When Gibson acquired Epiphone in 1958, it moved production to its own plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan. There were a few reasons that Gibson wanted Epiphone. Epiphone had been Gibsons greatest competition before the company began to flounder. They had tooling for upright basses which Ted McCarty, (Gibson president) had long admired, and producing another brand would go some way to offer Gibson-made instruments to dealers who were not part of Gibsons existing territory agreements. Gibson have always preferred not to have too many outlets for their product.
A new building (right hand side of the above picture) was added to the Gibson plant in 1960, behind the existing Gibson plant (far left of the picture, just beyond the famous Gibson chimney). Epiphone guitars and basses were still built in this old building alongside the Gibson models, but to keep customers thinking these were different lines, the postal address used for Epiphone was the one on the far right, 47 Bush Street.
Epiphone Basses
Epiphone have made, and still do make some very nice bass guitars. The company had made fine upright basses in the 1950s, but didn't make a bass guitar until Gibson took over. In 1961 it launched two models, the solid-body Newport, and the semi-acoustic Rivoli, followed by a long scale solid-body, the Embassy Deluxe, in 1963.
Production moved to Japan in 1969/70.
Epiphone By Gibson Bass Guitar Hockey Stick Headstock
Torrance, California, 905**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$225
Used in working order and decent cosmetic condition .Some nicks , scratches and small dings on the body ( see pictures ) .
Comes as shown on pictures .Nothing else included Shipping cost shown is only to the lower 48 states , others please inquire before bidding .... more
1970s Epiphone ET-285 Electric Bass with OHSC - 3 Tone Burst - Vintage
Woodbury, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$900
For sale, a 1970s Epiphone ET-285 in very good vintage condition - functionality and playability are perfect whereas the cosmetic condition is pre-loved showing surface scratches and minor indentations. The original bridge pickup was swapped by the previous owner sometime ago, and was replaced with a now vintage Dimarzio J Bass Split Coil pickup. This pickup choice gives the bass even more of a nice well rounded sound ... more
Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock Very Rare
Flower Mound, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$400
These were made from 1986-93 according to the internet. The serial number sticker has been peeled of, but I believe this is an earlier one
Very nice looking bass
Sealed tuners, new strings, brass saddles, black on black with matching headstock, all original
The body has a few light nicks and scratches, in the clear coat. None major
No apparent fret wear or groves
The bass has just had a ... more
Gibson / Epiphone Newport Bass Guitar 65-66 Vintage USA
Beach City, Ohio, 446**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1979
1970 Epiphone 1820 / ET280 Short Scale Bass Guitar Made in Japan
Pleasant Hill, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$400
The guy i bought it from said he had bought it in the mid 70's when it was nearly new and it was like that when he bought it He said it played so well he never thought about moving it back to where it was originally
It has paint cracks in the body, no wood damage. It has buckle rash on the back
Overall it is a good working vintage guitar. Good neck, solid components. Can be set up for any type of ... more
Epiphone EBEMSAMNH1 Embassy Bass, Indian Laurel Fretboard, Smoked Almond Metalli
National City, California, 919**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$425
Description
Epiphone's Premier Solidbody Bass
Ever since it was first introduced in 1963 the Epiphone Embassy Bass has been a player favorite, and now it's back and better than ever. Featuring an asymmetrical solid mahogany double-cutaway body, a 34" scale ... more
Epiphone Embassy Special IV Bass Guitar
Harrison, Ohio, 450**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$300
This Bass not only plays great but sounds even better
The frets and neck are in Perfect Shape!
Bass has light scratches on front headstock as shown in pictures
Weight 8 0Lbs 2oz
If you have any questions, please ask
Scale pictured, Case or Bag is Not Included
Your shipping may be cheaper, send us a message and let us know your location for a personalized shipping quote
... more
Epiphone Embassy Bass Electric Bass, Graphite Black
Middletown, New York, 109**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$468