Epiphone models 1930–1956
Epiphone models with descriptions of their typical features and feature changes over time. The dates refer to the estimated production year of the first documented examples showing the respective feature.
When comparing described features to actual examples keep in mind that many surviving instruments underwent repairs during their life and had parts replaced or modified, often done by the Epiphone factory. In such cases it is not uncommon to see later features on an earlier instrument. On the other hand, there are examples of low-production models (tenor guitars, mandolins, etc.) showing features typical for an earlier period than the serial number indicates – obviously because Epiphone used up older, left-over parts on these.
If you have any questions or comments please drop me a note.
Note: Within sections models appear in alphabetical order. Cutaway and 4-string versions are listed within main model. Click on model photos to enlarge. In descriptions click links to show photo of example.
Jump to section:
1. Recording + Seville guitars
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2. Archtop guitars (acoustic)
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3. Tenor + plectrum guitars (early acoustic)
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4. Mandolins (acoustic)
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5. Flattop guitars (acoustic)
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6. Gut string guitars (acoustic)
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7. Electric Spanish hollowbody guitars
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8. Electric Hawaiian guitars
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9. Electric mandolins + banjos
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10. Amplifiers
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11. Models for other brands / by other makers
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12. Cases (E-logo branded)
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Last updated: 20 Apr 2024
1. Recording + Seville guitars
| Model: | Recording A, B, C, D, E |
| First made: | c. 1930 |
| Last made: | c. 1931 |
| Designation: | model on headstock, SN stamped inside body |
| Body size: | 13⅝" (Concert) + 15½" (Auditorium); single cutaway |
| Finish: | natural or sunburst top; sunburst back |
| 4-string: | Tenor / Plectrum (A) |
| Headstock: | banjo style, rounded (A) or pointed (B, C, D, E); black banners on white pearloid; model letter |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | banjo style, plastic buttons |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, no binding (A) or single binding (B, C, D, E) |
| dot (A), zigzag paired dots (B), zigzag paired diamonds (C), engraved block (D, E) | |
| Pickguard: | black plastic (D, E); none (A, B, C) |
| Bridge: | floating bridge with trapeze tailpiece, or pin bridge |
| Soundhole: | round |
| Top: | spruce; flat (A, B); flat or arched (C, D, E) |
| Back/sides: | maple, flat (A) or arched (B, C, D, E) |
| Price: | A–Concert $50; A–Auditorium $60; B–Concert $75; B–Auditorium $85; C–Concert $100; C–Auditorium $115; D–Concert $125; D–Auditorium $140; E–Concert $175; E–Auditorium $190 |
| Pics: Recording A Recording B Recording C |    |
Recording D Recording E |   |
| | |
| Model: | Seville S-0, S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4 |
| First made: | c. 1930 |
| Last made: | c. 1931 |
| Designation: | model number on headstock; SN stamped inside body |
| Body size: | 13⅝" (Concert) + 15½" (Auditorium) |
| Finish: | natural (S-0, S-1, S-2) or sunburst (S-3, S-4) |
| Headstock: | snakehead, rounded peak or center dip; white banner on black plastic, model number; models S-2, S-3, S-4: vine |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | strip, plastic buttons |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, no binding (S-0) or single binding |
| dot (S-0, S-1, S-2, S-3), zigzag paired dots (S-4), zigzag paired diamonds (S-4 Special) | |
| Pickguard: | black plastic |
| Bridge: | pin bridge |
| Soundhole: | round; unbound (S-0, S-1, S-2) or bound (S-3, S-4) |
| Top: | mahogany (S-0) or spruce (S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4); flat or arched |
| Back/sides: | mahogany (S-0, S-1, S-2) or maple (S-3, S-4) |
| Price: | S-0 $35; S-0-A $40; S-1 $45; S-1-A $50; S-2 $55; S-2-A $60; S-3 $75; S-3-A $85; S-4 $110; S-4-A $125 |
| Pics: S-0 S-1 |   |
S-2 S-3 |   |
S-4 S-4 Special |   |
2. Archtop guitars (acoustic)
| Model: | Blackstone | |
| First made: | 1932 | |
| Last made: | 1949 | |
| Designation: | 1932: model on headstock, SN stamped inside body 1934: model + SN on label | |
| Body size: | 1932: 14¾" wide; 19¼" long (Grand Concert) 1934: 15½" wide; 19¼" long (Auditorium) 1935: 15¼" wide; 20¼" long (Long Auditorium) 1936: 16⅜" wide; 20¼" long (Grand Auditorium) | |
| 4-string: | 1936: Blackstone Tenor / Blackstone Plectrum | |
| Finish: | 1932: black | |
| 1933: sunburst top (1933–34 only: sunburst semi-opaque top) | ||
| 1935: sunburst top + back | ||
| 1940: blond finish optional 1943–44 only: sunburst opaque top / ivory opaque top | ||
| Headstock: | 1932: rounded peak; black banners on white pearloid 1932 (later): rounded peak; white banners on black plastic | |
| 1933: rounded peak; engraved gothic script banners on black plastic, later: lighter font (some: marbled plastic) 1934: rounded peak; block letter logo, exclamation point 1934 (later): rounded peak; block letter logo, stickpin
1945: center dip; script logo, diamond (celluloid) 1947: center dip; script logo, notched oval (pearl) | ||
| Plating: | nickel | |
| Tuners: | 1932: strip Waverly square, plastic buttons 1935: single Waverly clipped, plastic buttons 1936: single Waverly clipped wide, plastic buttons 1937: single Grover pointed 6:1, plastic buttons 1939: single Grover pointed 12:1, plastic buttons 1940: single E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons, round bushings 1941: single Waverly yoda head, plastic buttons, hex bushings 1943: strip Kluson riveted gear, plastic buttons 1946: single Waverly yoda head, plastic buttons, hex bushings | |
| Neck: | 1932: mahogany, 1 centerstripe 1933: mahogany, no centerstripe 1940: cherry (1944–45 only: gold sparkle heelcap) 1946: maple (1946–48 only: tortoise plastic heelcap) | |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound (earliest: unbound) | |
| 1932: dot, 4 positions (2 dots fret 7) | ||
| 1935: parallelogram, 4 positions | ||
| 1936: parallelogram, 5 positions | ||
| 1936
(later): parallelogram, 6 positions 1942: parallelogram (reversed), 6 positions | ||
| Pickguard: | 1932: black plastic, short | |
| 1939: tortoise plastic, long | ||
| Tailpiece: | 1932: trapeze (1943–47 only: with rosewood
bar) (UK only, late 1930s: Frequensator) | |
| Soundholes: | 1932: segmented f-holes | |
| 1935: cello f-holes | ||
| Top: | spruce, carved (1943–44 only: poplar, carved); single binding | |
| Back/sides: | 1932: maple, pressed laminate, single binding | |
| 1934: mahogany, pressed laminate, single binding | ||
| 1935: maple, pressed laminate, single binding | ||
| Price: | 1932: sb $70 1933: sb $75 1940: sb/bl $79.50/$87.25 1941 Oct: sb/bl $87.50/$96 1946: sb/bl $100/$110 1947: sb/bl $110/$125 | |
| Pics: 1932 1932 1933 |    | |
| Pics: 1934 1935 1936 |    | |
1936 1939 1942 |    | |
1943 1943 1946 |    | |
1948 |  | |
| | ||
| Model: | Broadway | |
| First made: | 1931 | |
| Last made: | 1954 | |
| Designation: | 1931: model on headstock, SN stamped inside body 1934: model + SN on label | |
| Body size: | 1931: 16⅜" wide; 20¼" long (Auditorium) | |
| 1936: 17⅜" wide; 20¾" long (Large) | ||
| 4-string: | 1936: Broadway Tenor / Broadway Plectrum | |
| Cutaway: | 1949: Broadway Cutaway (1950: Broadway Regent) | |
| Finish: | 1931: sunburst (1933–34 only: sunburst semi-opaque top) | |
| 1940: blond finish optional 1942–44 only: sunburst opaque top | ||
| Headstock: | 1931: asymmetrical; pearl banners+lily | |
| 1933: asymmetrical; pearl banners (no lily) | ||
| 1934: asymmetrical; block letter logo, vine | ||
| 1935: asymmetrical; script logo, vine | ||
| 1939: center dip; script logo, vine | ||
| 1941: center dip; script logo, simpler vine | ||
| 1950: center dip; script logo, dogwood flower | ||
| Plating: | 1931: nickel | |
| 1934: gold | ||
| Tuners: | 1931: single Waverly clipped, metal buttons, round bushings 1936: single Grover pointed 6:1, scalloped metal buttons, hex bushings 1938: single Grover pointed 12:1, scalloped metal buttons, hex bushings | |
| 1940: single E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons, round bushings | ||
| Neck: | 1931: maple, 3 centerstripes 1933: mahogany, 3 centerstripes 1940: cherry, 3 centerstripes | |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound | |
| 1931: star, 6 positions | ||
| 1933: block wide, 6 positions | ||
| 1934: block, 5 positions | ||
| 1936: block, 7 positions | ||
| Pickguard: | 1931: black plastic, short 1934: black plastic, short, single binding | |
| 1936: tortoise plastic, long, single binding (1949: with E logo) | ||
| Tailpiece | 1931: trapeze | |
| 1936: large "compensating" | ||
| 1937: Frequensator | ||
| Soundholes: | 1931: segmented f-holes | |
| 1935: cello f-holes | ||
| 1949: modern f-holes | ||
| Top: | spruce, carved; triple binding | |
| Back/sides: | 1931: walnut, pressed laminate, triple binding | |
| 1932: walnut, carved back, triple binding | ||
| 1939: maple, carved back, triple binding | ||
| Price: | 1932: sb $175 1940: sb/bl $175/$200 1941 Oct: sb/bl $195/$220 1946: sb/bl $225/$250 1948: sb/bl $225/$250; cutaway sb/bl $290/$315 1949: sb/bl $250/$275; cutaway sb/bl $295/$320 1950: sb/bl $270/$295; cutaway sb/bl $315/$335 1953: sb/bl $290/$315; cutaway sb/bl $335/$355 | |
| Pics: 1931 1933 1934 |    | |
1935 1936 1939 |    | |
1941 1942 1946 |    | |
1948 1949 1953 |    | |
| | ||
| Model: | Byron | |
| First made: | 1949 | |
| Last made: | 1953 | |
| Designation: | model + SN on label | |
| Body size: | 15¼" wide; 19¼" long (Auditorium) | |
| Finish: | sunburst top | |
| Headstock: | 1949: center dip; script logo with tail decal | |
| 1953: center dip; metal Epiphone logo plate | ||
| Plating: | nickel | |
| Tuners: | strip
Waverly square, plastic buttons, hex bushings | |
| Neck: | mahogany (some: cherry), 1 centerstripe | |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, unbound | |
| dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12) | ||
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic, long, E logo | |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze | |
| Soundholes: | modern f-holes | |
| Top: | spruce, carved; single binding | |
| Back/sides: | mahogany, pressed laminate, single binding | |
| Price: | 1949: sb $70 1950: sb $80 | |
| Pics: 1949 1953 |   | |
| | ||
| Model: | DeLuxe | |
| First made: | 1931 | |
| Last made: | 1955 | |
| Designation: | 1931: model on headstock, SN stamped inside body 1934: model + SN on label | |
| Body size: | 1931: 16⅜" wide; 20¼" long (Grand Auditorium) | |
| 1935: 17⅜" wide; 20¾" long (Large) | ||
| 1949: 18½" wide; 21¾" long (Emperor) | ||
| 1951: 17⅜" wide; 20¾" long (Large) | ||
| Cutaway: | 1940 only: Soloist DeLuxe (1 example documented) | |
| 1949: DeLuxe Regent (some early: DeLuxe Cutaway) 1955: DeLuxe Cutaway | ||
| Finish: | 1931: sunburst (1933–34 only: sunburst semi-opaque top) | |
| 1938: blond finish optional | ||
| Headstock: | 1931: asymmetrical, volute; pearl banners+lily, blossom branch | |
| 1934: asymmetrical, volute; block letter logo, blossom branch (10 veined leaves) | ||
| 1935: asymmetrical, no volute; back veneer; script logo, blossom branch (10 veined leaves) | ||
| 1938: center dip; no back veneer; script logo, blossom branch (10 veined leaves) | ||
| 1940: center dip; script logo, blossom branch (8 veined leaves) | ||
| 1945: center dip; script logo, blossom branch (8 plain leaves) 1955 some: center dip; script logo, dogwood flower | ||
| Plating: | gold | |
| Tuners: | 1931: single Waverly clipped, metal buttons, round bushings 1934: single Grover clipped, scalloped metal buttons, hex bushings 1936: single Grover pointed 6:1, scalloped metal buttons, hex bushings 1938: single Grover pointed 12:1, scalloped metal buttons, hex bushings | |
| 1940: single E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons, round bushings | ||
| Neck: | maple, 3 centerstripes; (1935: rounded heel) | |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound | |
| 1931: triangle/diamond, 7 positions | ||
| 1934: flower, 7 positions | ||
| 1935: fan, 7 position 1935 (later): cloud (segmented f-holes), 7 positions 1945: cloud (plain), 7 positions | ||
| Pickguard: | 1931: black plastic, short, white binding | |
| 1934: white plastic, short, black binding | ||
| 1935: tortoise plastic, long with hump, triple binding (1949: with E logo) | ||
| Tailpiece | 1931: trapeze | |
| 1935: large "compensating" (early: arrow shape) | ||
| 1937: Frequensator | ||
| Soundholes: | 1931: segmented f-holes | |
| 1935: cello f-holes, unbound / 17⅜" model: bound | ||
| 1949 DeLuxe Concert: trapezoid (1 example docum) | ||
| 1949: modern f-holes, bound (18½" model: unbound) | ||
| Top: | spruce, carved; 1931: quadruple binding, block purfling 1935: quintuple binding | |
| Back/sides: | maple, carved back; 1931: triple binding; 1935: quintuple binding | |
| Price: | 1932: sb $275 1939: sb/bl $275 1941 Oct: sb/bl $305/$315 1946: sb/bl $350/$360 1948: sb/bl $350/$360; cutaway/conc sb/bl $400/$410 1949: sb/bl $350/$375; cutaway sb/bl $400/$425 1950: sb/bl $370/$395; cutaway sb/bl $420/$445 1953: sb/bl $410/$425; cutaway sb/bl $465/$480 1954: sb/bl $430/$450; cutaway sb/bl $485/$505 | |
| Pics: 1931 1933 1934 |    | |
1935 1936 1939 |    | |
1940 1940 1946 |    | |
1949 1949 1950 |    | |
1951 1955 1955 |    | |
| | ||
| Model: | Devon | |
| First made: | 1949 | |
| Last made: | 1956 | |
| Designation | model + SN on label | |
| Body size: | 17⅜" wide; 20¾" long (Large) | |
| Finish: | 1949: sunburst top | |
| 1951: blond finish optional | ||
| Headstock: | 1949: center dip; script logo, notched oval | |
| 1955: center dip; Epiphone logo plate | ||
| Plating: | nickel | |
| Tuners: | 1949: single Waverly yoda head, metal buttons, hex bushings 1953: single Waverly bell-end, metal buttons, hex bushings | |
| Neck: | mahogany (some: cherry), 1 centerstripe | |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound | |
| oval, 6 positions | ||
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic, long, E logo | |
| Tailpiece: | Frequensator | |
| Soundholes: | modern f-holes (earliest examples: cello f-holes) | |
| Top: | spruce, carved; triple binding | |
| Back/sides: | 1949: mahogany, pressed laminate, single binding | |
| 1951: maple, pressed laminate, single binding | ||
| Price: | 1949: sb $130 1950: sb $140 1953: sb/bl $155/$170 1954: sb/bl $170/$185 | |
| Pics: 1949 1953 1956 |    | |
| | ||
| Model: | Emperor | |
| First made: | 1935 | |
| Last made: | 1955 | |
| Designation: | model + SN on label | |
| Body size: | 18½" wide; 21¾" long (Emperor) | |
| Cutaway: | 1940 only: Soloist Emperor (3 examples documented) | |
| 1949: Emperor
Regent (1954: Emperor Cutaway) | ||
| Finish: | 1935: sunburst | |
| 1938: blond finish optional | ||
| Headstock: | 1935: asymmetrical, clipped; back veneer; script logo, blossom branch (10 veined leaves), large triangle | |
