Gibson Epiphone

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Epiphone’s early golden age

Gibson Epiphone. At the beginning of the 30s, Epiphone was considered the best guitar, and Epi himself received favor from most of its best musicians. Epiphone has moved across the country by signing up with Handcraft Ltd in London. In addition, they opened a new storefront on West 14th Street, 142 West. It has seven stories of beautiful buildings close to Little Italy. The new buildings contained an equipment laboratory that was advertised as being ‘modern’. Epiphone showrooms at the first level provided the corporate headquarters of Epiphone and a place for musicians and other visitors.

The company whose original owners were Gibson was led by Gibson luthier Mike Voltz who oversaw the manufacturing of Gibson’s flagship guitar line Epiphone. Initially, Epiphone primarily designed guitars in China in various non-Gibson factories such as Dongbei, Daewon, and Muse. It was a supplement for major factories in China and Korea that hoped to increase production capacities in particular for the larger orders in particular for Chinese Epiphone guitars. The Gibson brand has had an acoustic guitar manufacturing factory in Qingdao since 2002.

Gibson Epiphone

Epiphone Guitars

You’ll likely surprise yourself to learn Epiphone’s origin is older. Epiphone was founded in 1873 and began in Turkey to be a fiddle maker that moved on to the U.S. at around the turn of the century to manufacture mandolins similar to Gibsons. The firm became a strong competitor to Gibson in the archtop guitar market during the thirties and forties but Gibson eventually bought the Epiphone brand. Epiphone is the only company that produces official Gibson products on an international basis as an official Gibson-branded brand.

Where are Epiphone guitars made?

Epiphone guitars are manufactured at Gibson China Qingdu factory. Most Epiphone instruments are made exclusively at the plant since 2004 and include solid-body, hollow-body, and Acoustic. The Epiphone was made in Japan in the ’80s and 90’s’90scontractors licensed by Gibson, including Samick and Matsumoku among others. The guitar was produced in an additional manufacturing plant adjacent to Gibson’s headquarters until 1971 and production began in 1957 with Gibson acquiring it. Epiphone is also a subsidiary producing affordable officially licensed Gibson Guitars designs.

What pickups do Epiphone guitars have?

Almost predictably, most Epiphone guitars come with a brand-new pickup. Mostly wound with machines, but the intricacies of making a pickup can often require some human involvement. Epiphone pickups usually sound less loud but clear than Gibson pickups. Nevertheless, the quality of the materials certainly improved as the seasons passed. The Epiphone pickups were originally built to emulate the spirit of Gibson’s. The Epiphone ProBucker is a highly-rated but inexpensive humbucking device that has even been manufactured at Gibson Nashville’s

What woods are Epiphone guitars made from?

Some Epiphone tonewood options are derived from Gibsons, Mahogany serving as the primary material for its solid-body designs. All their instruments include their unique Epiphone DC Pro guitars and their most popular Les Paul/SG models. Epiphone uses cheaper tonewood to avoid expensive costs but is also able to provide cheaper models to consumers.

Epiphone: 140 Years

Epiphone is renowned for being the oldest guitar manufacturer in the world. In its 150th year, Epiphone will be celebrating 140 years as an instrument maker. Epiphone’s name evokes history and invention in spirit. Stathopoulo is the center of the musical history of all great musical eras from the early 1900s mandolin craze to jazz-age guitars of the ’20s; from swing-era archtops through postwar pop, and jazz styles. Today, Epiphone has been a breakthrough technological innovation.

Gibson ES 335 History

EPIPHONE AND GIBSON

The former Epiphone champion and favorite late-night tinker Les Paul was known for his television show, his radio show, and chart-topping songs in the 1950s. Les had been perfecting his solid body guitar designs at the Epiphone manufacturing facility and as Fender introduced its Telecaster, Ted McCarty made Les Gibson his first solid body guitar endorser. Les suggested McCarty contact Epiphone as his fortunes declined. McCarty contacted Orphie asking Gibson a question regarding Epiphone’s critically acclaimed upright bass division and Gibson said he was interested.

