Guitar brands in 2004

10 brands on record in 2004: Epiphone, Gretsch, Guild, Harmony, Heritage, Ibanez, Martin, Ovation, PRS and Taylor. Epiphone, Gretsch, Guild and Martin changed owner or plant on at least one line that year.

A snapshot of the trade in 2004. Each row is one brand: the companies that controlled the name that year and the plants that built it. Open a brand’s year for the line-by-line detail.

Who owned what, and where it was built

What changed in 2004

• Epiphone, Epiphone China: new era under Gibson Guitar Corp. / Gibson Brands, Inc. (2013) / Gibson, Inc. (2024) at Gibson Qingdao^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12]}
• Gretsch, Gretsch Custom Shop: new era under Fender Musical Instruments Corporation at Fender Corona^{[13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22]}
• Gretsch, Gretsch Custom Shop: the 2003–2004 era ends^{[13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}
• Guild, Guild USA: new era under Fender Musical Instruments Corporation at Guild Tacoma^{[23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 33]}
• Guild, Guild USA: the 2001–2004 era ends^{[23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 33]}
• Martin, Martin DXM (Mexico): new era under C.F. Martin & Co., Inc. (Martin family) at Martin Navojoa^{[51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56]}

Plants building for more than one brand

• FujiGen: Gretsch and Ibanez

The 2000s

• 2000
• 2001
• 2002
• 2003
• 2004
• 2005
• 2006
• 2007
• 2008
• 2009

Sources

Every numbered marker on this page points here: the document, its grade and the passages relied on. An era is computed, so it cites the facts it was derived from. A fact marked “no source” has no claim attached yet.

1. 1
   Wikipedia: wiki/Gibson (guitar company)graded community

   • "acquired by a group led by Henry Juszkiewicz and David H. Berryman"Epiphone in 2004
2. 2
   Gibson Brands requested court protection from its creditors (May 1, 2018)graded secondary

   • "Gibson Brands requested court protection from its creditors"Epiphone in 2004
3. 3
   Gibson Brands chapter 11 docket: Notice of Effective Dategraded secondary

   • "November 1 2018 Effective Date - Notice of Effe[ctive Date]"Epiphone in 2004
4. 4
   Epiphone history 1957-present (Gibson era) - Blue Book of Guitar Valuesgraded secondary

   • When Gibson was sold to Henry Juszkiewicz, David Berryman, and Gary Zebrowski in 1986Epiphone in 2004
5. 5
   Docket index, In re Gibson Brands, Inc. (Notice of Effective Date)graded primary

   • Notice of Effective Date Notice of (I) Entry of Confirmation Order, (II) Occurrence of Effective DateEpiphone in 2004
6. 6
   Gibson Brands Plan of Reorganization Confirmedgraded primary

   • the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware has confirmed the Company's plan of reorganization.Epiphone in 2004
7. 7
   Gibson Guitars Names New Leadership And Exit From Bankruptcygraded secondary

   • the investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) will assume majority ownership control of Gibson.Epiphone in 2004
8. 8
   TTAB Cancellation No. 92084591, filing 4 (Delaware certificate of amendment, Gibson Brands, Inc. to Gibson, Inc.)graded primary

   • CHANGING ITS NAME FROM "GIBSON BRANDS, INC." TO "GIBSON, INC."Epiphone in 2004
9. 9
   Gibson Guitar Corp. Company Historygraded secondary

   • new owners took over in 1986, Henry Juszkiewicz and David Berryman, who bought the company for $5 million.Epiphone in 2004
10. 10
    fandom: wiki/Epiphonegraded community

    • "a few special models still made in Japan"Epiphone in 2004
    • "Epiphone began contracting out to a number of different manufacturers"Epiphone in 2004
11. 11
    Wikipedia: wiki/FUJIGENgraded community

    • some Gretsch models and their own branded FGN guitarsGretsch in 2004
12. 12
    guitarinsite: epiphone factoriesgraded community

    • "Several Chinese factories have produced Epiphone guitars"Epiphone in 2004
    • "In 2004, Gibson opened a factory in Qingdao… owned by Gibson"Epiphone in 2004
13. 13
    gretschguitars: support/historygraded primary

    • "In 1984, Fred W. Gretsch… purchased Gretsch back"Gretsch in 2004
    • In late 2002 a deal was struck for Fender Musical Instruments Corp. to handle Gretsch Guitars manufacturing and distributionGretsch in 2004
14. 14
    The Story of Gretschgraded secondary

