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.
1957 Epiphone Upright Bass B-V Artist Extremely Rare 1 of 34 Kalamazoo
Lowell, Michigan, 493**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$9500
Vintage 1960's Epiphone Newport Husk U Fix Repair Luthier Special
Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1100
This bass guitar needs a full restoration and we hope this guitar can be brought back to life!
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Epiphone By Gibson 4 String Electric Bass Guitar - White Jazz Bass
Connellys Springs, North Carolina, 286**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$250
Epiphone Newport Bass - Cherry
Jackson, Tennessee, 383**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$450
The Epiphone Newport Bass in Cherry offers a vintage-inspired design with modern playability, ideal for bassists seeking classic tone and style. Featuring a hollow-body construction, it delivers warm, resonant sound with enhanced sustain. This B Stock instrument has been carefully inspected to ensure reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for both recording and live settings. Its comfortable neck and smooth fretboard enable precise ... view on ebay
1964 epiphone newport bass With Original Case
Washington, New Jersey, 078**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1999
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Vintage 1990s Epiphone Power Bass Guitar Black Frets Removed MIK Project Jazz P
Elmwood Park, New Jersey, 074**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$325
Epiphone Embassy Standard IV 4 String Bass Guitar Set Up By Luthier
Dobbs Ferry, New York, 105**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$500
Used: Good (see photos for wear / tear) Set up by Experienced Luthier
If you ever need something extra included with your purchase, please let us know before shipping
We are THE MUZIC STORE INC in Dobbs Ferry, New York! ? Store Hours: M-F 11 AM - 6 PM
Westchester County and New York State legendary music shop, Family-owned and operated since 1982. The Muzic Store has proudly served Westchester County and ... view on ebay
Epiphone Allen Woody Rumblekat Bass Guitar
Greenwood, South Carolina, 296**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$995