Rick; Altho I agree that today the name Epiphone generaly is associated with, and applied to, cheap Korean instruments. I believe I'm in possessian of a pleasant exception. Coincidently a copy, or reissue, of the early 60s Texan. According to the sticker inside. "Made in Montana, 1994" in a limited number. I almost didn't buy it because of the name, but danmit I liked the sound. When I put the money down, 3 or 4 years ago now, the guy at the store say's, " Great choice! Don't let any body tell you that that's a 'cheap Korean guitar', it's as well made as any other in the shop." I had not looked at the sticker inside yet. Since then I've recieved many compliments about the guitars well developed sound, and exceptional feel. I've even had a few older folk whom I respect comment," Believe it or not this is every thing the origanal Texans were, it'll be worth something some day". Myself haveing own only a few other guitars simply think it's a great instrument, probably not exactly all of what your beloved Texan was, But I can immagine how much you miss her.

Marc Bernier