The history of Epiphone begins with Anastasios Stathopoulos, a Greek instrument maker born into a family involved in woodworking and musical instruments. The traditional founding date cited for the company is 1873, although Gibson’s historical materials also describe Stathopoulos’s instrument-making shop as becoming established in Smyrna around the 1890s. The family specialised in traditional Mediterranean instruments such as lutes, violins, mandolins, and related stringed instruments.[3]

At this stage, there was no “Epiphone guitar” in the modern sense; the business operated essentially as a family lutherie and instrument-making workshop.

From Smyrna to America

In the early 20th century, the Stathopoulos family emigrated to the United States and settled in New York City. New York would eventually become central to Epiphone’s identity, as the city was a major hub for American popular music, jazz, and entertainment. Anastasios’s son, Epaminondas Stathopoulos, commonly known as Epi, eventually took over the family business.[4]

The company gradually transitioned away from traditional instrument making towards the rapidly expanding American musical instrument market. During the 1920s, Epi Stathopoulos developed a particular interest in banjos, which were immensely popular in America at the time. The firm became known as the Epiphone Banjo Company in 1928, and in that same year, it entered guitar production.[5]

The name Epiphone derives from Epi’s name combined with terminology associated with sound or voice. Gibson’s historical accounts additionally link the name to the Greek word epiphonous, roughly translating to “one sound upon another”.[6] This marked the beginning of the recognisable Epiphone brand.

During the 1930s, Epiphone began manufacturing archtop guitars. This was a pivotal period as jazz exploded in popularity, creating demand among professional musicians for loud, powerful acoustic guitars capable of competing with horns and other ensemble instruments. Epiphone responded with models such as the:

• Masterbilt
• Broadway
• Emperor
• De Luxe
• Triumph
• Zenith

These were not intended as inexpensive beginner instruments but as professional-grade guitars competing directly with Gibson. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the relationship between Gibson and Epiphone was closer to that of rival manufacturers than the modern parent-subsidiary dynamic, with Epiphone holding particular strength in the archtop market.[7]

Historically, Epiphone was an independent competitor to Gibson, with both companies vying for dominance in the professional American guitar market. Their rivalry was especially intense in the realm of jazz archtop guitars. Epiphone’s high-end instruments were often extraordinarily elaborate, featuring large bodies, carved tops, sophisticated ornamentation, and premium construction. Models such as the Emperor and Broadway earned respect as top-tier professional instruments.

A significant chapter in Epiphone’s history involves Les Paul. Before becoming synonymous with the Gibson Les Paul, he was a young guitarist and inventor experimenting with electric guitar design. Epiphone’s New York workshop served as one of the locations where Paul developed his ideas. In the early 1940s, he created his famous experimental solid-body instrument known as “The Log” at the Epiphone facility. Gibson’s historical archives specifically identify Epiphone’s New York factory as the site where Paul experimented with early solid-body prototypes.[8]

This makes Epiphone an integral part of the prehistory of the modern electric guitar. Notably, Les Paul experimented with solid-body technology at Epiphone before later becoming the face of Gibson’s most famous guitar.

Following World War II, the American musical instrument market shifted, and Epiphone faced internal challenges. Epi Stathopoulos died in 1943, after which control passed to his brothers. The company subsequently experienced financial and organisational difficulties, and a major strike in 1951 contributed to its relocation from New York to Philadelphia.[9]

Meanwhile, Gibson grew increasingly dominant. By the 1950s, Gibson had become a major force in the professional guitar market, particularly with instruments such as the ES-175, Les Paul, and later the ES-335. Although Epiphone continued to produce excellent instruments, its market position had weakened.

The turning point arrived in 1957 when Gibson’s parent company, Chicago Musical Instrument Company (CMI), acquired Epiphone.[10] Rather than eliminating the brand, Gibson chose to keep the Epiphone name active. This decision was strategically advantageous: while Gibson maintained a controlled dealer network, Epiphone could be sold through additional outlets. Consequently, Gibson effectively operated two brands: Gibson for premium flagship instruments and Epiphone to reach customers and dealers outside Gibson’s direct network.

Following the acquisition, Epiphone production moved to Gibson’s Kalamazoo, Michigan factories. The period from roughly 1957 to 1969 is of particular interest to vintage guitar collectors. Epiphone guitars from this era were not merely cheaper versions of Gibson instruments; many were high-quality American-made guitars manufactured alongside Gibson models. Some shared components, manufacturing processes, and designs with Gibson, while others remained uniquely Epiphone.[11]

Significant examples include:

Epiphone Sheraton

A high-end semi-hollow guitar sharing basic architecture with Gibson’s ES-335 family but featuring distinctive Epiphone styling.

Epiphone Casino

One of the most historically important Epiphone guitars, this thin, fully hollow electric guitar was related to the Gibson ES-330 concept. It later achieved immense fame through its association with The Beatles.

Epiphone Texan

A flat-top acoustic guitar that became one of Epiphone’s signature models.

Epiphone Riviera

A semi-hollow model that stands as another defining Epiphone design.

