Bass Review: Epiphone Mike Dirnt G-3 Signature Bass Guitar Review (2025)

The Epiphone Mike Dirnt G-3 Signature Bass is a modern reimagining of a cult-classic design — and it’s far more than a signature model. Built with road-ready hardware, a smart pickup configuration, and a surprisingly balanced short-scale feel, the G-3 delivers the kind of warm, growling, upper-mid presence Mike Dirnt has relied on for decades. Whether you’re pushing through a loud guitar band or tracking punchy rock basslines, this instrument brings clarity and attitude in equal measure. Its Gibson USA pickups, Badass II bridge, and simplified controls make it a plug-in-and-play powerhouse with genuine tone pedigree.

What we think:
“The Epiphone G-3 delivers Dirnt’s mix-cutting attitude in an accessible, studio-ready package — warm in the lows, bright in the mids, and unmistakably rock-focused.” — Bass Review Magazine

Pros:

• Gibson USA G-3 pickups with humbucking “buck-and-a-half” wiring
• Leo Quan Badass II bridge for sustain and punch
• Short 30" scale for comfort and speed
• Tonally assertive upper mids that cut through guitars
• Excellent value for a signature model

Cons:

• Limited production runs may make it hard to find
• Passive tones can feel raw if you prefer active shaping

Why we like it:

The G-3 blends classic punk/alt-rock attitude with modern construction and tonal flexibility. It’s designed to sit forward in a mix without overpowering it — exactly what modern rock bass players need.

How It Sits in the Mix:

The G-3 sits comfortably between 150 Hz and 1 kHz, offering a firm foundation with just enough aggression to push through guitars. Its “buck-and-a-half” switching gives three hum-free voices, each more usable than the last. It’s a mix engineer’s friend: strong mids, clean lows, and no excessive bloom.