Epiphone Ft 45 Cortez Serial Numbers

The Kalamazoo era is when this particular guitar was made: the label designates it as an Epiphone FT-45 Cortez, but it was the spitting image of the Gibson LG-3 described above. The serial number (166802) suggests that in the somewhat unreliable Gibson 'system' it was produced in 1964. Grand Ages Rome Serial Keygen Crack Patch Kundli Pro Software Bu 353 S4 Driver For Mac The Piano Michael Nyman Sheet Music Pdf Chromatics Night Drive Zippy Fallout 4 Inspect Weapon Epiphone Ft 45 Cortez Serial Numbers Whatsapp Plus Free For Mac Terminal For Mac Os X 10.6.8 Serial Actress Santhoshi First Husband Photos. Epiphone Ft 45 Cortez Serial Numbers Transfer Music From Mac To Android Numbers Groups And Codes Solution Manual What Is The Other Part Of My Mac Storage Mac Tools. F-Serial used on LP Std'59/'60 models and Tribute/Plus models. This newest serial number system used by Epiphone is not yet completely deciphered. 'F' doesn't refer to 'Fine, Korea' - nor to 'Fuji-gen, Japan' - New 'F' models are made in China. This serial number system doesn't exactly tell the year - and doesn't tell the month at all.

• Epiphone Ft 45 Cortez Serial Numbers For Sale
• Epiphone Ft 45 Cortez Serial Numbers List

I apologize in advance for telling you folks what some of you already know and others of you don't want to know, but it's stuff which anybody who is considering buying this guitar ought to know, so here goes:

Gibson introduced the LG-3 in 1942 as a kind of junior partner to the famous J-45, with the same solid spruce top and mahogany back, sides, and neck, according to George Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars. It had internal X-bracing, full 3-ply body binding (one ply on the back), a three-stripe rosette, a straight rosewood bridge with pearl dot inlay and white bridge pins, a 14/20-fret (after 1955) rosewood fingerboard with dot inlay, a blackface headstock with a screened gold logo, and three-on-a-side nickel Kluson Deluxe tuners with white plastic buttons. The LG-3 was a substantial upgrade both from its predecessor, the L-00, and the less expensive models in the series (LG-0, LG-1, and LG-2), both in its design and in its 'specially selected' woods.

The smaller dimensions of the LG models (14 1/8' lower bout, with a 24 ¾' scale) allowed Gibson to use straight-across ladder bracing on the top as well as the back of the LG-0 and the LG-1, but for the LG-2 and LG-3 they used the more responsive X-bracing of the J-45 itself. Similarly, for the less expensive models Gibson used a single piece mahogany back with no center seam; the LG-3 had a book-matched two-piece back. It was usually in a natural finish, showing off the grain of the fine spruce top--rather than covering up imperfections with a sunburst finish, as on the less expensive ladder-braced LG-1 and X-braced LG-2. While it was itself succeeded by the B-25 by 1966, the LG-3 is perhaps Gibson's all-time best small-body acoustic.

However, in 1958 Gibson also acquired the Epiphone trademark and equipment, lock, stock, and barrel, and as the Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars says, 'It was decided that Epiphone would be re-established as a first-rate guitar manufacturer, so that Gibson's parent company, CMI, could offer a product comparable in every way to Gibson..Gibson was (in effect) competing with itself,' selling virtually identical models of guitar. All were built at the Gibson plant in Kalamazoo to the same high standards, in many cases by the same designers and craftsmen, but with different labels and model numbers. While this situation only lasted until 1969, when most Epiphone production was shifted abroad, the Epiphone guitars produced during this period look and perform almost exactly like their Gibson counterparts, and are therefore highly prized by players and collectors alike.

The Kalamazoo era is when this particular guitar was made: the label designates it as an Epiphone FT-45 Cortez, but it was the spitting image of the Gibson LG-3 described above. The serial number (166802) suggests that in the somewhat unreliable Gibson 'system' it was produced in 1964. It had the tortoise pickguard which the Blue Book says was introduced with no logo in 1961, and at one time you could tell at a glance—as well as with a chord or two—that the DNA of this guitar was 98% Gibson; it looked like an LG-3, played and sounded like an LG-3, and was a truly cool little instrument.

I hope that you're still with me—perhaps thinking that if it's really like a 1964 Gibson LG-3, this thing's worth serious consideration, and you're right. The good news is that the following parts seem to be original and in very good condition: the neck and headstock are totally sound, with no cracks or repairs; the finish on the solid back and sides is excellent for the era, and what appears to have been a slight separation in the seam of the two-piece back and what may have been a small crack have been sealed; the original Kluson Deluxe three-on-a-strip tuners are in place and work well; the binding on top and back is in great shape and has that golden vintage patina; and the end pin is solid and original.

However, this particular guitar's top has experienced a lot of modifications, and since I didn't do ‘em, I can't vouch for ‘em. To start with, apparently several cracks have been thoroughly glued and cleated—but it's kinda hard to tell because the entire top has been carefully sanded and apparently clear-coated. In the process, the pick guard and rosette disappeared, the bridge was replaced, and a non-original tail piece was installed and then removed (leaving three small screw holes above the end pin). Both the nut and the truss rod cover are also replacements. These modifications are essentially cosmetic in the grand scheme of things, but they obviously reduce any collectible status, if that's your interest.

