More about Epiphone Guitars
Epiphone is one of the oldest and most revered instrument manufacturers in history. The company's roots can be traced back to 1873, when Anastasios Stathopoulos started a small instrument manufacturing company in Smyrna, Turkey, making traditional stringed instruments like lutes and fiddles. After Anastasios's death in 1915, his son, Epaminondas, commonly known as "Epi," took over the business.
In 1923, Epi moved the company to New York City and renamed it "Epiphone," combining his own nickname with "phone" (Greek for "voice"). Initially, Epiphone was known for making banjos, which were incredibly popular in the 1920s, and it wasn't until the 1930s that Epiphone began making guitars.
Epiphone was a major competitor with Gibson during the 1930s and 40s, known for their archtop guitars. Some of their standout models included the Emperor, Broadway, and Triumph, all of which gave Gibson's models a run for their money.
However, following Epi's death in 1943 and the aftermath of World War II, Epiphone began to struggle. The Stathopoulo family sold the company to their long-time rivals, Gibson, in 1957. Since then, Epiphone has served as Gibson's budget-friendly line, providing affordable versions of popular Gibson models like the Les Paul, SG, and Explorer.
Despite being a more affordable brand, Epiphone has managed to uphold a high level of quality, earning the respect of many professional musicians. Notable Epiphone players have included John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison of The Beatles, who played Epiphone Casinos.
The Epiphone brand has also been known for introducing innovative features and designs. For example, the Epiphone Casino, a fully hollow thinline guitar, is a unique offering in the Gibson/Epiphone lineup that has enjoyed enduring popularity.
Epiphone continues to be a popular choice for beginners and professionals alike due to their affordability, quality, and historic legacy. It's a brand that has proven its resilience and capacity to adapt over the decades, securing its place in the history of guitar manufacturing.
Russo Music is a proud dealer of Epiphone guitars, basses, and accessories.