| 1939: center dip, clipped; back veneer; script logo, blossom branch (10 veined leaves), large triangle | ||
| 1939 (later): center dip, clipped; back veneer; script logo, blossom branch (8 veined leaves), small triangle | ||
| 1941: center dip, clipped; no back veneer; script logo, blossom branch (8 veined leaves), no triangle | ||
| 1945: center dip, clipped; script logo, blossom branch (8 plain leaves) | ||
| Plating: | gold | |
| Tuners: | 1936: single Grover pointed 6:1, scalloped metal buttons, hex bushings 1938: single Grover pointed 12:1, scalloped metal buttons, hex bushings | |
| 1940: single E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons, round bushings | ||
| Neck: | maple, 5 centerstripes, rounded heel | |
| Fretboard: | ebony (early examples) or rosewood, single binding | |
| 1935: split v-block, 7 positions | ||
| 1946: pearl+abalone v-block, 7 positions | ||
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic, long with hump, triple binding (1949: with E logo) | |
| Tailpiece | 1935: large "compensating" (early: arrow shape) | |
| 1937: Frequensator | ||
| Soundholes: | 1935: cello f-holes, triple binding | |
| 1949 Emperor Concert: trapezoid (4 examples docum.) | ||
| 1949: modern f-holes, triple binding | ||
| Top: | spruce, carved; multiple binding | |
| Back/sides: | maple, carved back, multiple binding | |
| Price: | 1935: sb $400 (case incl) 1939: sb/bl $400 (case incl) 1941 Oct: sb/bl $440/$450 (case incl) 1942: sb/bl $350/$360 (case extra) 1946: sb/bl $400/$410 1948: sb/bl $400/$410; cutaway/conc sb/bl $450/$460 1949: sb/bl $400/$425; cutaway sb/bl $$450/475 1950: sb/bl $420/$445; cutaway sb/bl $470/$495 1953: sb/bl $470/$495; cutaway sb/bl $520/$545 1954: sb/bl $490/$515; cutaway sb/bl $540/$565 | |
| Pics: 1935 1937 1939 |    | |
1940 1941 1946 |    | |
1949 1949 1955 |   | |
| | ||
| Model: | Olympic | |
| First made: | 1931 | |
| Last made: | 1944 | |
| Designation: | 1931: no model designation, SN stamped inside body 1934: model + SN on label | |
| Body size: | 1931: 13⅝" wide; 19" long (Concert) | |
| 1935: 14¾" wide; 19¼" long (Grand Concert) | ||
| 1936: 15¼" wide; 19¼" long (Auditorium) | ||
| 4-string: | 1935: Olympic Tenor / Olympic Plectrum | |
| Finish: | 1931: natural top 1932: sunburst top (1933–34 only: sunburst semi– opaque top) 1943: sunburst opaque top | |
| Headstock: | 1931: curved; black plastic veneer; logo stamp on back 1932: curved; wood; some: logo stamp on back or front | |
| 1933: curved; marbled celluloid, Masterbilt banner decal 1934: curved; stained wood, Masterbilt banner decal | ||
| 1936: curved; wood, script logo with tail decal | ||
| 1939: center dip; script logo (pearl) 1943: center dip; script logo (celluloid) | ||
| Plating: | nickel | |
| Tuners: | 1931: strip Waverly square, plastic buttons 1940: strip Waverly bell-end, plastic buttons 1943: strip Kluson riveted gear, plastic buttons | |
| Neck: | 1931: mahogany 1940: cherry | |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, no binding | |
| 1931: dot, 4 positions; flat (1933: radiused) | ||
| 1936: dot, 5 positions | ||
| Pickguard: | 1931: black plastic, short | |
| 1940: tortoise plastic, long | ||
| Tailpiece: | trapeze (1943-44: rosewood
bar) (UK only, late 1930s: Frequensator) | |
| Soundholes: | 1931: segmented f-holes | |
| 1935: cello f-holes | ||
| Top: | spruce, carved (earliest: flat
top; 1943–44: poplar, carved) 1931: no binding 1933: black binding 1935: white binding | |
| Back/sides: | mahogany, pressed laminate (binding see top) | |
| Price: | 1932: $30 1933: $35 1940: $39.50 1941 Oct: $43.50 | |
| Pics: 1931 1932 1933 |    | |
1934 1935 1935 |    | |
1936 1939 1944 |    | |
| | ||
| Model: | Ritz | |
| First made: | 1940 | |
| Last made: | 1944 | |
| Designation: | model + SN on label | |
| Body size: | 15¼" wide; 19¼" long (Auditorium) | |
| Finish: | 1940: blond 1942: ivory opaque top | |
| 4-string: | 1940: Ritz Tenor + Ritz Plectrum | |
| Headstock: | 1940: center dip; script logo (pearl) 1943: center dip; script logo (celluloid) | |
| Plating: | nickel | |
| Tuners: | 1940: strip Waverly bell-end, plastic buttons 1943: strip Kluson riveted gear, plastic buttons | |
| Neck: | cherry; heelcap white or tortoise plastic | |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, unbound | |
| dot, 5 positions | ||
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic, long | |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze (1943–44: with rosewood bar) | |
| Soundholes: | cello f-holes | |
| Top: | spruce, carved (1943–44: poplar, carved); tortoise plastic binding | |
| Back/sides: | maple, pressed laminate, tortoise plastic binding | |
| Price: | 1940: $47.50 1941 Oct: $52.50 | |
| Pics: 1940 1943 |   | |
| | ||
| Model: | Royal | |
| First made: | 1931 | |
| Last made: | 1934 | |
| Designation: | 1931: model on headstock, SN stamped inside body 1934: model + SN on label | |
| Body size: | 15½" wide; 19¼" long (Auditorium) | |
| Finish: | sunburst (1933–34 only: sunburst semi-opaque top) | |
| Headstock: | 1931: rounded peak; white banners | |
| 1933: rounded peak; engraved gothic script banners 1934: rounded peak; block letter logo, fleur-de-lis | ||
| Plating: | nickel | |
| Tuners: | strip Waverly square, plastic buttons | |
| Neck: | mahogany, 3 centerstripes | |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding | |
| dot, 5 positions (2 dots fret 7+12) | ||
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short | |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze | |
| Soundholes: | segmented f-holes | |
| Top: | spruce, carved; single binding | |
| Back/sides: | 1931: mahogany, pressed laminate, single binding | |
| 1933: walnut, pressed laminate, single binding | ||
| Price: | 1932: $85 1933: $95 | |
| Pics: 1932 1933 1934 |    | |
| | ||
| Model: | Spartan | |
| First made: | 1934 | |
| Last made: | 1949 | |
| Designation: | model + SN on label; (1934–35 only: f-hole version named Spartan Special) | |
| Body size: | 16⅜" wide; 20¼" long (Grand Auditorium) | |
| 4-string: | 1936: Spartan Tenor / Spartan Plectrum | |
| Finish: | 1934: sunburst semi-opaque top 1934 (later): sunburst top | |
| 1940: blond finish optional 1943–45 only: sunburst opaque top | ||
| Headstock: | 1934: rounded peak; block letter logo, exclamation point 1934 (later): rounded peak; block letter logo, column | |
| 1935: rounded peak; script logo, column | ||
| 1939: center dip; script logo, column (pearl) 1945: center dip; script logo column (celluloid) | ||
| 1948: center dip; script logo, coat of arms (pearl) | ||
| Plating: | nickel | |
| Tuners: | 1934: single Grover clipped, oval metal buttons, round bushings 1935: single Waverly clipped, metal buttons, round bushings 1937: single Waverly clipped wide, plastic buttons, round bushings | |
| 1940: single E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons, round bushings 1945: strip Kluson riveted gear, plastic buttons 1946: single Waverly yoda head, plastic buttons, hex bushings 1947: single Waverly yoda head, metal buttons, hex bushings | ||
| Neck: | 1934: mahogany, 1 centerstripe 1940: cherry (1946 some: maple; 1946–47 only: tortoise plastic heelcap) | |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding | |
| 1934: dot, 5 positions (2 dots fret 7+12) | ||
| 1935: slotted block, 5 positions | ||
| 1936: slotted block, 6 positions | ||
| Pickguard: | 1934: black plastic, short | |
| 1939: tortoise plastic, long | ||
| Tailpiece: | 1934: trapeze (1943–44: with rosewood
bar) (UK only, late 1930s: Frequensator) 1949: Frequensator | |
| Soundholes: | 1934–36: round (two tonebars) | |
| 1934: cello f-holes (earliest named "Spartan Special") 1949: modern f-holes | ||
| Top: | spruce, carved (1943–45 only: poplar, carved); single binding (1945–49 some: triple binding) | |
| Back/sides: | 1934: maple, carved or pressed back, single binding | |
| 1935: mahogany, pressed laminate, single binding 1935 (later): walnut, pressed laminate, single binding | ||
| 1936: walnut, carved back, single binding | ||
| 1940, blond finish version: primavera, carved back, single binding | ||
| 1947 only: maple, carved back, single binding | ||
| Price: | 1934: sb $100 1940: sb/bl $100/$110 1941 Oct: sb/bl $110/$120 1946: sb/bl $125/$135 1947: sb/bl $135/$150 | |
| Pics: 1934 1934 1935 |    | |
1936 1939 1940 |    | |
1945 1946 1948 |    | |
1949 |  | |
| | ||
| Model: | Triumph | |
| First made: | 1931 | |
| Last made: | 1955 | |
| Designation: | 1931: model on headstock; SN stamped inside body 1934: model + SN on label | |
| Body size: | 1931: 15½" wide; 19¼" long (Auditorium) | |
| 1933: 16⅜" wide; 20¼" long (Grand Auditorium) | ||
| 1936: 17⅜" wide; 20¾" long (Large) | ||
| 4-string: | 1935: Triumph Tenor / Triumph Plectrum | |
| Cutaway: | 1949: Triumph Regent (some early: Triumph Cutaway) | |
| Finish: | 1931: sunburst (1933–34 only: sunburst semi-opaque top, dark back) | |
| 1940: blond finish optional (some: ivory
opaque) 1944–45 only: ivory opaque top / sunburst opaque top | ||
| Headstock: | 1931: asymmetrical; pearl banners | |
| 1933: rounded peak; engraved gothic script banners on black plastic (some: marbled); later: lighter font | ||
| 1934: rounded peak; block letter logo, fleur-de-lis | ||
| 1935: rounded peak; script logo, fleur-de-lis | ||
| 1939: center dip; script logo, short fleur-de-lis (pearl) 1945: center dip; script logo, short fleur-de-lis (celluloid) | ||
| 1947: center dip; script logo, shield (pearl) | ||
| Plating: | nickel | |
| Tuners: | 1931: single Waverly clipped, metal buttons, round bushings 1936: single Waverly clipped wide, metal buttons, round bushings 1937: single Grover pointed 6:1, oval metal buttons, hex bushings 1938: single Grover pointed 12:1, oval metal buttons, hex bushings 1939: single Kluson screwed gear, metal buttons, round/hex bushings 1939 (later): single Waverly yoda head, metal buttons, hex bushings | |
| 1940: single E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons, round bushings | ||
| Neck: | 1931: maple, 3 centerstripes 1933: mahogany, 3 centerstripes 1940: cherry, 3 centerstripes 1946: maple, 3 centerstripes | |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding | |
| 1931: zigzag paired diamonds, 6 positions | ||
| 1933: dot, 5 positions (2 dots fret 7+12) | ||
| 1934: engraved diamond, 5 positions | ||
| 1936: diamond, 6 positions | ||
| Pickguard: | 1931: black plastic, short | |
| 1936: tortoise plastic, long, single binding (1949: with E logo) | ||
| Tailpiece: | 1931: trapeze | |
| 1936: large "compensating" | ||
| 1937: Frequensator | ||
| Soundholes: | 1931: segmented f-holes | |
| 1935: cello f-holes | ||
| 1949: modern f-holes | ||
| Top: | spruce, carved (1943–44 some: poplar, carved); triple binding (1933–35: single binding) | |
| Back/sides: | 1931: walnut, pressed back, single binding | |
| 1934: maple, carved back, single binding | ||
| Price: | 1932: sb $125 1940: sb/bl $125/$135 1941 Oct: sb/bl $140/$150 1946: sb/bl $160/$170 1948: sb/bl $165/$180 1949: sb/bl $165/$180; cutaway sb/bl $190/$210 1950: sb/bl $175/$190; cutaway sb/bl $205/$225 1953: sb/bl $195/$210; cutaway sb/bl $220/$235 1954: sb/bl $210/$230; cutaway sb/bl $240/$260 | |
| Pics: 1931 1933 1934 |    | |
| 1935 1937 1939 |    | |
1941 1944 1946 |    | |
1947 1949 1953 |    | |
| | ||
| Model: | Tudor | |
| First made: | 1934 | |
| Last made: | 1935 | |
| Designation: | model + SN on label | |
| Body size: | 16⅜" wide; 20¼" long (Grand Auditorium) | |
| Finish: | sunburst (1934 only: sunburst semi-opaque top) | |
| Headstock: | 1934: asymmetrical; block letter logo, vine | |
| 1935: asymmetrical; script logo, vine | ||
| Plating: | gold | |
| Tuners: | single Grover clipped, scalloped metal buttons, hex bushings | |
| Neck: | maple, 3 centerstripes | |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding | |
| 1934: triangle/diamond, 6 positions | ||
| 1935: triangle/diamond, 5 positions | ||
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short, single binding | |
| Tailpiece | trapeze | |
| Soundholes: | 1934: segmented f-holes | |
| 1935: cello f-holes | ||
| Top: | spruce, carved; triple binding | |
| Back/sides: | maple, carved back, triple binding | |
| Price: | 1934: $225 | |
| Pics: 1934 |  | |
| | ||
| Model: | Zenith | |
| First made: | 1931 | |
| Last made: | 1954 | |
| Designation: | 1931: model on headstock, SN stamped inside body 1934: model + SN on label | |
| Body size: | 1931: 13⅝" wide; 19" long (Concert) | |
| 1934: 14¾" wide; 19¼" long (Grand Concert) | ||
| 1935: 15¼" wide; 19¼" long (Auditorium) | ||
| 1936: 16⅜" wide; 20¼" long (Grand Auditorium) | ||
| 4-string: | 1936: Zenith Tenor / Zenith Plectrum | |
| Finish: | 1931: sunburst top (1933–34 only: sunburst
semi-opaque top) 1943–45 only: sunburst opaque top | |
| 1949: blond finish optional | ||
| Headstock: | 1931: rounded peak; white banners | |
| 1933: rounded peak; engraved gothic script banners; later: lighter font | ||
| 1934: rounded peak; block letter logo, exclamation point 1934 (later): rounded peak; block letter logo, stickpin | ||
| 1935: rounded peak; script logo, stickpin | ||
| 1939: center dip; script logo, stickpin (pearl) 1945: center dip; script logo, stickpin (celluloid) | ||
| 1948: center dip; script logo, cartouche (pearl) | ||
| Plating: | nickel | |
| Tuners: | 1931: strip Waverly square, plastic buttons | |
| 1934: single Grover clipped, plastic buttons 1937: single Waverly clipped wide, plastic buttons 1937: single Grover pointed 6:1, plastic buttons 1939: single Grover pointed 12:1, plastic buttons 1940: single Waverly yoda head, plastic buttons 1943: single Kluson riveted gear, plastic buttons 1943: strip Kluson riveted gear, plastic buttons 1948: single Waverly yoda head, plastic buttons, hex bushings 1952: single Waverly bell-end, plastic buttons, hex bushings | ||
| Neck: | 1932: mahogany, 1 centerstripe 1940: cherry (1944–45: gold sparkle heelcap) | |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, no binding | |
| 1931: dot, 4 positions (2 dots fret 7) | ||
| 1936: dot, 5 positions (2 dots fret 7) | ||
| 1948: dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12) | ||
| Pickguard: | 1931: black plastic, short | |
| 1939: tortoise plastic, long (1949: with E logo) | ||
| Tailpiece: | trapeze (1943–46: with rosewood
bar) (UK only, late 1930s: Frequensator) | |
| Soundholes: | 1931: segmented f-holes | |
| 1935: cello f-holes | ||
| 1949: modern f-holes | ||
| Top: | spruce, carved (earliest: brace-arched; 1943–45 only: poplar, carved); single binding | |
| Back/sides: | 1931 maple, pressed laminate, single binding | |
| 1933: walnut, pressed laminate, single binding | ||
| 1949: maple, pressed laminate, single binding | ||
| Price: | 1932: sb $50 1940: sb $59.50 1941 Oct: sb $66 1946: sb $75 1947: sb $85 1949: sb/bl $85/$110 1950: sb $95 1953: sb/bl $110/$125 1954: sb/bl $125/$140 | |
| Pics: 1931 1933 1934 |    | |
1934 1935 1936 |    | |
1939 1944 1948 |    | |
1949 1952 |   | |
3. Tenor + plectrum guitars (early acoustic)
Epiphone's early Tenor + Plectrum guitars were basically 4-string versions of their Masterbilt 6-string models, but had their own model names:
- Empire: equivalent to DeLuxe
- Bretton: equivalent to Broadway
- Hollywood: equivalent to Triumph
- Regent: equivalent to Royal
- Melody: equivalent to Zenith
- Beverly: equivalent to Olympic
By 1935, the 4-string versions adopted the name of the main models – e.g. "Triumph Tenor", "Zenith Plectrum" etc.
