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Serial #: 11318, Epiphone Masterbilt label. Body size at lower bout: 17 1/4" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut Width: 1 10/16" Neck depth: .93/1.02, 1st/10th frets

Materials: Hand carved solid Adirondack spruce top; figured bookmatched black walnut back and sides; 5 piece maple neck with walnut centerstripes; solid rosewood fingerboard with block mother of pearl inlay; abalone vine pattern peghead inlay in bound headstock, triple-bound body, bound fingerboard and headstock.

Hardware: Gold hardware includes vintage Pat. Pend. Frequensator tailpiece, Waverly open back tuners, compensated adjustable rosewood bridge. Vintage correct bound leopard tortoise pickguard.

Notes: Alone among major builders, the Epiphone Company produced it's upscale Broadway model with back and sides of solid black walnut, between 1931 and 1939, The result was a guitar with unusually attractive looks, but more. The voice of these guitars is absolutely unique among acoustic jazz guitars.

The hard, thin walnut back and sides produce a tone that is distinctly more brilliant than ordinary maple bodies. The mids and highs have exceptional projection and a brilliant bell-like tone, making these guitars particularly well suited for acoustic lead guitar. The cutting power on these instruments is simply phenomenal, rivaling that of a resophonic guitar, but with the warmth and sustain of finely aged wood.

Needless to say, we're always on the hunt for these amazing walnut cannons. Upsized from the 16" body of the early 30's, this 17" version of the walnut Broadway was produced for only four years, between 1934 and 1939. Larger, cello-shaped f-holes made their debut in this variant, replacing the segmented holes of earlier models. The vine inlaid asymmetrical Masterbilt headstock and the block fingerboard markers lend the guitar a look of understated elegance. The neck profile on Epis of this era is particularly comfy as well, and notably free of the clubbiness found in many prewar models from other makers.

The grain of the soundboard is typical of Adirondack spruce, with back and sides of handsomely figured black walnut, and a solid maple neck. The instrument is fitted with costly gold 16:1 Waverly oval key tuners, a vintage correct bound tortoise pickguard, and a vintage gold Epiphone Pat. Pend. Frequensator tailpiece, soundly brazed at the bend.

At a scant 4lb,14oz this brilliant example is exceptionally light in weight, and nimbly balanced on the lap or the strap. Maintained in exceptionally fine condition, the guitar shows no pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, with all binding solid and tight to the body. The original dark sunburst finish is in gleaming condition as well, showing only a pair of short stress lines near the tailpiece. With excellent neck angle and bridge height, the guitar offers smooth, low action over fine polished pro fretwork, a gentle light V neck profile, and a fresh high-precision setup.

The voice is phenomenally clear and brilliant, combining the projection of a vintage Selmer with the woodiness and versatility of a world-class acoustic archop. Fitted in its original, well-worn black plush lined hardshell case, this guitar is one of our most sought-after models, a remarkable example of a rare, highly playable, and glorious sounding instrument from Epiphone's greatest era. One only: call now.

Setup: 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; bridgewheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.

This instrument is strung with medium gauge phosphor bronze strings. 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.

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