Is this really a MM30?

[scootergirl62]

Just starting out here with a second (I think) hand Mandolin, an Ephiphone. It's marked with a sticker on the back of the headstock "MM30" and also has another sticker with a serial number "893316". I do know it's an older instrument, but the thing that has me wondering is the hardware is chrome. Did Ephiphone use chrome and switch to the gold hardware for their more recent instruments? Am I correct in thinking this was produced in 1989? It doesn't come up on the serial number searcher thing-a-ma-bob.

[Capt. E]

MM30 is indeed an Epiphone model. The serial number means it was made in 1989. One of the first mandolins I ever owned was an MM30. I don't remember if it had chrome hardware, but wouldn't surprise me to find one made that way. I believe they were still being made in Korea in 89.

[Folkmusician.com]

The Korean Factories that were making most of the various brands of Mandolins started moving to China around 2001. Shortly after, almost all production moved out of Korea. Something like this from the late 80's should have been Korean made. :)

[Tim2723]

And yes, Epiphones of that period did use chrome hardware. I have one from 1978 and it's as chrome as chrome can be.

[scootergirl62]

Thanks everyone...it is in fact Made in Korea! Appreciate the feedback!