    • In 1984 Fred made good on his promise when he and his wife Dinah bought the Gretsch Company back from Baldwin.Gretsch in 2004
    • In 2002 Gretsch and Fender announced an alliance that granted Fender exclusive rights to develop, market, and distribute Gretsch guitars.Gretsch in 2004
15. 15
    Fred #4: Fred W. Gretsch – Leading The Return Of 'That Great Gretsch Sound.'graded primary

    • His offer was accepted, and in November 1984, Fred was able to fulfill his 17-year dream of buying back the Gretsch Company.Gretsch in 2004
16. 16
    A brief history of Gretsch guitarsgraded secondary

    • In 1984, the couple bought the Gretsch brand backGretsch in 2004
    • In 2002, Gretsch and Fender Musical Instruments Corp announced a strategic partnership.Gretsch in 2004
17. 17
    gretschguitars: 2014/01/ten years of the gretsch custom shopgraded primary

    • "Fender acquired licensing for the manufacture, distribution and marketing… in 2002"Gretsch in 2004
    • Gretsch Custom Shop is now located in the rolling hills of Corona, Calif.Gretsch in 2004
18. 18
    reverb: news/the rebirth of gretsch guitarsgraded secondary

    • "starting officially on the first day of 2003"Gretsch in 2004
    • "chose Terada, an experienced firm in Nagoya"Gretsch in 2004
19. 19
    reverb: news/how to date a gretsch guitargraded secondary

    • "1989 - present: Japan (Terada factory)"Gretsch in 2004
    • "JD = Japan - Dyna Gakki"Gretsch in 2004
    • "JF = Japan - FujiGen Gakki"Gretsch in 2004
    • "Starting in 1999… budget-level Electromatic… in Korea"Gretsch in 2004
    • "CY = China - Yako"Gretsch in 2004
    • "1995 - present: US (Custom & Masterbuilt Series)"Gretsch Custom Shop, 2003–2004
20. 20
    gretsch-talk: threads/gretsch korean plants.105525graded community

    • "KP = Korea - Peerless"Gretsch in 2004
21. 21
    gretsch-talk: threads/what year did electromatic production move from korea to china.218618graded community

    • "transitioned to China between June and July of 2021"Gretsch in 2004
22. 22
    fender newsroom: gretsch celebrates 15 years of the gretsch custom shopgraded primary

    • With Stern tied up with Benedetto, Fleming and Fender’s George Blanda were tabbed to build the first-ever custom U.S.-made Gretsch models, which debuted at the 2004 winter NAMM Show.Gretsch in 2004
23. 23
    blogspot: 2025/11/the convoluted history of guild guitars.htmlgraded community

    • "FMIC bought Guild from U.S. Music Corporation in November 1995"Guild in 2004
24. 24
    fender: newsroom/news/408graded primary

    • "(May 6, 2014)… letter of intent to sell the Guild guitar brand"Guild in 2004
25. 25
    premierguitar: artists/cordoba music group acquires guildgraded secondary

    • "Upon finalization of the sale, Cordoba Music Group is expected to begin production in Oxnard, Calif."Guild in 2004
26. 26
    Fender Musical Instruments Corporation announces intent to sell Guild brand to Cordoba Music Groupgraded primary

    • Guild joined the FMIC family in 1995Guild in 2004
27. 27
    Guild in the Post-Fender Eragraded secondary

    • When Fender bought the company in late 1995, Guild was headquartered in Westerly, Rhode Island.Guild in 2004
28. 28
    Fender Musical Instruments Company (International Directory of Company Histories)graded secondary

    • In 1995, Fender acquired the Guild Guitar Company, a Rhode Island-based manufacturer of handmade electric and acousticGuild in 2004
29. 29
    Guild (Acoustic Guitar magazine feature, AG282, hosted by Guild)graded secondary

    • Another big change for Guild came in 1995, when Fender purchased the company.Guild in 2004
30. 30
    The Convoluted History of Guild Guitarsgraded community

    • The Fender Musical Instrument Company (FMIC) bought Guild from U.S. Music Corporation in November 1995.Guild in 2004
31. 31
    fandom: wiki/Guild Guitar Companygraded community

    • "manufactured in Korea under the DeArmond brand name"Guild in 2004
32. 32
    acousticguitarforum: forums/showthread.php?p=5240671graded community

