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1936 Epiphone Blackstone

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Serial #: 10421, white Masterbilt label

Body size at lower bout: 16 3/8". Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut Width: 1 10/16"

Finish: Original sunburst finish, nitrocellulose type

Materials: Handcarved bookmatched solid spruce top; solid mahogany neck; figured curly maple back; maple sides; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, mother-of-pearl dot fingerboard inlays.

Hardware: Original hardware includes black polished bakelite pickguard; nickel trapeze tailpiece; nickel 3-on-a-plate tuners. Adjustable rosewood bridge.

Notes: The Epiphone Blackstone was one of the original series of Epi archtops, debuting in 1932 with a 14 7/8" body, enlarged to 15 1/2" by 1934, and configured with its final dimensions at 16 3/8" the year this instrument was built. The arched peghead was introduced this year, and the violin style f-holes would become an Epi trademark. Depression economics made mid-30's Epis some of the rarest ever, and this handsome example is no exception.

The guitar is in astounding condition, with gleaming original dark sunburst nitrocellulose finish over a paticularly attractive curly maple back. The instrument has been lovingly maintained, without pick, buckle or fingerboard wear, and shows just enough honest thumbwear to justify it's open, played-in voice. Original hardware includes the nickel trapeze tailpiece, open back tuners with celluloid buttons, and polished bakelite pickguard. Even the original contoured plush lined hardshell case is in remarkably fine shape.

The neck is easy to play, with its gently radiused fingerboard, and fresh pro fretwork with smooth low action. The tailpiece retainer has been solidly rebrazed at the bend, and all binding is tight to the body. The voice is bright and clear, with projection many bigger guitars would envy. Best of all, it cradles in the lap with surpassing ease; an outstanding example of one of the most popular Epis ever.

Setup: The frets have been precision leveled, recrowned and polished as necessary; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; bridge foot contour inspected and fit to top as necessary; bridge radius inspected and recurved as necessary; bridgewheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.

This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze strings (.013-.057). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Epiphone original contoured plush lined hardshell case.

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