EPIPHONE EPIPHANY
Guitarist|February 2021
Gibson pumped new life into Epiphone while rescuing the brand from sinking in the late 50s. Head of product development, Mat Koehler, recounts the tale as Gibson returns to its source of inspiration with Epiphone once again…
Rod Brakes
EPIPHONE EPIPHANY

During rock ’n’ roll’s fledgling years of the 1950s, Gibson was riding the wave of the electric guitar boom while Epiphone’s once feted archtops became dead in the water. Whereas Gibson flourished in the post-war years following its acquisition by Chicago Musical Instruments (CMI) in 1944 and the subsequent appointment of Ted McCarty as CEO in 1948, Epiphone embarked on a long, slow decline following the death of its visionary founder, Epi Stathopoulo, in 1943. Along with infighting, unionization problems, and a partial relocation to Philadelphia in 1953, the House of Stathopoulo (as it was previously known) stood divided. The once-proud brand, Epiphone Inc. of New York – Gibson’s fiercest competitor in the revolutionary pre-war archtop era – was now a spent force. Save for one thing: it still built some of the best upright basses in the industry.

Despite its troubles, Epiphone managed to sustain an enviable reputation as a quality builder of upright basses, or ‘bass viols’ as they were often called – an avenue Gibson wished to further explore in the 50s while competing against Fender’s game-changing Precision Bass. Ted McCarty was so impressed with the instruments that he suggested to Epiphone’s president, Orphie Stathopoulo, that if ever he decided to sell the bass business, he should give Ted a call. The seed was planted in Orphie’s mind, and in the spring of 1957, he did just that.

This story is from the February 2021 edition of Guitarist.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the February 2021 edition of Guitarist.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM GUITARISTView All
QUICK CHANGE
Guitarist

QUICK CHANGE

As Gibson finally adds some Quick Connect pickups to its Pickup Shop line-up, Dave Burrluck revisits this simple no-solder method to mod your Modern guitar

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
Return Of The Rack
Guitarist

Return Of The Rack

A revered rackmount digital delay makes a welcome comeback in pedal form.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Pure Filth
Guitarist

Pure Filth

This all-analogue preamp pedal based on Blues Saraceno's amp is a flexible powerhouse with a variety of roles.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Reptile Royalty
Guitarist

Reptile Royalty

From Queen to King - there's another Electro-Harmonix royal vying for the crown of octave distortion

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Tradition Revisited
Guitarist

Tradition Revisited

Line 6 refreshes its Helix-based modelling amp range by doubling the number of available amp voicings - and more

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Ramble On
Guitarist

Ramble On

Furch's travel guitar folds down so you can transport it in its own custom backpack and, the company claims, it returns to pitch when you reassemble it. Innovation or gimmick?

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Redrawing The 'Bird
Guitarist

Redrawing The 'Bird

A fascinating reimagining of one of Gibson's more out-there designs, the Gravitas sticks with vintage vibe and mojo. Oh, and that sound...

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
1965 Fender Jazz Bass
Guitarist

1965 Fender Jazz Bass

\"They made them later on, but it's not something I've ever seen this early.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Boss Cube Street II
Guitarist

Boss Cube Street II

Regular readers will know that the last time I took the Boss Cube Street II out, I was in rehearsal for a debut gig in London.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
STILL CRAZY
Guitarist

STILL CRAZY

One of the most creative yet reliably great-sounding effects makers out there, Crazy Tube Circuits grew out of a fetish for old valve amps. We meet founder Christos Ntaifotis to find out more

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024