| Model: | Beverly |
| First made: | 1931, Tenor / Plectrum |
| Last made: | 1935 |
| Designation: | 1931: no model designation, SN stamped inside body 1934: model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 13⅝" wide; 19" long (Concert) |
| Finish: | 1931: natural 1932: sunburst top |
| Headstock: | 1931: curved; black plastic veneer; logo
stamp on back 1932: curved; wood; some: logo stamp on back 1933: curved; marbelled celluloid; no stamp 1935: curved; stained wood; Masterbilt banner decal |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | strip Waverly arrow-end, plastic buttons |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, flat, no binding dot, 4 positions (1932 only: dot, 5 positions) |
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | 1931: segmented f-holes |
| 1935: cello f-holes | |
| Top: | 1931: spruce, flat, no binding 1933: spruce, flat, black binding 1935: spruce, flat, white binding |
| Back/sides: | mahogany, pressed laminate (binding like top) |
| Price: | 1932: $30 1933: $35 |
| Pics: 1931 1933 1935 |    |
| | |
| Model: | Bretton |
| First made: | 1931, Tenor / Plectrum |
| Last made: | c. 1934 (?) |
| Designation: | 1931: model on headstock, SN stamped inside body |
| Body size: | 1931: 13⅝" wide; 19" long (Concert) 1932: 15½" wide; 19¼" long (Auditorium) |
| Finish: | sunburst |
| Headstock: | 1931: asymmetrical; pearl banners+lily |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | single |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, flat, bound 1931: star, 6 positions |
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | 1931: segmented f-holes |
| Top: | 1931: spruce, brace-arched, triple binding 1932: spruce, carved, triple binding |
| Back/sides: | 1931: walnut, pressed laminate, triple binding |
| Price: | 1932: $175 |
| | |
| Pics: 1931 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Empire |
| First made: | 1931, Tenor / Plectrum |
| Last made: | c. 1934 (?) |
| Designation: | model on headstock, SN stamped inside body |
| Body size: | 1931: 13⅝" wide; 19" long (Concert) 1932: 15½" wide; 19¼" long (Auditorium) |
| Finish: | sunburst (some: sunburst semi-opaque top) |
| Headstock: | 1931: asymmetrical, volute; pearl banners+lily |
| Plating: | gold |
| Tuners: | single Waverly or Grover clipped, metal buttons |
| Neck: | maple |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, flat, bound triangle/diamond, 7 positions |
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short, single binding |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | segmented f-holes |
| Top: | spruce, carved, block purfling, quadruple binding |
| Back/sides: | maple, carved back, triple binding |
| Price: | 1932: $250 |
| | |
| Pics: 1931 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Hollywood |
| First made: | 1931, Tenor / Plectrum |
| Last made: | c. 1934 |
| Designation: | 1931: model on headstock, SN stamped inside body 1934: model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 1931: 13⅝" wide; 19" long (Concert) 1932: 15½" wide; 19¼" long (Auditorium) |
| Finish: | sunburst top |
| Headstock: | 1931: asymmetrical, white banners 1932: asymmetrical, pearl banners |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | single Waverly clipped, metal buttons |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, flat, bound zigzag paired diamonds, 6 positions (Plectrum: 7) |
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | segmented f-holes |
| Top: | 1931: spruce, brace-arched, triple binding 1932: spruce, carved, triple binding |
| Back/sides: | walnut, carved or pressed, single binding |
| Price: | 1932: $125 |
| Pics: 1931 1932 |   |
| | |
| Model: | Melody |
| First made: | 1931, Tenor / Plectrum |
| Last made: | 1935 |
| Designation: | 1931: model on headstock, SN stamped inside body 1934: model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 13⅝" wide; 19" long (Concert) |
| Finish: | sunburst top (1933–35 only: sunburst semi-opaque top) |
| Headstock: | 1931: rounded
peak; white banners 1933: rounded peak; engraved gothic script banners 1934: rounded peak; block letter logo, exclamation point (some: stickpin) 1935: rounded peak; script logo, stickpin |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | strip Waverly arrow, plastic buttons |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, flat, no binding dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12); Plectrum: 7 positions |
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | 1931: segmented f-holes |
| 1935: cello f-holes | |
| Top: | 1931: spruce, flat, single binding 1932: spruce, carved, single binding |
| Back/sides: | 1931: maple, pressed laminate, single binding 1933: walnut, pressed laminate, single binding |
| Price: | 1932: $50 |
| Pics: 1931 1933 1935 |    |
1935 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Regent |
| First made: | 1931, Tenor / Plectrum |
| Last made: | c. 1934 |
| Designation: | 1931: model on headstock, SN stamped inside body 1934: model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 1931: 13⅝" wide; 19" long (Concert) 1932: 15½" wide; 19¼" long (Auditorium) |
| Finish: | sunburst (1933–34 only: sunburst semi-opaque top) |
| Headstock: | 1931: rounded peak; white banners 1934: rounded peak; engraved gothic script banners 1934 (later): rounded peak; block letter logo, stickpin |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1932: strip Waverly arrow, plastic buttons 1933: single Waverly clipped, metal buttons 1934: single Grover clipped, plastic buttons |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, flat, bound dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12) |
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | 1931: segmented f-holes |
| Top: | 1931: spruce, flat, single binding 1932: spruce, carved, single binding |
| Back/sides: | 1932: mahogany, pressed laminate, single binding 1933: walnut, pressed laminate, single binding 1934: mahogany, pressed laminate, single binding |
| Price: | 1932: $85 |
| Pics: 1931 1932 1934 |    |
1934 |  |
| | |
4. Mandolins (acoustic)
Additional to the mandolin models shown below, Epiphone's catalogs also listed mandola and mandocello models. However to this day we have not seen or heard of an actual surviving example of an original Epiphone mandola or mandocello from the 1930–50s period. If you have, please let me know.
| Model: | Adelphi |
| First made: | 1931 |
| Last made: | 1944 |
| Designation: | 1931: no model designation, SN stamped inside body 1932: model on headstock, SN stamped inside body 1934: model + SN on label |
| Body style: | teardrop |
| Finish: | 1931: sunburst top + back (1933–34 only: sunburst
semi-opaque top) 1943: sunburst opaque top |
| Headstock: | 1931: curved; black plastic veneer 1932: curved; white banners |
| 1933: rounded peak; engraved gothic script banners | |
| 1934: rounded peak; Masterbilt banner decal | |
| 1935: rounded peak; script logo with tail decal | |
| 1939: center dip; script logo 1943: center dip; no logo | |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1931: strip Waverly square, plastic buttons 1940: strip Waverly bell-end, plastic buttons 1944: strip Kluson riveted gear, plastic buttons |
| Neck: | 1932: mahogany (some: 1 centerstripe) 1940: cherry |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, no binding |
| dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12; 1940: 1 dot fret 12) | |
| Pickguard: | 1931: black plastic, short |
| 1936: black plastic, long | |
| 1940: tortoise plastic, long | |
| Tailpiece: | clamshell |
| Soundholes: | 1931: segmented f-holes |
| 1935: cello f-holes | |
| Top: | spruce, carved, single binding (earliest: brace-arched) |
| Back/sides: | maple, pressed laminate, single binding |
| Price: | 1932: $35 1940: $39.50 1941 Oct: $43.50 |
| Pics: 1931 1932 1933 |    |
1934 1935 1937 |    |
1939 1940 1942 |    |
1944 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Artist |
| First made: | 1936 |
| Last made: | c. 1942 (?) |
| Designation: | model + SN on label |
| Body stye: | scroll |
| Finish: | sunburst |
| Headstock: | 1936: asymmetrical; script logo; vine |
| 1939: center dip; script logo; vine | |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1936: strip Waverly bell-end, metal buttons, hex bushings |
| Neck: | 1936: maple, 3 centerstripes 1940: cherry, 3 centerstripes |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding |
| parallelogram, 6 positions | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic, long |
| Tailpiece: | clamshell |
| Soundholes: | cello f-holes |
| Top: | spruce, carved, single binding |
| Back/sides: | maple, carved back, single binding |
| Price: | 1936: $150 1941 Oct: $165 |
1942 1944 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Rivoli |
| First made: | 1931 |
| Last made: | 1950 |
| Designation: | 1931: model on headstock, SN stamped inside body 1934: model + SN on label |
| Body style: | teardrop |
| Finish: | 1932: sunburst (1933–34 only: sunburst
semi-opaque top) 1943–44 only: sunburst opaque top |
| Headstock: | 1931: curved; white banners, single binding |
| 1933: rounded peak; engraved gothic script banners | |
| 1936: rounded peak; script logo, stickpin | |
| 1939: center dip; script logo, stickpin | |
| 1949: center dip; script logo, cartouche | |
| 1951: center dip; Epiphone logo plate | |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1931: strip Waverly bell-end, plastic buttons 1944: strip Kluson riveted gear, plastic buttons 1950: strip Waverly square, plastic buttons |
| Neck: | 1931: mahogany, 1 centerstripe 1940: cherry |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding (some: no binding) 1931: dot, 7 positions (3 dots frets 5, 10, 15) |
| 1932: dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12) | |
| Pickguard: | 1931: black plastic, short |
| 1936: black plastic, long 1939: tortoise plastic, long | |
| 1950: tortoise plastic, long, E logo | |
| Tailpiece: | clamshell |
| Soundholes: | 1931: segmented f-holes |
| 1936: cello f-holes | |
| 1950: oval hole | |
| Top: | spruce, carved, single binding (earliest brace-arched) |
| Back/sides: | 1931: walnut, pressed laminate, single binding 1939: walnut, carved back, single binding |
| Price: | 1932: $50 1940: $55 1941 Oct: $61 1947: $75 1950: $85 1953: $95 |
| Pics: 1931 1933 1936 |    |
1939 1944 1949 |    |
1950 1951 |   |
| | |
| Model: | Strand |
| First made: | 1931 |
| Last made: | 1956 |
| Designation: | 1932: model on headstock, SN stamped inside body 1934: model + SN on label |
| Body style: | 2-point |
| Finish: | 1931: sunburst (1933–35 only: sunburst
semi-opaque top) 1943–44 only: sunburst opaque top |
| Headstock: | 1932: asymmetrical; pearl banners |
| 1933: rounded peak; engraved gothic script banners | |
| 1934: rounded peak; block letter logo, exclamation point | |
| 1935: asymmetrical; script logo, diamond | |
| 1939: center dip; script logo, diamond | |
| 1950: center dip; script logo, notched oval | |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1932: strip Waverly bell-end, plastic tuners 1942: strip Kluson screwed gear, metal buttons 1950: strip Waverly square, metal tuners |
| Neck: | 1932: mahogany, 1 centerstripe 1940: cherry |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound |
| 1932: zigzag paired diamonds, 6 positions | |
| 1933: diamond+dots, 6 positions | |
| 1934: zigzag paired diamonds, 6 positions | |
| 1936: parallelogram, 6 positions | |
| Pickguard: | 1932: black plastic, short |
| 1939: tortoise plastic, long | |
| 1950: tortoise plastic, long, E logo | |
| Tailpiece: | clamshell |
| Soundholes: | 1932: segmented f-holes |
| 1935: cello f-holes | |
| 1950: oval hole, single binding | |
| Top: | spruce, carved, single binding |
| Back/sides: | walnut, carved back, single binding (1933 only: pressed laminate) |
| Price: | 1932: $75 1941 Oct: $82.50 1948: $110 1950: $125 1953: $140 |
| Pics: 1932 1933 1934 |    |
1935 1937 1943 |    |
1950 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Windsor |
| First made: | 1931 |
| Last made: | c. 1940(?) |
| Designation: | 1931: model on headstock, SN stamped inside body 1934: model + SN on label |
| Body style: | 1931: 2-point |
| 1934: Windsor Special: scroll (catalog pic) | |
| 1936: scroll | |
| Finish: | sunburst |
| Headstock: | 1931: asymmetrical; pearl banners (Windsor special in 1934 catalog: with volute) |
| 1936: asymmetrical; script logo, blossom branch (10 veined leaves) | |
| 1939: center dip; script logo, blossom branch (8 veined leaves) | |
| Plating: | gold |
| Tuners: | 1938: strip Waverly bell-end, metal buttons |
| Neck: | maple, 3 centerstripes |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding |
| 1932: slanted star, 7 positions | |
| 1934: diamond+dots, 6 positions | |
| 1936: slotted block, 6 positions | |
| Pickguard: | 1931: black plastic, short |
| 1936: tortoise plastic, long, single binding | |
| Tailpiece: | clamshell |
| Soundholes: | 1931: segmented f-holes |
| 1936: cello f-holes | |
| Top: | spruce, carved, multiple binding |
| Back/sides: | maple, carved back, multiple binding |
| Price: | 1932: $150 1934: $150; Special $200 1936: $200 1941 Oct: $220 |
| Pics: 1932 1938 1940 |    |
5. Flat top guitars (acoustic)
| Model: | FT 27 |
| First made: | 1935 (earliest on clipped label: FT #1 or FLAT-TOP #1) |
| Last made: | 1940 |
| Designation: | model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 14½" |
| Finish: | sunburst top, (1939: natural top optional) |
| Headstock: | 1935: square; Masterbilt banner decal 1936 square; script logo with tail decal |
| 1939: center dip; script logo | |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1935: strip Waverly square, plastic buttons 1940: strip Waverly bell-end, plastic buttons |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, unbound |
