Timeline 1931-1956: A chronology of Epiphone instruments
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This timeline provides a chronology of milestones, developments and changes related to Epiphone instruments over the years 1931 to 1956. The timeline focuses on general aspects, while detailed info about individual models and their development can be found on the Models page. Click on links to see photo of example.
Note: The quoted serial numbers (SN) refer to the first/last examples of a model/feature as documented in our Registry i.e. not necessarily the first/last example in existence.
The timeline is a working document and subject to corrections as new evidence material surfaces.
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1931193219331934193519361937193819391940
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Last updated: 30 Jul 2019
1931
General features:
June 1931: Masterbilt model line 'announced' (no further details documented) 1
Serial numbers (SN): starting at SN 5000, stamped inside body
Label inside body: oval label, printed in black on silver paper (next to stamped SN); earliest examples: no label
Headstock: asymmetrical shape on higher models, rounded peak shape on lower models; black plastic (pyralin) veneer with engraved and tinted 'Epiphone' + 'Masterbilt' banners, model name in between, banners pearl on higher models; plain veneer on low-end models
Tuners: single Waverly clipped plate (higher models, until 1936); strip Waverly square-end (lower models, until 1939);
strip Waverly arrow-head (4-string models, until 1939)
Neck width: around 1' at nut (6-string guitars)
Fretboard: curved end
Top construction: arched or flat top, ladder-braced
Soundholes: 3-segment f-hole shape
Top finish: sunburst (translucent); Olympic: natural or black(?);
Beverly: natural
Pickguard: black plastic (pyralin), straight shape, bound on DeLuxe model; mounting: no screw (last SN 5308), later 2 screws (first SN 5279)
Bridge: two-foot base, saddle with bone insert (until 1932, last SN 5842)
Tailpiece (guitars): trapeze, 'wrap over' style, short mounting bracket (until 1933)
A rchtop guitar models (6-string) introduced:
DeLuxe: 16' (first SN 5009)
Broadway: 16' (first SN 5047)
Triumph: 15', walnut back (first SN 5010)
Royal: 15', mahogany back (first SN 5119)
Zenith: 13', maple back (first SN 5128)
Olympic: 13', natural top (first SN 5262)
Tenor/plectrum guitar models (4-string) introduced:
Empire: 13' (first SN 5137)
Bretton: 15' (first SN 5375)
Hollywood: 13' (first SN 5044)
Regent: 13' (first SN 5287)
Melody: 13' (first SN 5086)
Beverly: 13', natural top (first SN 5253)
Mandolin family models introduced:
Strand: 2-point body (1931 pic in 1932 catalog, first SN 5550)
Rivoli: teardrop body (first SN 5162)
Adelphi: teardrop body (first SN 5164)
1932
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Catalog 'Masterbilt Fretted Instruments', published late 1932 2
General features:
Company name/address: Epiphone Banjo Corporation, 3537 36 th Street, Long Island City, NY
Serial numbers: DeLuxe + Broadway only: SN stamped onto oval label (first SN 6099); on models with floating bridge, SN also penciled under the bridge foo t (first SN 5765)
Top construction: carved top with parallel tonebars on all archtop and tenor/plectrum models (except Beverly)
Neck: Wider laminate strips on Triumph and higher models (first SN 6009, last narrow laminate strips SN 5994)
Pickguard: mounting with 1 screw (first around SN 5681)
Bridge: solid base, angled saddle with straight top (no individual string compensation)
A rchtop model changes:
Blackstone: new 14' model, all black finish, maple back (first SN 5707)
Olympic: sunburst top (first SN 5752)
4-string tenor/plectrum model changes:
Empire: body upsized to 15' (in catalog, no example documented)
Hollywood: body upsized to 15' (first SN 5691)
Regent: body upsized to 15' (first SN 5681)
Beverly: sunburst top ( first SN 5919)
Flattop guitars (Spanish/Hawaiian) introduced:
Madrid: 4 f-holes
Navarre: 4 f-holes (first SN 5820)
Mandolin family models changes:
Windsor: new(?) top model, 2-point body (first SN 5530)
Adelphi: banners on headstock (first SN 5597)
4 mandola models (in catalog, model names same as mandolins, no example documented)
3 mandocello models (in catalog, 'No. 1 similar to Blackstone, No. 2 similar to Triumph, No. 3 similar to DeLuxe guitar', no example documented) 1933
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Flyer 'Masterbilt Guitars' 3
General changes:
Headstock: decoration simplified, engraved gothic script banners on most lower models (first SN 6375), later with lighter font (first SN 7047); 'Epiphone Masterbilt' banner decal on Olympic + Beverly (first SN 6829)
Serial numbers: on models with floating bridge transition to SN stamped under bridge foot (first SN 7019)
Top finish: sunburst semi-opaque (first around SN 6448, until 1934)
Tailpiece (guitars): trapeze, 'through' style, large mounting bracket around endpin (first around SN 6265)
Archtop model changes:
Triumph: body upsized to 16' (first SN 6437)
Royal: walnut back (first SN 6904)
Blackstone: sunburst top (first SN 6231)
Zenith: walnut back (first SN 6372)
1934
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Catalog 'Masterbilt Fretted Instruments', dated 1934, published by November 1934 4
General changes:
Label inside body: rectangular Long Island label, printed in black on tan paper, model name typed, serial number typed (first SN 7449); penciled guide line for label position, by running pencil along f-hole (first around SN 8364, until 1943)
Headstock: 'Epiphone' block letter logo (first SN 7415), with pearl inlaid neoclassical motifs on most models; later transition to script logo (first around SN 8065; last block letter logo SN 8546)
Tuners: single Grover clipped plate (some higher and middle models, until 1935)
Fretboard: straight-cut end (first around SN 7543)
Top finish: back to sunburst translucent (around SN 7929)
Pickguard: mounting with screw at neck; bound on Broadway and higher models
Manufacturing of guitars for other brands: Howard, Sorrentino, Ideal; typically with standard Epiphone SNs stamped or on special labels (first SN 7253; produced until 1935, last SN 9331)
Archtop model changes:
Tudor: new 16' model (first SN 7449)
Triumph: carved maple back (first SN 7415)
Royal: discontinued (last SN 7591)
Spartan: new 16' model, round soundhole (first SN 7555)
Blackstone: mahogany back (first SN 7582) ; body upsized to 15' (19' long; first SN 7768)
Zenith: body upsized to 14' (first SN 7738)
Flattop model changes:
Madrid + Navarre: not listed in catalog
Mandolin model changes:
Windsor Special: new scroll model (pictured in 1934 catalog with banner headstock)
1935
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Updated version of 1934 catalog 'Masterbilt Fretted Instruments'
Flyer 'Electar Electric Music'
In catalog Chicago Musical Instruments: 'Sorrentino guitars'
General changes:
Company name changed: Epiphone, Inc. (by April 1935)
New company address: 142 West 14 th Street, New York, N.Y. (by March 1935)
Body shape (archtop guitars, most pronounced in new large size models): design of upper bouts changed to join at the neck in a more curved, slope-shoulder shape.
Logo on electric instruments (headstock) and amps: Electar logo plate without 'EPIPHONE'
Neck width: narrower, around 1' at nut (6-string guitars)
Heel: rounded neck heel shape on (Super) DeLuxe and Emperor (first SN 9433; later also on Zephyr Deluxe + Zephyr Emperor)
Soundholes: 'cello' f-hole shape, squared off at scroll (first SN 8344)
Pickguard: black plastic, curved shape (first SN 8320);
large, tortoise plastic, with hump on Emperor + DeLuxe only (first SN 9674)
Tailpiece (guitars): large 'compensating' tailpiece on Emperor + DeLuxe (1936: also on Broadway + Triumph)
Archtop model changes:
Emperor: new top model, 18' wide (first SN 9674); announced in Nov 1935 5
DeLuxe: body upsized to 17', early examples named 'Super DeLuxe' (first SN 9433), announced in Nov 1935 5
Tudor: discontinued (last SN 9082)
Spartan: walnut back, round soundhole changed to f-holes, early examples named 'Spartan Special' (first SN 8344) 6
Blackstone: body upsized 2 nd time, still 15' wide but now 20' long; maple back (first SN 9501) 6
Zenith: body upsized 2 nd time, now to 15' (first SN 9136) 6
Olympic: body upsized to 14' (first SN 8904) 6
4-string tenor/plectrum models:
Empire, Bretton, Hollywood, Regent, Melody, Beverly: models discontinued (last SN 9213); replaced by tenor/plectrum versions of Broadway, Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone, Zenith, Olympic (first Triumph Plectrum SN 8232, Olympic Tenor SN 9868)
Flattop guitar models:
Madrid: reintroduced, 16', round soundhole, Hawaiian setup
Navarre: reintroduced, 16', round soundhole, Hawaiian setup
FT 75: new 16' model
FT 37: new 15' model
FT 27: new 14' model (earliest labeled 'FT 1')
First 'Electar' electric instruments: 7
Electar Hawaiian, teardrop body, horseshoe pickup
Electar Spanish + Electar Tenor, 14', hollowbody, high f-holes, horseshoe pickup
Electar amplifier: black leatherette, 8' speaker
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Catalog 'Instrument Builders' (orange cover), published by July 1936 8
Flyer 'The Emperor' 8
Catalog 'Electar', published c. Dec 1936 (dated 1937) 9
General changes:
Label inside body: rectangular Masterbilt label, gothic script letters printed in black on white paper, serial number printed, model name typed (first SN 10465) 8
Serial numbers: new SN systems for electric instruments + amplifiers, stamped on top edge of headstock / on logo plate of amp (numbers possibly starting around SN 1, earliest documented SN 25)
Logo on electric instruments (headstock) and amps: Electar logo with 'EPIPHONE' (first SN 478)
Miessner patents plate: on electric instruments (first SN 44)
Tuners: single Waverly clipped plate wide, on middle models (first SN 11232, electric SN 402; until 1937);
single Grover pointed plate ratio 6:1, on higher/middle models (first SN 10080, electric SN 784; until 1939)
Pickguard: long tortoise plastic pickguard on Broadway, Triumph, Windsor + Artist (first SN 10278); long black pickguard on lower mandolin models (first SN 10255)
Pickup: nonadjustable blade pickup on new Model C Hawaiian
Archtop model changes: 11
Broadway: body upsized to 17' (first SN 9888)
Triumph: body upsized 2 nd time, now to 17' (first SN 10278)
Blackstone: body upsized 3 rd time, now to 16' (first SN 10421)
Zenith: body upsized 3 rd time, now to 16' (first SN 10396)
Olympic: body upsized 2 nd time, now to 15' (first SN 10874)
Mandolin model changes:
Windsor Special renamed Windsor (2-point model discontinued)
Artist: new scroll model
(also mandola versions in catalog, no examples documented)
Electric model changes:
Electar Hawaiian, Electar Amplifier: models discontinued
New models introduced:
Electar Rocco: two-neck Hawaiian model, stepped shape, nickel plated top 12
Electar Hawaiian: redesigned, now with stepped shape, nickel plated top (replaced by Model M Hawaiian later in 1936) 13
Model M Hawaiian: stepped shape, black art deco top (replacing Electar Hawaiian) 13
Model M Amplifier: grey cloth, 12' speaker, AC or AC-DC
Model C Hawaiian: guitar shape, blade pickup 14
Model C Amplifier: grey cloth, 10' speaker, AC or AC-DC 14
Super AC-DC Amplifier: taller case, black keratol, 12' speaker, higher output than Model M
Electar Banjo: tenor/plectrum, round body, horseshoe pickup
1937
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Catalog 'Instrument Builders' (blue cover) 15
Flyer 'Instrument Builders' 15
Updated version of catalog 'Electar' (dated 1937)
General changes:
Tailpiece: 'Frequensator' tailpiece on Emperor, DeLuxe, Broadway + Triumph models, starting late 1937 (around SN 12690) 16
Neck reinforcement: adjustable 'Thrust Rod' on archtops (first SN 12190) and electric Spanish guitars (around SN 1131); 17
flattops and mandolins still with nonadjustable neck reinforcement (named 'cantilever brace' in catalog)
Pickup: Model M line instruments receive new pickup with adjustable poles for each string, covered by handrest (first SN 1595) 18