Structurally, there are other issues which still need to be professionally resolved but which are beyond my skill set. It sounds and looks like there are several loose braces, and one might be missing altogether. No big deal. However, I suspect that the bridge replacement and the tailpiece experiment were an attempt to avoid re-setting the neck (again?). While the truss rod appears to be working, the action is currently unplayably low judging from a straight-edge/visual check. My assumption is that the bridge/neck/nut relationship is gonna have to be dealt with by someone who knows what he's doing, and my luthier says he can't get to it for three months. 'Maybe.' So opportunity is knocking for you to own a vintage X-braced Gibson which needs love—and which should respond with a great sound for life.

The case is a vintage chip board case—probably not original, but certainly adequate for this guitar at this stage in its rehabilitation. It is in pretty good shape for its age, inside and out, with all hardware intact, and a clean gold plush interior. It's a bit large for the smaller shape of the FT-45, but it affords vintage protection for this quality vintage instrument.

Shadow of war save editor. Buyer pays a flat rate of $55 for insurance and shipping to the lower 48 states; shipping costs elsewhere will be negotiated as necessary. Payment by Paypal is preferred; cashiers and personal checks are acceptable, but checks must clear before the guitar will be shipped.

I have tried to be perfectly clear and accurate in describing this vintage guitar, so its return will not be accepted unless it can be shown that it was egregiously misrepresented in this listing. It clearly is a project guitar and is explicitly being sold as-is. Please check out the pictures and ask any questions you might have before offering to buy.

Thank you for your interest in this potentially cool vintage instrument.

Contact the Gibson Guitar Corporation itself. The serial number will be an 8 digit number impressed into the back of the headstock with 'MADE IN USA' below. The pattern is as follows: YDDDYRRR YY is the production year DDD is the day of the year RRR is the factory ranking/plant designation number. The serial number is 880509595 and it's located on a stick-on strip on the back of the headstock. The front of the headstock has 'Epiphone by Gibson' at the top and the Epiphone logo at the bottom.

Epiphone is an American musical instrument manufacturer founded in 1873 by Anastasios Stathopoulos, currently based in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1957, Epiphone, Inc. was purchased by Gibson and relocated from New York to Kalamazoo, Michigan. Epiphone was Gibson's main rival in the archtop market prior to 1957.^[2] Aside from guitars, Epiphone also made double basses, banjos, and other string instruments. However, the company's weakness in the aftermath of World War II and death of Epaminondas Stathopoulos in 1943 allowed Gibson to purchase it.^[3] Epiphone also manufactures resonator guitars under the Dobro brand.

The name 'Epiphone' is a combination of proprietor Epaminondas Stathopoulos' (Επαμεινώνδας Σταθόπουλος) nickname 'Epi' and 'phone' (from Greek phon- (φωνή), 'voice').^[4]

• 2Instruments
  • 2.1Guitars
• 3Manufacturing

History[edit]

All Epiphone Guitar Models

Epiphone began in 1873, in Smyrna, Ottoman Empire (now İzmir, Turkey), where Greek founder Anastasios Stathopoulos made his own fiddles and lutes (oud, laouto). Stathopoulo moved to the United States in 1903 and continued to make his original instruments, as well as mandolins, from Long Island City in Queens, New York. Anastasios died in 1915, and his son, Epaminondas ('Epi'), took over. After two years, the company became known as The House of Stathopoulo.^[5] Just after the end of World War I, the company started to make banjos. The company produced its recording line of banjos in 1924 and, four years later, took on the name of the Epiphone Banjo Company. It produced its first guitars in 1928. After Epi died in 1943, control of the company went to his brothers, Orphie and Frixo. In 1951, a four-month-long strike forced a relocation of Epiphone from New York City to Philadelphia. In 1957 the company was acquired by Gibson.^[6]

Instruments[edit]

Guitars[edit]

After Epiphone became a subsidiary of Norlin (Gibson's parent after 1969), many of its instruments were later patterned after the more expensive Gibson versions. Occasionally, Epiphone models are of such high quality that sales of those less expensive instruments actually cut into the Gibson's sales. Case in point, the short lived solid body Epiphone Del Rey model was modeled after a Gibson Les Paul double cut. Workmanship and manufacturing standards were so high that Gibson killed the model. To help distinguish itself from the parent brand, Epiphone also maintains its own line of archtop guitars and basses.

As of January 2013, Epiphone makes the following guitars:

Gibson Models[edit]

• Dove / PRO
• EJ-200 Artist / 200CE (J-200)
• EL-00 / PRO (L-00)
• ES-335 PRO
• ES-339 PRO / 339 Ultra
• Explorer – 1984 EX / 1958 Goth
• Firebird TV-Silver
• Flying V – '58 Korina
• Flying-V – Jeff Waters Anihillation-V
• Flying-V – Robb Flynn Love/Death Baritone
• Hummingbird / PRO / Artist
• Les Paul
  • Les Paul Baritone^[7]
  • Les Paul 1956 Goldtop
  • Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul
  • Joe Bonamassa Goldtop
  • Peter Frampton Les Paul Custom PRO 'Phenix'
  • Les Paul Black Beauty 3
  • Les Paul Custom PRO / Blackback
  • Les Paul Nightfall**
  • Les Paul Prophecy EX & GX
  • Les Paul Special I
  • Les Paul Special II
  • Les Paul Standard / Royale / PRO
  • Les Paul Studio / Goth
  • Les Paul Tribute
  • Les Paul Traditional PRO
  • Les Paul Ultra III / PRO
  • Les Paul Ukulele
  • Tak Matsumoto DC Standard & Custom Plus
  • Zakk Wylde Custom Plus Bullseye
• Nighthawk Custom
• SG
  • 1961 SG Special
  • 1966 G-400 PRO
  • G400 Goth / Faded
  • G-400 PRO
  • SG Special
• Thunderbird-IV / Goth / PRO-IV / Classic-IV PRO

