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1942 Epiphone Triumph
Status: Pricing and hold status for all instruments currently available is shown on our Instruments page here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold, and is no longer available. Photos and descriptions of Previously Sold instruments may be found here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments in the future, please contact [email protected],. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.
Serial #: 17866, green New York label
Body size at lower bout: 17 3/8" Scale length: 25 1/2". Nut width: 1 11/16"
Finish: Sunburst 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: Original nickel hardware includes Epiphone 16X1 epsilon logo tuners, Pat. Pend. Frequensator tailpiece, compensated adjustable Brazilian rosewood bridge. Vintage correct 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 subtle ice-tea sunburst 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 particularly outstanding condition, with all original finish, without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. Of particular note is the highly figured Brazilian rosewood in both fingerboard and bridge, and an unusually attractive firestripe pickguard is attached. Binding is all original and tight to the body, and the Frequensator bottom bracket has been soundly brazed at the bend. The instrument has smooth low action on a comfy C profile neck that glides gently through the palm, and the big clear voice of impeccably aged 70+ year old tonewood. The tone is forward and punchy, with bark and projection that can hold its own against an entire horn section: a guitar with extraordinary headroom, brilliance, and power to burn.
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 guitars of this era are rarer still with such a sleek, contemporary neck profile. And all tucked into its unusually pristine plush lined Epiphone hardshell case, every bit as attractive as the guitar itself. Pretty, powerful, and clean as a whistle: they just don't come better than this. 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: Original deluxe black arched Epiphone plush lined hardshell case.