Tone control: Model M line equipped with a 3 rd tone control knob dubbed 'Rhythm Control' (first SN 996, last SN 2368) 19
Archtop model changes:
Spartan: walnut back now carved
Apollo: New low-end model marketed in the UK only; Epiphone banner decal on headstock; features suggest instruments were not built by the Epiphone NYC factory but by a Chicago manufacturer, possibly Regal (until c. 1940) 20
Electric model changes:
Model C Spanish: new low-end model, 13' body, blade pickup (first SN 1537) 21
Model M Spanish + Model M Tenor: model renamed from Electar Spanish / Electar Tenor
Model M Mandolin: new model, teardrop body, no f-holes, pickup with adjustable poles, no handrest (no example documented) 21
Super AC Amplifier: AC version of Super AC-DC Amplifier
Special Amplifier (Model EL): cloth, 12' speaker, higher output than Model M, with tone control
1938
General changes:
Tuners: single Grover pointed plate ratio 12:1, on higher models (first SN 13688, electric SN 1595), on lower models by 1939; until 1940 (last SN 16905, electric SN 4167)
Bridge, electric Hawaiian models: PAF stamp (first SN 1974)
Archtop model changes:
Emperor + DeLuxe: blond finish optional
Flattop model changes:
Epiphone Serial Number Search 2006 'Gut string' models introduced (November 1938): 22
Concert: 16' top model (no example documented)
Alhambra: 14' (no example documented)
Seville: 14' (first SN 14365)
Electric model changes:
Model M Hawaiian: versions with gold art deco top (first SN 2072) + blue art deco top (first SN 2301)
1939
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Catalog 'Musical Instruments' (purple cover), published August 1939 23
General changes:
Label inside body: rectangular green label, printed in green on white paper, serial number printed, model name typed (first SN 15491)
Headstock: 'short' center-dip shape (archtops: first SN 14423; electric hollowbody instruments: on all new models + last few Model M Spanish/Tenor, first SN 2145; flattop guitars: center-dip shape with straight sides, first SN 14383)
Headstock logo (electric instruments): Epiphone 'bikini' logo plate (all new models, first SN 2507, also on some Model C Spanish, first SN 1538)
SN stamp (electric instruments): now on back of headstock (with introduction of center-dip headstock, first SN 2145; last SN top of headstock SN 2350)
Headstock inlays: simplified designs on Emperor, DeLuxe, Triumph (first SN 15731)
Tuners: single Kluson (Triumph + Zephyr, 1939 only); single E-logo enclosed tuners cataloged as option but not standard before 1940 21
Neck width: wider again, 1 11/16' at nut (6-string guitars)
Bridge, FT models: 'through' bridge with trapeze tailpiece
Pickguard: long, tortoise plastic pickguard also on lower archtop guitar + mandolin models (first SN 15491) and all new electric hollowbody models (first SN 2502)
Cases: introduction of branded 'E under lid' cases, with raised 'E' logo in the lining of the lid 23
Archtop model changes:
Broadway: 'New Broadway' cataloged with maple back + sides (first around SN 15263; SN 14803 still walnut)
Flattop model changes:
FT DeLuxe: new 16' top model
Electric model changes:
Model M + Model C lines discontinued (last SN 2488)
New models introduced:
Zephyr Hawaiian: stepped shape, white top, Master pickup 24
Zephyr Spanish + Zephyr Tenor/Plectrum: 16', Master pickup
Zephyr Amplifier: maple, 12' speaker 24
Zephyr Dreadnaught Amplifier: like Zephyr Amp, more power
Century Hawaiian: teardrop shape, bar pickup 24
Century Spanish + Century Tenor/Plectrum: 14', bar pickup
Century Amplifier: maple, 12' speaker 24
Century Banjo: model renamed from Electar Banjo, bar pickup
Century Mandolin: teardrop body, bar pickup (pictured in catalog with retouched image of Model M Mandolin)
Coronet Hawaiian: guitar shape, bar pickup
Coronet Spanish: 13', bar pickup
Coronet Amplifer: cloth, 10' speaker
Zephyr Banjo: round body, Master pickup
Zephyr Mandolin: teardrop body, Master pickup
Solo + Duo Console: rectangular shape, Master pickup
Electar Grande: cabinet-style stand with Solo/Duo Console and integrated Zephyr/Dreadnought amplifier chassis+speaker
1940
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Flyer 'Blondes '
Flyer 'Basses'
New Prices list, Oct 10, 1940
General changes:
Body shape (archtop + hollowbody electric guitars, most pronounced in larger size models): design of upper bouts changed to join at neck in straight right angle for a more square-shoulder shape (first around SN 16481; electric first SN 3442)
Headstock (archtop guitars): 'long' center-dip shape (first SN 16191, 'short' last SN 16500; 4-string 'long' first SN 17848; electric 'long' first SN 3442)
Headstock (flattop guitars): sides now curved (first SN 16500)
Tuners: single E-logo enclosed tuners standard on all models priced $75 or higher 25 : Emperor, DeLuxe, Broadway, Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone, FT 75 (first around SN 16379; Blackstone + FT 75 back to open tuners by late 1941, around SN 18309), Zephyr Spanish+Hawaiian (first around SN 3313, some with open tuners in 1942 only);
single Waverly 'yoda head', on middle models (first SN 15861, electric SN 4355 ), temporarily discontinued during WW2 (last pre-war SN 19446, electric SN 6992);
strip Waverly bell-end, on lower models (first SN 16040), until 1942 (last SN 18957)
blond finish: new option for Broadway, Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone (+ new Ritz model: blond only)
Neck wood: cherry replaces mahogany on some models
Bridge, FT models: pin bridge on new FT models
Bridge, electric Hawaiian models: no PAF stamp (last stamp around SN 4612)
Soundholes: lower position of f-holes (level with bridge) on electric hollowbody instruments (first SN 4441; last high f-holes SN 4277); pickup without handrest on the new style
Jack socket: Moved to rim on electric hollowbody instruments (first around SN 4528; last jack socket in top SN 4925)
Archtop model changes:
Soloist Emperor + DeLuxe: one single batch with cutaway body (documented examples: SN 16501, 16503, 16504, 16505)
Spartan: primavera back + sides on new blonde finish version (first SN 16941)
Ritz: new 15' model, blond finish only (first SN 17071)
Flattop model changes:
FT 50: new 14' model, 'conventional shape' (first SN 16948)
FT 30: new 14' model, 'conventional shape' (first SN 16720)
FT 27: discontinued (last SN 16459)
Bass models introduced: 26
B-4, B-3, B-2, B-1
1941
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Price list, Feb 1, 1941
Flyer 'Two additions', Apr 1941
Price list, Oct 7, 1941
Price Changes list, Dec 1, 1941
Malayalam serial hotstar . General changes:
Headstock inlays: (further) simplified designs on Emperor (first SN 18212) + Broadway (first SN 18264)
Neck reinforcement: FT models with rod adjustment at headstock (first SN 17718); mandolins keep nonajustable neck reinforcement (named 'cantilever brace' in catalog)
Finish: ivory opaque finish on some blond Ritz, Triumph, Zephyr Spanish + Zephyr DeLuxe models (first SN 17197)
Tailpiece: trapeze tailpiece stamped 'EPIPHONE' introduced on electric Spanish models (first SN 5278); after electrics halted in 1942 used on some Olympic and Zenith examples (until replaced by wartime tailpiece with rosewood bar); in 1947 on some Blackstone examples (last SN 57223)
Flattop model changes (October 1941 price list):
FT 79: new 15' model, 'jumbo shape' (first SN 18115)
FT 45: new 14' model, 'conventional shape' (first SN 51601)
Flattop models discontinued: FT DeLuxe, FT 75, FT 37
Hawaiian models discontinued: Navarre, Madrid
Gut string models discontinued: Concert, Alhambra, Seville 27
Electric model changes:
Varichord: new Hawaiian model (Feb 1941 price list; patent filed in Oct 1939, first SN 3109)
Zephyr DeLuxe: new top model (Dec 1941 price list, first SN 5542) 28
Cent ury Spanish: upsized to 15' (first SN 6200)
Coronet Spanish: upsized to 14' (first SN 6239)
Bass model changes:
B - 5: new top model (Feb 1941 price list)
1942
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Catalog V 'Musical Instruments' (green cover), published early 1942 29
Price list, March 15, 1942
General changes :
Parallelogram fretboard inlays (Blackstone, FT 110): orientation reversed (first SN 19199); other models such as Strand mandolin unchanged inlay orientation
Strings: order numbers introduced
General changes due to WW2: 30
Emperor + DeLuxe: production halted (last pre-war SN 18233)
Electric models + amplifiers: production halted (last pre-war around SN 7219)
Bass models: production halted
Flattop model changes:
FT 110: new 15' top model, 'jumbo shape' (first SN 50507)
1943
General changes:
Epaminondas 'Epi' A. Stathopoulo passes away on June 6, 1943. Epi's brother, Orpheus 'Orphie' A. Stathopoulo, is successor as President of Epiphone Inc.
Serial numbers: new SN system introduced for acoustic instruments, starting around SN 50000 (last old SN 20307)
Label inside body: rectangular blue label introduced with new SN system; printed in blue on white paper, serial number printed, model name typed; by 1945 transition of label position from aligned with f-hole to aligned with rim, no longer with pencilled line (first SN 50556)
General changes due to wartime material shortages: 31
Tuners: single Kluson with riveted gear (first SN 19421, last SN 51601) and strip Kluson with riveted gear on all lower models (first SN 19266), until 1946 (last SN 55127); Broadway + Triumph stay with single E-logo enclosed tuners
Tailpiece: rosewood bar on trapeze tailpiece (first SN 19470), until 1947 (last SN 56291)
Bridge: octagonal nuts replace round, knurled thumbwheels on floating bridges (first SN 19544), until 1945 (last SN 52250); some 1943 bridges with bakelite thumbwheels
Carved top wood: a not readily identifiable wood species (possibly poplar or birch) replaces spruce in many if not most examples, typically concealed by an ivory opaque or sunburst opaque finish (first around SN 19470), until 1945 (last SN 52748)
Headstock inlays: pearl replaced by celluloid on Olympic, Ritz, FT 45, FT 50, Rivoli (first SN 20117) 1944
General changes:
Heelcap: gold sparkle heelcap on Blackstone + Zenith (first 51472), until 1945 (last SN 53286)
Archtop model changes:
Ritz: model discontinued (last SN 51024)
Olympic: model discontinued (last SN 52010)
Tenor models: discontinued (last Olympic Tenor SN 51077) 1945
General changes:
Headstock + fretboard inlays: pearl replaced by celluloid on Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone, Zenith (first Zenith 52581; all models between SN 52922 and SN 56300)
Frequensator tailpiece: bracket often without stamp 'FREQUENSATOR / PAT. PENDING', until 1946 (first SN 52409, last SN 55839)
Archtop model changes:
Emperor + DeLuxe: models reintroduced; further simplified pearl inlays on headstock (first around SN 52834)
Flattop model changes:
All models discontinued (last SN 52512)
Mandolin model changes:
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Prs serial number lookup. Sep 19, 2012 How To Date PRS Guitars, Amps, Basses, Cabinets. Jun 29, 2010 couldn't you give the serial number to PRS and have them verify it? If PRS are slow in responding then try Ed Roman who will will give you a value as well., 07:32 AM 13. View Profile View Forum Posts. How To Spot A. Home All Guitars Paul Reed Smith (PRS). This Is A Very Simple Formula. PRS serial numbers are very easy to figure out. The only slightly confusing thing is. 1985 guitars start with the same number as a 1995 guitar. 1986 guitars start with the same number as a 1996 guitar 1987 guitars start with the same number as a 1997 guitar etc. PRS Serial Identification Numbers. Serial Number Year-Code Prefix. All guitars and basses have serial numbers which start with a year prefix. The prefix is the last one or two digits of the production year, and it applies to all models below. Hand-signed by Paul Reed Smith and based on the Custom, extremely figured (artist grade) maple. Jul 15, 2014 If it's a 10 top there will be the number '10' in gold pen in the upper rear corner of the headstock near the serial number, unless the neck is rosewood or maple, though some models have a.
