Short History of Epiphone
-- 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.
-- In 1928 the family company House of Stathopoulo officially becomes the Epiphone Banjo Co. The banjos were lauded as amongst the finest sold. Around this time Epiphone began to produce a line of guitars mostly with carved tops.
-- 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.
-- Featured guitars and design of the era were the Epiphone Super and Wide Emperor Guitar of 1935 and the adjustable - pole pickup of 1937.
-- Epi Stahopoulo dies in 1943. History tells us his two brothers Orphie and Frixo were now managing the company. Hard times reigned as the post war years forced Epiphone to reduce their range. By the mid-fifties the upright Base and the Harry Volpe student was their bread and butter, keeping the name alive.
-- Chicago Musical Instrument (CMI), Gibson's parent company purchased Epiphone in 1957 for $20,000. CMI waste little time and place the company under the watchful eye of Gibson. Within 12 months Gibson relocated Epiphones entire production line to its Michigan plant.
-- The Beatles excite Epiphone with a marketing cue as George, John and Paul purchase Casino's. The sixties buyer jumped on the bandwagon and sales soured. Epiphone became cool and hip.
-- 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.
-- Toward the end of 2002 Qingdao, China was now the home of Epiphone. The partnership had its early teething problems but was always destined to success. By this time Epiphone were well versed in Asian culture, although China was a little different, a combination of Gibson & Epiphone technical design with Chinese production methods the product now was available to the masses.
-- 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!
-- In 1928 the family company House of Stathopoulo officially becomes the Epiphone Banjo Co. The banjos were lauded as amongst the finest sold. Around this time Epiphone began to produce a line of guitars mostly with carved tops.
-- 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.
-- Featured guitars and design of the era were the Epiphone Super and Wide Emperor Guitar of 1935 and the adjustable - pole pickup of 1937.
-- Epi Stahopoulo dies in 1943. History tells us his two brothers Orphie and Frixo were now managing the company. Hard times reigned as the post war years forced Epiphone to reduce their range. By the mid-fifties the upright Base and the Harry Volpe student was their bread and butter, keeping the name alive.
-- Chicago Musical Instrument (CMI), Gibson's parent company purchased Epiphone in 1957 for $20,000. CMI waste little time and place the company under the watchful eye of Gibson. Within 12 months Gibson relocated Epiphones entire production line to its Michigan plant.
-- The Beatles excite Epiphone with a marketing cue as George, John and Paul purchase Casino's. The sixties buyer jumped on the bandwagon and sales soured. Epiphone became cool and hip.
-- 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.
-- Toward the end of 2002 Qingdao, China was now the home of Epiphone. The partnership had its early teething problems but was always destined to success. By this time Epiphone were well versed in Asian culture, although China was a little different, a combination of Gibson & Epiphone technical design with Chinese production methods the product now was available to the masses.
-- 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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