In July 1936, Epiphone showed off several new models at the National Association of Music Norlin acquired CMI and moved all of the production of Epiphone to Japan and subsequently to Korea. from swing era archtops through post-war pop, jazz, r&b, and early rock n' roll; and from the "British Invasion" to heavy metal, punk, grunge, and thrash. Financially and emotionally, Epiphone invested everything into these new models. A Japanese-made Epiphone can also have no letter, in which case the serial number would just start with numbers. Epi's guitars had similar f-holes, pegheads, and even a similar name to the Gibson Master Model range. In 2000, Epiphone introduced the Elitist range and strengthened its position in the acoustic market with the acquisition of veteran Gibson luthier Mike Voltz. The Recording guitars were not initially a success. The company's - Used! 6. Epi continued to expand as his business and reputation for quality work grew. By the end of the war in 1945, the company had lost its greatest asset when As the oldest son, Epi was charged with keeping the business going. The John Lennon 1965 and Revolution Casinos matched unbeatable authenticity and quality and reunited Epi with one of the greatest artists of all time, underlining the company's own re-emergence as a music legend. such as the ProBucker™ pickup, series parallel switching, built-in KillSwitch™ pots, the Shadow NanoFlex™ and NanoMag™ pickup systems, and premier acoustic/electric guitars with the eSonic™ preamp have brought Epiphone to a new generation. The Stathopoulo family was out of the instrument business. Vintage numbers from 1932 to 1970 are supported. And the marketplace responded. The guitar is labeled with Flat Top style, model FT-147 and serial number 72032276 to the interior. We're designers. The plate says its from Japan. Epi took the title of president and general manager and announced in trade publications and advertisements that “Epiphone” referenced not only his own name, but the Greek word for sound--phone. onstage with Epiphone guitars. Little else is known of the family until 1873, around the time of Anastasios's 12th birthday, when the Stathopoulo family left Greece for the coast of Turkey The Recording line was listed in advertisements alphabetically: Recording (A) at $125, the Bandmaster at $200, the Concert at $275, and the De Luxe, which sold for $350. instrument in post-World War I America. Most of the parts were made in Japan but some parts were made in other countries, including the USA and Germany. There are unlikely heroes and tinkerers in the Epiphone story too, like guitar pioneer Les Paul, who worked nights in the Epiphone factory in New York City to create "the Log", his primordial Epi died of leukemia. It's the story of both hard earned craftsmanship passed from father to son and the ceaseless American drive for innovation. The neck was made from maple instead of mahogany, the pickup gave it a different sound, and the two-point bridge was replaced by the three-point bridge used by Gibson from the mid-1970s onward. Merchants (NAMM) show at the Stevens Hotel in Chicago, including an electrified piano created with the Meissner Inventions Company in Milburn, New Jersey. Vintage numbers from 1932 to 1970 are supported. If the guitar was made in Indonesia, it will have a "SI," which stands for Samick's Indoesian factory. The Epiphone serial number decoder currently supports 12 serial number formats from 25 factories. But this story is true. Today, Epiphone has something for every player in every genre. And now, in the 21st century, new Epiphone technical breakthroughs Solid body guitars with flat tops and backs were made at the Elenor Street plants (both Gibson and Epiphone) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. By the time of the 1993 NAMM show, a new range acoustic and electric instruments debuted to great reviews and customer response. The Texans are already a very desirable guitar but this is a 12 string. the line between work and home life became increasingly blurred. In the early '80s with the rising cost of Japanese production, Epiphone relocated to Korea in 1983 in a collaboration with the Samick Company. C $644.89; Buy It Now; Free Shipping; 16 Watching. Epiphone also began selling amplifiers after particularly in comparison to the size and volume of Gibson's popular L-5, which was introduced in 1922 and had quickly become an industry standard. Models gradually improved. In 1969, a second purchase occurred. banjo guitars, and banjo ukuleles under the registered trademark name of 'Epiphone.'". But the rise of foreign-made copies in the late '60s took over 40% of the Epiphone/Gibson market share and closed many companies down entirely. There was also a solid selection of Gibson-inspired models like the Les Paul and SG, new archtops like the Howard Roberts Fusio, and a revival of the Sheraton. of key materials, and the virtual shut down of guitar production around the world to ring the bell on the rivalry. a modest return. When Norlin purchased CMI (Gibson) in 1969, all Epiphone production was moved to Japan. Explore. Privacy Policy | Collaborations between Epi and other companies became more frequent. The Epiphone factory moved from Manhattan to Philadelphia in 1953 to avoid a union clash but many of the company's craftsmen refused to leave New York. instrument label of his father's with a new one: "The House of Stathopoulo, Quality Instruments Since 1873." In the early '50s, Epiphone's former champion and favorite late night tinkerer Les Paul became a household name with a television show, a radio program, and chart-topping hits, Since 1873, Epiphone has made instruments for every style of popular music and in 2013 will celebrate its 140th anniversary. But cracks soon appeared both on the production line and in the boardroom. Epiphone thrives on risk while always delivering a great instrument. Used! In 1939, the two firms introduced similar 'pitch-changing' Kostantinos would often take Anastasios with him on work The strength of the Epiphone acoustic range was matched by the electric line, the most famous of these was the double-cutaway Epiphone ft-147 Flat Top Japan acoustic guitar 1972 with Original hard case. Though McCarty's original intention was to bring the Epiphone bass models into the Gibson catalogue, by 1957, he changed his mind. By 1928, The Epiphone Banjo Company were making banjos for Selmer/Conn and the Continental Music line of stores, a major distributor of instruments. The Casino appeared The Japanese market still has dedicated Epi's made in Japan. He married and started a family. The Recording series of acoustic guitars, like the banjo line, were each identified by a letter ('A' through 'E') and were notable for their unusual body shape. As they absorbed Epiphone's pedigree, models were revived and new production techniques started getting results. with the company that Epi determined was Epiphone's greatest rival, Gibson. Big and boomy with great sound, we believe this to be a mid 70s EB-98 Epiphone Banjo made in Japan. Pickups continued to be refined and players continued to appear As does the price and cost of labor in many other countries in the world. These guitars cost more than twice as much as a standard Epiphone guitar. The Epiphone serial number decoder currently supports 12 serial number formats from 25 factories. biggest pop act as their biggest fans. By 1961 Gibson has used up all the original New York-made Epiphone parts, and then used Gibson parts made in Kalamazoo. Today. Manufacturer, repairer The De Luxe, according to advertisements, featured a "carved spruce top, flame curly maple back, The Epiphone ET Series guitars were solidbody guitars produced from 1970-1978 at the Matsumoku plant in Japan. But one of the ongoing questions is whether there’s difference between those Made In China and the guitars Made In Korea and which you should be looking at buying. Casino, first issued in 1961. During this time, the family established a store in Smyrna selling and repairing lutes, violins and bouzoukis. The name Epiphone evokes both history and the spirit of invention. By the 90s, the Epiphone line offered 43 different models across a range of styles and budgets. Made in Matsumoku, Japan. reputation as a talented luthier was providing enough business that he opened his own instrument factory. Epi was also aware of the success of Rickenbacker's electric steel guitar models. I know this covers more than your inquiry, but some folks might not know. In 1931, the Epiphone Banjo Company announced the introduction of the Masterbilt line of guitars featuring seven carved top, f-hole style archtops ranging in price from $35 to $275. meaning one sound on another, the son building on the dreams of the father. Epiphone was arguably just as successful in the late '90s as at any point in its history. The Electar line furthered the reputation of Epiphone as an innovative brand. The Stathopoulo brothers argued over the future of the company and in 1948, Frixo sold his shares to Orphie. Epiphone continued to clash with Gibson, each introducing electric cutaway versions of their top archtops. Production increased. along with a selection of new designs like the semi-hollow Sheraton, the solid body Moderne Black, and flat-top acoustics like the Frontier, whose square-shouldered body style was a first for Not to be outdone, Epi replied the following year with the top-of-the-line Emperor, which raised the stakes with a slightly wider body and a provocative advertising The Epiphone Rivoli ReIssue guitars, made in Korea and Japan in the 1990s, were only visually identical. Copyright 2020 Gibson Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Epiphone is one of American's oldest and most revered instrument makers. Electrics | Archtops | Acoustics | Basses | Bluegrass | Amplifiers | Promotional Guitars, Elitist 1950's Les Paul Standard Plaintop (Japan), Elitist 1950's Les Paul Standard Flametop (Japan), The Difference Between Zephyr, DeLuxe & Regent, Rosewood fingerboard with Trapezoid inlays, Tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece, Rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlays, Gibson-style Open-Book headstock with split-diamond inlay, 1-piece set mahogany neck with SlimTaper profile, Rosewood fingerboard with real Abalone trapezoid inlays, Open-book headstock with gold "Les Paul" script, 2-screw, 2-ply truss rod cover with "Tak Matsumoto" engraving, Epiphone hardcase with Tak Matsumoto signature silkscreen. where they settled in Smyrna, a bustling seaport with a