1949 Epiphone Emperor
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1949 Epiphone Emperor
Status: Pricing and hold status for all instruments currently available is shown on 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 be found here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments in the future, please contact [email protected],. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.
Serial #: 58068, blue NY label
Body size at lower bout: 18 1/2". Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 11/16"
Materials: Spectacularly figured tiger flame maple back and sides; hand carved solid spruce top; 7-piece maple-walnut neck; 7-ply ivoroid body binding; triple-bound heel cap, neck binding, f-holes and head stock; solid ebony fingerboard with "V-block" mother of pearl inlay; ornate pearl tree-of-life peghead inlay.
Hardware: Original gold Pat Pend Frequensator tailpiece, gold Grover Imperial tuners, adjustable compensated Brazilian rosewood bridge, hex-key truss rod at fingerboard extension, bone nut, vintage correct triple bound tortoise pickguard.
Notes: With its massive 18 1/2" lower bout, Epiphone's top-of-the-line Emperor is bigger than the Super 400, and ranks next to the Stromberg Master 400 as the largest production archtop ever made. An exceptionally fine example of Epiphone's flagship model, this remarkable instrument is carved with a soundboard of solid bookmatched quartersawn fine grain spruce, with a back, sides and neck crafted from tiger flame maple of extravagant depth and symmetry.
It's clear this guitar was meticulously cared for, as it is notably free of cracks or pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. The sunburst finish was immaculately replaced some years ago, with the vintage style lacquer now sufficiently aged to show just a few scattered wisps of checking. The multi-ply binding is original and tight, to both the body and soundholes alike. The neck profile feels remarkably contemporary, sitting effortlessly in the palm with a gentle medium C profile, and smooth low action over freshly dressed medium jumbo fretwork. The finely carved parallel braced soundboard produced a massive voice with exceptional volume, clarity and projection: deep, buttery and warm in the lower register with clear, crystalline highs.
An exceptionally fine player, at an unbeatable price, this big band veteran is set up and ready for another half century of professional play. The Emperor is among our most popular models ever, and it's always a cause for celebration when we're lucky enough to find such a fine example. One only, call now.
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; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.
Case: Deluxe black arched plushlined hardshell case.
