1948 Epiphone Zephyr DeLuxe

Epiphone Zephyr DeLuxe, made in USA, serial number 75216. Pressed laminated spruce top with cello-style f-holes over highly figured maple press-laminated body. 17-3/8" wide at lower bout. Natural finish. Slight binding separation at middle bouts, common to this maker. Maple neck with ebony fingerboard and cloud inlays, script logo with blossom branch inlay, with added strap button on heel. Tone Spectrum pickup with Mastervoice white-pointed volume and tone controls. Good neck with proper neck angle and nice action. Hardshell case. Very Good condition. Est. $2,400–$2,800

With a dark patina shading its natural finish, this archtop Epiphone has seen some use in smoky clubs. It shows it, too, with modest playwear on the neck and body, but there’s a reason for that—this guitar has a lively, full-bodied tone that comes out whether played acoustically or plugged into an amp. The center position single-coil pickup is surprisingly versatile for rhythm and lead work, but the pots could use a cleaning for quieter operation. Likewise, the original tuners are a little stiff and could use a cleaning and relubrication. And, finally, like many Epiphones fitted with a Frequensator tailpiece, the original Frequensator appears to have a cleanly brazed crack repair. There’s also a repair patch on the side of the lower bass bout, possibly a replaced output jack hole.