Epiphone Announces Newport and El Capitan Basses

Epiphone is launching two new bass offerings for 2023 with the Newport Bass and the El Capitan J-200 Studio Bass. Both take their cues from vintage instruments; the Newport was first introduced in 1961, while the El Capitan takes its cues from the SJ-200 flattop acoustic.

The company says the revamped Newport pays tribute to the original with modern refinements. It has a short 30.5-inch scale with a medium C neck profile and deep body cutaways to reach the highest frets. Epiphone fits it with a Bass Sidewinder pickup in the neck position for depth and body with a TB PRO in the bridge position to bring out its brightness. A blend control lets you mix the timbres.

Finally, it comes in four old-school cool colors: Classic Cherry, California Coral, Sunset Yellow, and Pacific Blue.

The El Capitan J-200 Studio Bass is an acoustic/electric bass fitted with a Fishman Sonitone under-saddle pickup and Sonicore preamp. It’s built with a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a mahogany neck. The Indian Laurel fretboard holds 20 frets that are marked with pearloid crown inlays. Similar to the Newport, it also has a short 30.5-inch scale and a medium C neck profile. It comes in Aged Vintage Sunburst, and Aged Vintage Natural finishes.

The Epiphone Newport Bass and El Capitan J-200 are available now at prices of $379 and $699.

Epiphone Newport Bass Specs:

Epiphone El Capitan J-200 Acoustic/Electric Bass Specs: