NY Epi Reg

Timeline 1931-1956: A chronology of Epiphone instruments

This timeline provides a chronology of milestones, developments and changes related to Epiphone instruments over the years 1931 to 1956. The timeline focuses on general aspects, while detailed info about individual models and their development can be found on the Models page. Click on links to see photo of example.

Note: The quoted serial numbers (SN) refer to the first/last examples of a model/feature as documented in our Registry – i.e. not necessarily the first/last example in existence. 

The timeline is a working document and subject to corrections as new evidence material surfaces.

Jump to year:

1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940
1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950
1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956

Last updated: 14 Apr 2023

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1931

Highlights:

• Masterbilt line introduced: 6 f-hole guitar models with 6 matching Tenor/Plectrum models, plus 4 mandolin models

General features:

• June 1931: Masterbilt model line "announced" (no further details documented) ¹
• Serial numbers (SN): starting at SN 5000, stamped inside body
• Label inside body: oval label, printed in black on silver paper (next to stamped SN); earliest examples: no label

• Headstock: asymmetrical shape on higher models, rounded peak shape on lower models; black plastic (pyralin) veneer with engraved and tinted "Epiphone" + "Masterbilt" banners, model name in between, banners pearl on higher models; lower models with plain veneer, some with logo stamp on back of headstock (until 1933)
  
• Tuners: single Waverly clipped plate (higher models, until 1936); strip Waverly square-end (lower models, until 1939);
  strip Waverly arrow-head (4-string models, until 1939)
• Neck width: typically around 1¾" at nut (6-string guitars)
• Fretboard: curved end
• Top construction: arched or flat top, ladder-braced
  
• Soundholes: 3-segment f-hole shape
  
• Top finish: sunburst (translucent); Olympic: natural or black(?);
  Beverly: natural
• Pickguard: black plastic (pyralin), straight shape; bound on DeLuxe model; mounting: no screw (last SN 5308), later 2 screws (first SN 5279)
• Bridge: two-foot base, saddle with bone insert (until 1932, last SN 5842)
  
• Tailpiece (guitars): trapeze, "wrap over" style, short mounting bracket (until 1933)

Archtop guitar models (6-string) introduced:

• DeLuxe: 16⅜" (first SN 5009)
• Broadway: 16⅜" (first SN 5047)
• Triumph: 15½", walnut back (first SN 5010)
• Royal: 15½", mahogany back (first SN 5119)

• Zenith: 13⅝", maple back (first SN 5062) 
• Olympic: 13⅝", natural top (first SN 5262)

Tenor/plectrum guitar models (4-string) introduced:

• Empire: 13⅝" (first SN 5137)
• Bretton: 15½" (first SN 5375)
• Hollywood: 13⅝" (first SN 5044)
• Regent: 13⅝" (first SN 5287)
• Melody: 13⅝" (first SN 5086)
• Beverly: 13⅝", natural top (first SN 5253)

Mandolin family models introduced:

• Windsor; 2-point body (first SN 5167)
• Strand:  2-point body (1931 pic in 1932 catalog, first SN 5550)
• Rivoli: teardrop body (first SN 5162)
• Adelphi: teardrop body (first SN 5164)

---

1932

Highlights:

• Blackstone added as new model with black finish

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Catalog "Masterbilt Fretted Instruments", published late 1932 ²

General features/changes:

• Company name/address: Epiphone Banjo Corporation, 35–37 36^th Street, Long Island City, NY ²
• Serial numbers: DeLuxe + Broadway only: SN stamped onto oval label (first SN 6099); on models with floating bridge, SN also penciled under the bridge foot (first SN 5765)
• Top construction: carved top with parallel tonebars on all archtop and tenor/plectrum models (except Beverly)
• Neck: Wider laminate strips on Triumph and higher models (first SN 6009, last narrow laminate strips SN 5994)

• Pickguard: mounting with 1 screw (first around SN 5681)
  
• Bridge: solid base, angled saddle with straight top (no individual string compensation)

Archtop model changes:

• Blackstone: new 14¾" model introduced, all black finish, maple back (first SN 5707)

• Olympic: sunburst top (first SN 5752)

4-string tenor/plectrum model changes:

• Empire: body upsized to 15½" (in catalog, no example documented)
• Hollywood: body upsized to 15½" (first SN 5691)
• Regent: body upsized to 15½" (first SN 5681)
• Beverly: sunburst top (first SN 5919)

