Epiphone (Epiphone) musical instrument buying and selling (used)

Electric guitarist: Nihei

BassPerson in charge: Oda

Acoustic 담당: Mochizuki

Epiphone 1980s Casino (Made in Japan)

Appraisal value: 85,000 yen

Epiphoe TB-90

Appraisal value: 30,000 yen

Epiphone FT-79 Texan (1961 model)

Appraisal value: 450,000 yen

Epiphone is now widely known as a brand under the Gibson umbrella, but its history predates Gibson's, beginning in 1873 in the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey). Initially starting as a timber merchant, it eventually began manufacturing stringed instruments such as violins and lutes, and even folk instruments. Later, it moved to America and opened a repair shop. In the 1920s, it gained fame for manufacturing banjos, and subsequently began producing jazz guitars and flat-top acoustic guitars. In the mid-1930s, it released electric models equipped with pickups, becoming a key player in the early days of the electric guitar. However, World War II caused many instrument makers to be lost, and the business 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 manufacture of electric guitars, as well as acoustic guitars, was fully resumed. In the 1970s, under the policy of its parent company Norlin, it was restructured as a global brand, and production in Japan also began. Furthermore, from the 1980s onward, production bases were expanded to various Asian countries, and the brand established itself as one that offered models at affordable prices.

Currently, Gibson collaborates with the Gibson Custom Shop and Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop to develop the Inspired by Gibson Series, which recreates traditional Gibson models. Combining craftsmanship backed by a long history with modern production systems, it continues to be loved by players around the world.

Epiphone instruments have been favored by numerous famous 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 thanks to its Asian factories, allowing even beginners to own a model from the same lineage as their favorite artists. This is a major appeal of Epiphone as a brand that can turn dreams into reality.

Furthermore, Epiphone offers a range of higher-end models, including USA-made vintage and Japan-made vintage guitars, allowing players to step up their game as they grow – another unique strength of Epiphone. The balance between accessibility and a focus on high-quality craftsmanship is one of the reasons Epiphone continues to be loved across generations.

Current Epiphone electric guitars /BassThe lineup includes many models that follow Gibson's traditional specifications.
It has a set neck structure while being in an affordable price range.RecruitThe fact that it offers such high-quality specifications is a major attraction.
In particular, the "Inspired by Gibson" series includes models equipped with Gibson pickups and parts, allowing you to experience the Gibson feel more directly in terms of sound and playability.
Furthermore, Japanese-made models from the 1980s featured a slim neck shape.RecruitSome individuals exhibit this characteristic, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and unique personality that is characteristic of domestically produced goods.
Furthermore, some vintage models from the 1960s were manufactured in the same factory as Gibson, and their high level of craftsmanship strongly reflects the essence of Gibson.
On the other hand, the unique sound produced by pickups such as the P-90 and mini-humbuckers is a hallmark of Epiphone guitars. The combination of inheriting tradition while maintaining its own distinctive character is arguably Epiphone's greatest appeal.

Electric guitar
Epiphone has adopted 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 a bit prohibitive, Epiphone allows you to easily experience the appeal of its sound and design.
Therefore, Epiphone is especially recommended not only for beginners who are just starting out with guitar, but also for those who have been using Fender guitars for a long time and are thinking, "I'd like to try playing a Les Paul at least once."

Bass
EpiphoneBassWhile Epiphone's main appeal lies in its affordable pricing for models that inherit the Gibson sound, such as the Thunderbird and EB-3, its own original models are also highly regarded.
Among them, the most representative is the Jack Casady Bass, which has been a long-selling product for over a quarter of a century.BassIt's a classic instrument, and has been a favorite of Jack Casady himself, as well as many other renowned bassists.
This is a highly refined instrument that showcases Epiphone's unique character.

Acoustic guitar
The appeal of Epiphone acoustic guitars lies in the fact that you can choose from everything from your "first guitar" to a "special, high-quality instrument."
For those just starting out with acoustic guitar, we recommend this guitar because it offers a wide variety of models, including signature models of your favorite musicians and models that simply look cool. It's ready to use right out of the box on stage.Electric AcousticGiven its specifications, this is definitely a brand that beginners should check out.
On the other hand, Epiphone is also characterized by having many historically significant instruments that impress even experts. From archtop guitars made in the New York workshop from the early 1900s to the 1950s, to folk guitars manufactured after the move to the Kalamazoo factory, which were favored by Paul McCartney and others, there are numerous legendary instruments.