Years ago, Epiphone launched the Prophecy Series as an alternative to it’s more classicly styled models. The Prophecy had USA pickups and upgrades galore… but somehow lost popularity. So what have they unveiled for the 2020 lineup?
The Epiphone Prophecy 2020 Lineup Has A Forgotten Legacy….
A little over a decade ago, Epiphone launched its Prophecy line in the form of an updated, Metal ready Les Paul. Now this wasn’t a traditional Les Paul by any stretch of the means. These we “hot-rodded” in a sense, as they had enormous amounts of features found on none of the other models, such as:
- Ebony Fretboard
- EMG/ USA Pickups
- Grover Tuners
- Flame Maple Top
- Thin Tapered Necks
- Upgraded Electronics
- Came with Case/Gig bag
- Custom Hardware
These original Prophecy models sold really well and most reviews were very positive for the models. Critics and players praised the “stage ready” models and the general consensus was that the Prophecy models were some of the best guitars Epiphone ever made. Then, suddenly…they just disappeared.
It’s still a mystery to me as to why Epiphone would suddenly discontinue such a popular model for players on a budget. Epiphone is known for their bang-for-your-buck designs and mentality. You would think their first big foray into the Metal Guitar realm would have been a constant part of their lineup.
But Epiphone abandoned the Prophecy. I quit seeing ads for it, and reviews alike. Right as Metal guitar started taking off…the Prophecy vanished. It became a part of the guitar zeitgeist and ended up on bargain websites for 40% off. It met a somewhat sad demise as it dissolved into the Ether.
Personally, I’ve always wanted one. They sounded great and had familiar EMG pickups in half the models, while the other half had Gibson USA humbuckers. My local music store had one but before I could pull the trigger, it was picked up by someone else. Gone and forgotten…
But if you always wanted to snag one, and missed them the first time around…you’re in luck!
Epiphone Prophecy 2020 Lineup: Amazing Features on A Budget
This year, Epiphone not only released new models under the Prophecy moniker, the lineup has been completely revamped and expanded. Now, instead just getting a fully spec’d Les Paul, you get several models in many different finishes!
You can choose between the Les Paul, Explorer, SG, or the legendary Flying V. Like the original Prophecy models, these are fully equipped to be Metal/Rock machines with tons of upgraded features:
- “Inspired By Gibson” Body Shapes and Design
- Custom Fishman Pickups with 3 Voices
- Graphtech Nut
- Grover Tuners
- Flame Maple Tops
- Cream Binding
- Jumbo Frets
- Tapered Neck Joint
- Ebony Fretboard
- Epiphone Locking Bridge
“Inspired by Gibson” is all the rage at Epiphone this year, for a good reason. These guitars all almost perfect copies of their more expensive Gibson brothers. Customer have asked for Epiphone to make their guitars closer to Gibson spec for years, and now you’ve finally got it!
The other standout feature is definitely the Fishman Fluence Pickups. Let it be noted that these are not just your run-of-the-mill Fishman Modern pickups. Epiphone designed these to be proprietary for these Prophecy models specifically.
These Prophecy Fishman pickups are definitely designed in the same way all of the Fluence line is designed, yet they have their own special features. From Epiphone Official:
“With custom-voiced Fishman® Fluence™ pickups that deliver three distinct tones – a warm “Patent Applied For” vintage humbucker, hot modern humbucker, and a shimmering hum-free single-coil all accessed by push/pull volume and tone pots.“
This makes for an extremely versatile sound palate across all of the Prophecy models. Not only can you get a warm PAF sound from the Fishman pickups, you can also get more extreme active pickup tones as well. Throw in the coil tap and you have what I call a “Swiss Army Guitar”. It can do anything!
The other features like Grover tuners, Graphtech nut, Cream binding, and jumbo frets set the Prophecy apart from standard models. These are not only aesthetically pleasing features. They are full-on upgrades that ensure the Epiphone Prophecy 2020 lineup is “future-proof”.
These new models are just now starting to ship out to retailers, so unfortunately I have not been able to try any in person. But what we can do today, is give a little synopsis of each model and check out the promo pictures form Epiphone.
Epiphone Prophecy 2020 Lineup: The Prophecy Les Paul
The model that started the Prophecy series, the Epiphone Les Paul. These come in three different finishes: two Flame Maple and one that is solid black. This is where it all began!
The “Red Tiger Gloss” Flame Maple finish is stunning, as well as it’s “Olive Tiger Aged Gloss” counterpart. The last finish is your standard black with cream binding that is reminiscent of a classic Les Paul Custom.
The Les Paul models all have the same features regardless of the finish. The custom knobs and hardware are carried over from the original Prophecy in a handsome Nickle finish. This is the only Prophecy model that retains a “4 Knob Layout” with two Volume and two Tone knobs.
Something you may not have noticed at first glance, is the mother of pearl logo on the headstock. This is a feature usually reserved for Gibson guitars. The same goes for the beautiful “diamond” inlay on the headstock which is often reserved for fancy Gibson models only.
The Epiphone Prophecy SG
The Epiphone SG needs no introduction. This is a fantastic guitar that has been used for all types of Metal. Hell, it helped to invent Heavy Metal the day that Tony Iommi started playing an SG in Black Sabbath. The SG is still used today in all kinds of music, and is a staple in Doom Metal.