All models discontinued (last SN 52176)
1946
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Price list, April 1, 1946 + Notice sheet 32
General changes:
Serial numbers: new SN system introduced for most electric instruments, used until 1949 (stamped on headstock back); initial SN digits represent model code (see Research, footnote 2)
Body shape (archtop + electric hollowbody guitars): upper bouts change from the square-shoulder shape introduced in 1940 back to a more curved, slope-shoulder shape (first SN 54189 / all post-war electric hollowbodies; last square-shoulder around SN 54130 / electric SN 7182)
Tuners: single Waverly 'yoda head' reintroduced on all lower models (first SN 55116), by 1949 tuner plates with hash marks (first SN 59179), until 1952 (last SN 65563);
transition to Phillips screws for mounting on some models
Heelcap: tortoise plastic heelcap on Spartan + Blackstone, until 1948 (first SN 55242, last SN 58040); and on Zephyr Spanish, until 1948 (first 25024, last SN 25186)
Miessner patent plate (electrics): discontinued (last Miessner plate SN 7219; first without SN 7307)
Pickup: new pickups surface-mounted on hollowbody guitars (backdoor discontinued); black pickup with large adjustable poles on higher models, nonadjustable bar pickup on lower models
Electric model changes:
Zephyr + Century model lines reintroduced
Century Spanish: upsized 2nd time, now to 16'
Bass model changes:
B-4 + B-5 reintroduced 33 1947
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Price list, June 1, 1947
General changes:
Headstock + fretboard inlays: pearl reintroduced (with changed headstock inlay motifs) on Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone, Zenith (first Triumph SN 56492, last celluloid inlays Spartan SN 56986)
Electric models changes:
Zephyr Spanish: upsized to 17' (first SN 25223)
Solo+Duo Console: reintroduced (first SN 100007)
1948
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Price list, March 15, 1948 34
General changes:
Cutaway body: new option for Zephyr DeLuxe, Emperor, DeLuxe, Broadway models; in price list named 'Advanced', on label 'Cutaway', later 'Regent' (first acoustic examples c. 1949)
'Concert' models: new Emperor + DeLuxe versions with trapezoid soundhole in price list (first examples c. 1949)
Headstock logo: modernized script with closed-loop 'e' replaces open '' (standard around SN 57287; first used in 1946 on Zephyr DeLuxe and some Emperor models)
Linings: transition from kerfed to solid linings (first solid SN 58368, last kerfed SN 58793; also in electric models around same time)
Pickup: 'Tone Spectrum' pickup (replacing black large-pole and bar pickups) 35
Electric model changes:
Zephyr DeLuxe Cutaway: new cutaway model (first SN 85000) 35
Century Amplifier, Zephyr Amplifier, Dreadnaught Amplifier: new circuitry, all models with optional vibrato (first SN 30001) 36
Eddie Alkire Eharp: 10-string electric Hawaiian model, built for and sold by musician Elbern H. 'Eddie' Alkire (special serial numbers; first SN 101, last c. 1950 SN 371)
1949
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Price list, March 1, 1949
Catalog 'Acoustic Guitars and Mandolins' 37
Catalog 'Electar Electronic Instruments' 37
Flyer 'Basses' 37
General changes:
Serial numbers: special systems for early examples of new electric models Kent Spanish + Kent Hawaiian (SN on headstock)
4-string guitars: reintroduced, models Triumph Tenor, Zenith Tenor + Zephyr Tenor/Plectrum listed in catalog
Tuners: strip Waverly square-end, on new low-end models (until 1954)
Soundholes: 'modern' f-hole shape (pointy at scroll) replaces 'cello' shape; (acoustic: first SN 58904; Zephyr Spanish first SN 25722; Century Spanish first SN 60327; Zephyr DeLuxe Cutaway first SN 85204)
Pickup: large metal Tone Spectrum pickup; later in year replaced by smaller 'New Yorker' Spectrum pickup (except Kent Spanish)
Pickguard: tortoise plastic, now with silver E logo (first SN 59381)
Linings: laminated solid linings replace kerfed linings (first around SN 58368)
Strings: new company/address 'Epiphone Musical Strings Inc., Box 55, E. Station, Yonkers 4, N.Y.'
Archtop model changes:
Emperor Cutaway/Regent: new cutaway version (first SN 59092)
Emperor Concert: new model version with trapezoid soundhole (first SN 58809, 4 examples documented, discontinued in 1949)
DeLuxe Cutaway/Regent: new cutaway version (first SN 58823)
DeLuxe (standard+cutaway version): body upsized to 18' (first SN 59900)
Broadway Cutaway/Regent: new cutaway version (first SN 58820)
Triumph Cutaway/Regent: new cutaway version (first SN 59051)
Devon: new 17' model, sunburst, mahogany back (first
SN 59323)
Spartan: discontinued (last SN 59075)
Blackstone: discontinued (last SN 59154)
Zenith: blond finish optional (first SN 59513), maple back
Byron: new 15' model (first SN 59460)
Flattop model changes:
FT 110 + FT 79: models reintroduced, changed to slope-shoulder Jumbo shape (first SN 58549)
Mandolin model changes:
Strand + Rivoli: models reintroduced, changed to oval soundhole (Rivoli SN 58807 still with f-holes; first with oval hole SN 60286)
Electric model changes:
Kent Spanish: new 15' model (first SN 3031, last special SN 4039, first new SN 60493)
Kent Hawaiian: new low-end lap steel model (first special SN 75, last special SN 171, first new SN 9055)
Triple Console: new Hawaiian model with 3 necks
Century Amplifier: redesigned, cloth, 12' speaker (first SN 10506)
Kent Amplifier: new low-end model, cloth, 10' speaker (in catalog, no example documented)
Zephyr Mandolin: model reintroduced (first SN 62043)
1950
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Price list, July 15, 1950
Flyer 'Masterbilt Strings', Oct 15, 1950
Price list, Nov 15, 1950
General changes:
Serial numbers: new systems introduced for all electric instruments; electric hollowbody instruments now join the SN system formerly reserved to acoustic instruments, with blue label (first Zephyr Cutaway SN 60182); electric Hawaiian instruments now with SN stamped on the metal bridge/tailpiece unit (starting around SN 9000)
Bridge: offset saddle (for individual string compensation) on most high-end archtops
Electric model changes:
Zephyr Cutaway/Regent: new cutaway version of Zephyr (first SN 60182)
Zephyr Emperor: new 18' top model announced 38 ; (first SN 63168)
Century Amplifier, Zephyr Amplifier, Dreadnaught Amplifier: vibrato version only
Asta Amplifier: new low-end model, cloth, E grille, no vibrato 39
Kent Amplifier: discontinued 1951
General changes:
Neck reinforcement: transition to rod adjustment at headstock on all models (last with adjustment at fretboard end: SN 65304)
Archtop model changes:
DeLuxe: body size back to 17' (first SN 62762)
Devon: blond finish optional (first SN 64711), maple back
1952
General changes:
New company address: 130 West 3 rd Street, New York
Production moved to Philadelphia, after strike in NY factory shut down production for 4 months 40
Continental Music, Division of C.G. Conn Ltd., made distributor in 26 states
Tuners: single Waverly bell-end, on most lower models (first SN 64506; until 1956)
Heel: rounded neck heel shape also on some lower models, until 1953 (first SN 64539, last SN 65986) 1953
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Price list, July 1953
General Changes:
Bridge: offset saddle (for individual string compensation) also on most low-end archtops
Archtop model changes:
Byron: discontinued (last SN 65400)
Electric model changes:
Kent Spanish: discontinued (last SN 65704)
Kent Hawaiian: discontinued
Console: single-neck model discontinued
Dreadnaught Amplifier: redesigned, grille 7 vertical slots, 15' speaker
Century Amplifier: redesigned, grille 6 vertical slots, 12' speaker
Asta Amplifier: discontinued 1954
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Catalog 'Dedicated to the best'
General changes:
Pickups: transition to DeArmond pickups (first SN 67239), last with NY Tone Spectrum SN 68919)
Flattop model changes:
FT 210 DeLuxe Cutaway: new 17' model (first SN 67732) 1955
Electric model changes:
Volpe: new 15' model (first SN 68710, strip Waverly bell-end tuners) 41
Dreadnaught Amplifier: redesigned, 2x 12' speakers
Zephyr Amplifier: redesigned, 15' speaker
Century Amplifier: redesigned, 12' speaker 1956
General changes:
Production ended 42
Notes:
Go to bibliography of quoted sources.
1) Source: Wheeler 1982, p29; quoted by later sources (Fisch, Gruhn, Carter), however no further details about the announcement documented. We have not located any Masterbilt instruments related adverts in any major music industry publication of 1931; the earliest documented advert found in 'Metronome', issue February 1932 (info: Rod McDonald, Anthony Hendrix).
2) See advert in 'Metronome', Jan 1933 p13, referring to 'Our New Catalog just off the press', using some image printing blocks from the catalog.
3) Previously, this flyer was dated to 1931 by some researchers (Fisch, Gruhn, Carter). However we conclude it was published not before 1933 i.e. later than the 1932 catalog (reusing same image printing blocks):
Note that the Triumph model is described as 'Grand auditorium size' (16') while the 193132 Triumph was 'Auditorium size' (15');
the Royal model is listed with an increased price of $95;
guitarist Carl Kress who was prominently featured in the 1932 catalog is no longer mentioned (obviously because Kress had become an endorser of Gibson by 1933). There are two slightly different versions of this flyer, the later one stating changes to the models Blackstone (increased price $75, 'brown mahogany') and Olympic (increased price $35) published not before 1934 (price increase to $35 first stated in an Epiphone advert of March 1934).
4) See advert in 'Metronome', Sep 1934 p24: Coupon 'Send me your new Guitar Book as soon as it is off the press'; advert in 'Metronome', Nov 1934 p27: 'Our new 1935 Catalog is just off the press'.
5) See advert in 'Metronome', Dec 1935: '2 new and greater Epiphone guitars' (Fisch 1996, p85).
6) These changes can be found in an updated version of the 1934 catalog (corrected by text stickers) which also was stamped with the new NYC address (see catalogs).
Advert in 'Metronome', June 1935: 'New oversize Zenith' (Fisch 1996, p100).
7) Earliest known advert in: 'Metronome', Nov 1935, p32 (info: Rod McDonald, see also: Fisch 1996, p29+133); the earliest Electar instruments don't bear a SN.
8) Carter 1995, p26: photo of catalog cover with 'received' stamp dated July 6, 1936. The mandolin models were still illustrated with images from the 1932 and 1934 catalogs (not showing the changed specs).
The Emperor flyer shares similar artwork with an advert in 'Metronome', Dec 1936.
9) Fisch 1996, p148: Electar catalog 'released late 1936'.
10) The Masterbilt label and later type labels featured printed SNs (likely applied by a letterpress numbering machine). However in some cases 'blank' labels with a typed SN were used: There are numerous examples of instruments which have the original SN typed on an untypical, later period label possibly glued in as replacement for the original label during a later repair at the factory. Apparently there were no 'blank' examples of green labels (1939-1943) instead earlier 'blank' Masterbilt labels with typed SN were used as replacements during that period.
11) Fisch 1996, p69; quoting a letter to dealers dated July 17, 1936: 'All EPIPHONE Guitars are now furnished in the new large sizes and greatly enhanced in appearance, representing in many cases a 50 increase in value with no increase in prices.'
12) Rocco model named after musician Anthony Rocco; Frixo Stathopoulo filed patent March 9, 1938.
13) See advert 'Metronome', July 1936, p28: 'Electar New Design' (info: Rod McDonald); Epi Stathopoulo filed a patented design for Model M Hawaiian on June 12, 1937.
14) Advert 'The Music Trades', Dec 1936 (Fisch 1996, p146). 15) Specs and pictures in this catalog are almost identical to the 1936 (orange cover) edition, except:
on page 3, the 'compensating' tailpiece of the Emperor was retouched to a curved cut-out and engraved 'EPIPHONE' instead of 'Emperor' (this was first pubished in an advert in 'Metronome', Sept 1936);
on page 4, 'EPIPHONE' was added to the tailpiece of the DeLuxe model;
furthermore, some of the artists' photos were changed. This catalog was likely published before fall 1937 (note: no reference to Frequensator tailpiece or adjustable neck reinforcement yet).
The 1937 flyer used the same images; the Spartan model now described with 'carved back'.
16) See advert 'Down beat', Sept 1937, p37; Frequensator prototype pictured in advert 'Down beat', July 1936, on Tom Morgan's DeLuxe (source: Fisch 1996, p188/p74); Herb Sunshine filed patent June 12, 1937; see also Fisch 1996, p71f.
17) Epi Stathopoulo filed patent Aug 2, 1937; Fisch 1996, p75.
18) Herb Sunshine filed patent Nov 10, 1937; Fisch 1996, p109f; initially named 'TruBalance' pickup (see note 21), renamed to 'Master' pickup in the 1939 catalog.
19) 'Rhythm Control' announced in a letter to dealers June 29, 1937 (Fisch 1996, p117).
20) Fisch 1996, p105. The catalog 'Orchestral Guitars' by Selmer of London, 1939, p5, features this model as 'Epiphone 8', obviously referring to its price of 8/8-.
21) Excerpts of 1937 flyer reproduced in Fisch 1996: Model C Spanish (p117); Model M Hawaiian (p133); Model M Mandolin, 'TruBalance' pickup with adjustable poles, no handrest, no soundholes (p179).
In an updated version of the 1937 'Electar' catalog, on p13 the Model M mandolin was added by stamp.
22) Wheeler 1982, p30: 'in November 1938 (Epiphone) formally introduced a line of gut-string guitars ($75-225).'
