The Epiphone Bass
Near the turn of the 20th century, a number of musical-instrument companies had been founded in order to cater to the demands of the increasingly prosperous market. Many of these would create pianos, brass instruments, and guitars. But for The Epiphone Company, string instruments would be what would make them famous. The Epiphone Bass, in particular, has proven to be very popular to musicians since the company was founded back in 1873 by Anastasios Stathopoulos.
The name “Epiphone” comes from a word play on the word “epiphany”, and the nickname “Epi” of the son of the original founder, Epaminondas. Originally, Anastasios made fiddles and lutes in what is now known as Izmir, Turkey. But when he moved to the U.S. in 1903, he added mandolins to his creations. When his son “Epi” took over, the company continued to add products, first banjos, then Epiphone Guitars, well into 1943 when Epi passed away. While his brothers took control, however, the company did not last that long, and was finally bought out by Gibson, the company’s main rival, in 1957.
The buyout would prove to be good for the Epiphone name, however, because under Gibson they continued to create Epiphone guitars and bass guitars. Epiphone Guitars were either Gibson copies, or Epiphone originals, and both classifications were successful. There are many well-liked bass guitars by Epiphone as well, but perhaps the most popular of them is the Epiphone Thunderbird Bass. At the moment, it has seven incarnations – the Thunderbird Pro, the Thunderbird IV, the Goth Thunderbird IV, the Limited Edition Silverburst Thunderbird IV, and the Nikki Sixx Thunderbird Bass and Blackbird. Each is crafted using very beautiful woods such as maple, rosewood, and mahogany.
Many bassists today have, at one point or another, dreamt of getting a Thunderbird, because of its classic shape that fits perfectly for rock or heavy metal. And as the name implies, the Thunderbird has an imposing sound, and can blaze through musical pieces while at the same time, still maintaining the foundation of the music, just as a bass should. And the Thunderbird’s classic shape has become something of an icon, and is shared by another Epiphone classic, the Nikki Sixx Blackbird, named after the legendary bassist of Motley Crue.
Today, while there are many bass guitars available, the Thunderbird’s place in the music industry is cemented, and is a very good buy for musicians who wish to use a classically designed, yet very advanced instrument.
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Categories: Guitars, Musical Instruments Tags: Epiphone Bass, Epiphone Bass Guitar, Epiphone Bass Guitars, Epiphone Guitars, Epiphone Thunderbird Bass
Yamaha Bass Guitar
Yamaha is known for its motorcycles as much as it is for its musical instruments. Yamaha's musical instruments include organs, pianos, percussion, and string instruments, like acoustic and electric guitars. One of its most popular string instruments is the bass guitar, which is one of the premiere choices for bass guitarists everywhere.