We use cookies to understand how you use our site, give you an awesome experience, and deliver our services. What is true is that you get better quality with a Gibson guitar, but better value with an Epiphone guitar. The standard is made using AAA-grade flame top maple for that classic “burst” finish, with a blueberry twist. The Beatles' bassist extraordinaire Paul McCartney choose an Epiphone Casino as his first American made guitar and John Lennon and George Harrison quickly followed. Gibson guitars typically have higher quality components. For instance, the Epiphone 1965 Elitist Casino sells for $2,000. Vintage Keystone style tuners and finish give this guitar the look and feel you expect from a Gibson. (it’s a time-tested business tactic.) By the time of the 1993 NAMM show, a new range acoustic and electric instruments debuted to great reviews and customer response. Joined: Feb 20, 2018. as usual, I’m late to the party. banjo guitars, and banjo ukuleles under the registered trademark name of 'Epiphone.'". That sits right in the Gibson sweet spot of pricing yet proudly bears the Epiphone logo. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, The debate between Epiphone vs Gibson may seem a lot like the one between, Squier guitars are largely less expensive versions of Fender models. Epiphone is one of American's oldest and most revered instrument makers. When the Beatles appeared playing Casinos around 1966, it appeared like Epiphone's recovery was assured with a new identity and the world's The Gibson Les Paul Tribute is made in the USA, which also contributes to its price. violin construction throughout, large "f" holes, black and white binding and sweet resonant tone.". In 1957 Gibson acquired Epiphone, a long-standing rival in the guitar market. Epiphone thrives on risk while always delivering a great instrument. Fortunately, they aren’t the only option in town. Among Epi's unique design features included individually adjustable pole pieces on the Master Pickup. Epi and Orpheus ('Orphie') were soon helping out in the shop, now located at 247 West 42nd Street. The new building included an advertised "state-of-the-art" research and development laboratory. instrument label of his father's with a new one: "The House of Stathopoulo, Quality Instruments Since 1873." Back in the 1930s Epiphone and Gibson were rivals. McCarty took the advice and reached out to Orphie, expressing Gibson's interest in Epiphone's critically acclaimed upright bass division which Public records from 1904 list A. Stathopoulo living at Though banjo sales remained steady immediately after the stock market crash of 1929, Epi was keenly aware that archtop guitars were becoming more popular and that his main competitor in quality and design was Gibson. But in my head I just want a Gibson. The variety of musicians that walk through Epiphone's history is remarkable. In July 1936, Epiphone showed off several new models at the National Association of Music Traditional A-grade mahogany-maple woods. It’s a good rule of thumb that the cheaper the guitar, the lower quality the hardware it will have. SG. Already a keen student of his father's work and eager to establish himself in the marketplace, Epi replaced the old on every Beatles album from Help through Abbey Road. I don’t play anywhere outside of my house at this point and if I did it’s a very small gig anyways. Dec 31, 2020 #24. Product Spotlight. instruments daily over nationwide broadcasts. By the mid '30s, Epiphone guitars were considered to be among the best in the world, and Epi himself was enjoying the patronage of the most respected players on the scene. Posted by Matt Dunn February 18, 2020 Posted in News Tags: epiphone , explorer , gibson , Les Paul , NAMM2020 , SG I usually bash Gibson, but this is a big step in the right direction! One problem was a lack of celebrity endorsement. In 1935, Epi made his move with the introduction of the Electar Series (originally known as Electraphone). If you can’t beat ‘em, buy ‘em! I think what he is asking is "Is it worth the money to buy a Gibson" . COMMAND. The company's Though McCarty's original intention was to bring the Epiphone bass models into the Gibson catalogue, by 1957, he changed his mind. While I've not chose to write the word 'Gibson' on any of my Epiphones, I have stretched a thing or two in the past. biggest pop act as their biggest fans. LEARN MORE. All four potentiometers have been replaced with Gibson pots as well as the speed knobs. Privacy Policy | Merchants (NAMM) show at the Stevens Hotel in Chicago, including an electrified piano created with the Meissner Inventions Company in Milburn, New Jersey. 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. 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. 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 any instrument from the Gibson Kalamazoo factory. In fact more often than not, people seemed to prefer the Epiphones. Their professional archtops, including the Emperor, Deluxe, Broadway and Triumph, rivaled those of Gibson. By 1890, Anastasio's local 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. 