1954 Epiphone Zephyr Sunburst

Summary: This Epiphone is a classic full-bodied archtop with a big, warm sound and lots of vintage mojo. The sunburst finish is in great shape and the neck feels chunky yet comfortable. The pickup has that great vintage mini humbucker sound which is crisp yet full and doesn’t muddy up, also the original electronics and tuners work flawlessly. Our in house luthier has just inspected, set-up and restrung this archtop with a new set of flatwounds (D’addario Chromes, 11 guage) and it plays and sounds incredible. Ships in a vintage hardshell case with original tortoise pickguard.

Body: Arched Maple body with arched maple top. 17.375" wide at lower bout. Sunburst nitrocellulose finish. 1-ply binding on the body.

Neck: This Epiphone has a 3 piece neck- mahogany with a maple strip down the middle. The neck-carve has a very slight V shape to it and stays fairly beefy up the neck, common with ‘50s profiles. The rosewood fingerboard is bound in white and has beautiful mother of pearl “notched-block inlays”. A metal “Bikini” peghead logo plate sits on the headstock, as well as closed back Epiphone branded tuner with emerald pegs, which closely resemble the inlays. 25.5" scale length, 1.68" nut width.

Pickups/Hardware: Original New York pickup. Nickel hardware. White bakelite “carousel” volume and tone knob. Rosewood bridge & base. Trapeze tailpiece.

Cosmetics: This archtop is in overall fantastic condition for a vintage instrument from the ‘50s. There is some light finish checking, particularly along the upper bout, two splits in the binding and one area where the binding has shrunk and separated slightly from the body. The finish on the back of the neck is worn. There is consistent wear to the frets up the neck and a few minor dings to the rosewood board. Despite the wear on the frets, the notes still ring clear with no dead spots. The rosewood fretboard has a very attractive dark swirl to the grain.

Playability: The V shape neck is very comfortable and facilitates jazz chordings and single note runs beautifully. The action is low, the neck is straight and the notes ring clear with no dead spots despite the small amount of fretwear. The New York pickup sends a strong signal and notes are articulate and full.

Mods/Repairs: The nut has been replaced. The neck has possibly been reset but if so, it was a professional job and it is difficult to tell. The original pickguard is in-tact but has some warpage, it is in the case.

Weight: 7 lbs, 4 oz.

Case: This Epiphone comes with a vintage hard-shell case and original tortoise pickguard, we will ship it fully packed, padded and insured. The case has some duct tape around the edges but it functions perfectly fine.