Epiphone is releasing two Monster signature models on May 31, 2026 – an Inspired by Gibson '59 Les Paul Standard and a 1960 J-45 – celebrating one of Asian rock's most influential guitarists.
If you’re not familiar, Mayday are one of the biggest rock bands in the world – often referred to as “The Beatles of the Chinese-speaking world.” Guitarist Monster has been shaping Mayday’s legacy since the band’s debut in 1999. Gibson has now appointed him as an official Gibson Ambassador, coinciding with the release of two new Epiphone artist signature models dropping May 31.
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The two guitars cover opposite ends of Monster’s musical range. The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Mayday Monster ’59 Les Paul Standard is finished in Mayday Blue with a custom red heart graphic designed by Monster’s daughter – a personal touch that makes the instrument feel connected to the artist rather than just branded. Underneath the finish, it’s a serious guitar, with weight-relieved mahogany body, a maple top with highly figured maple veneer, 1959 Rounded Medium C neck profile, rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlays, and Epiphone Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers.
The electronics include push-pull coil splitting on both volume controls and push-pull phase switching on the tone control, giving players considerably more tonal range than a standard Les Paul wiring. Gold hardware and a custom brown hardshell case with pink interior and gold Mayday Monster and Epiphone logos complete the package.
The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Mayday Monster 1960 J-45 takes a different direction entirely. Built to Inspired by Gibson Custom standards, it features a solid spruce top with solid mahogany back and sides, 4-ply top binding, a rosewood fingerboard with pearloid five-star and “Monster Hug Heart” inlays, bone nut and saddle, and an L.R. Baggs VTC preamp system. It’s an acoustic built for performance as much as the studio.
Mayday’s 5525 Back to That Day Tour recently wrapped a historic run of 12 sold-out shows at Beijing’s Bird’s Nest National Stadium and has drawn more than 6.5 million attendees in total.
Both models are available in select regions across Asia through authorised Gibson and Epiphone dealers from May 31.
Learn more at Gibson.
