epiphone identificatio

[iowa newbie]

I have a 70's? epiphone 335 copy, and I'm trying to figure out what it is.
double cut-away,bigsby style trem, 2 p/u, square mop fretboard inlay, bolt neck...any ideas on what it is or where to find more info?
Blue label inside says epiphone 5102TE, no. 74962, made in Japan.
Thanks

[duhvoodooman***]

That's what it is--an Epiphone 5102TE. Looks like it was probably made in '74, from that serial number. Here's some info:

http://www.wholenote.com/resources/revmain.asp?i=9958

[iowa newbie]

Thanks for the info

[Gregzy]

That's what it is--an Epiphone 5102TE. Looks like it was probably made in '74, from that serial number. Here's some info:

http://www.wholenote.com/resources/revmain.asp?i=9958

If the model number on the interior label is stated as "5102 TE" then the instrument was made in 1971. In late 1970 after domestic Epiphone production ceased in August of 1970, Matsumoku (parent company of Aria, Westone, Lyle, et al) was contracted by Norlin (Gibson's then parent corporation) to manufacture the first Epiphones to be imported from Japan. These early imported Epiphone models were actually re-branded Matsumoku/Aria models (5102 T is even an Aria model number).
Here is a scan from the first Japanese Epiphone catalog depicting the 5102TE:




A year later, in 1972 the model number was changed to EA-250 and remained until about 1977 as an Epiphone model.

Here's a very similar guitar in sunburst (which wasn't available on the Epiphone version) branded as a "Lyle" :



and another in even more-rare green (also not available as on the Epiphone version):



When introduced they had a list price of $199.99 and street-ed for around $125. Currently they sell for a wide range of prices on E Bay etc, anywhere from $200-$400 with their actually value being more near the lower end of that range.

Hoped that helped.

Greg

[mrmudcat]

Are you wanting to sell it?

[just strum]

Greg,

Great info on the Epi. Are those other pictures some that you own or have owned?

However, you left out information on the aluminum Christmas tree.

Good to see you over here and I look forward to more posts from you (note: there are hockey fans here).

Don't forget to drop in a little intro in the Players section.

[Gregzy]

Greg,

Great info on the Epi. Are those other pictures some that you own or have owned?

However, you left out information on the aluminum Christmas tree.

Good to see you over here and I look forward to more posts from you (note: there are hockey fans here).

Don't forget to drop in a little intro in the Players section.

No Strummy, just some photos I've acquired. After your post "over there" about your friend I came here and checked the place out and since I'm really in need of a change of scenery, I thought I'd stick around. I thought about giving your as a referral but then I thought...maybe he wouldn't appreciate it should my reputation ever catch up with me here lol. Anyway, looks to be a very even-keeled place without a lot of out of control egos so you'll probably be hearing more from me. The hockey thing is a sensitive subject with me at present because even though I'm not usually pre-disposed to black helicopter, conspiratorial thinking, the end result was called by another member of a hockey forum I belong to to a "T" two months ago. I dismissed it at the time but then everything the guy said and implied turned out to happen. Well, let Sindy enjoy his cup because I doubt next year they'll even make the playoffs.

Greg

[just strum]

...I thought I'd stick around. I thought about giving your as a referral but then I thought...maybe he wouldn't appreciate it should my reputation ever catch up with me here lol.

Greg

It's a good place, with good people. I have no problem with you using me as a referral, you bring some good information and humor with you - that's appreciated around here.

Now, before I get booted for OT, go introduce yourself in the Player section.