1971 Epiphone 1820 bass

The Epiphone 1820 bass was produced at the very well regarded Matsumoku plant in Matsumoto, Japan between 1970 and 1975. It was the first Japanese Epiphone bass (alongside the 5120 electric acoustic), but was renamed ET-280 in 1972, and it is better known by this name.

An Epiphone 1820 bass or an Epiphone ET-280 bass?

Determining a precise date of manufacture for early 1970s Japanese Epiphones is not possible. Potentiometers typically have no codes, serial numbers (apparently) contain no useful information, and neither are there any date stamps to be found anywhere on the bass' body or neck. However, like all guitars with any significant length of production, it is possible to narrow it down to give a ballpark date. Changes in hardware over time do give some clue as to a production year, and it appears that this bass is an early example, so technically an Epiphone 1820 rather than an Epiphone ET-280. Luckily, over its four years of manufacture, the brochure / price list photographs have been updated repeatedly - often not the case - with many manufactures / dealers simple reusing the same old image.

This guitar is very similar to the example pictured in the 1971 Pick Epiphone brochure, and without many of the features shown in 1972-75 publicity. It lacks the Epiphone 'E' logo shown in all brochures from 1972, has a four ply scratchplate (from 1973 brochures show this to be single ply black). Finally it has the unbranded arched truss rod cover - again a feature only pictured in 1971 literature - 1972 examples also have an Epiphone 'E', from 1973, the shape changes to the larger arch with cutout tip.

The Epiphone 1820 was based on an existing Matsumoku bass - and although the Epiphone got a new neck with 2x2 tuning keys, it kept the same offset body style, hardware and pickups as these earlier models. Controls are simple: volume, tone and a three way (neck / both / bridge) pickup selector switch.

The pickups are held in place with 4 screws. These are not height adjustable, although each has four adjustable pole-pieces. There are more detailed images of the pickups and coils within them in the members version of this page.

This bass has one master volume and one master tone control. The silver control knobs were used on numerous Matsumoku guitars from this period. This early 1820 / ET-280 bass is fitted with a four-ply pickguard. Later examples had a single-ply guard with Epiphone 'E' logo.

The Epiphone 1820 / ET-280 bass bridge with and without its cover. The bridge itself has two height adjustable saddles, with strings mounted to the bridge base. The short distance between the baseplate and the saddles necessitates the use of strings without silk windings at the ball end (unlike in the pictures here! Look at the E string in the image below specifically). Failing to do this can make it quite difficult to achieve accurate intonation.

Epiphone 1820 / ET-280 front of headstock view. The inlaid Epiphone logo, open book silhouette and 2x2 tuning key arrangement were all traditional USA-Epiphone features applied to the Japanese Epiphones, differentiating them from the existing Matsumoku models from which they were derived. Note also the arched truss rod cover. This is an early 1820 / ET-280 feature. This too would soon change to a more traditional Epiphone shape (with cut out tip, and 'E' branding).

Reverse headstock. The back of the neck is unpainted, clearly showing the five-ply laminated maple construction. These closed gear tuning keys are commonly seen on many Japanese bass guitars, not just those produced by Matsumoku. The 'Bass Centre' dealers sticker (with London telephone number) dates, most likely, to the 1980s - no doubt this bass was sold by them as a used instrument.

Epiphone ET280 bass video clips

This is a cool bass with some good basic sounds. Its lack of adjustability (specifically in terms of pickup height) let it down somewhat: this example at least could have been made more playable if the bridge pickup could have been lowered slighty.

Subscribe to the vintageguitarandbass youtube channel for more vintage guitar and bass demos. Also, check out the other Epiphone ET-280 videos (different amps, different settings) in the supporting members area.