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 precipitated a relocation of Epiphone from New York City to Philadelphia. In 1957 the company was acquired by Gibson.

When did Epiphone and Gibson merge?

1957 International demand for Epiphones was so high that the company opened a new factory in China in 2004, the first time that Epiphone had its own dedicated factory since the merging with Gibson in 1957. Today, Epiphone has something for every player in every genre.

When did Epiphone start making Gibson models?

1957 But going back even further; after Epiphone acquisition by Gibson in 1957, their guitars were produced in a smaller factory built next to Gibsons main plant until 1970.

When did Epiphone start making Les Pauls?

Epiphone Les PaulManufacturerEpiphonePeriod1988–presentConstructionBody typeSolid12 more rows

Are Epiphone guitars made in China?

In 2004, Gibson opened a factory in Qingdao, China, which manufactures Epiphone guitars. With few exceptions, Epiphones are now built only in the Qingdao factory.