23) Fisch 1996, p35/p38. The 1939 catalog introduced Epiphone's 'E' logo, shown on the new enclosed tuners and in the lining of case lids; the 'E' logo was registered as trademark in 1941 with the statement 'claims use since Apr 15, 1939' (Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent Office', July 15, 1941, p539).
The Century Mandolin on p31 was illustrated with a retouched image of the Model M Mandolin as shown in the 1937 flyer.
24) Advert in 'Metronome'+'Down beat', Feb 1939 (Fisch 1996, p35/p138).
25) Announced in flyer 'Blondes'; this flyer introduced the new natural finish options for the Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone, and Broadway models; the flyer also mentioned the FT 30 + FT 50 as 'new additions' (prices $30/$50, raised in October 1940 list to $35/$57.50).
26) Bass models announced in 'The Music Trades', June 1940 (Fisch 1996, p172).
27) Fisch 1996, p165: quoting a letter dated August 18, 1941 sent to Epiphone dealers: 'We are discontinuing the Gut String Guitars as there isn't a sufficient market for this type of instrument in the Epiphone price range.'
28) Price Changes list, Dec 1, 1941: 'Announcing a new model: De Luxe Zephyr Spanish Electric Guitar' (sic!); this Price Changes list contains no reference to Catalog V, nor mentions the FT 110 model.
29) Catalog V was commonly dated 1941 (Fisch); however we conclude it was likely not released before early 1942, since it features the new FT 110 model (not included in the Price Changes list, Dec, 1, 1941; see note 28). Price list, March 15, 1942 refers to Catalog V.
30) Quote from a letter to a customer, dated August 4, 1942, signed by Herb Sunshine: 'Some of the instruments shown in the catalog, especially those in which there is a preponderance of metals or other strategic materials, are not available for the duration of the war. These include the VARICHORD.'
Note that other guitar manufacturers such as Gibson and Martin also discontinued their high-end models and electric instruments around 1942.
31) Fisch/Fred quote a letter Epi Stathopoulo sent to dealers in August 1941: 'Owing to governmental restrictions on the use of certain materials, it has become necessary to use substitutes wherever possible. While the performance specifications of our instruments are not affected, substitute materials may be used. In accepting orders during the present situation brought about by the National Defense program, we reserve the right to make any necessary substitutions in the constructional features.' (Fisch 1996, p43). This exact notice is also included in the 1942 Catalog V (p42), and in the price list of March 15, 1942.
Regarding the substitute for spruce in carved tops: 'Certain carved-top models were fitted with limed mahogany tops in place of the traditional spruce' (Fisch 1996, p43). 'Some other interesting wartime features of at least one Olympic from 1943 included a rosewood crossbar on the tailpiece and brown bakelite adjusting nuts on the bridge. The top of this particular instrument was not spruce, but of some other not readily identifiable wood, possibly poplar' (Fisch 1996, p104).
Interestingly, Epiphone continued using metal neck reinforcement rods during the war years, while both Gibson and Martin replaced metal rods with wooden bars.
32) The price lists 194648 are still referring to Catalog V from 1942; in the 1946 price list, discontinued items are listed with asterisks (***) instead of price. The 1946 notice sheet lists all discontinued items, with Zephyr and Century models marked 'distribution expected late spring'.
33) See: http://www.bassmonkey.net/epiphone.html.
34) This 1948 price list included under 'new models' also 'Advanced' (=cutaway) versions of the Emperor, DeLuxe + Broadway, and 'Concert' versions of the Emperor + DeLuxe (earliest documented example SN 58809, c. 1949). The short-lived Concert models disappeared from the price list by 1949.
35) Tone Spectrum pickup shown on Zephyr DeLuxe Cutaway model, adverts in 'Music Dealer', May 1948, and 'Down beat', June 16, 1948 (Fisch 1996, p124); this pickup type underwent several changes (see Fisch 1996, p15).
36) All early Epiphone amps were built with circuitry designed and manufactured by Nathan 'Nat' Daniel (who later founded the Danelectro company); after the exclusive cooperation with Daniel allegedly ended around 1947, Epiphone amps featured new circuitry with 'Harmonic Vibrato' option (see Fisch 1996, p143ff). At least some of Epiphone's 1950s amps appear to be made by Danelectro.
37) Price list, March 1, 1949, still refers to the old Catalog V; the 3 new catalogs basically list the same prices with some additional options, so likely published later in 1949; prices increased in price list, July 15, 1950.
38) Advert in 'Metronome', Nov 1950 (Fisch 1996, p126); the model also appears in the price list, Nov 15, 1950.
39) Asta Amplifier: price list, July 15, 1950; not mentioned in price list, Nov 15, 1950; we haven't found any picture of this short-lived amp model in Epiphone sales literature; however examples of an obscure amp model with E logo style grille have surfaced which we assume to be the Asta model (first SN 2027); Fisch 1996, p270.
40) Article in 'The Music Trades', April 1952 (Fisch 1996, p53ff).
41) Advert Fretted Instrument News, March/April 1955 (Fisch 1996, p214).
42) Fisch 1996, p57.
Korean based Samick Musical Instruments Co, Ltd. is one of the worlds largest producers of musical instruments.
1960's Samick bass
You may be playing an instrument made by the Samick factory and do not know it. With a manufacturing capability of more than one million guitars per year in factories in Korea, Indonesia, China, and the United States, Samick also ranks as the world's leading stringed instrument producer.
The company sells its guitars under its own brand names, including Samick, Abilene, Silvertone, and the Greg Bennett Signature Series.
Samick has manufactured guitars for many other companies, including Fender and Gibson.
Additionally, this manufacturer produces a full range of pianos, electric and acoustic guitars, basses, banjos, autoharps, harmonicas, and other instruments. It also operates a dedicated Upright Piano and Piano Action plant, as well as its own sawmill and woodworking facility in Korea, a smaller factory in California, and a plant in Harbin, China that produces wooden guitar and piano parts.
Samick Founders Samick was started in 1958 with the goal of enriching human life through music, the universal language. Hyo Ick Lee founded the company as an importer of Baldwin pianos to Korea. Within two years Samick began building their own upright pianos, using imported parts.
In 1965, during the Folk Music years and the British Invasion years, when every kid wanted a guitar, Samick began production of acoustic guitars for the Korean market as well as for export to fulfill the demand for cheap Asian-made guitars that overwhelmed the market during this decade.
Samicks goal was toward a higher quality market. The company continued to improve its piano manufacturing techniques, and in 1970 its production abilities had developed sufficiently for it to launch its first grand pianos.
Hondo Guitars During this same period, the company began to step up the quality of its guitar production. Samick formed a joint venture with Texas-based International Music Company (also known as the Hondo Guitar Company).
Hondo II SD Curlee The new company introduced modern U.S. production methods to the Korean market, while taking advantage of the low-wage level in Korea to offer inexpensive, entry-level guitars. Hondo initially produced a line of classical and folk guitars. By 1974 the companys electric guitars had gained a level of quality and became one of the largest selling entry level brands. Hondo added banjos and autoharps to their product line up. By the end of this decade Hondo was selling nearly 800,000 instruments per year.
In 1971 Samick introduced a line of harmonicas.
And in 1973 Samick was diversified in its production and changed its name to the Samick Musical Instruments Mfg. Co. Samicks thrust was the export market, especially the United States. To facilitate this, a branch office was opened in 1978 in Los Angeles California.
The lower production costs of Korean-manufactured instrument made them attractive to entry level buyers. This was especially true in the piano market since costs of US made pianos had escalated. In fact in 1979, Samick was building the Schumann piano brand for US households. During these years, the Korean musical instrument industry had caught up to its primary competition, Japan, and due to lower construction cost had surpassed them.
In 1979 Samick had developed new automated production facilities that reduced the need for skilled employees and increased production with the benefit of maintaining quality standards.
By 1982 Samick opened a branch office in Germany to introduce their brand to the European market. That same year they established a full U.S. subsidiary known as Samick Music Corporation.In 1988 Samick went public, listing shares on the Seoul stock exchange.
That same year they purchased the Kohler and Campbell piano brand. The company had claimed the number one spot for grand piano sales by the end of 1995.
Epiphone Guitars Serial Number Search Faced with economic issues in Korea and most of Asia, in 1996 the company filed for bankruptcy protection.
The company had become too diversified with investments in furniture, computers, industrial equipment and the fishing industry; they were unable to make a profit and had a debt of nearly $10 million.
Samicks prominence as a musical instrument manufacturer was a key factor that saved the company from going under. The company was able to rid themselves of non-profitable business ventures and most of its debt to the point they were able to begin reporting profits. In 2000 the company had a contract with OEM (original equipment manufacturers) for $50 million to supply grand pianos to Baldwin pianos. They gained another plus when the acquired Knabe pianos that same year.
In 2002 a consortium of Korean businessmen acquired Samick and retired all of its debt. Kim Jong-sup became president and announced the goal of becoming the Worlds Top Piano Brand. By April 2003, Samick with a revenue growth of nearly 30 percent, it pushed past the $200 million mark.
With the launch of a new line of high-end Knabe-branded pianos, Samick was prepared to claim a place among the world's leading quality piano makers in the new century. Since the days of lawsuit guitars, Gibson and Fender both made the decision, if you can beat em, join em. Both companies have outsourced manufacturing of their shadow brands; Epiphone and Squier, to Asian manufacturers. It is difficult to determine where these brands originated. But it is a good guess that many of the superior, high-end guitars from were made by Samick in accordance with Gibson or Fender standards of quality.
The Squier brand was developed in 1982 and early on all production was based in Japan. The first Squier guitars to emerge from Korea started as early as 1986. You can determine if your Squier was made by Samick was through its serial number that began with an S or S9 followed by six digits. Samick began production of Squiers in 1989.
M-72
In the 1990s Fender had acquired the DeArmond brand name. Initially this brand was introduced in Europe. In the late 1990s, Fender offered DeArmond guitars for sale in the United States.
DeArmond Starfire DeArmond guitars were based on Guild electric guitars that were no longer in production. The DeArmonds made in Korea were produced by Samick and perhaps Cort.
Epiphone Serial Number Identification They are excellent quality instruments that come with reproductions of DeArmond 2K or Goldtone pickups.
Your DeArmond will have a sticker on the back of the head stock noting if it was made in Korea or Indonesia. In 1983 Epiphones were mainly manufactured in Korea.
By 1986 Gibson Guitars was acquired by Harvard MBAs, Henry Juszkiewicz, David Berryman and Gary Zebrowski, bought Gibson/Epiphone from ECL/Norlin. The new owners recognized the importance of the Epiphone brand and how the company could be pushed to match the success of other Asian guitar brands.
Samick built Epiphone Joe Pass During this era, the new owners of Gibson opened up an office in Seoul to watch over manufacturing of their products. Not all Epiphones were manufactured by Samick. Factory processes were assessed and refined and Epiphones own engineers took a hands-on role in the development of pickups, bridges, toggle switches, and fret inlays, as well as unique features like the metal E logo and frequensator tailpiece.
These Epiphone guitars were constructed using different woods, for example Nato instead of Mahogany. Bodies were fastened with epoxies instead of wood-glue. Finishes tended to be polyester resin instead of nitro-cellulose lacquer. Some parts are made of plastic, such as nuts and bridge saddles instead of bone. Cheaper hardware and pickups were sometime used.
In 2002 Gibson moved all of its Epiphone production to Qingdoa, China.
One method of determining if your Epiphone guitar was made by Samick is its serial number. There may or may not be a factory code. There may be no factory designator for some models made in 1993 and earlier years.
Like Epiphones, Samick instruments generally start with an S. For example S3021234 is indicative of Samick-S-1993-3-February-02-unit 1234. If it begins with SI, that means it was made by Samick in there Indonesian plant.
Currently Samick produces Greg Bennett Design guitars, Silvertone Guitars, San Mateo Guitars (a budget brand) and Stony River Guitars (also a budget brand).
Epiphone Serial Number Search 2006
Epiphone Guitars Serial Number Search
Epiphone Serial Number Identification
Save epiphone serial numbers to get e-mail alerts and updates on your eBay Feed. + Items in search results Epiphone by Gibson Electric Guitar - RED - Serial Number I6060285 - TKL CASE.
This timeline provides a chronology of milestones, developments and changes related to Epiphone instruments over the years 1931 to 1956. The timeline focuses on general aspects, while detailed info about individual models and their development can be found on the Models page. Click on links to see photo of example.
Note: The quoted serial numbers (SN) refer to the first/last examples of a model/feature as documented in our Registry i.e. not necessarily the first/last example in existence.
The timeline is a working document and subject to corrections as new evidence material surfaces.
