Epiphone Instrument Buyback and Pre-Owned Sales

Electric Guitar Specialist: Nihei

Bass Specialist: Oda

Acoustic Guitars: Mochizuki

Epiphone 1980s Casino (Made in Japan)

Appraised Value: 85,000 yen

Epiphone TB-90

Appraised Value: 30,000 yen

Epiphone 1961 FT-79 Texan

Appraised Value: 450,000 yen

Although Epiphone is now widely known as a brand under the Gibson umbrella, its history predates Gibson’s, beginning in 1873 in the Ottoman Empire (now Turkey). The company started out as a lumber merchant and eventually began manufacturing stringed instruments such as violins and lutes, as well as folk instruments. It later moved to the United States and opened a repair shop.In the 1920s, the company gained fame for its banjo production and subsequently began manufacturing jazz guitars and flat-top acoustic guitars. By the mid-1930s, it had introduced electric models equipped with pickups, becoming a key player in the early days of the electric guitar. However, the company lost many of its instrument makers during World War II, and its operations faced extreme difficulties.

Then, in 1957, Epiphone was acquired by Gibson.
From then on, production took place at the same Kalamazoo factory as Gibson, and the company resumed full-scale manufacturing of not only acoustic guitars but also electric guitars. In the 1970s, in accordance with the policy of its parent company, Norlin, Epiphone was rebranded as a global brand, and manufacturing began in Japan. Furthermore, starting in the 1980s, the company expanded its production bases to various Asian countries and established itself as a brand offering models at affordable prices.

Today, in collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop and the Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop, Epiphone offers the “Inspired by Gibson” series, which recreates traditional Gibson models. By blending craftsmanship rooted in a long history with modern production systems, the brand continues to be loved by players around the world.

Epiphone instruments have been favored by numerous renowned artists, including John Lennon, Noel Gallagher, and, in Japan, Yujin Kitagawa. With many brands, trying to get the same model as your favorite artist often means you have to turn to the vintage market.

However, Epiphone offers a wide range of traditional models at affordable prices, manufactured in its Asian factories, allowing even beginners to own a model from the same lineage as their favorite artists. This is a major appeal of the brand—it’s one that “turns dreams into reality.”

Furthermore, Epiphone offers higher-end models such as vintage U.S.-made and vintage Japanese models, and the ability to “step up” as you grow as a player is a strength unique to Epiphone. Balancing accessibility with a commitment to authenticity—that depth of appeal is one of the reasons Epiphone continues to be loved across generations.

The current lineup of Epiphone electric guitars and basses includes numerous models that follow Gibson’s traditional specifications.
A major appeal is that, despite their affordable price range, they feature authentic specifications such as a set-neck construction.
In particular, the “Inspired by Gibson” series includes models equipped with Gibson pickups and parts, allowing players to experience the authentic Gibson feel—both in sound and playability—up close.
Additionally, some Japanese-made models from the 1980s feature a slim neck profile, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and unique character characteristic of Japanese-made instruments.
Furthermore, some vintage models from the 1960s were manufactured in the same factory as Gibson guitars, and their high level of craftsmanship allows you to clearly sense the essence of Gibson.
On the other hand, the unique sounds produced by pickups like the P-90 and mini humbucker are a distinctive pleasure unique to Epiphone. It is precisely this combination of carrying on tradition while possessing its own unique character that makes Epiphone so appealing.

Electric Guitars
Epiphone draws heavily on many of Gibson’s traditional models, making it a more accessible option for those who dream of owning a Gibson someday. Even if you’re interested in Gibson but find the price tag out of reach, Epiphone allows you to easily experience the appeal of its sound and design.
For this reason, Epiphone is highly recommended not only for beginners just starting out on guitar but also for those who have been loyal Fender users and are thinking, “I’d like to try playing a Les Paul at least once.”

A major appeal of Epiphone basses is that models inheriting the Gibson sound—such as the Thunderbird and EB-3—are available at affordable prices; however, Epiphone’s original models are also highly regarded.
A prime example is the Jack Casady Bass, a long-standing bestseller for over a quarter-century. Considered a classic among hollow-body basses, it has been favored not only by Jack Casady himself but also by many renowned bassists.
It’s a superbly crafted instrument that truly showcases Epiphone’s unique character.

Acoustic Guitars
The appeal of Epiphone acoustic guitars lies in the fact that you can choose anything from your “very first guitar” to a “collector’s item.”
For those just starting out with acoustic guitars, we highly recommend their wide selection of signature models from admired musicians, as well as models that simply look cool.Since there are also Electric Acoustic models ready for live performance right off the shelf, Epiphone is definitely a brand beginners should check out.
On the other hand, Epiphone is also known for its many historic masterpieces that impress even the most discerning experts. There are numerous legendary models, such as the archtop guitars crafted in the New York workshop from the early 1900s through the 1950s, as well as the folk guitars later manufactured at the Kalamazoo factory—favorites of musicians like Paul McCartney.