Flattop guitars (Spanish/Hawaiian) introduced:

• Madrid: 4 f-holes
  
• Navarre: 4 f-holes (first SN 5820)

Mandolin family models changes:

• Adelphi: banners on headstock (first SN 5597)
• 4 mandola models (in catalog, model names same as mandolins, no example documented)
• 3 mandocello models (in catalog, "No. 1 similar to Blackstone, No. 2 similar to Triumph, No. 3 similar to DeLuxe guitar", no example documented)

---

1933

Highlights:

• Triumph body size increased to 16⅜"
• Semi-opaque sunburst finish on all models

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Flyer "Masterbilt Guitars" ³

General changes:

• Headstock: decoration simplified, engraved gothic script banners on most lower models (first SN 6331), later with lighter font (first SN 7047); "Epiphone Masterbilt" banner decal on Olympic + Beverly (first SN 6829)
• Serial numbers: on models with floating bridge transition to SN stamped under bridge foot (first SN 7019)
• Top finish: sunburst semi-opaque (first around SN 6448, until 1934)
• Tailpiece (guitars): trapeze, "through" style, large mounting bracket around endpin (first around SN 6265)

Archtop model changes:

• Triumph: body upsized to 16⅜" (first SN 6437)
• Royal: walnut back (first SN 6904)
• Blackstone: sunburst top (first SN 6231)
• Zenith: walnut back (first SN 6372)

---

1934

Highlights:

• Tudor added as new (short-lived) high-end model below DeLuxe
  
• New headstock styling with pearl inlays replacing banners
• Finish translucent sunburst again

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Catalog "Masterbilt Fretted Instruments", dated 1934, published by November 1934 ⁴

General changes:

• Label inside body: rectangular Long Island label, printed in black on tan paper, model name typed, serial number typed (first SN 7449); penciled guide line for label position, by running pencil along f-hole (first around SN 8364, until 1943)
• Headstock: "Epiphone" block letter logo (first SN 7415), with pearl inlaid neoclassical motifs on most models; later transition to script logo (first around SN 8065; last block letter logo SN 8546)
• Tuners: single Grover clipped plate (some higher and middle models, until 1935)
• Fretboard: straight-cut end (first around SN 7543)
• Top finish: back to sunburst translucent (around SN 7913)
• Pickguard: mounting with screw at neck; bound on Broadway and higher models
• Manufacturing of guitars for other brands: Howard, Sorrentino, Ideal; typically with standard Epiphone SNs stamped or on special labels (first SN 7253; produced until 1935, last SN 9331)

Archtop model changes:

• Tudor: new 16⅜" model (first SN 7449)
• Triumph: carved maple back (first SN 7415)
• Royal: discontinued (last SN 7591)
• Spartan: new 16⅜" model, round soundhole (first SN 7555)
• Blackstone: mahogany back (first SN 7582); body upsized to 15½" (19¼" long; first SN 7768)
• Zenith: body upsized to 14¾" (first SN 7738)

Flattop model changes:

• Madrid + Navarre: not listed in catalog
  

Mandolin model changes: 

• Windsor Special: new scroll model (pictured in 1934 catalog with banner headstock)

---

1935

Highlights:

• 18½" wide Emperor introduced as new top model
• DeLuxe now 17⅜" wide, also low-end models enlarged by 1"
• Electar electric models + new flattop guitars introduced

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Updated version of 1934 catalog "Masterbilt Fretted Instruments"
• Flyer "Electar Electric Music"
• In catalog Chicago Musical Instruments: "Sorrentino guitars"

General changes:

• Company name changed: Epiphone, Inc. (by April 1935)
• New company address: 142 West 14^th Street, New York, N.Y. (by March 1935)
• Body shape (archtop guitars, most pronounced in new large size models): design of upper bouts changed to join at the neck in a more curved, slope-shoulder shape.
• Logo on electric instruments (headstock) and amps: Electar logo plate without "EPIPHONE"; (earliest: "Electrophone" logo)
• Neck width: narrower, around 1⅝" at nut (6-string guitars)
• Heel: rounded neck heel shape on (Super) DeLuxe and Emperor (first SN 9433; later also on Zephyr Deluxe + Zephyr Emperor)
• Soundholes: "cello" f-hole shape, squared off at scroll (first SN 8344)
• Pickguard: black plastic, curved shape (first SN 8320);
  large, tortoise plastic, with hump on Emperor + DeLuxe only (first SN 9674)
• Tailpiece (guitars): large "compensating" tailpiece on Emperor + DeLuxe (1936: also on Broadway + Triumph)

