Epiphone Instrument Buyback & Used Sales

Electric Guitar Specialist: Nihei

Bass Specialist: Oda

Acoustic Guitar Specialist: 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

While Epiphone is widely known today as a brand under the Gibson umbrella, its history predates Gibson’s, beginning in 1873 in the Ottoman Empire (now Turkey). The company started 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 manufacturing and subsequently began producing 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, following 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 backed by 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, if you want to get the same model as your favorite artist, it’s often only available on the vintage market.

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

Furthermore, Epiphone offers higher-end models such as USA Vintage and Japan Vintage, allowing players to step up as their skills grow—a strength unique to the brand. Balancing accessibility with a commitment to authenticity—this depth of appeal is one of the reasons Epiphone continues to be loved across generations.

The current lineup of Epiphone electric guitars includes numerous models that follow Gibson’s traditional specifications.
A major appeal is that they offer professional-grade specifications—such as a set-neck construction—while remaining in an affordable price range.
In particular, the "Inspired by Gibson" series includes models equipped with Gibson pickups and parts, allowing players to experience the authentic Gibson feel in both sound and playability.
Additionally, some Japanese-made models from the 1980s feature a slim neck shape, 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, and their high level of craftsmanship allows you to strongly sense the essence of Gibson.
On the other hand, the unique sound produced by pickups like the P-90 and mini humbucker is 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 follows 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.”

Bass
One of Epiphone’s major appeals is that it offers models—such as the Thunderbird and EB-3—that inherit the Gibson sound at an affordable price. However, Epiphone’s original models are also highly regarded.
A prime example is the Jack Casady Bass, a long-selling model that has remained popular for over a quarter of a century. It is considered a classic among hollow-body Bass models and has been favored not only by Jack Casady himself but also by many other renowned bassists.
It is a highly polished 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 “high-end, custom-made instrument.”
For those just starting out with acoustic guitars, we highly recommend Epiphone for its wide selection of signature models from admired musicians and simply stylish designs. With models like the Electric Acoustic that are ready for the live stage, 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, and the folk guitars later manufactured at the Kalamazoo factory—instruments beloved by musicians like Paul McCartney.