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1943 Epiphone Triumph
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Serial #: 50556, New York label
Body size at lower bout: 17 3/8" Scale length: 25 1/2". Nut width: 1 11/16"
Finish: Blonde finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type
Materials: Solid handcarved bookmatched Adirondack spruce top; solid tiger flame back; maple sides; five-piece cherry/walnut neck; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with mother of pearl inlay; "fleur de lis" style mother-of-pearl peghead inlay and diamond fingerboard inlays, triple-bound body, bound fingerboard and headstock.
Hardware: 100% original nickel hardware includes Epiphone 16X1 epsilon logo tuners, Pat. Pend. Frequensator tailpiece, compensated adjustable Brazilian rosewood bridge saddle with maple base, bound firestripe tortoise pickguard.
Notes: The Epiphone Triumph was introduced in 1932. Upsized in 1936, the Triumph became Epiphone's most popular pro-sized guitar, until the company closed in the mid-50's. Though production all but ceased during the war years, a scant number of instruments eked their way out of the factory between 1942 and '44, and this wonderful example is one of the lucky few. On these rare birds, it's not uncommon to see the sort of highly figured tonewood one associates with the top line Deluxe or Broadway models. Highlighted in the warmly ambered blonde finish is deeply flamed tiger maple in the back, and an exceptionally fine Adirondack spruce soundboard.
One of the finest examples of the model we have seen to date, the instrument has been maintained in truly exceptional condition, with all original finish, remarkably free of pick or buckle wear. Of particular note is the highly figured tiger maple body, and the rare and unusually attractive bound firestripe pickguard. Binding is all original and tight to the body, and the Frequensator bottom bracket has been soundly brazed at the bend. Apart from a short hairline crack soundly resealed near the tailpiece, the guitar shows no other signs of repair.
The instrument has smooth low action with fresh pro fretwork on a comfy C profile neck that glides gently through the palm. The voice has the big clear bark of impeccably aged 70+ year old tonewood: a true horn killer. Built in the depth of WWII, guitars of this period are the scarcest in the 20th century, and often among the most handsome as well. To find one is always a revelation, and one this pretty is always a treat. 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 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-.056). 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: Deluxe black arched plush lined hardshell case.
