Get the latest news, reviews and product advice straight to your inbox. The cherry red finish that came in at this time also became part of the signature Coronet look. They worked closely with Sir Paul himself on the instrument, and in 2006 issued a limited edition of 250 guitars made at Gibson’s acoustic guitar factory in Bozeman, Montana. Shop new and used Epiphone guitars on Reverb. Epiphone was founded in 1873, but didn't produce their first guitar until 1928. The neck profile on the 1963 and 1964 models make them more desirable to players than the 1965 through 1969 iterations, when the neck became smaller. Only about 73 of these were produced between 1962 and 1970, giving this finish some collectible cachet. You will receive a verification email shortly. Up to 67% Off Select Inventory Black Friday Sale First introduced in 1958, the Coronet came into sharper focus in 1960, when a black Gibson P-90 pickup replaced the Epiphone New York pickup featured on earlier models. Hollow Body Guitars Hollow Body Guitars maker Any maker Fender Martin Gibson D'Angelico Collings Rickenbacker Gretsch Epiphone National Guild Harmony Burns Vox Danelectro Vega Other era Any Era 2000 & Later 1990's 1980's 1970's 1960's 1950's 1940's 1930's 1920's 1910's pre 1910 Epiphone offers excellent entry-level versions of many popular guitar models. The Epiphone Dot Archtop, first manufactured in the 1990’s, is a more affordable version of the Gibson ES-335 “Dot”. First introduced in 1961, the Epiphone Casino came into its own just as the British Invasion was getting underway. 15% Off Qualifying Purchase of $199+ or Call for Exclusive Offers. Fast & Free shipping on many items! Epiphone Wildkat Semi-Hollow Body Review If you are a musician who is looking to get their hands on an affordable semi-hollow body electric guitar that will give you the taste of playing on an authentic semi-hollow, the Epiphone Wildkat is the guitar you’re going to want to take a look at. Possibly the most famous Epiphone Guitar in music history, the Epiphone Casino thin-line, hollowbody archtop electric guitar is built with a traditional laminated Maple top, back and sides and solid Mahogany neck with authentic Epiphone Dog Ear P-90 Classic pickups to provide the legendary tone of the Casino made famous by The Beatles nearly 50 years ago. It was made in Japan. McCarty was initially interested only in Epiphone’s upright bass-making business, but when he found out that the price included everything, including the tools, fixtures, work in progress and even the company name, he decided to establish Epiphone as a subsidiary of Gibson. Epiphone’s factory and showroom at 142 West 14th Street in Manhattan became a hangout for the city’s top players, who regularly turned up for Saturday afternoon jam sessions hosted by Epi and his siblings Orphie, Frixo and Minnie, who were also involved in the family business. Every guitar aficionado knows the story of Paul McCartney’s 1964 Epiphone FT 79 Texan flattop acoustic guitar, heard on “Yesterday” and many other Beatles and Macca solo tracks. Are you an avid blues player looking to add some authenticity and variety to your sound? Buy online or at your local store today! Epiphone also offers affordable versions of classic Gibson hollow-body models, including the Dot and the ES-339. Jazz guitarist Harry Volpe was one notable devotee of the Epiphone Deluxe Cutaway. Mon-Wed: 9:30am to 6:30pm; Thursday: 9:30am to 6:30pm* Friday: 9:30am to 6:30pm; Saturday: 9:30am to 4:00pm; Closed on Sundays and Holidays The Epiphone Masterbilt series – the very name is a riff on Gibson’s Mastertone and Master Model instruments – made its debut in 1931, with the De Luxe at the top of the line. Originally a symmetrical double-cutaway instrument with two white P-90 pickups, the Wilshire moved to an asymmetrical dual-cutaway design in 1963, at which time the P-90s were replaced with mini humbuckers. With its double-cutaway, thinline, semi-hollowbody design, the Epiphone Sheraton is a close cousin of the Gibson ES-335. Condition is "Used". Epiphone ES-339 PRO Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar - Vintage Sunburst $ 499 .00 Or $14 /month § for 36 months i Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison all owned sunburst Casinos, and all three were integral to the Beatles’ music. The “epsilon” E initial on the pickguard, cloud fretboard inlays, and “tree of life” motif adorning the center-dip peghead all proudly proclaim this instrument as an Epiphone. Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Pro - Vintage Sunburst Model: EMPPROVSGH. The Epiphone Dot Archtop Electric Guitar was introduced over ten years ago as an affordable direct descendent of the Gibson ES-335. Sheratons from this period are the most collectible. The Epiphone Broadway hollowbody archtop features a Laminated Maple body with a Select Spruce top finished in Vintage Natural. The De Luxe and other Masterbilt models underwent major redesigns in 1935. Thanks to their relationship to Gibson, both as a fierce competitor and as an eventual partner, the quality of most Epiphone guitars is comparable to their Gibson counterparts, yet on today’s vintage market the Epiphone models are priced significantly less, making them great bargains for players and collectors alike. It was a marketplace riposte to Gibson’s Super 400, sporting a colossal 18 1/2 inch body width. Epiphone semi-hollow and hollow body electric guitars are a solid option for any learning or working musician. With its no-frills slab body and minimal appointments, the Epiphone Wilshire is a quintessential Sixties garage rock guitar that sat midway between the Crestwood and the Coronet in Epiphone’s Kalamazoo-era solidbody line. While Epiphone’s Sixties models are often considered “budget” alternatives to Gibson models, in this case the Excellente was actually an equal counterpart of Gibson’s Hummingbird and Dove models in terms of materials, craftsmanship and style. In addition to the catchy outlook, it offers excellent structural strength, enhanced durability, high … It was seen in the hands of Yardbirds bassist Paul Samwell-Smith on the cover of the group’s seminal guitar freak-out album, Having a Rave Up. That very same instrument later passed into the hands of Jimmy Page, during his brief spell as the Yardbirds bassist. The eagle etching on the curvy pickguard invites comparison with aviary-themed Gibson flattops like the Hummingbird and Dove, as does its square-shouldered dreadnought shape, which also suggests a Martin influence. new destination. The hollow body guitar is an electric guitar that is designed for use by both new and seasoned musicians and is famous for its’ acoustic-like sound. Although the Stathopoulo family built numerous guitars on a custom order basis ever since Anastasios Stathopoulo first opened shop in New York City in 1903, they did not offer standard production guitar models until Epiphone introduced the Recording Model series in 1928. When a big, fat humbucker replaced the Rivoli’s original single-coil pickup in 1960, a legend was born. Price: $3,999.00 . These were right-handed guitars strung for left-handed players, and each came with a label bearing McCartney’s hand-written signature. However, the Sheraton is a bit flashier cosmetically than the 335, with generous amounts of binding, inlay work and distinctive block fret markers in mother of pearl, inset with abalone triangles. It is based around the same semi-hollow design with central body block that McCarty pioneered with the ES-335 electric guitar. Toggle menu 329 … C$19.99 flat rate shipping to Canada on orders C$199 or more. The Model E was at the top of the Recording series, sporting a carved spruce top. 1928–31 Recording Model E. Although the Stathopoulo family built numerous guitars on a custom … On top of that, John Entwistle played a Rivoli in an early incarnation of the Who, Chas Chandler played one in the Animals, as did Ronnie Lane in the Small Faces. Epiphone’s guitar production expanded rapidly during the Art Deco Thirties, and the company quickly became known as a preeminent maker of jazz archtop guitars. Collectors also value the hand-carved, quartersawn, bookmatched Adirondack spruce tops and highly figured maple back, sides and necks on De Luxes from this prime pre-WWII era. When Frixo died in 1957, Orphie’s interest in running Epiphone seemed to die as well. Epiphone ES-335 Figured Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar, Layered Maple Body w/ AAA Flame Veneer & Maple Center Block, 24.724" Scale Rounded C Mahogany Neck w/ Indian Laurel Fretboard, Dual Alnico Classic PRO Humbuckers His brothers Orphie and Frixo carried on the business for the next few years, but eventually Frixo moved to Ohio in 1947 to start his own new company. They're more accessible yet still high-quality so amateur and intermediate players can enjoy the same classic, warm tone that pros love. “A lot of the great players did back in those days, when you really had to thump out the rhythm. The combination of this body size, cutaway and carved arched back make this guitar unusual for a Fifties flattop and eminently collectible. NY 10036. We're always adding musical instruments that can ship