Jump to year:
1931193219331934193519361937193819391940
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195119521953195419551956
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Last updated: 30 Jul 2019
1931
General features:
June 1931: Masterbilt model line 'announced' (no further details documented) 1
Serial numbers (SN): starting at SN 5000, stamped inside body
Label inside body: oval label, printed in black on silver paper (next to stamped SN); earliest examples: no label
Headstock: asymmetrical shape on higher models, rounded peak shape on lower models; black plastic (pyralin) veneer with engraved and tinted 'Epiphone' + 'Masterbilt' banners, model name in between, banners pearl on higher models; plain veneer on low-end models
Tuners: single Waverly clipped plate (higher models, until 1936); strip Waverly square-end (lower models, until 1939);
strip Waverly arrow-head (4-string models, until 1939)
Neck width: around 1' at nut (6-string guitars)
Fretboard: curved end
Top construction: arched or flat top, ladder-braced
Soundholes: 3-segment f-hole shape
Top finish: sunburst (translucent); Olympic: natural or black(?);
Beverly: natural
Pickguard: black plastic (pyralin), straight shape, bound on DeLuxe model; mounting: no screw (last SN 5308), later 2 screws (first SN 5279)
Bridge: two-foot base, saddle with bone insert (until 1932, last SN 5842)
Tailpiece (guitars): trapeze, 'wrap over' style, short mounting bracket (until 1933)
A rchtop guitar models (6-string) introduced:
DeLuxe: 16' (first SN 5009)
Broadway: 16' (first SN 5047)
Triumph: 15', walnut back (first SN 5010)
Royal: 15', mahogany back (first SN 5119)
Zenith: 13', maple back (first SN 5128)
Olympic: 13', natural top (first SN 5262)
Tenor/plectrum guitar models (4-string) introduced:
Empire: 13' (first SN 5137)
Bretton: 15' (first SN 5375)
Hollywood: 13' (first SN 5044)
Regent: 13' (first SN 5287)
Melody: 13' (first SN 5086)
Beverly: 13', natural top (first SN 5253)
Mandolin family models introduced:
Strand: 2-point body (1931 pic in 1932 catalog, first SN 5550)
Rivoli: teardrop body (first SN 5162)
Adelphi: teardrop body (first SN 5164)
1932
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Catalog 'Masterbilt Fretted Instruments', published late 1932 2
General features:
Company name/address: Epiphone Banjo Corporation, 3537 36 th Street, Long Island City, NY
Serial numbers: DeLuxe + Broadway only: SN stamped onto oval label (first SN 6099); on models with floating bridge, SN also penciled under the bridge foo t (first SN 5765)
Top construction: carved top with parallel tonebars on all archtop and tenor/plectrum models (except Beverly)
Neck: Wider laminate strips on Triumph and higher models (first SN 6009, last narrow laminate strips SN 5994)
Pickguard: mounting with 1 screw (first around SN 5681)
Bridge: solid base, angled saddle with straight top (no individual string compensation)
A rchtop model changes:
Blackstone: new 14' model, all black finish, maple back (first SN 5707)
Olympic: sunburst top (first SN 5752)
4-string tenor/plectrum model changes:
Empire: body upsized to 15' (in catalog, no example documented)
Hollywood: body upsized to 15' (first SN 5691)
Regent: body upsized to 15' (first SN 5681)
Beverly: sunburst top ( first SN 5919)
Flattop guitars (Spanish/Hawaiian) introduced:
Madrid: 4 f-holes
Navarre: 4 f-holes (first SN 5820)
Mandolin family models changes:
Windsor: new(?) top model, 2-point body (first SN 5530)
Adelphi: banners on headstock (first SN 5597)
4 mandola models (in catalog, model names same as mandolins, no example documented)
3 mandocello models (in catalog, 'No. 1 similar to Blackstone, No. 2 similar to Triumph, No. 3 similar to DeLuxe guitar', no example documented) 1933
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Flyer 'Masterbilt Guitars' 3
General changes:
Headstock: decoration simplified, engraved gothic script banners on most lower models (first SN 6375), later with lighter font (first SN 7047); 'Epiphone Masterbilt' banner decal on Olympic + Beverly (first SN 6829)
Serial numbers: on models with floating bridge transition to SN stamped under bridge foot (first SN 7019)
Top finish: sunburst semi-opaque (first around SN 6448, until 1934)
Tailpiece (guitars): trapeze, 'through' style, large mounting bracket around endpin (first around SN 6265)
Archtop model changes:
Triumph: body upsized to 16' (first SN 6437)
Royal: walnut back (first SN 6904)
Blackstone: sunburst top (first SN 6231)
Zenith: walnut back (first SN 6372)
1934
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Catalog 'Masterbilt Fretted Instruments', dated 1934, published by November 1934 4
General changes:
Label inside body: rectangular Long Island label, printed in black on tan paper, model name typed, serial number typed (first SN 7449); penciled guide line for label position, by running pencil along f-hole (first around SN 8364, until 1943)
Headstock: 'Epiphone' block letter logo (first SN 7415), with pearl inlaid neoclassical motifs on most models; later transition to script logo (first around SN 8065; last block letter logo SN 8546)
Tuners: single Grover clipped plate (some higher and middle models, until 1935)
Fretboard: straight-cut end (first around SN 7543)
Top finish: back to sunburst translucent (around SN 7929)
Pickguard: mounting with screw at neck; bound on Broadway and higher models
Manufacturing of guitars for other brands: Howard, Sorrentino, Ideal; typically with standard Epiphone SNs stamped or on special labels (first SN 7253; produced until 1935, last SN 9331)
Archtop model changes:
Tudor: new 16' model (first SN 7449)
Triumph: carved maple back (first SN 7415)
Royal: discontinued (last SN 7591)
Spartan: new 16' model, round soundhole (first SN 7555)
Blackstone: mahogany back (first SN 7582) ; body upsized to 15' (19' long; first SN 7768)
Zenith: body upsized to 14' (first SN 7738)
Flattop model changes:
Madrid + Navarre: not listed in catalog
Mandolin model changes:
Windsor Special: new scroll model (pictured in 1934 catalog with banner headstock)
1935
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Updated version of 1934 catalog 'Masterbilt Fretted Instruments'
Flyer 'Electar Electric Music'
In catalog Chicago Musical Instruments: 'Sorrentino guitars'
General changes:
Company name changed: Epiphone, Inc. (by April 1935)
New company address: 142 West 14 th Street, New York, N.Y. (by March 1935)
Body shape (archtop guitars, most pronounced in new large size models): design of upper bouts changed to join at the neck in a more curved, slope-shoulder shape.
Logo on electric instruments (headstock) and amps: Electar logo plate without 'EPIPHONE'
Neck width: narrower, around 1' at nut (6-string guitars)
Heel: rounded neck heel shape on (Super) DeLuxe and Emperor (first SN 9433; later also on Zephyr Deluxe + Zephyr Emperor)
Soundholes: 'cello' f-hole shape, squared off at scroll (first SN 8344)
Pickguard: black plastic, curved shape (first SN 8320);
large, tortoise plastic, with hump on Emperor + DeLuxe only (first SN 9674)
Tailpiece (guitars): large 'compensating' tailpiece on Emperor + DeLuxe (1936: also on Broadway + Triumph)
Archtop model changes:
Emperor: new top model, 18' wide (first SN 9674); announced in Nov 1935 5
DeLuxe: body upsized to 17', early examples named 'Super DeLuxe' (first SN 9433), announced in Nov 1935 5
Tudor: discontinued (last SN 9082)
Spartan: walnut back, round soundhole changed to f-holes, early examples named 'Spartan Special' (first SN 8344) 6
Blackstone: body upsized 2 nd time, still 15' wide but now 20' long; maple back (first SN 9501) 6
Zenith: body upsized 2 nd time, now to 15' (first SN 9136) 6
Olympic: body upsized to 14' (first SN 8904) 6
4-string tenor/plectrum models:
Empire, Bretton, Hollywood, Regent, Melody, Beverly: models discontinued (last SN 9213); replaced by tenor/plectrum versions of Broadway, Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone, Zenith, Olympic (first Triumph Plectrum SN 8232, Olympic Tenor SN 9868)
Flattop guitar models:
Madrid: reintroduced, 16', round soundhole, Hawaiian setup
Navarre: reintroduced, 16', round soundhole, Hawaiian setup
FT 75: new 16' model
FT 37: new 15' model
FT 27: new 14' model (earliest labeled 'FT 1')
First 'Electar' electric instruments: 7
Electar Hawaiian, teardrop body, horseshoe pickup
Electar Spanish + Electar Tenor, 14', hollowbody, high f-holes, horseshoe pickup
Electar amplifier: black leatherette, 8' speaker
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Catalog 'Instrument Builders' (orange cover), published by July 1936 8
Flyer 'The Emperor' 8
Catalog 'Electar', published c. Dec 1936 (dated 1937) 9
General changes:
Label inside body: rectangular Masterbilt label, gothic script letters printed in black on white paper, serial number printed, model name typed (first SN 10465) 8
Serial numbers: new SN systems for electric instruments + amplifiers, stamped on top edge of headstock / on logo plate of amp (numbers possibly starting around SN 1, earliest documented SN 25)
Logo on electric instruments (headstock) and amps: Electar logo with 'EPIPHONE' (first SN 478)
Miessner patents plate: on electric instruments (first SN 44)
Tuners: single Waverly clipped plate wide, on middle models (first SN 11232, electric SN 402; until 1937);
single Grover pointed plate ratio 6:1, on higher/middle models (first SN 10080, electric SN 784; until 1939)
Pickguard: long tortoise plastic pickguard on Broadway, Triumph, Windsor + Artist (first SN 10278); long black pickguard on lower mandolin models (first SN 10255)
Pickup: nonadjustable blade pickup on new Model C Hawaiian
Archtop model changes: 11
Broadway: body upsized to 17' (first SN 9888)
Triumph: body upsized 2 nd time, now to 17' (first SN 10278)
Blackstone: body upsized 3 rd time, now to 16' (first SN 10421)
Zenith: body upsized 3 rd time, now to 16' (first SN 10396)
Olympic: body upsized 2 nd time, now to 15' (first SN 10874)
Mandolin model changes:
Windsor Special renamed Windsor (2-point model discontinued)
Artist: new scroll model
(also mandola versions in catalog, no examples documented)
Electric model changes:
Electar Hawaiian, Electar Amplifier: models discontinued
New models introduced:
Electar Rocco: two-neck Hawaiian model, stepped shape, nickel plated top 12
Electar Hawaiian: redesigned, now with stepped shape, nickel plated top (replaced by Model M Hawaiian later in 1936) 13
Model M Hawaiian: stepped shape, black art deco top (replacing Electar Hawaiian) 13
Model M Amplifier: grey cloth, 12' speaker, AC or AC-DC
Model C Hawaiian: guitar shape, blade pickup 14
Model C Amplifier: grey cloth, 10' speaker, AC or AC-DC 14
Super AC-DC Amplifier: taller case, black keratol, 12' speaker, higher output than Model M
Electar Banjo: tenor/plectrum, round body, horseshoe pickup
1937
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Catalog 'Instrument Builders' (blue cover) 15
Flyer 'Instrument Builders' 15
Updated version of catalog 'Electar' (dated 1937)
General changes:
Tailpiece: 'Frequensator' tailpiece on Emperor, DeLuxe, Broadway + Triumph models, starting late 1937 (around SN 12690) 16
Neck reinforcement: adjustable 'Thrust Rod' on archtops (first SN 12190) and electric Spanish guitars (around SN 1131); 17
flattops and mandolins still with nonadjustable neck reinforcement (named 'cantilever brace' in catalog)
Pickup: Model M line instruments receive new pickup with adjustable poles for each string, covered by handrest (first SN 1595) 18
Tone control: Model M line equipped with a 3 rd tone control knob dubbed 'Rhythm Control' (first SN 996, last SN 2368) 19
Archtop model changes:
Spartan: walnut back now carved
Apollo: New low-end model marketed in the UK only; Epiphone banner decal on headstock; features suggest instruments were not built by the Epiphone NYC factory but by a Chicago manufacturer, possibly Regal (until c. 1940) 20
Electric model changes:
Model C Spanish: new low-end model, 13' body, blade pickup (first SN 1537) 21
Model M Spanish + Model M Tenor: model renamed from Electar Spanish / Electar Tenor
Model M Mandolin: new model, teardrop body, no f-holes, pickup with adjustable poles, no handrest (no example documented) 21
Super AC Amplifier: AC version of Super AC-DC Amplifier
Special Amplifier (Model EL): cloth, 12' speaker, higher output than Model M, with tone control
1938
General changes:
Tuners: single Grover pointed plate ratio 12:1, on higher models (first SN 13688, electric SN 1595), on lower models by 1939; until 1940 (last SN 16905, electric SN 4167)
