, and competitive trade-in options.

Explore Epiphone Original & Alternative Guitars at MusicStreet

Epiphone Dave Mustaine Flying V Custom Electric Guitar, Metallic Black (Incl. Hard Case)

£1,299.00

Epiphone Crestwood Custom (Tremotone) Polaris White - Electric Guitar

£499.00

Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer Electric Guitar (Includes Hard Case)

£1,149.00

Epiphone Wilshire P90s Electric Guitar - Cherry

£371.00

USED - Epiphone Wilshire 66 reissue, mini humbuckers. aged black

£299.00

USED - Epiphone Blueshawk Deluxe

£299.00

USED - 90's Epiphone (Gibson) Nighthawk

£199.00

USED - Epiphone Flying V (7 String)

£165.83

Explore Epiphone Models & Related Brands:

All Epiphone Guitars Epiphone Les Paul Epiphone SG Semi-Acoustic & Archtops Gibson USA Guitars Pre-Owned Guitars Hard Cases & Bags Electric Strings

Epiphone Original & Alternative Buyer’s Guide: Finding Your Distinct Voice

Epiphone's alternative lineup is divided into three legendary design schools: true vintage hollowbody archtops, lightweight 1960s symmetrical solidbodies, and radical mid-century modern shapes.

1. The Hollowbody Icons (Casino & Riviera)

Epiphone Casino: Fully hollow 5-ply maple body with no center block, paired with dual Dogear P-90 pickups. Famous for its organic woody chime, responsive acoustic dynamics, and controllable musical feedback (the signature guitar of The Beatles, Paul Weller, and Gary Clark Jr.).
Epiphone Riviera: Semi-hollow construction with a solid center block, dual Epiphone PRO Mini-Humbuckers, and the iconic Frequensator tailpiece for extended sustain and chime.

2. 1960s Kalamazoo Originals (Wilshire, Crestwood & Coronet)

Wilshire & Crestwood Custom: Symmetrical double-cutaway mahogany bodies with reduced headstocks and mini-humbuckers, delivering razor-sharp bite for garage rock, indie, and post-punk.
Coronet: Single-pickup minimalism featuring a solitary high-output bridge PRO P-90 Dogear and wraparound bridge for raw, unfiltered rock power.

3. Radical Modern & Hard Rock Shapes

Epiphone Firebird: Reverse-body mahogany construction with neck-through feel, mini-humbuckers, and banjo-style tuners for piercing lead sustain.
Explorer & Flying V: Futuristic 1958 body geometries loaded with high-output ProBucker humbuckers, CTS electronics, and GraphTech nuts for hard rock and heavy metal.

The Music Street Workshop Promise

Hollowbodies, offset vibratos, and unique bridges require specialized bench setup. Before shipping, our technicians perform:

Neck relief and truss rod calibrated for fast, buzz-free fretting
Trapeze/Frequensator and Tune-O-Matic saddle intonation precisely set
Nut slots cut and dressed to prevent string bind during heavy bends
Indian laurel or rosewood fretboard hydrated with lemon oil
Full electronic continuity test on switches, potentiometers, and pickups

Frequently Asked Questions: Epiphone Original & Alternative Guitars

What makes the Epiphone Casino different from a standard semi-hollow guitar? +

Unlike semi-hollow guitars (such as the ES-335 or Riviera) which contain a solid mahogany or maple block down the center of the body, the Epiphone Casino is 100% hollow. This makes it significantly lighter and gives it a warm, airy acoustic resonance that interacts dynamically with tube amplifiers and overdrive pedals.

Are Epiphone alternative models set up before dispatch? +

Yes. Every single Epiphone guitar sold at Music Street receives a full multi-point workshop inspection and setup by our in-house technicians in Huntingdon. We dial in action height, intonation, and neck relief so your guitar is gig-ready straight from the box.

What type of music is the Epiphone Wilshire / Coronet best for? +

The Wilshire and Coronet were born in the 1960s Kalamazoo era. Their lightweight solid mahogany bodies and punchy P-90 or mini-humbucker pickups make them exceptional choices for garage rock, indie, alternative rock, punk, and vintage blues where aggressive midrange clarity is essential.

Do you offer free delivery and finance across the UK? +

Yes, all orders over £99 qualify for free, fully tracked and insured courier delivery across the UK mainland. We also provide flexible 0% interest-free finance options at checkout.

Can I test these guitars in person at your store? +

Absolutely. You are welcome to visit our Huntingdon showroom (53 High Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3AQ) where our sound booths and amplifiers are available to test any Epiphone instrument in stock.