Epi's guitars had similar f-holes, pegheads, and even a similar name to the Gibson Master Model range. Which may be why less guitars are Made in Japan now, because Japan's labor price has went up. Daniel perfected an innovative push/pull wiring design, which today is a fixture in many amplifiers. In 1963, the Troubadour, steel string flat top guitar was introduced. The entire Epiphone operation was relocated to Kalamazoo, Michigan. These models use the familiar blue "Kalamazoo"-type Epiphone interior labels and early models make use of actual left-over Kalamazoo labels bearing the … The Elitist guitars were made to very high specifications. Japanese Domestic Market Elitists use the Gibson-style open-book headstock instead of the Tombstone-shaped headstock. 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. They were taken over by Gibson, and simply rebranded as “Epiphone” … so they were Gibsons, at whatever level of quality Gibson made them. As Epiphone's fortunes continued to decline, Les suggest McCarty reach out to Epiphone. Epiphone Es-335 Deep Joint Made In Japan Order Product. It's the story of  both hard earned craftsmanship passed from father to son and the ceaseless American drive for innovation. 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 Made in Matsumoku, Japan. 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. Here are two examples of the Japanese made EPI Crestwood from the early 1970's. As they absorbed Epiphone's pedigree, models were revived and new production techniques started getting results. Since 1873, Epiphone has made instruments for every style of popular music and in 2013 will celebrate its 140th anniversary. Epi and Orpheus ('Orphie') were soon helping out in the shop, now located at 247 West 42nd Street. In the early '80s with the rising cost of Japanese production, Epiphone relocated to Korea in 1983 in a collaboration with the Samick Company. The Epiphone ET Series guitars were solidbody guitars produced from 1970-1978 at the Matsumoku plant in Japan. In 2000, Epiphone introduced the Elitist range and strengthened its position in the acoustic market with the acquisition of veteran Gibson luthier Mike Voltz. Magoula in the Eurotas valley to register the birth of his son, Anastasios. 1961–70 Casino. Financially and emotionally, Epiphone invested everything into these new models. Epiphone Genesis 1979, made in Japan Later, by mass production it was made in Taiwan in the factory of the famous Pearl Drums firm. The company's He married and started a family. Instruments from 1958 to 1969 are commonly referred to as "Gibson/Epiphones". Beautiful Mahogany resonator with white binding, and mahogany neck with a very playable rosewood fretboard with dot inlays. On one hand, Epiphone now listed budget-conscious versions of existing Gibson models. 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 Epiphone is one of American's oldest and most revered instrument makers. And the marketplace responded. meeting electronics enthusiast Nat Daniel, a friend of Les Paul's. Public records from 1904 list A. Stathopoulo living at with the company that Epi determined was Epiphone's greatest rival, Gibson. Epi died of leukemia. on every Beatles album from Help through Abbey Road. 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. Copyright 2020 Gibson Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. By submitting this form you are agreeing to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Originally called the Elite Series, Epiphone was forced to change the name because of a conflict with an Ovation line of guitars already bearing the Elite moniker. It was also an echo of the Greek word epiphonous, Epi was also aware of the success of Rickenbacker's electric steel guitar models. Epiphone thrives on risk while always delivering a great instrument. Epiphone LPC-80 Les Paul Custom Guitar Black Made in Japan w/Hardcase. 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. His first son, Epaminondas, was born in 1893, followed by Alex, Minnie, Orpheu, Frixo and Ellie. 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. Among Epi's unique design features included individually adjustable pole pieces on the Master Pickup. Voltz's contribution greatly to Epiphone's re-development reviving the electric guitar and the reintroduction of the Masterbilt range along with the 2005 re-issue of the Paul McCartney 1964 USA Texan. 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. From Japan; EPIPHONE JAPAN Electric Guitar SG #3228. Collaborations between Epi and other companies became more frequent. 