Epiphone has a rich history. Here’s a detailed overview of the Epiphone factories and their significance in the company’s history.
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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 mainly produced mandolins, which were extremely popular at the time.
The name “Epiphone” was derived later, from Epi (a nickname for Epaminondas, Anastasios’ son) and the Greek word ‘phone‘ (voice).
The 1930s were a turning point for Epiphone, as it transformed from a modest musical instrument maker into 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. It was not just a production facility, but also the company’s headquarters.
Epiphone Gibson Factories
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.
Epiphone‘s production was moved to a Gibson plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Epiphone Japanese Factories
In the 1970s, many companies, including Gibson and Fender, began moving production overseas to reduce costs.
Initially, production of Epiphon guitars was moved to Japan.
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.
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 to more expensive American-made models.
Located in Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan, Matsumoku initially made wooden cabinets for sewing machines. The company later moved into guitar production.
Besides Matsumoku, Epiphones were made in several other factories in Japan. These Japanese-made Epiphon guitars are considered to be of high quality and are sought after by collectors.
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 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 and quality.
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 Epiphone guitars 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 some Epiphone models.
Epiphone Chinese Factories
Epiphone‘s production shift to China began in the early 2000s. This move was driven by economic factors.
China’s growing industry offered competitive labor and infrastructure costs. This allowed Epiphone to produce instruments at a reduced price.
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.