internationally. Visit our corporate site. The 'Dot' is the same axe that has been the bellwether of every rock and roll breakthrough. Looking for expert advice and phone only savings? All were offered in both concert size (13 1/2 inches wide) and auditorium size (15 1/2 inches wide.). Gorgeous and stylish, these instruments lived up to their big city, aristocratic names– Broadway, Emperor, De Luxe – in every way. “The great players like George Van Eps, Carmen Mastern and Freddie Green all had Epiphones,” Les recalled. Epiphone also had a geographic advantage thanks to the company being based in the heart of New York’s vibrant music scene, where they had better access to the leading performers of the time than Gibson did in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Epiphone ETCNCHNH1 Hollow-Body Electric Guitar – An Overview. Overall, the guitar is in good condition and is ready to be played! Epiphone's new ES-339 Semi-Hollowbody electric guitar combines the best of both worlds - the classic tone of a semi-hollowbody guitar, in a package the size of a Les Paul. Like most other American guitar companies during the Forties, Epiphone persevered but struggled due to shortages of materials and other economic challenges caused by the United States’ involvement in World War II. For example, when Gibson introduced the Super 400 in 1934, which featured an 18-inch body and was Gibson’s largest archtop at that time, Epiphone responded by developing the Emperor, which boasted an 18 1/2-inch body. The Zephyr Emperor Regent was originally introduced with a laminated spruce top, which was later changed to laminated maple. For gearheads who came of age during the British Invasion, the Epiphone Rivoli is the epitome of bass guitar cool. For many, these instruments represent the apotheosis of Epiphone archtop design. We can help you find what you're looking for. Shortly after Frixo’s death, Orphie called McCarty and offered to sell the Epiphone company to Gibson for $20,000. The Excellente was one of the flashiest, most ornate flattops in Epiphone’s Sixties product line. Epiphone G-400 Pro electric guitar. Price: $999.00 . Features are not particularly consistent, but generally the 1930-31 Model E guitars are actually slightly less ornate than their 1928-29 counterparts, which is perhaps a reflection of the Great Depression that commenced with the stock market crash of 1929. Another great product of the Ted McCarty era at Gibson, the Casino shares many common features with Gibson’s ES-330, including its dual “dog-ear” P-90 pickups (Epiphone also offered a less-desirable single-pickup Casino) and double-cutaway, fully hollow thinline body design. Epiphone hollow-body guitars combine the companies roots in traditional stringed instrument craftsmanship with modern electronic technology. One of the great jazz archtops, the Emperor Regent represents a high point in Epiphone’s post World War II output. Offered is a very clean Epiphone 5102T Electric semi Hollow Body Guitar W/ Case. Harrison’s guitar boasts a Bigsby, while Lennon’s came with a trapeze tailpiece. New York, Almost from the very beginning of Epiphone’s guitar production efforts in 1928, there was a synergy between the two brands – somewhat adversarial at first, but also with considerable admiration on both sides. We ship to Canada. GuitarPlayer is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. It was also the instrument of choice for the bassists in the Searchers, Herman’s Hermits, Jerry and the Pacemakers, Freddie and the Dreamers, and the Walker Brothers. Other prominent Casino players such as Howlin’ Wolf, Gary Clark Jr., Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher further enhance the model’s desirability and collectability. Epiphone's "Inspired by Gibson" ES-339 is designed for those seeking the tone and look of an ES-335, but in a slightly smaller, lighter instrument. Designed to compete with Gibson’s ES-5, The Zephyr Emperor Regent was Epiphone’s top-of-the-line archtop electric guitar during the Fifties. In addition to allowing the player to instantly access any single pickup or pair of pickups (but not all three pickups at once), the push buttons impart a certain retro, mid-century élan to the instrument. The Epiphone AlleyKat is a semi-hollow body guitar with an extremely versatile setup. There was a problem. From 1961 onward, Sheratons became more Gibson-like, with Gibson mini humbuckers replacing the New York pickups and many other small changes. Ted McCarty, who became president of Gibson in 1950, played a significant role in bringing Gibson back from the reversals and doldrums