A New Beginning

Gibson was a big defender against Epiphone for a while. As 1958 approached the start of a new line of instruments the two brands had three distinct names. Then Epiphone redesigned the existing Gibson model to include a budget-conscious version of it. In addition, there was a selection of new models like the semi-hollow Sheraton Solid Body Modern Black and Flat Top acoustic like the Emperor and Triumph.

The beginnings of the Stathopoulo in Lithuania

The first chapters of Epiphone’s history began in the mid–1870s, when Greek “Stathopoulo” families settled in Izmir, Turkey’s most Greek-populated city. Shops were selling and repairing violins and bouzoukis. These are Greek string instruments that are similar to mandolin in style. By 1890 Anastasio Stathopoulo already established himself as a luthier. Anastasio married and started his own family. Their first child Epaminodas arose in 1893 followed by Alex, Mimi, and Orpheu Frixo. Epaminondas played an important part in history with the Epiphone guitar.

Epi Stathopoulo, the great creator

Epi or Epanondas, the oldest son of Stathopoulo, is known as and is easily adaptable to US life. Upon graduation from Columbia, he earned an honorary degree. The line between work and family was becoming blurry when Anastasios’ father, Epi, made the instruments and sold them upstairs. Epi and his family lived upstairs in the same house. Therefore, Epi and Orpheus (Orphius) quickly began their involvement in the family business located at 27 West 42nd Street.

Who makes Epiphone guitars?

Gibson makes Epiphones guitar models and manufactures them. Usually, Gibson guitars come with Epiphone equivalents. It applies to both Gibson guitar models in various categories, including les-pas-pas, SG-s, explorations, and the Flying V. In 1928 Epi began manufacturing acoustic guitars to meet the increasing demand for guitars in America.

Gibson Guitars

Founded around 1894, Gibson has become renowned as the oldest guitar manufacturer on the planet alongside Fender and Gibson. Gibson’s electric guitars and innovation have played a crucial role in shaping our rock and roll sound. Gibson’s formula for guitar designs in the ’50s and ’60s inspired hundreds of other guitar manufacturers to develop their instruments in a remarkably similar manner. They’re a trending trend-maker in every way, and their instruments have remained bestsellers worldwide.

Gibson and Epiphone Comparison

Gibson and Epiphone Comparison

If you’re interested in the differences between Gibson and Epiphone guitars, then you’ve come to the right place. These two guitar brands have been around for decades, and both are owned by Gibson USA. While Epiphone has the same heritage as Gibson, it was created as an alternative. Both brands have plenty of tricks up their sleeves.

Gibson vs Epiphone Les Paul

If you’re in the market for a new guitar, you might be wondering how the Gibson and Epiphone Les Paul compare when it comes to tone. Both guitars are incredibly popular, but they sound very different. The Gibson has an overall more defined sound, and the Epiphone’s tone is more round and dull.

The two models have similar necks, but Gibson’s neck is made of 3/4-inch flame maple and has a nitrocellulose finish. The Epiphone Les Paul has maple veneer instead of a nitrocellulose finish. Both guitars use the same kind of bridge, but the Epiphone has a distinctive headstock shape.

Another big difference between the Gibson and Epiphone Les Paul is the hardware. Epiphone guitars tend to have cheaper hardware and electronics. However, problems with Epiphone guitars are rare and easy to fix. Despite their lower price, the hardware is still of high quality and very durable. The biggest difference between a Gibson and an Epiphone Les Paul is the type of pickup, and you’ll want to pay attention to the quality of each pickup.

The Gibson Les Paul is the longer-lived model and features a cutaway and a switch. Its chambered body is lightweight and runs on Fishman Fluence pickups. However, its neck does not have the famous double cutaway found on Les Paul. However, both models feature a similar tremolo bar.

Both models are great electric guitars. The Gibson is a legendary brand and has been played by many famous guitarists. On the other hand, the Epiphone is cheaper, and its sound is just as good. Both guitars are affordable for many musicians. But which is better? That’s a personal decision.

As mentioned before, Gibson guitars are more expensive, so it’s better to consider a cheaper option. You can also choose a custom-made model. Epiphone guitars are often made in China, and the quality is still high. They also have an excellent reputation for longevity and reliability.