Like the Prophecy Les Paul, the SG comes in three different finishes. It comes in the ” Blue Tiger Aged Gloss” that you see above. As well as the “Red Tiger Aged Gloss” and a standard black finish, like the Les Paul model.
The control layout is a little different, and has a master tone and volume with push/pull knobs to activate the Fishman pickup features. This is different from your traditional 4 knob SG models, but just as effective.
The Flying V Prophecy
The Flying V has a long history of being a Metal guitar classic. Everyone from Metallica, to Megadeth and Anthrax has used these mean looking Heavy Metal monsters. Even people that don’t play guitar know the shape and the legacy that comes with wielding one of these uncompromising axes.
Not only does the Flying V look the part when it comes to shredding, it acts the part as well. You see, Flying V guitars allow you to have access all the way up the fretboard to the final frets, as we discussed before. This makes the Flying V the ultimate weapon for anyone looking to blast their solos into orbit.
The Prophecy Flying V only comes in two finishes: Black Aged Gloss and “Yellow Tiger Aged Gloss”.
The Prophecy Flying V has the same control layout as the SG model, having only a master volume and tone knob. This again differs from tradition but also leaves the Flying V with a more sleek concept. The headstock is again “Inspired By Gibson”
The Prophecy Extura
I think by now, we all know how I feel about Explorers. I am obsessed with them. In fact, I recently received what I thought to be my dream guitar. But I might have made a mistake!
The Explorer, like the Flying V is definitely an extreme shape and it’s not made for everyone. Some of my favorite Metal players have used them for years such as Metallica and Coheed and Cambria. The extreme shape can feel cumbersome to many people and it can be a hard guitar to tame.
But this is the thing: You automatically look awesome when you strap one of these on and take to the stage.
The Prophecy Extura comes in three different finishes: “Purple Tiger Aged Gloss” and “Yellow Tiger Aged Gloss” round out the two Flame Maple finishes. The prophecy Extura also comes in your standard black finish, with Cream Binding.
Just like the Gibson Explorer models, the Prophecy Extura has a “hockey stick” headstock with a mother of pearl logo. This is a very nice touch on the Epiphone model! The control layout is the same as the SG and Flying V models, with the custom knobs and hardware.
This is my favorite of the Epiphone Prophecy 2020 lineup. I cannot tell you when it will happen, but one of these will be mine.
Epiphone Prophecy 2020 Guitars: Final Thoughts…
If you ask me, Epiphone has been knocking it out of the park in 2020 with literally all of their models. The company usually referred to as “Gibson’s Affordable Little Brother” has made some big changes in design and features. The loyal customers spoke, and the company listened to them.
While even the least expensive models are pretty fantastic since the overhaul of design, the Prophecy line is just icing on the cake. These models ascend to the next level of features and are priced under $1000. Epiphone isn’t just holding their own, but competing in the realm of budget friendly instruments.
This is not to say there aren’t a few downsides. One of them being the Fishman Pickups. I didn’t care for the Fishman Fluence Modern set but that seems to put me in the vast minority. On the other hand, these are not your regular Fishman’s, as they are voiced specifically for Epiphone. So I may change my mind!
It also seems that Epiphone has nixed one of the Prophecy line’s other selling points: the hardshell case. Now I know this is not a big deal for most people when you are buying a more affordable guitar. But Epiphone has usually included a case with their special models. This is not a deal breaker, just a minor complaint.
Finally, even less minor is the lack of pickguards for all of the models. This was a clear design choice to not only make the guitars look more modern, but to show off the beautiful finishes. Some people like the pickguards and if you are one of those people, I am sure you can buy one after-market from Epiphone.
That’s it. Everything else about this new lineup is a total win. The Prophecy Series has all of the upgrades you can ask for right out of the box. These are breathtaking guitars that are made to be sleek, Metal machines capable of extreme face melting.
For the first time in a long, long time…Epiphone isn’t just standing in the corner being the “affordable option” to other guitars. Obviously, this year is all business in an attempt to compete with brands like Schecter and LTD.
Epiphone is a big favorite here at ElectrikJam and I am very happy to see the new lineup this year. I hope that Epiphone continues to innovate and redesign popular models when Winter NAAM rolls around in January.
For more pictures, head over to Epiphone.com.
Epiphone Prophecy 2020 FAQs
When is Epiphone Prophecy 2020 Release Date?
The Epiphone Prophecy 2020 range is now available to buy in the UK and USA. The new range features several new models, including: the Epiphone Les Paul, the Epiphone Flying V, Epiphone SG, Epiphone Explorer
Does The Epiphone Prophecy 2020 Come with a Case?
No. None of the Guitars Come with a case.
Epiphone Prophecy 2020 Lineup: New GORGEOUS Models For Metal!
The Epiphone Prophecy 2020 Lineup Has A Forgotten Legacy….
These original Prophecy models sold really well and most reviews were very positive for the models. Critics and players praised the “stage ready” models and the general consensus was that the Prophecy models were some of the best guitars Epiphone ever made.
Epiphone Prophecy 2020 Lineup: Amazing Features on A Budget
This year, Epiphone not only released new models under the Prophecy moniker, the lineup has been completely revamped and expanded.
Epiphone Prophecy 2020 Guitars: Final Thoughts…
If you ask me, Epiphone has been knocking it out of the park in 2020 with literally all of their models. The company usually referred to as “Gibson’s Affordable Little Brother” has made some big changes in design and features.
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