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. Epi continued to expand as his business and reputation for quality work grew. It also features Gibson’s controversial “G force” tuning system, which basically tunes the guitar for you in a variety of tunings (Standard, DADGAD, Dropped-D, etc….). of musical instruments granted his first patent for a banjo tone ring and rim construction - 1,248,196 given to E. A. Stathopoulo. (Daniel would go on to start the Danelectro line of guitars and amps in the 50s). So IMO, an Epi '58-'60 Les Paul is for a player who wants that look, feel and sound ( maybe? Did Gibson Actually Get This New Epiphone Line Right? the line between work and home life became increasingly blurred. In the early 1960s, the Epiphone Emperor cost significantly more than the top-of-the-range Gibson Byrdland, while 1963's deluxe flat top Excellente, was $100 more than the J-200, and made of rarer tone woods. The G-310 is styled after the Gibson SG, but sells as a fraction of the cost. Patentee of the Orpheum Lyra 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 Les Paul Tribute is more of what you expect from Gibson. In 2013, as Epiphone celebrates 140 years as the working musician’s favorite instrument maker, Epiphone still has the pioneering spirit of Epi Stathopoulo. Epiphone guitars were usually pretty much identical to their Gibson counterparts apart from their insignia. It's the story of  both hard earned craftsmanship passed from father to son and the ceaseless American drive for innovation. It's a great time to upgrade your home music studio gear with the largest selection at eBay.com. Back in the 1930s Epiphone and Gibson were rivals. THE STARLING ACOUSTIC. I have two Gibson SG, an HB and p90, and an ES335. (The right to sell Gibson models was hotly contested between dealerships at this time). Your email address will not be published. In 1963, the Troubadour, steel string flat top guitar was introduced. In fact, the more affordable Gibson models (think the M2 Melody Maker) even use Epiphone ProBucker pickups! Over the next few years, Epiphone would sell 3,798 instruments in 1961 and by 1965 account for 20% of the total instruments shipped out of Kalamazoo. Epi took the title of president and general manager and announced in trade publications and advertisements that This serial number guide will help you to figure it all out. The family acquired the "stock, goodwill, and modern machinery" of the Farovan Company instrument plant in Long Island and incorporated. Gibson President Ted McCarty made Les Gibson's first solid body electric guitar endorser. INSPIRED BY GIBSON ES-339 PELHAM BLUE. trips throughout Europe, where the boy observed his father's trade and learned about tonewoods. (it’s a time-tested business tactic.). The story of Epiphone begins in the mountains of Greece and threads its way to Turkey, across the Atlantic to the immigrant gateway of Ellis Island, and into the nightclubs, recording studios, and coast-to-coast radio broadcasts of Manhattan in the 1920s and 30s. Since the Epiphone LP is imitating the Gibson LP, LP is a Gibson model, people with little money buy them instead of a Gibson and upgrade the parts we mentioned. The Advanced Jumbo Series and several important signature models were released including the John Lee Hooker Sheratons and the Noel Gallagher Supernovas, both a critical and popular success. 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. Buy direct from gibson/Epiphone??? Epiphone was Gibson's main rival in the archtop market. The Stathopoulo family was out of the instrument business. I also dropped in $200+ for Gibson 57/57+ pickups. The Epiphone Dot is capable of producing a wide range of tone that makes it a very versatile electric guitar that’s great for beginners. 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. meaning one sound on another, the son building on the dreams of the father. The Epiphone showroom on the first floor was both the company's headquarters and a hangout for musicians. Required fields are marked *. The Epiphone G-310 is built to the same dimensions as the vintage Gibson SGs or the 1960s, and with the same techniques as those used in the original Kalamazoo factory. This guide, republished courtesy of Gibson.com, provides information from 1975-present, covering thousands of Gibson i The New Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Acoustic Collection. The other was a lack of volume. Models gradually improved. Acoustic. Epiphone also began selling amplifiers after Epi gave the now growing business a new name--Epiphone. 56 Roosevelt on Manhattan's Lower East side, home to many other Greek and Italian immigrants. The creation of an office in Seoul turned out to be a major turning point for the new Epiphone as engineers and luthiers collaborated to re-make the company. Collaborations between Epi and other companies became more frequent. Epiphone was back in business. Here’s a Les Paul standard in beautiful Blueberry Burst finish. Epi's guitars had similar f-holes, pegheads, and even a similar name to the Gibson Master Model range. Gibson Brands, Inc. respects your right to privacy. Gibson Brands, maker of the famed Gibson … In 1986, three Harvard MBAs; Henry Juszkiewicz, David Berryman and Gary Zebrowski, bought Gibson/Epiphone from ECL/Norlin. 