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1949 Epiphone Broadway
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Serial #: 58109, 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: Original hardware includes gold-plated Frequensator tailpiece and "Epsilon-logo" tuners, Brazilian rosewood bridge, and hex-key adjustable truss rod. Vintage correct bound true nitrocellulose tortoise pickguard.
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.
From the collection of Epi expert and author L.B. Fred, this guitar is in great shape, with a particularly handsome highly figured "bubble" 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 a vintage correct bound pickguard of thick true nitrocellulose tortoise. With original sunburst finish free of pick, buckle or fingerboard wear, the guitar shows a bit of typical thumbwear on the neck, and a small finish ding near the low E string. A single grainline crack has been soundly resealed near the bass tailpiece, and a bit of the back centerseam immaculately rejoined as well. The original multiply binding is all tight to the body, and the tailpiece is in perfect shape.
With fresh pro fretwork and neckset, the action is smooth and low, with the classic Epi light vee profile, notably comfy in the palm. The voice is particularly clear and powerful, with sparkling highs, tight lows, and massive projection. A uniquely attractive variation of a truly classic design.
Case: Deluxe plush arched hardshell case.