    • "made at a factory in China under a contract"Guild in 2004
33. 33
    mmone: guild guitarsgraded secondary

    • "2004, when Fender acquired Tacoma"Guild in 2004
    • "moved to Fender's headquarters in Corona… until 2004"Guild USA, 2001–2004
34. 34
    Harmony history threadgraded community

    • "ceased in 1975, and sold the Harmony name"Harmony in 2004
35. 35
    Harmony historygraded community

    • The Harmony trademark and all intellectual property was acquired in 2009 by Westheimer corpoaration in Northbrook, IL.Harmony in 2004
36. 36
    HARMONY trademark registration 71688732graded primary

    • GLOBAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CO., INC., A DIVISION OF FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC TRADE CONSULTANTS, LTD.Harmony in 2004
37. 37
    Harmony Companygraded community

    • "briefly imported 'reissue' Harmony guitars"Harmony in 2004
38. 38
    heritageownersclub: forums/topic/35999 heritage historygraded community

    • "was incorporated on April 1, 1985"Heritage in 2004
39. 39
    Changes at Heritage Guitar roil staff luthiersgraded secondary

    • Space was to be reserved for Heritage, which was formed in 1984 when Gibson abandoned the building and moved their operations to Nashville.Heritage in 2004
40. 40
    Heritage history (Heritage Owners Club forum thread)graded community

    • Heritage Guitar Inc. of 225 Parsons Street in Kalamazoo, Michigan was incorporated on April 1, 1985.Heritage in 2004
41. 41
    Heritage Guitars - About Us (site footer)graded primary

    • During the spring of 1985, several Kalamazoo guitar luthiersHeritage in 2004
42. 42
    Builder Profile: Heritage Guitargraded secondary

    • In the spring of 1985, Lamb, formerly the Gibson plant superintendent,Heritage in 2004
43. 43
    chicagomusicexchange: blogs/news/inside heritage guitarsgraded community

    • "During the spring of 1985, they purchased space at the iconic factory along with its original guitar-making equipment."Heritage in 2004
44. 44
    Wikipedia: wiki/Hoshino Gakkigraded community

    • "1981: Hoshino changes company name… to Hoshino Gakki"Ibanez in 2004
    • "1969: Hoshino Gakki Ten starts to use the FujiGen… factory"Ibanez in 2004
45. 45
    Wikipedia: wiki/Ibanez Icemangraded community
46. 46
    Hoshino Gakki Co. Ltd. Company Historygraded secondary

    • The following year, the company changed its own name to Hoshino Gakki Co.Ibanez in 2004
47. 47
    Hoshino Gakki (Wikipedia)graded community

    • Hoshino changes company name from Hoshino Gakki Ten to Hoshino GakkiIbanez in 2004
48. 48
    星野楽器(株) インターネットエラベル企業情報graded secondary

    • 設立 1981年11月Ibanez in 2004
49. 49
    Wikipedia: wiki/Ibanezgraded community

    • "also been made in other Asian countries such as Korea, China, and Indonesia"Ibanez in 2004
50. 50
    Wikipedia: wiki/Ibanez GIOgraded community

    • "produced in either China or Indonesia"Ibanez in 2004
51. 51
    Wikipedia: wiki/C. F. Martin %26 Companygraded community

    • "run by the same family for six generations"Martin in 2004
52. 52
    A Family Business (The Martin Story)graded primary

    • Since 1833, C. F. Martin & Co.® has remained family owned and operated—six generationsMartin in 2004
53. 53
    C. F. Martin & Co. Announces Retirements & New Leadership Appointmentsgraded primary

    • Owner and Chairman of the Board of the 192-year-old companyMartin in 2004
54. 54
    C F Martin Co Inc (International Directory of Company Histories)graded secondary

    • Located in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, since 1839, the company has been run by the same family for six generations.Martin in 2004
55. 55
    Martin Guitar CEO Chris Martin IV announces retirementgraded secondary

    • Family ownership of the Nazareth, Pennsylvania-based company... will continue.Martin in 2004
56. 56
    guitar: features/martin guitar historygraded secondary

    • "62,000-square-foot Sycamore Street facility… That was in 1964."Martin in 2004
    • "since the early 1990s, Martin's Navajoa factory has turned out strings, ukuleles and Backpackers… DXM series to Navojoa, in 2004"Martin in 2004
    • "DXM series to Navojoa, in 2004"Martin in 2004
57. 57
    themunicipal: 2023/12/stringing along at the martin guitar factory and museumgraded secondary
58. 58
    Hamer Guitarsgraded community