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. I think what is missing here is a qualifier. This guitar has a straight neck with no fret wear that plays and sounds great. The SG is a signature guitar for the likes of Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton, Tony Iommi, Paul Weller, Angus Young and Derek Trucks. Epi died of leukemia. The debate between Epiphone vs Gibson may seem a lot like the one between Squier vs Fender. When Gibson introduced a line of violins, Epiphone struck back with a line of upright basses. Daniel perfected an innovative push/pull wiring design, which today is a fixture in many amplifiers. Business was good and the Stathopoulo brothers, with Orphie now serving as Vice President, moved the company to 235-237 West 47th Street. 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, In the years that followed the acquisition Epiphone became known for low-end versions of Gibson models. Before the sale to ECL, the possibility of producing Epiphone product in Japan had been taken under consideration and by 1970, Epiphone production in the United States shut down and moved to Matsumoto, Japan. reputation as a talented luthier was providing enough business that he opened his own instrument factory. But this story is true. Gibson President David Berryman opened an Epiphone an office in Seoul and appointed Jim Rosenberg as product manager, Both use multiple segments, but Gibson is usually no more than 2 or 3 pieces glued together, where Epiphone can be many more. In 1962, Epiphone listed a twelve-string, the Bard (on which Roy Orbison composed "Oh, Pretty Woman" and "Only The Lonely") along with a smaller version, the Serenader. They competed in the archtop guitar market and early electric guitars. It’s not. Same model as Marshall, Friedman, etc. The early to mid-1960s were boom time for Epiphone, with unit sales increasing fivefold between 1961 and 1965. In the early '80s with the rising cost of Japanese production, Epiphone relocated to Korea in 1983 in a collaboration with the Samick Company. And, we're passionate about everything we do.". By the end of the '30s just prior to America's entry into World War II, the rivalry between Epiphone and Gibson showed little sign of abating. By the late 1950s Epiphone was giving Gibson so much competition that Gibson purchased Epiphone in 1957. campaign featuring a nude woman holding an Epiphone archtop. Fender Takes a Swing with MLB Stratocaster. King, Joan Jett, The Edge, and Pete Townshend has filed for bankruptcy. His first son, Epaminondas, was born in 1893, followed by Alex, Minnie, Orpheu, Frixo and Ellie. Instead, he introduced the Recording line of banjos, then the most popular When Orphie replied in 1957, McCarty was offered the entire Epiphone company, including the remaining inventory of the Philadelphia factory, for $20,000. It is sometimes known as "the tuxedo guitar". 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. In 2019, I drove to Detroit to buy a vintage 1962 Gibson ES-335, Illinois to buy a vintage 1960 Gibson ES-335, Abilene, Texas to buy a vintage 1957 Fender Telecaster, and Houston, Texas to buy a 1961 Gibson ES-335. Gibson guitars retain more of their original value in the used market than Epiphones, generally speaking. It’s also a Semi-hollowbody, which means it has an acoustic element to it as well as electric, and has more resonance than a solid body electric guitar. instrument in post-World War I America. From the outside, it seemed to be business as usual. There, Kostantinos established himself as a lumber merchant. Soon, sales were growing again. It took the outbreak of the World War II, the scarcity Gibson's Ted McCarty had retired to run Bigsby. Family legend tells that in 1865, Kostantinos Stathopoulo left Kastania and journeyed to This isn’t a big deal though because pickups are easy to swap. But new owners Juszkiewicz and Berryman soon identified Epiphone as a sleeping giant and travelled to Korea to decide how the company could be pushed to match the success of other Asian brands like Charvel and Kramer. Gibson Guitar Upgrades Epiphone/Import Guitar Upgrades Heritage Guitar Upgrades For New Builds & Kit Guitars For new builds, we have 6-32 ABR-1 sized posts and thumbwheels, for those looking to make their guitar as close to vintage as possible. If you can’t beat ‘em, buy ‘em! "the new policy of business and all interest will be devoted to the production of banjos, tenor banjos, banjo mandolins, Dealers would get a Gibson-quality product without treading on the toes of dealers who already sold the Gibson line. The show itself would generate orders of 226 guitars and 63 amps, 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 Your email address will not be published. EPIPHONE'S BEST BEGINNER GUITAR. Those overseas models will probably get paired and marketed with the both the Epiphone and Gibson brands Most Epiphone guitars are produced in China and, more recently, Indonesia, where labour is far cheaper than in the US. 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. Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Epiphone shares and control went to younger brothers Orphie and Frixo. The average difference between a Gibson and an Epiphone … 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. In the months that followed, word spread, and a diverse range of artists, from Chet Atkins to Oasis' Noel Gallagher signed up to be part of Epiphone, a confirmation that Epiphone was still a great instrument company. During this intense re-organization, Epiphone product changed beyond all recognition. The Recording guitars were not initially a success. New for 2020. However for the first few years of production, Epiphone guitars made in Japan were actually rebranded designs already produced by the Matsumoku Company. The tone is vintage Gibson as well. Guitars. Factory processes were assessed and refined and Epiphone's own engineers took a hands-on role in the development of pickups, bridges, toggle switches, and fret inlays, as well as unique features like the metal E logo and frequensator tailpiece. of all kinds Casino, first issued in 1961. The question for the player is whether this makes any difference top the quality of the guitar as a whole. He married and started a family. Epiphone was bought by Chicago Music Company, which also owned Gibson Guitar Corporation, in 1957. Throughout the 1930s, the rivalry between Epiphone and Gibson would veer from friendly sparring to all-out guitar warfare. 6:56 AM-- September 12, 2019. In 1928, Epiphone also introduced their first line of acoustic guitars to compete Alongside these models, however, were also recreations of classic Epiphone designs such as the Emperor, Deluxe and Triumph For example, the Gibson M2 Melody Maker sells for $400, which is well within the price range for an Epiphone guitar. I have two Gibson Les Pauls a Classic and a Standard. Epiphone continued to clash with Gibson, each introducing electric cutaway versions of their top archtops. Epiphone gets a bad rap as being a poor quality Gibson, but that’s really no longer true. However, Epiphone offers less expensive versions of Gibson models but also many models not found in the Gibson catalog. They competed in the archtop guitar market and early electric guitars. The average price tag on a Gibson Les Paul studio guitar is $2,465. Once in America, Anastasios continued his instrument trade. Epi was only 22 when his father Anastasios died. The Les Paul Standard is decked out in dual upgraded PAF style Burstbucker Pro pickups in the neck and bridge positions. "Epiphone is still the House of Stathopoulo. Epiphone wouldn't stay in the shadow of Gibson for long. 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. Magoula in the Eurotas valley to register the birth of his son, Anastasios. The L-5 had projection, tone, and complimented rhythm sections with a tuneful timbre and snare drum like attack. Tastes were changing and Epiphone's products seemed traditional and out of step. TrueFire – The Best Online Guitar Lessons. We're players. The Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3 is a copy of the Gibson Les Paul Custom with 3 humbucker pickups, in black finish with gold hardware. Hotrod40 likes this. Gibson's parent company, CMI, was bought in 1969 by the Ecuadorian ECL Corporation, a beer company, and Epiphone found itself in a predicament. Epi retained most of the Long Island factory's skilled workers. McCarty accepted on behalf of Gibson. 1961–70 Casino. Problems emerged slowly at first. In that case i would say the Epiphones are a very good alternative. The “House of Stathopoulo” has played a central role in every great musical era from the mandolin craze of the early 1900s to jazz age guitars of the 1920s; This website uses cookies (like every website) to improve your experience. A former competitor, Epiphone, was purchased by Gibson in 1957 and now makes competitively-priced Gibson models, such as the Les Paul and SG, sold under the Epiphone brand, while continuing to make Epiphone-specific models like the Sheraton, Sorrento, and Casino. For example, I have an ebony Epiphone Std Les Paul. Epi did continue to distinguish his company with model names that musicians could easily remember and be proud to own. onstage with Epiphone guitars. The company's weakness in the aftermath of World War II allowed Gibson to absorb it. And the marketplace responded. As the oldest son, Epi was charged with keeping the business going. 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 These Epiphones were only intended as a special event but the public reaction prompted Rosenberg to reissue more classic designs. But for the other 99%, Epiphone is a fine choice. Because Epiphone NEVER made '50's or a '60 Les Paul, and Gibson did. Production increased. The Electar line furthered the reputation of Epiphone as an innovative brand. it’s less clear than that. Time will tell if it’s a winning strategy, or another bungle like Gibson’s robot-tuner enabled mistakes of 2015. version of what would eventually be called the "Les Paul." Designer. And that after all, is what all musicians are looking for. The opening chapter of the Epiphone story begins about 140 years ago in Kastania in the mountains overlooking the ancient city of Sparta, Greece. I didn't care for the cream plastics, so I gave it an all-black makeover and some hardware upgrades. Copyright 2021 Gibson Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. After price, the most important difference in most hobbyists minds is that of quality. 