| 1935: dot, 5 positions (earliest: dot, 4 positions) | |
| Pickguard: | 1935: black plastic 1936: tortoise plastic |
| Bridge: | 1935: pin bridge |
| 1939: through bridge, trapeze tailpiece | |
| Soundhole: | round, single binding |
| Top: | spruce, single binding |
| Back/sides: | mahogany, no binding |
| Price: | 1936: $27.50 |
| Pics: 1935 1937 1940 |    |
| | |
| Model: | FT 30 |
| First made: | 1940 |
| Last made: | 1945 |
| Designation: | model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 14½" |
| Finish: | dark top |
| Headstock: | 1940: center dip; script logo (pearl) 1941: center dip; script logo, metal truss cover |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1940: strip Waverly bell-end, plastic buttons 1943: strip Kluson riveted gear, plastic buttons |
| Neck: | cherry |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, no binding |
| dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12) | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic |
| Bridge: | pin bridge |
| Soundhole: | round |
| Top: | mahogany, no binding |
| Back/sides: | mahogany, no binding |
| Price: | 1940: $30 1940 Oct: $35 1941 Oct: $38.50 |
| Pics: 1940 1943 |   |
| | |
| Model: | FT 37 |
| First made: | 1935 |
| Last made: | 1941 |
| Designation: | model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 15½" |
| Finish: | sunburst top (1939: natural optional) |
| Headstock: | 1935: square; script logo with tail decal |
| 1939: center dip; script logo | |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1935: strip, plastic buttons 1937: single Waverly clipped wide, plastic buttons |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, no binding |
| dot, 5 positions | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic |
| Bridge: | 1935: pin bridge |
| 1939: through bridge, trapeze tailpiece | |
| Soundhole: | round, single binding |
| Top: | spruce, single binding |
| Back/sides: | walnut, single binding |
| Price: | 1936: $37.50 1940 Feb: $41.50 |
| Pics: 1937 1939 |   |
| | |
| Model: | FT 45 |
| First made: | 1941 |
| Last made: | 1944 |
| Designation: | model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 14½" |
| Finish: | natural |
| Headstock: | center
dip; script logo (pearl, 1943–44: celluloid);
metal truss cover |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1941: single Waverly yoda head, plastic buttons 1944: single Kluson riveted gear, plastic buttons |
| Neck: | cherry |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, no binding |
| 1941: dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12) 1944: dot, 5 positions | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic |
| Bridge: | pin bridge |
| Soundhole: | round |
| Top: | spruce, white binding |
| Back/sides: | walnut, white binding |
| Price: | 1941 Oct: $49.50 |
| Pics: 1941 1944 |   |
| | |
| Model: | FT 50 |
| First made: | 1940 |
| Last made: | 1944 |
| Designation: | model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 14½" |
| Finish: | natural |
| Headstock: | 1940: center dip; script logo (pearl) 1941: center dip; script logo (1943–44: celluloid), metal truss cover |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1940: single Grover pointed 12:1, plastic buttons 1941: single Waverly yoda head, plastic buttons 1944: strip Kluson riveted gear, plastic buttons |
| Neck: | cherry; tortoise plastic heelcap |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding |
| dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12) | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic |
| Bridge: | pin bridge |
| Soundhole: | round |
| Top: | spruce; tortoise plastic binding |
| Back/sides: | mahogany, tortoise plastic binding |
| Price: | 1940: $50 1940 Oct: $57.50 1941 Oct: $64.50 |
| Pics: 1940 1944 |   |
| | |
| Model: | FT 75 |
| First made: | 1935 |
| Last made: | 1942 |
| Designation: | model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 16½" (Jumbo) |
| Finish: | sunburst (1940: natural optional) |
| Headstock: | 1936: square; script logo, stickpin 1937: square; script logo, diamond |
| 1939: center dip; script logo, diamond | |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1937: single Waverly clipped wide, metal buttons, round bushings 1939: single Grover pointed 6:1, oval metal buttons, hex bushings |
| 1940: single E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons, round bushings | |
| 1941: single Waverly yoda head, plastic buttons | |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding |
| 1936: parallelogram, 4 postions 1937: parallelogram, 6 positions | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic |
| Bridge: | 1935: pin bridge |
| 1939: through bridge, trapeze tailpiece 1941: pin bridge | |
| Soundhole: | 1935: round, triple binding |
| 1941: round, no binding | |
| Top: | spruce, triple binding |
| Back/sides: | maple, single binding |
| Price: | 1936: sb $75 1940: sb/bl $79.50/$87.25 |
| Pics: 1937 1939 1940 |    |
| 1941 1941 |   |
| | |
| Model: | FT 79 |
| First made: | 1941 |
| Last made: | 1955 |
| Designation: | model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 1941: 15⅞", square shoulder (Jumbo) |
| 1949: 16", round shoulder (Jumbo) | |
| Finish: | natural (1949: sunburst optional) |
| Headstock: | 1941: center dip; script logo, stickpin; metal truss cover |
| 1949: center dip; script logo, cartouche; metal truss cover (1952: plastic truss cover); | |
| 1954: center dip; Epiphone logo plate; plastic truss cover | |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1941: single Waverly yoda head, plastic buttons 1942: single Kluson riveted gear, plastic buttons 1949: single Waverly yoda head, plastic buttons, hex bushings 1952: single Waverly bell-end, plastic buttons, hex bushings |
| Neck: | 1941: cherry 1949: mahogany, 1 centerstripe |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding |
| 1941: slim block, 6 positions | |
| 1949: parallelogram, 6 positions | |
| 1954: dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12) | |
| 1955: slotted block, 6 positions | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic (1949: with E logo) |
| Bridge: | pin bridge |
| Soundhole: | round |
| Top: | spruce, double binding |
| Back/sides: | 1941: walnut, single binding |
| 1949: walnut, pressed laminate, single binding | |
| 1951: maple, pressed laminate, single binding | |
| Price: | 1941 Oct: $87.50 1947: $95 1950: $105 1953: $125 |
| Price: | 1936: sb $75 1940: sb/bl $79.50/$87.25 |
| | |
| Pics: 1941 1944 1949 |    |
| 1955 |  |
| | |
| Model: | FT 110 |
| First made: | 1942 |
| Last made: | 1956 |
| Designation: | model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 1942: 15⅞", square shoulder (Jumbo) |
| 1949: 16", round shoulder (Jumbo) | |
| Finish: | natural (1949: sunburst optional) |
| Headstock: | 1942: center dip; script logo, diamond; metal truss cover |
| 1949: center dip; script logo, notched oval; metal truss cover (1952: plastic truss cover) | |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1949: single Waverly yoda head, plastic buttons, hex bushings 1952: single Waverly bell-end, plastic buttons, hex bushings |
| Neck: | 1941: cherry 1949: cherry, 3 centerstripes |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding |
| 1942: parallelogram (reversed), 6 positions | |
| 1949: slotted block, 6 positions | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic (1949: with E logo) |
| Bridge: | pin bridge |
| Soundhole: | round |
| Top: | spruce, multiple binding |
| Back/sides: | maple, single binding (1949: pressed laminate) |
| Price: | 1942: sb $110 1947: sb $125 1948: sb/bl $125 1950: sb/bl $137.50/$150 1953: sb/bl $165/$180 |
| Pics: 1943 1949 1952 |    |
| | |
| Model: | FT 210 DeLuxe Cutaway |
| First made: | 1954 |
| Last made: | 1956 |
| Designation: | model + SN on label (1954: F.T. DeLuxe Cutaway; 1956: F.T. 210 DeLuxe Cutaway) |
| Body size: | 17⅜" (Large) |
| Finish: | natural or sunburst |
| Headstock: | center dip; script logo, dogwood flower (some: vine), white plastic truss cover |
| Plating: | gold |
| Tuners: | single
E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons, round bushings |
| Neck: | mahogany, 1 centerstripe |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound |
| cloud, 7 positions | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic, E logo |
| Bridge: | pin bridge (some: floating bridge, trapeze tailpiece) |
| Soundhole: | round |
| Top: | spruce, multiple binding |
| Back/sides: | maple, pressed laminate, multiple binding |
| Price: | 1954: sb/bl $295/$320 |
| Pics: 1954 1954 1956 |    |
| | |
| Model: | FT DeLuxe |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1942 |
| Designation: | model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 16½" (Jumbo) |
| Finish: | natural or sunburst |
| Headstock: | center dip; script logo, blossom branch (8 veined leaves) |
| Plating: | gold |
| Tuners: | single, metal buttons (some: single E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons) |
| Neck: | maple |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding |
| cloud, 7 positions | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic, engraved |
| Bridge: | 1939: through bridge, trapeze tailpiece 1941: pin bridge |
| Soundhole: | round, bound |
| Top: | spruce, multiple binding |
| Back/sides: | maple, multiple binding |
| Price: | 1939: $200 |
| Pics: 1939 1942 |   |
| | |
| Model: | Madrid |
| First made: | 1932, Hawaiian setup 1934: not in catalog 1935: Hawaiian setup |
| Last made: | c. 1941 (?) |
| Designation: | 1932: model on headstock, SN stamped inside body 1935: model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 1935: 16½" (Jumbo) |
| Finish: | sunburst |
| Headstock: | 1932: rounded peak; white banners on black (catalog: black banners on pearloid) |
| 1935:
rounded peak; script logo, fleur-de-lis 1936: rounded peak; script logo, column | |
| 1939: center dip; script logo, (inlay?) | |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | single, metal buttons |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding |
| 1932: dot, 5 positions 1935: diamond, 5 positions | |
| 1936: slotted block, 6 positions; flush celluloid frets | |
| Pickguard: | 1935: tortoise plastic |
| Bridge: | 1932: pin bridge |
| 1939: through bridge, trapeze tailpiece | |
| Soundholes: | 1932: 4 segmented f-holes f-holes |
| 1935: round, single binding | |
| Top: | spruce, multiple binding |
| Back/sides: | maple, single binding |
| Price: | 1932: $90 |
| Pics: 1932 1935 1936 |    |
| | |
| Model: | Navarre |
| First made: | 1932: Spanish setup 1934: not in catalog 1935: Hawaiian setup (some: Spanish setup) |
| Last made: | c. 1941 (?) |
| Designation: | 1932: model on headstock, SN stamped inside body 1935: model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 1932: 14¾" wide (Grand Concert) 1935: 16½" wide (Jumbo) |
| Finish: | sunburst |
| Headstock: | 1932: curved; white banners on black 1935: rounded peak; script logo, stickpin |
| 1939: center dip; script logo, stickpin or diamond | |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | single, plastic buttons |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding |
| 1932: dot, 5 positions 1935: dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12); flush celluloid frets | |
| Pickguard: | 1932: none 1935: tortoise plastic |
| Bridge: | 1932: pin bridge |
| 1939: through bridge, trapeze tailpiece | |
| Soundhole: | 1932: 4 f-holes, segmented f-holes 1935: round, single binding |
| Top: | spruce, single binding |
| Back/sides: | mahogany, single binding |
| Price: | 1932: $50 |
| | |
| Pics: 1932 1936 1939 |    |
6. Gut string guitars (acoustic)
| Model: | Alhambra |
| First made: | 1938 (in catalog, no example documented) |
| Last made: | 1941 |
| Designation: | model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 14⅜" |
| Finish: | natural |
| Headstock: | center dip, slotted, script logo (pearl) |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | single |
| Neck: | mahogany; 12 fret standard, 14 fret optional |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound |
| Pickguard: | none |
| Bridge: | knotted |
| Soundhole: | round, single binding |
| Top: | spruce, single binding |
| Back/sides: | maple, single binding |
| Price: | 1938: $105 (with case) |
| | |
| Pics: '39 catalog |  |
| | |
| Model: | Concert |
| First made: | 1938 (in catalog, no example documented) |
| Last made: | 1941 |
| Designation: | model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 16½" |
| Finish: | natural |
| Headstock: | center dip, slotted, script logo (pearl) |
| Plating: | gold |
| Tuners: | single |
| Neck: | maple; 12 fret standard, 14 fret optional |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound |
| Pickguard: | none |
| Bridge: | knotted |
| Soundhole: | round, single binding |
| Top: | spruce, multiple binding |
| Back/sides: | maple, multiple binding |
| Price: | 1938: $225 (with case) |
| | |
| Pics: '39 catalog |  |
| | |
| Model: | Seville |
| First made: | 1938 |
| Last made: | 1941 |
| Designation: | model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 14⅜" |
| Finish: | natural |
| Headstock: | center dip, slotted, script logo (pearl) |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | single Grover pointed 12:1, plastic buttons, |
| Neck: | mahogany; 12 fret standard, 14 fret optional |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, unbound |
| Pickguard: | none |
| Bridge: | knotted |
| Soundhole: | round, single binding |
| Top: | spruce, single binding |
| Back/sides: | mahogany, no binding |
| Price: | 1938: $65 (with case) |
| | |
| Pics: 1938 |  |
7. Electric Spanish hollowbody guitars