    • "acquired by… Fender… on December 31, 2007"Ovation in 2004
59. 59
    Kaman Corporation Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2007graded primary

    • On December 31, 2007, we completed the previously announced saleOvation in 2004
60. 60
    Kaman Corporation Form 10-K for fiscal year 2008graded primary

    • On December 31, 2007, we completed the sale of all of the capital stock of our wholly owned subsidiaryOvation in 2004
61. 61
    Kaman Corp. 8-K exhibit 99.1 (Ovation/KMC sale closing)graded primary

    • on December 31, 2007, the company completed its previously announced saleOvation in 2004
62. 62
    Fender to close Ovation factory in Connecticutgraded secondary

    • "built Ovation… for the last 47 years"Ovation in 2004
63. 63
    Fender to cease US production of Ovation guitarsgraded secondary
64. 64
    fandom: wiki/PRS Guitarsgraded community

    • "Paul Reed Smith set up a partnership to create a factory in Annapolis"PRS in 2004
65. 65
    Guitar Heaven: Paul Reed Smith Makes Guitarsgraded secondary

    • With the help of an investor he formed a limited partnership, raising $500,000 in capitalPRS in 2004
66. 66
    Gibson Guitar Corp. v. Paul Reed Smith Guitars, LP, 423 F.3d 539 (6th Cir. 2005)graded primary

    • PRS founder Paul Reed Smith ("Smith") began manufacturing custom guitars in the mid-1970s and opened a guitar factory in 1985.PRS in 2004
67. 67
    PRS media roomgraded primary

    • Paul Reed Smith, Managing General Partner of PRS GuitarsPRS in 2004
68. 68
    A Closer Look at the 1985 PRS Serial Number 5graded primary

    • In April of 1985, PRS Guitars formally began operations in our first ever factory in Annapolis, Maryland.PRS in 2004
69. 69
    Inside Annapolis: Paul Reed Smith feature (2007)graded secondary

    • we developed a strong team and launched PRS Guitars, Limited Partnership.PRS in 2004
70. 70
    PRS staff post: moved into the Stevensville factory in January 1996graded community

    • "PRS moved into the Stevensville factory in January 1996"PRS in 2004
71. 71
    Wikipedia: wiki/PRS Guitarsgraded community

    • "In 1996, the company moved to its present facility in Stevensville on Kent Island"PRS in 2004
72. 72
    musicradar: news/the story of prss se guitar linegraded secondary

    • "the entire line was made by World Musical Instrument Co in Incheon, Korea"PRS in 2004
73. 73
    slickdeals: f/18215926 taylor 317e grand pacific dreadnought acoustic electric guitar w hardshell casegraded unverified

    • "bought American Dream and renamed it the Westland Music Company"Taylor in 2004
74. 74
    taylorguitars: issue/2021 issue 2/cover story/keeping good companygraded primary

    • "on December 31… signing the documents to officially transition the ownership"Taylor in 2004
75. 75
    taylorguitars: about/50th anniversary timelinegraded primary

    • they decide to call the new business Westland Music Company.Taylor in 2004
    • Westland Music Company changes its name to Taylor Guitars.Taylor in 2004
    • Bob and Kurt buy out partner Steve Schemmer, incorporate as Taylor-Listug, Inc.Taylor in 2004
    • After Radding announces he plans to sell the American Dream, Bob Taylor, Kurt Listug and Steve Schemmer … partner up and borrow money to purchase the shopTaylor in 2004
76. 76
    Taylor Guitars company history (timeline)graded primary

    • Westland Music Company changes its name to Taylor Guitars.Taylor in 2004
    • Bob and Kurt buy out partner Steve Schemmer, incorporate as Taylor-Listug, Inc.Taylor in 2004
77. 77
    About Taylor Guitarsgraded primary

    • Taylor Guitars is now proudly 100% employee owned.Taylor in 2004
78. 78
    assemblymag: articles/98037 hand craftsmanship meets high tech at taylor guitarsgraded secondary

    • "In 1992, Taylor moved to a 25,000-square-foot factory in El Cajon."Taylor in 2004
79. 79
    kpbs: podcasts/the finest/how taylor guitars changed the guitar industry and helped revitalize agraded secondary

    • "102 guitars per day… Tecate… about 700 per day"Taylor in 2004

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