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. Fast & Free shipping on many items! Epiphone was bought by Chicago Music Company, which also owned Gibson Guitar Corporation, in 1957. This leads to the use of a solid veneer to disguise the connection points for a better aesthetic. Messages: 297 Likes Received: 208. At his mother's death in 1923, Epi assumed ownership of the controlling shares of the business and phased out most of the old world style mandolins. ES. Even more impressive was the prestige of the guitars themselves. By the 90s, the Epiphone line offered 43 different models across a range of styles and budgets. The strength of the Epiphone acoustic range was matched by the electric line, the most famous of these was the double-cutaway First introduced in 1961, the Epiphone Casino came into its own just as the British … The company's weakness in the aftermath of World War II allowed Gibson to absorb it. Then Gibson looks at manufacturing a cheaper line, designed by Randall and Petaluma, that is made overseas. Les had been perfecting his solid body guitar design in the Epiphone factory and when Fender emerged with their Telecaster, The Joe Bonamassa Les Paul is ideal for southern rock and blues stylings, while the Slash AFD Les Paul offers an affordable set of features chosen by the top-hatted master himself. Gibson retaliated with a new archtop design in 1934, increasing the body width of its existing models and introducing the king-sized Super 400 (named after its $400 price tag). would agree that Epiphone has always been the “House of Stathopoulo.” And today, Epiphone is still innovating, still delighting musicians, and still frustrating competitors with daring designs and superb quality. Reviving Gibson was the first priority for the new owners, and with Epiphone making less than $1 million revenue in 1985, the … Maybe you have a Gibson banjo, dobro, or a Goldtone amplifier you’re not sure about. One other difference between Epiphone and Gibson construction is in the number of pieces of wood used in the body. There were other problems. meeting electronics enthusiast Nat Daniel, a friend of Les Paul's. Epiphone did have unique, non-Gibson-affiliated designs of its own, such as the Emperor and the Broadway. Epiphone has a reputation for using a variety of wood types in a single guitar body. Collectors of vintage guitars snap up the authentic Elitist reissues of the Emperor, Casino and Excellente. This rule hold true in our comparison of Epiphone vs Gibson as well. Slash, Jeff Waters, Paul Simon, Radiohead, The Waco Brothers, Lenny Kravitz, and Paul Weller. I agree with this. The war changed everything. Make Room For Slash’s Gibson Double Neck Guitar. Buy Epiphone Inspired By Gibson J-45 Buy on Sweetwater . Discussion in 'Epiphone Guitars' started by Norton, Dec 13, 2020. New York, 1911 U.S.A. Epi, as the oldest child was known, easily merged into American life, attended Columbia University, and graduated with honors. THE STAGE. Upgraded hardware puts the finishing touches on the beauty. The CM features a mahogany body, topped with carved maple. Gibson has started offering low cost (for Gibson)  guitars that bear the Gibson name. Epiphone reps heard Daniel's amps By the late '30s, sales had doubled. Product Registration Customer Service Repair and Restoration Report Counterfeits Serial Number FAQ Gibson Guitar Specs (2015-2019) Dealer Resource Center Locate A Basses. Epiphone makes its own version of the classic Les Paul, but they cost a whole lot less (under $600 for a Classic or a Standard). After the buyout, Epiphone instruments were built in Gibson's factories and shared many of the same woods and components used in Gibson's product line. The neck is a comfortable, rounded C profile made of maple. The Recording guitars were too small and arguably too ornate, “Epiphone” referenced not only his own name, but the Greek word for sound--phone. Speaking of pickups.. Heard horror stories about the plating wearing off since its thing and soft, but after owning this since '94 it still looks pretty good. Terms & Conditions | Registered Trademarks. The company that made the guitars played by Elvis Presley, B.B. By 1979, the Epiphone product list was gathering speed, with over 20 steel-string flat tops and electrics. It’s a well balanced guitar, unlike many cheaper clones that tend to be neck-heavy. a modest return. Working musicians prize Epiphone for its affordable versions of Kalamazoo factory favorites and new models like the Wilshire Phant-o-matic and the Ultra III. The instruments combined spruce and laminated maple and were available as an archtop or flattop. The entire Epiphone operation was relocated to Kalamazoo, Michigan. During this time, the family established a store in Smyrna selling and repairing lutes, violins and bouzoukis. The selector switch is Gibson also. For example, Epiphone might make a body out of less expensive poplar and put a thin maple veneer over it. And now, from its new headquarters in Nashville, TN, Epiphone will continue to set the standard for affordable quality and innovation. The epiphone is plenty of guitar for me and I know it’s quality is perfect for my needs. Jazz greats like George Van Eps, country pioneers like Hank Garland, bluesman John Lee Hooker, and scores of mandolin, archtop and steel guitar players used Epiphone