What pickups are used in the Matt Heafy Origins 7-String?

The guitar is equipped with bespoke Fishman MKH Fluence pickups, which are custom-voiced for Matt Heafy to provide both high-output power and clean, glassy tones.

What is the neck profile of this model?

It features a SlimTaper D profile, which is thinner than standard Les Paul necks to allow for faster playing and easier navigation of the 7-string fretboard.

Does this guitar come with a case?

Yes, the Epiphone Matt Heafy Origins includes a premium hardshell case designed for professional-standard protection during transport.

What kind of tuners are installed?

The instrument uses Grover Locking Mini Rotomatic machine heads, which provide excellent tuning stability and make string changes faster.

What is the inspiration behind this guitar's design?

Matt Heafy used his own original Gibson Les Paul Custom as the design foundation, while updating the electronics and feel for modern performance needs.

Is the finish a standard white?

The specific finish for this model is Bone White, which gives it a distinct, clean aesthetic paired with the traditional Les Paul Custom aesthetic.

How many strings does this version have?

This specific model is a 7-string guitar, offering an extended lower range compared to standard 6-string Les Pauls.

Can the pickups handle clean tones?

Yes, the Fishman MKH Fluence pickups are designed to be dialed back for 'sparkling glassy cleans,' making them highly versatile across different musical genres.

What makes the pickups 'bespoke'?

The pickups were specifically engineered by Fishman for Matt Heafy (MKH) to meet his requirements for both heavy distortion and high-clarity clean sounds.

What is the typical price for this guitar?

In the UK market, this guitar is typically priced around £1,025, reflecting its position as a premium signature model.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

While anyone can play it, the 7-string configuration and professional features are primarily designed for intermediate to professional players who need specific modern capabilities.

How does it compare to a standard Gibson Les Paul?

Unlike a standard Gibson Les Paul 50s model, this Epiphone features an extra string, active Fishman pickups, locking tuners, and a thinner D-shaped neck profile.

Gear article

Epiphone Matt Heafy Origins Les Paul Custom 7-String

The Epiphone Matt Heafy Origins Les Paul Custom 7-String is a professional-grade signature electric guitar designed in collaboration with the Trivium frontman. It features a modernised take on the classic Les Paul Custom template, incorporating bespoke Fishman Fluence electronics and a 7-string configuration suited for contemporary heavy metal.

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Background and Design

The Origins series represents a significant evolution in Matt Heafy's signature line with Epiphone. Taking his original Gibson Les Paul Custom as the primary aesthetic and structural inspiration, this model updates the traditional platform for modern high-gain requirements. It is finished in a striking Bone White, maintaining the multi-ply binding and block inlays characteristic of the 'Custom' designation while expanding the range with a low B-string for extended-range compositions.

Technical Features

The guitar is built for high-performance stability and speed. Key specifications include:

Neck: A SlimTaper D profile that provides a thinner feel than traditional 1950s-style Les Pauls, facilitating faster fretwork across the wider 7-string fingerboard.
Hardware: Equipped with Grover Locking Mini Rotomatic machine heads, the instrument offers enhanced tuning stability, which is essential for the increased tension of a 7-string setup.
Electronics: The heart of the instrument is the pair of bespoke Fishman MKH Fluence pickups. These are active electronics designed to offer multiple distinct voicings, ranging from high-output modern tones to vintage-style responses.

Sonic Character

The Matt Heafy Origins is defined by its versatility. The Fishman MKH Fluence pickups allow the player to switch between 'crushing' high-output distortion and 'glassy' cleans. Unlike traditional passive pickups that may become muddy on the low B-string, these active units are engineered to maintain clarity and definition even at high gain levels. This makes the guitar suitable for both percussive rhythm playing and articulated lead work.

Target Audience

This instrument is primarily aimed at modern metal and progressive guitarists who require the extended range of a 7-string but prefer the classic ergonomics and weight of a Les Paul. Its feature set—specifically the locking tuners and included hardshell case—positions it as a professional-standard tool for touring musicians and recording artists who need reliability and a broad palette of tones.

Market Comparisons

Within the signature guitar market, the Matt Heafy Origins competes with other high-performance models such as the Fender Jim Root Telecaster, which also features a minimalist aesthetic and high-output electronics. While traditionalists might look towards a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s for vintage accuracy, the Origins model is distinct for its focus on modern hardware and extended-range capabilities. Compared to entry-level options like the Squier Mini Stratocaster, the Origins Les Paul is a premium, full-scale professional instrument.

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Frequently asked questions

What pickups are used in the Matt Heafy Origins 7-String?: The guitar is equipped with bespoke Fishman MKH Fluence pickups, which are custom-voiced for Matt Heafy to provide both high-output power and clean, glassy tones.
What is the neck profile of this model?: It features a SlimTaper D profile, which is thinner than standard Les Paul necks to allow for faster playing and easier navigation of the 7-string fretboard.
Does this guitar come with a case?: Yes, the Epiphone Matt Heafy Origins includes a premium hardshell case designed for professional-standard protection during transport.
What kind of tuners are installed?: The instrument uses Grover Locking Mini Rotomatic machine heads, which provide excellent tuning stability and make string changes faster.
What is the inspiration behind this guitar's design?: Matt Heafy used his own original Gibson Les Paul Custom as the design foundation, while updating the electronics and feel for modern performance needs.
Is the finish a standard white?: The specific finish for this model is Bone White, which gives it a distinct, clean aesthetic paired with the traditional Les Paul Custom aesthetic.
How many strings does this version have?: This specific model is a 7-string guitar, offering an extended lower range compared to standard 6-string Les Pauls.
Can the pickups handle clean tones?: Yes, the Fishman MKH Fluence pickups are designed to be dialed back for 'sparkling glassy cleans,' making them highly versatile across different musical genres.
What makes the pickups 'bespoke'?: The pickups were specifically engineered by Fishman for Matt Heafy (MKH) to meet his requirements for both heavy distortion and high-clarity clean sounds.
What is the typical price for this guitar?: In the UK market, this guitar is typically priced around £1,025, reflecting its position as a premium signature model.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: While anyone can play it, the 7-string configuration and professional features are primarily designed for intermediate to professional players who need specific modern capabilities.
How does it compare to a standard Gibson Les Paul?: Unlike a standard Gibson Les Paul 50s model, this Epiphone features an extra string, active Fishman pickups, locking tuners, and a thinner D-shaped neck profile.