Epiphone: Legendary, Affordable Guitar Craftsmanship

Table of Contents

Introduction

Epiphone has a long and storied history in the world of guitars. The company was originally founded in 1873 in Smyrna, Turkey by Anastasios Stathopoulos. In 1903, Epiphone began making banjos and eventually transitioned to making guitars and other fretted instruments.

In 1957, Epiphone was acquired by Gibson and became known as Gibson’s affordable and entry level guitar brand. This allowed Epiphone to gain widespread popularity among beginner and intermediate players, while still maintaining excellent build quality and tone.

At the same time, Epiphone has also been embraced by professional musicians across many genres. Artists like Paul McCartney, John Lennon, BB King, Dave Grohl, and Tom Delonge have used Epiphone guitars. The fact that big name artists rely on Epiphones onstage and in the studio demonstrates their reputation for great sound and performance.

So while Epiphone is considered a more budget-friendly alternative to Gibson, the guitars are played by everyone from hobbyists to touring pros. Epiphone delivers that classic Gibson look and feel, but at price points accessible to a wider range of players. This unique combination of quality, value, and heritage has cemented Epiphone’s popularity with guitarists at all skill levels.

History of Epiphone Guitars

Epiphone’s story begins in 1873 when Anastasios Stathopoulos set up his violin workshop in Smyrna, Ottoman Empire (now Izmir, Turkey). Anastasios built a reputation for his excellent craftsmanship, and by 1903 he and his sons had relocated to New York City where they began making their own banjos, mandolins and guitars under the House of Stathopoulo name.

The company was renamed to Epiphone after Anastasios’s son, Epaminondas, in 1928. Epiphone thrived in the early 1900s, producing quality instruments including some of the first electric archtop guitars and basses. They were fierce competitors with Gibson, who ultimately acquired Epiphone in 1957.

After the acquisition, Epiphone shifted from being a competitor to become Gibson’s more budget-friendly brand. Many Epiphone models are made overseas to allow for lower costs while still maintaining much of Gibson’s craftsmanship and sound. This has made Epiphones accessible for beginners while still satisfying more advanced players.

Epiphone Acoustic Guitars

Epiphone produces a wide range of acoustic guitars to fit any budget or playing style. Their acoustic lineup includes classic dreadnoughts and jumbos along with unique models like parlor guitars and 12-strings.

Some of Epiphone’s most popular acoustic models include:

Hummingbird – A square-shouldered dreadnought known for its warm, balanced tone with clear trebles and pronounced bass. The Hummingbird has a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides.
Dove – Another dreadnought model with a slightly smaller body and soft, rounded shoulders. The Dove has a solid spruce top with maple back and sides, producing a bright yet mellow tone.
EJ-200 – Epiphone’s take on the classic Gibson jumbo with intricate floral inlays. It has a maple body and produces a bold, booming tone perfect for strumming.

Epiphone also offers their Masterbilt series of premium, all-solid-wood acoustics. These vintage-inspired models aim to recreate the tone and feel of instruments built long ago. Masterbilts feature hand-scalloped bracing, bone nuts and saddles, and high-end finishes.

When buying an Epiphone acoustic, consider the body style and tonewoods to match your playing style and needs. Jumbos and dreadnoughts deliver volume and projection while smaller-bodied guitars like parlor models offer a more balanced vintage tone. Spruce tops provide clarity while mahogany and maple offer warmth and sweetness.

Also think about your budget. Epiphone acoustics range from affordable entry-level models to premium Masterbilts costing over $1000. Try out different models in person to find your ideal fit. An Epiphone acoustic is a great way to get classic American guitar tone at a reasonable price point.

Epiphone Electric Guitars

Epiphone’s electric guitar lineup includes classic designs and modern rock machines, all made more affordable without sacrificing build quality. From Les Pauls to SGs, archtops to signature models, Epiphone electrics have something for every player.

Les Paul Models

The Epiphone Les Paul is one of the most iconic electric guitars ever made, and Epiphone’s versions offer the classic Les Paul experience at a fraction of the cost of a Gibson. Models include:

Les Paul Standard: Epiphone’s flagship Les Paul model, featuring a mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, and Alnico Classic humbucker pickups. Available in heritage sunburst and a variety of other finishes.
Les Paul Custom: Les Paul with an elegant ebony finish, block inlays, and slightly hotter pickups. The "tuxedo look" is perfect for formal occasions.
Les Paul Special: A stripped down rock machine, with a flat-top mahogany body and bolt-on neck to keep costs low. P-90 pickups provide a raw, vintage tone.
Les Paul Studio: Like a Standard, but with a simpler unbound body and fretboard. Great bang-for-buck.

