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1947 Epiphone Deluxe

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Serial #: 56324, 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 tiger-flame figured maple back and sides; solid bookmatched handcarved spruce top; solid flame maple neck with 3-ply walnut/maple centerstripe; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with mother of pearl "cloud" style fingerboard inlay; fancy vine style mother-of-pearl peghead inlay, five-ply body binding, bound fingerboard and headstock.

Hardware: All original gold hardware includes Pat. Pend. Frequensator tailpiece and epsilon-logo tuners; hex-key adjustable truss rod; adjustable compemsated Brazilian rosewood bridge. Triple bound Epiphone firestripe 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 the arrival of this sparkling example, in astonishingly pristine condition. From a distinguished California collection, it shows none of the ills common to instruments from harsher climates, and the original sunburst finish is absent even typical finish checking, much less pick, buckle or thumbwear. Both tuners and label are remarkably unyellowed, all the binding is tight, the original gold plating remains unusually bright, even the original black plush lined Epiphone hardshell case is of exceptional quality, with the epsilon logo sculpted in plush under the case lid.

At just 5lb 9oz. the guitar is phenomenally lightweight and well balanced on the lap or the strap, and up to a full pound lighter than the typical L-5 of the era. The back is graced with tiger flame maple of remarkable depth and intensity, and the soundboard shows the earmarks of fine Adirondack spruce, now aged salmost seven decades. The action is effortless over a fine set of original frets, and the voice is clear and bright, with exceptional punch and projection. A time-capsule specimen, in museum-quality condition. Don't miss it: call now.

Setup: The frets have been precision leveled, recrowned and polished as required; 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: Original deluxe black arched plush lined Epiphone hardshell case.

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