Original Epiphone models[edit]

• AJ-100 / 100CE
• AJ-150HS
• AJ-220S / 220SCE
• Allen Woody Rumblekat
• Blackstone
• Broadway
• Casino / 1961 50th Anniversary / Elitist / Inspired by John Lennon
• Century
• Deluxe
• Del Rey
• DeLuxe Regent
• Dot / Dot Studio
• DR-100 & 212
• Dwight Trash Casino
• Embassy Bass
• Emperor Regent
• Emperor Swingster / Royale / Black Royale
• E422T Century Thinline
• ET-270
• ET-275 Crestwood
• ET-276
• ET-280 Bass
• FT-79 Texan
• FT-140 Japanese made 1970s dreadnought acoustic with a bolt on neck
• Graveyard Disciple
• Inspired by 1964 Texan
• Masterbilt Century Series
• Masterbilt DR-500MCE
• Masterbilt EF-500RCCE
• MB-100 & 200 Banjo
• MM-20 / 30S / 50E Professional Mandolin
• Olympic
• PR-150
• PR-4E
• PR-5E
• PR7E
• Epiphone Riviera P-90
• Sheraton II / 1962 50th Anniversary / Union Jack Ltd Edition (inspired by Noel Gallagher)
• Royale
• Sonador
• Supernova / Manchester City Blue / Union Jack
• SST Classic
• Triunfadora
• Triumph
• Triumph Regent
• Viola Bass
• Wildkat / Royale
• Zenith
• Zephyr
• Zephyr Deluxe
• Zephyr Deluxe Regent
• Wilshire PRO / 1966 Worn / Phantomatic / II / III

Amplifiers[edit]

Epiphone began producing amplifiers in 1935 with the Electar Hawaiian Lap Steel Guitar Outfit. This outfit was an amplifier, case and lap steel guitar stand all rolled into one unit^[8] and was supplied by a suitcase manufacturer of the time.

Gibson produced Epiphone amplifiers in the 1960s. These were basically copies or variations of Gibson and Fender amplifiers^{[citation needed]}. They used a tube design, and some had reverb and tremolo. Gibson decided to launch a new line of Epiphone amplifiers in 2005 with many different models, including the So Cal,Blues Custom, and the Epiphone Valve Junior. The Valve Hot Rod and Valve Senior were released in 2009. The Valve Hot Rod is a 5 watt amp like the Valve Junior, but has a gain and reverb control. The Valve Senior offers 20 watts of power, with a full equalizer, gain, volume, reverb, and presence control.

As of 2012, Epiphone has ceased production of their line of amplifiers with the exception of the Player and Performance Pack practice amplifiers, available only in Epiphone's starter packages. These Amplifiers are under the Epiphone Electar moniker.^[9]

Manufacturing[edit]

US[edit]

Epiphone instruments made between 1957 and 1970 were made beside the Gibson factory at 224 Parsons (Gibson located at 225 Parsons) St and on Elenor St; Kalamazoo, MI 49007.Solid body guitars with flat tops and backs were made at the Elenor Street plants (both Gibson and Epiphone) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Some of these Epiphone instruments were effectively identical to the relevant Gibson versions, perhaps made with same timber, materials and components as the contemporary equivalent Gibson guitars. Epiphone also continued its production of world class archtop guitars using the same patterns and molds from Epi's New York era. Some specific examples of Gibson-era Epiphone instruments from this period includes the Epiphone Sheraton (co-developed with the Gibson ES-335 & sharing its semi-hollow body, but with, Epiphone's pre-Gibson 'Frequensator' tailpiece and 'New York' mini-humbucker pickups, and significantly fancier inlays) and Sheraton II (replacing the Frequensator with Gibson's 'stop-bar' tailpiece), the Epiphone Casino (similar to the Gibson ES-330), the Epiphone Caballero (similar to the Gibson LG-0), the Epiphone Cortez (similar to the Gibson LG-2), the Epiphone Olympic Special (similar to the Gibson Melody Maker), the Epiphone Sorrento (similar to the Gibson ES-125TC, except for a few cosmetic changes), and the Epiphone Texan (similar to the Gibson J-45, apart from a change in scale-length). The other Kalamazoo-made Epiphones had technical or cosmetic relationship with the similar Gibson version.

Several Epiphone guitars have been produced in the United States after 1971. The Epiphone Spirit and Special were produced in the early 1980s in Kalamazoo.^{[citation needed]} In 1993, three historic Epiphone acoustic guitars, the Texan, Frontier, and Excellente, were produced by Gibson Acoustic in Montana.^{[citation needed]} The Paul McCartney Texan was produced in 2005, and in 2009, the Epiphone Historic Collection was created, beginning with the 1962 Wilshire, built by Gibson Custom. Several other models, such as the Sheraton and John Lennon Casinos, were built in Japan and assembled and finished by Gibson USA.^{[citation needed]}

Japan[edit]