Archtop model changes:

• Emperor: new top model, 18½" wide (first SN 9674); announced in Nov 1935 ⁵
• DeLuxe: body upsized to 17⅜", early examples named "Super DeLuxe" (first SN 9433), announced in Nov 1935 ⁵
• Tudor: discontinued (last SN 9082)
• Spartan: walnut back, round soundhole changed to f-holes, early examples named "Spartan Special" (first SN 8344) ⁶
• Blackstone: body upsized 2^nd time, still 15¼" wide but now 20¼" long; maple back (first SN 8945) ⁶
• Zenith: body upsized 2^nd time, now to 15¼" (first SN 8922) ⁶
• Olympic: body upsized to 14¾" (first SN 8904) ⁶

4-string tenor/plectrum models:

• Empire, Bretton, Hollywood, Regent, Melody, Beverly: models discontinued (last SN 9213); replaced by tenor/plectrum versions of Broadway, Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone, Zenith, Olympic (first Triumph Plectrum SN 8232, Olympic Tenor SN 9868)

Flattop guitar models:

• Madrid: reintroduced, 16½", round soundhole, Hawaiian setup
• Navarre: reintroduced, 16½", round soundhole, Hawaiian setup
• FT 75: new 16½" model
• FT 37: new 15½" model
• FT 27: new 14½" model (earliest labeled "FT #1")

First "Electar" electric instruments: ⁷ 

• Electar Hawaiian, teardrop body, horseshoe pickup
  
• Electar Spanish + Electar Tenor, 14¾", hollowbody, high f-holes, horseshoe pickup
  
• Electar amplifier: black leatherette, 8" speaker

---

1936

Highlights:

• Broadway + Triumph now 17⅜" wide, and most lower archtop models enlarged again to reach their final size
• Electar electric line extended: Model M + Model C

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Catalog "Instrument Builders" (orange cover), published by July 1936 ⁸
• Flyer "The Emperor" ⁸
• Catalog "Electar", published c. Dec 1936 (dated 1937) ⁹

General changes:

• Label inside body: rectangular Masterbilt label, gothic script letters printed in black on white paper, serial number printed, model name typed (first SN 10465) ⁸
• Serial numbers: new SN systems for electric instruments + amplifiers, stamped on top edge of headstock / on logo plate of amp (numbers possibly starting around SN 1, earliest documented SN 25)
• Logo on electric instruments (headstock) and amps: Electar logo with "EPIPHONE" (first SN 478)
• Miessner patents plate: on electric instruments (first SN 38)
• Tuners: single Waverly clipped plate wide, on middle models (first SN 11232, electric SN 402; until 1937);
  single Grover pointed plate ratio 6:1, on higher/middle models (first SN 10080, electric SN 784; until 1939)
• Pickguard: long tortoise plastic pickguard on Broadway, Triumph, Windsor + Artist (first SN 9574); long black pickguard on lower mandolin models (first SN 10255)
• Pickup: nonadjustable blade pickup on new Model C Hawaiian 

Archtop model changes: ¹¹

• Broadway: body upsized to 17⅜" (first SN 9888)
• Triumph: body upsized 2^nd time, now to 17⅜" (first SN 10278)
• Spartan: walnut back now carved (first SN 10850)
• Blackstone: body upsized 3^rd time, now to 16⅜" (first SN 9916) 
• Zenith: body upsized 3^rd time, now to 16⅜" (first SN 10396) 
• Olympic: body upsized 2^nd time, now to 15¼" (first SN 10874) 

Mandolin model changes:

• Windsor Special renamed Windsor (2-point model discontinued)
• Artist: new scroll model
  (also mandola versions in catalog, no examples documented)
  

Electric model changes:

• Electar Hawaiian, Electar Amplifier: models discontinued

New models introduced:

• Electar Rocco: double neck Hawaiian model, 15 strings, stepped shape, nickel plated top ¹²
  

• Electar Hawaiian: redesigned, now with stepped shape, nickel plated top (replaced by Model M Hawaiian later in 1936) ¹³
• Model M Hawaiian: stepped shape, black art deco top (replacing Electar Hawaiian) ¹³
• Model M Amplifier: grey cloth, 12" speaker, AC or AC-DC
• Model C Hawaiian: guitar shape, blade pickup ¹⁴
• Model C Amplifier: grey cloth, 10" speaker, AC or AC-DC ¹⁴
• Super AC-DC Amplifier: taller case, black keratol, 12" speaker, higher output than Model M
• Electar Banjo: tenor/plectrum, round body, horseshoe pickup

