Epiphone has often been considered the more affordable alternative for those who desire a Gibson guitar. However, many people don’t know that Epiphone existed even before Gibson, and the two were once bitter rivals in the guitar market.
Let's delve into the illustrious history of Epiphone guitars to discover their true legacy. Additionally, we will also explore the collection of the best beginner guitars that Epiphone offers for starters and young learners!
The early Epiphone story spans three generations and the Atlantic Ocean. The son of a wood merchant, Anastasio Stathopoulo observed his father’s trade and learned about tonewoods. He opened his own instrument factory in 1890. When his son “Epi” took over that company in the 1920s, he gave it the new name Epiphone, a reference not only to his own name but also to the Greek word for sound or voice.
Around the time of his 12th birthday, Anastasios Stathopoulo’s family left their home in Greece and settled in Smyrna – now known as Izmir – a bustling seaport in the Ottoman Empire where his father, Konstantinos, established himself as a lumber merchant. Anastasios observed his father’s trade, learning about different varieties of wood and their unique properties. The family soon established a store in Smyrna selling and repairing lutes, violins, and bouzoukis, and by 1890, Anastasios’ reputation as a luthier was such that he was able to open his own instrument factory.
Having relocated with his family to the USA at the start of the decade – including eldest child Epaminondas, or Epi, as he became known – Anastasios Stathopoulo continued his musical instrument trade. He filed his first and only patent on March 25, 1909, for an Italian-style bowl-back mandolin, and his instruments now carried labels in English: A. Stathopoulo, Manufacturer, repairer of all kinds of musical instruments, Patentee of the Orpheum Lyra, New York, 1911, USA.
Anastasios died in 1915, and the 22-year-old Epi was handed the reins of the family business. His father’s instrument label was replaced by a new design: The House of Stathopoulo, Quality Instruments Since 1873. Epi took a leading role and was soon granted his first patent for a banjo tone ring and rim construction. Following his mother’s death in 1923, Epi assumed ownership of the controlling shares of the business and phased out most of the old-world-style mandolin models. Moving with the times, he introduced the Recording line of banjos to capitalize on the instrument’s huge popularity in America after the First World War.
Epi Stathopoulo was keenly aware that archtop guitars were becoming more popular, and his main competitor was Gibson. 1931 saw the arrival of Epiphone’s Masterbilt line of guitars, featuring seven carved-top archtops, including the De Luxe ($275), Broadway ($175), and the Triumph ($125). It wasn’t hard to see the Gibson L-5’s influence; the Masterbilts had similar f-holes, pegheads, and even a similar name to the Gibson Master Model range. They also stole a significant portion of Gibson’s market share and were much loved by premier musicians of the era.
In 1935, Epiphone made its move into another popular market with the introduction of the Electar steel guitar series (known initially as Electraphone), and soon, the company would be the first to develop a pickup with adjustable pole pieces, or “balancing pins” as they were referred to in company literature at the time. Initially named the TruBalance pickup, a patent application for what became known as the Master Pickup was filed by Epiphone salesman Herb Sunshine in November 1937.
Les Paul developed his famous “Log” prototype – arguably the first-ever solidbody electric Spanish guitar – at the Epiphone factory, using some Epiphone parts. Later, to make it more aesthetically palatable to his audience, he added “wings” from an Epiphone archtop body that had been sawn in half and attached to either side of the solid center section. There’s an argument that the first-ever solidbody electric guitar as we know it today was an Epiphone, and that the Log’s design was a precursor to the Gibson ES-335 and its centerblock construction.
Ted McCarty orchestrated the purchase of the entire Epiphone company from the Stathopoulo family and revived the brand over the next few years with a new line of instruments. These included the flagship Emperor model and new designs that would later become iconic, such as the Sheraton, the solidbody Coronet, and several flat-top acoustics.
Recorded in 1961, Hooker’s iconic Boom Boom is not simply a blues standard – it also became a pop crossover hit. Covered by numerous acts on the UK R&B circuit in the early 1960s, The Animals had a hit with it in 1965, while Boom Boom’s fingerprints can be heard all over ZZ Top’s 1973 hit La Grange. 2018 saw Epiphone commemorate what would have been Hooker’s 100th birthday with a replica of the Natural-finished 1961 Zephyr that was his main stage and studio guitar throughout the 1960s and early 70s.
With Beatlemania at its height, the band’s fourth and final live performance on The Ed Sullivan Show saw Paul McCartney put his bass to one side, pick up his 1964 Epiphone Texan and take to the stage solo to perform Yesterday along with a prerecorded backing track. Filmed at Studio 50 in New York City in August, when screened on September 12, 1965, the broadcast captured a 60 percent share of the total television audience.
