More About the Epiphone Nighthawk...

[Epi1]

All,

 

As you know, there's been some discussion and speculation regarding a yet-to-be released Epiphone Nighthawk. This week, we posted a "teaser" on our Epiphone blog HERE with some video featuring this upcoming new model. That said, I wanted to give you (our loyal forum fans) a closer look at this exciting new model.

 

1. We are scheduled to begin production on these in November 2010. We expect to announce it formally to customers worldwide January 15, 2011. We expect them to be in the stores in February 2011.

 

2. Here's a few photos for you. Available colors will be Fireburst, Honeyburst, Trans Amber and Trans Black. They are shown in that order below.

 

 

 

 

 

3. The only change from these images is that the trussrod cover will say "Nighthawk Custom" on it. Also please note: The Honeyburst and Trans Amber prototype images above have Rosewood boards on them. That's why they don't look as dark. But, all production models will have Ebony boards as seen on the Fireburst and Trans Black images.

 

4. Below is a chart showing the basic model specifications. Our friends in Scottsdale, AZ recently introduced their new "Blacktop" series guitars and they are being touted as a great value. Given that I believe these are comparable models to the Nighthawk (25.5" scale, thin & lightweight, single-coil & HB sounds) we have included Blacktop specs in the chart below also. Certainly, I will be the FIRST to admit I'm biased and that my motivation to do so is selfish \:D/ . But given that, you be the judge. I'd love you hear your comments.

 

 

If you're interested in picking up one of these, contact your local authorized Epiphone retailer and tell them... "I want my Nighthawk!"

 

Thanks for participating in the forum.

 

Jim Epi

[The.Traffic.Lights]

That's so freakishly beautiful! Maybe it's just me, but they look as vintage as it could probably get, love the crown inlays and love the pup combination!

 

Only, perhaps, it could be a bit difficult finding an upgrade for the bridge bucker :unsure: And I would stick with the Epi logo on the tr-cover, I guess.

[wardog]

Awesome"""""". One note the previous model had gold on the mini. Any thought to having all the pups covered? Either way I will be getting one of these

[Hungrycat]

FINALLY! They've actually been listening to me drone on and on about there needing to be more Epis with ebony 'boards! Sign me up for a Honeyburst RIGHT NOW!

 

And to think I was thinking about buying a Blacktop Jazzmaster!

 

Edit: And I like the Epi E on the truss rod cover. On mine (because I've already bought one in my head), I would just sand off "Nighthawk Custom", but I'd leave the Epi E.

[Whitmore Willy]

Jim,

 

All those features AND an ebony fretboard on a guitar for $400?

I find that rather amazing.

Will look forward to trying one.

 

Willy

[brianh]

Thanks for posting this Epi!, it's great to see more interaction like this, and these look like a great value.

 

A couple of comments:

 

• More info on the pickups would be nice - construction, magnet type, approximate output , etc.
• Wiring diagrams
• Overall weight
• Info on fitted hard cases and cost / availability
• Info on European distribution

Also (and this probably is just me, but) why not a goldtop?

 

And lastly, when are we going to see the Tak DC models in the US / Europe?

 

Or this gorgeous Riviera with mini hums in the US?

[RobinTheHood]

Well thanks for the GAS Jim. Thanks alot! Just what I need, another guitar.

 

Seriously though, those are beautiful. The ebony fretboard and crown inlays are great. Not sure if I like the looks of the two uncovered pickups against the the covered mini hum. It looks good on the trans black, but I'm undecided about it on the others. The specs look great though. Kudos for using mahogany. Seeing too much basswood and agathis on guitars these days.

[midiman56]

Gentlemen (and lady if Sheila is around) ... my next guitar!

 

Possibly my second or third next guitar if I see anything cool in the meanwhile ... you know how it goes. Also, if my two Prophecy guits are any indication, you are going to LOVE the Ebony boards on these things!!!

 

Thanks for all the info!

 

Jim

[Epi1]

All,

 

Thanks for your feedback and participation. I'll try to answer all your questions (to date) in this one response.

 

1. The combination of open-coil (humbucker & single) and the covered mini-humbucker was the original design of the Nighthawk. That's not to say that we could not change it, but we did like the idea of a "reissue."

 

2. Regarding a slant pickup replacement or upgrade, we will have replacement pickups. However, we plan to discuss with some of the key after-market pickup makers the possibility of providing upgraded, USA pickups as an after-market part. I suspect they'll be open to the idea. The slant humbucker does add to the unique sound and overall look of the guitar.

 

3. We'll try to post up more info on the specs, weight, etc. soon. The guitar fits into our G-400 or SG hard case so it's readily available. The Nighthawk will be available worldwide.

 

4. Up until now, the Tak Matsumoto DC is a Japan-only product at the request of Mr. Tak Matsumoto. I hope that we can offer it worldwide soon. Great guitar. Great player.

 

5. The Riviera Reissue is available in the USA via AIMM (Alliance of Independent Retailers). See HERE for dealer locations.

 

6. Regarding the truss rod cover, unless historically accurate our thinking is that while more guitar savvy users immediately recognize models, that is not always the case with less knowledgeable customers on a global basis. And believe it or not, that can sometimes include even retailer sales personnel. (I'm not making fun or criticizing - I'm just stating what we've found in some cases.) Additionally, putting the name of the product on it actually reinforces our trademark position. Therefore, the model name on the truss rod cover has its benefits. But, we'll give it further thought...

 

Thanks again for your feedback.

 

Jim Epi

[Sjael]

Definitely getting one of these. It will take the amassed legions of hell (or at least a small fence) to keep me from my Trans-black Nighthawk. I love Nighthawks, I love Ebony boards, I love black flame tops. It's like Epiphone designed a guitar just for me!

