Since the formal formation of Epiphone in 1923 until today, Epiphone has pioneered new ideas and designs for making quality guitars.  Too often referred to as the little brother of Gibson, many people are unaware of Epiphone’s long history of instrument making. 

After pioneering banjo making at the beginning of the century, Epiphone began making arch and flat top acoustic guitars.  Trying to compete with large acoustic guitars being made by companies like Gibson they began to create their own Masterbilt series of acoustic guitars, quickly making a name for themselves and their quality of acoustic instruments.

By 1935 Epiphone entered the electric guitar market before many of their competitors with the Electraphone series, doubling their sales of guitars within a few years.   But shortly after the Second World War and the passing of their founder, Epiphone was struggling to stay afloat.  Gibson saw this as an opportunity to gain the knowledge and experience of their long time competitor and in 1957 purchased Epiphone. 

Since then, Gibson used Epiphone’s establishments to create budget-conscious Gibson models as well as continue to create many of Epiphone’s original series of guitars like the Emperor, Deluxe, and Triumph, and creating new models only for Epiphone such as the Sheriton.

Today, artists like John Lennon, Chet Atkins and Zakk Wylde have Epiphone signature models that hold their own against high end guitars of any manufacturer.  Along with their now infamous models like the Sheraton, Casino, and Masterbilt, Epiphone has proven themselves as an innovative company that continues to introduce quality guitars and basses while providing budget-friendly versions of many of the Gibson model guitars.