Re: mysterious guitar EPI d-10 and D12

My wife bought me a used acoustic at the flea market in 1984 that has EPI on the headstock and is a Model D-12 , NORLIN product, made in Taiwan . She said the seller told her it was an Epiphone and I have always wondered about this guitars origins and specifications It has great sound although I need to have the bridge reworked after I tried to lower the action myself. So far I have read that Norlin, Ephiphone and Gibson is a common denominator for "EPI" instruments but can't find specifics. ANyone with more detailed information on this instrument please contact me. I am still researching this guitar so I may find out more to share with whom ever has a similar interest and we could compare notes. Until then ....

Peace & Prosperity
Johnny Ray
North Carolina, USA

: I HAVE AN Epi D10 and an Epi D12 they are wonderful playing guitars mine has rosewood ba acks and sides, I will continue looking into their past and kee3p yo posted
: Stan too, have just inherited a EPI D-10 and after the serial number it has a "T" with a circle around it then it has Norlin Lincolnwood IL but it also has Taiwan stamped on the inside tag.. I checked in the Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars 8th Edition and it said the Taiwan guitars were made between 1979 to 1981 and Gibson owned Epi at this time. The rcpt. for the guitar was from 1978 so I guess the models come out early like cars?? But there is not a Norlin or D-10 listed anywhere under Epi, Epiphone or Gibson.

Same thing, I picked up an old Epi guitar and have never been able to find out much about it. I know it is very solid and durable and plays very well.
The guy I got it from told me they were using it in a recording studio. To hear it open ears is one thing, but to hear it on record, it sounds like two different guitars.
I've heard a lot of theories, never any solid info.
I picked this one up almost 30 years ago and it is in the same condition as when I first got it. Add thirty years to how old it was when I got it and the the dates take it back a ways. Just can not find any info using the name or serial #'s If anyone knows the story behind these, let us know, it would be interesting to find out the real history.

Tim C.

I ALSO HAVE AN EPI D10 with the same basic configuration. I have never known anything about it. Used to play it all the time. Don't think it was a very expensive guitar, though. I've had it since mid 1980s(used). I too have wondered about it, since I have never heard of an "EPI" label in later model instuments.