1. Gibson Les Paul Serial Number Age

• Gibson Les Paul Standard 2019 Electric Guitar Heritage Cherry Sunburst. Please make a selection from the drop down menu and browse through the Gibson Les Paul Standard 2019 Guitars in Heritage Cherry Sunburst that are currently in stock and have been individually photographed/listed by their unique serial number/weight.
• Get the best price on Gibson Les Paul Standard at Guitar Center. Most Gibson Les Paul Standard are eligible for free shipping.
• Vintage Gibson serial numbers. So Gibson re-used serial numbers. If you read through the charts for a hypothetical number, say 123456 - we see that it was shipped in 1963, 1970-72, and again in 74-75. Not an ideal situation, but many of the Guitars we see listed for sale as 1960s instruments, are actually newer.
• Note: The discontinued Gibson USA Jimmy Page Signature Les Paul has a standard 8 digit serial number. Joe Perry Les Paul (2 models) – Joe Perry Signature Les Paul from 1996 (trans black finish) – numbered in sequence as “JPxxx” – Boneyard LP – Pilot Run models have an inked number and hand written “Pilot Run”.
• Nov 17, 2009  I have a Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty purchased used in 1976. The serial # is 00120780 and is imprinted on the back of the headstock, along with LES PAUL CUSTOM and Made in USA. I know it could not have been made in 2000 as it was purchased before then.
• Jun 26, 2018 - Gibson guitar serial numbers are, like a lot of serial number systems from guitar manufacturers, a complicated beast. FON's (and serial numbers) on Gibson guitars are usually found either. Gibson Les Paul Custon shop.

Left: The 'inked on' serial number on a 1955 Les Paul standard solidbody guitar. This style serial number was used on all 1953 to 1960 solidbody Gibson guitars. This style serial number was used on all 1953 to 1960 solidbody Gibson guitars.

• 97 Epiphone Gibson Les Paul Junior jr P90 pickup Made in Korea with case.

  You are checking out a 97 Epiphone Gibson Les Paul JR Made in Korea. Tested and working as should! It will have tamper proof tape on it. Things can always be worked out.

  Brand: Epiphone

  $186.58 shipping

  Features: With PickupCustoms services and international tracking provided

• 2001 Gibson Les Paul Special

  Tuning machines: Kluson Keystone. Tailpiece: Stopbar. Bridge design: Tune-o-matic. Bridge type: Fixed. Kill switch: NoHardware. Coil tap or split: No. Pickup switch: 3-way. Material: Rosewod.

  Brand: Gibson

  $89.10 shipping

  Customs services and international tracking provided

• Unplayed! Gibson Custom Shop Historic '56 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue 1956 Lefty LH

  Guitar is new, we are not an official Gibson dealer so will be sold as no warranty. But otherwise guitar is NEW. NO ISSUES! Never owned direct from Gibson. See tons of HD pics below! You will be the first owner.

  Brand: Gibson

  $113.80 shipping

• Orville by Gibson LPC-75 Les Paul Custom Used

  We are 'EastIsland Crew' from Japan. Body material: maple top / mahogany back.

  From Japan

  $165.00 shipping

  Brand: Orville by Gibson

• Gibson Les Paul Studio Limited Edition

  Our Products are 100% Authentic.

  From Japan

  $179.00 shipping

• 1991 Gibson Les Paul Standard Honey Burst Plain Top Electric Guitar w/ Case

  The guitar plays cleanly in all positions with a straight neck and no buzzing or dead spots, and the truss rod is responsive in both directions. The nut has Gibson's traditional 1 11/16' width and the rosewood fretboard sports pearl trapezoid inlays.

  Brand: Gibson

  $170.00 shipping

• Gibson Les Paul Standard Cobalt Burst 2018 - Sheptone AB Customs -Immaculate Top

  I have for sale, an amazing Gibson Les Paul Standard. This beautiful Cobalt Burst began its life as a Stratosphere body guitar. You will be hard pressed to find a better pickup made for this guitar.

  Brand: Gibson

  $126.33 shipping

  Size: Full SizeCustoms services and international tracking provided

  Guitar is new, we are not an official Gibson dealer so will be sold as no warranty. But otherwise guitar is NEW. NO ISSUES! Never owned direct from Gibson. See tons of HD pics below! You will be the first owner.

  Brand: Gibson

  $113.80 shipping

• 1982 Gibson les paul silver streak custom shop guitar

  This guitar is HEAVY, and has a deep bottom tone. I love it, but I've been playing less and need the moolah.

  Brand: Gibson

  $117.90 shipping

• Gibson Custom Les Paul Standard 'Rock Top' Electric Guitar Fossilized Flame NH

  A heavy, hard rock maple top on a lightweight mahogany body can take a Les Paul to new sonic heights. The result is an elegant, historic-spec Les Paul model with one-of-a-kind looks and unforgettable sound.

