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1950 Epiphone Zephyr Deluxe
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Serial #: 61706, blue New York label
Body size at lower bout: 17 3/8" Scale length: 25 1/2". Nut width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .92/1.06
Materials: Figured maple laminate back and sides; arched spruce laminate top; solid maple neck with 3-ply walnut/maple centerstripe; mother-of-pearl vine peghead inlay and cloud fingerboard inlays; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with inlaid perimeter stripes, deluxe five-ply body binding, triple-bound fingerboard and headstock.
Hardware: Original gold hardware includes twin 'Tone Spectrum' single coil pickups, 16:1 Epi epsilon logo tuners, triple-bound tortoise pickguard, hex-key adjustable truss rod, cream octagonal pointer knobs, three way pickup selector switch, Pat. Pending Frequensator tailpiece, adjustable compensated rosewood bridge.
Notes: Introduced in 1941, the Zephyr Deluxe was Epiphone's electric version of their renowned Deluxe model archtop. Epi's top-of-the line 17" electric at the time, the model was the equivalent in price and prestige to its main competitor, the Gibson ES-250.
By 1948, the slender 'Tone Spectrum' or 'New York' style pickups debuted, with the amber colored housing and gold cover. This handsome version of the model, in blonde finish, sports the ornate peghead vine in gleaming mother of pearl, unencumbered by the truss rod cover of later examples.
Lovingly maintained, the guitar shows little in the way of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, and shows only a few scattered wisps of lacquer checking, and a few incidental finish nicks in its gorgeous deep amber lacquer finish. The full-depth laminate body is crack free, with superior structural stability and enhanced feedback resistance. All binding is original and tight to the body, with only a bit of shrinkage at the heel cap.
A standout in appearance, the guitar shows handsome flame maple in the back, sides and neck, with a lovely arched spruce top. A superb player as well, the instrument is fitted with its original gold 16:1 Epi logo tuners, 'Tone Spectrum' single coil pickups, cream 'carousel' master volume and tone knobs, and original three way pickup selector switch. Binding is all original and tight to the body, and the action is smooth and low, with fine pro fretwork over a comfy C profile neck, and a fresh high-precision setup.
The adjustable single-coil pickups are clear and detailed, both measuring a solid 8.6K, and roll off to a toasty warmth with the master tone control, to smooth classic bop era voicing. An ornate and highly distinctive guitar, and a classic jazzer from the postwar era, complete with a vintage black Gibson logo plush lined hardshell case.
A exceptional find, in superb condition: one only, call now.
Setup: The truss rod has been adjusted; bridge height set and strobe tuned; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; bridgewheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished. This instrument is strung with medium gauge roundwound strings (.012-.052). 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.