of the war years. Ironically, it was Epiphone’s biggest competitor, Gibson, that breathed new life into the company. One of the guitarists who frequented the Epiphone showroom was Les Paul. Blues titan John Lee Hooker was one of the most prominent Sheraton players, but the model has also been favored by Kings of Leon guitarist Matthew Followill and both Noel Gallagher and Gem Archer of Oasis. Most collectors rank Emperor guitars from the Thirties as Epiphone’s most desirable archtop model, but for many the later cutaway Emperor Regent models are even more desirable from a playability perspective. all of the items in your cart may not ship to the Thank you for signing up to GuitarPlayer. The Hard Maple neck has a SlimTaper C-Profile with a 25.5" scale length, a 12" radius, and a Pau Ferro fingerboard with … Beginning with A1000 in 1958, this series goes to A4999 in 1961. Now, the Epiphone Dot, named in reference to its simple 'Dot' fingerboard inlays, brings the sustain and resonance of the classic semi-hollow design for a bounty less than most solid body guitars. The pickguard is included but is missing a mounting screw. As current Epiphone president Jim Rosenberg recently pointed out, “the merging of Gibson and Epiphone turned out to be one of the landmark events in pop culture history.” The new breed of Epiphone instruments helped fuel the game-changing sound of the mid-Sixties British Invasion. Epiphone suffered an even bigger setback when Epi died of leukemia in 1943 at age 49. This acoustic flattop is one of several gems to come out of Epiphone’s often underrated Continental period, when production shifted form New York to Philadelphia. Epiphone’s Emperor model first appeared in the mid-Thirties, another product of the jazz archtop “size wars” that raged during that era. From 1958 to 1961, Gibson branded guitars used a different numbering series than Epiphone. Recording Model guitars are also instantly recognizable by their lopped-off cutaway on the body’s upper treble bout. Get the guaranteed best price on Semi-Hollow and Hollow Body Electric Guitars like the Epiphone ES-339 P90 PRO Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar at Musician's Friend. Epiphone loads the ES-339 Pro with its Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers, units based roughly on Gibson’s ’57 Classics, with readings firmly in PAF territory at 8.12kΩ in the bridge position and 7.64kΩ in the neck. The Rivoli was originally conceived during the Ted McCarty era at Gibson/Epiphone as a more affordable version of the Gibson EB-2. Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townshend and Bruce Springsteen all played Wilshires early in their careers. Proudly Handcrafted in Bozeman, Montana by Gibson Acoustic Luthiers, the Made in the U.S.A. Epiphone Texan is built using a solid Sitka Spruce top, Mahogany back and … Our Epiphone Dot™ is no exception. Introducing the long-awaited Epiphone ES-339! If you’re looking for that boomy, swooping British Invasion bass sound, a vintage Rivoli should be on your wish list. Save money on Used Epiphone Semi-Hollow and Hollow Body Electric Guitars at Guitar Center. Excludes oversized and overweight items. It will be well packed and shipped in a new guitar box. Epiphone’s new solidbody and thinline electric models complemented Gibson’s range of electrics by filling in gaps or exploring alternate approaches, and Epiphone’s flattop acoustic line expanded to provide lower-priced alternatives to Gibson flattops without sacrificing quality. For those beginner guitarist looking for a beautiful, semi-hollow body electric guitar, this Epiphone Dot Archtop review will interest you. 9) Epiphone WILDKAT Semi-Hollow body Electric Guitar with Bigsby Tremolo, Natural This right-handed guitar in striking yellow color is a very apt choice for the new players. Guild Starfire V (Semi-Hollow Body) Comes with a gorgeous retro design, the Guild Starfire V is … A downmarket cousin of the Wilshire, the solidbody, single-pickup Epiphone Coronet has also gained value on the vintage market in the wake of the garage rock revival of the early 2000s. Like the ES-5, this model is a three-pickup guitar, but pickup combinations on the Zephyr Emperor Regent are accessed via a row of six push-buttons located on the body’s lower treble bout. Finishes were either a rich brown sunburst or natural/blonde and, like with many Gibson models, the blonde finish versions usually sell for higher prices. All pre-owned items are rated and scored. It's a great time to upgrade your home music studio gear with the largest selection at eBay.com. The rivalry between