Focus On: Epiphone Electric Guitars

Epiphone have been around since 1873, even longer than me (just) but for most guitarists today Epiphone's relevant history started in the early seventies when they began producing cost effective copies of Gibson's illustrious but expensive guitars. They were produced back then in Japan and Korea where manufacturing costs were far lower than in the USA. Cheaper materials were also used and the combination of these measures put Epiphone's range of guitars within reach of players for whom a real Gibson was out of the question.

Epiphone today are a hugely successful brand renowned for their "Licensed Gibson Copies" and indeed their own line of popular models. Gibson may have similarly spec'd guitars, but they don't make Casinos, Sheratons and Rivieras, etc.

Epiphone also had their Elitist range of instruments that were manufactured in Japan to a standard approaching that of their parent company, yet were still relatively competitively priced. Sadly, production of these fine guitars was discontinued in 2008.

Modern day Epiphone electric guitars benefit from all those decades of experience and now with modern high-tech manufacturing processes they are able to increase the rate of production whilst maintaining very high standards and consistency. Add to this the combined buying power that Gibson and Epiphone enjoy, allowing the bulk purchase of quality timber and components at very competitive prices. All these elements contribute to the "best bang for buck" guitars since the company set out on this venture back in 1971.

In this article we're going to take a look at some of Epiphone's most popular models. In the process we'll demonstrate why Epiphone have managed to maintain their position in a market place that's awash with hungry competition.

Most would expect me to launch into the range of Epi Les Pauls. I'll come to them shortly, but the first model that springs to my mind is the Casino. Thanks in part to John Lennon's comprehensively documented use of the Casino it's been a very popular model for years and shows no sign of waning. The Casino does share many of its construction details and components with Gibson's ES 330. Both are true semi acoustics. By that I mean they have no centre block in the body, so all that separates the front and back is fresh air. Both guitars also sport P90 "dog ear" pickups. In fact the only real visual difference is the shape of the headstock. What's most surprising is that the Casino is by far the better known and a more popular choice for this type of instrument beating Gibson into second place. No mean feat?

Epiphone's range of Les Pauls starts with the humble junior, a single pickup single cutaway guitar for virtually no money! And I mean it; even if you're on minimum wage you could buy one of these for around half a week's pay! Yellow Alert!!!! I'm about to go off on one. When I was a teenager struggling to learn guitar, half a week's wages would have bought a set of strings!! A cheap second hand Polish or Dutch imported finger shredding banana necked slab of plywood with an action so high you needed a G clamp to fret a note would cost two month's wages. By contrast the Epiphone Les Paul Junior is well finished, has a straight neck, low action and sounds good.

The Les Paul range continues with several models that ape Gibson's special and studio models, but I'd guess the most popular is Epiphone's Les Paul Standard. Still very affordable compared to the bid G's version. It's one of the most commonly used Les Paul variants with pub bands up and down the country. The choice of finishes ensures there's at least one that'll get your heart pounding. They look every bit as yummy as a Gibson and thanks to constant updating and fettling today's Standards can outperform guitars well above their price point.

Epiphone also make a version of the upmarket Les Paul Custom with all the luxury appointments like triple binding and gold hardware, and let's not forget little gems like the Slash and Zakk Wylde signature models.

Next up we're going to look at the "designer" rock guitars. The Explorer, Firebird and Flying V. What's interesting about these guitars is that they carry the same headstock shape as their parent models. An added bonus I think. All these guitars come in various guises and finishes, but amongst the most sought after are those made from Korina. A Mahogany variant with a reputation second to none as a tone wood. My fave is the Poppa Chubby signature model fitted with twin P 90s. Gibson instruments made in the late fifties from this timber are the most desirable on the planet with astronomical prices to match.

Next up it's the SG range. There are many models including the G400, G310 SG special and the 3 pickup custom. Again very, very popular with young upcoming players mainly influenced by one of rock music's most Iconic players, Angus Young. The Cherry Red SG Standard with its pointy horns and twin Humbuckers has "the look" and with Epi's "Gibson Designed" Humbuckers the sound to match. Me personally I'd go for the custom! What red blooded guitarist could resist the Ivory paintwork, a trio of gold Humbuckers, block pearloid position markers and the large split diamond inlay on the headstock. All this for what is quite frankly silly money.

We started with the Casino and now I want to remind you of the other popular Semis in Epiphone's range. Top in terms of ornamentation is the Sheraton. The Laminated Maple body looks it best with (I think) a coat of clear lacquer which perfectly complements the gold hardware and twin gold plated Humbuckers. We also get fantastic neck inlays comprising a mix of pearloid and abalone shell. The leaf motif inlay on the bound headstock is a lovely touch and completes the classy look.

The Dot is probably the most popular in the range mirroring the same success as Gibson's 335. It's mid-way in the price range of Epi's Semi-acoustic range and again offers staggering value for money. Yellow Alert, I'm going off again! I always fancied a semi when I was a kid. I'd seen people like Tony Hicks in the Hollies using a 335 but I didn't know it was a Gibson. All I knew was it's a semi and it's red. I was determined to have one so I got a paper round, I worked for my dad for £1 per week during my 6 week school summer holidays, I went door to door Carol singing at Christmas staying out in the snow and freezing conditions determined not to go home with less than ten bob (50p) a night. After almost one year (no credit cards back then) I had enough money to buy the dreamy red semi in the window of Foreman's, a little Aladdin's Cave of a second hand shop. At last, I was Tony Hicks!!! Well actually I wasn't. The real TH wasn't suffering from Splinters, a thin weedy sound and a guitar neck that skiers could use to jump off. I'd bought a Hofner Veri-Thin not a 335. I look back now and the Hofner only resembles the Gibson if you're a long way back on a foggy day and wearing glasses you bought for a quid in Asda. Today an Epiphone dot, which in real terms is way cheaper than that old Hofner, is gigable straight out of the box. Luckily I don't feel bitter!!!!!!!!

So there we have it, a brief run through of some of Epiphone's popular guitar range. There are many other models, but we don't have the space to go into and I think the point has been made loud and clear.
The fact that Epiphone are inextricably linked to Gibson obviously adds kudos to the brand, but
that alone is not enough to keep the guitar buying public coming back year in year out.
No, we demand and get quality instruments that play well, sound great, look fantastic
and definitely don't give us splinters. Yellow alert!!!!!!........................
It's ok, I took a pill this time.