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1946 Epiphone Deluxe
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Serial #: 55530, Blue NY 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 blister figured maple back; flame maple sides; solid bookmatched handcarved spruce top; solid flame maple neck with 3-ply walnut/maple centerstripe; mother of pearl "cloud" style fingerboard inlay; fancy vine style mother-of-pearl peghead inlay, five-ply body binding, bound fingerboard, f-holes and headstock.
Hardware: 100% original hardware includes original gold-plated Frequensator tailpiece and "E-logo" tuners; hex-key adjustable truss rod; original compensated adjustable serial number stamped Brazilian rosewood bridge; triple bound tiger stripe tortoise pickguard.
Notes: The Epiphone Deluxe was introduced as the company's top-of-the line model in 1931, and upsized to 17" late in 1935. The direct competitor with Gibson's L-5, the Deluxe sold for the same price, though more ornate and typically louder and somewhat brighter in tone. With its tremendous cutting power, the Deluxe was a perennial favorite of big band guitarists who had to face down an entire horn section without an amp. Though cataloged through 1955, few examples are seen after 1951.
The Deluxe is a perennial favorite here as well, and we're happy to report that this is one outstanding example. Years of vigorous but careful play have given it a superbly open, resonant voice, with all the power and projection this model is renowned for. Accordingly, while the back of the neck shows a bit of normal thumbwear, the guitar is otherwise remarkably free of pick, buckle or fingerboard wear, showing only some scattered typical finish nicks.
This one has it all: the cloud inlays, the peghead vine, the gold E-logo tuners, even the rare original tiger stripe pickguard is in great shape. The gold Frequensator tailpiece is original and newly rebrazed at the bend for reinforcement, and the back centerseam has been soundly resealed. The neck profile is a gentle blend of C and V, very comfy, with fresh pro frets and smooth low action over a fine straight ebony fingerboard. The voice is exceptionally open and resonant, with a liquid clarity, power and natural reverb earned only by decades of regular play. A remarkable example of Epi's top-of-the-line 17" guitar: if you're gonna play, you might as well play a legend.
Setup: The frets have been precision leveled, recrowned and polished; 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-.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: Deluxe black arched plush lined hardshell case.
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