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

When did Epiphone move to China?

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

Where are Epiphone manufactured?

Qingdao Epiphone guitars are manufactured in Gibsons Chinese-based Qingdao factory. The majority of Epiphones instruments have been made exclusively in this facility since 2004, including their solid-body, hollow-body and acoustic guitars.

Are all Epiphone Les Pauls made in China?

Epiphone makes its own version of the classic Les Paul, but they cost a whole lot less (under $600 for a Classic or a Standard). This is largely because they are manufactured overseas — in China, Korea and Indonesia.

Are Epiphone Masterbilt guitars made in China?

In 2004, Gibson opened a factory in Qingdao, China, which manufactures Epiphone guitars. With few exceptions, Epiphones are now built only in the Qingdao factory. In 2004 Epiphone introduced a series of acoustic guitars named Masterbilt after a line of guitars of the 1930s, which are built in the same factory.

Why are Les Pauls so heavy?

Les Paul Weight The heavy weight of a Les Paul is due to the thick body design and the use of mahogany for the body. Some Les Pauls have cavities routed into the body to provide some weight relief. They look identical to a solid-body Les Paul but feel significantly lighter.