strong Greek immigrant population of merchants and craftsmen. Serial numbers from 70' and 80's era Epiphone guitars made in Japan are not supported. He filed his first version of what would eventually be called the "Les Paul." Gibson President David Berryman opened an Epiphone an office in Seoul and appointed Jim Rosenberg as product manager, The grand unveiling of the Epiphone line took place at the NAMM trade show in July 1958 with the electric Emperor as the flagship model. Here are two examples of the Japanese made EPI Crestwood from the early 1970's. Instruments from 1958 to 1969 are commonly referred to as "Gibson/Epiphones". Models gradually improved. The early to mid-1960s were boom time for Epiphone, with unit sales increasing fivefold between 1961 and 1965. The war changed everything. Epiphone quality rivals that of any guitar manufacturer in the world, while rock 'n' roll fans delight in the company's signature models like the Marcus Henderson Apparition, the Zakk Wylde ZV Custom and the Joe Bonamassa Goldtop. The reason for this is that there is no reliable documentation from this time period. Alongside these models, however, were also recreations of classic Epiphone designs such as the Emperor, Deluxe and Triumph This is a model M300 and it was made in Japan back in the 1970's. Epiphone brand guitars have been made in numerous factories in many locations worldwide, however by far the best instruments (and therefore the most desired) are those made by the the Stathopoulos family in New York in the 1950s, and those made by Gibson in Kalamazoo, MI in the 1960s. 56 Roosevelt on Manhattan's Lower East side, home to many other Greek and Italian immigrants. "the new policy of business and all interest will be devoted to the production of banjos, tenor banjos, banjo mandolins, Epiphone wouldn't stay in the shadow of Gibson for long. In 2013, as Epiphone celebrates 140 years as the working musician’s favorite instrument maker, Epiphone still has the pioneering spirit of Epi Stathopoulo. And, we're passionate about everything we do.". The Elitist Series was made at the Terada and Fuji-gen factories in Japan. And now, from its new headquarters in Nashville, TN, Epiphone will continue to set the standard for affordable quality and innovation. C $1,305.48. 5.0 out of 5 stars. However for the first few years of production, Epiphone guitars made in Japan were actually rebranded designs already produced by the Matsumoku Company. The early 60s brought the explosion of folk music, and Epiphone was ready to cater to it, introducing the Seville classical guitar (with and without pickups) in 1961, as well as the Madrid, Espana and Entrada models. Epiphone went inter-continental with a distribution deal with Handcraft Ltd. of London, and a new showroom opened at 142 West 14th Street in a seven-story beaux-arts style building near Little Italy. In 1963, the Troubadour, steel string flat top guitar was introduced. McCarty took the advice and reached out to Orphie, expressing Gibson's interest in Epiphone's critically acclaimed upright bass division which The story behind Epiphone's improbable rise from a small family repair shop to a worldwide leader in the manufacture of quality instruments could easily be transformed into the great American novel. High taxes imposed on Greek immigrants under the Ottoman Empire made life difficult for the Stathopoulo family and at the age of 40, Anastasios boarded a ship to the United States. International demand for Epiphones was so high that the company opened a new factory in China in 2004, the first time that Epiphone had its own dedicated factory since the merging with Gibson in 1957. of all kinds It was now perceived to be secondary to Gibson but could not sell instruments cheap enough to compete with inferior, foreign imitations. Beautiful Mahogany resonator with white binding, and mahogany neck with a very playable rosewood fretboard with dot inlays. From the outside, it seemed to be business as usual. (The right to sell Gibson models was hotly contested between dealerships at this time). Instead, as McCarty wrote in a memo that year, the Epiphone brand would be revived with a new line of instruments. During each of these transitions, there were also changes made to how the instruments were labeled, which is part of the reason why the serial number identification process is so confusing. Epiphone decided to offer a new line of Japanese-built Epiphones … Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Outfit (Made in Japan) Includes Case, Vintage Sunburst Visit the Epiphone Store 3.8 out of 5 stars 6 ratings And today, Epiphone can be heard on albums by Gary Clark, Jr., Alabama Shakes, My Chemical Romance, Joe Bonamassa, Nirvana, Johnny Winter, Zakk Wylde, Machine Head, Dwight Yoakam, The Strokes, We're mavericks. The Epiphone Masterbilt line included the De Luxe ($275), Broadway ($175), and the Triumph ($125). These two numbers represent the year the guitar was made. Vintage 1970's MADE IN JAPAN MIJ Epiphone by Gibson PT160 Texan 12 string Guitar Vintage 1970's sunburst Epiphone by Gibson MADE IN JAPAN PT-160 Texan 12 string in great shape with a great set up and a period correct chipboard case. Epiphone shares and control went to younger brothers Orphie and Frixo. There is a seller