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1949 Epiphone Broadway
Status: For pricing and hold status for this instrument, please check 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 by found here. To be notified of examples of this or any other model in the future, please contact [email protected].
Serial #: 58848, New York label
Body size at lower bout: 17 3/8" Scale length: 25 1/2". Nut width: 1 11/16"
Materials: Solid handcarved figured maple back and sides; solid bookmatched handcarved spruce top; solid cherry neck with 3-ply walnut/maple centerstripe; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with block mother of pearl inlay; ornate vine mother-of-pearl peghead inlay, triple-bound body, bound fingerboard and headstock.
Hardware: All original gold hardware includes Frequensator tailpiece and "Epsilon-logo" tuners, adjustable Brazilian rosewood bridge, bound swirl tortoise pickguard, hex-key adjustable truss rod.
Notes: Introduced in 1932, the Epiphone Broadway has been one the company's most popular models, and has remained in production, in various versions, on and off to this day. Upsized to 17 3/8" inches in 1935, this noncutaway version was produced until 1955 and remains the most acoustically powerful variant of the model. Built with the same body size and scale length as the Deluxe, the Broadway sports the same gold hardware, powerful voice and playable neck of its costlier cousin. Many feel the Broadway peghead vine is among the most graceful inlays ever designed, and this example shows a unique version of the pattern unlike any we've previously seen. With a more pronounced finial at the top, the inlay is cut with a bolder design than typical, with a wider pearl body to the intricate floral design.
This guitar is in great shape, with a rare and particularly handsome highly figured birdseye maple back, and a handcarved, quartersawn bookmatched solid spruce top. The guitar is fitted with all original gold hardware, including original Epsilon logo 16X1 tuners, the original "Patent Pending" Frequensator tailpiece and the original adjustable Brazilian rosewood bridge, along with the gorgeous original bound pickguard of thick red swirl tortoise. With original amber blonde finish free of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, the guitar is in outstanding condition, showing only a few scattered lacquer nicks and a single short grainline crack soundly resealed at the bottom of the treble soundhole. The original multiply binding is all tight to the body, and the tailpiece bend has been solidly rebrazed for strength.
With fine original frets and excellent neck angle, the action is smooth and low, with the classic Epi light vee neck profile, and a fresh high-precision setup. The voice is particularly clear and powerful, with sparkling highs, tight lows, and massive projection. A uniquely attractive variation of a truly classic design. One only: call now.
Case: Original Epiphone black deluxe arched plush lined hardshell case.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze roundwound strings (.013-.057). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at .070-.080 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.