The Casino played a transformative role in Epiphone’s cultural significance. During the 1960s, The Beatles—particularly John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison—became closely associated with Epiphone Casinos. The instrument’s lightweight hollow construction, P-90 pickups, bright aggressive tone, and distinctive appearance made it ideally suited to rock music. This association elevated Epiphone from a mere instrument manufacturer to a major part of rock-and-roll history. Epiphone continues to highlight The Beatles among the primary artists associated with the brand.[12]

By the late 1960s, Gibson altered Epiphone’s manufacturing strategy. U.S. production of the traditional high-grade Epiphone range ceased around 1969–1970, with production increasingly shifting overseas. Japan became an important manufacturing location, followed later by Korea and China.[13]

Consequently, the brand’s meaning evolved. Instead of serving primarily as a competitor to Gibson’s professional instruments, Epiphone became increasingly associated with affordable guitars inspired by American designs. This strategy eventually formed the foundation of the modern Epiphone brand.

The 1970s and 1980s were complex years for the brand, with instruments manufactured by various overseas factories and contractors. Japan was particularly significant initially, but Korean factories later became major producers. By the 1980s, Korean production was widespread, and by the 1990s, manufacturing expanded substantially into China and Indonesia.[14]

This era generated a vast number of Epiphone guitars, including some surprisingly high-quality instruments. For enthusiasts of vintage and used guitars, the factory, year, model, and specific series are therefore critical factors when evaluating older Epiphone instruments.

By the 1990s, the modern Epiphone formula was firmly established. The brand offered affordable versions of iconic Gibson designs, including the Les Paul, SG, ES-style guitars, Flying V, Explorer, Firebird, Thunderbird bass, and various Gibson-inspired acoustics. Simultaneously, Epiphone continued producing guitars uniquely associated with its own history, creating a dual identity:

Gibson-inspired Epiphone

Examples include the Epiphone Les Paul, Epiphone SG, and Epiphone ES-style models derived from the ES-335.

True Epiphone originals

Examples include the Casino, Sheraton, Riviera, Wilshire, and Coronet. These models demonstrate that Epiphone is not simply a “Gibson copy brand,” as its own history predates Gibson’s ownership by decades.

The Casino is arguably the guitar that best represents Epiphone’s independent identity. Unlike the Epiphone Les Paul, whose concept is tied directly to Gibson, the Casino possesses its own distinct history. Its association with The Beatles, as well as artists such as Paul Weller and other rock musicians, cemented its status as one of the defining hollow-body guitars in popular music.[15]

Today, Epiphone is fully integrated into the Gibson brand family, yet Gibson deliberately maintains Epiphone as a distinct identity. Current brand philosophy positions Epiphone as offering authentic, accessible instruments for players ranging from beginners to professionals.[16] While Gibson occupies the premium flagship tier, Epiphone serves the broader accessible market. However, this distinction is not solely about quality; Epiphone increasingly offers instruments with serious professional specifications.

A key modern strategy is the Inspired by Gibson Collection, which aims to reproduce the essential appearance, construction philosophy, and playing experience of iconic Gibson designs in more accessible Epiphone instruments. The lineup includes models based on the Les Paul, SG, Explorer, Flying V, Firebird, ES-style guitars, J-45, Hummingbird, and L-00. In 2026, Epiphone significantly refreshed this range with upgrades to hardware, electronics, body contours, and rosewood fingerboards on many models.

As of 2026, Epiphone’s catalogue is broadly organised into several families.

Inspired by Gibson

This core range includes the Les Paul Standard, Les Paul Custom-related models, Les Paul Special, Les Paul Junior, SG Standard, SG Special, Firebird, Flying V, Explorer, and ES-style guitars. The 2026 refresh brought updated specifications and finishes to many of these models.[17]

Inspired by Gibson Custom

This premium tier borrows heavily from Gibson Custom-style specifications, vintage aesthetics, and historical details, aiming to bring the Gibson Custom experience to a lower price category.

Epiphone Original Collection

This collection features guitars associated with Epiphone’s own identity, including the Casino, Riviera, Sheraton, Coronet, and Wilshire. Gibson’s current brand materials continue to distinguish the Original Collection from Gibson-inspired models.[18]

Artist models

Epiphone produces signature and artist-associated instruments spanning rock, blues, metal, and country. This programme connects historic models with contemporary musicians; for example, in 2026, Epiphone introduced an Eric Church signature Hummingbird model.[19]

Epiphone maintains a significant acoustic guitar heritage. Key models include the Texan (perhaps its most famous historic acoustic), the Gibson-inspired Hummingbird and J-45, and the compact, vintage-styled L-00. In 2026, Epiphone refreshed its acoustic Inspired by Gibson collection with models including the Hummingbird Standard/EC, J-45 Standard/EC, and L-00 Standard, featuring upgrades such as rosewood fingerboards, improved hardware and electronics, and refined body contours.[20]

Epiphone has a long tradition in bass guitars, with important models including the Thunderbird, Jack Casady Bass, Viola Bass, Embassy, and various Les Paul and SG basses. The Thunderbird is closely associated with Gibson’s iconic reverse-body design, while the Jack Casady Signature Bass exemplifies Epiphone maintaining a distinctive instrument rather than simply producing an inexpensive Gibson equivalent.