  Brand: Gibson

  $203.80 shipping

• New Gibson Les Paul Standard 2019 Faded Satin Honeyburst 60s Plain Top Guitar

  Gibson USA Les Paul Standard 2019 Faded -Satin Honeyburst 60s Plain Top Electric Guitar. Gibson Les Paul Standard 2019 Faded-The '60s Plain Top is a great choice for players who want a classic Les Paul Standard with a mahogany body with weight relief on the maple plain top and a chic slim neck from the 60's.

  From Japan

  $140.00 shipping

  Brand: GibsonFeatures: With Pickup

• 1974 Gibson Les Paul Special Electric Guitar

  . Item will be S&H via.

  Brand: Gibson

  $155.00 shipping

• Gibson Les Paul Studio Alpine White New

  Color: White. Accessories: Soft case, instruction manual, warranty card. State: S: New. Other features: coil tap. Serial number: 170041357. We are 'East Island Crew' from Japan.

  From Japan

  $165.00 shipping

  Brand: Gibson

• Gibson The Paul 2 Les Paul 1999

  Brand: Gibson

  $121.75 shipping

  Customs services and international tracking provided

• 2008 Gibson Les Paul Slash Standard Signature Vintage Sunburst CLEAN +OHSC

  Great overall shape, all original in original case! This guitar is a rare limited run edition! Not just a run of the mill, this one has got a vibe to it! Its special for sure! For those of you head over heels for Slash or Les Pauls (or Both!).

  Brand: Gibson

  $113.80 shipping

• 2012 Gibson Les Paul Model Studio Wine Red s/n: 116421372 USA Electric Guitar

  2012 Gibson Les Paul Model Studio Wine Red s/n: 116421372 USA Electric Guitar w/ Original Gibson Case.

  Brand: Gibson

  $69.06 shipping

  Customs services and international tracking provided

• Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s - Bourbon Burst Electric Guitar

  Color: Bourbon Burst. Body Shape: Les Paul Standard '60s. Scale Length: 24.75'. Body Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer. Case Included: Hardshell Case. Bridge Pickup: Burstbucker 61T Humbucker. Neck Pickup: Burstbucker 61R Humbucker.

  Brand: Gibson

  Was: Previous Price$2,499.99

• Gibson Les paul Classic Plus 2017 New

  State: S: New.

  From Japan

  $165.00 shipping

  Brand: Gibson

• Nice 2008 GIBSON LES PAUL Standard Tobacco Sunburst FLAME TOP with OHSC

  Brand: Gibson

  $94.87 shipping

  Customs services and international tracking provided

  From Japan

  $165.00 shipping

  Brand: Gibson

• Gibson Les Paul Robot Limited First Edition Run - Unplayed w/ original case

  Gibson Les Paul Robot First Run Limited Edition.Condition is unplayed. I have always stored this inside in air conditioned, dehumidified space in the case in the box. I took it out approximately annually to charge the battery and exercise the tuning pegs. Kept tension low on strings while stored. High e string was replaced because it snapped once when just running the tuners, other strings are original. Comes with original paperwork, case, charger, and shipping box.No returns after pickup, but you can inspect/test it to verify the condition before taking it. If you are not local and want to buy it, I can take it to a local authorized Gibson rep to inspect it for you and then ship it to you but no returns.

  Brand: Gibson

  $146.16 shipping

  Size: Full SizeCustoms services and international tracking provided

  A 100th ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION! CLASSIC LOOKS, COIL SPLITTING AND BUILT–IN TURBO BOOST, IN A FULL–BORE LES PAUL AT AN INCREDIBLE PRICE. Attractive Les Paul Hologram: Authenticity and tribute. Comprehensive three-point Setup of 22 Frets (Lower Frets, Improved PLEK program, Intonation): Silky smooth action and bending, improved intonation.

  From Greece

  $90.00 shipping

  Brand: Gibson

  From Japan

  Free shipping

  Brand: Orville by Gibson

• Gibson 50s Les Paul Standard Wine Red 2003 Used

  We are 'EastIsland Crew' from Japan.

  From Japan

  $165.00 shipping

  Brand: Gibson

• 2014 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro II Original Cherry Red Flamed Top OHSC

  Plays and sounds fantastic, a nice original Gibson Les Paul for a nice price. Push/pull coil-splitting, 3-way toggle pickup selector. Burstbucker III bridge humbucker, 57 Classic neck humbucker. Solid body with carved top.

