-- Epiphone began in 1923. Epimanondas (Epi) Stathopoulos used his name Epi and added phone. Phone is a Greek word for sound. That's how Epiphone first appeared on Banjos. Epi had Epiphone registered and trademarked in 1924.
-- 1928 saw The House of Stathopoulo change its name to the Epiphone Banjo Co. in 1928. Quality banjos were a foundation of a company on the rise. They soon progressed to a line of carved topped guitars.
-- 12 models of F-Hole Arched Top Guitars were produced in 1931. Models such as De Luxe and Triumph would be familiar names for the next 40 years. There were many exciting times for the company throughout the thirties. Epiphone and its major competitor Gibson engaged in many fierce battles of supremacy during the time.
-- The 1935 Epiphone Super and Wide Emperor and the adjustable - pole pickup of 1937 were both significant milestones.
-- After the death Epi Stahopoulo in 1943 his two brothers Orphie and Frixo now managed and effectively controlled Epiphone. Times are now difficult, the years following the war providing many challenges. Epiphone struggled, but survived, largely due to the success of Upright Bases and the Harry Volpe student model guitar.
-- A sale! Their former adversary Gibson via the Chicago Musical Instrument company purchases Epiphone for only $20,000. There was no choice. The efforts of Gibson not only revived Epiphone as a guitar brand, but improved their image. The unification resulted in the entire production line moving to Gibson's Michigan factory.
-- The Sixties were stellar years for Epiphone. The Beatles George Harrison, John Lennon and Paul McCartney purchase Casinos. George's Casino was the only one of three fitted with a Bigsby Vibrato. The masses follow trends and sales soured.
-- By 1970 Epiphone had moved their operation to Japan. The Japanese manufactures market share had increased significantly. No longer could Epiphone compete as a US based company. The move had little impact on the brand as the Japanese Epiphones were considered high quality.
-- More Change! The 80's, a new era a another move - this time Seoul, South Korea. Gary Zebrowski, David Berryman and Henry Juskiewicz buy the Gibson Epiphone conglomerate in 1986. The new owners soon reintroduced traditional and successful models of past years.
-- Good times during the 90's! They were a time of improved communication, quality controls between the US parent and the factory in Seoul. 1993 was the year the Nashville USA Collection, limited edition models were released representing the first US made models since 1970.
-- China here we come! As you can see Gibson / Epiphone constantly look for ways to maximize output vs costs. Since a decision was made to relocate to Qingdao they have not looked back. US know how, Chinese efficiencies is a formidable combination. The factory has been opened nearly 6 years resulting in hundreds of thousands of Chinese Epiphone sold.
-- Time heals all. The purists may have trouble accepting Epiphones China involvement, they slowly have come around. Quality and finish is very good. China maybe very well their last move!
-- 1928 saw The House of Stathopoulo change its name to the Epiphone Banjo Co. in 1928. Quality banjos were a foundation of a company on the rise. They soon progressed to a line of carved topped guitars.
-- 12 models of F-Hole Arched Top Guitars were produced in 1931. Models such as De Luxe and Triumph would be familiar names for the next 40 years. There were many exciting times for the company throughout the thirties. Epiphone and its major competitor Gibson engaged in many fierce battles of supremacy during the time.
-- The 1935 Epiphone Super and Wide Emperor and the adjustable - pole pickup of 1937 were both significant milestones.
-- After the death Epi Stahopoulo in 1943 his two brothers Orphie and Frixo now managed and effectively controlled Epiphone. Times are now difficult, the years following the war providing many challenges. Epiphone struggled, but survived, largely due to the success of Upright Bases and the Harry Volpe student model guitar.
-- A sale! Their former adversary Gibson via the Chicago Musical Instrument company purchases Epiphone for only $20,000. There was no choice. The efforts of Gibson not only revived Epiphone as a guitar brand, but improved their image. The unification resulted in the entire production line moving to Gibson's Michigan factory.
-- The Sixties were stellar years for Epiphone. The Beatles George Harrison, John Lennon and Paul McCartney purchase Casinos. George's Casino was the only one of three fitted with a Bigsby Vibrato. The masses follow trends and sales soured.
-- By 1970 Epiphone had moved their operation to Japan. The Japanese manufactures market share had increased significantly. No longer could Epiphone compete as a US based company. The move had little impact on the brand as the Japanese Epiphones were considered high quality.
-- More Change! The 80's, a new era a another move - this time Seoul, South Korea. Gary Zebrowski, David Berryman and Henry Juskiewicz buy the Gibson Epiphone conglomerate in 1986. The new owners soon reintroduced traditional and successful models of past years.
-- Good times during the 90's! They were a time of improved communication, quality controls between the US parent and the factory in Seoul. 1993 was the year the Nashville USA Collection, limited edition models were released representing the first US made models since 1970.
-- China here we come! As you can see Gibson / Epiphone constantly look for ways to maximize output vs costs. Since a decision was made to relocate to Qingdao they have not looked back. US know how, Chinese efficiencies is a formidable combination. The factory has been opened nearly 6 years resulting in hundreds of thousands of Chinese Epiphone sold.
-- Time heals all. The purists may have trouble accepting Epiphones China involvement, they slowly have come around. Quality and finish is very good. China maybe very well their last move!
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Buying Genuine Guitars can be a frustrating choice, be sure to visit Peter Edwards for all things relating to Epiphone Les Paul Guitars, and learn all about upgrading Epiphones to Gibson quality or better