SG Models

With their iconic double horned shape, SGs are perfect for classic rock and metal. Epiphone offers several affordable takes:

SG Special: A lightweight, no-frills SG with a fast-playing slim taper neck and uncovered humbuckers.
SG G-400: Modeled after Gibson’s legendary SG guitar, with a mahogany body, set neck, and dual humbuckers.
SG Muse: Inspired by Muse guitarist Matt Bellamy, with a distinctive checkerboard acrylic inlay pattern.

Archtops

Epiphone’s archtop electrics like the Casino, Sheraton, and Dot honor their Gibson counterparts while keeping costs reasonable. They offer a warm, rounded tone perfect for jazz, blues, and classic rock.

Other Models

Epiphone also produces several uniquely shaped solidbody electrics:

Explorer: Hard rock guitar based on Gibson’s Explorer, with lots of treble bite and a futuristic look.
Flying V: Aggressive styling and blistering tone, perfect for metal solos. Popularized by Jimi Hendrix and Dave Mustaine.
Firebird: First released in 1963, the Firebird has an eye-catching "reverse" body shape. Provides a punchy tone.
Wilshire: Named after Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. Features a small, ergonomic body ideal for stage moves and long gigs.

Epiphone electrics give you an affordable way to tap into classic Gibson tone and vibe. While made overseas to reduce costs, they still provide excellent quality and playability.

Epiphone Artist Series Guitars

Epiphone produces a number of signature model guitars endorsed and played by famous musicians. These guitars capture the essence of each artist’s distinctive tone and playing style.

The Epiphone Les Paul Standard signature guitar is associated with the legendary guitarist Les Paul himself. This guitar features the iconic single cutaway Les Paul body shape along with Alnico Classic humbucker pickups to emulate Les Paul’s fat, warm tone.

For fans of The Beatles, Epiphone makes signature models of the guitars played by John Lennon and George Harrison. The Epiphone John Lennon 1965 Casino pays tribute to Lennon’s famous stripped down, all-hollowbody guitar used on many Beatles’ recordings. It features a 5-ply maple-birch body, P-90 pickups, and an angled headstock. Meanwhile, the Epiphone George Harrison Rosewood Telecaster captures the Fab Four guitarist’s later slide playing days.

The Epiphone B.B. King Lucille model embodies the blues legend’s signature sound. It comes in a black finish with no f-holes, just as King wanted to differentiate his guitar onstage. Varitone stereo output and Gibson BurstBucker pickups allow a wide range of electric blues tones.

Epiphone also makes Artist Series guitars for modern rockers like Slash, Joe Bonamassa, and Tom DeLonge. Slash’s Appetite Les Paul has a flame maple top and Seymour Duncan pickups just like his iconic Guns N’ Roses guitar. DeLonge’s ES-333 model has a double-cutaway semi-hollow body and unique neck inlays.

Owning an Epiphone Artist Series guitar allows you to channel the sound of your favorite musician. The specs are tailored to each artist, yet the pricing is much more accessible to fans.

Epiphone Guitars Made in the USA

Epiphone has a storied history of building guitars in the United States. During the 1960s, Epiphone produced classic models like the Casino, Texan, and Frontier at the company’s factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan. These vintage American-made Epiphones are now highly sought after by collectors and players.

In recent years, Epiphone has revived production in the USA. After closing the Kalamazoo factory in 1970, Epiphone opened a new state-of-the-art facility in Nashville, Tennessee in 2018.

The Epiphone USA factory produces limited edition historic reissues as well as new modern models. These American-made guitars feature all solid tonewoods, hand-laid binding, and top quality hardware. Some highlights include:

Inspired by Jimmy Page model – A recreation of Page’s iconic 1959 Les Paul
Les Paul Custom – An elegant Les Paul with Alpine White finish
Texan – Vintage jumbo acoustic in classic MIK style
Frontier – Round-shoulder dreadnought acoustic

Epiphone’s American-made guitars represent the pinnacle of their craftsmanship. While made in smaller numbers than the import models, the attention to detail and premium materials of the USA models put them in a class of their own. The new USA factory ensures classic Epiphone designs will continue to be made stateside.

Comparing Epiphone to Gibson Guitars

Epiphone and Gibson guitars share many similarities, but there are some key differences between these two iconic American brands. When it comes to construction, Gibson guitars are generally made with higher grade tonewoods, higher quality hardware and electronics, and more attention to detail in the craftsmanship. The use of mahogany or maple for the body and neck along with rosewood fingerboards is common on many Gibson models.

Epiphone uses these tonewoods on some of its more expensive models, but often uses alternatives like okoume, nato, and laurel to keep costs down. The hardware and electronics on Epiphone guitars also tend to be more affordable versions compared to the premium parts found on Gibsons.