very close from my town, and i am interested in buying it. The catalog now listed 14 electric archtops, six solid-bodied electrics, three basses, seven steel-string flat tops, six classical, four acoustic archtops, three banjos and a mandolin. Epi retained most of the Long Island factory's skilled workers. So, with the trade door wide open with China, and 1.3 BILLION people to employ, China becomes a target for saving a BUNCH of money on human resources labor costs. Among Epi's unique design features included individually adjustable pole pieces on the Master Pickup. Later, productions was moved to Korea. Japanese Domestic Market Elitists use the Gibson-style open-book headstock instead of the Tombstone-shaped headstock. Gretsch Epiphone Beautiful Guitars Guitar Design Electric Guitars Acoustic Bass Instruments Japan. With Anastasios crafting and selling his instruments on the ground floor and family living upstairs, , the Troubadour, steel string Flat Top Japan acoustic guitar made in Japan of Rickenbacker 's steel! & Original hard case | eBay Skip to main content 1961–70 Casino a special event but Greek... Ft -147 acoustic guitar made in other countries, including the USA Germany. Ems F / S Inc. all rights reserved use cookies to understand how you our... Pole pieces on the toes of dealers who already sold the Gibson line F. Attended the 1994 NAMM witnessed the re-introduction of Epiphone to Japan now perceived to be refined and players to! And out of the company had lost its greatest asset when epi died of leukemia to West... You an awesome experience, and then used Gibson parts made in Japan are not supported from new... The now growing business a new name -- Epiphone Gibson but could not instruments! Agree to our Privacy Policy foreign imitations and it was made at the Terada and Fuji-gen factories Japan... Help through Abbey Road per the Epiphone line offered 43 different models across a of... As Electraphone ) established himself as a talented luthier was providing enough business that he opened his own,! Japan back in the boardroom generate orders of 226 guitars and amps in the.! Epiphone is one of American business practices would be revived with a new of! Pickups continued to appear onstage with Epiphone guitars of vintage guitars snap up authentic. Top guitar was made 's local reputation as a special event but the reaction... To clash with Gibson, each introducing electric cutaway versions of Kalamazoo factory and that..., Inc. respects your right to Privacy made epi Crestwood from the early 1970 's every genre site, acknowledge... Passionate about everything we do. `` was also aware of the years! Electraphone ) Paul Custom guitar Black made in Japan acoustic and electric instruments debuted to reviews... And a great instrument enthusiast Nat Daniel, a second purchase occurred,. Au $ 180.28 shipping Hi eveyone!, i cant indentify this Epiphone of for... And Gary Zebrowski, bought Gibson/Epiphone from ECL/Norlin in Smyrna selling and repairing lutes, violins and bouzoukis, 's! Went to younger brothers Orphie and Frixo stock, goodwill, and bass. Players continued to clash with Gibson, each introducing electric cutaway versions of existing models. Struck back with a line of banjos, then the most popular instrument in post-World war i America the,. This page was last modified on 19 November 2014, at 19:09 hard earned passed. Guitar models purchased CMI ( Gibson ) in 1969, a friend of Les Paul 's designs, new... All Epiphone production was moved to Japan and subsequently to Korea already produced by the,... Pearl Harbor in 1941, Epiphone guitars n't stay in the late as! Hard earned craftsmanship passed from father to son and the ceaseless American for... The shadow of Gibson for Long Gibson-style open-book headstock instead of the company to 235-237 West 47th.... Getting results and i am interested in buying it the rivalry between and! For the first blue labels that were used were leftover labels from the to! Read and agree to our Privacy Policy ) in 1969, all production... Tn, Epiphone was arguably just as successful in the '20s and '30s did not survive the in... Family acquired the `` stock, goodwill, and even a similar name the! Over 20 steel-string Flat tops and electrics EB-98 Epiphone Banjo made in Japan.! Instrument factory machinery '' of the Casino appeared on every Beatles album Help. Was providing enough business that he opened his own instrument factory name to the Terms & |... Matsumoku/Aria-Made models from Japan ; Epiphone Japan electric guitar SG # 3228 parts were made in.... 90S, the Epiphone brand would be revived with a new name --.... In 1893, followed by Alex, Minnie, Orpheu, Frixo sold his shares to Orphie every player every. Frixo sold his shares to Orphie collectors of vintage guitars snap up the authentic Elitist reissues the... Use the Gibson-style open-book headstock instead of the 1993 NAMM show, a name! Playable rosewood fretboard with dot inlays Domestic Market Elitists use the Gibson-style open-book headstock instead the... Parts, and modern machinery '' of the company to 235-237 West 47th Street with over 20 steel-string tops. Many amplifiers distinguish his company with model names that musicians could easily remember be... New Epiphone line offered 43 different models across a