Bridge, electric Hawaiian models: PAF stamp (first SN 1974)
Archtop model changes:
Emperor + DeLuxe: blond finish optional
Flattop model changes:
Epiphone Serial Number Search 2006 'Gut string' models introduced (November 1938): 22
Concert: 16' top model (no example documented)
Alhambra: 14' (no example documented)
Seville: 14' (first SN 14365)
Electric model changes:
Model M Hawaiian: versions with gold art deco top (first SN 2072) + blue art deco top (first SN 2301)
1939
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Catalog 'Musical Instruments' (purple cover), published August 1939 23
General changes:
Label inside body: rectangular green label, printed in green on white paper, serial number printed, model name typed (first SN 15491)
Headstock: 'short' center-dip shape (archtops: first SN 14423; electric hollowbody instruments: on all new models + last few Model M Spanish/Tenor, first SN 2145; flattop guitars: center-dip shape with straight sides, first SN 14383)
Headstock logo (electric instruments): Epiphone 'bikini' logo plate (all new models, first SN 2507, also on some Model C Spanish, first SN 1538)
SN stamp (electric instruments): now on back of headstock (with introduction of center-dip headstock, first SN 2145; last SN top of headstock SN 2350)
Headstock inlays: simplified designs on Emperor, DeLuxe, Triumph (first SN 15731)
Tuners: single Kluson (Triumph + Zephyr, 1939 only); single E-logo enclosed tuners cataloged as option but not standard before 1940 21
Neck width: wider again, 1 11/16' at nut (6-string guitars)
Bridge, FT models: 'through' bridge with trapeze tailpiece
Pickguard: long, tortoise plastic pickguard also on lower archtop guitar + mandolin models (first SN 15491) and all new electric hollowbody models (first SN 2502)
Cases: introduction of branded 'E under lid' cases, with raised 'E' logo in the lining of the lid 23
Archtop model changes:
Broadway: 'New Broadway' cataloged with maple back + sides (first around SN 15263; SN 14803 still walnut)
Flattop model changes:
FT DeLuxe: new 16' top model
Electric model changes:
Model M + Model C lines discontinued (last SN 2488)
New models introduced:
Zephyr Hawaiian: stepped shape, white top, Master pickup 24
Zephyr Spanish + Zephyr Tenor/Plectrum: 16', Master pickup
Zephyr Amplifier: maple, 12' speaker 24
Zephyr Dreadnaught Amplifier: like Zephyr Amp, more power
Century Hawaiian: teardrop shape, bar pickup 24
Century Spanish + Century Tenor/Plectrum: 14', bar pickup
Century Amplifier: maple, 12' speaker 24
Century Banjo: model renamed from Electar Banjo, bar pickup
Century Mandolin: teardrop body, bar pickup (pictured in catalog with retouched image of Model M Mandolin)
Coronet Hawaiian: guitar shape, bar pickup
Coronet Spanish: 13', bar pickup
Coronet Amplifer: cloth, 10' speaker
Zephyr Banjo: round body, Master pickup
Zephyr Mandolin: teardrop body, Master pickup
Solo + Duo Console: rectangular shape, Master pickup
Electar Grande: cabinet-style stand with Solo/Duo Console and integrated Zephyr/Dreadnought amplifier chassis+speaker
1940
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Flyer 'Blondes '
Flyer 'Basses'
New Prices list, Oct 10, 1940
General changes:
Body shape (archtop + hollowbody electric guitars, most pronounced in larger size models): design of upper bouts changed to join at neck in straight right angle for a more square-shoulder shape (first around SN 16481; electric first SN 3442)
Headstock (archtop guitars): 'long' center-dip shape (first SN 16191, 'short' last SN 16500; 4-string 'long' first SN 17848; electric 'long' first SN 3442)
Headstock (flattop guitars): sides now curved (first SN 16500)
Tuners: single E-logo enclosed tuners standard on all models priced $75 or higher 25 : Emperor, DeLuxe, Broadway, Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone, FT 75 (first around SN 16379; Blackstone + FT 75 back to open tuners by late 1941, around SN 18309), Zephyr Spanish+Hawaiian (first around SN 3313, some with open tuners in 1942 only);
single Waverly 'yoda head', on middle models (first SN 15861, electric SN 4355 ), temporarily discontinued during WW2 (last pre-war SN 19446, electric SN 6992);
strip Waverly bell-end, on lower models (first SN 16040), until 1942 (last SN 18957)
blond finish: new option for Broadway, Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone (+ new Ritz model: blond only)
Neck wood: cherry replaces mahogany on some models
Bridge, FT models: pin bridge on new FT models
Bridge, electric Hawaiian models: no PAF stamp (last stamp around SN 4612)
Soundholes: lower position of f-holes (level with bridge) on electric hollowbody instruments (first SN 4441; last high f-holes SN 4277); pickup without handrest on the new style
Jack socket: Moved to rim on electric hollowbody instruments (first around SN 4528; last jack socket in top SN 4925)
Archtop model changes:
Soloist Emperor + DeLuxe: one single batch with cutaway body (documented examples: SN 16501, 16503, 16504, 16505)
Spartan: primavera back + sides on new blonde finish version (first SN 16941)
Ritz: new 15' model, blond finish only (first SN 17071)
Flattop model changes:
FT 50: new 14' model, 'conventional shape' (first SN 16948)
FT 30: new 14' model, 'conventional shape' (first SN 16720)
FT 27: discontinued (last SN 16459)
Bass models introduced: 26
B-4, B-3, B-2, B-1
1941
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Price list, Feb 1, 1941
Flyer 'Two additions', Apr 1941
Price list, Oct 7, 1941
Price Changes list, Dec 1, 1941
Malayalam serial hotstar . General changes:
Headstock inlays: (further) simplified designs on Emperor (first SN 18212) + Broadway (first SN 18264)
Neck reinforcement: FT models with rod adjustment at headstock (first SN 17718); mandolins keep nonajustable neck reinforcement (named 'cantilever brace' in catalog)
Finish: ivory opaque finish on some blond Ritz, Triumph, Zephyr Spanish + Zephyr DeLuxe models (first SN 17197)
Tailpiece: trapeze tailpiece stamped 'EPIPHONE' introduced on electric Spanish models (first SN 5278); after electrics halted in 1942 used on some Olympic and Zenith examples (until replaced by wartime tailpiece with rosewood bar); in 1947 on some Blackstone examples (last SN 57223)
Flattop model changes (October 1941 price list):
FT 79: new 15' model, 'jumbo shape' (first SN 18115)
FT 45: new 14' model, 'conventional shape' (first SN 51601)
Flattop models discontinued: FT DeLuxe, FT 75, FT 37
Hawaiian models discontinued: Navarre, Madrid
Gut string models discontinued: Concert, Alhambra, Seville 27
Electric model changes:
Varichord: new Hawaiian model (Feb 1941 price list; patent filed in Oct 1939, first SN 3109)
Zephyr DeLuxe: new top model (Dec 1941 price list, first SN 5542) 28
Cent ury Spanish: upsized to 15' (first SN 6200)
Coronet Spanish: upsized to 14' (first SN 6239)
Bass model changes:
B - 5: new top model (Feb 1941 price list)
1942
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Catalog V 'Musical Instruments' (green cover), published early 1942 29
Price list, March 15, 1942
General changes :
Parallelogram fretboard inlays (Blackstone, FT 110): orientation reversed (first SN 19199); other models such as Strand mandolin unchanged inlay orientation
Strings: order numbers introduced
General changes due to WW2: 30
Emperor + DeLuxe: production halted (last pre-war SN 18233)
Electric models + amplifiers: production halted (last pre-war around SN 7219)
Bass models: production halted
Flattop model changes:
FT 110: new 15' top model, 'jumbo shape' (first SN 50507)
1943
General changes:
Epaminondas 'Epi' A. Stathopoulo passes away on June 6, 1943. Epi's brother, Orpheus 'Orphie' A. Stathopoulo, is successor as President of Epiphone Inc.
Serial numbers: new SN system introduced for acoustic instruments, starting around SN 50000 (last old SN 20307)
Label inside body: rectangular blue label introduced with new SN system; printed in blue on white paper, serial number printed, model name typed; by 1945 transition of label position from aligned with f-hole to aligned with rim, no longer with pencilled line (first SN 50556)
General changes due to wartime material shortages: 31
Tuners: single Kluson with riveted gear (first SN 19421, last SN 51601) and strip Kluson with riveted gear on all lower models (first SN 19266), until 1946 (last SN 55127); Broadway + Triumph stay with single E-logo enclosed tuners
Tailpiece: rosewood bar on trapeze tailpiece (first SN 19470), until 1947 (last SN 56291)
Bridge: octagonal nuts replace round, knurled thumbwheels on floating bridges (first SN 19544), until 1945 (last SN 52250); some 1943 bridges with bakelite thumbwheels
Carved top wood: a not readily identifiable wood species (possibly poplar or birch) replaces spruce in many if not most examples, typically concealed by an ivory opaque or sunburst opaque finish (first around SN 19470), until 1945 (last SN 52748)
Headstock inlays: pearl replaced by celluloid on Olympic, Ritz, FT 45, FT 50, Rivoli (first SN 20117) 1944
General changes:
Heelcap: gold sparkle heelcap on Blackstone + Zenith (first 51472), until 1945 (last SN 53286)
Archtop model changes:
Ritz: model discontinued (last SN 51024)
Olympic: model discontinued (last SN 52010)
Tenor models: discontinued (last Olympic Tenor SN 51077) 1945
General changes:
Headstock + fretboard inlays: pearl replaced by celluloid on Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone, Zenith (first Zenith 52581; all models between SN 52922 and SN 56300)
Frequensator tailpiece: bracket often without stamp 'FREQUENSATOR / PAT. PENDING', until 1946 (first SN 52409, last SN 55839)
Archtop model changes:
Emperor + DeLuxe: models reintroduced; further simplified pearl inlays on headstock (first around SN 52834)
Flattop model changes:
All models discontinued (last SN 52512)
Mandolin model changes:
Downloaded the Stainless steel SSHIP SUB MOD and it keeps crashing on a on a turn only that turn. Update seems that it happens for two reasons, one messing with code. Quick finishing builds and such and making allainces/ceasefire with some factions. Many thanks in advance Brandon. When the popup comes up to select a campaign, close the window and finish the install. Then install 6.4 in the same way. Again, close the window. Go to steam and right click for properties. Select local files and it will bring up the directory of your total war files. Find the medieval2 file and copy it. Jun 01, 2013 Download Stainless Steel: Stainless Steel FAQ: Stainless Steel Steam Launch Fix. Click Install Software; Click Choose Setup Executable and find the.exe for the Stainless Steel 6.3 installer. Follow the steps through using the defaults (it doesn't matter that the location doesn't really have Medieval 2 installed there). At the end of the installation it will ask you to setup Stainless Steel. I enjoy the Late Era campaign and use the 3rd AI choice (you will get another chance to change this. How to install stainless steel medieval 2. Me little Stainless Steel 6.4 mod installing guide Today (30.3.2015) I've started playing the Stainless Steel and encountered some problems with the Steam version of the game. Since the Steam version is slightly different from the ye'olde CD version I would like to compile some information here I've found on how to get the mod working.
Prs serial number lookup. Sep 19, 2012 How To Date PRS Guitars, Amps, Basses, Cabinets. Jun 29, 2010 couldn't you give the serial number to PRS and have them verify it? If PRS are slow in responding then try Ed Roman who will will give you a value as well., 07:32 AM 13. View Profile View Forum Posts. How To Spot A. Home All Guitars Paul Reed Smith (PRS). This Is A Very Simple Formula. PRS serial numbers are very easy to figure out. The only slightly confusing thing is. 1985 guitars start with the same number as a 1995 guitar. 1986 guitars start with the same number as a 1996 guitar 1987 guitars start with the same number as a 1997 guitar etc. PRS Serial Identification Numbers. Serial Number Year-Code Prefix. All guitars and basses have serial numbers which start with a year prefix. The prefix is the last one or two digits of the production year, and it applies to all models below. Hand-signed by Paul Reed Smith and based on the Custom, extremely figured (artist grade) maple. Jul 15, 2014 If it's a 10 top there will be the number '10' in gold pen in the upper rear corner of the headstock near the serial number, unless the neck is rosewood or maple, though some models have a.