The best gif to apng converter for mac. In the early 1970s, Matsumoku began to manufacture Epiphone instruments in Japan^[10] with the production and distribution being managed by Aria, in cooperation with Gibson. At this time, Epiphone ceased production of all of its traditional designs and began manufacturing markedly less expensive guitars, many of which had less traditional bolt-on style necks and unspecified wood types.^[11] Some of these guitars had similar body shapes to traditional Epiphone and Gibson designs but had different names while other models retained certain model designations, such as the FT (Flat Top) guitars.^[12] Construction of these guitars differed greatly from past Epiphone models. For the first several years of production in Japan, Epiphone guitars were actually rebranded designs already produced by the Matsumoku Company.^[13]

By 1975, the Japanese market started seeing some of the more familiar designs and names being reintroduced. These guitars were of higher quality than that of the previous years of production in Japan and included models such as the Wilshire, Emperor, Riviera and Newport bass.^[14] These models were available to the Japanese market only. By 1976 new designs of higher quality were being introduced for export but did not include the current Japanese market models. Notable new designs from this era were the Monticello (Scroll Guitar), the Presentation (PR) and Nova series flat tops and the Genesis solid body guitar. By 1980, most Japanese-only designs were available for worldwide distribution. The Matsumoku-made archtops, such as the Emperor, Riviera, Sheraton and Casino, were available into the mid-1980s.

Korea[edit]

From the 1980s, Epiphones were manufactured mainly in Korea and Japan by contractors licensed by Gibson.^[10][15] One of these contractors was Samick,^[15] which also built instruments under license for other brands and in its own name. The brand was primarily used to issue less expensive versions of classic Gibson models.^[15]

These guitars were constructed using different woods (usually Nyatoh,^{[citation needed]} for example, instead of Mahogany), were fastened with epoxies rather than wood-glues.^{[citation needed]} Gibson and Epiphone guitars all use Titebond resin glue, which is simple carpenters' wood glue, and were finished in hard, quick-to-apply polyester resin rather than the traditional nitro-cellulose lacquer used by Gibson^{[citation needed]} Epiphone guitars assembled or made in the US use lacquer finishes, but those made outside of the US use a poly urethane finish because of pollution requirements. These particular budget considerations, along with others such as plastic nuts and cheaper hardware and pickups, allow for a more affordable instrument.

Samick has stopped^[when?] manufacturing guitars in Korea.

China[edit]

Epiphone Ft 45 Cortez Serial Numbers For Sale

In 2004, Gibson opened a factory in Qingdao, China, which manufactures Epiphone guitars.^[16] With few exceptions, Epiphones are now built only in the Qingdao factory.^[16]

Unique Epiphone models, including the Emperor, Zephyr, Riviera and Sheraton, are built to higher quality standards than the company's 'Gibson copy' line^{[citation needed]}. In 2004 Epiphone introduced a series of acoustic guitars named Masterbilt after a line of guitars of the 1930s, which are built in the same factory.^[17]Ipx windows 10. One click unbrick tool dari heimdall download.

Imperial Series and Elitist[edit]

Epiphone Ft 45 Cortez Serial Numbers List

During the early 1990s Epiphone released a series called the Imperial Series. These were remakes of the classic Epiphone archtops of the 1930s and '40s. Each instrument was handmade in the FujiGen factory in Japan.^{[citation needed]} This short-lived series was discontinued in 1993, after only 42 Emperors were made.^{[citation needed]} Several other models, including De Luxe, Broadway and Triumph models, were also produced in varying quantities.

Production was moved back to Nashville and Bozeman for a similar limited run of instruments (250 each of Sheratons, Rivieras, Frontiers, Excellentes and Texans).^[18] These guitars were the 'Nashville USA Collection' (archtops) and the 'Anniversary Series' (acoustics). Contrary to popular information, this line was related to, but not part of the 1994 Gibson Centennial Series commemorating 100 years of the Gibson Guitar Corporation. The Nashville and Anniversary Collections were intended as reintroductions of original, USA built Epiphone models.

In 2002, Epiphone began producing a range of higher quality instruments under the 'Elite Series' moniker which were built by Terada and FujiGen in Japan.^{[citation needed]} After legal action by Ovation the name was changed to Elitist in 2003. As of 2008, all of the Elitist models have been discontinued with the exception of the Elitist Casino and the Dwight Trash Casino. The Epiphone Elitist guitars included features such as higher grade woods, bone nuts, hand-rubbed finishes, 'Made in the USA' pickups and USA strings.^[19]Japanese domestic market Elitists used the Gibson Dove-wing headstock as opposed to the 'tombstone' headstock used on exports.^[20]

Serial numbers and factory codes[edit]

Current Epiphone serial numbers give the following information:^[21]

Korea

• I = Saein
• U = Unsung
• S = Samick
• P or R = Peerless
• K = Korea
• F = Fine

China

• MR = CHINA
• DW = DaeWon
• EA = Gibson/QingDao
• EE = Gibson/QingDao
• MC = Muse
• SJ = SaeJung
• Z = Zaozhuang Saehan
• BW = China

Epiphone Guitar Serial Lookup

The smaller dimensions of the LG models (14 1/8' lower bout, with a 24 ¾' scale) allowed Gibson to use straight-across ladder bracing on the top as well as the back of the LG-0 and the LG-1, but for the LG-2 and LG-3 they used the more responsive X-bracing of the J-45 itself. Similarly, for the less expensive models Gibson used a single piece mahogany back with no center seam; the LG-3 had a book-matched two-piece back. It was usually in a natural finish, showing off the grain of the fine spruce top--rather than covering up imperfections with a sunburst finish, as on the less expensive ladder-braced LG-1 and X-braced LG-2. While it was itself succeeded by the B-25 by 1966, the LG-3 is perhaps Gibson's all-time best small-body acoustic.

