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.

Where are Epiphone guitars 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.

Which Epiphone guitars are made in Japan?

Unique Epiphone models, including the Emperor, Zephyr, Riviera and Sheraton, are built to higher quality standards than the companys Gibson copy line. Epiphone also produces a range of higher quality instruments under the Elitist Series moniker, which are built in Japan.

When did Epiphone stop making guitars in Korea?

In 2007 the Qingdao China Epiphone factory started implementing noticeable upgrades in building and materials to help make their Epiphone guitars some of the best ever made in the world. But, in 2004 Korea still ruled.

Does Kramer still make guitars?

Kramer Guitars is an American manufacturer of electric guitars and basses. Kramer produced aluminum-necked electric guitars and basses in the 1970s and wooden-necked guitars catering to hard rock and heavy metal musicians in the 1980s; Kramer is currently a division of Gibson Guitar Corporation.