Epiphone Guitar

Epiphone stands as one of the oldest and most respected names in the American instrument industry. Founded in 1873 by Anastasios Stathopoulos, the brand originally began as a family lutherie business in the Ottoman Empire before moving to New York City in 1903. For decades, it was the primary rival to Gibson in the archtop guitar market, producing high-end instruments that defined the jazz and swing eras.

In 1957, following labor struggles and a leadership transition, Epiphone was acquired by CMI (Gibson's parent company). This merger transitioned Epiphone from a direct competitor into a subsidiary brand. Today, Epiphone serves as the accessible counterpart to Gibson, recreating classic designs like the Les Paul and SG at a more affordable price point, while maintaining its own unique legacy through models like the Casino and Sheraton.

Manufacturing for Epiphone is truly global. While original vintage models were made in the USA, modern production is centered in Asia to maintain affordability. The brand operates a specialized factory in Qingdao, China, which is dedicated solely to Epiphone production. Additional manufacturing occurs in Indonesia, and formerly high-end models were produced in Korea and Japan. Despite its global manufacturing footprint, the brand's creative and engineering heart remains in Nashville, Tennessee.