However, in 1958 Gibson also acquired the Epiphone trademark and equipment, lock, stock, and barrel, and as the Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars says, 'It was decided that Epiphone would be re-established as a first-rate guitar manufacturer, so that Gibson's parent company, CMI, could offer a product comparable in every way to Gibson..Gibson was (in effect) competing with itself,' selling virtually identical models of guitar. All were built at the Gibson plant in Kalamazoo to the same high standards, in many cases by the same designers and craftsmen, but with different labels and model numbers. While this situation only lasted until 1969, when most Epiphone production was shifted abroad, the Epiphone guitars produced during this period look and perform almost exactly like their Gibson counterparts, and are therefore highly prized by players and collectors alike.

The Kalamazoo era is when this particular guitar was made: the label designates it as an Epiphone FT-45 Cortez, but it was the spitting image of the Gibson LG-3 described above. The serial number (166802) suggests that in the somewhat unreliable Gibson 'system' it was produced in 1964. It had the tortoise pickguard which the Blue Book says was introduced with no logo in 1961, and at one time you could tell at a glance—as well as with a chord or two—that the DNA of this guitar was 98% Gibson; it looked like an LG-3, played and sounded like an LG-3, and was a truly cool little instrument.

I hope that you're still with me—perhaps thinking that if it's really like a 1964 Gibson LG-3, this thing's worth serious consideration, and you're right. The good news is that the following parts seem to be original and in very good condition: the neck and headstock are totally sound, with no cracks or repairs; the finish on the solid back and sides is excellent for the era, and what appears to have been a slight separation in the seam of the two-piece back and what may have been a small crack have been sealed; the original Kluson Deluxe three-on-a-strip tuners are in place and work well; the binding on top and back is in great shape and has that golden vintage patina; and the end pin is solid and original.

However, this particular guitar's top has experienced a lot of modifications, and since I didn't do ‘em, I can't vouch for ‘em. To start with, apparently several cracks have been thoroughly glued and cleated—but it's kinda hard to tell because the entire top has been carefully sanded and apparently clear-coated. In the process, the pick guard and rosette disappeared, the bridge was replaced, and a non-original tail piece was installed and then removed (leaving three small screw holes above the end pin). Both the nut and the truss rod cover are also replacements. These modifications are essentially cosmetic in the grand scheme of things, but they obviously reduce any collectible status, if that's your interest.

Structurally, there are other issues which still need to be professionally resolved but which are beyond my skill set. It sounds and looks like there are several loose braces, and one might be missing altogether. No big deal. However, I suspect that the bridge replacement and the tailpiece experiment were an attempt to avoid re-setting the neck (again?). While the truss rod appears to be working, the action is currently unplayably low judging from a straight-edge/visual check. My assumption is that the bridge/neck/nut relationship is gonna have to be dealt with by someone who knows what he's doing, and my luthier says he can't get to it for three months. 'Maybe.' So opportunity is knocking for you to own a vintage X-braced Gibson which needs love—and which should respond with a great sound for life.

The case is a vintage chip board case—probably not original, but certainly adequate for this guitar at this stage in its rehabilitation. It is in pretty good shape for its age, inside and out, with all hardware intact, and a clean gold plush interior. It's a bit large for the smaller shape of the FT-45, but it affords vintage protection for this quality vintage instrument.

Shadow of war save editor. Buyer pays a flat rate of $55 for insurance and shipping to the lower 48 states; shipping costs elsewhere will be negotiated as necessary. Payment by Paypal is preferred; cashiers and personal checks are acceptable, but checks must clear before the guitar will be shipped.

I have tried to be perfectly clear and accurate in describing this vintage guitar, so its return will not be accepted unless it can be shown that it was egregiously misrepresented in this listing. It clearly is a project guitar and is explicitly being sold as-is. Please check out the pictures and ask any questions you might have before offering to buy.

Thank you for your interest in this potentially cool vintage instrument.

Contact the Gibson Guitar Corporation itself. The serial number will be an 8 digit number impressed into the back of the headstock with 'MADE IN USA' below. The pattern is as follows: YDDDYRRR YY is the production year DDD is the day of the year RRR is the factory ranking/plant designation number. The serial number is 880509595 and it's located on a stick-on strip on the back of the headstock. The front of the headstock has 'Epiphone by Gibson' at the top and the Epiphone logo at the bottom.

Epiphone is an American musical instrument manufacturer founded in 1873 by Anastasios Stathopoulos, currently based in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1957, Epiphone, Inc. was purchased by Gibson and relocated from New York to Kalamazoo, Michigan. Epiphone was Gibson's main rival in the archtop market prior to 1957.^[2] Aside from guitars, Epiphone also made double basses, banjos, and other string instruments. However, the company's weakness in the aftermath of World War II and death of Epaminondas Stathopoulos in 1943 allowed Gibson to purchase it.^[3] Epiphone also manufactures resonator guitars under the Dobro brand.