All models discontinued (last SN 52176)
1946
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Price list, April 1, 1946 + Notice sheet 32
General changes:
Serial numbers: new SN system introduced for most electric instruments, used until 1949 (stamped on headstock back); initial SN digits represent model code (see Research, footnote 2)
Body shape (archtop + electric hollowbody guitars): upper bouts change from the square-shoulder shape introduced in 1940 back to a more curved, slope-shoulder shape (first SN 54189 / all post-war electric hollowbodies; last square-shoulder around SN 54130 / electric SN 7182)
Tuners: single Waverly 'yoda head' reintroduced on all lower models (first SN 55116), by 1949 tuner plates with hash marks (first SN 59179), until 1952 (last SN 65563);
transition to Phillips screws for mounting on some models
Heelcap: tortoise plastic heelcap on Spartan + Blackstone, until 1948 (first SN 55242, last SN 58040); and on Zephyr Spanish, until 1948 (first 25024, last SN 25186)
Miessner patent plate (electrics): discontinued (last Miessner plate SN 7219; first without SN 7307)
Pickup: new pickups surface-mounted on hollowbody guitars (backdoor discontinued); black pickup with large adjustable poles on higher models, nonadjustable bar pickup on lower models
Electric model changes:
Zephyr + Century model lines reintroduced
Century Spanish: upsized 2nd time, now to 16'
Bass model changes:
B-4 + B-5 reintroduced 33 1947
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Price list, June 1, 1947
General changes:
Headstock + fretboard inlays: pearl reintroduced (with changed headstock inlay motifs) on Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone, Zenith (first Triumph SN 56492, last celluloid inlays Spartan SN 56986)
Electric models changes:
Zephyr Spanish: upsized to 17' (first SN 25223)
Solo+Duo Console: reintroduced (first SN 100007)
1948
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Price list, March 15, 1948 34
General changes:
Cutaway body: new option for Zephyr DeLuxe, Emperor, DeLuxe, Broadway models; in price list named 'Advanced', on label 'Cutaway', later 'Regent' (first acoustic examples c. 1949)
'Concert' models: new Emperor + DeLuxe versions with trapezoid soundhole in price list (first examples c. 1949)
Headstock logo: modernized script with closed-loop 'e' replaces open '' (standard around SN 57287; first used in 1946 on Zephyr DeLuxe and some Emperor models)
Linings: transition from kerfed to solid linings (first solid SN 58368, last kerfed SN 58793; also in electric models around same time)
Pickup: 'Tone Spectrum' pickup (replacing black large-pole and bar pickups) 35
Electric model changes:
Zephyr DeLuxe Cutaway: new cutaway model (first SN 85000) 35
Century Amplifier, Zephyr Amplifier, Dreadnaught Amplifier: new circuitry, all models with optional vibrato (first SN 30001) 36
Eddie Alkire Eharp: 10-string electric Hawaiian model, built for and sold by musician Elbern H. 'Eddie' Alkire (special serial numbers; first SN 101, last c. 1950 SN 371)
1949
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Price list, March 1, 1949
Catalog 'Acoustic Guitars and Mandolins' 37
Catalog 'Electar Electronic Instruments' 37
Flyer 'Basses' 37
General changes:
Serial numbers: special systems for early examples of new electric models Kent Spanish + Kent Hawaiian (SN on headstock)
4-string guitars: reintroduced, models Triumph Tenor, Zenith Tenor + Zephyr Tenor/Plectrum listed in catalog
Tuners: strip Waverly square-end, on new low-end models (until 1954)
Soundholes: 'modern' f-hole shape (pointy at scroll) replaces 'cello' shape; (acoustic: first SN 58904; Zephyr Spanish first SN 25722; Century Spanish first SN 60327; Zephyr DeLuxe Cutaway first SN 85204)
Pickup: large metal Tone Spectrum pickup; later in year replaced by smaller 'New Yorker' Spectrum pickup (except Kent Spanish)
Pickguard: tortoise plastic, now with silver E logo (first SN 59381)
Linings: laminated solid linings replace kerfed linings (first around SN 58368)
Strings: new company/address 'Epiphone Musical Strings Inc., Box 55, E. Station, Yonkers 4, N.Y.'
Archtop model changes:
Emperor Cutaway/Regent: new cutaway version (first SN 59092)
Emperor Concert: new model version with trapezoid soundhole (first SN 58809, 4 examples documented, discontinued in 1949)
DeLuxe Cutaway/Regent: new cutaway version (first SN 58823)
DeLuxe (standard+cutaway version): body upsized to 18' (first SN 59900)
Broadway Cutaway/Regent: new cutaway version (first SN 58820)
Triumph Cutaway/Regent: new cutaway version (first SN 59051)
Devon: new 17' model, sunburst, mahogany back (first
SN 59323)
Spartan: discontinued (last SN 59075)
Blackstone: discontinued (last SN 59154)
Zenith: blond finish optional (first SN 59513), maple back
Byron: new 15' model (first SN 59460)
Flattop model changes:
FT 110 + FT 79: models reintroduced, changed to slope-shoulder Jumbo shape (first SN 58549)
Mandolin model changes:
Strand + Rivoli: models reintroduced, changed to oval soundhole (Rivoli SN 58807 still with f-holes; first with oval hole SN 60286)
Electric model changes:
Kent Spanish: new 15' model (first SN 3031, last special SN 4039, first new SN 60493)
Kent Hawaiian: new low-end lap steel model (first special SN 75, last special SN 171, first new SN 9055)
Triple Console: new Hawaiian model with 3 necks
Century Amplifier: redesigned, cloth, 12' speaker (first SN 10506)
Kent Amplifier: new low-end model, cloth, 10' speaker (in catalog, no example documented)
Zephyr Mandolin: model reintroduced (first SN 62043)
1950
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Price list, July 15, 1950
Flyer 'Masterbilt Strings', Oct 15, 1950
Price list, Nov 15, 1950
General changes:
Serial numbers: new systems introduced for all electric instruments; electric hollowbody instruments now join the SN system formerly reserved to acoustic instruments, with blue label (first Zephyr Cutaway SN 60182); electric Hawaiian instruments now with SN stamped on the metal bridge/tailpiece unit (starting around SN 9000)
Bridge: offset saddle (for individual string compensation) on most high-end archtops
Electric model changes:
Zephyr Cutaway/Regent: new cutaway version of Zephyr (first SN 60182)
Zephyr Emperor: new 18' top model announced 38 ; (first SN 63168)
Century Amplifier, Zephyr Amplifier, Dreadnaught Amplifier: vibrato version only
Asta Amplifier: new low-end model, cloth, E grille, no vibrato 39
Kent Amplifier: discontinued 1951
General changes:
Neck reinforcement: transition to rod adjustment at headstock on all models (last with adjustment at fretboard end: SN 65304)
Archtop model changes:
DeLuxe: body size back to 17' (first SN 62762)
Devon: blond finish optional (first SN 64711), maple back
1952
General changes:
New company address: 130 West 3 rd Street, New York
Production moved to Philadelphia, after strike in NY factory shut down production for 4 months 40
Continental Music, Division of C.G. Conn Ltd., made distributor in 26 states
Tuners: single Waverly bell-end, on most lower models (first SN 64506; until 1956)
Heel: rounded neck heel shape also on some lower models, until 1953 (first SN 64539, last SN 65986) 1953
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Price list, July 1953
General Changes:
Bridge: offset saddle (for individual string compensation) also on most low-end archtops
Archtop model changes:
Byron: discontinued (last SN 65400)
Electric model changes:
Kent Spanish: discontinued (last SN 65704)
Kent Hawaiian: discontinued
Console: single-neck model discontinued
Dreadnaught Amplifier: redesigned, grille 7 vertical slots, 15' speaker
Century Amplifier: redesigned, grille 6 vertical slots, 12' speaker
Asta Amplifier: discontinued 1954
Sales literature (see Catalogs):
Catalog 'Dedicated to the best'
General changes:
Pickups: transition to DeArmond pickups (first SN 67239), last with NY Tone Spectrum SN 68919)
Flattop model changes:
FT 210 DeLuxe Cutaway: new 17' model (first SN 67732) 1955
Electric model changes:
Volpe: new 15' model (first SN 68710, strip Waverly bell-end tuners) 41
Dreadnaught Amplifier: redesigned, 2x 12' speakers
Zephyr Amplifier: redesigned, 15' speaker
Century Amplifier: redesigned, 12' speaker 1956
General changes:
Production ended 42
Notes:
Go to bibliography of quoted sources.
1) Source: Wheeler 1982, p29; quoted by later sources (Fisch, Gruhn, Carter), however no further details about the announcement documented. We have not located any Masterbilt instruments related adverts in any major music industry publication of 1931; the earliest documented advert found in 'Metronome', issue February 1932 (info: Rod McDonald, Anthony Hendrix).
2) See advert in 'Metronome', Jan 1933 p13, referring to 'Our New Catalog just off the press', using some image printing blocks from the catalog.
3) Previously, this flyer was dated to 1931 by some researchers (Fisch, Gruhn, Carter). However we conclude it was published not before 1933 i.e. later than the 1932 catalog (reusing same image printing blocks):
Note that the Triumph model is described as 'Grand auditorium size' (16') while the 193132 Triumph was 'Auditorium size' (15');
the Royal model is listed with an increased price of $95;
guitarist Carl Kress who was prominently featured in the 1932 catalog is no longer mentioned (obviously because Kress had become an endorser of Gibson by 1933). There are two slightly different versions of this flyer, the later one stating changes to the models Blackstone (increased price $75, 'brown mahogany') and Olympic (increased price $35) published not before 1934 (price increase to $35 first stated in an Epiphone advert of March 1934).
4) See advert in 'Metronome', Sep 1934 p24: Coupon 'Send me your new Guitar Book as soon as it is off the press'; advert in 'Metronome', Nov 1934 p27: 'Our new 1935 Catalog is just off the press'.
5) See advert in 'Metronome', Dec 1935: '2 new and greater Epiphone guitars' (Fisch 1996, p85).
6) These changes can be found in an updated version of the 1934 catalog (corrected by text stickers) which also was stamped with the new NYC address (see catalogs).
Advert in 'Metronome', June 1935: 'New oversize Zenith' (Fisch 1996, p100).
7) Earliest known advert in: 'Metronome', Nov 1935, p32 (info: Rod McDonald, see also: Fisch 1996, p29+133); the earliest Electar instruments don't bear a SN.
8) Carter 1995, p26: photo of catalog cover with 'received' stamp dated July 6, 1936. The mandolin models were still illustrated with images from the 1932 and 1934 catalogs (not showing the changed specs).
The Emperor flyer shares similar artwork with an advert in 'Metronome', Dec 1936.
9) Fisch 1996, p148: Electar catalog 'released late 1936'.
10) The Masterbilt label and later type labels featured printed SNs (likely applied by a letterpress numbering machine). However in some cases 'blank' labels with a typed SN were used: There are numerous examples of instruments which have the original SN typed on an untypical, later period label possibly glued in as replacement for the original label during a later repair at the factory. Apparently there were no 'blank' examples of green labels (1939-1943) instead earlier 'blank' Masterbilt labels with typed SN were used as replacements during that period.
11) Fisch 1996, p69; quoting a letter to dealers dated July 17, 1936: 'All EPIPHONE Guitars are now furnished in the new large sizes and greatly enhanced in appearance, representing in many cases a 50 increase in value with no increase in prices.'
12) Rocco model named after musician Anthony Rocco; Frixo Stathopoulo filed patent March 9, 1938.
13) See advert 'Metronome', July 1936, p28: 'Electar New Design' (info: Rod McDonald); Epi Stathopoulo filed a patented design for Model M Hawaiian on June 12, 1937.
14) Advert 'The Music Trades', Dec 1936 (Fisch 1996, p146). 15) Specs and pictures in this catalog are almost identical to the 1936 (orange cover) edition, except:
on page 3, the 'compensating' tailpiece of the Emperor was retouched to a curved cut-out and engraved 'EPIPHONE' instead of 'Emperor' (this was first pubished in an advert in 'Metronome', Sept 1936);
on page 4, 'EPIPHONE' was added to the tailpiece of the DeLuxe model;
furthermore, some of the artists' photos were changed. This catalog was likely published before fall 1937 (note: no reference to Frequensator tailpiece or adjustable neck reinforcement yet).
The 1937 flyer used the same images; the Spartan model now described with 'carved back'.
16) See advert 'Down beat', Sept 1937, p37; Frequensator prototype pictured in advert 'Down beat', July 1936, on Tom Morgan's DeLuxe (source: Fisch 1996, p188/p74); Herb Sunshine filed patent June 12, 1937; see also Fisch 1996, p71f.
17) Epi Stathopoulo filed patent Aug 2, 1937; Fisch 1996, p75.
18) Herb Sunshine filed patent Nov 10, 1937; Fisch 1996, p109f; initially named 'TruBalance' pickup (see note 21), renamed to 'Master' pickup in the 1939 catalog.