---

1937

Highlights:

• Adjustable neck reinforcement introduced on archtop guitars
• New "Frequensator" tailpiece on higher archtop models

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Catalog "Instrument Builders" (blue cover) ¹⁵
• Flyer "Instrument Builders" ¹⁵
• Updated version of catalog "Electar" (dated 1937)

General changes:

• Tailpiece: "Frequensator" tailpiece on Emperor, DeLuxe, Broadway + Triumph models, starting late 1937 (around SN 12690); in UK only: Frequensator also on Spartan, Blackstone, Zenith and Olympic models ¹⁶
• Neck reinforcement: adjustable "Thrust Rod" on archtops (first SN 12190) and electric Spanish guitars (around SN 1131); ¹⁷
  flattops and mandolins still with nonadjustable neck reinforcement (named "cantilever brace" in catalog)
• Pickup: Model M line instruments receive new pickup with adjustable poles for each string, covered by handrest (first SN 1595) ¹⁸
• Tone control: Model M line equipped with a 3^rd tone control knob dubbed "Rhythm Control" (first SN 996, last SN 2368) ¹⁹

Archtop model changes:

• Apollo: New low-end model marketed in the UK only; Epiphone banner decal on headstock; features suggest instruments were not built by the Epiphone NYC factory but by a Chicago manufacturer, possibly Regal or Harmony (until c. 1940) ²⁰
  

Electric model changes:

• Model C Spanish: new low-end model, 13⅝" body, blade pickup (first SN 1272) ²¹
• Model M Spanish + Model M Tenor: model renamed from Electar Spanish / Electar Tenor
• Electar Rocco: 16 strings optional ²¹
• Model M Mandolin: new model, teardrop body, no f-holes, pickup with adjustable poles, no handrest (no example documented) ²¹
• Super AC Amplifier: AC version of Super AC-DC Amplifier
• Special Amplifier (Model EL): cloth, 12" speaker, higher output than Model M, with tone control

---

1938

Highlights:

• Blond finish option for Emperor and DeLuxe
• "Gut-string" flattop models introduced (but only short-lived)

General changes:

• Headstock: "short" center-dip shape (archtops: first SN 14423; electric hollowbodys: first SN 2145, last pointed head SN 2233; flattop guitars: center-dip shape with straight sides, first SN 14383)
• SN stamp (electric instruments): now on back of headstock (with introduction of center-dip headstock, first SN 2145; last SN top of headstock SN 2350)
• Tuners: single Grover pointed plate ratio 12:1, on higher models (first SN 13688, electric SN 1595), on lower models by 1939; until 1940 (last SN 16905, electric SN 4167)
• Bridge, electric Hawaiian models: PAF stamp (first SN 1974)
  

Archtop model changes:

• Emperor + DeLuxe: blond finish optional

Flattop model changes:

"Gut string" models introduced (November 1938): ²²

• Concert: 16½" top model (no example documented)
• Alhambra: 14⅜" (no example documented)
• Seville: 14⅜" (first SN 14365)

Electric model changes:

• Model M Hawaiian: versions with gold art deco top (first SN 2072) +  blue art deco top (first SN 2301)

---

1939

Highlights:

• Center-dip headstock shape introduced on all models
• Electar electric line revamped: Zephyr, Century + Coronet

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Catalog "Musical Instruments" (purple cover), published August 1939 ²³

General changes:

• Label inside body: rectangular green label, printed in green on white paper, serial number printed, model name typed (first SN 15491)
• Headstock logo (electric instruments): Epiphone "bikini" logo plate (on all new models, first Coronet SN 1538)
• Headstock inlays: simplified designs on Emperor, DeLuxe, Triumph (first SN 15731)
• Tuners: single Kluson (Triumph + Zephyr, 1939 only); single E-logo enclosed tuners cataloged as option but not standard before 1940 ²¹
• Neck width: wider again, 1 11/16" at nut (6-string guitars)
• Bridge, FT models: "through" bridge with trapeze tailpiece
• Pickguard: long, tortoise plastic pickguard also on lower archtop guitar + mandolin models (first SN 15269) and all new electric hollowbody models (first SN 2502)
• Cases: introduction of branded "E under lid" cases, with raised "E" logo in the lining of the lid ²³