Another big difference between Gibson and Epiphone Les Pauls is the material used. Gibson uses the same types of wood as Gibson, but the Epiphone’s body is made of thinner wood.

Gibson vs Epiphone SG

Gibson Epiphone
1961 Les Paul SG Standard – Aged Sixties Cherry

There are several differences between the Gibson and Epiphone guitars. Gibson’s Les Paul has a vintage-style sound, while Epiphone’s lacks this characteristic. The two models also sound different when plugged in, and the Epiphone doesn’t produce the same amount of resonance. The Epiphone also has different construction, with thinner wood in some areas and less expensive pickups.

Epiphones are more affordable than Gibson guitars, but Gibson holds the upper hand in terms of quality and build. Moreover, the Epiphone does have a more professional feel and can be a great choice for a student or a beginning guitarist. Even though this guitar doesn’t match Gibson’s quality, it can be used for recording sessions and live performances.

Epiphone’s tonewoods are different from those of Gibson, but the two manufacturers use similar types of wood. Mahogany is the most common tonewood used by Gibson, but Epiphone makes their entry-level guitars with cheaper alternatives, such as popular, which has similar tonal properties.

The Gibson SG features high-quality 490R humbuckers while the Epiphone has lower-quality Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers. They also have different headstock shapes. Although both guitars are built with the same hardware, Gibson’s guitar has a more sophisticated look and feels better. It is also equipped with a higher-quality bridge.

While both guitars have high-quality wood, Gibson’s AA figured maple top features more detailed carving than the Epiphone’s veneer. Furthermore, they both use nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which helps minimize friction and improves the overall sound of the guitar. These features make each guitar more appealing to play.

Gibson has a reputation for producing better instruments. They make a greater range of styles and materials than the Epiphone. Gibson’s woods are higher grade, which gives them a higher level of resonance. Gibson guitars are more expensive than Epiphone, which is reflected in their prices. Compared to Epiphone, Gibson’s guitars are made in the USA.

The Gibson SG is an excellent guitar for guitarists who want to have a rich tone. Its 490R and 490T pickups give it great clean tones and excel in high-gain situations. The Epiphone SG has dual Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers and lacks the warmth of a Gibson.

Gibson vs Epiphone ES-335

ES 335 Traditional Pro Exclusive Inverness Green
ES-335 Traditional Pro, Exclusive – Inverness Green

The Gibson and Epiphone ES-335 guitars are both able to produce a rich and warm tone. The guitars have rounded ‘C’ mahogany necks with rosewood fingerboards. These guitars also offer excellent playability. The neck profiles are also modern, while the fret wire is well chosen. The guitar’s tone emerges beautifully when plugged into a Rift Princeton reverb-style amp. They have excellent sustain and balance and their pickups are incredibly sensitive.

Among the differences between the Epiphone ES-335 and Gibson ES-335, the Epiphone ES-335 Pro is an obvious choice. The ES-335 Pro features Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers. The guitar is also equipped with a Tune-o-Matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece. The ES-335 Pro is a great option for those who want to play a more traditional archtop.

The Epiphone ES-335 features a soft transition from raspberry to amber, enhancing the flame maple veneer on the front and back of the instrument. Unlike the Gibson ES-335, this shading is limited to the edges of the body. The Epiphone ES-335 is also available on a plain top.

The Gibson ES-335 features the same features as the Epiphone ES-345 but is slightly smaller. It also features vintage Kluson-style tuners and tulip-shaped buttons that are nickel-plated. Its output jack is top-mounted. The Epiphone ES-335 also has a less obtrusive L-shaped bracket for the pickguard.

A Gibson and Epiphone ES-335 comparison can help you decide which guitar to buy. You can compare both guitars for their tone, and you’ll notice a marked price difference. Gibson’s model offers a higher price tag but comes with the same quality features. The Epiphone is a more affordable option than the Gibson. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you should look for a semi-hollow archtop.