| Model: | Century Spanish |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1956 |
| Designation: | 1939: no model designation, SN on headstock 1946: model code SN on headstock (60xxx = Century Spanish) 1950: model + SN on label (some: Century) |
| Body size: | 1939: 14½" (Grand Concert) |
| 1941: 15¼" (Auditorium) | |
| 1946: 16⅜" (Grand Auditorium) | |
| 4-string: | 1939: Century Tenor / Century Plectrum |
| Finish: | 1939: sunburst top |
| 1953: blond finish optional | |
| Headstock: | center dip; Epiphone logo plate, Miessner patents plate on back (1946: no Miessner plate) |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1939: single Grover pointed 12:1, plastic buttons, hex bushings 1941: single Waverly yoda head, plastic buttons, hex bushings 1953: single Waverly bell-end, plastic buttons, hex bushings |
| Neck: | 1939: mahogany 1949: mahogany, 1 centerstripe |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding |
| dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12) | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic (1949: with E logo) |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | 1939: cello f-holes, high |
| 1940: cello f-holes, low | |
| 1949: modern f-holes | |
| Pickup: | 1939: blade, with handrest, bridge position; back panel, jack in top |
| 1940: blade (no handrest), bridge position; back panel, jack in side | |
| 1946: bar, neck position | |
| 1948: Tone Spectrum nonadjustable, neck position | |
| 1949: NY Tone Spectrum nonadjustable, neck position | |
| 1954: DeArmond bar, neck position | |
| Controls: | 1939: 2 black octagonal knobs |
| 1946: tone+gain dials, 2 white serrated knobs | |
| 1949: Mastervoicer dials, 2 white serrated knobs 1949 (later): 2 white octagonal knobs | |
| 1954 some: 2 clear barrel knobs | |
| Top: | 1939: maple, pressed laminate, single binding |
| 1947: mahogany; pressed laminate, single binding | |
| 1950: maple, pressed laminate, single binding | |
| Back/sides: | 1939: mahogany, flat laminate, single binding, back door (1946: no
door) 1948: mahogany, pressed laminate, single binding |
| 1950: maple, pressed laminate, single binding | |
| Price: | 1939: sb $72.50 (with case) 1940: sb $76 (with case) 1941 Oct: sb $76 (case extra) 1946: sb $90 1947: sb $110 1950: sb $115 1953: sb/bl $120/$135 1954: sb/bl $130/$145 |
| Pics: 1939 1940 1941 |    |
1946 1948 1949 |    |
1954 1954 |   |
| | |
| Model: | Coronet Spanish |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1942 |
| Designation: | no model designation, SN on headstock |
| Body size: | 1939: 13⅝" (Concert) |
| 1941: 14½" (Grand Concert) | |
| Finish: | sunburst top |
| Headstock: | 1939: pointed (left-over Model C Spanish); Epiphone logo plate, Miessner patents plate on back 1940: center dip; Epiphone logo plate, Miessner patents plate on back |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1939: strip Waverly bell-end, plastic buttons 1942: strip Kluson riveted gear, plastic buttons |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, no binding |
| dot, 5 positions | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze short |
| Soundholes: | 1939: cello f-holes, high |
| 1940: cello f-holes, low | |
| Pickup: | blade, bridge position (earliest with large ring like Model C Spanish); back panel, cord/jack in top (1941: jack in side) |
| Controls: | 2 black octagonal knobs |
| Top: | maple, flat laminate, single binding |
| Back/sides: | mahogany, flat laminate, single binding |
| Price: | 1939: $40 (with case) 1940: $45 (with case) 1941 Feb: $47.25 (with case) 1941 Oct: $55 (with case) 1941 Dec: $56 (with case) |
| Pics: 1939 1940 1941 |    |
| | |
| Model: | Electar Spanish / Model M Spanish |
| First made: | 1935 (by 1937 renamed: Model M Spanish) |
| Last made: | 1938 |
| Designation: | no model designation, SN on headstock |
| Body size: | 14½" (Grand Concert) |
| 4-string: | Electar Tenor |
| Finish: | sunburst top |
| Headstock: | 1935: pointed; Electar logo plate (no "Epiphone") 1936: pointed; Electar logo plate; Miessner patents plate on back 1938: center dip; Electar logo plate; Miessner patents plate on back |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1935: single Waverly clipped, metal buttons, round bushings 1936: single Waverly clipped wide, metal buttons, round bushings 1937: single Grover pointed 6:1, oval metal buttons, hex bushings 1938: single Grover pointed 12:1, oval metal buttons, hex bushings |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding (1935: flush, 1936: elevated) |
| dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12) | |
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | cello f-holes, high |
| Pickup: | 1935: horseshoe, chromed, bridge position; back
door round; jack in top 1936: horseshoe, black, bridge position; back door square, felt covered; jack in top 1937: TruBalance, adjustable poles, with handrest, bridge position; back door, jack in top |
| Controls: | 1935: 1 or 2 black octagonal knobs 1937: 3 black octagonal knobs |
| Top: | maple, pressed laminate, single binding |
| Back/sides: | maple, flat laminate, single binding, back door |
| Price: | 1935: $85 (with case) |
| | |
| Pics: 1935 1937 1938 |    |
| | |
| Model: | Kent Spanish |
| First made: | 1949 |
| Last made: | 1953 |
| Designation: | 1949: no model designation, SN on headstock 1950: model + SN on label (1951: Kent) |
| Body size: | 15¼" (Auditorium) |
| Finish: | sunburst top |
| Headstock: | 1949: center dip; Epiphone logo plate |
| 1953: center dip; script logo with tail decal | |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | strip
Waverly square, plastic buttons, hex bushings |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, no binding |
| dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12) | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic, long, E logo |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | modern f-holes |
| Pickup: | 1949: metal Tone Spectrum nonadjustable, bridge position |
| 1952: NY Tone Spectrum nonadjustable, bridge position (some: neck position) | |
| Controls: | 2 white octagonal knobs |
| Top: | maple, flat laminate, single binding |
| Back/sides: | mahogany, pressed laminate, single binding |
| Price: | 1949: $87.50 1950: $90 |
| Pics: 1949 1953 |   |
| | |
| Model: | Model C Spanish |
| First made: | 1937 |
| Last made: | 1938 |
| Designation: | no model designation, SN on headstock |
| Body size: | 13⅝" (Concert) |
| Finish: | sunburst top |
| Headstock: | pointed; Electar logo plate, Miessner patents plate on back |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | single Grover pointed 6:1, plastic buttons, hex bushings |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, no binding |
| dot, 5 positions | |
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze short |
| Soundholes: | cello f-holes, high |
| Pickup: | blade, bridge position; back door, jack in top |
| Controls: | 2 black octagonal knobs |
| Top: | mahogany, flat laminate, single binding |
| Back/sides: | mahogany, flat laminate, single binding |
| Price: | 1937: Outfit with Amp AC $100; AC-DC $110 (with case) |
| Pics: 1937 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Volpe |
| First made: | 1955 |
| Last made: | 1956 |
| Designation: | model + SN on label, model on logo plate |
| Body size: | 15¼" (Auditorium) |
| Finish: | Sunburst or blond |
| Headstock: | center dip; Epiphone Harry Volpe Model plate |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | strip
Waverly bell-end post-war, plastic buttons, hex bushings |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, no binding |
| dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12) | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic, long, E logo |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | modern f-holes |
| Pickup: | DeArmond bar, neck position |
| Controls: | 2 clear barrel knobs |
| Top: | primavera or maple, pressed laminate, single binding |
| Back/sides: | primavera or maple, pressed laminate, single binding |
| Price: | 1954: sb/bl $129.50/$139.50 |
| Pics: 1955 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Zephyr DeLuxe |
| First made: | 1941 |
| Last made: | 1956 |
| Designation: | 1941: no model designation, SN on headstock 1946: model code SN on headstock (75xxx = Zephyr DeLuxe; 85xxx = Zephyr DeLuxe Cutaway) 1950: model + SN on label |
| Body size: | 17⅜" (Large) |
| Cutaway: | 1948: Zephyr
DeLuxe Cutaway 1949 renamed: Zephyr DeLuxe Regent 1954 renamed: Zephyr DeLuxe Cutaway |
| Finish: | 1941: blond 1946: sunburst optional |
| Headstock: | 1941: center dip; script logo, blossom branch (8 plain leaves), Miessner patents plate on back 1946: center dip; script logo, blossom branch (8 veined leaves), no Miessner plate 1954: center dip; script logo, dogwood flower |
| Plating: | gold |
| Tuners: | single
E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons, round bushings |
| Neck: | maple, 3 centerstripes (1946: rounded heel) |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding |
| 1941: cloud (segmented f-holes), 7 positions 1946: cloud (plain), 7 positions | |
| Cutaway/Regent version: 1948: pearl and abalone v-block, 7 positions 1953: cloud, 7 positions | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic, long with hump, triple binding (1949: with E logo) |
| Tailpiece: | Frequensator |
| Soundholes: | 1941: cello f-holes, single binding 1946: cello f-holes, no binding 1949: modern f-holes, no binding |
| Pickup: | 1941: Master, bridge position, back door, jack in side |
| 1946: large poles, bridge position, no back door | |
| 1947: large poles, middle position | |
| 1948: Tone Spectrum (Regent: 2 PUs optional), middle/neck (+bridge) position | |
| 1949: large metal Tone Spectrum, middle/neck (+bridge) position 1949 (later): NY Tone Spectrum, neck (+bridge) position 1954: DeArmond Model 2000, neck (+bridge) position | |
| Controls: | 1941: stacked control knobs |
| 1946: Mastervoicer dials, 2 white serrated knobs | |
| 1949: 2 white octagonal knobs | |
| Top: | spruce, pressed laminate, multiple binding (1953: maple) |
| Back/sides: | 1939: maple, flat laminate, triple binding, back door 1946: maple, pressed laminate, triple binding, (no door) |
| Price: | 1941 Dec: bl $195 1946: sb/bl $225 1948: sb/bl $225; cut sb/bl $285; cut duo sb/bl $310 1949: sb/bl $225/$240; cut duo sb/bl $310/$325 1950: sb/bl $240/$255; duo sb/bl $265/$280 cut sb/bl $300/$315; cut duo sb/bl $325/$340 1953: cut duo sb/bl $365/380 1954: cut duo sb/bl $400/$425 |
| Pics: 1941 1946 1948 |    |
1950 1953 1955 |    |
| | |
| Model: | Zephyr Emperor |
| First made: | 1951 (announced in Nov 1950) |
| Last made: | 1954 |
| Designation: | model + SN on label (1951: Zephyr Emperor Vari-Tone; 1952: Zephyr Emperor Regent) |
| Body size: | 18½" (Emperor) |
| Cutaway: | single rounded |
| Finish: | sunburst or blond |
| Headstock: | center dip, clipped; script logo, blossom branch (8 plain leaves) |
| Plating: | gold |
| Tuners: | single
E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons, round bushings |
| Neck: | maple, 5 centerstripes, rounded heel |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound |
| pearl+abalone v-block, 7 positions | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic, long with hump, triple binding E logo |
| Tailpiece: | Frequensator |
| Soundholes: | modern f-holes, triple binding (some: single binding) |
| Pickup: | 1951: 3 NY Tone Spectrum |
| 1954: 3 DeArmond Model 2000 | |
| Controls: | 6-way push-button selector switch |
| 1951: 2 white octagonal knobs | |
| 1954: 2 clear barrel knobs | |
| Top: | 1951: spruce (until 1953); pressed laminate, multiple binding |
| 1952: maple; pressed laminate, multiple binding | |
| Back/sides: | maple, pressed laminate |
| Price: | 1950: sb/bl $440/$460 1953: sb/bl $470/$490 1954: sb/bl $510/$535 |
| | |
| Pics: 1951 1954 1954 |    |
| | |
| Model: | Zephyr Spanish |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1956 |
| Designation: | 1939: no model designation, SN on headstock 1946: model code SN on headstock (25xxx = Zephyr Spanish) 1950: model + SN on label (1951: Zephyr) |
| Body size: | 1939: 16⅜" (Grand Auditorium) |
| 1947: 17⅜" (Large) | |
| 4-string: | 1939: Zephyr Tenor / Zephyr Plectrum |
| Cutaway: | 1950: Zephyr
Regent (earliest on label: Zephyr
Cutaway, later on label: Zephyr
Regent) 1954 renamed, on label: Zephyr Cutaway |
| Finish: | 1939: blond |
| 1946: sunburst optional | |
| Headstock: | center dip; Epiphone logo plate; Miessner patents plate on back (1946: no Miessner plate) |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1939: single Kluson screwed gear, metal buttons, hex bushings |
| 1940: single E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons, round bushings 1942: single Waverly yoda head or single Kluson riveted, plastic or metal buttons, hex bushings 1946: single E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons, round bushings | |
| Neck: | maple, 1 centerstripe (1946 only: tortoise plastic heelcap) |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, single binding |
| 1939: block, 6 positions | |
| 1947: slotted block, 6 positions | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic (1949: with E logo) |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | 1939: cello f-holes, high |
| 1940: cello f-holes, low | |
| 1949: modern f-holes | |
| Pickup: | 1939: Master, with handrest, bridge position; back door, jack in top |
| 1940: Master (no handrest), bridge position; back door, jack in side | |
| 1946: large poles, bridge position (1947: middle position); no back door | |
| 1948 Tone Spectrum, neck position 1949: large metal Tone Spectrum, neck position 1949 (later): NY Tone Spectrum, neck position | |