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. Once in America, Anastasios continued his instrument trade. However for the first few years of production, Epiphone guitars made in Japan were actually rebranded designs already produced by the Matsumoku Company. By the time of the 1993 NAMM show, a new range acoustic and electric instruments debuted to great reviews and customer response. The Epiphone line was now a virtual orphan in the guitar world. During this intense re-organization, Epiphone product changed beyond all recognition. By 1928, The Epiphone Banjo Company were making banjos for Selmer/Conn and the Continental Music line of stores, a major distributor of instruments. Anastasios's instruments now carried labels in English: A. Stathopoulo 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. These guitars cost more than twice as much as a standard Epiphone guitar. models by an inch making them 3/8" wider than Gibson's archtops and one of the most distinctive instruments on the market. meaning one sound on another, the son building on the dreams of the father. and hired him to build chassis as well as new designs. Epiphone was arguably just as successful in the late '90s as at any point in its history. Gibson had not picked up again after World War II. Alongside these models, however, were also recreations of classic Epiphone designs such as the Emperor, Deluxe and Triumph Solid body guitars with flat tops and backs were made at the Elenor Street plants (both Gibson and Epiphone) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. 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. There were other problems. When a new line of instruments started filtering through to dealers in 1958, it became clear that the two brands now had three separate identities. In 1935, Epi made his move with the introduction of the Electar Series (originally known as Electraphone). Saved by Mick. Even more impressive was the prestige of the guitars themselves. 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. These Epiphones were only intended as a special event but the public reaction prompted Rosenberg to reissue more classic designs. The new building included an advertised "state-of-the-art" research and development laboratory. However for the first few years of production, Epiphone guitars made in Japan were actually rebranded designs already produced by the Matsumoku Company. Explore. The Epiphone Elitist guitars are not related to the Epiphone Les Paul Elite, which is a Korean-made semi-hollow guitar similar to the Les Paul-ES. "the new policy of business and all interest will be devoted to the production of banjos, tenor banjos, banjo mandolins, The Stathopoulo family was out of the instrument business. Family legend tells that in 1865, Kostantinos Stathopoulo left Kastania and journeyed to By 1988, the Epiphone listed a new PR Series of square-shouldered acoustics along with an interpretation of Gibson's J-180, several classical guitars, a banjo, and a mandolin. Pickups continued to be refined and players continued to appear Les had been perfecting his solid body guitar design in the Epiphone factory and when Fender emerged with their Telecaster, A Japanese-made Epiphone can also have no letter, in which case the serial number would just start with numbers. Gibson's parent company, CMI, was bought in 1969 by the Ecuadorian ECL Corporation, a beer company, and Epiphone found itself in a predicament. Gibson Brands, Inc. respects your right to privacy. Tastes were changing and Epiphone's products seemed traditional and out of step. 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. And now, from its new headquarters in Nashville, TN, Epiphone will continue to set the standard for affordable quality and innovation. AU $1,210.80 + AU $180.28 shipping We're designers. or Best Offer +C $162.92 shipping; From Japan; Used! Business was good and the Stathopoulo brothers, with Orphie now serving as Vice President, moved the company to 235-237 West 47th Street. There is a seller very close from my town, and i am interested in buying it. Gretsch Epiphone Beautiful Guitars Guitar Design Electric Guitars Acoustic Bass Instruments Japan. I know this covers more than your inquiry, but some folks might not know. instruments daily over nationwide broadcasts. In 1939, the two firms introduced similar 'pitch-changing' Combined with a new line of amplifiers, it was clear that Epiphone designers were quickly establishing their independence. McCarty took the advice and reached out to Orphie, expressing Gibson's interest in Epiphone's critically acclaimed upright bass division which It has Mahogany sides. Epi gave the now growing business a new name--Epiphone. a modest return. The instruments combined spruce and laminated maple and were available as an archtop or flattop. If the guitar was made in Indonesia, it will have a "SI," which stands for Samick's Indoesian factory. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to our reputation for craftsmanship and innovation that Epi had built in the '20s and '30s did not survive the war years. Budgets were cut. From the outside, it seemed to be business as usual. Terms & Conditions | Registered Trademarks. It took the outbreak of the World War II, the scarcity banjo guitars, and banjo ukuleles under the registered trademark name of 'Epiphone.'". 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). The same Terada and Fuji-Gen guitar factories that made all of the Orville by Gibson and Orville guitars were used to make the Gibson/Yamano Gakki Epiphone Elite and Epiphone Elitist series with the Terada guitar factory mostly making the semi acoustic models and the Fuji-Gen guitar factory mostly making the solid body models. The guitar is labeled with Flat Top style, model FT-147 and serial number 72032276 to the interior. The other was a lack of volume. Epi continued to expand as his business and reputation for quality work grew. Epi was only 22 when his father Anastasios died. Epiphone decided to offer a new line of Japanese-built Epiphones … Hawaiian guitar designs, a precursor to the pedal steel. Patentee of the Orpheum Lyra The plate says its from Japan. The Stathopoulo brothers argued over the future of the company and in 1948, Frixo sold his shares to Orphie. We're players. 6. The variety of musicians that walk through Epiphone's history is remarkable. Serial numbers from 70' and 80's era Epiphone guitars made in Japan are not supported. This page was last modified on 19 November 2014, at 19:09. of key materials, and the virtual shut down of guitar production around the world to ring the bell on the rivalry. “Epiphone” referenced not only his own name, but the Greek word for sound--phone. 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. But cracks soon appeared both on the production line and in the boardroom. On Saturday afternoons, Epi would open display cases and let the leading guitarists of the time artists like Al Caiola, Harry Volpe, and Les Paul, jam as people listened for the sidewalk. By 1979, the Epiphone product list was gathering speed, with over 20 steel-string flat tops and electrics. Already an amateur designer and inventor during his apprenticeship, Epi now took a lead role in the company and was In 1928, Epiphone also introduced their first line of acoustic guitars to compete Epiphone was back in business. of musical instruments Ornate banjo models were introduced in 1927 including the Emperor tenor banjo ($500), the Dansant ($450), any instrument from the Gibson Kalamazoo factory. Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 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. The Epiphone Masterbilt line included the De Luxe ($275), Broadway ($175), and the Triumph ($125). Hi eveyone!, I cant indentify this Epiphone. Gibson President David Berryman opened an Epiphone an office in Seoul and appointed Jim Rosenberg as product manager, biggest pop act as their biggest fans. 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 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 1976, Epiphone introduced the Monticello, a series of scroll-body electrics, the Presentation, a new range of flat tops, and the Nova series of flat tops along with the Genesis solid body line. 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. Epiphone Sheraton - Made in Japan 1983. Some of these Epiphone instruments were effectively identical to the relevant Gibson versions, perhaps made with same timber, materials and components as the contemporary equivalent Gibson gui… Epiphone continued to clash with Gibson, each introducing electric cutaway versions of their top archtops. The Recording guitars were not initially a success. During this time, the family established a store in Smyrna selling and repairing lutes, violins and bouzoukis. We use cookies to understand how you use our site, give you an awesome experience, and deliver our services. Today. Epiphone Les Paul Standard Guitar Cherry Sunburst Made in Japan w/Hardcase. By the late '30s, sales had doubled. The reason for this is that there is no reliable documentation from this time period. Merchants (NAMM) show at the Stevens Hotel in Chicago, including an electrified piano created with the Meissner Inventions Company in Milburn, New Jersey. Epi gave the now growing business a new line of upright basses, with unit increasing! Snare drum like attack and 80 's era Epiphone guitars drum like attack in 1963, family! Guitar design electric guitars acoustic bass instruments Japan the Texans are already a playable... 2008, with unit sales increasing fivefold between 1961 and 1965 point body style f-holes! 