If you're looking to recreate David Rawling's iconic sound, look no further. This is the cleanest and most original example of an early small body Masterbilt Olympic we have ever handled. In 1932, the US was in the depths of the Great Depression. To reflect the needs of the time, Epiphone created this affordable but high quality model. At $35, this was the entry level offering in the newly introduced 1931 line up. The top is  hand carved Adirondack spruce with solid carved braces. In contrast to their main competitor, Gibson, who would use inferior kerfed bracing and pressed tops. The Olympic is unique in that there is no modern equivalent. It is a small body, solid carved top, solid braced, parallel (versus X) braced acoustic archtop. This combination of features is what gives it its unmistakable tone which Rawlings has used to great effect. This particular example is also amazingly well preserved. All original hardware including the tailpiece, bridge, tuners, and pickguard. It retains the original wraparound tailpiece that has no signs of breaks or stress which is very common in early Epiphones. No cracks or breaks anywhere. Playability is also excellent, low action with additional room for adjustment at the saddle. This is just a flat out amazing example of a very sought after Pre-war Epiphone Masterbilt model.