New Epi bass, the Triumph-II

[PhilT]

http://www.vintageguitars.org.uk/epiphone62p17.php

[Dave W]

That one has a cutaway, so at least there's precedent.

Frequensator! I knew there was a specific name for that tailpiece.

Here's an old one: http://www.gbase.com/gear/epiphone-triumph-1942-blonde

[Daniel_J]

Didn't know there was an Epi model of the name, you live and learn. Did it at least look faintly like it?

I think the idea behind the name is just so to make sure this is a Epiphone developed and designed model, and not a budget Gibson counterpart, so they went back to the time before Gibson bought Epiphone and picked up a name that was associated with a Epiphone original model.

Are they making Epis in Korea anymore? All the ones I've seen recently are Chinese.

At least here in Brazil, the local Epiphone dealer told me that all the semi-hollow line available to us here (dot, joe pass emperor, sheraton, cassino and the viola bass) are korean made. All the rest of the line is chinese.

[Barklessdog]

From the legal end (rear), here in the US, to keep a copywriten/regersterd name you must have a product or publication on the public market every so many years or you loose the rights to the name-like Ford did with the Ford GT 500.

[Dave W]

From the legal end (rear), here in the US, to keep a copywriten/regersterd name you must have a product or publication on the public market every so many years or you loose the rights to the name-like Ford did with the Ford GT 500.

You're thinking of trademark law, use it (in commerce) or lose it. But I think Daniel's point is that they took a name associated with Epi but not with Gibson, to distinguish it from being a copy of a Gibson product. Just like they have reused the Embassy name on some basses that are definitely not Gibson influenced.

[doombass]

At least here in Brazil, the local Epiphone dealer told me that all the semi-hollow line available to us here (dot, joe pass emperor, sheraton, cassino and the viola bass) are korean made. All the rest of the line is chinese.

That's what I've heard also, that the Casady and Allen Woody models are still made in Korea.

[Highlander]

Can it make the tea...?

I'll be interested to hear you review, Herr Bassmeister...

Semi's...

I gotta do something about this bassus-interuptus...

[godofthunder]

Very cool ! I'd like one.

[n!k]

Sadly it looks like another one of those wide-neck Epi bass affairs. It was the only thing I hated about the Casady bass I had: the neck was huge to my hand.

Bet this new bass would sound great for jazz. Maybe even loud enough acoustically to fill that gap too for jammin' around the house.

[Basvarken]

How much will they retail for?

[wagdog]

How much will they retail for?

I found a UK site selling them for Eur 643 ($920+ USD).  Not cheap at all.  I guess I'll have to wait for a used one.

[drbassman]

I'm gonna have to check this one out!  You know how I'm a fool fir hollow bodies!!!   

[Dave W]

http://www.thomann.de/gb/epiphone_triumph_ii_bass_tb.htm

Looks like they're just taking orders at this point.

Of course that price doesn't mean it will actually cost the equivalent in US dollars. From what I've seen it's usually a little less, but I would expect it to be $800-850.

[uwe]

Well, realistically, if it's to sound any good and not just go "plonk!", it couldn't be any cheaper.

[Dave W]

I'm not suggesting that it's too high. The price will be in the same area as a Casady. It looks good, so if these new pickups sound good too, it should sell well enough.