Epiphone were first established in Turkey in 1873, by Anastasios Strathopoulos. Initially manufacturing more traditionally Greek instruments, such as lutes, it wasn’t until 1903 that Epiphone began to evolve into the guitar brand known today. By the late 1920s, Epiphone were making guitars, and quickly established themselves as market leaders, producing archtop jazz guitars that were played some of the World's greats.
After falling on hard times following the Second World War, the company was bought by Gibson, who has since helped to revive the brand. Epiphone still produces the hollow-body and archtop guitars, such as the Emperor and Broadway, upon which its reputation was built. However, the company is better known for its post Gibson models, such as the Sheraton and the Casino, and its range of affordable electric guitars.
