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1946 Epiphone Deluxe
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Serial # 54682, blue New York label
Body size at lower bout: 17 3/8" Scale length: 25 1/2". Nut width: 1 11/16" Neck Depth: .93/1.07, 1st/10th frets
Materials: Solid hand graduated Adirondack spruce top; solid highly figured bubble maple back; tiger maple sides and neck with 3-ply walnut/maple centerstripe; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with mother of pearl "cloud" fingerboard inlay; abalone "tree-of-life" peghead inlay, five-ply body binding, bound fingerboard and headstock.
Hardware: Original hardware includes gold 16x1 Epsilon-logo tuners, Frequensator tailpiece, adjustable rosewood bridge with matching serial number, hex-key adjustable truss rod. Vintage correct bound tortoise pickguard with vintage DeArmond 1000 Rhythm Chief pickup with volume and tone controls , 1/4" endpin jack.
Notes: Introduced in 1931 in the debut of the Epiphone archtop catalog, the Deluxe model was the top of the line in every respect. From the vine peghead inlay to the signature clouds in the fingerboard, the Deluxe represented a pinnacle of art-deco design, with power to burn on the bandstand.
This handsome instrument is crafted with rare, highly figured bubble maple back, a striking tonewood rarely seen today in instruments of any price. An intensely flamed tiger maple neck, and a solid, tap-tuned Adirondack spruce top complete this handsome and notably powerful instrument. At just 5lb 13oz. the guitar is notably light in weight, and deeply resonant, with a soundboard graduated to exceptionally close tolerances. Not surprisingly, the instrument has huge acoustic projection, clarity and cutting power, with volume to burn.
The guitar has been maintained in splendid condition, with its signature cloud inlays in lustrous mother of pearl. The original multi-ply binding is all tight to the body and the original Frequensator tailpiece is solid at the bend, with an older brazing repair. The formal dark sunburst finish is all original as well, and remarkably free of pick, buckle or thumbwear, with playwear confined mostly to a few incidental lacquer nicks. Action is smooth and low over the traditional gentle C profile neck, with fine original fretwork and a fresh high precision setup, over the Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. A single short hairline crack in the lower back has been soundly resealed, and the hex key truss rod remains mounted under the end of the fingerboard.
Epi's premium 17" guitar, the Deluxe has always been one of our most sought-after models. A fine example of one of a legendary instrument from the Golden Age of the acoustic archtop guitar. And all nestled in its original Epsilon logo hardshell case. 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 nickel roundwound strings (.013-.056). 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 moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
