1932 Epiphone Zenith Archtop Acoustic Guitar

1932 Epiphone Zenith Archtop Acoustic Guitar
1932 Epiphone Zenith Archtop Acoustic Guitar
1932 Epiphone Zenith Archtop Acoustic Guitar
1932 Epiphone Zenith Archtop Acoustic Guitar
1932 Epiphone Zenith Archtop Acoustic Guitar
1932 Epiphone Zenith Archtop Acoustic Guitar
1932 Epiphone Zenith Archtop Acoustic Guitar
1932 Epiphone Zenith Archtop Acoustic Guitar
1932 Epiphone Zenith Archtop Acoustic Guitar

1932 Epiphone Zenith Archtop Acoustic Guitar

Regular price $3,250.00
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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.

Overview

Year: 1932

Brand: Epiphone

Model: Zenith

Serial Number: 5659

Condition: Excellent

Originality: All original

Repairs: One cleanly repaired hairline crack on top underneath pickguard

Modifications:

Case: Later chipboard

Additional Information:

Materials

Top: Solid carved spruce

Back/Sides: Maple

Neck: Laminated Mahogany with walnut strip

Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood

Frets: Original, excellent condition

Bridge: Original adjustable Brazilian Rosewood

Tuners: Original Kluson

Nut: Bone

Finish: Early 30's style dark sunburst, nitrocellulose

Truss Rod: Non adjustable steel

Measurements

Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Neck Width at 12th fret: 2.18"

Scale Length: 25.5

Neck Depth, 1st fret: 0.92"

Neck Depth, 7th fret: 0.99"

String Spacing at Bridge: 2 3/16"

Weight (lbs): 4.1

Action: 3/32" Low E, 2/32" High e

Strings: Daddario 12-53

Flat Rate Shipping

$95 shipping on all instruments within the continental US.

Hassel Free Returns

We want you to be completely satisfied with your new instrument. All purchases come with a 48 hour approval period. If for any reason you don't want to keep your guitar, just let us know within this period and send it back in the original packaging. Customer will be responsible for return shipping costs.

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