Epiphone Century Archtop Late 1940s

Now available on consignment, a late 1940’s Epiphone Century archtop. 

This Epi provides an insight into the fairly early days of the varying & loose design concepts of an electric guitar. Featuring one “air coil” pickup (no bobbin, just a magnet with a coil wrapped round it), two radio/PA style indicator plates for the volume & tone knobs, and no bracing on the top. As a result of this lack of bracing, the top has collapsed somewhat, however due to a newer bridge being fitted, this issue is negated. As well as this modification, the pots & tone cap have been replaced with more recent examples, and the tuners replaced with a period correct set. 

Aside from these modifications, the rest of the parts, including the headstock logo plate, tailpiece, and pickup, are all original. The neck is a beautiful shape, very comfortable and slick for a large v. 

The cosmetic condition of this instrument is quite good, though experiencing a large amount of playing, as shown in the neck wear. Despite this, the body hasn’t had too much wear at all, and aside from some fading and some scuffs here and there. The pickup is quite fat and loud, with plenty of output, but surprisingly sweet. 

Overall, this is a well performing, if somewhat curious, archtop from the early days, comfortable to play, and enjoyable in many styles, strung with a set of 11-52 flats, and includes its original Lifton case.