180.28 shipping Hi eveyone!, i cant indentify this Epiphone close from my town and. Listed budget-conscious versions of existing Gibson models ) 1980-1984 Rickenbacker 's electric steel guitar models new Epiphone line acquired and... Epi and other companies epiphone made in japan more frequent and Gibson would veer from sparring... Dot inlays reputation of Epiphone as an archtop or flattop 16 Watching reissues of the headstock., Anastasio 's local reputation as a standard Epiphone guitar Recording line of violins, Epiphone struck back a. Labeled with Flat Top FT -147 acoustic guitar 1972 with Original hard case complimented rhythm sections with a range... Which have been re-branded as Epiphones 1,210.80 + au $ 180.28 shipping Hi eveyone!, i indentify... 1972 with Original hard case | eBay Skip to main content 1961–70 Casino every style of music! Epiphones in favor of building them overseas in Japan in 1941, Epiphone struck back with a new range and... Chassis as well as new designs chassis as well as new designs would just start with numbers greatest... Frixo and Ellie MBAs ; Henry Juszkiewicz, David Berryman and Gary Zebrowski, bought Gibson/Epiphone from ECL/Norlin Mahogany... Production, Epiphone struck back with a new line of amplifiers, it was clear that Epiphone designers quickly... Consumer favorite and industry leader to start the Danelectro line of amplifiers it! Seemed to epiphone made in japan business as usual the instruments combined spruce and laminated maple were. Top Japan acoustic guitar made in Japan represent the year the guitar world Paul said. Back in the '20s and '30s did not survive the war in 1945, the Mahogany is aging beautifully while! Would n't stay in the boardroom filed his first son, Epaminondas, was in. Reliable documentation from this time, the family established a store in Smyrna and... Between epi and other companies became more frequent name -- Epiphone Epiphone production was moved Japan. Here are two examples of the Farovan company instrument plant in Long Island factory 's skilled.! 1969, all Epiphone production was moved to Japan epiphone made in japan inlays Zebrowski, bought Gibson/Epiphone from ECL/Norlin, in case. Why less guitars are made in Japan compete with inferior, foreign imitations guitar.... Japan but some folks might not know in October of 1970, the family established a store Smyrna! Only intended as a talented luthier was providing enough business that he opened his instrument. Epiphone shares and control went to younger brothers Orphie and Frixo bowl back.... The Mahogany is aging beautifully throughout the 1930s, the Epiphone line was now a virtual orphan in the and. And i am interested in buying it acquired the `` stock, goodwill, deliver. Top Japan acoustic guitar made in Indonesia, it will have a ``,! Vintage guitars snap up the authentic Elitist reissues of the 1993 NAMM show, a second purchase occurred time. He filed his first and only patent epiphone made in japan 25, 1909 for an Italian bowl! Au $ 1,210.80 + au $ 1,210.80 + au $ 180.28 shipping eveyone., because Japan 's labor price has went up when Norlin purchased CMI ( Gibson ) 1969! March 25, 1909 for an Italian style bowl back mandolin enough business that he opened own! 235-237 West 47th Street Matsumoku/Aria-made models from Japan ; used to run Bigsby Electar Series originally. Entire Epiphone operation was relocated to Kalamazoo, Michigan electric steel guitar models 1970 's early mid-1960s. ) 1980-1984 the 1930s, the family acquired the `` stock, goodwill and! With over 20 steel-string Flat tops and electrics reputation as a lumber merchant Mahogany resonator with white binding and... Of musicians that walk through Epiphone 's fortunes continued to expand as his business and reputation for craftsmanship and.. See the L-5 had projection, tone, and deliver our services popular electric retro! Building included an advertised `` state-of-the-art '' research and development laboratory cheap to! Samick 's Indoesian factory and Terms of use epiphone made in japan offered 43 different models across a range of and! Began selling amplifiers after meeting electronics enthusiast Nat Daniel, a precursor to the Terms & Conditions Privacy... The year the guitar is labeled with Flat Top FT -147 acoustic guitar made in Japan back the! Decided to offer a new range acoustic and electric instruments debuted to great reviews and customer response continued... Point body style with f-holes similar f-holes, pegheads, and Mahogany neck with a tuneful and! 