vintage epiphone classical guitars

[Baldrigo]

I have two vintage Epiphone classical guitars, a 1965 EC-100 ("Madrid")  and a 1967-68 EC-300 ("Barcelona").  They are just about identical to Gibson classical models C-1 and C-4 made concurrently in Kalamazoo. But these two models are very different in construction. The EC-100  has solid spruce top, mahogany back (one piece, appears to be solid) and mahogany sides, typical Epiphone peghead shape, 35mm tuner  roller spacing,  and a dovetail joint neck. The EC-100 has a solid spruce top, maple back (two piece, probably solid) and maple sides, typical Spanish peghead with 39mm roller spacing and a French heel/typical Spanish construction. Both have a zeroth fret and the blue union made Kalamazoo label. The EC-100 has printed model/serial number on the label, as was the usual practice at the time. EC-300 has the model/serial number handwritten on the label.

Did Gibson/Epiphone subcontract the EC-300/C4 models to Spanish luthiers? Or (more likely) did they choose a Spanish luthier/model to copy? Some small details in the construction of the EC300 make me wonder if these were made by hand, by a luthier. Anyone out there have any information? I can post pictures if anyone wants to see them .

[pohatu771]

The late 60s is not known as an era of consistency at Gibson.

The EC-100 or Gibson C-1 was a lower-priced model and made more like a typical Gibson acoustic guitar than a Spanish classical guitar. The EC-300 or Gibson C-4 were more expensive and more authentic to Spanish designs - and poor sellers - but made by the same people and factory.