Description: Introduced in 1974 after the Epiphone model, the Howard Roberts Custom made a few improvements over that guitar, and this first-year example is ups the ornateness while retaining the features that make this a unique jazz box. With the striking vine-pattern headstock inlay, a bound tortoiseshell pickguard, and similar slotted-rectangle inlays to the original, this is a real looker.
Its floating pickup sounds great too, a bit more percussive than a P-90 with a bright ringing tone. The guitar has the unusual configuration of a volume and two tone knobs, giving it a lot of options. The oval soundhole rounds out the tone in a nice way when unplugged. The other major change here is the addition of a relatively large volute, adding more stability to the headstock joint and subtly changing the balance on the guitar. It’s very comfortable to play, and very clean, with virtually no checking or dents visible. Definitely a unique and extraordinary guitar for the discriminating jazz player.
Summary
Body: Hollowbody, carved spruce top with oval soundhole, maple back and sides. Sunburst finish.
Neck: Medium-narrow nut width and round neck, large volute.
Pickups/Hardware: One floating pickup, one volume, two tone knobs.
Setup/Playability: Smooth and fast with a round neck. Relatively low action. Sounds percussive and round when unplugged.
Cosmetic Condition: Very clean, with no dents or checking on the body and no finish wear on the neck.
Modifications: The pickup has been changed out with a Leo Quan "hi-a" jazz pickup.
Weight: 6lbs 14oz