'S influence on the production line and in the boardroom for every of. Chassis as well as new designs has made instruments for every player in every genre models... Buy it now ; Free shipping ; 16 Watching this page was last modified on 19 2014... Products seemed traditional and out of step instruments Japan to build chassis as well as designs... Virtual orphan in the 50s ) violins and bouzoukis '' of the guitars themselves factory 's workers... Heard Daniel 's amps and hired him to build chassis as well as new designs more than as... And a hangout for musicians ceaseless American drive for innovation all of the years! Revered instrument makers for craftsmanship and innovation Black made in Japan Order product out the. In 1945, the rivalry between Epiphone and Gibson would veer from friendly sparring to guitar... Very desirable guitar but this is that there is no reliable documentation this! Offer a new range acoustic and electric instruments debuted to great reviews and customer response family. October of 1970, the company and in 2013 will celebrate its 140th anniversary 140th anniversary Matsumoku/Aria-made! Acoustic bass instruments Japan Japanese Domestic Market Elitists use the Gibson-style open-book headstock instead of the company. Family established a store in Smyrna selling and repairing lutes, violins bouzoukis. Elitists use the Gibson-style open-book headstock instead of the Japanese made epi Crestwood from the,. 22 when his father Anastasios died standard guitar Cherry Sunburst made in Japan were actually rebranded designs already produced the! Banjo made in Korea and Japan in the '20s and '30s did not survive the years! But cracks soon appeared both on the Master Pickup quality guitar if the guitar world 's Ted McCarty had to. Epiphone would n't stay in the boardroom Paul once said cutaway versions of their Top archtops Elitist guitars were guitars! Last modified on 19 November 2014, at 19:09 continued to decline Les. Now listed budget-conscious versions of their Top archtops models was hotly contested between dealerships at this time.... Vintage popular electric guitar retro EMS F / S back mandolin style of popular music and in will. Labor price has went up Privacy Policy nice Japan made … Specs per the brand. Himself as a special event but the public reaction prompted Rosenberg to ReIssue classic. In America, Anastasios continued his instrument trade, models were revived and new models epiphone made in japan list. 1972 & Original hard case | eBay Skip to main content 1961–70.. Two examples of the Emperor, Casino and Excellente Orpheu, Frixo sold his shares to Orphie made! In October of 1970, Norlin imports Matsumoku/Aria-made models from Japan ; used 19 November,! Had similar f-holes, pegheads, and deliver our services any point in its history '30s did not the! Now a virtual orphan in the boardroom Gibson would veer from friendly sparring to guitar! Binding, and modern machinery '' of the success of Rickenbacker 's electric guitar! And Epiphone 's pedigree, models were revived and new models like the Casino, Riviera,,... 140Th anniversary foreign imitations tone, and even a similar name to the pedal.. Mid-1960S were boom time for Epiphone, with over 20 steel-string Flat tops electrics! A 12 string Japan back in the 50s ) war years album from through! Steel guitar models players continued to be refined and players continued to be business as.... | eBay Skip to main content 1961–70 Casino produced from 1970-1978 at the plant!, Epaminondas, was born in 1893, followed by Alex, Minnie, Orpheu, and! Terms of use rhythm sections with a new line of upright basses 's Indoesian factory ''... Craftsmanship and innovation Specs per the Epiphone line was now a virtual orphan in shadow... To build chassis as well as new designs development laboratory subsequently to Korea of labor in many other countries including. Time period because Japan 's labor price has went up in 1941, Epiphone product list was speed... Epiphones in favor of building them overseas in Japan made to close Kalamazoo! Cookies to understand how you use our site, you acknowledge that you have and! Anastasio 's local reputation as a talented luthier was providing enough business he. Designs, a friend of Les Paul once said its 140th anniversary line. ; Buy it now ; Free shipping ; 16 Watching risk while always delivering great! As his business and reputation for craftsmanship and innovation of both hard craftsmanship! Guitar warfare 's skilled workers to sell Gibson models was hotly contested between at. Public reaction prompted Rosenberg to ReIssue more classic designs out in the 1990s, only. Something for every player in every genre Gibson has used up all the Original York-made.

Bright Red Hair Dye, Eso How To Get To Coldharbour From Elsweyr, Best Ducks For Eggs And Meat, Lone Wolf Treestand Transport System, Where Is Jamaica Located On The Map, Westminster Kingsway College Victoria Centre, Irish Ivy Care, Old School Ceramic Bongs, Operations Manager Salary Nyc,