This was hot news last week, the first unveiling of the Gibson-others collaboration under the authorized partnership programme. . Banker is a small time boutique name run by a luthier who used to be - you guessed it - a banker. Absolutely nothing new here, just a dedicated repro of Gibson's fabled korina-based Flying V/ Explorer.
As it is, Gibson is only willing to extend their goodwill to boutique craftsmanship. I don't see a near future where an off-the-shelf name would be authorized to perpetuate the Gibson legacy, less Epiphone. In my humble opinion, Fender is doing it right by having an Eastern extension of itself addressing possible market opportunities which may affect its core focus should resources be reallocated to favour that venture. It also has sister brands to embrace contemporary designs without unrooting tradition.
If I were Gibson, since all this collaboration thingy is set into motion, I would at least talk to people like ESP's Navigator a renowned name in this we-can-do-Gobson-better game. We are fortunate enough to personally know what the Navigator name has in store when it comes to QC & overall appeal; nothing less than awesome. By doing so, Gibson would be establishing firmer roots in the East.
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