Gibson and Epiphone significantly drove the evolution of archtop acoustic and electric guitars during this period. From its inaugural appearance in 1958, Gibson's ES-335 set an unmatched standard. The Epiphone … You know it’s a Gibson if there is the letter “A” preceding the serial number found on the label of a hollow body model. Sweet Semi-Hollow Tone The Dot™ 335 is Epiphone's version of the historic ES-335 Dot™, has been wowing guitar players all over the world for over four decades. The same energy that had once driven the Gibson/Epiphone rivalry now blossomed into a beautiful partnership, and through McCarty’s leadership Gibson gave new life to Epiphone that still continues to this day. Some four decades down the road from Beatlemania, Gibson/Epiphone decided to create a limited edition run that faithfully replicated McCartney’s iconic 1964 Texan. It is from the early 1970s. Up for sale is this Epiphone Riviera semi-hollow body electric guitar in a beautiful cherry red finish. Diverse types of guitar players concentrate on their likes. This 25 year old guitar has been played and shows a … Epiphone ES-335 Figured Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar. From 1958 through 1961, Sheratons were equipped with Epiphone’s single-coil New York pickups, white “carousel” tone and volume knobs, gold-plated metal parts and either Epiphone’s Frequensator tailpiece or a Bigsby vibrato. The guitar was made in 1995 at the very reputable Peerless factory in Korea. And it’s been that way ever since. Recording Model guitars were based on the ornate look of the company’s popular Recording series banjos, with pearloid headstock veneers displaying etched neo-Classical scrolls bearing the company’s name and Recording Model designation. Given their high level of craftsmanship, limited quantity and Beatles association, these instruments are prime collectibles. The rivalry probably existed well before then, but as Epiphone eventually transformed its primary focus from building banjos and mandolins to guitars, the competition between the two companies became increasingly evident. Epiphone Dot Deluxe - Blueburst ... ES-335 DOT Semi-Hollow Body Electric - Vintage Ebony Model: ES3500VENH. He even did some of the work on his pioneering solidbody electric guitar prototype, the Log, at the Epiphone factory. It was initially viewed as a poor kid’s Gibson Les Paul Junior or SG Junior, although today many consider it an equal. Please refresh the page and try again. It would become closely identified with this pivotal era in rock history through its prominent use by both the Beatles and Rolling Stones, among many other influential guitar groups. It’s evident its’ powerful sound capabilities are present! That year also saw the introduction of the rarest Sheraton finish – cherry red. Outranking the De Luxe, the Emperor took its place at the top of the Epiphone line. From its first appearance in 1939 until the end of its production in 1957, this guitar was part of Epiphone’s Century line of Guitars and amplifiers.They were well-loved and respected. This has resulted in such popular models as the Casino, Emperor, Shearaton and Wildkat. With a maximum body width of 17 3/8 inches, the FT 210 is a big, boomy flattop designed to compete with jumbo acoustics such as the Gibson J-200. Price: $999.00 . It’s far more ornate than the L-5 or any other Gibson archtop of the era, with a generous amount of binding, fan or cloud fretboard inlays, and Epiphone’s iconic “tree of life” headstock inlay. Given that Lennon and Harrison’s 1965 Casinos were used in concert, and thus photographed more often, this iteration is slightly more collectible than the 1962 model that McCartney played. Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Pro - Wine Red Model: EMPPROWRGH. Receive news and offers from our other brands? Call us at +1 (801) 501-8847. Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 Semi Hollow Body Electric Guitar. If you change the Ship-To country, some or Like many Epiphones in this period, the Wilshire model became increasingly “Gibson-ized” as the Sixties went on. That alone sent Sixties kids scurrying to find one of these symmetrical, sunburst, semi-hollowbody bass guitars. The body got a little slimmer, the contours a little rounder and it acquired a funky, symmetrical, plastic pickguard. The Wildkat is perfect for Blues, Jazz, and Rock. The FT 120 Excellente’s Brazilian rosewood back and sides also contribute to its collectible status. Epiphone Dot, named after its downplayed 'dot' fingerboard inlays, offers the incredible resonance and sustain typical of semi-hollow