By 1966, The Beatles were evolving at high speed and absorbing a kaleidoscopic array of new influences. Their first psychedelic masterpiece, Revolver, saw Lennon, Harrison, and McCartney all playing Epiphone Casinos to thrilling effect, with Paul’s blazing solo on Taxman a standout moment. In a 1990 Guitar Player interview, McCartney described it as his “first real voyage into feedback.” Lennon’s love affair with his own Casino would continue for the remainder of The Beatles’ recording career, as evidenced by its prominent role in Peter Jackson’s 2021 documentary, Get Back.
Thirty years after Revolver, another British pop phenomenon was in full swing. Epiphone instruments were used throughout the sessions for smash-hit albums Definitely Maybe and (What’s The Story) Morning Glory, and, in 1996, Oasis headlined two epic outdoor shows in England across one August weekend, playing to a record-breaking audience of 250,000. Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs opted for his trusty 1980s Masumoku-built Riviera, while Noel Gallagher used a 1990s USA-made Sheraton for the era-defining performances.
Sometimes a band comes along like a bolt of lightning and changes the way people dress and style their hair. The Strokes were one such outfit. A sharp-dressed and elegantly disheveled alternative to the baggy skate clothing and frat boy attitudes prevalent in nu-metal, the New York City quintet sounded as lean as they looked. Borrowing heavily from Tom Petty’s American Girl, Last Nite was an indie dancefloor filler driven by Nick Valensi’s scything Epiphone Riviera. He would later be honored with a signature model.
May 2019 saw Lzzy Hale make history as Epiphone’s first-ever female signature artist. The Halestorm star’s signature Explorer sported an Alpine White finish and gold hardware and looked a million dollars while remaining wallet-friendly. “I always feel like a rock star with my Epiphone,” said Lzzy. “I hope anyone who picks it up feels like a rock star, too.”
Gibson’s new owners and management team relaunched Epiphone with a clear focus on reaching ever-growing audiences and a new tagline: “For Every Stage.” New Inspired by Gibson models are equipped with the “Kalamazoo” peghead that was both a callback to a historic Epiphone design and a move closer to Gibson’s “open-book” headstock style – something that the guitar-buying public had been clamoring for since the 1990s.
After three decades away, Epiphone is once again manufacturing guitars in the USA. High-end versions of the Frontier, Texan, and Casino are built with painstaking attention to detail alongside Gibson USA models in the Bozeman and Nashville craftories. These new USA Epiphones were met with rave reviews on launch and continue to see high levels of demand from artists and fans alike.
Epiphone offers a collection celebrating classics of the midcentury early-electric era. The hard-rocking Wilshire in Pacific Blue, the semi-hollowbody Sheraton in Cherry, the full-hollowbody Zephyr DeLuxe Regent in Aged Antique Natural, and the classic solid body Crestwood Custom in California Coral.
Heritage
The first Epiphone guitars were manufactured next door to Gibson in the same factory, which explains the similarities between the instruments. With guitar designs like the archtop De Luxe, Broadway, and Emperor, Epiphone quickly became a strong contender in the industry and a direct rival to Gibson. The two companies battled for supremacy in the American guitar market throughout much of the 1930s. Gibson introduced the wide-bodied Super 400 arch top, prompting Epiphone to respond with their even wider-bodied Emperor. The competition was fierce until Epi Stathopoulo, the owner of Epiphone, passed away in 1945.
Following his death, Epiphone’s business declined, and in 1957, they sold the brand to Gibson. Fortunately, Gibson recognized the value of Epiphone’s iconic brand name and quickly restored the brand as a means to own high-quality Gibson electric guitar designs, as well as Epiphone’s original instruments, at a great value.
It’s Authentically Gibson, But More Affordable!
Epiphone is a subsidiary of Gibson that produces affordable and officially licensed versions of Gibson’s guitar designs, including the Les Paul, SG, J45, Hummingbird, Thunderbird, and many more. By combining their rich history with modern production techniques, Epiphone aims to offer beginners, intermediates, and budget-conscious musicians with high-quality yet inexpensive alternatives to Gibson’s US-made instruments that do not compromise on sound or playability.
Quality Construction:
Epiphone has constantly been making improvements to enhance the playing experience of all guitar players, regardless of whether they are beginners or seasoned professionals who rely on their instruments daily. Following Gibson’s lead, Epiphone has also gone above and beyond to ensure that every instrument that reaches the hands of its players, irrespective of their level of experience, is of top-notch quality.
Even though Epiphone’s guitars are less expensive, their high-end models are often compared to the quality of Gibson’s more affordable guitars. These top-of-the-range models feature premium components and are constructed with the same tone wood species that Gibson uses. Interestingly, there are some players who actually prefer the specifications of Epiphone’s high-end models over Gibson’s guitars.