The Gibson ES-335’s sound is warmer and focuses on lower frequencies. It also has less sustain than the Les Paul, and its electronics are more noticeable at high volumes. The ES-335 is also less versatile than the Les Paul, and its tone suits blues and jazz better.

Gibson vs Epiphone ES-335 Dot

The Gibson ES-335 Dot is a semi-solid guitar with a rounded neck profile. It offers more sustain and usable tones over the entire spectrum. Its solid mahogany center block offers better balance than the DOT’s maple center block.

The tone is bright, and clear, and sustains for a long time. Its playability is also excellent. The fret wire is well chosen and the neck profile is not too old-school, which makes it easy to play. Its tone comes alive plugged into a Princeton reverb-style amp. The pickups are incredibly sensitive, with a distinct but not overpowering sound.

The ES-339 is a smaller version of the Dot 335. Its center blocks design and chambered body provide a tighter resonance response. This model also features a stop bar tailpiece and a Tune-o-Matic bridge. Its slim body profile makes it easy to transport from one setup to another.

If you’re looking for an affordable semi-hollow archtop guitar, the Epiphone ES-335 Dot is a good option. Its price is lower than the Epiphone ES-335 DOT, and it also comes in a lower price range. You can also get a Bjorn Gelotte signature model from Epiphone, which makes it even more affordable.

Whether you need a guitar for jazz, blues, or classic rock, you’ll be able to find a good one by reading a Gibson ES-335 Dot review. Whichever you choose, you’ll be happy with the sound and playability of this guitar.

When it comes to color and finish, the Epiphone Dot stands out. The color changes from raspberry to amber throughout the neck and the flame maple veneer on the body edges are

nicely accented. On the other hand, the ES-335 does not have this type of shading, which is especially noticeable on the non-figured Vintage Sunburst.

The Les Paul is a bit more versatile than the ES-335, and the Les Paul starts at a lower price. However, the ES-335 has a thinner neck profile that may be more comfortable for virtuoso players.

Is Epiphone a Separate Company From Gibson?

Is Epiphone a separate company from Gibson

You may have been wondering “Is Epiphone a separate company from Gibson?” Perhaps you’ve read that Epiphone uses inferior wood and plastic knobs. Or perhaps you have heard that the company’s reputation for quality didn’t last past the war years. Whatever the reason, you should know that Epiphone is an independent company.

Epiphone was a separate company from Gibson

In the late 1930s, Epiphone was a separate company from Gibson. It began manufacturing guitars and amplifiers and was presented at NAMM in 1958. In contrast to Gibson, Epiphone emphasized semi-hollow and solid-body guitars. They also became electrically amplification ready and began producing amplifiers that matched Gibson’s amplifiers of the time.

Epiphone had a difficult period in the late 60s when it was taken over by a group of Harvard MBAs. Gibson was unable to compete with the foreign-made imitations, so production was shifted to South Korea and Gibson hired contractors like Samik to build Epiphone guitars. In 1993, Gibson’s Nashville factory produced a small batch of Epiphones. The company also constructed a plant in Montana to build 250 flat tops. The company also started an Elite Series line that was manufactured by FujiGen and Terada in Japan. These guitars featured higher-grade woods, bone nuts, and hand-rubbed finishes.

Epiphone uses lesser-quality woods

Unlike Gibson, Epiphone guitars use lesser quality woods for the body. The bodies are usually made of multiple pieces of wood, and the top is made from thin veneer instead of a full maple cap. This practice is common among guitar makers in this price range. However, a lot of players have trouble telling the difference between a veneered top and a full maple one.

Epiphone also uses a range of woods. Some of their cheaper guitars use laminated woods, while others use more expensive tonewoods, such as Mahogany. They also use different wood species in their guitars and sometimes use fewer than five plies.

Epiphone uses plastic knobs

You might have noticed that Epiphone guitars use plastic knobs on their guitars. These knobs are different from the ones that you’ll find on Gibson guitars. These knobs have 18 ridges instead of six, and they are often more difficult to turn. In addition to this, these knobs are more expensive than those on Gibson guitars.

