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 Allen Woody Rumblekat Electric Bass Semi-Hollow Short Scale Hard Case
Austin, Texas, 787**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$625
Designed by Gov??t Mule legend Allen WoodyThe Epiphone Allen Woody Rumblekat bass was designed by the late Allen ... view on ebay
Vintage 1970??s Epiphone ET-280 Bass Guitar
Chilmark, Massachusetts, 025**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$350
I??m always happy to accept returns if an item is not as described. I ask that you please study the photos and contact me with any questions. I??ve been selling on eBay for over 27 years with excellent feedback so bid with confidence.
... view on ebay
Epiphone Rivoli Semi-Hollow Body Bass Guitar with Case READ DESCRIPTION
Franklin, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$800
1972 Epiphone 1820 / ET280 Short Scale Bass Guitar Made in Japan
Fairfield, Ohio, 450**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$700
Added photo: the excellent pickguard I removed from my other ET280 and will put in place of the original pickguard in the photo
There is a hairline crack on the body top I noticed after I took these photos. Please wait to bid until I get ... view on ebay
EPIPHONE THUNDERBIRD BASS GUITAR WITH CASE, MISSING TRUST ROD PLATE.
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, 547**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$850
... view on ebay
Epiphone bass guitar 4 string includes zippered gig bag.
Las Vegas, Nevada, 891**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$395
Epiphone by Gibson Power Bass guitar -GOOD CONDITION-
Lakeland, Florida, 338**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$249
1957 Epiphone Upright Bass B-V Artist Extremely Rare 1 of 34 Kalamazoo
Lowell, Michigan, 493**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$9500








