The source of Epiphone lie in the three continents; it was established in Europe (Greece), it flourished in Asia (Turkey) and then expanded recognition in the US. It all commenced in 1873 when Anastasios Stathopoulos the son of a Greek timber merchant started production of musical instruments eg the normal Greek instrument lioutos, violins and lutes. The family then moved away to Turkey where the instruments became so popular that Stathopoulos founded a factory to manufacture the instruments.
However the discrimination of Greeks in Turkey forced the family to migrate to US in 1903. Once settled in New York, Stathopoulos started producing and selling the musical instruments from his residence. Stathopoulos added mandolins a famous instrument of that time to his list of instruments and things looked good as business grew. After the sudden death of Stathopoulos, his son Epaminondas (Epi) took control of his father’s business. Aware of the changing trends around him, Epi then started producing banjos. The incredible success of the business led on to the formation of the Epiphone Company in 1923 with Epi acting as their president. In the late 1920s Epi added guitars to their list of instruments. The premium quality of Epiphone acoustic guitars and Epiphone bass guitars gave a tough time to the rivals Gibson Guitars a well-established brand.
During Second World War, Epiphone Guitars suffered a major crisis when Epi died due to leukemia. None of his siblings were able enough to handle the company and Epiphone Guitars was bought by archrivals Gibson Guitars in 1957 who reconditioned the Epiphone Guitar.
Epiphone achieved a new lease of life when Beatles played an Epiphone Guitar in 1964. To reduce the price; Epiphone Guitars were moved to Japan in 1970 and then to Korea in 1983. In 1990 the Epiphone Guitar made a comeback by bring out guitars in all styles including signature models for John Lennon, Noel Gallagher and John Lee Hooker.
Today Epiphone bass guitars are the preferred instrument of many bass players. The Thunderbird, Les Paul Special, Viola, Jack Cassidy Signature are some popular bass guitar series from Epiphone.
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