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A Brief History of Epiphone Guitars

When I think of the history of Epiphone, one must start in Greece where Anastasios Stathopoulos made lioutos (an instrument Greek string), mandolins, violins, lutes y. The family moved to New York, and his son, Epi Stathopoulos inherited the company in 1915.

The name of the company passed the House of Stathopoulos to Epiphone, a combination of his name and the Greek word for sound. The change became official in 1928. It was during that time that the company was operating in the manufacture of banjos and bought even out a guitar company in Long Island. After the change was approved, the company became in the Epiphone Banjo Co.

Epiphone guitars were launched in 1931. It was a full line of what is known as archtop guitars, a style that is popular between jazz and blues. It quickly became one of the best guitars Gibson occurs with one of its biggest rivals. Notable Epiphone players of that era were Tony Mottola with the George Hall band and two members of the band of Benny Goodman.

Epi unfortunately died of leukemia and left the company to Orphie, before his death was the second in command. His other brother, Frixo, became the Vice President. The two brothers later have a feud and Frixo sell their shares. After that, the company had some problems and eventually failed to produce a large number of instruments.

In 1957, Chicago purchased Epiphone and musical instruments made them a division of Gibson. Epiphone now still maintains its own line of Gibson and Epiphone guitars and labels remain separate.

Current models Gibson Epiphone include a few copies (Epiphones version of the Flying-V and Les Paul are some examples), and a few original lines Epiphone. The original guitars include all versions of Casino, Zephyr, and the Sheraton, the Wildkat, the Broadway, and the Emperor.

Epiphone has had some famous endorsees. Both George Harrison and John Lennon played Epiphone Casinos. Lennon is famous for its personal modifications to the Casino. Other artists include Bob Marley, Noel Gallagher of Oasis, Lars Frederickson and Rancid, and Chad Nickelback. The full list of artists, visit the Epiphone website. The list is quite extensive.

Here are what some of the uses have to say about Guitar Epiphone (source Harmony Central):

About the Epiphone G-400 Custom

Action was really good. Finish was ok. Definitely looks different the rest of the pack. Gold hardware is superb. The custom logo shone in the spotlight. I had to have it and I had fun to it for a few years.

This guitar is solid. Never goes out of tune. Hardware bored a bit over the years. Strap buttons are solid. Be careful with the neck dive on stage. Very top heavy.

About Epiphone Flying Vee-Wee

I love this guitar! The VeeWee is the perfect way for the band can rest your hand on the upper arm of the V, or put a hand on the point of the V to pick the right near the bridge. The checks and making wire are in the perfect position for the style back too. As is so small and inexpensive, I carry with me everywhere. I dream of bringing my Les Paul in the office, but this is perfect for noodling VeeWee downtime. As mentioned, the sound is great. I now own five guitars, and my lap steel PeeVee wins the most fun award hands down!

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Epiphone Wildkat Funky Blues w/Vox AD50VT