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Serial #: T404049

Body size at lower bout: 17 " Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 11/16" Body Depth: 3 3/8" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .83/.92

Materials: Solid bookmatched quartersawn spruce top; arched AAA flame maple back and sides; solid 3-piece maple neck with walnut center stripes; solid ebony fingerboard with abalone split- block inlay; compensated inlaid ebony bridge, 7-ply body binding, triple-bound neck and peghead; bound soundholes; bone nut.

Hardware: All original gold hardware includes Epiphone USA matched 50SR/50ST humbucking pickups, Frequensator tailpiece, Grover Super Rotomatic tuners, Tunematic bridge, bound tortoise pickguard; white 'carousel' control knobs; adjustable truss rod, medium jumbo frets; 3 way toggle switch.

Notes: After Gibson acquired Epiphone in the late '50s, one of the first Epis produced in Kalamazoo was the E-251 Broadway, a 17" twin pickup cutaway available in the decade between 1959 and 1969. For almost three decades thereafter the Broadway model was unavailable, until Gibson's Epiphone division reissued a budget priced Korean model, with an all-laminate body.

Finally, by the turn of the century the firm debuted the Elitist series, a prestige line featuring a limited run of premium instruments built with solid spruce soundboards, ebony fingerboards and other top-shelf appointments. With bodies crafted in the prestigious Terada factory of Japan, the Elitist instruments were fitted with upmarket US built hardware and electronics, installed in Gibson's Nashville plant. Epiphone Elitist models became instant player favorites, but were regrettably withdrawn from US distribution some years ago (perhaps because their quality and value began to erode sales of Gibson's luxury-priced offerings?)

In any case, this gleaming example as all original finish, electronics and hardware, right down to its factory inspection label and paperwork. The guitar boasts a solid bookmatched quartersawn spruce top, arched AAA flame maple back and sides, solid 3-piece maple neck with walnut center stripes, solid ebony fingerboard with abalone split- block inlay, and a compensated inlaid ebony bridge. All gold hardware includes Epiphone Frequensator tailpiece, Tunematic bridge and Grover Super Rotomatic tuners, bound tortoise pickguard and classic 'carousel' control knobs.

Fit and finish are stunning throughout, and the action is smooth and low over a gentle light D profile neck. In showroom condition, the instrument shows no playwear, and the lustrous blonde finish is free of checking or crazing. The headstock is marked 'Used', which may reflect a single short factory cleated crack at the bass waist. Otherwise, the guitar appears all but unplayed, with brilliant gold plating throughout.

Tone is warm and rich with the matched USA built Gibson 50SR and 50ST Alnico 5 humbucking pickups, and the instrument is complete with its original Epiphone deluxe plush lined hardshell case, with factory paperwork. An outstanding value in a true pro quality instrument, and now a very rare bird indeed. One only: call now.

Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.

This instrument is strung with medium gauge flatwound strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with light relief. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

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