Is Epiphone to Gibson What Squier is to Fender?
Epiphone and Squier are often compared to their parent companies, Gibson and Fender, respectively. Both brands offer budget-friendly options that emulate the features and designs of their premium counterparts. However, there are nuances in their histories and current statuses that set them apart.
Similarities and Differences
While it's true that Epiphone is to Gibson as Squier is to Fender, this analogy isn't entirely accurate. Both Epiphone and Squier offer affordable guitars that are designed to be accessible to beginner and intermediate players. However, there are distinct differences in their origins and current product lines.
Epiphone: A Legacy Brand
Epiphone has a rich, independent history that dates back to 1873 when it was founded as the House of Stathopoulo in New York City by Greek immigrant, Anastasios Stathopoulo. His son Epi took over and changed the company name to Epiphone. For years, Epiphone was a fierce competitor to Gibson, known for their high-quality archtop acoustic guitars. The 1930s and 1940s saw the archtop acoustic guitar market divided between Epiphone and Gibson. Epi's death in the mid-1940s led to the sale of the company to Gibson in 1957. From 1957 to 1970, Epiphones were made in the Gibson factory, serving as a separate but equal product line. In 1970, the production was moved to Japan and Korea, and Epiphone became synonymous with budget instruments.
Squier: A Latecomer to the Game
Unlike Epiphone, Squier was not originally a guitar brand. It began as a string company that Fender acquired. Squier wasn't even a brand name until the early 1980s. When Fender needed a budget line to compete with the influx of Japanese guitars, they used the Squier name on their budget instruments.
Current Status
Both brands are currently owned by their respective parent companies. Epiphone is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Gibson, while Squier remains under Fender. Both offer guitars designed to emulate the features and designs of their premium counterparts but at lower price points. However, playing an Epiphone can be seen as playing a legendary instrument, reminiscent of classic rock legends like John Lennon and George Harrison, while a Squier might be viewed as more modern and contemporary.
Conclusion
While it's accurate to say that Epiphone is to Gibson what Squier is to Fender, it's important to recognize their distinct histories and current positions in the guitar market. Epiphone retains a legacy of craftsmanship and design, even if it is now a budget brand, while Squier remains more modern and directly tied to Fender's brand identity. However, both brands play a crucial role in making high-quality guitars accessible to a wide audience.