In 1931, Epiphone introduced the Masterbilt line of archtop acoustic guitars to compete directly with Gibson and the Master Model L-5. There were seven models included in the catalog. From most to least expensive, they are- the De Luxe, Broadway, Triumph, Royal, Blackstone, Zenith, and Olympic. 

In the last few years, the value on Olympics have gone through the roof mostly due to the connection with David Rawlings. However its fancier older brother, the Zenith, has remained underappreciated and undervalued. These early Olympics and Zeniths are essentially the same guitar with the only major difference being the materials used on the back and sides. The Olympic used laminated mahogany while the Zenith used laminated maple which was replaced with laminated walnut in 1933.

These early 30's Epiphone "Masterbilt" archtops are among my personal favorite instruments. Overall this is a beautiful, original example of an early Zenith. It has the sought after small 13 3/8" body and inlaid banners on the headstock. Condition is excellent, only one minor repaired split on the top by the f hole which is covered by the pickguard. The tone is just as good if not better than any Olympic I've played at a third of the price! Comes with a later chipboard case.