When Gibson acquired Epiphone in 1958, it moved production to its own plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan. There were a few reasons that Gibson wanted Epiphone. Epiphone had been Gibsons greatest competition before the company began to flounder. They had tooling for upright basses which Ted McCarty, (Gibson president) had long admired, and producing another brand would go some way to offer Gibson-made instruments to dealers who were not part of Gibsons existing territory agreements. Gibson have always preferred not to have too many outlets for their product.
A new building (right hand side of the above picture) was added to the Gibson plant in 1960, behind the existing Gibson plant (far left of the picture, just beyond the famous Gibson chimney). Epiphone guitars and basses were still built in this old building alongside the Gibson models, but to keep customers thinking these were different lines, the postal address used for Epiphone was the one on the far right, 47 Bush Street.
Epiphone Basses
Epiphone have made, and still do make some very nice bass guitars. The company had made fine upright basses in the 1950s, but didn't make a bass guitar until Gibson took over. In 1961 it launched two models, the solid-body Newport, and the semi-acoustic Rivoli, followed by a long scale solid-body, the Embassy Deluxe, in 1963.
Production moved to Japan in 1969/70.
Epiphone ET-285 1972-1977 Vintage Bass Sunburst MIJ FREE SHIPPING
Neosho, Missouri, 648**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$659
Any questions, just ask ;)
This is a super cool, and rare bird
Made in Japan, vintage, and all original, except for the truss rod cover
This one even has the original bridge plate cover
She's definitely been rocked, with signs of wear throughout, I've circled the 2 biggest dings on the bass
Otherwise, the rest are just scratches and minor dings from common wear expected for a 50 year old instrument
Plays great, no issues
I'll ship it to you with a ... more
Epiphone by Gibson Rock Bass Black 80s? (Used)
Sedalia, Missouri, 653**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$400
Epiphone Limited Edition Thunderbird IV Bass by Gibson w 50s Wiring, Case & More
Smyrna, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$777
Epiphone Limited Edition Thunderbird IV Bass by Gibson w50s Wiring, Case & More
This Epiphone Limited Edition Thunderbird IV Bass is aWINNER as it has the Gibson 50s Wiring, Schaller S-Locks strap buttons (repositioned), Gold Top Hat knobs, and has been recently serviced and set up. Comes with hard case
GET THIS WINNER BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE DOES!
GIBSON 50s WIRING
The Gibson Flying V 50s Wiring with Independent Volume Controlsand 3-Way Pickup Selector Switch ... more
Epiphone Newport 4-String Bass, Laurel Fingerboard, Cherry
National City, California, 919**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$329
Description
An Epiphone Original From the Early 60s Returns
The Epiphone Newport Bass is an all-original design that debuted in 1961. The modern Newport Bass pays tribute to that rare vintage model while offering refinements to meet the needs of today??s bassists. The 30 5?? ... more
1970s EPIPHONE ET 280 BASS GUITAR w / Gig Bag & extra Set of Strings
Southbury, Connecticut, 064**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$700
Beautiful Cherry finish in Very Good condition with minor to modreate paint wear and scuffs. The original tuners have been replaced with Gibson tuners
Shipping, Handling, Insurance will be determined by Zip Code.
I will combine shipping for multiple items won.
... more
vintage epiphone bass guitar MODEL ET-288
Pleasantville, New York, 105**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$750
... more
Epiphone Thunderbird Bass Vintage Sunburst with Hard Case (PD5029783)
Covington, Louisiana, 704**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$500
Epiphone / Gibson Embassy Bass Guitar
Beach City, Ohio, 446**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$430
... more