This 1950 Epiphone Broadway Regent presents in all original condition, except for a replacement, reproduction pickguard. This one features the uncommon dogwood headstock inlay (one of my personal favorite headstock designs of all time). This is only the second example of this fairly rare model that we have had the opportunity to offer. This model represents one of the great buys of golden era archtop guitars, being a higher end model than the comparable Gibson L-7C, but costing far less, and remarkably less than the similar level L-12 Premier which had been discontinued in 1949. These Epiphones easily compare with the quality of their Gibson rivals.
Other than finish checking, fairly light scratches, and a few spots of melted lacquer from degradation of the original pickguard (most of which cannot be seen as they are hidden by the newer pickguard), the guitar is in remarkable aesthetic condition for a 75 year old guitar. Also of note is that this guitar is among the earliest produced by Epiphone with a headstock adjustable truss rod.
The guitar is completely free of cracks with beautifully hand-carved top and back plates, the top consisting of fine grade spruce and the back of remarkably flamed maple. The sides are also made of solid, stunningly flamed maple. The neck is 5-ply mahogany with two maple stringers, topped with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with mother of pearl block inlays. The celluloid heel cap shows typical shrinkage, but the neck is tight against the body and the neck angle is perfect with room to adjust the bridge either up or down as the player prefers. There is an area of apparent reglued binding in the cutaway area that may have been a little sloppy, but that may actually be from pickguard off-gassing, as it seems continuous with an area of drip that had come off of the prior pickguard.
Playability is wonderful with all notes ringing out clearly. The neck has a full soft V-shaped carve near the headstock which trasitions to a C as one's hand moves up the neck. The frets are in nice condition with many, many hours of playtime left in them. The sound is full and punchy, as a classic parallel-braced archtop should deliver. This is another fine example of a NY Epiphone acoustic archtop.
Weight - 6.0 pounds
Nut width - 1.72 inches
1st fret depth. - 1.00 inches
9th fret depth - 1.07 inches
Scale length - 25.5 inches
The original Lifton hardshell case is included and appears in amazing condition, showing little wear. All latches and hinges work perfectly.
Ships free in the United States and for reasonable rates worldwide.