electric guitars and brings it to a whole new audience of players. You can try a new search or change the Ship-To country to search a different product catalog. The 12 most desirable Epiphones – from the Thirties through the new millennium. This compact body semi-hollow electric guitar gives you some of the boxy character and feedback-potential of a larger bodied semi-acoustic archtop guitar without being too uncontrollable when you switch to the drive channel. Earlier models tend to be more highly valued, especially those with the older three-and-three headstocks, which preceded the six-on-a-side “batwing” headstock design introduced in 1963. © restrictions. As the design genius behind the Gibson Les Paul, Flying V, Explorer and ES-335, McCarty successfully ushered Gibson into a new golden era. Email us and we'll pass along your request to the manufacturer. Built on an endless desire to innovate and lofty standards of quality, Epiphone produce semi-hollow and hollow body electric guitars that are respected all over the world. More accessible financially are the Japanese-made Epiphone Elitist versions of the same instrument, issued the same year, in a limited edition of 1,964. The Recording Model guitars were discontinued in 1931, which makes the 1930-31 Model E the most evolved iteration of Epiphone’s historic first dedicated foray into the guitar market. From the moment in December 1927 when Epaminondas “Epi” Stathopoulo officially changed the name of his musical instrument manufacturing company from the House of Stathopoulo to the Epiphone Banjo Corporation (later shortened to Epiphone Inc. in 1935), the company seemed motivated to outdo their main rival, Gibson. It has minor marks but is overall clean for the age. Put it all together and you’ve got a pawnshop beauty that no longer goes for pawnshop prices. The maple tops tend to be quite attractively figured, and they beautifully complement the Zephyr Emperor Regent’s gold-plated hardware, multi-ply binding and artful inlay work. The model evolved over time to include a cutaway iteration, the Emperor Regent. McCartney’s 1962 Casino has a Bigsby tailpiece and a Gibson-style “open book” headstock; whereas Lennon and Harrison’s 1965 Casinos both have Epiphone’s “hourglass” headstock. Created to compete with Gibson’s legendary L-5 archtop, the retooled De Luxe boasted a big, 17 3/8-inch lower body width and Epiphone’s newly developed Frequensator tailpiece. Polishing the art of making guitars … Great deals on Epiphone Archtop Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitars. Prominent use of Epiphone gear by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Yardbirds and other U.K. hitmakers made models like the Casino, Riviera, Sheraton, Rivoli and Texan an integral part of rock and roll’s DNA. Receive mail from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors? Some … While this popular hollowed out music maker can plug into an amplifier for amplified sound. It plays nice and has a good action and good frets. The Masterbilt De Luxe was produced in much smaller quantities than Gibson archtops from the same era, making these beautiful guitars highly collectible. That was the sound we all craved.”. Subsequent use by Kurt Cobain, Noel Gallagher and other prominent rock stars have added to the model’s cachet. Celebrity association, benchmark craftsmanship, beauty of style and killer tone make vintage Epiphone instruments from every era highly collectible, not to mention a savvy investment. Here are some of the most sought-after vintage Epiphone classics. Our product catalog varies by country due to manufacturer Fender American Professional II Guitars | Jose Rios First Impressions, Used Semi-Hollow and Hollow Body Electric Guitars, California Transparency In Supply Chains Act. The most collectible vintage Casinos are the ones most closely associated with the Fab Four. But there are subtle differences among them. Boss, Sola Sound Team Up for New Waza Craft TB-2W Tone Bender Fuzz Pedal, Steve Lukather: Using Tabs is Akin to "Playing Guitar Hero", John Fogerty on the Making of CCR’s 'Cosmo’s Factory', Fender Launches the Triple Pickup-Equipped Troublemaker Tele Deluxe Bigsby. The shape of the tortoiseshell plastic pickguard, which starts at the bridge and extends upward to follow the contour of the cutaway, is bold and original. As the big band era got underway in the Thirties, Gibson and Epiphone competed for jazz archtop supremacy. Although his name would later become closely associated with Gibson, Les was very much an Epiphone player early in his career during the Thirties and Forties.