| 1954: DeArmond Model 2000, neck position | |
| Controls: | 1939: Mastervoicer dials (plastic, 1941: metal), 2 white octagonal knobs |
| 1946: Mastervoicer dials, 2 white serrated knobs | |
| 1950: 2 white octagonal knobs | |
| 1954 some: 2 clear barrel knobs | |
| Top: | 1939: maple, pressed laminate, single binding |
| 1946: spruce (some: maple); pressed laminate, single binding | |
| 1950: maple, pressed laminate, single binding | |
| Back/sides: | 1939: flat laminate, single binding, back door 1946: pressed laminate, single binding (no door) |
| Price: | 1939: bl $100 (with case) 1941 Feb: bl $106 (with case) 1941 Oct: bl $110 (case extra) 1946: sb/bl $125 1947: sb/bl $150 1949: sb/bl $150/$162 1950: sb/bl $157.50/$170; cutaway sb $185 1953: sb/bl $165/$180; cutaway sb/bl $195/$210 1954: sb/bl $185/$205; cutaway sb/bl $225/$245 |
| | |
| Pics: 1939 1940 1946 |    |
1949 1950 1955 |    |
8. Electric Hawaiian guitars
| Model: | Alkire Eharp |
| First made: | c. 1948 |
| Last made: | c. 1950 |
| Designation: | model plate on headstock, SN on headstock |
| Strings: | 10 |
| Body style: | guitar shape |
| Finish: | white |
| Headstock: | square; Alkire Eharp model plate |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | single E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons, round bushings |
| Fingerboard: | rosewood, unbound; dot, 12 positions (2 dots frets 12, 24, 36) |
| Armrest: | clear plastic |
| Bridge: | aluminum |
| Pickup: | 1948: Tone Specrum 1949: large metal Tone Spectrum, white |
| Controls: | 1 round, 1 chicken |
| Body: | wood |
| Price: | (unknown) |
| Pics: 1948 1950 |   |
| | |
| Model: | Century Hawaiian |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1956 |
| Designation: | 1939: model on fingerboard, SN on headstock 1946: model on fingerboard; model code SN on headstock or logo plate (15xxx = Century Hawaiian) 1950: no model designation, SN on bridge unit |
| Strings: | 6, 7 or 8 |
| Body style: | 1939: teardrop 1946: teardrop, new shape |
| 1949: guitar shape | |
| Finish: | 1939: black |
| 1949: sunburst top | |
| Headstock: | square; Epiphone logo plate |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1939: single Grover pointed 12:1, plastic buttons, hex bushings 1940: single Waverly yoda head, plastic buttons, hex bushings 1942: single Kluson riveted gear, plastic buttons, hex bushings 1946: single Waverly yoda head, plastic buttons, hex bushings 1949: single Waverly yoda head, metal buttons, hex bushings |
| Fingerboard: | metal; fancy markers |
| Pickguard: | 1939: black plastic (1941 some: white plastic) |
| 1946: none | |
| Bridge: | aluminum |
| Pickup: | 1939: blade, with handrest |
| 1948: Tone Spectrum nonadjustable, with handrest (1949 some: tortoise handrest) | |
| 1949: NY Tone Spectrum nonadjustable, with E logo cover | |
| Controls: | 1939: 2 white octagonal knobs |
| 1946: 2 white serrated knobs | |
| 1949: 2 arrow knobs | |
| 1950: 2 white octagonal knobs | |
| Body: | maple; Miessner patents plate on back (1946: no Miessner plate) |
| Price: | 1939: 6/7/8-str $62.50/$72.25/$82.25 (with case) 1941 Feb: 6/7/8-str $66/$76/$86 (with case) 1941 Oct: 6/7/8-str $66/$76/$86 (case extra) 1946: 6/7/8-str $75/$85/$100 1947: 6/7/8-str $75/$85/$95 1950: 6/7/8-str $85/$95/$105 1953: 6/7/8-str $95/$105/$115 1954: 6/7/8-str $100/$110/$120 |
| | |
| Pics: 1939 1946 1949 |    |
| | |
| Model: | Console (Solo, Duo, Triple) |
| First made: | 1939 (Triple: 1949); Electar Grande option (cabinet-style stand, integrated Zephyr/Dreadnaught Amplifier) |
| Last made: | 1954 |
| Designation: | 1939: no model designation (Zephyr on fingerboard), SN on headstock 1946: model code SN stamped on back (100xxx = Console) 1950: no model designation, SN on bridge unit |
| Strings: | Solo
Console: single neck, 6, 7 or 8 strings; Duo Console: double neck, 16 strings standard; Triple Console: triple neck, 24 strings |
| Body style: | console |
| Finish: | 1939: Solo: primavera, natural finish; Duo: metal top, gold finish |
| 1940: Solo: primavera, natural finish; Duo: metal top, chrome satin finish | |
| 1947: primavera, natural finish | |
| 1953: maple, natural or sunburst finish | |
| Headstock: | – |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1939: single, metal buttons |
| 1941: single E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons | |
| Fingerboard: | metal; fancy |
| Pickguard: | 1939: none 1941: Solo: white plastic 1947: none |
| Bridge: | aluminum |
| Pickup: | 1939: Master; Duo: long handrest, string dampers |
| 1947: Master, large poles; Duo: long handrest | |
| 1948: Tone Spectrum; Duo: short handrests | |
| 1949: NY Tone Spectrum, with E logo cover | |
| Controls: | 1939: Mastervoicer dials, 2 white octagonal knobs |
| 1946: Mastervoicer dials, 2 serrated knobs (Duo: selector switch) | |
| 1950: 2 white octagonal knobs, (Duo: selector switch) | |
| Body: | maple 1939: flat top, black binding, Epiphone logo plate; Solo: primavera, natural finish; Duo: metal, gold finish 1941: flat top, tortoise binding, Epiphone logo plate; Solo: primavera, natural finish; Duo: metal, chrome satin finish |
| 1948: primavera, profiled top (Duo), tortoise binding, Epiphone logo plate | |
| 1949: terraced top (Duo) or profiled top (Triple), tortoise or white binding, script logo with tail decal | |
| Legs: | 1950: telescope legs optional (1953: standard) |
| Price: | 1939: Solo 6/7/8 $120/$130/$140; Duo $185 (with case); Electar Grande Solo 6 with Zephyr/Dreadnaught Amp AC $315/$355 (AC-DC $330/$370); Electar Grande Duo with Zephyr/Dreadnaught Amp AC $375/$415 (AC-DC $390/$430) 1941 Oct: Solo 6/7/8 $116/$127/$138; Duo $185 (case extra); Electar Grande Solo 6 with Zephyr/Dreadnaught Amp AC $350/$395 (AC-DC $367.50/$410); Electar Grande Duo with Zephyr/Dreadnaught Amp AC $415/$430 (AC-DC $460/$480) 1946: – 1947: Solo 6 $150; Duo $215 1948: Solo 6/7/8 $150/$160/$170; Duo $215 1950: Solo 6/7/8 $160/$170/$180; Duo $225; Tri $275 1953: Duo sb/bl $280/$295; Tri sb/bl $320/$335 1954: Duo sb/bl $290/$305; Tri sb/bl $350/$365 |
| Pics 1940 Electar Grande Duo |  |
1941 Solo 1948 Solo |   |
1946 Duo 1949 Duo 1953 Duo |    |
1949 Triple 1954 Triple |   |
| | |
| Model: | Coronet Hawaiian |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1941 |
| Designation: | no model designation, SN on headstock |
| Strings: | 6 |
| Body style: | guitar shape |
| Finish: | black |
| Headstock: | square; Epiphone logo plate |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | strip Waverly bell-end, plastic buttons |
| Fingerboard: | 1939: rosewood, dot markers |
| 1940: metal, fancy markers | |
| Pickguard: | white plastic (1941 some: black plastic) |
| Bridge: | aluminum |
| Pickup: | blade |
| Controls: | 2 black octagonal knobs |
| Body | maple; Miessner patents plate on back |
| Price: | 1939: $35 (with case) 1940: $45 (with case) 1941 Feb: $37.25 (with case) 1941 Oct: $43.50 (with case) 1941 Dec: $45 (with case) |
| | |
| Pics: 1939 1941 |   |
| | |
| Model: | Electar Hawaiian |
| First made: | 1935 |
| Last made: | 1936 |
| Designation: | no model designation, SN on headstock |
| Strings: | 6, 7 |
| Body style: | 1935: teardrop 1936: stepped |
| Finish: | 1935: black 1936: nickel plated aluminum top |
| Headstock: | 1935: square, Electar logo plate (earliest: Electrophone logo) 1936: clipped, Electar logo plate |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1935: single Waverly clipped, metal buttons, round bushings 1936: single Waverly clipped wide, metal buttons, round bushings |
| Fingerboard: | rosewood; plastic frets, colored dot markers |
| Pickguard: | – |
| Bridge: | aluminum |
| Pickup: | horseshoe, chromed |
| Controls: | 1 or 2 black octaconal knobs |
| Body: | maple; (1936: Miessner patents plate on back) |
| Price: | 1935: 6/7-str $85/$95 (with case) |
| Pics: 1935 1935 1946 |    |
| | |
| Model: | Kent Hawaiian |
| First made: | 1949 |
| Last made: | 1951 |
| Designation: | no model designation; SN on headstock (1950: on bridge) |
| Strings: | 6 |
| Body style: | guitar shape |
| Finish: | dark brown |
| Headstock: | square; Epiphone logo plate (1953: script logo with tail decal) |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | strip
Waverly square, plastic buttons, hex bushings |
| Fingerboard: | metal; fancy markers |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic |
| Bridge: | aluminum |
| Pickup: | blade, with handrest |
| Controls: | 2 barrel knobs |
| Body: | maple |
| Price: | 1949: $50 |
| Pics: 1949 1953 |   |
| | |
| Model: | Model C Hawaiian |
| First made: | 1936 |
| Last made: | 1938 |
| Designation: | no model designation, SN on headstock |
| Strings: | 6 |
| Body style: | guitar shape |
| Finish: | sunburst top |
| Headstock: | rounded; Electar logo plate |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1936: single Waverly clipped wide, plastic buttons, round bushings 1937: single Grover pointed 6:1, plastic buttons, hex bushings |
| Fingerboard: | rosewood; dot markers |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic |
| Bridge: | aluminum |
| Pickup: | blade |
| Controls: | 1936: 2 black octagonal knobs 1938: 1 black octagonal knob |
| Body: | maple; Miessner patents plate on back |
| Price: | 1936: outfit with Model C amp AC $100; AC-DC $110 (with case) |
| Pics: 1936 1938 |   |
| | |
| Model: | Model M Hawaiian |
| First made: | 1936 |
| Last made: | 1938 |
| Designation: | no model designation, SN on headstock |
| Strings: | 6, 7 or 8 |
| Body style: | stepped |
| Finish: | 1936: black deco anodized aluminum top |
| 1938: gold deco anodized top; blue deco anodized top | |
| Headstock: | clipped; Electar logo plate |
| Plating: | nickel (gold deco: brass) |
| Tuners: | 1936: single Waverly clipped wide, metal buttons, round bushings 1937: single Grover pointed 6:1, oval metal buttons, hex bushings 1938: single Grover pointed 12:1, oval metal buttons (some: scalloped), hex bushings |
| Fingerboard: | rosewood (white/gold: maple); color dot markers |
| Pickguard: | – |
| Bridge: | aluminum |
| Pickup: | 1936: horseshoe |
| 1937: TruBalance, adjustable poles, handrest | |
| Controls: | 1936: 2 black octagonal knobs 1937: 3 black octagonal knobs 1938: 2 white octagonal knobs |
| Body: | maple; Miessner patents plate on back |
| Price: | 1937: 6/7/8-str $75/$85/$95 (with case) |
| Pics: 1936 1937 1938 |    |
| Pics: 1938 gold 1938 blue |   |
| | |
| Model: | Rocco Hawaiian |
| First made: | 1936 |
| Last made: | c. 1938 |
| Designation: | model on name plate, SN on headstock |
| Strings: | double neck, 7+8 strings |
| Body style: | stepped |
| Finish: | nickel plated aluminum top |
| Headstock: | clipped |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | single, metal buttons, round bushings |
| Fingerboard: | rosewood; 1936: fancy markers 1937: color dot |
| Pickguard: | – |
| Bridge: | aluminum, with string dampers |
| Pickup: | 1936: 2 horseshoe |
| 1937: 2 TrueBalance, adjustable poles, with handrest | |
| Controls: | 1936: 3 black octagonal knobs 1937: 4 black octagonal knobs |
| Top: | Electar logo plate, Rocco model plate |
| Back/sides: | Miessner patents plate on back |
| Price: | 1936: $250 1937: 15/16-str $250/$255 (with case) |
| | |
| Pics: 1936 1937 |   |
| | |
| Model: | Varichord |
| First made: | 1940 |
| Last made: | 1941 |
| Designation: | model on name plate, SN on body |
| Strings: | 7 |
| Body style: | console |
| Finish: | primavera veneer, natural finish |
| Headstock: | – |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | single E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons |
| Fingerboard: | metal; fancy markers |
| Pickguard: | Varichord model plate, white |
| Bridge: | metal rollers |
| Pickup: | Master |
| Controls: | Mastervoicer dials, 2 white octagonal knobs; pitch-changing levers |
| Body: | maple; Miessner patents plate |
| Price: | 1941 Feb: $295 (with case) 1941 Oct: $290 (case extra) |
| Pics: 1941 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Zephyr Hawaiian |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1954 |
| Designation: | model on fingerboard; SN on headstock (1949: on logo plate, 1950: on bridge) |
| Strings: | 6, 7 or 8 |
| Body style: | 1939: stepped 1946: stepped, longer body 1949: stepped, with tail |
| Finish: | 1939: white plastic (pyralin) top |
| 1949: sunburst top | |
| Headstock: | square; Epiphone logo plate |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1939: single Grover pointed 12:1, oval metal buttons, hex bushings |
| 1940: single E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons, round bushings 1942: single Waverly yoda head or single Kluson riveted, hex bushings, plastic buttons 1946: single E-logo enclosed, plastic buttons, round bushings | |
| Fingerboard: | metal; fancy markers |
| Pickguard: | 1949: black plastic |
| Bridge: | aluminum |
| Pickup: | 1939: Master, with handrest |
| 1946: Master, large poles, with handrest | |
| 1948: Tone Spectrum, with handrest (some: tortoise handrest) | |
| 1949: NY Tone Spectrum, with E logo cover | |
| Controls: | 1939: Mastervoicer dials, 2 white octagonal knobs 1942: Mastervoicer dials, 2 black octagonal knobs 1946: Mastervoicer dials, 2 serrated knobs |
| 1949: 2 arrow knobs 1950: 2 white octagonal knobs | |
| Body: | maple; Miessner patents plate on back (1946: no Miessner plate) |
| Price: | 1939: 6/7/8-str $90/$100/$110 (with case) 1941 Feb: 6/7/8-str $96/$106/$116 (with case) 1941 Oct: 6/7/8-str $99/$109/$119 (case extra) 1946: 6/7/8-str $112.50/$125/$137.50 1950: : 6/7/8-str $125/$135/$145 1953: : 6/7/8-str $135/$145/$157 1954: : 6/7/8-str $150/$160/$175 |
| | |
| Pics: 1939 1946 1954 |    |
9. Electric mandolins + banjos
| Model: | Century Mandolin |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | c. 1941 (?) |
