# Chinese Pop Star-Inspired Guitars Epiphone Debuts Inspired by Gibson Custom WoWkie Da J-180 By Kalin Ned | Published 2026-03-06 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wowkie-da References: [gibson](https://www.gibson.com/fr/blogs/gibson-gazette/introducing-the-first-epiphone-collaboration-with-pop-artist-wowkie-da) Epiphone reveals the Inspired by [Gibson](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inspired-by-gibson) Custom WoWkie Da J-180, a [signature acoustic guitar developed in collaboration](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jake-kiszka) with the renowned Chinese pop artist WoWkie Da. This marks the first time the brand has created a signature model for a Chinese musician. This instrument is built upon the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom J-180 platform and incorporates original Gibson Custom designs. The WoWkie Da J-180 model features a 25.5-inch length, which provides enhanced projection, clarity, and a more powerful low end compared to traditional short-scale acoustics. It is constructed with all-solid tonewoods, including a thermally aged Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides. A one-piece mahogany neck with a comfortable, rounded C profile offers smooth playability, and the [L.R. Baggs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mandopop-band) Element Bronze VTC pickup system delivers exceptional amplified tone for stage use. Image Credit: Epiphone ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.9/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 65% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Artist-branded Instrument Collaborations:** A surge in signature instruments co-developed with high-profile musicians presents opportunities to redefine product lines through culturally resonant design and endorsement-driven demand. - **Regional Market-centric Signature Models:** Growing emphasis on locally influential artists as design partners indicates potential for region-specific product strategies that unlock new consumer segments in emerging markets. - **Advanced Acoustic-electric Integration:** Greater adoption of high-fidelity onboard pickup systems and premium tonewoods signals possibilities for hybrid instruments that bridge studio-quality tone and live-performance reliability. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Musical-instrument Manufacturing:** Customization of build specs and finish options tied to artist identities suggests a pathway to premiumization and modular production approaches within traditional manufacturing. - **Live-performance Technology:** Improved onboard amplification and pickup technologies point to opportunities for integrated instrument-to-stage ecosystems minimizing signal chain complexity for performers. - **Artist-driven Merchandise and Licensing:** Expansion of signature product portfolios linked to artist brands highlights the potential for licensing models that transform merch into high-margin lifestyle products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Contemporary Iconic Guitar Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inspired-by-gibson1.md) - [Classic Electric Guitar Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-electric-guitar-models.md) - [Novel Acoustic Guitar Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acoustic-guitar-models.md) - [Pop Punk-Inspired Bass Guitars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mike-dirnt.md) - [Slick Artist-Improved Guitars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dave-grohl.md) - [Collaborative Afrofuturist Guitar Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fatoumata-diawara.md) - [Musician-Designed Limited-Edition Guitars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noel-gallagher-les-paul-standard.md) - [Legend Co-Created Limited-Edition Guitars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keith-richards1.md) - [Expanding Guitar Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-namm-show.md)