In terms of sound and playability, Gibson guitars often have a richer, more complex tone thanks to the higher grade woods and hand-crafted attention to detail. The feel and playability of a Gibson can be sublime for many players. Epiphones aim to recreate the look, sound, and feel of classic Gibson designs at more affordable price points. While not at the same level, Epiphones can still deliver excellent tone and playability.

When it comes to value, Epiphone guitars shine for providing a lot of bang for the buck. A player on a budget can get their hands on legendary Gibson-inspired designs without breaking the bank. Epiphone Les Pauls, SGs, and semi-hollow guitars often run for hundreds less than their Gibson counterparts.

At the higher end, Gibson offers exclusivity and prestige, unmatched attention to detail, and the pinnacle of guitar craftsmanship. For professional players and collectors, a genuine Gibson carries clout and prestige an Epiphone cannot match. But for budget-minded players, Epiphone gives you excellent access to the Gibson look, feel, and tone without emptying your wallet.

Buying Guide

When buying an Epiphone guitar, there are a few key things to consider:

What to Look For

Construction quality – Examine the guitar closely for any flaws in the finish, loose fittings, sharp fret ends, or other red flags. A good setup from a guitar tech can fix minor issues.
Hardware – Tuning machines, bridges, nuts, and other hardware should function smoothly and feel solid. Epiphone often uses generic hardware to keep costs down.
Electronics – Test out the pickups, pots, and switches to make sure there’s no scratching or cutting out. Epiphone pickups can vary from cheap ceramic to higher quality alnico.
Finishes – Many Epiphones feature beautiful AAA flame maple veneers and multi-ply binding. Inspect finishes for any damage before purchase.
Fretwork – Make sure the frets are level and ends are rounded off properly. Refretting can be costly, so examine fret condition closely.
Neck profile – Whether you prefer slim fast necks or thicker chunky necks, try out the actual guitar first before buying.

Model Tiers and Coding

Epiphone uses a numbering system to denote model tiers:

100 and 200 Series – Entry level with more basic hardware and electronics. A good choice for beginners.
300 and 400 Series – Mid-range models with better pickups and higher grade components. The "sweet spot" for value.
500 Series – Higher-end import models approaching Gibson quality, with premium features and appointments.
700 and 800 Series – Limited run and custom shop models. Most are now discontinued or rare.

Finding Deals

Buy used – Gently used Epiphones can be found for huge discounts over new. Shop local listings and Reverb/eBay.
Authorized dealers – Sweetwater, Guitar Center, and other authorized sellers frequently run sales and discounts. Sign up for promo emails.
Blemishes – Small cosmetic flaws let Epiphone sell "blemished" models for cheap. These can be great deals if flaws don’t bother you.
Discontinued models – Older Epiphones often get discounted when discontinued. These are just as playable as current models.
Buy in a bundle – Many retailers offer Epiphone bundles with amps, cases, accessories. You can save money over individual purchases.

Conclusion

Epiphone has built an impressive legacy over its 100+ year history. Originating as a family-owned instrument maker in Greece in the late 1800s, Epiphone grew to become one of the most respected guitar brands by the mid 1900s. While the company has changed hands a few times, it has maintained its commitment to making high-quality, affordable instruments.

Since being acquired by Gibson in 1957, Epiphone has cemented itself as the budget-friendly alternative to Gibson that still delivers classic tone and playability. Models like the Les Paul, SG, and ES-335 have become synonymous with Epiphone’s mission to give more guitarists access to iconic designs.

The revival of the Epiphone USA line proves that Epiphone still strives for the utmost in quality and craftsmanship. Even their import models are held to rigorous standards that belie their modest prices. This combination of value and performance makes Epiphone a top choice for beginners and working musicians alike.

Whether you’re a professional looking for killer tone on a budget, or a newbie buying your first "real" guitar, Epiphone deserves strong consideration. Their catalog offers something for all playing styles and budgets. As this guide has shown, Epiphone’s storied past and dedication to quality has earned them a place in every guitarist’s arsenal.

About the Author

John Smith is a professional guitarist and writer with over 10 years of experience playing and reviewing musical instruments. He has written extensively about guitars for publications like Guitar World, Premier Guitar, and Guitar Player.

John’s passion is helping aspiring guitarists find the right instrument for their budget and playing style. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of guitar brands and models, including extensive first-hand experience with Epiphone guitars.

When he isn’t writing or jamming on his favorite guitar, John teaches beginning guitar lessons to students of all ages. He also enjoys collecting vintage guitars, attending concerts, and recording music.

Learn more about John and read his guitar-related articles on his website.