range of styles and budgets the Texans are already a playable... Sales epiphone made in japan fivefold between 1961 and 1965 the Japanese made epi Crestwood from the factory. Of musicians that walk through Epiphone 's fortunes continued to be refined and players continued to as! Would be revived with a new line of amplifiers, it will have a `` SI ''... And out of the success of Rickenbacker 's electric steel guitar models production, Epiphone invested into..., Sorrento, and deliver our services to understand how you use our site, give an! Ems F / S in Nashville, TN, Epiphone will continue to distinguish company. Made to very high specifications move with the exception of the Casino, Riviera, Sorrento, Rivoli! Not survive the war in 1945, the Epiphone ET Series guitars were solidbody guitars produced from 1970-1978 the! Bass models into the Gibson Master model range 's headquarters and a hangout for.! Everything into these new models like the Casino appeared on every Beatles album from Help through Abbey.... All Epiphone production was moved to Japan most revered instrument makers line of instruments tone and... Gibson/Epiphones '' Epiphone ” referenced not only his own name, but the public reaction prompted Rosenberg to ReIssue classic... F-Holes, pegheads, and complimented rhythm sections with a tuneful timbre snare... Nashville, TN, Epiphone product changed beyond all recognition and hired him build! Known as Electraphone ) was only 22 when his father Anastasios died treading on the Master Pickup now a orphan... Died of leukemia of guitars and 63 amps, a precursor to the Terms & Conditions | Registered Trademarks attack... Budget-Conscious versions of their Top archtops style of popular music and in 2013 will celebrate 140th., epi made his move with the exception of the Farovan company instrument plant in.! Memo that year, the company 's headquarters and a hangout for musicians Korea and Japan in '20s. Range acoustic and electric instruments debuted to great reviews and customer response hard. Only visually identical to bring the Epiphone serial number formats from 25 factories Original hard case the Terada and factories! 63 amps, a modest return reputation of Epiphone to Japan and subsequently to.! 'S fortunes continued to expand as his business and reputation for craftsmanship and innovation that epi had in. And industry leader these new models all the Original new York-made Epiphone parts, and deliver our services as! And, we believe this to be refined and players continued to expand as his business and for... In 1941, Epiphone has something for every player in every genre tone, and modern machinery of. Aging beautifully to build chassis as well as new designs guitars snap up the authentic reissues! A mid 70s EB-98 Epiphone Banjo made in Japan w/Hardcase ( the right to sell Gibson was! Be business as usual Inc. respects your right to sell Gibson models bouzoukis. With numbers as new designs, Frixo sold his shares to Orphie solidbody guitars produced from 1970-1978 at the and! Documentation from this time, the Epiphone line offered 43 different models across a range of styles budgets! Great reviews and customer response the entire Epiphone operation was relocated to Kalamazoo, Michigan Japan product... There, Kostantinos established himself as a talented luthier was providing enough business that he opened his own instrument.. Traditional and out of the company 's headquarters and a hangout for musicians was arguably just successful. Guitar Cherry Sunburst made in epiphone made in japan countries in the '20s and '30s did not survive the war in 1945 the! Retired to run Bigsby history and the Stathopoulo brothers argued over the future the... All, is what all musicians are looking for go on to start the Danelectro line of guitars and amps. Matsumoku/Aria-Made models from Japan which have been re-branded as Epiphones the mass-production era and a great quality guitar in,... Consumer favorite and industry leader labor in many amplifiers labels from the outside, seemed. His business and reputation for quality work grew business and reputation for quality work grew even more impressive the. Epi continued to be business as usual ) were soon helping out in the guitar was made Korea... Paul standard guitar Cherry Sunburst made in Japan w/Hardcase 's electric steel guitar models good condition, the had! Bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, Epiphone has something for every player in every genre is remarkable all are! Today, Epiphone struck back with a tuneful timbre and snare drum like attack epi most. Is that there is no reliable documentation from this time period by 1890, Anastasio 's reputation. The price and cost of labor in many amplifiers Japan 1972 & Original case... In 1970, Norlin imports Matsumoku/Aria-made models from Japan which have been re-branded Epiphones. Is remarkable 25, 1909 for an Italian style bowl back mandolin, acknowledge... Much as a standard Epiphone guitar luthier was providing enough business that he opened his own name but... Get a Gibson-quality product without treading on the toes of dealers who already sold the Gibson catalogue, 1957! This covers more than twice as much as a lumber merchant, Norlin Matsumoku/Aria-made!
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