Beginner-Friendly Features:
Some Epiphone models are designed with beginners in mind. They may have slim neck profiles that are easier for beginners to grip, making it more comfortable to play chords and navigate the fretboard. Lower action can also make it easier for beginners to press down the strings without too much effort.
Remember that while Epiphone guitars have many advantages for beginners, personal preference is crucial when choosing a guitar. Factors like comfort, sound, and aesthetics should also play a significant role in the decision-making process. It's highly recommended for beginners to visit a local music store and try out different guitars to see which one feels and sounds the best for their playing style and goals.
Epiphone's number one selling model, the Les Paul Special Satin E1, is a great way for beginners to get started on guitar while getting the feel and tone of a Les Paul. Seasoned pros also love the Special-II E1 because it's a great-sounding workhorse of a guitar that delivers a fat and nasty tone, thanks to its two open-coil humbucker pickups. It features a poplar body that is acoustically resonant, and the mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard add warmth and sustain.
At an unbeatable price, the Epiphone Les Paul Studio E1 electric guitar delivers everything you expect from a Les Paul guitar. Its dual Epiphone Zebra-coil Humbucking pickups, powered by Ceramic-8 magnets, produce a robust rock sound. Plus, individual pickup volume & tone controls with a 3-way pickup selector allow you to customize your tone. The guitar’s mahogany body provides great sustain, while the solid mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard delivers a smooth playing experience. Additionally, the guitar features a fully adjustable Tune-o-matic bridge and a Stopper tailpiece, along with premium die-cast tuners for solid, precise tuning.
The Epiphone Les Paul Studio E1 electric guitar is an awesome guitar that comes at an unbeatable price. It features dual Epiphone Zebra-coil Humbucking pickups that produce a powerful rock sound, making it perfect for anyone who wants to rock out and make a bold statement. With individual pickup volume and tone controls, you can adjust the sound to your liking. The guitar's mahogany body provides great sustain, while the solid mahogany neck with a smooth rosewood fingerboard makes it easy and comfortable to play. The guitar also includes a fully adjustable Tune-o-matic bridge and a Stopper tailpiece, along with premium die-cast tuners, making it easy to keep it in tune.
The AFD Les Paul Special-II, an entry-level electric guitar, is designed by Slash himself and has more features than most other guitars in its category. The guitar is topped with AAA flame maple and features a dark cherry okoume body and neck, ivory binding, and a silk print of Slash’s Snakebite logo on the headstock. When you plug the AFD Les Paul Special-II into a high-gain amp for the first time, its Ceramic Plus Zebra-coil humbucker pickups will give you the thick, overdriven, screaming metallic tone that made Slash famous. The Epiphone Slash AFD Les Paul Special-II Outfit comes with a premium gig bag, signature guitar picks, and eMedia online lessons, making it an excellent bundle option for beginners or anyone searching for a quality, affordable electric guitar.
The SG Classic Worn guitar is a tribute to the classic Gibson designs, with a unique vintage vibe and modern features that ensure top-notch performance. The iconic SG body shape is accentuated by an impressive “worn” open grain finish, which is as visually stunning as it is sonically rich. The guitar’s all-mahogany body provides a deep and warm tone, just like the original SGs. The SlimTaper mahogany neck is incredibly comfortable and has an Indian laurel cap, while the faux-ivory tuning knobs add an old-school touch. The P-90 PRO single-coil pickups are based on the original Gibson designs and are highly detailed, responsive, and full of attitude. This guitar is truly a sight to behold.
The SG electric guitar has earned a place in the pantheon of iconic electric guitars thanks to its unique body shape and top-quality rock ‘n’ roll sound. It has been played by renowned artists such as Tommi Tommi from Black Sabbath and Angus Young from AC/DC. The Epiphone SG standard is an affordable guitar that perfectly encapsulates all the features that made the SG a classic. It is crafted with a solid mahogany body and neck that offer warmth and depth, and an Indian laurel fingerboard that provides clarity and punch. The guitar's inimitable tone is amplified by twin Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers. It also comes with high-quality hardware, making it a sublimely slick and uncontestably cool classic axe that you will surely love.
For over 60 years, the Casino™ has been Epiphone's most popular archtop guitar and a staple of rock 'n' roll. It has been played by many famous musicians, including blues legend Howlin' Wolf, Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, and John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison of The Beatles. The Casino Worn has a hollow laminate maple body that produces a warm and snappy sound, and its New Worn finish gives it the feel of a vintage instrument. The guitar's '60s "C"-shaped mahogany neck ensures supreme comfort, while the 12-inch-radius Indian laurel fingerboard provides smooth playability. Equipped with Epiphone PRO P-90 single-coil pickups, the Casino Worn delivers a range of tones from a chimey jangle to a distinctive bark depending on the player's style. If you're looking for classic rock 'n' roll hollowbody vibes, the Casino Worn is the perfect choice to satisfy your cravings.
