The announcements are coming in thick and fast in the lead up to NAMM 2009 and Epiphone just got in on the action with news of the Wilshire re-release.
First released in 1960 the Wilshire featured two P90 pickups, a 3 on a side headstock and a solid mahogany body and one piece neck. It was designed to compete with the popular Fender Stratocaster in terms of upper fret access, light-weight and playability. It is little surprise given its Kalamazoo origins that this guitar would share many features with its Gibson cousin the Les Paul Jr. However unlike the Les Paul Jr. the 62 Epiphone Wilshire provided two P90 pickups and an intonatable bridge. This arrangement offered an extremely functional and versatile alternative.
Well it certainly doesn’t compete with the Fender Stratocaster in terms of looks, I think this looks a little a bit ugly with that wide pickguard and the jack being on the top of the guitar.
With an original MSRP of $210, production of the 1962 Wilshire SB-432 was limited to only 180 guitars. Today, owners of original 1962 Wilshires are not only blessed with an outstanding instrument, but also a wise investment and a very collectible guitar. Original Wilshires now sell regularly for $5,000 to $12,000 or more depending upon their year and condition.
I imagine the reissue’s will be a little cheaper to purchase than that ;)
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