We're going to cut to the chase - this guitar is SO good! It's fun, easy to play, looks amazing, and of course, sounds fantastic.

Released soon after Gibson acquired Epiphone, the Coronet (here reimagined as the Francis B. Jr.) was Epiphone’s student-level answer to the Les Paul Junior. With its simple appointments and striking symmetrical double-cut body (often nicknamed the "double-cut Esquire") the Coronet has since earned a cult following in the vintage world.

VA-based master luthier Thomas Rodriguez revives this early design with a level of craftsmanship that sets a new standard. From lightweight tonewoods and top-tier hardware to a fit and finish that rivals anything on the market, the Francis B. Jr. captures vintage vibe while shedding the clunky feel that sometimes comes with old student models. Details matter here too: Rodriguez nods to Epiphone’s 1930s “bikini” badge with a tasteful wood inlay on the headstock, elegantly overlaid with his own insignia.

At the heart of the guitar is a Mahogany body and neck, paired with a MojoAxe compensated wraparound tailpiece and a Fralin P90 (stock wind). The result? Instantly classic “Junior” tones - full, chimey, open, and endlessly versatile (seriously) thanks to responsive volume and tone controls. Despite its single-pickup design, this guitar never feels limiting; instead, it inspires creativity through its simplicity.

Simply put, the Francis B. Jr. will easily hang with any of the finest electrics available today. If you’re after a fresh addition to your collection that balances history, tone, and exceptional build quality, a Rodriguez will more than deliver.