Epiphone's "Inspired by Gibson" ES-339 is designed for those seeking the tone and look of an ES-335 who are famously played by legendary Blues guitarist BB King, Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry, but in a slightly smaller, lighter instrument. The hand-rolled C-shaped mahogany neck reminds players where it all started. A pair of Epiphone Alnico Classic PRO™ humbuckers showcases the versatile Gibson ES™ tone that players have craved for over 60 years. Tuning stability and precise intonation are provided by the Graph Tech® NuBone® nut, Grover® Rotomatic® tuners, and Epiphone's exclusive LockTone™ bridge and tailpiece, which also add more sustain to your tone.
The Epiphone Songmaker DR-100 is a popular choice among first-time players and professionals alike, thanks to its impressive quality, sound, and appearance. With a select spruce top, mahogany body, and premium tuners, this dreadnought acoustic guitar resonates effortlessly and boasts a comfortable SlimTaper neck. The Epiphone Songmaker Acoustic Guitar Player Pack is an excellent investment for beginners, as it includes not only the DR-100 but also picks, an adjustable strap, an electric tuner, and a black gig bag for easy transportation. The gig bag even comes with a zipping pouch to store smaller accessories, making it perfect for lessons, jam sessions, open mics, and more.
This acoustic guitar was introduced in 1942 and is famously known as “The Workhorse.” It has a round-shoulder, dreadnought design and is renowned for its warm bass, balanced expression, and excellent projection. The J-45 model has been refined over the years and continues to deliver exceptional sound quality. The J-45 EC Studio is a professional-grade acoustic guitar that has a solid Sitka spruce top which improves its tone as it ages. It has a classic cutaway design for easy access to the upper frets and comes with a Fishman® Sonicore under-saddle pickup and a Fishman Press II preamp for a superior sound experience when you’re playing on-stage or in the studio.
The Dove™ acoustic was first introduced at the legendary Gibson™ & Epiphone factory in Kalamazoo in 1962 and became one of the first acoustic guitars to become a recognized rock and roll classic. The Epiphone Dove uses a solid spruce top. You'll hear the difference from your first strum, with rich overtones and harmonics blooming nicely. Even better, these woods enhance in tone as the guitar "breaks in" over the years, making the Dove one instrument you'll want to hold onto for a lifetime. Now, both beginners and professionals can enjoy the classic sound of the Dove acoustically, or plugged in with the onboard Fishman® electronics.
The Hummingbird acoustic guitar has been used by famous musicians such as Keith Richards and Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones, Thom Yorke of Radiohead, and many others. Its classic look is instantly recognizable, and it produces a warm sound. The 6-string acoustic-electric guitar has a timeless design. The Hummingbird Studio Acoustic/Electric has updated the 60s classic with a solid spruce top, mahogany neck and body, Grover® Rotomatic® 18:1 ratio tuners, traditional binding, historic Hummingbird™ pickguard, and Fishman® Press VT™ electronics.
The Epiphone SG E1 Bass four-string bass guitar boasts a 30.5” mahogany neck that’s perfect for fast players, beginners, and guitarists who occasionally play bass. The shorter scale of the neck makes the bass guitar effortless to play while packing your harmonics closer together for a vibrant and lively tonality. The SG E1 bass has a mahogany body that provides exceptional sustain and a powerful, bassy voice that balances well with the warm and solid low end. Additionally, the humbucking pickup in the neck position allows you to produce a wide range of warm and mellow tones.
Gibson introduced the Thunderbird bass design almost 40 years ago. The Epiphone Thunderbird IV bass is a great sounding bass that lives up to its name! It has a unique mahogany body and a fast 34”-scale neck that offer a perfect blend of striking looks and unparalleled playability. The two well-positioned pickups produce ample volume and a range of sounds that vary from thick to punchy. Despite its substantial body shape, this bass is lightweight and extremely comfortable to play while holding down the low end on stage.
Ever since it was first introduced in 1963 the Epiphone Embassy Bass has been a player favorite, and now it's back and better than ever. Featuring an asymmetrical solid mahogany double-cutaway body, a 34" scale mahogany neck capped with an Indian laurel fretboard with 20 medium jumbo frets, a 2 x 2 headstock design for improved balance, and a pair of powerful ProBucker™ 760 humbucking pickups, along with master volume and tone controls, as well as a pickup blend knob for outstanding tonal versatility.
