About a year ago I had the opportunity to get the Epiphone masterbilt Uke for £99 with hard case and didn't and can't remember why. Now I'm kicking myself as they've been discontinued. I even put a post on here asking if anyone had heard anything about them and the response wasn't sufficiently positive to make me purchase. I'm so annoyed with myself. Nevertheless, I've seen that they are releasing this new concert sized uke which is interesting me as I love the Epiphone brand (the Masterbilt was a soprano).
I'm sure most people know that Epiphone are now owned by Gibson and have been downgraded by them, but they are still a cult name in their own right and I think so much more cooler than the gibson brand. Let's just remind everyone of the iconic picture of John Lennon with his Epiphone Casino and McCartney wrote many of his songs on an Epiphone. I know that a lot of pre-70's (I think it's actually pre 68, it's when they moved production to Japan) Epiphones are greatly desired by a lot of musicians. Nevertheless, they still produce good Instruments, I have a Masterbilt guitar, which is a very, very good guitar for the cash.
Anyway I've gone round the houses rambling on about Epiphone when I only really wanted to relay that I've contacted Epiphone (Gibson) about this new Uke to discover if it will be available in Scotland and Epiphone Europe told me that Epiphone aren't doing any Ukes and if I wanted one I would have to buy a 2nd hand masterbilt. As of yet Epiphone (gibson) USA have not got back to me.
I personally blame Gibson for this. I don't know why, I've never liked the Gibson brand. I love the Gretsch/Epiphone/Guild/Rickenbacker brands but never liked Gibson. I think it's due to growing up and seeing the ridiculous spandex clad big haired, predominately American, sorry but they were although England and mainland europe had their fair share, dross rock bands on TV sporting Gibson Les Pauls and used to think to myself, even at such a tender age, these lads are d**ks!
Anyway, any feed back as to what gibson plan to do with this uke will be most welcome, will they be bringing it to europe?