The name 'Epiphone' is a combination of proprietor Epaminondas Stathopoulos' (Επαμεινώνδας Σταθόπουλος) nickname 'Epi' and 'phone' (from Greek phon- (φωνή), 'voice').^[4]

• 2Instruments
  • 2.1Guitars
• 3Manufacturing

History[edit]

All Epiphone Guitar Models

Epiphone began in 1873, in Smyrna, Ottoman Empire (now İzmir, Turkey), where Greek founder Anastasios Stathopoulos made his own fiddles and lutes (oud, laouto). Stathopoulo moved to the United States in 1903 and continued to make his original instruments, as well as mandolins, from Long Island City in Queens, New York. Anastasios died in 1915, and his son, Epaminondas ('Epi'), took over. After two years, the company became known as The House of Stathopoulo.^[5] Just after the end of World War I, the company started to make banjos. The company produced its recording line of banjos in 1924 and, four years later, took on the name of the Epiphone Banjo Company. It produced its first guitars in 1928. After Epi died in 1943, control of the company went to his brothers, Orphie and Frixo. In 1951, a four-month-long strike forced a relocation of Epiphone from New York City to Philadelphia. In 1957 the company was acquired by Gibson.^[6]

Instruments[edit]

Guitars[edit]

After Epiphone became a subsidiary of Norlin (Gibson's parent after 1969), many of its instruments were later patterned after the more expensive Gibson versions. Occasionally, Epiphone models are of such high quality that sales of those less expensive instruments actually cut into the Gibson's sales. Case in point, the short lived solid body Epiphone Del Rey model was modeled after a Gibson Les Paul double cut. Workmanship and manufacturing standards were so high that Gibson killed the model. To help distinguish itself from the parent brand, Epiphone also maintains its own line of archtop guitars and basses.

As of January 2013, Epiphone makes the following guitars:

Gibson Models[edit]

• Dove / PRO
• EJ-200 Artist / 200CE (J-200)
• EL-00 / PRO (L-00)
• ES-335 PRO
• ES-339 PRO / 339 Ultra
• Explorer – 1984 EX / 1958 Goth
• Firebird TV-Silver
• Flying V – '58 Korina
• Flying-V – Jeff Waters Anihillation-V
• Flying-V – Robb Flynn Love/Death Baritone
• Hummingbird / PRO / Artist
• Les Paul
  • Les Paul Baritone^[7]
  • Les Paul 1956 Goldtop
  • Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul
  • Joe Bonamassa Goldtop
  • Peter Frampton Les Paul Custom PRO 'Phenix'
  • Les Paul Black Beauty 3
  • Les Paul Custom PRO / Blackback
  • Les Paul Nightfall**
  • Les Paul Prophecy EX & GX
  • Les Paul Special I
  • Les Paul Special II
  • Les Paul Standard / Royale / PRO
  • Les Paul Studio / Goth
  • Les Paul Tribute
  • Les Paul Traditional PRO
  • Les Paul Ultra III / PRO
  • Les Paul Ukulele
  • Tak Matsumoto DC Standard & Custom Plus
  • Zakk Wylde Custom Plus Bullseye
• Nighthawk Custom
• SG
  • 1961 SG Special
  • 1966 G-400 PRO
  • G400 Goth / Faded
  • G-400 PRO
  • SG Special
• Thunderbird-IV / Goth / PRO-IV / Classic-IV PRO

Original Epiphone models[edit]

• AJ-100 / 100CE
• AJ-150HS
• AJ-220S / 220SCE
• Allen Woody Rumblekat
• Blackstone
• Broadway
• Casino / 1961 50th Anniversary / Elitist / Inspired by John Lennon
• Century
• Deluxe
• Del Rey
• DeLuxe Regent
• Dot / Dot Studio
• DR-100 & 212
• Dwight Trash Casino
• Embassy Bass
• Emperor Regent
• Emperor Swingster / Royale / Black Royale
• E422T Century Thinline
• ET-270
• ET-275 Crestwood
• ET-276
• ET-280 Bass
• FT-79 Texan
• FT-140 Japanese made 1970s dreadnought acoustic with a bolt on neck
• Graveyard Disciple
• Inspired by 1964 Texan
• Masterbilt Century Series
• Masterbilt DR-500MCE
• Masterbilt EF-500RCCE
• MB-100 & 200 Banjo
• MM-20 / 30S / 50E Professional Mandolin
• Olympic
• PR-150
• PR-4E
• PR-5E
• PR7E
• Epiphone Riviera P-90
• Sheraton II / 1962 50th Anniversary / Union Jack Ltd Edition (inspired by Noel Gallagher)
• Royale
• Sonador
• Supernova / Manchester City Blue / Union Jack
• SST Classic
• Triunfadora
• Triumph
• Triumph Regent
• Viola Bass
• Wildkat / Royale
• Zenith
• Zephyr
• Zephyr Deluxe
• Zephyr Deluxe Regent
• Wilshire PRO / 1966 Worn / Phantomatic / II / III

Amplifiers[edit]

Epiphone began producing amplifiers in 1935 with the Electar Hawaiian Lap Steel Guitar Outfit. This outfit was an amplifier, case and lap steel guitar stand all rolled into one unit^[8] and was supplied by a suitcase manufacturer of the time.

Gibson produced Epiphone amplifiers in the 1960s. These were basically copies or variations of Gibson and Fender amplifiers^{[citation needed]}. They used a tube design, and some had reverb and tremolo. Gibson decided to launch a new line of Epiphone amplifiers in 2005 with many different models, including the So Cal,Blues Custom, and the Epiphone Valve Junior. The Valve Hot Rod and Valve Senior were released in 2009. The Valve Hot Rod is a 5 watt amp like the Valve Junior, but has a gain and reverb control. The Valve Senior offers 20 watts of power, with a full equalizer, gain, volume, reverb, and presence control.