19) 'Rhythm Control' announced in a letter to dealers June 29, 1937 (Fisch 1996, p117).
20) Fisch 1996, p105. The catalog 'Orchestral Guitars' by Selmer of London, 1939, p5, features this model as 'Epiphone 8', obviously referring to its price of 8/8-.
21) Excerpts of 1937 flyer reproduced in Fisch 1996: Model C Spanish (p117); Model M Hawaiian (p133); Model M Mandolin, 'TruBalance' pickup with adjustable poles, no handrest, no soundholes (p179).
In an updated version of the 1937 'Electar' catalog, on p13 the Model M mandolin was added by stamp.
22) Wheeler 1982, p30: 'in November 1938 (Epiphone) formally introduced a line of gut-string guitars ($75-225).'
23) Fisch 1996, p35/p38. The 1939 catalog introduced Epiphone's 'E' logo, shown on the new enclosed tuners and in the lining of case lids; the 'E' logo was registered as trademark in 1941 with the statement 'claims use since Apr 15, 1939' (Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent Office', July 15, 1941, p539).
The Century Mandolin on p31 was illustrated with a retouched image of the Model M Mandolin as shown in the 1937 flyer.
24) Advert in 'Metronome'+'Down beat', Feb 1939 (Fisch 1996, p35/p138).
25) Announced in flyer 'Blondes'; this flyer introduced the new natural finish options for the Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone, and Broadway models; the flyer also mentioned the FT 30 + FT 50 as 'new additions' (prices $30/$50, raised in October 1940 list to $35/$57.50).
26) Bass models announced in 'The Music Trades', June 1940 (Fisch 1996, p172).
27) Fisch 1996, p165: quoting a letter dated August 18, 1941 sent to Epiphone dealers: 'We are discontinuing the Gut String Guitars as there isn't a sufficient market for this type of instrument in the Epiphone price range.'
28) Price Changes list, Dec 1, 1941: 'Announcing a new model: De Luxe Zephyr Spanish Electric Guitar' (sic!); this Price Changes list contains no reference to Catalog V, nor mentions the FT 110 model.
29) Catalog V was commonly dated 1941 (Fisch); however we conclude it was likely not released before early 1942, since it features the new FT 110 model (not included in the Price Changes list, Dec, 1, 1941; see note 28). Price list, March 15, 1942 refers to Catalog V.
30) Quote from a letter to a customer, dated August 4, 1942, signed by Herb Sunshine: 'Some of the instruments shown in the catalog, especially those in which there is a preponderance of metals or other strategic materials, are not available for the duration of the war. These include the VARICHORD.'
Note that other guitar manufacturers such as Gibson and Martin also discontinued their high-end models and electric instruments around 1942.
31) Fisch/Fred quote a letter Epi Stathopoulo sent to dealers in August 1941: 'Owing to governmental restrictions on the use of certain materials, it has become necessary to use substitutes wherever possible. While the performance specifications of our instruments are not affected, substitute materials may be used. In accepting orders during the present situation brought about by the National Defense program, we reserve the right to make any necessary substitutions in the constructional features.' (Fisch 1996, p43). This exact notice is also included in the 1942 Catalog V (p42), and in the price list of March 15, 1942.
Regarding the substitute for spruce in carved tops: 'Certain carved-top models were fitted with limed mahogany tops in place of the traditional spruce' (Fisch 1996, p43). 'Some other interesting wartime features of at least one Olympic from 1943 included a rosewood crossbar on the tailpiece and brown bakelite adjusting nuts on the bridge. The top of this particular instrument was not spruce, but of some other not readily identifiable wood, possibly poplar' (Fisch 1996, p104).
Interestingly, Epiphone continued using metal neck reinforcement rods during the war years, while both Gibson and Martin replaced metal rods with wooden bars.
32) The price lists 194648 are still referring to Catalog V from 1942; in the 1946 price list, discontinued items are listed with asterisks (***) instead of price. The 1946 notice sheet lists all discontinued items, with Zephyr and Century models marked 'distribution expected late spring'.
33) See: http://www.bassmonkey.net/epiphone.html.
34) This 1948 price list included under 'new models' also 'Advanced' (=cutaway) versions of the Emperor, DeLuxe + Broadway, and 'Concert' versions of the Emperor + DeLuxe (earliest documented example SN 58809, c. 1949). The short-lived Concert models disappeared from the price list by 1949.
35) Tone Spectrum pickup shown on Zephyr DeLuxe Cutaway model, adverts in 'Music Dealer', May 1948, and 'Down beat', June 16, 1948 (Fisch 1996, p124); this pickup type underwent several changes (see Fisch 1996, p15).
36) All early Epiphone amps were built with circuitry designed and manufactured by Nathan 'Nat' Daniel (who later founded the Danelectro company); after the exclusive cooperation with Daniel allegedly ended around 1947, Epiphone amps featured new circuitry with 'Harmonic Vibrato' option (see Fisch 1996, p143ff). At least some of Epiphone's 1950s amps appear to be made by Danelectro.
37) Price list, March 1, 1949, still refers to the old Catalog V; the 3 new catalogs basically list the same prices with some additional options, so likely published later in 1949; prices increased in price list, July 15, 1950.
38) Advert in 'Metronome', Nov 1950 (Fisch 1996, p126); the model also appears in the price list, Nov 15, 1950.
39) Asta Amplifier: price list, July 15, 1950; not mentioned in price list, Nov 15, 1950; we haven't found any picture of this short-lived amp model in Epiphone sales literature; however examples of an obscure amp model with E logo style grille have surfaced which we assume to be the Asta model (first SN 2027); Fisch 1996, p270.
40) Article in 'The Music Trades', April 1952 (Fisch 1996, p53ff).
41) Advert Fretted Instrument News, March/April 1955 (Fisch 1996, p214).
42) Fisch 1996, p57.
Korean based Samick Musical Instruments Co, Ltd. is one of the worlds largest producers of musical instruments.
1960's Samick bass
You may be playing an instrument made by the Samick factory and do not know it. With a manufacturing capability of more than one million guitars per year in factories in Korea, Indonesia, China, and the United States, Samick also ranks as the world's leading stringed instrument producer.
The company sells its guitars under its own brand names, including Samick, Abilene, Silvertone, and the Greg Bennett Signature Series.
Samick has manufactured guitars for many other companies, including Fender and Gibson.
Additionally, this manufacturer produces a full range of pianos, electric and acoustic guitars, basses, banjos, autoharps, harmonicas, and other instruments. It also operates a dedicated Upright Piano and Piano Action plant, as well as its own sawmill and woodworking facility in Korea, a smaller factory in California, and a plant in Harbin, China that produces wooden guitar and piano parts.
Samick Founders Samick was started in 1958 with the goal of enriching human life through music, the universal language. Hyo Ick Lee founded the company as an importer of Baldwin pianos to Korea. Within two years Samick began building their own upright pianos, using imported parts.
In 1965, during the Folk Music years and the British Invasion years, when every kid wanted a guitar, Samick began production of acoustic guitars for the Korean market as well as for export to fulfill the demand for cheap Asian-made guitars that overwhelmed the market during this decade.
Samicks goal was toward a higher quality market. The company continued to improve its piano manufacturing techniques, and in 1970 its production abilities had developed sufficiently for it to launch its first grand pianos.
Hondo Guitars During this same period, the company began to step up the quality of its guitar production. Samick formed a joint venture with Texas-based International Music Company (also known as the Hondo Guitar Company).
Hondo II SD Curlee The new company introduced modern U.S. production methods to the Korean market, while taking advantage of the low-wage level in Korea to offer inexpensive, entry-level guitars. Hondo initially produced a line of classical and folk guitars. By 1974 the companys electric guitars had gained a level of quality and became one of the largest selling entry level brands. Hondo added banjos and autoharps to their product line up. By the end of this decade Hondo was selling nearly 800,000 instruments per year.
In 1971 Samick introduced a line of harmonicas.
And in 1973 Samick was diversified in its production and changed its name to the Samick Musical Instruments Mfg. Co. Samicks thrust was the export market, especially the United States. To facilitate this, a branch office was opened in 1978 in Los Angeles California.
The lower production costs of Korean-manufactured instrument made them attractive to entry level buyers. This was especially true in the piano market since costs of US made pianos had escalated. In fact in 1979, Samick was building the Schumann piano brand for US households. During these years, the Korean musical instrument industry had caught up to its primary competition, Japan, and due to lower construction cost had surpassed them.
In 1979 Samick had developed new automated production facilities that reduced the need for skilled employees and increased production with the benefit of maintaining quality standards.
By 1982 Samick opened a branch office in Germany to introduce their brand to the European market. That same year they established a full U.S. subsidiary known as Samick Music Corporation.In 1988 Samick went public, listing shares on the Seoul stock exchange.
That same year they purchased the Kohler and Campbell piano brand. The company had claimed the number one spot for grand piano sales by the end of 1995.
Epiphone Guitars Serial Number Search Faced with economic issues in Korea and most of Asia, in 1996 the company filed for bankruptcy protection.
The company had become too diversified with investments in furniture, computers, industrial equipment and the fishing industry; they were unable to make a profit and had a debt of nearly $10 million.
Samicks prominence as a musical instrument manufacturer was a key factor that saved the company from going under. The company was able to rid themselves of non-profitable business ventures and most of its debt to the point they were able to begin reporting profits. In 2000 the company had a contract with OEM (original equipment manufacturers) for $50 million to supply grand pianos to Baldwin pianos. They gained another plus when the acquired Knabe pianos that same year.
In 2002 a consortium of Korean businessmen acquired Samick and retired all of its debt. Kim Jong-sup became president and announced the goal of becoming the Worlds Top Piano Brand. By April 2003, Samick with a revenue growth of nearly 30 percent, it pushed past the $200 million mark.
With the launch of a new line of high-end Knabe-branded pianos, Samick was prepared to claim a place among the world's leading quality piano makers in the new century. Since the days of lawsuit guitars, Gibson and Fender both made the decision, if you can beat em, join em. Both companies have outsourced manufacturing of their shadow brands; Epiphone and Squier, to Asian manufacturers. It is difficult to determine where these brands originated. But it is a good guess that many of the superior, high-end guitars from were made by Samick in accordance with Gibson or Fender standards of quality.
The Squier brand was developed in 1982 and early on all production was based in Japan. The first Squier guitars to emerge from Korea started as early as 1986. You can determine if your Squier was made by Samick was through its serial number that began with an S or S9 followed by six digits. Samick began production of Squiers in 1989.
M-72
In the 1990s Fender had acquired the DeArmond brand name. Initially this brand was introduced in Europe. In the late 1990s, Fender offered DeArmond guitars for sale in the United States.
DeArmond Starfire DeArmond guitars were based on Guild electric guitars that were no longer in production. The DeArmonds made in Korea were produced by Samick and perhaps Cort.
Epiphone Serial Number Identification They are excellent quality instruments that come with reproductions of DeArmond 2K or Goldtone pickups.
Your DeArmond will have a sticker on the back of the head stock noting if it was made in Korea or Indonesia. In 1983 Epiphones were mainly manufactured in Korea.
By 1986 Gibson Guitars was acquired by Harvard MBAs, Henry Juszkiewicz, David Berryman and Gary Zebrowski, bought Gibson/Epiphone from ECL/Norlin. The new owners recognized the importance of the Epiphone brand and how the company could be pushed to match the success of other Asian guitar brands.
Samick built Epiphone Joe Pass During this era, the new owners of Gibson opened up an office in Seoul to watch over manufacturing of their products. Not all Epiphones were manufactured by Samick. Factory processes were assessed and refined and Epiphones own engineers took a hands-on role in the development of pickups, bridges, toggle switches, and fret inlays, as well as unique features like the metal E logo and frequensator tailpiece.
These Epiphone guitars were constructed using different woods, for example Nato instead of Mahogany. Bodies were fastened with epoxies instead of wood-glue. Finishes tended to be polyester resin instead of nitro-cellulose lacquer. Some parts are made of plastic, such as nuts and bridge saddles instead of bone. Cheaper hardware and pickups were sometime used.
In 2002 Gibson moved all of its Epiphone production to Qingdoa, China.
One method of determining if your Epiphone guitar was made by Samick is its serial number. There may or may not be a factory code. There may be no factory designator for some models made in 1993 and earlier years.
Like Epiphones, Samick instruments generally start with an S. For example S3021234 is indicative of Samick-S-1993-3-February-02-unit 1234. If it begins with SI, that means it was made by Samick in there Indonesian plant.
Currently Samick produces Greg Bennett Design guitars, Silvertone Guitars, San Mateo Guitars (a budget brand) and Stony River Guitars (also a budget brand).
