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1953 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 #: 66691, New York label
Body size at lower bout: 17 3/8" Scale length: 25 1/2". Nut width: 1 11/16"
Finish: Original sunburst finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type
Materials: Solid handcarved figured maple back and sides; solid bookmatched handcarved Adirondack bearclaw spruce top; solid mahogany neck with 3-ply walnut/maple centerstripe; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with block mother of pearl inlay; ornate "Dogwood" mother-of-pearl peghead inlay, triple-bound body, bound fingerboard and headstock.
Hardware: All original hardware includes original Brazilian rosewood bridge; original gold-plated Frequensator tailpiece and "Epsilon-logo" tuners. Vintage correct triple-bound firestripe tortoise pickguard (original guard in case); hex-key adjustable truss rod.
Notes: We love Epi Broadways, and we're not alone. This stunning example sports the distinctive "Dogwood" floral inlay on the peghead, a design that appears on some Deluxes of the period as well. One of Epi's rarest designs, this pattern is seen only in the very last of the pre-Gibson guitars. So scarce are they that this example is the only one of its type we've ever had the pleasure to offer.
The original sunburst finish highlights flame maple back and sides, and a solid handcarved bookmatched Adirondack bearclaw spruce top. The guitar is fitted with all gold hardware, including original Epsilon logo 16X1 tuners, the original "Patent Pending" Frequensator tailpiece and the original adjustable Brazilian rosewood bridge. The original finish is in excellent condition, without pick, thumb or fingerboard wear, and shows only a small patch of buckle rash on the flamed maple back. Apart from a pair of short grainline finish cracks near the soundholes (not extending through the wood) the body, neck and soundboard are free of cracks or repairs. A section of the binding on the back has been reattached to the body, with a bit of light clear overspray protecting the rim on the bass side.
The guitar is fitted with a vintage correct bound pickguard in dramatic translucent tiger-stripe tortoise, a material long unavailable, and the original bound guard is included in the case. Fitted to the guard is an Armstrong Handmade 2D Humbucking pickup, with a volume control and side-mounted jack. The action is smooth and low, and the profile is a gentle C, easy and inviting. Offering the same body, materials and metal parts as the Deluxe, vintage Broadways continue to be available at less than half the price of their spendier cousins. This example has an exceptionally powerful voice, with extraordinary clarity, balance and projection.
A verstile performer for acoustic or electric play: truly a cannon with strings. Call now.
Case: Deluxe period black arched plushlined hardshell case.