As of 2012, Epiphone has ceased production of their line of amplifiers with the exception of the Player and Performance Pack practice amplifiers, available only in Epiphone's starter packages. These Amplifiers are under the Epiphone Electar moniker.^[9]

Manufacturing[edit]

US[edit]

Epiphone instruments made between 1957 and 1970 were made beside the Gibson factory at 224 Parsons (Gibson located at 225 Parsons) St and on Elenor St; Kalamazoo, MI 49007.Solid body guitars with flat tops and backs were made at the Elenor Street plants (both Gibson and Epiphone) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Some of these Epiphone instruments were effectively identical to the relevant Gibson versions, perhaps made with same timber, materials and components as the contemporary equivalent Gibson guitars. Epiphone also continued its production of world class archtop guitars using the same patterns and molds from Epi's New York era. Some specific examples of Gibson-era Epiphone instruments from this period includes the Epiphone Sheraton (co-developed with the Gibson ES-335 & sharing its semi-hollow body, but with, Epiphone's pre-Gibson 'Frequensator' tailpiece and 'New York' mini-humbucker pickups, and significantly fancier inlays) and Sheraton II (replacing the Frequensator with Gibson's 'stop-bar' tailpiece), the Epiphone Casino (similar to the Gibson ES-330), the Epiphone Caballero (similar to the Gibson LG-0), the Epiphone Cortez (similar to the Gibson LG-2), the Epiphone Olympic Special (similar to the Gibson Melody Maker), the Epiphone Sorrento (similar to the Gibson ES-125TC, except for a few cosmetic changes), and the Epiphone Texan (similar to the Gibson J-45, apart from a change in scale-length). The other Kalamazoo-made Epiphones had technical or cosmetic relationship with the similar Gibson version.

Several Epiphone guitars have been produced in the United States after 1971. The Epiphone Spirit and Special were produced in the early 1980s in Kalamazoo.^{[citation needed]} In 1993, three historic Epiphone acoustic guitars, the Texan, Frontier, and Excellente, were produced by Gibson Acoustic in Montana.^{[citation needed]} The Paul McCartney Texan was produced in 2005, and in 2009, the Epiphone Historic Collection was created, beginning with the 1962 Wilshire, built by Gibson Custom. Several other models, such as the Sheraton and John Lennon Casinos, were built in Japan and assembled and finished by Gibson USA.^{[citation needed]}

Japan[edit]

The best gif to apng converter for mac. In the early 1970s, Matsumoku began to manufacture Epiphone instruments in Japan^[10] with the production and distribution being managed by Aria, in cooperation with Gibson. At this time, Epiphone ceased production of all of its traditional designs and began manufacturing markedly less expensive guitars, many of which had less traditional bolt-on style necks and unspecified wood types.^[11] Some of these guitars had similar body shapes to traditional Epiphone and Gibson designs but had different names while other models retained certain model designations, such as the FT (Flat Top) guitars.^[12] Construction of these guitars differed greatly from past Epiphone models. For the first several years of production in Japan, Epiphone guitars were actually rebranded designs already produced by the Matsumoku Company.^[13]

By 1975, the Japanese market started seeing some of the more familiar designs and names being reintroduced. These guitars were of higher quality than that of the previous years of production in Japan and included models such as the Wilshire, Emperor, Riviera and Newport bass.^[14] These models were available to the Japanese market only. By 1976 new designs of higher quality were being introduced for export but did not include the current Japanese market models. Notable new designs from this era were the Monticello (Scroll Guitar), the Presentation (PR) and Nova series flat tops and the Genesis solid body guitar. By 1980, most Japanese-only designs were available for worldwide distribution. The Matsumoku-made archtops, such as the Emperor, Riviera, Sheraton and Casino, were available into the mid-1980s.

Korea[edit]

From the 1980s, Epiphones were manufactured mainly in Korea and Japan by contractors licensed by Gibson.^[10][15] One of these contractors was Samick,^[15] which also built instruments under license for other brands and in its own name. The brand was primarily used to issue less expensive versions of classic Gibson models.^[15]

These guitars were constructed using different woods (usually Nyatoh,^{[citation needed]} for example, instead of Mahogany), were fastened with epoxies rather than wood-glues.^{[citation needed]} Gibson and Epiphone guitars all use Titebond resin glue, which is simple carpenters' wood glue, and were finished in hard, quick-to-apply polyester resin rather than the traditional nitro-cellulose lacquer used by Gibson^{[citation needed]} Epiphone guitars assembled or made in the US use lacquer finishes, but those made outside of the US use a poly urethane finish because of pollution requirements. These particular budget considerations, along with others such as plastic nuts and cheaper hardware and pickups, allow for a more affordable instrument.

Samick has stopped^[when?] manufacturing guitars in Korea.

China[edit]

Epiphone Ft 45 Cortez Serial Numbers For Sale

In 2004, Gibson opened a factory in Qingdao, China, which manufactures Epiphone guitars.^[16] With few exceptions, Epiphones are now built only in the Qingdao factory.^[16]

Unique Epiphone models, including the Emperor, Zephyr, Riviera and Sheraton, are built to higher quality standards than the company's 'Gibson copy' line^{[citation needed]}. In 2004 Epiphone introduced a series of acoustic guitars named Masterbilt after a line of guitars of the 1930s, which are built in the same factory.^[17]Ipx windows 10. One click unbrick tool dari heimdall download.