| Designation: | no model designation, SN on headstock |
| Strings: | 8 |
| Body style: | teardrop |
| Finish: | sunburst |
| Headstock: | 1939: pointed (left-over Model M Mandolin); Epiphone logo plate, Miessner patents plate on back 1940: center dip; Epiphone logo plate, Miessner patents plate on back |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | 1939: strip Waverly square, white buttons 1940: strip, Waverly bell-end, white buttons |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound |
| dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12) | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic |
| Tailpiece: | clamshell |
| Soundholes: | 1939: none 1940: cello f-holes, high 1940 (later): cello f-holes, low |
| Pickup: | blade, bridge position; back panel, jack in top |
| Controls: | 2 black octagonal knobs |
| Top: | maple, pressed laminate, bound |
| Back/sides: | maple, laminate |
| Price: | 1939: $72.25 (with case) 1941 Feb: $76 (with case) 1941 Oct $76 (case extra) |
| | |
| Pics: 1939 1940 1940 |    |
| | |
| Model: | Electar Banjo / Century Banjo |
| First made: | 1936 (1939 renamed: Century Banjo) |
| Last made: | c. 1941 |
| Designation: | no model designation, SN on headstock |
| Strings: | 4 |
| Body style: | round |
| Finish: | sunburst |
| Headstock: | 1936: scalloped; Electar logo plate; Miessner patents plate on back 1939: scalloped; Epiphone logo plate; Miessner patents plate on back |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | banjo pegs, white buttons |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound; tenor or plectrum scale |
| 1936: block, 6 positions 1937: dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12) | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | none |
| Pickup: | 1936: horseshoe; back panel, jack in top 1938: adjustable, with handrest; pack panel, jack in top 1939: blade, with handrest; back panel, jack in top 1940: blade (no handrest); back panel, jack in side |
| Controls: | 2 black octagonal knobs (1937-38: 3 knobs) |
| Top: | maple, pressed laminate, bound |
| Back/sides: | maple, laminate |
| Price: | 1936: $85 1939: $72.25 (with case) 1941 Feb: $76 (with case) 1941 Oct $76 (case extra) |
| | |
| Pics: 1938 Electar 1940s Century |   |
| | |
| Model: | Model M Mandolin |
| First made: | 1937 (in flyer, no example documented) |
| Last made: | 1938 |
| Designation: | no model designation, SN on headstock |
| Strings: | 8 |
| Body style: | teardrop |
| Finish: | sunburst |
| Headstock: | pointed; Electar logo plate; Miessner patents plate on back |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | strip, white buttons |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound |
| dot, 6 positions (2 dots fret 12) | |
| Pickguard: | black plastic |
| Tailpiece: | clamshell |
| Soundholes: | none |
| Pickup: | adjustable poles, bridge position; back panel, jack in top |
| Controls: | 3 black octagonal knobs |
| Top: | maple, pressed laminate, bound |
| Back/sides: | maple, laminate |
| Price: | 1937: $85 (with case) |
| | |
| Pics: 1938 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Zephyr Banjo |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | c. 1941 (?) |
| Designation: | no model designation, SN on headstock |
| Strings: | 4 |
| Body style: | round |
| Finish: | blond |
| Headstock: | scalloped; Epiphone logo plate; Miessner patents plate on back |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | banjo pegs, white buttons |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound; tenor or plectrum scale |
| 1939: block, 6 positions 1940: slotted block, 6 positions | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | none |
| Pickup: | 1939: Master, with handrest; back panel, jack in top 1940: Master (no handrest); back panel, jack in side |
| Controls: | Mastervoicer dials, 2 white octagonal knobs |
| Top: | maple, pressed laminate, bound |
| Back/sides: | maple, laminate |
| Price: | 1939: $100 (with case) 1941 Feb: $106 (with case) 1941 Oct: $110 (case extra) |
| | |
| Pics: c. 1940 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Zephyr Mandolin |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1956 |
| Designation: | 1939: no model designation, SN on headstock 1949: model + SN on label |
| Strings: | 8 |
| Body style: | teardrop |
| Finish: | 1939: blond |
| 1949: sunburst optional | |
| Headstock: | center dip; Epiphone logo plate; Miessner patents plate on back (1949: no Miessner plate) |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | strip, metal buttons |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound |
| block, 6 positions | |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic (1949: E logo) |
| Tailpiece: | clamshell |
| Soundholes | 1939: cello, high |
| Pickup: | 1939: Master, bridge position; back panel, jack in top |
| 1949: NY, bridge or middle position | |
| Controls: | 1939: Mastervoicer dials, 2 white octagonal knobs |
| 1949: 2 white octagonal knobs (some: clear knobs) | |
| Top: | maple, pressed laminate, bound |
| Back/sides: | maple, laminate |
| Price: | 1939: $100 (with case) 1941 Feb: $106 (with case) 1941 Oct: $110 (case extra) 1946: - 1948: $150 1950: $157.50 1953: sb/bl $160/$175 1954: sb/bl $170/$185 |
| | |
| Pics: 1939 1950 |   |
10. Amplifiers
| Model: | Asta Amplifier (?) |
| First made: | 1950 (in pricelist without picture, so not quite sure if the amp shown here is the Asta model) |
| Last made: | 1951 |
| Designation: | no model designation, SN on chassis |
| Cabinet: | tweed covered |
| Grille: | E-logo |
| Inputs: | 2 |
| Speaker: | 10"
Rola |
| Tubes: | 3 (some: 4) |
| Controls: | power, volume |
| Pice: | 1950: $95 |
| Pics: 1950 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Century Amplifier |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1956 |
| Designation: | 1939: no model designation, SN on rear logo plate 1947: model + SN on chassis 1949: model + SN on control plate 1955: model + SN on model plate |
| Cabinet: | 1939: maple veneer 1949: cloth covered 1953: cloth covered 1955: yellow linnen covered |
| Grille: | 1939: E-logo 1951: 6 vertical slots 1955: cloth with silk-screened E-logo |
| Inputs: | 1939: 2 1940: 3 1955: 2 per channel |
| Speaker: | 1939: 12" Rola field coil 1951: 12" Jensen PM 1955: 12" Utah |
| Tubes: | 1939: 5 1950: 6 (vibrato version) |
| Controls: | 1939: power, volume (chicken knob with dial) 1946: power, volume+tone (black octagonal knobs) 1949: power, volume+tone (barrel knobs); vibrato version additional: vibrato on/off+speed+intensity, footswitch jack 1955: power; 2 channels: volume+bass+treble per channel, vibrato speed+strength (barrel knobs); footswitch jack |
| Price: | 1939: AC $62.25; AC-DC $72.25 1941 Feb: AC $66; AC-DC $76 1941 Oct: AC $77; AC-DC $88 1946: AC $90; AC-DC $100 1947: AC $110; AC-DC $120 1948: Adv $110; Adv Vibrato $125 1950 July: Adv Vibrato $125 1950 Nov: Adv Vibrato $137.50 1953: Vibrato $150 |
| Pics: 1939 1940 |   |
1950 1950 |   |
1952 1955 |   |
| | |
| Model: | Coronet Amplifier |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1942 |
| Designation: | no model designation, SN on rear logo plate |
| Cabinet: | 1939: gray cloth covered; script logo with tail decal 1940: wood veneer, walnut finish |
| Grille: | E-logo |
| Inputs: | 2 |
| Speaker: | 10"
Jensen field coil |
| Tubes: | 3 |
| Controls: | power, volume (chicken knob with dial) |
| Price: | 1939: AC $40 1941 Feb: AC $42.25 1941 Oct: AC $49.50 1941 Dec: AC, only in outfit with guitar |
| Pics: 1939 1940 |   |
| | |
| Model: | Electar Amplifier |
| First made: | 1935 |
| Last made: | 1936 |
| Designation: | no model designation, SN on rear logo plate |
| Cabinet: | black
leatherette covered, Electar logo plate |
| Grille: | cloth, with "detacho" cover; without cover for Electar Hawaiian combination case |
| Inputs: | 2 |
| Speaker: | 10"
Magnavox field coil |
| Tubes: | AC: 5; AC-DC: 7 |
| Controls: | power |
| Price: | 1935: AC $75; AC-DC $110 (only in outfit with guitar) 1938: AC $85 |
| Pics: 1936 1936 |   |
| | |
| Model: | Kent Amplifier |
| First made: | 1949 (in catalog, no example documented) |
| Last made: | 1950 |
| Designation: | (unknown) |
| Cabinet: | cloth covered |
| Grille: | E-logo |
| Inputs: | 2 |
| Speaker: | 10" |
| Tubes: | 3 |
| Controls: | power; volume |
| Price: | 1949: $54 |
| Pics: catalog pic |  |
| | |
| Model: | Model C Amplifier |
| First made: | 1936 |
| Last made: | 1938 |
| Designation: | no model designation, SN on rear logo plate |
| Cabinet: | gray airplane cloth covered; Electar logo plate (1938 some: Epiphone script logo with tail decal |
| Grille: | E-logo |
| Inputs: | 2 |
| Speaker: | 1936: 10" Wright-Decoster field coil 1937: 10" Rola field coil |
| Tubes: | 3 (1938: 5) |
| Controls: | 1936: power 1937: power, tone (black octagonal knob) 1938: power, volume+tone (chicken knobs with dial) |
| Price: | 1936: only in outfit with guitar: AC $100; AC-DC $110 |
| Pics: 1937 1938 |   |
| | |
| Model: | Model M Amplifier |
| First made: | 1936 |
| Last made: | 1938 |
| Designation: | 1936: no model designation, SN on rear logo plate 1938: model + SN on control plate |
| Cabinet: | gray
cloth covered; Electar logo plate (1938 some: Epiphone script logo with tail decal |
| Grille: | E-logo, with "detacho" cover |
| Inputs: | 1936: 2 1937: 3 (2 instruments + 1 mic) |
| Speaker: | 12"
Rola field coil |
| Tubes: | AC: 5 (1938: 6) AC-DC: 9 |
| Controls: | 1936: power 1938: power, volume (chicken knob with dial) |
| Price: | 1936: AC $75; AC-DC $100 1937: AC $85; AC-DC $100 |
| Pics: 1936 1938 |   |
| | |
| Model: | Special Amplifier (Model EL) |
| First made: | 1937 |
| Last made: | 1938 |
| Designation: | model + SN on control plate |
| Cabinet: | brown
keratol covered; Electar logo plate |
| Grille: | E-logo, with "detacho" cover |
| Inputs: | 3 |
| Speaker: | 12"
Rola field coil |
| Tubes: | AC: 6 |
| Controls: | power, volume+tone (black octagonal knob with dial) |
| Price: | 1937: $135 |
| Pics: 1936 1938 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Super Amplifier |
| First made: | 1936 (AC-DC version; 1937: also AC-only version) |
| Last made: | 1938 |
| Designation: | no model designation, SN on rear logo plate |
| Cabinet: | black
keratol covered; Electar logo plate |
| Grille: | E-logo, with "detacho" cover |
| Inputs: | 3 |
| Speaker: | 12"
Rola field coil |
| Tubes: | AC-DC: 15 |
| Controls: | power,
3x volume, tone (chicken knobs with dial) |
| Price: | 1937: $185 |
| Pics: 1936 1938 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Zephyr Amplifier |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1956 |
| Designation: | 1939: model + SN on control plate 1955: model + SN on model plate |
| Cabinet: | 1939: maple veneer (figured), 2 walnut bands 1946: maple veneer (plain), 1 walnut band 1955: yellow linnen covered |
| Grille: | 1939: E-logo 1955: dark cloth with silkscreened E-logo |
| Inputs: | 1939: 3 1951: 3+1 mic 1955: 2 per channel |
| Speaker: | 1938: 12" Rola field coil 1951: 12" Jensen PM 1955: 15" Utah |
| Tubes: | AC: 6; AC-DC: 10; Vibrato version: 7; 1955: 8 |
| Controls: | 1939: power, volume+tone (black octagonal knobs) 1948: power, volume+tone (barrel knobs); vibrato version additional: vibrato on/off+speed+intensity, footswitch jack 1951: power, volume+tone, vibrato speed+intensity, mic volume (barrel knobs) 1955: power; 2 channels: volume+bass+treble per channel, vibrato speed+strength (barrel knobs); footswitch jack |
| Price: | 1939: AC $94.50; AC-DC $109.50 1941 Feb: AC $100; AC-DC $115 1941 Oct: AC $116.50; AC-DC $134.50 1946: AC $132; AC-DC $152 1947: AC $154; AC-DC $174 1948: Adv $154; Adv Vibrato $165 1950 Jul: Adv Vibrato $165 1950 Nov: Adv Vibrato $185 1953: Vibrato $197.50 |
| Pics: 1939 1940 1948 |    |
1955 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Zephyr Dreadnaught Amplifier |
| First made: | 1939; 1941 renamed "Dreadnaught Amplifier" |
| Last made: | 1956 |
| Designation: | 1939: model + SN on control plate 1955: model + SN on model plate |
| Cabinet: | 1939: maple veneer (figured), 2 walnut bands 1947: maple veneer (plain), 1 walnut band 1949: tweed covered 1955: yellow linnen covered |
| Grille: | 1939: E-logo 1951: 7 vertical slots 1955: dark cloth with silkscreened E-logo |
| Inputs: | 1939: 3 1951: 3+1 mic 1955: 2 per channel |
| Speaker: | 1939: 12" Rola field coil 1953: 15" Jensen PM 1955: 2x 12" Utah |
| Tubes: | AC: 6; vibrato version: 8; 1955: 9 |
| Controls: | 1939: power, volume (octagonal, later serrated knobs) 1948: power, volume+tone (barrel knobs); vibrato version additional: vibrato on/off+speed+intensity, footswitch jack 1951: power, volume+tone, vibrato speed+intensity, mic volume (barrel knobs) 1955: power; 2 channels: volume+bass+treble per channel, vibrato speed+strength (barrel knobs); footswitch jack |
| Price: | 1939: AC $134.50; AC-DC $149.50 1941 Feb: AC $140; AC-DC $155 1941 Oct: AC $164.50; AC-DC $180 1946: AC $180; AC-DC $210 1947: AC $192.50; AC-DC $222.50 1948: Adv $192.50; Adv Vibrato $202.50 1950 Jul: Adv Vibrato $202.50 1950 Nov: Adv Vibrato $225 1953: Vibrato $247.50 |
| Pics: 1946 1948 |   |
1953 1955 |   |
| |
11. Models for other brands / by other makers
| Model: | Ideal |
| First made: | 1935; budget brand models (partly) built by Epiphone |
| Last made: | 1935 |
| Designation: | brand name on headstock, Ideal label + Epiphone label, SN stamped inside body on some examples (examples without SN: body likely manufactured by 3rd party) |
| Body size: | 16⅜" wide; 20¼" long (Grand Auditorium) or 15½" wide ; 19¼" long (Auditorium) |
| Finish: | sunburst top |
| Headstock: | square; Ideal logo badge |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | strip Waverly, plastic buttons |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound / no binding star, 5 positions / dot, 4 positions |