[ReneBoedker]

First of all, I would like to thank you, Epi1, for involving us in the plans of Epiphone.

 

The Nighthawk looks like a great guitar, and I am seriously considering buying the Fireburst. About the truss rod cover, I would probably prefer the "Nighthawk Custom"-imprint instead of the "E". Pehaps, you could equip it with the "Nighhawk"-cover, and include the "E" in the box; just a thought.

[Fantana]

Jim,

 

You see it's customer involvement like this, that further confirms Epiphone as my favourite guitar company. To be told information straight from the top, rather than fighting google to give you some answers just makes it a pleasant experience to own and play Epiphones.

 

I have always been an avid Epiphone player, right from my first guitar 16 years ago to my current professional use today. IMHO nothing comes close to finding an Epi in a shop that just 'sings' out loud and then slightly tweaking her to my ultimate liking.

 

I just wanted to say thank you :)

 

Now, can we talk about switching my partner's endorsement from Kramer to Epiphone? Please?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

[Xaj]

Jim,

Thank you for coming out with this information.

It is helpful, and it allows me to plan the buying of the guitars (hey, after the Slash Les Paul, maybe a couple of Nighthawks ).

The ebony fretboard is great and for 400 dollars it is quite simply brilliant that you are offering this.

I would really like to see this more often in the more classical looking LPs and other models (Firebirds, SGs, Explorers, Vs).

About the pickups, I think I'd like to see them covered but to be honest the trans Ebony looks fantastic.

Bottom line, this is the type of guitars that most of us want to see with great appointements and great price as well.

Thank you for letting us in on these guitars and...

 

Just one question, are you considering doing a new Firebird, especially in non-Studio format like a VII?

[RobinTheHood]

The more I look at the pickups, the more they grow on me. That trans black nighthawk is so freakin' hot!

Thanks for not making the bursts a teardrop!

[Svet]

WOW, I was disappointed in the direction of Epiphone after taking the Elitist's out of the market but perhaps my judgment was premature. You guys really seem to have some good inexpensive guitars to offer and I started to see this with the introduction of the Swingster models. This latest is just beautiful too!

[james_edward]

Hey Jim, just wanted to say that I think it's great that you come here and ask what we think - great way to do things.

$400 is a great price, but I'd be willing to pay more for better electrics.

Thanks again Epi1

[bynapkinart]

That headstock looks soooooo much nicer with the real Epi logo. Looks a lot classier than even Gibson. I think you guys should seriously consider going with the Nighthawk/Casino/Riviera logo on all of your guitars.

 

I think the Epi LP and SG headstocks are so ugly....maybe all it is is the Gibsonized Epi logo. These look really nice.

 

My $.02.

[Cheeks]

I was hoping that the 'Nighthawk' was named in honor

of this Blues artist... Robert Nighthawk of

Maxwell Street Chicago Blues fame... but it

doesn't look like it...

 

Robert NIGHTHAWK - CLICK HERE

 

CHEEKS

[dem00n]

Im so getting one for christmas!

Late christmas though

 

Is it a gig bag or a real case?

[FirstMeasure]

If it plays like my '95 Gibson Nighthawk I'm gonna have one in EACH COLOR!!!

 

Ebony Fret Board, That's outstanding, and the prices are better than I thought they were going to be!

Here's my '95, it doesn't have the Middle Single Coil which would be nice in a lot of situations. I've used this one as my frontline axe for the last 6 years, it's Gigged and Rehearsed solidly since then. Holds up as well as any top of the line Gibson and has sonic choices enough to cover anything with this one guitar.

 

This is the most Underrated Guitar ever released, the fact that Epiphone is putting out a faithful version of the Three Pick up Hardtail makes me feel like a Kid waiting for Christmas ( Dem00n Homage ) .

 

Looking Forward to test driving one of these, and believe me, I'll be Honest but Brutal in my assessment.

[Nexx]

This is awesome news I love my nighthawks... can't wait to add another one to the collection.

 

 

I just wish there was a model with a regular bridge humbucker (no slant) that could easily be changed with a standard pickup. The original slant humbucker (gibson or OBL on epi) left a lot to be desired.

[Sjael]

This is awesome news I love my nighthawks... can't wait to add another one to the collection.

 

 

I just wish there was a model with a regular bridge humbucker (no slant) that could easily be changed with a standard pickup. The original slant humbucker (gibson or OBL on epi) left a lot to be desired.

I know that Rio Grande at least make slanted humbuckers. I do vaguely recall a slanted SD as well.

 

Which brings me to another point. These 'Hawks could look cool with an open-coil mini-humbucker.

 

[lowb5str]

Re: Nighthawk naming: IIRC, it was from the original Blueshawk, named after Rompin' Ronnie "The Hawk" Hawkins. (Vintage 1978 or so, Canada)

[Nexx]

I know that Rio Grande at least make slanted humbuckers. I do vaguely recall a slanted SD as well.

 

Which brings me to another point. These 'Hawks could look cool with an open-coil mini-humbucker.

 

 

 

Good to know I'll look for those. There were two gibson made slanted replacement humbuckers but those are as scarce as hens teeth.

 

I find the slant pickup gets in the way of picking sometimes too. Two birds with one stone.

[FirstMeasure]

This is awesome news I love my nighthawks... can't wait to add another one to the collection.

 

 

I just wish there was a model with a regular bridge humbucker (no slant) that could easily be changed with a standard pickup. The original slant humbucker (gibson or OBL on epi) left a lot to be desired.

I hate to disagree, but I think the "Magic" of the original Nighthawks are in the Stock Slanted M-Series Humbucker. Although it is nice to know there's a slanted Pick Up replacement.