The original Olympic was an acoustic archtop from pre-war days. Almost a decade later after it’s discontinuation, it’s name was given to a solid-body electric that debuted in 1960. The new model was almost identical to the Melody Maker elctric then being produced by Epi’s owners, Gibson. Both instruments had single-cutaways, “3-a-side” headstocks, and pickups built into their pickguards.

The next stage in the Olympic’s evolution was in 1962, when the Olympic Special joined the single-cutaway model. An asymmetrical body replaced the original styling in 1963. A greek “epsilion” symbol adorned the pickguard.

Both versions of this guitar went out of production in 1970.