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | modern f-holes |
| Top: | spruce, carved, single binding |
| Back/sides: | maple, single binding |
| Price: | unknown |
| | |
| Pics: 1935 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Howard |
| First made: | 1934; manufactured by Epiphone for Wurlitzer (?) |
| Last made: | 1934 |
| Designation: | brand name on headstock, SN stamped inside body |
| Body size: | 16⅜" wide; 20¼" long (Grand Auditorium) |
| Finish: | sunburst top |
| Headstock: | center dip; Howard banner, fleur |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | single Waverly, metal buttons / strip Waverly square, plastic buttons |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound block or stars , 6 positions / diamonds, 5 positions |
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | modern f-holes |
| Top: | spruce, carved triple binding |
| Back/sides: | maple, single binding |
| Price: | unknown |
| | |
| Pics: 1935 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Sorrentino Arcadia |
| First made: | 1934; manufactured by Epiphone for Chicago Musical Instruments (C.M.I.) |
| Last made: | 1935 |
| Designation: | model + SN on Sorrentino
label |
| Body size: | 13⅝"
wide; 19" long (Concert) |
| Finish: | sunburst top |
| Headstock: | center
dip; Sorrentino block letter logo |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | strip Waverly square, plastic buttons |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, no binding dot, 5 positions |
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | modern f-holes |
| Top: | spruce, carved, single binding |
| Back/sides: | walnut, pressed laminate, single binding |
| Price: | 1935: $50 |
| | |
| Price: | unknown |
| | |
| Pics: 1935 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Sorrentino Artist |
| First made: | 1934; manufactured by Epiphone for Chicago Musical Instruments (C.M.I.) |
| Last made: | 1935 |
| Designation: | model + SN on Sorrentino label |
| Body size: | 16⅜" wide; 20¼" long (Grand Auditorium) |
| Finish: | sunburst |
| Headstock: | center
dip; Sorrentino block letter logo, fleur-de-lis |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | single Waverly clipped, metal buttons |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound diamond, 5 positions |
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | modern f-holes |
| Top: | spruce, carved, single binding |
| Back/sides: | walnut, carved, single binding |
| Price: | 1935: $150 |
| | |
| Pics: 1934 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Sorrentino Avon |
| First made: | 1934; manufactured by Epiphone for Chicago Musical Instruments (C.M.I.) |
| Last made: | 1935 |
| Designation: | model + SN on Sorrentino label |
| Body size: | 15½" wide; 20¼" long (Auditorium) |
| Finish: | sunburst top |
| Headstock: | center
dip; Sorrentino block letter logo, fleur |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | single Waverly clipped, metal buttons |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound zigzag paired diamonds, 5 positions |
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | modern f-holes |
| Top: | spruce, carved, single binding |
| Back/sides: | walnut, pressed laminate, single binding |
| Price: | 1935: $100 |
| | |
| | |
| Pics: 1934 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Sorrentino Lido |
| First made: | 1934; manufactured by Epiphone for Chicago Musical Instruments (C.M.I.) |
| Last made: | 1935 |
| Designation: | model + SN on Sorrentino label |
| Body size: | 14¾" wide; 19¼" long (Grand Concert) |
| Finish: | sunburst top |
| Headstock: | center
dip; Sorrentino block letter logo |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | Waverly strip square, plastic buttons |
| Neck: | mahogany |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound dot/diamond, 5 positions |
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | modern f-holes |
| Top: | spruce, carved, single binding |
| Back/sides: | mahogany, pressed laminate, single binding |
| Price: | 1935: $75 |
| | |
| Pics: 1934 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Sorrentino Luxor |
| First made: | 1934; manufactured by Epiphone for Chicago Musical Instruments (C.M.I.) |
| Last made: | 1935 |
| Designation: | model + SN on Sorrentino label |
| Body size: | 16⅜" wide; 20¼" long (Grand Auditorium) |
| Finish: | sunburst |
| Headstock: | center
dip, bound, back
veneer; Sorrentino block letter logo, vine, laminate |
| Plating: | gold |
| Tuners: | single Waverly clipped, metal buttons |
| Neck: | maple |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound block, 5 positions |
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short, single binding |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | modern f-holes |
| Top: | spruce, carved, quadruple binding, colored block purfling |
| Back/sides: | maple, carved, triple binding |
| Price: | 1935: $275 |
| | |
| Pics: 1934 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Sorrentino Premier |
| First made: | 1934; manufactured by Epiphone for Chicago Musical Instruments (C.M.I.); in catalog, no example known |
| Last made: | 1935 |
| Designation: | model + SN on Sorrentino label |
| Body size: | 16⅜" wide; 20¼" long (Grand Auditorium) |
| Finish: | sunburst |
| Headstock: | center dip; Sorrentino block letter logo, vine |
| Plating: | gold |
| Tuners: | single Waverly clipped, metal buttons |
| Neck: | maple |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound triangle/diamond, 5 positions |
| Pickguard: | black plastic, short, single binding |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | cello f-holes |
| Top: | spruce, carved, triple binding |
| Back/sides: | maple, carved, triple binding |
| Price: | 1935: $225 |
| | |
| Pics: 1934 |  |
| | |
| Model: | Apollo (Epiphone 8) |
| First made: | c. 1937; not manufactured by Epiphone but by Chicago maker, possibly Regal or Harmony; sold in U.K. only |
| Last made: | c. 1940 |
| Designation: | no model designation, no serial number |
| Body size: | 14¾" wide (Grand Concert) |
| Finish: | sunburst on top, back + sides |
| Headstock: | rounded
peak, Masterbilt banner decal; on back stamped
"Made in U.S.A." |
| Plating: | nickel |
| Tuners: | single or strip |
| Neck: | sycamore |
| Fretboard: | rosewood, bound block, 5 positions |
| Pickguard: | tortoise plastic, bound |
| Tailpiece: | trapeze |
| Soundholes: | segmented f-holes |
| Top: | spruce, single binding |
| Back/sides: | sycamore, pressed laminate, single binding |
| Price: | 1939: £8/8- (sold in U.K. only) |
| | |
| Pics: 1934 |  |
12. Cases ("E" logo branded)
Epiphone commissoned cases from various US musical instrument case manufacturers – Geib, Harptone, Lifton, and Frost & Stone. In 1939 cases branded with an "E" logo in the lining of the lid were introduced – see detailed overview.
| Model: | No. 115 – Genuine Leather |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1946 |
| Size: | No.
115: Archtop guitar, 18⅜" wide (Emperor) |
| Shell: | wood, 3-ply veneer |
| Covering: | genuine
cow hide, "Levant-grained" |
| Lining: | pink plush (some: orange plush); E-logo in lid |
| Fitting: | french-fitted around heel, neck rest at headstock |
| Hardware: | brass, nickel plated, draw catches |
| Made by: | Lifton, Geib |
| Price: | 1939: case + zipper cover included with guitar 1942: $90 (zipper cover included) 1946: $85 |
| Pics: 1939 Lifton |  |
| 1941 Geib |  |
| | |
| Model | No. 110 |
| First made: | 1946 |
| Last made: | 1956 |
| Size: | No.
110: Archtop guitar, 18⅜" wide (Emperor) |
| Shell: | wood, 3-ply veneer |
| Covering: | 1946: "Spanish leather" 1948: keratol, stitched valance 1953: "Spanish-grained keratol", stitched valance |
| Lining: | pink plush (some: blue plush); E-logo in lid |
| Fitting: | neck rest at heel |
| Hardware: | brass, draw catches |
| Made by: | Lifton, Geib |
| Price: | 1946: $55 1947: $60 |
| Pics: 1946 Geib |  |
1950 Lifton |  |
| | |
| Model | No. 105 |
| First made: | 1948 |
| Last made: | 1956 |
| Size: | No.
105: Archtop guitar, 17⅜" wide (Large) |
| Shell: | wood, 3-ply veneer |
| Covering: | 1948: keratol, stitched valance 1953: "blue Alligator-grained keratol", stitched valance |
| Lining: | pink plush (some: orange plush); E-logo in lid |
| Fitting: | neck rest at headstock or heel |
| Hardware: | brass, draw catches |
| Made by: | Lifton, Harptone, Frost & Stone |
| Price: | 1948: $50 1954: $52 |
| Pics: 1950 Lifton |  |
1950 Frost & Stone |  |
1951 Harptone |   |
| | |
| Model | No. 985 – Genuine Leather |
| First made: | 1941 |
| Last made: | 1942 |
| Size: | No.
985: Archtop, 17⅜" wide (Large) |
| Shell: | wood, 3-ply veneer |
| Covering: | genuine
cow hide, "Levant-grained" |
| Lining: | pink plush; E-logo in lid |
| Fitting: | neck rest at headstock |
| Hardware: | brass, nickel plated, draw catches |
| Made by: | Lifton |
| Price: | 1941: $75 |
| Pics: 1940 Lifton |  |
| | |
| Model: | No. 885 / 884 / 855 – Professional Plush |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1956 |
| Size: | No.
885: Archtop, 17⅜" wide (Large) No. 884: Archtop, 16⅜" wide (Grand Auditorium) No. 855: Flattop, 16" (Jumbo) |
| Shell: | wood, 3-ply veneer |
| Covering: | 1939: "imitation pigskin" 1941: black 1944: tan or black 1953: "Spanish-grained keratol" |
| Lining: | pink, green, blue or orange plush; E-logo in lid |
| Fitting: | neck rest at headstock or heel (1945–49: no neck rest) |
| Hardware: | 1939: brass, nickel plated, draw catches 1944: brass, spring catches |
| Made by: | Lifton (all); Geib (No. 885), Harptone (No. 885+884), Frost & Stone (No. 885) |
| Price: | 1939: $28 1941: $33 1946: $38 1947: $41 1948: $40 1954: $43.50 |
| Pics: 1940 Geib |   |
| 1948 Harptone |  |
| 1950 Frost & Stone |  |
| 1955 Lifton |  |
| | |
| Model: | No. 785 – Professional Fleece |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1941 |
| Size: | No.
785: Archtop guitar, 17⅜" (Large) |
| Shell: | wood, 3-ply veneer |
| Covering: | tan, "imitation pigskin" |
| Lining: | purple fleece; E-logo in lid |
| Fitting: | neck rest at headstock |
| Hardware: | brass, nickel plated, draw catches |
| Made by: | Lifton |
| Price: | 1939: $21 (discontinued by December 1941) |
| 1940 Lifton |  |
| | |
| Model: | No. 685 / 684 / 683 / 755 / 637 / 627 – Masterbilt Plush |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1945 |
| Size: | No.
685: Archtop, 17⅜" (Large) No. 684: Archtop, 16⅜" (Grand Auditorium) No. 683: Archtop, 15½" (Auditorium) No. 755: Flattop, 16" (Jumbo) No. 637: Flattop, 15½" No. 627: Flattop, 14½" |
| Shell: | wood, 3-ply veneer |
| Cover: | black, "imitation black walrus" |
| Lining: | blue, crushed plush; E-logo in lid |
| Fitting: | no neck rest |
| Hardware: | polished nickel |
| Made by: | Lifton |
| Price: | 1939: $18 1941: $22 |
| Pics: 1940 Lifton |   |
1942 Lifton |  |
| | |
| Model: | No. 585 / 584 / 583 / 655 / 537 / 527 – Masterbilt Fleece |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1945 |
| Size: | No.
585: Archtop guitar, 17⅜" wide (Large) No. 584: Archtop, 16⅜" (Grand Auditorium) No. 583: Archtop, 15½" (Auditorium) No. 655: Flattop, 16" (Jumbo) No. 537: Flattop, 15½" No. 527: Flattop, 14½" |
| Shell: | wood, 3-ply veneer |
| Covering: | black, "imitation black seal" |
| Lining: | purple fleece or blue fleece (some: green or tan fleece); E-logo in lid |
| Fitting: | no neck rest |
| Hardware: | polished nickel |
| Made by: | Lifton |
| Price: | 1939: $12 1941: $15.50 |
| Pics: 1944 Lifton |  |
| | |
| Model: | No. 830 / 831 – Oblong Mandolin |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1944 |
| Size: | Mandolin, scroll body |
| Shell: | wood, 3-ply veneer |
| Covering: | No. 830: tan, "imitation pigskin" No. 831: black, "imitation black walrus" |
| Lining: | No. 830: pink plush; E-logo in lid No. 831: blue, crushed plush |
| Fitting: | french-fitted body contour |
| Hardware: | brass, nickel plated |
| Made by: | Lifton |
| Price: | 1939: $36 / $18.75 1941: $45 / $22.75 |
| Pics: 1940 Lifton |  |
| | |
| Model: | No. 632 – Mandolin Plush |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1944 (later mando cases without E-logo) |
| Size: | No. 632: Mandolin, teardrop body |
| Shell: | wood, 3-ply veneer |
| Covering: | 1939: tan, "imitation pigskin" 1947: black, "Professional model, imitation black walrus" 1953: dark brown, leather-grained Keratol |
| Lining: | pink plush, E-logo in lid |
| Fitting: | no neck rest |
| Hardware: | brass, nickel plated |
| Made by: | Lifton |
| Price: | 1939: $15 1941: $18.75 1947: $27 1954: $26 |
| Pics: 1944 Lifton |  |
| | |
| Model: | No. 532 – Mandolin Fleece |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1944 |
| Size: | No.
532: Mandolin, teardrop body |
| Shell: | wood, 3-ply veneer |
| Covering: | black |
| Lining: | purple fleece or blue fleece, E-logo in lid |
| Fitting: | no neck rest |
| Hardware: | brass, nickel plated |
| Made by: | Lifton |
| Price: | 1939: $11 1941: $13.50 |
| Pics: 1940 Lifton |  |
| | |
| Model: | Oblong Lap Steel |
| First made: | 1939 |
| Last made: | 1948 (later lap steel cases without E-logo) |
| Size: | 1939: oblong, rounded corners; for Zephyr Hawaiian 1946: oblong, square corners; for Zephyr H + Century H |
| Shell: | wood, 3-ply veneer |
| Covering: | 1939: tan 1941: dark, alligator-grained |
| Lining: | 1939: pink plush, E-logo in lid 1946: green fleece or blue fleece, E-logo in lid |
| Fitting: | - |
| Hardware: | brass, nickel plated |
| Made by: | Lifton |
| Price: | 1939: $15 (included with instrument) 1941: $16.50 (included with instrument) 1946: $22.50 1947: $23.75 1948: $19.50 |
| Pics: 1941 Lifton |  |
| 1946 Lifton |  |
| | |
