Check out the fansite devoted to Epiphone's classic upright basses from the ‘40s and ‘50s. After WWII, Gretsch and Gibson had discontinued their upright bass divisions leaving Epiphone as the sole, non-classical upright bass manufacturer for the everyday musician during the bebop, jump R&B and honky tonk country era. Everyone from Hank Williams' Drifting Cowboys to Louis Jordan's Tympani Five used Epi basses.  Check out the photo (right) of Epi Stathopoulo's younger brother Frixo polishing a new Epiphone bass in 1949.

The superb craftsmanship on these basses, not to mention the great tone and big sound, which could blow out a lighted match at 50 yards, earned the Epi name great respect in the industry and among musicians. In fact, it was Epiphone's bass division that brought Gibson Vice President Ted McCarty to Epi in the first place. With Les Paul's urging, McCarty bought the entire company instead of just the bass division. It was McCarty's plan to continue Epi’s designs at the Kalamazoo factory before rock and roll brought upright bass manufacturing to a halt. Today, bluegrass, country, and jazz players are seeking out these vintage treasures. If you have one, set it up and start pickin'.