Vintage Epiphone Basses

Vintage Epiphone basses are securely entrenched in history. Initially a producer of banjos, Epiphone is the only company in history that successfully changed focus to manufacturing high-quality basses that remain an important part of the history of the vintage bass guitar.

The evolution of vintage Epiphone basses

In 1873, the House of Stathopoulo was born. This company initially focused on making quality banjos. In the late 1920s, the company changed its name to Epiphone and, several years later, began making what are today vintage basses. In 1957, the Chicago Musical Instrument Company, also the owner of Gibson, purchased Epiphone. Even under this new ownership, basses produced after the acquisition are referred to as Gibson/Epiphones.

Construction and collectible value

At the heart of Epiphone basses lies high-quality, solid wood construction. The most rare and collectible basses were made prior to 1937. These models are especially difficult to find and are usually owned only by the most ardent and extensive collectors. The period of 1937 to 1956 produced collectible models that featured an increase in body sizes. Epiphone built its reputation on professional-grade models. By collectors and vintage enthusiasts alike, these models are considered the best vintage bass guitars ever produced in a factory.

Collectible models

Epiphone produced a number of exceptional bass guitars during their best years. Models that are continually sought by collectors, and where many modern-day basses find inspiration, include the following models: EB-0, EB-3, Embassy Special-IV, Embassy Standard-IV, Embassy Standard-V, Les Paul Special Bass, Thunderbird-IV, Goth Thunderbird-IV, Viola, Allan Woody Rumblekat and the Jack Casady Signature. These basses are known for producing exceptional sounds that revolutionized the bass guitar and music industry.

With a rich and varied history, Epiphone remains a vital contender in the world of vintage basses. Highly-prized and sought after by collectors, the models mentioned here are some of the finest bass guitars ever produced.