  Brand: Gibson

  $159.16 shipping

  Customs services and international tracking provided

• Gibson Les Paul Traditional Light Burst Used

  Accessories: Hard Case, without. Weight: 4.08kg. Fret shows 70-80% remains. We are 'EastIsland Crew' from Japan.

  From Japan

  $165.00 shipping

  Brand: Gibson

• Gibson Les Paul '50s Standard Faded 2016 New

  Production year: 2016. State: S: New. Accessories: Hard Case, warranty. We are 'East Island Crew' from Japan. Body material: maple top / mahogany back.

  From Japan

  $165.00 shipping

  Brand: Gibson

• Gibson Les Paul Guitar, Model lpcs17 Finish 3

  Condition is Used.

  Brand: Gibson

  $284.22 shipping

  Customs services and international tracking provided

  From Japan

  $165.00 shipping

  Brand: Gibson

• New Gibson USA Les Paul Signature Player Plus 2018 Satin Vintage Sunburst Guitar

  Gibson USA 2018 model, Les Paul Player Plus has arrived! A new lineup of attractive practical specs that incorporates Gibson's challenging technologies! You can feel a sense of weight of mahogany like Les Paul without giving weight relief.

  From Japan

  $140.00 shipping

  Brand: GibsonFeatures: With Pickup

• Gibson Les Paul LP Standard Electric Guitar w CASE CANDY 2018 BLOOD ORANGE BURST

  Previously owned 2018 Gibson Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar in Blood Orange Burst Finish with Rosewood Fingerboard. Color: Blood Orange Burst. Model: Les Paul Standard. Includes original hardshell case & case candy.

  Brand: Gibson

  $125.00 shipping

• Gibson Les Paul Classic Plus 2017 T Used

  Weight: 4.10kg. Neck Material: Mahogany. We are 'East Island Crew' from Japan.

  From Japan

  $165.00 shipping

  Brand: Gibson

• Used Gibson LES PAUL STUDIO PLATINUM 2003 Electric Guitar From Japan

  Gibson LES PAUL STUDIO PLATINUM 2003 Electric Guitar. Gibson / Les Paul Studio Platinum 2003 has arrived for second-hand. The pickup is equipped with 490R · 498T, we will output a powerful Les Paul sound.

  From Japan

  $140.00 shipping

  Brand: GibsonFeatures: With Pickup

• Unplayed! Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul Lefty Left Handed Gloss 2018 Goldtop

  Guitar is new, we are not an official Gibson dealer so will be sold as no warranty. But otherwise guitar is NEW. NO ISSUES! Never owned direct from Gibson. See tons of HD pics below! You will be the first owner.

  Brand: Gibson

  $113.80 shipping

• Gibson Les Paul Custom Light Black Beauty 2013 w/OHS case

  Grab it quick before I change my mind! Last pic shows only marks on guitar on back of neck just for full disclosure.

  Brand: Gibson

  $158.24 shipping

  Customs services and international tracking provided

• Gibson Les Paul Junior Vintage Tobacco Burst w/ Case

  Introduced as an affordable option for students and beginners in 1954, the Les Paul Junior has been embraced by musicians for over 60 years. The fat 50's-style neck profile and wraparound bridge add to the equation for rock solid tone.

  Brand: Gibson

  $109.70 shipping

• 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom Cherry with OHSC

  From Canada

  $264.80 shipping

  Brand: Gibson

• Used Gibson Les Paul Classic T Surf Green 2017

  A silky smooth player with a rare Surf Green finished top. Special features include a comfortable '60s SlimTaper neck profile with rolled fingerboard edges & Plek'd for perfect playability. Body: Solid mahogany body with maple cap in Surf Green finish & cream binding.

  Brand: Gibson

  $120.00 shipping

• Vintage! 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe All Original + OHSC Cherry Sunburst

  Really great sound and lots of tonal range! The top is near perfect! No Breaks, cracks, or repairs! Works perfectly. Neck is the perfect size and profile. SEE many images below! Lovies Guitars has CITES Master File and Certificates will be issued when and where needed.

  Brand: Gibson

  $113.80 shipping

• Gibson Les Paul Faded 2018 Worn Burbon Brown

  While inheriting the traditional Les Paul, the maple top, mahogany back's body adopt ultra-modern weight relief for more comfortable play and sound ! This is a faded model based on Les Paul Studio, which achieves high cost performance by reducing decorations.

  From Japan

  $160.00 shipping

  Brand: GibsonSize: Full Size

• Gibson USA Les Paul Standard 2019 Faded -Satin Honeyburst 60s Plain Top

  We are 'East Island Crew' from Japan.

  From Japan

  $165.00 shipping

  Brand: Gibson

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]

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]

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]

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]

Imperial Series and Elitist[edit]

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

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.

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 Les Paul Serial Number Age