Epiphone’s reputation for craftsmanship did not survive the war years

During the early part of the twentieth century, Epiphone was on top of the guitar world, with its legendary Electa Series electric steel guitar, featuring an adjustable pole piece on the master pickup. The company also began to produce amplifiers in 1936, and later in the decade, they added the Danelectro line of guitars. The company suffered a blow during World War II, when Epiphone’s founder, Epi Stathopoulo, contracted leukemia and was taken off the production line.

The company was an industry leader and a consumer favorite before the Pearl Harbor bombing, but the war years were a disaster. Many factories were closed down, and the industry was weakened. Nevertheless, Epiphone’s quality instruments continued to rule the market. After the war, Stathopoulo died of leukemia, leaving his younger brothers with the company’s shares. While the company continued to compete with Gibson, it also continued to expand its line of guitars and improve the craftsmanship of its guitars.

Epiphone’s commercial success was primarily rock’n’roll

Epiphone began as a manufacturer of quality banjos. By the 1920s, it had expanded into making guitars and entered a fierce rivalry with Gibson. John Lennon used the Epiphone Casino to reshape his sound from twee teeny bopping to adult rock. The guitar’s appearance also changed to reflect the new sound. In 1966, it was featured on Top of the Pops. It also became part of a promotional video for the Beatles’ hit song Rain.

In the 1950s, rock ‘n’ roll had become commercially successful. It was followed by counterculture music, New Wave, and grunge.

Is it Worth Buying an Epiphone Les Paul?

Gibson Epiphone
Tommy Thayer “Electric Blue” Les Paul – Electric Blue

Les Paul

The Les Paul Epiphone Special II is one of the most popular models of the Les Paul series. These guitars come with standard Les Paul features such as three-way pickup selector switches, a maple neck and rosewood fretboard, and a Tune-O-Matic bridge. The guitars are typically finished in red, white, or black.

Les Paul Custom Special Studio

If you’re interested in buying a Les Paul guitar, but don’t know where to start, you can start with the Standard model. Its classic look and feel will make it instantly recognizable, and its mahogany body and AAA flame maple top make it a great choice for stage use. This model is also very affordable.

Les Paul Prophecy

In the Epiphone Prophecy and Les Paul line-ups, Gibson’s body shapes are given a contemporary twist. They’re ideal for players who want to break the mold and set new standards.

Les Paul Standard Plustop Pro

If you’re considering purchasing a Les Paul guitar, the Standard Plustop is an excellent choice. It’s a great value, as it is made of low-density mahogany and weighs only 8.5 pounds. It has ProBucker pickups and the same premium features as the Les Paul Standard. It also features a beautiful AAA flame maple veneer top.

Les Paul Custom

If you’re a fan of the Les Paul Custom, there’s one reason you might want to consider purchasing an Epiphone version. The Epiphone has an asymmetrical neck profile and a compound radius fretboard. These features help you play chords easily on the lower frets and move faster into higher registers. It also has custom-wound BurstBucker V pickups.

When did Epiphone move production to China?

Epiphone moved production to China in the 1970s

Epiphone is one of the more affordable brands of electric guitars and a great alternative to Gibson. Its Chinese factory, Qingdao, allows the company to produce guitars at lower labor costs, which helps keep the price of an Epiphone guitar competitive. The brand has a long history with Chinese manufacturers and has worked with them for many years to make quality guitars at competitive prices.

During the ’70s, Epiphone produced a variety of electric and acoustic guitars. They introduced the Presentation line of acoustics, which became a staple in the Epiphone catalog. These early PR models had traditional dreadnought body shapes and varying wood and trim levels. In the ’80s, the acoustic-electric trend gained momentum, and thinner-bodied acoustics became popular.

The company found its niche in the folk music market and began manufacturing guitars for this market. It also launched several electric guitar models, including the Double Cut Casino. By the mid-1960s, the company had a catalog of fourteen archtop electric guitars and six classical archtops, as well as three banjos and a mandolin. During this period, Epiphone sales increased five-fold and the brand grew in popularity.