Despite its modern affordable positioning, Epiphone boasts an impressive artist roster:

• The Beatles: The Casino is strongly identified with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison.
• The Rolling Stones: Epiphone instruments have appeared throughout the band’s history.[21]
• Les Paul: Conducted early solid-body experimentation at Epiphone’s New York workshop.[22]
• Joe Pass: Associated with Epiphone archtop instruments.
• Paul Weller: Strongly linked to the Casino.
• Gary Clark Jr.: A modern blues and rock artist associated with the brand.
• Peter Frampton: A major rock guitarist with a long association with Gibson and Epiphone instruments.

Epiphone’s historical materials list these artists among its notable users.[23]

Epiphone holds three simultaneous identities: a historic American guitar maker with its own pre-Gibson designs; Gibson’s sister brand since 1957; and an accessible gateway to classic designs for a wider range of musicians. Describing Epiphone merely as a “cheap Gibson” is historically inaccurate; it is more precisely defined as a historic American brand that combines its own original designs with accessible interpretations of Gibson instruments.

Price does not automatically determine whether an Epiphone is a professional-quality instrument. Modern Epiphone includes models intended for serious gigging and recording, with premium specifications increasingly appearing in the Epiphone range.[24]

Epiphone production has occurred in numerous locations throughout its history, including the United States, Japan, Korea, China, and Indonesia.[25] Manufacturing locations have changed repeatedly over decades, making terms like “Korean Epiphone,” “Japanese Epiphone,” or “Chinese Epiphone” useful when discussing specific eras. For collectors, the specific year, factory, model, and specification are often more meaningful indicators of value than the brand name alone.

• 1873: Stathopoulos family instrument business traditionally dates its origins to this year.[26]
• 1890s: Anastasios Stathopoulo operates an established instrument-making shop in Smyrna.[27]
• Early 1900s: The family moves to the United States.
• 1920s: Epaminondas “Epi” Stathopoulos takes over the business.
• 1928: The Epiphone name becomes established and the company enters guitar production.[28]
• 1930s: Epiphone becomes a major archtop-guitar competitor to Gibson.
• 1940–41: Les Paul experiments with his “Log” at Epiphone’s New York facility.
• 1943: Epi Stathopoulos dies.
• 1951: Major strike contributes to the company’s relocation to Philadelphia.
• 1957: Gibson/CMI acquires Epiphone.
• 1957–69: High-quality American Epiphones produced at Gibson’s Kalamazoo facilities.
• 1960s: Casino, Texan, Sheraton, and other models become important instruments of the rock era.
• Late 1960s–1970s: U.S. production ends; overseas manufacturing expands.
• 1980s: Korean production becomes increasingly important.
• 1990s onward: China and Indonesia become major production centres.
• 2000s–2010s: Expansion of affordable Gibson-style electric and acoustic ranges.
• 2020s: Brand moves upscale with historically accurate specifications.
• 2023: Epiphone celebrates 150 years of history.
• 2026: Inspired by Gibson collections receive substantial electric and acoustic updates.

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2. 150 years of Epiphone: The House of Stathopoulo remains strong – Gibson
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5. Gibson Brands News
6. Epiphone: the history of the budget builder and rock icon | Guitar World
7. The best new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Guitars for every player and
8. Epiphone partners with Eric Church on signature Inspired by Gibson Hum
9. Epiphone refreshes and expands its Inspired by Gibson Acoustic Collect
10. “We set out to honour the soul of these iconic instruments while making them accessible to every kind of player”: Epiphone raises the bar for its acoustic guitar range with all-solid builds, rosewood fingerboards and affordable takes on Gibson classics
11. Epiphone in 2026: Gibson’s brand for the modern guitarist | SixStrings
12. エピフォンから、アップグレードされた 『Inspired By Gibson Collection』のアコースティックギター5種がリリース | Gibson Japan
13. エピフォンから、アップグレードされた 最新『Inspired By Gibson Collection』がリリース | Gibson Japan
14. Epiphone Unveils the All-New Inspired by Gibson Collection – Premier Guitar
15. A Hetfield-esque white 80s Explorer with EMGs, long-tenon necks and rosewood fingerboards for all: Epiphone revamps core lineup with the Inspired By Gibson series | MusicRadar
16. Epiphone – Store norske leksikon
17. A Brief History of Epiphone Guitars | Guitar.com
18. Gibson Brands News
19. epiphonewiki.org
20. Epiphone History
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22. Epiphone An Inspired by Gibson Custom reissue of the classic humbucker-equipped ’57 Goldtop
23. Epiphone An Inspired by Gibson Custom reissue of the classic humbucker-equipped ’57 Goldtop
24. Epiphone | For Every Stage
25. Epiphone | For Every Stage
26. Vintage Guitars Info – Epiphone vintage guitar collecting general info
27. เอพิโฟน | วิกิภาษาไทย
28. EPIPHONE HISTORY: 1863-1957 Models