Imperial Series and Elitist[edit]

Epiphone Ft 45 Cortez Serial Numbers List

During the early 1990s Epiphone released a series called the Imperial Series. These were remakes of the classic Epiphone archtops of the 1930s and '40s. Each instrument was handmade in the FujiGen factory in Japan.^{[citation needed]} This short-lived series was discontinued in 1993, after only 42 Emperors were made.^{[citation needed]} Several other models, including De Luxe, Broadway and Triumph models, were also produced in varying quantities.

Production was moved back to Nashville and Bozeman for a similar limited run of instruments (250 each of Sheratons, Rivieras, Frontiers, Excellentes and Texans).^[18] These guitars were the 'Nashville USA Collection' (archtops) and the 'Anniversary Series' (acoustics). Contrary to popular information, this line was related to, but not part of the 1994 Gibson Centennial Series commemorating 100 years of the Gibson Guitar Corporation. The Nashville and Anniversary Collections were intended as reintroductions of original, USA built Epiphone models.

In 2002, Epiphone began producing a range of higher quality instruments under the 'Elite Series' moniker which were built by Terada and FujiGen in Japan.^{[citation needed]} After legal action by Ovation the name was changed to Elitist in 2003. As of 2008, all of the Elitist models have been discontinued with the exception of the Elitist Casino and the Dwight Trash Casino. The Epiphone Elitist guitars included features such as higher grade woods, bone nuts, hand-rubbed finishes, 'Made in the USA' pickups and USA strings.^[19]Japanese domestic market Elitists used the Gibson Dove-wing headstock as opposed to the 'tombstone' headstock used on exports.^[20]

Serial numbers and factory codes[edit]

Current Epiphone serial numbers give the following information:^[21]

Korea

• I = Saein
• U = Unsung
• S = Samick
• P or R = Peerless
• K = Korea
• F = Fine

China

• MR = CHINA
• DW = DaeWon
• EA = Gibson/QingDao
• EE = Gibson/QingDao
• MC = Muse
• SJ = SaeJung
• Z = Zaozhuang Saehan
• BW = China

Epiphone Guitar Serial Lookup

Japan

• No letter or F = FujiGen
• J or T = Terada

Czech Republic

• B = Bohêmia Musico-Delicia

Indonesia

• SI = Samick Indonesia

Example: SI09034853 SI = Samick Indonesia, 09 = 2009, 03 = March, 4853 = manufacturing number.

Vintage Epiphone Guitar Serial Numbers

YYMMFF12345

• YY year
• MM month
• FF factory-code
• 12345 production#
• FACTORY NUMBER CODES—for some models starting in 2008, if serial # begins w/numbers
• [NOTE: The factories identified by these codes are based on patterns that forum members have observed. The numbers appear as the 5th and sixth digits in the serial number.]
• 11 = MIC sticker on a '08 Masterbilt
• 12 = DeaWon or Unsung (China—uncertainty remains as to which factory)
• 13 = Sticker: Made in China (Unknown factory; Epiphone LP-100)
• 15 = Qingdao (China) – electric
• 16 = Qingdao (China) – acoustic
• 17 = China – factory unknown MIC sticker on a J160E
• 18 = China – factory unknown found on one 2009 model bass
• 20 = DaeWon or Unsung (China—uncertainty remains as to which factory)
• 21 = Unsung, Korea
• 22 = ??? Korea (factory still unknown)
• 23 = ??? Indonesia (factory still unknown, probably Samick,)
• I = Indonesia (this letter has appeared as the 5th digit on two authentic new models made in Indonesia

Players of Epiphone[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^http://www.epiphone.com/News/Features/Features/2013/Jim-Rosenberg-The-Epiphone-Interview.aspx
2. ^Ingram, Adrian. The Gibson L5: Its History and Its Players. Anaheim, CA: Centerstream Pub., 1997. Print.
3. ^'Epiphone: A History – Hard Times'. Epiphone.com. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
4. ^'Epiphone: A History – Epi'. Epiphone.com. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
5. ^'Epiphone: A History'. Epiphone.com. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
6. ^'Epiphone: A History – Epiphone and Gibson'. Epiphone.com. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
7. ^'Epiphone Les Paul Baritone Review'. Guitarhoo!. Guitarhoo.com. June 30, 2004. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
8. ^'Epiphone – The Vintage Collection'. www2.epiphone.com.
9. ^'Epiphone Introduces Three New Electric Packs!'. Epiphone.com. Retrieved 2013-08-20.
10. ^ ^ab'Epiphone: A History – A New Beginning'. Epiphone.com. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
11. ^1971 & 1974 Epiphone Catalogs
12. ^1974 & 1976 Epiphone catalogs
13. ^'History'. Epiphone.com. 1909-03-25. Retrieved 2013-08-20.
14. ^1977 Epiphone Japan catalog
15. ^ ^abc'Epiphone: A History – Epiphone in Korea'. Epiphone.com. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
16. ^ ^ab'A-Chat-With-Epiphone-President-Jim-Rosenberg'. Epiphone.com. Retrieved 2013-08-20.
17. ^'Epiphone Masterbuilt Series'(PDF). Epiphone. Retrieved 2013-09-07.
18. ^'Epiphone: A History – Taking On The World'. Epiphone.com.
19. ^'Epiphone Elitist'. Epiphone.com. Retrieved 2013-08-20.
20. ^2002 Epiphone Japan Elite/Elitist catalog
21. ^'Serial Number Search'. Gibson. Retrieved 2013-09-07.

External links[edit]

Gibson Epiphone Guitar Serial Numbers By Year