EPIPHONE GUITARS PRE 2000
Epiphone Guitars started as a brand under in their own
right but were snapped up by Gibson following a catastrophic industrial action by Epiphone workers in the early 50's which
dropped the value of the company through the floor.
They were then produced in Kalamazoo USA under the Gibson
name and then production after a couple of moves in USA found its way to our good friends in Fuji Gen Japan
for about two years in 98 and 99. These were in actual fact made on the Orville line which stopped in 98. High end
Professional Epi's are still made in Japan at least up until 2005 but most of the mass market high street stuff is churned
out in other Far Eastern countrys. The Japanese Epiphones and the Kalamazoo guitars were GREAT guitars. Todays offerings
from other destinations are but a sad reflection and just trade on the great name ( In my opinion ). There is a link on the
links page for dating information.
Our Opinion :
The early epis made in USA and for a
short period by Orville / Fuji Gen were Gibson USA quality instruments and well worth hunting down and owning. The contemporary
Fuji gen high end Elites and Elitist are also amazing guitars and still utilising Long Tenon joints. Todays
Epis from other factories which wave the same flag just don't seem to have the same mojo. It's a bit like Ferrari making a
van. Because they are now known as cheap and cheerful guitars for learners has depressed the enthusiasm of collectors for
anything with the name written on it. The up side of this is that if you find an original Jap or USA one . chances are you
will get a bargain.
Epiphone Guitars also listed in the acoustic section
Useful Epiphone Links - Click to Open-
