1997 Epiphone Broadway Custom VC (Varitone Control) 3-color Sunburst
The Epiphone Broadway model has typically been one of the company's most underrated models, which makes this particular example that much more desirable. This is an Epiphone Broadway from 1997 with a gorgeous 3-color Sunburst finish (a la Fender). But this one is different is that it was custom made for an fairly prominent Nashville guitarist. The artist was in the market for a nice jazz box-type guitar and went to visit Epiphone management, when he was handed this guitar in their artist showroom in Nashville. The artist immediately fell in love with it, but wanted a few changes. First, he didn't like the fact that the original pickup selector switch was on the lower bout near the cutaway, which is common on all Broadway model guitars. So he asked if it could be moved to the upper bout, and Epiphone management obliged. The move, however, left a hole in the lower bout where it used to be, so the artist suggested adding a six-position varitone control switch just like the ones found on many Gibson ES-345/355 guitars - including BB King's legendary Lucille. Epiphone thought it was a great idea, so they added the varitone control. Additionally, the artist requested a set of Gibson '57 Classic pickups and all Gibson USA wiring, pots, etc. Epiphone obliged and had the electronics installed by the good folks at Gibson USA (right down the street). The result is a one-of-kind Epiphone Broadway, and one of the most versatile jazz-box hollowbody guitars you're ever going to find anywhere! If you're not familiar with Gibson's six-position varitone control switch, here's the lowdown: Below the chicken-head knob lies a notch filter with six separate capacitors soldered to switch decks. The first position (1 on the dial) is true bypass, allowing the signal to go straight to the volume pot from the pickup, with no resistors or capacitors in the way. The other five steps on the switch remove certain frequency ranges, offering EQ “maps” that are set. So unlike the regular passive tone pots elsewhere on the guitar, the varitone doesn’t act as a low-pass filter, it’s effectively a notch filter. It takes preset slices out of the midrange. The result is a selection of tones that are increasingly more “nasal” than their full-fat bypass equivalents. The exact frequency slices taken out at each step vary – some say the varitones from the 1970s have notably different sounding circuits – but the basic idea remains the same: the varitone allows for pre-set frequency “maps” that you can dial in with the flip of a switch, which, in turn, leaves you with one of the most versatile and unique big-body jazz box guitars you've EVER played!!! Seriously ... this is one heck of a guitar, and a great value for the price. Gibson ES-345 and ES-355 guitars sell for far more $$$$ than this guitar, so here's a chance to grab a one-of-kind, custom-made Epiphone Broadway with some very unique luxury features!
Please don't hesitate to contact us directly with any questions, or for more pictures. We're always available at your convenience at 1-888-407-2717 or 1-615-613-1389.
Blues Vintage Guitars, Inc.
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PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE MAKING A PURCHASE – At Blues Vintage Guitars, Inc., we want you to be happy with your purchase. To that end, and because of the inherent value of our products, we strive to properly describe all of our guitars and other merchandise as accurately as possible. It’s what we do, and it’s what we’re known for. We’re happy to answer ANY and ALL questions PRIOR to you making your purchase, so if you’ve got questions that need answers then PLEASE ASK THEM!! In a nutshell, we try to PREVENT returns before they happen. We don’t want to send our guitars across the country only to have them returned less than a week later. We don’t like it, and our guitars don’t like it. It’s that simple. So again, please ask as many questions as you wish PRIOR to making your purchase … because while every once in a blue moon there is a need to accept a return, it’s simply not something that happens with any frequency at Blues Vintage Guitars. Now, in some cases – guitar purchases ONLY, and ALL of which are agreed to PRIOR to purchase – we do allow a 24-hour approval period that begins as soon as the parcel is signed for. If after all available remedies have been exhausted there is still a need for a return, then the following guidelines apply: You must immediately call Blues Vintage Guitars, Inc. for a Return Authorization Number … NO RETURN WILL BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT A RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER; Return arrangements must be made within 48 hours of receipt of the parcel; Any refunds will be less shipping costs both ways and any applicable credit card fees; You will be charged a restocking fee of 15% of the final purchase price minus any shipping charges; You may use your refund for store credit on another "In Stock" item; The returning item must have a Return Authorization Number given to you by a Blues Vintage Guitars representative; Any item being returned without an Return Authorization Number will be refused; The returning item must be shipped back in the same manner and condition in which it was received; If there is any damage or change in the condition to the item for any reason whatsoever, the return will be refused and no refund will be issued; All returns must be insured for the full amount of the purchase price; We will not accept a return if the item has been modified in any way; Returns are not accepted on layaway items, as all layaway sales are final and will be treated as such; Returns of any kind are not accepted on any custom orders; And each sale is handled on a case-by-case basis. Thanks!