Epiphone is a synonymous with high-quality musical instruments, especially guitars. It has a rich history.
Here’s a detailed overview of the Epiphone factories and their significance in the company’s history.
Table of Contents
New York City
The story of Epiphone begins in the Ottoman Empire, in the town of Smyrna (now İzmir, Turkey).
Anastasios Stathopoulo, a Greek luthier, crafted traditional stringed instruments like lutes and fiddles.
In 1903, Anastasios migrated to the U.S., setting up a small workshop in Manhattan, New York. The shop’s focus was primarily on manufacturing mandolins, which were immensely popular during that era.
The name “Epiphone” hadn’t yet been adopted. It was derived later, from Epi (a nickname for Epaminondas, Anastasios’ son) and the Greek word ‘phone’ (voice).
The 1930s were a pivotal decade for Epiphone, from a modest musical instrument maker to a major player in the American market.
By the early 1930s, Epiphone had outgrown its original Manhattan workshop and set up shop at 142 West 14th Street, New York City. This wasn’t just a production facility but also acted as the company’s headquarters.
Epiphone Gibson Factories USA
After the death of Epi Stathopoulos in 1943, the company faced various challenges, leading to tensions between the family members. As a result, the company was put up for sale.
In 1957, Chicago Musical Instrument Company (CMI), Gibson’s parent company, acquired Epiphone.
Under Gibson’s leadership, Epiphone’s production was initially moved to a Gibson plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Epiphone Japanese Factories
The 1970s marked a shift in guitar production. During this time, many companies, including Gibson and Fender, began moving production overseas to reduce costs. Epiphone too was part of this wave.
Initially, production was moved to Japan. These Japanese-made Epiphones, especially from the Matsumoku factory, are considered to be of high quality and are sought after by collectors.
The period during which Epiphone started producing guitars in Japan is pivotal in the company’s history. This move was largely in response to changing economics and the emergence of Japanese manufacturers as significant players in the guitar market.
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Japan emerged as a major center for guitar manufacturing. Japanese factories began producing high-quality guitars, rivaling American counterparts. Brands like Ibanez and Yamaha became internationally recognized, which drew the attention of American companies.
Matsumoku is arguably the most well-known factory associated with Epiphone’s Japanese era. Located in Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan, Matsumoku initially made wooden cabinets for sewing machines. The company later transitioned to guitar production.
When Epiphone decided to shift production to Japan in the 1970s, Matsumoku became a key partner. Guitars produced in the Matsumoku factory are now considered to be among the best Epiphones ever made. These instruments are known for their quality craftsmanship, often being compared favorably to more expensive American-made models.
While Matsumoku was a significant producer of Epiphone guitars, it wasn’t the only one. Several other Japanese factories were involved during this era. However, by the late 1980s and early 1990s, rising labor costs in Japan led Epiphone production to shift to Korea.
Epiphone Korean Factories
So, by the late 1980s, labor costs in Japan began to rise, which led to higher costs for guitar production. Additionally, the quality of Korean craftsmanship had greatly improved, making it an attractive alternative for many guitar companies, including Epiphone.
The Samick factory, located in Incheon, South Korea, became one of the primary facilities producing Epiphone guitars. Samick, already an established name in the musical instrument industry, was producing its own guitars and manufacturing for various other brands.
Guitars produced at the Samick facility during this period are known for their consistency, quality control, and affordability. This partnership helped Epiphone maintain a reputation for delivering good quality guitars at a more accessible price point.
Korean Epiphones introduced several models and variations. Some of these guitars have since gained a cult following and are sought after in the second-hand market.
One of the distinct features of Korean-made Epiphones is their serial numbers. These numbers often start with a letter, which typically identifies the factory where the guitar was made. For instance, guitars with serial numbers beginning with “I” were produced at the Saein factory in Incheon. Over the years, several Korean factories, such as Unsung, Peerless, and Sunbo, also produced for Epiphone, and each had its own prefix.
By the early to mid-2000s, much of Epiphone production had moved to China due to even lower manufacturing costs and the ability to produce on a large scale.
However, Korean factories continued to produce certain models and remained integral to Epiphone’s manufacturing network.
Epiphone Chinese Factories
Epiphone’s production shift to China began in the early 2000s. This move was driven by economic factors and China’s manufacturing capabilities.
China’s growing industry offered competitive labor and infrastructure costs. This allowed Epiphone to produce instruments at a reduced price, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
One of the primary facilities for Epiphone’s production in China is the Qingdao factory, located in the coastal city of Qingdao in Shandong province. This factory is unique because it is wholly owned by Gibson, Epiphone’s parent company.
One of the initial challenges when major brands began manufacturing in China was ensuring consistent quality. Having its own manufacturing facility ensured the company’s strict adherence to quality control measures.
The production capacity of Chinese factories allowed Epiphone to introduce a wider variety of models and finishes.
While China remains a significant production hub for Epiphone, the brand has started diversifying its manufacturing locations. This diversification includes a return to producing certain premium models in the United States.
Return to The USA
Epiphone’s return to U.S. production is significant for the brand, symbolizing a full-circle journey from its early American roots to global manufacturing and back to its homeland.
The move resonated with many guitar enthusiasts and collectors who value American craftsmanship. Many players believe that USA-made instruments offer a unique tonal character, build quality, and overall playability that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
The USA-made Epiphones are positioned as premium models within the brand’s lineup.
Epiphone also began producing limited editions and offering custom shop instruments. These instruments often incorporate unique features, designs, or collaborations that set them apart from standard models.