Epiphone moved production to Philadelphia to avoid a union clash

In the early 1950s, Epiphone gained a reputation for innovative design and craftsmanship. After a long time in Manhattan, Epiphone moved production to Philadelphia to avoid a labor dispute. However, this move cost the company skilled craftsmen and reduced the quality of their instruments. After a few years of struggling, the company shifted production to Pennsylvania and eventually became known as Gibson.

The company began to develop its line of guitars and introduced a line of classic models, including the Seville classical guitar. The company also released several other guitars without pickups, including the Madrid, Spain, and Entrada models. The company’s guitars quickly became an industry standard for various musical styles. In 1962, the company launched the Bard guitar, which was used by Roy Orbison in the songs “Oh, Pretty Woman” and “Only the Lonesome.” The company also introduced the Serenader 12-string guitar and the Troubadour steel-string flat-top guitar.

During the late 1940s, Epiphone faced many challenges. The company was plagued with competition from Gibson and the emergence of electric guitars. Despite these obstacles, Epiphone’s quality and speed improved to compete with Gibson, which was a growing threat to the company. In addition, Epiphone was facing financial troubles, which led to a split in management. Despite these struggles, the company still managed to become one of the leading brands in the industry.

Epiphone’s quality is an aspect that shines in

Epiphone is a popular guitar brand that manufactures electric guitars, nylon string classical guitars, and Les Paul models. The company is known for its consistent quality and playability. Due to its state-of-the-art manufacturing process, Epiphone can produce high-quality guitars at lower costs. Although the guitars produced by this brand resemble their Gibson cousins in appearance, they differ in some key aspects. These differences include the guitar’s headstock and finish.

One key factor that sets Epiphone guitars apart from Chinese-made guitars is that they are made in a single factory that specializes in Epiphone guitars. In contrast, most guitar manufacturers rely on massive manufacturing facilities in Asia to make several brands. Because Epiphone only manufactures its brand, they have better control over the manufacturing process. This means that the quality of their guitars is far greater than that of their Asian competitors.

What Are Epiphone Guitars Known For?

What are Epiphone guitars known for

Epiphone guitars are known for several features, including solid mahogany bodies, alnico magnet pickups, and a slim tapered neck. They are also known for their nickel 14:1 ratio tuners. The Epiphone brand name has also been used for several other brands. Gibson, the parent company, makes some Epiphone guitars in its factories. The brand name is also used for guitars produced by the Japanese company Matsumoku under Gibson’s contract.

Epiphone guitars are made of solid mahogany

Solid mahogany is the primary material used to make Epiphone guitars. The guitars are generally built with two solid pieces of wood on either side of the nut. These two pieces can be glued together to form a single piece.

They have a slim-tapered neck

Most Epiphone guitars feature a slim-tapered D-profile neck. This type of neck is designed to be easier to hold and play with. Popular D-shape neck models include the Epiphone Sheraton and the Ibanez RG series. Asymmetrical necks are also available and provide a better grip.

They have nickel 14:1 ratio tuners

The tuners used on Epiphone guitars are usually nickel 14:1 ratio tuners. These are the standard on low-end models, while higher-end guitars feature an 18:1 gear ratio. In addition, lower-end models typically have cheap plastic hardware, while higher-end guitars usually have real bone hardware. Also, Epiphone electric guitars usually use GraphTech Tusq nuts, which are made from a hard material that mimics bone, and are self-lubricating. These nuts keep the strings in tune when using a tremolo.

They have alnico magnet pickups

Epiphone guitars have alnico magnets, which are magnets made from the alloys of Aluminum, Nickel, and Cobalt. These pickups are typically available in two, three, and five-pot strengths. The higher the number, the stronger the magnetic field, and generally, the higher the output.

They have a well-finished finish

Epiphone guitars are known for their well-finished finish. The Les Paul guitar, for instance, is made with a carved maple top and mahogany body. Its maple top has a curving maple inlay for added beauty. It also features a Grover machine heads pickup. The rest of the guitar’s hardware is unbranded. Epiphone guitars rarely receive criticism about their quality of construction.

They are versatile

Epiphone guitars are known for being versatile. They have several models that are based on the Les Paul guitar model. They also offer several SG packs. If you’re new to guitar playing, you may want to seek help from a local tech.

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