Archtop model changes:

• Broadway: "New Broadway" cataloged with maple back + sides (first SN 15263; SN 14803 still walnut)
  

Flattop model changes:

• FT DeLuxe: new 16½" top model 

Electric model changes:

• Model M + Model C lines discontinued (last SN 2488)

New models introduced:

• Zephyr Hawaiian: stepped shape, white top, Master pickup ²⁴
• Zephyr Spanish + Zephyr Tenor/Plectrum: 16⅜", Master pickup
  
• Zephyr Amplifier: maple, 12" speaker  ²⁴
• Zephyr Dreadnaught Amplifier: like Zephyr Amp, more power
• Century Hawaiian: teardrop shape, bar pickup ²⁴
• Century Spanish + Century Tenor/Plectrum: 14¾", bar pickup
• Century Amplifier: maple, 12" speaker ²⁴
• Century Banjo: model renamed from Electar Banjo, bar pickup
• Century Mandolin: teardrop body, bar pickup
• Coronet Hawaiian: guitar shape, bar pickup
• Coronet Spanish: 13⅝", bar pickup
• Coronet Amplifer: cloth, 10" speaker
• Zephyr Banjo: round body, Master pickup
• Zephyr Mandolin: teardrop body, Master pickup
• Solo + Duo Console: rectangular shape, Master pickup
• Electar Grande: cabinet-style stand with Solo/Duo Console and integrated Zephyr/Dreadnought amplifier chassis+speaker

---

1940

Highlights:

• Body shape changed to a more "square-shoulder" look
• Bass viols + new flattops introduced

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Flyer "Blondes"
  
• Flyer "Basses"
• New Prices list, Oct 10, 1940

General changes:

• Body shape (archtop + hollowbody electric guitars, most pronounced in larger size models): design of upper bouts changed to join at neck in straight right angle for a more square-shoulder shape (first around SN 16481; electric first SN 3442)
• Headstock (archtop guitars): "long" center-dip shape (first SN 16191, "short" last SN 16341; 4-string "long" first SN 17848; electric "long" first SN 3442)
  
• Headstock (flattop guitars): sides now curved (first SN 16500)
• Tuners: single E-logo enclosed tuners standard on all models priced $75 or higher ²⁵: Emperor, DeLuxe, Broadway, Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone, FT 75 (first around SN 16379; Blackstone + FT 75 back to open tuners by late 1941, around SN 18309), Zephyr Spanish+Hawaiian (first around SN 3313, some with open tuners in 1942 only);
  single Waverly "yoda head", on middle models (first SN 15861, electric SN 4355), temporarily discontinued during WW2 (last pre-war SN 19446, electric SN 6992);
  strip Waverly bell-end, on lower models (first SN 16040), until 1942 (last SN 18957)
• blond finish: new option for Broadway, Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone (+ new Ritz model: blond only)
• Neck wood: cherry replaces mahogany on some models
• Bridge, FT models: pin bridge on new FT models
• Bridge, electric Hawaiian models: no PAF stamp (last stamp around SN 4612)

• Soundholes: lower position of f-holes (level with bridge) on electric hollowbody instruments (first SN 4441; last high f-holes SN 4277); no handrest over pickup on models with new style f-holes
• Jack socket: Moved to rim on electric hollowbody instruments (first around SN 4528; last jack socket in top SN 4925)

Archtop model changes:

• Soloist Emperor + DeLuxe: one single batch with cutaway body (documented examples: SN 16501, 16503, 16504, 16505)
• Spartan: primavera back + sides on new blonde finish version (first SN 16941)
• Ritz: new 15¼" model, blond finish only (first SN 17071)

Flattop model changes:

• FT 50: new 14½" model, "conventional shape" (first SN 16948)
• FT 30: new 14½" model, "conventional shape" (first SN 16720)
• FT 27: discontinued (last SN 16459)

Bass models introduced: ²⁶

• B-4, B-3, B-2, B-1

---

1941

Highlights:

• Zephyr DeLuxe introduced as high-end electric archtop
• Flattops revamped: FT 79 + FT 45 replace older models

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Price list, Feb 1, 1941
• Flyer "Two additions", Apr 1941
• Price list, Oct  7, 1941
• Price Changes list, Dec 1, 1941

General changes:

• Headstock inlays: (further) simplified designs on Emperor (first SN 18212) + Broadway (first SN 18264)
• Neck reinforcement: FT models with rod adjustment at headstock (first SN 17718); mandolins keep nonajustable neck reinforcement (named "cantilever brace" in catalog) 
• Finish: ivory opaque finish on some blond Ritz, Triumph, Zephyr Spanish + Zephyr DeLuxe models (first SN 17197)
• Tailpiece: trapeze tailpiece stamped "EPIPHONE" introduced on electric Spanish models (first SN 5278); after electrics halted in 1942 used on some Olympic and Zenith examples (until replaced by wartime tailpiece with rosewood bar); in 1947 on some Blackstone examples (last SN 57223)

Flattop model changes (October 1941 price list):

• FT 79: new 15⅞" model, "jumbo shape" (first SN 18115)
• FT 45: new 14½" model, "conventional shape" (first SN 17992)

• Flattop models discontinued: FT DeLuxe, FT 75, FT 37

• Hawaiian models discontinued: Navarre, Madrid

• Gut string models discontinued: Concert, Alhambra, Seville ²⁷

Electric model changes:

• Varichord: new Hawaiian model (Feb 1941 price list; patent filed in Oct 1939, first SN 3109)
• Zephyr DeLuxe: new top model (Dec 1941 price list, first SN 5542) ²⁸
• Century Spanish: upsized to 15¼" (first SN 6200)
• Coronet Spanish: upsized to 14¾" (first SN 6239)

Bass model changes:

• B-5: new top model (Feb 1941 price list)

---

1942

Highlights:

• FT 110 introduced as new top-model of flattop guitar line
• Wartime restrictions lead to production halt for Emperor + DeLuxe, and electric models

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Catalog V "Musical Instruments" (green cover), published March 1942 ²⁹
• Price list, March 15, 1942

General changes:

• Parallelogram fretboard inlays (Blackstone, FT 110): orientation reversed (first SN 19199); other models such as Strand mandolin unchanged inlay orientation
  
• Strings: order numbers introduced

General changes – due to WW2: ³⁰

• Emperor + DeLuxe: production halted (last pre-war SN 18233)
  

• Electric instruments: production halted (last pre-war SN 7242)
• Amplifier models: production halted
• Bass models: production halted

Flattop model changes:

• FT 110: new 15⅞" top model, "jumbo shape" (first SN 50507)

---

1943

Highlights:

• Due to wartime restrictions: substitute woods, opaque finishes
  
• New serial number system after Epi Stathopoulo passes away

General changes:

• Epaminondas "Epi" A. Stathopoulo passes away on June 6, 1943. Epi's brother, Orpheus "Orphie" A. Stathopoulo, is successor as President of Epiphone Inc.
  
• Serial numbers: new SN system introduced for acoustic instruments, starting around SN 50000 (last old SN 20307)
• Label inside body: rectangular blue label introduced with new SN system; printed in blue on white paper, serial number printed, model name typed; by 1945 transition of label position from aligned with f-hole to aligned with rim, no longer with pencilled line (first SN 50556)

General changes – due to wartime material shortages: ³¹

• Tuners: on all lower models single Kluson with riveted gear (first SN 19421, last SN 51602) and strip Kluson with riveted gear  (first SN 19266), until 1946 (last SN 55127); Broadway + Triumph stay with single E-logo enclosed tuners
• Tailpiece: rosewood bar on trapeze tailpiece (first SN 19470), until 1947 (last SN 56291)
• Bridge: octagonal nuts replace round, knurled thumbwheels on floating bridges (first SN 19544), until 1945 (last SN 52250); some 1943 bridges with bakelite thumbwheels
• Carved top wood: a not readily identifiable wood species (possibly poplar or birch) replaces spruce in many if not most examples, typically concealed by an ivory opaque or sunburst opaque finish (first around SN 19470), until 1945 (last SN 52748)
• Headstock inlays: transition to celluloid instead of pearl on Olympic, Ritz, FT 30, FT 45, FT 50, Rivoli (first SN 20117); no logo on Adelphi (first SN 20180)

---

1944

Highlights:

• Numerous models discontinued: Low-end archtops, all 4-string guitars + all mandolins

General changes:

• Heelcap: gold sparkle heelcap on Blackstone + Zenith (first 51472), until 1945 (last SN 53286)

Archtop model changes:

• Ritz: model discontinued (last SN 51024)
• Olympic: model discontinued (last SN 52010)
• Tenor models: discontinued (last SN 51077)

Mandolin model changes:

• All mandolin models discontinued (last SN 52183)

---

1945

Highlights:

• Emperor + DeLuxe reintroduced after war-related halt
• Back to spruce tops + standard finishes on all models
• Pearl inlays replaced by celluloid on lower models
• Flattop guitars discontinued

General changes:

• Headstock + fretboard inlays: pearl replaced by celluloid on Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone, Zenith (first Zenith 52581; all models between SN 52922 and SN 56300)
• Frequensator tailpiece: bracket typically without stamp "FREQUENSATOR / PAT. PENDING", until 1946 (first SN 52409, last SN 55839)

Archtop model changes:

• Emperor + DeLuxe: models reintroduced; further simplified pearl inlays on headstock (first around SN 52834)

Flattop model changes:

• All flattop models discontinued (last SN 52805)

---

1946

Highlights:

• Body shape changed again: back to a "round-shoulder" look
• Electric models reintroduced after war-related halt

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Price list, April 1, 1946 + Notice sheet ³²

General changes:

• Serial numbers: new SN system introduced for electric instruments (except Zephyr Hawaiian), used until 1949 (stamped on headstock back); initial SN digits represent model code (see Research)
• Body shape (archtop + electric hollowbody guitars): upper bouts  change from the square-shoulder shape introduced in 1940 back to a more curved, slope-shoulder shape (first SN 54189 / all post-war electric hollowbodies; last square-shoulder around SN 54130 / electric SN 7189)
• Tuners: single Waverly "yoda head" reintroduced on all lower models (first SN 55116), by 1949 tuner plates with hash marks (first SN 59179), until 1952 (last SN 65563); transition to Phillips screws for mounting on some models
• Heelcap: tortoise plastic heelcap on Spartan + Blackstone, until 1948 (first SN 55242, last SN 58040); and on Zephyr Spanish, until 1948 (first 25024, last SN 25186)
• Miessner patent plate (electrics): discontinued (last Miessner plate SN 7219; first without plate SN 7307)
• Pickup: new pickups surface-mounted on hollowbody guitars (backdoor discontinued); black pickup with large adjustable poles on higher models, nonadjustable bar pickup on lower models

Electric model changes:

• Zephyr DeLuxe reintroduced (first SN 75004)
• Zephyr Spanish reintroduced (first SN 25024)
• Zephyr Hawaiian reintroduced; stepped body shape changed (first SN 7307)
• Century Spanish reintroduced; upsized 2^nd time, now to 16⅜" (first SN 60001)
• Century Hawaiian reintroduced; teardrop body shape changed (first SN 15020)

Bass model changes:

• B-4 + B-5 reintroduced ³³

---

1947

Highlights:

• Pearl inlays reintroduced on lower models, with new motifs

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Price list, June 1, 1947

General changes:

• Headstock + fretboard inlays: pearl reintroduced (with changed headstock inlay motifs) on Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone, Zenith (first Triumph SN 56492, last celluloid inlays Spartan SN 56986)

Electric models changes:

• Zephyr Spanish: upsized to 17⅜" (first SN 25223)
• Solo+Duo Console: reintroduced (first SN 100007)
  

---

1948

Highlights:

• Cutaway body option for high-end archtop + electric models

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Price list, March 15, 1948 ³⁴

General changes:

• Cutaway body: new option for Zephyr DeLuxe, Emperor, DeLuxe, Broadway models; in price list named "Advanced", on label "Cutaway", later "Regent" (first acoustic examples c. 1949)
• "Concert" models: new Emperor + DeLuxe versions with trapezoid soundhole in price list (first examples c. 1949)
• Headstock logo: modernized script with closed-loop "e" replaces open "ε" (standard around SN 57287; first used in 1946 on Zephyr DeLuxe and some Emperor models)
• Linings: transition from kerfed to solid linings (first solid SN 58368, last kerfed SN 58793; also in electric models around same time)
• Pickup: "Tone Spectrum" pickup (replacing black large-pole and bar pickups) ³⁵

Electric model changes:

• Zephyr DeLuxe Cutaway: new cutaway model (first SN 85000) ³⁵
• Century Amplifier, Zephyr Amplifier, Dreadnaught Amplifier: new circuitry, all models with optional vibrato (first SN 30001) ³⁶ 
• Eddie Alkire Eharp: 10-string electric Hawaiian model, built for and sold by musician Elbern H. "Eddie" Alkire (special serial numbers; first SN 101, last c. 1950 SN 371)

---

1949

Highlights:

• DeLuxe body size increased to 18½" wide
  
• Cutaway option extended to Triumph + Zephyr
• Archtop model reshuffle: Spartan + Blackstone discontinued, Devon + Byron introduced
• Flattops + mandolins reintroduced with 2 models each
  

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Price list, March 1, 1949
• Catalog "Acoustic Guitars and Mandolins" ³⁷
• Catalog "Electar Electronic Instruments" ³⁷
• Flyer "Basses" ³⁷

General changes:

• Serial numbers: special systems for early examples of new electric models Kent Spanish + Kent Hawaiian (SN on headstock)
  
• 4-string guitars: reintroduced, models Triumph Tenor, Zenith Tenor + Zephyr Tenor/Plectrum listed in catalog
• Tuners: strip Waverly square-end, on new low-end models (until 1954)
• Soundholes: "modern" f-hole shape (pointy at scroll) replaces "cello" shape; (acoustic: first SN 58904; Zephyr Spanish first SN 25722; Century Spanish first SN 60327; Zephyr DeLuxe Cutaway first SN 85204)
• Pickup: large metal Tone Spectrum pickup; later in year replaced by smaller "New Yorker" Spectrum pickup (except Kent Spanish)
• Pickguard: tortoise plastic, now with silver E logo (first SN 59381)
• Linings: laminated solid linings replace kerfed linings (first around SN 58368)
• Strings: new company/address "Epiphone Musical Strings Inc., Box 55, E. Station, Yonkers 4, N.Y."

Archtop model changes:

• Emperor Cutaway/Regent: new cutaway version (first SN 59092)
• Emperor Concert: new model version with trapezoid soundhole (first SN 58809, 4 examples documented, discontinued in 1949)
• DeLuxe Cutaway/Regent: new cutaway version (first SN 58823)
• DeLuxe (standard+cutaway version): body upsized to 18½" (first SN 59900)
• Broadway Cutaway/Regent: new cutaway version (first SN 58820)
• Triumph Cutaway/Regent: new cutaway version (first SN 59051)
• Devon: new 17⅜" model, sunburst, mahogany back (first
  SN 59323)
• Spartan: discontinued (last SN 59075)
• Blackstone: discontinued (last SN 59154)
• Zenith: blond finish optional (first SN 59513), maple back
• Byron: new 15¼" model (first SN 59460)

Flattop model changes:

• FT 110 + FT 79: models reintroduced ³⁴, changed to slope-shoulder Jumbo shape (first SN 58535)

Mandolin model changes:

• Strand + Rivoli: models reintroduced ³⁴, changed to oval soundhole (Rivoli SN 58807 still with f-holes; first with oval hole SN 60286)

Electric model changes:

• Kent Spanish: new 15¼" model (first SN 3031, last special SN 4039, first new SN 60493) 
• Kent Hawaiian: new low-end lap steel model (first special SN 75, last special SN 171, first new SN 9055)
• Zephyr Hawaiian: stepped body shape changed, sunburst (first SN 7856)
• Century Hawaiian: guitar body shape, sunburst (first SN 15153)
• Triple Console: new Hawaiian model with 3 necks
• Century Amplifier: redesigned, cloth, 12" speaker (first SN 10506)
• Kent Amplifier: new low-end model, cloth, 10" speaker (in catalog, no example documented)
• Zephyr Mandolin: model reintroduced (first SN 62043)

---

1950

Highlights:

• Zephyr Emperor Vari-Tone: new electric top model announced

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Price list, July 15, 1950
• Flyer "Masterbilt Strings", Oct 15, 1950
• Price list, Nov 15, 1950

General changes:

• Serial numbers: new systems introduced for all electric instruments; electric hollowbody instruments now join the SN system formerly reserved to acoustic instruments, with blue label (first Zephyr Cutaway SN 60182); electric Hawaiian instruments now with SN stamped on the metal bridge/tailpiece unit (starting around SN 9000)
• Bridge: offset saddle (for individual string compensation) on most high-end archtops

Electric model changes:

• Zephyr Cutaway/Regent: new cutaway version of Zephyr (first SN 60182)
• Zephyr Emperor: new 18½" top model announced ³⁸; (first SN 63168)
• Century Amplifier, Zephyr Amplifier, Dreadnaught Amplifier: vibrato version only
• Asta Amplifier: new low-end model, cloth, E grille, no vibrato ³⁹
• Kent Amplifier: discontinued

---

1951

Highlights:

• Neck rod adjustment moved to headstock on all models
  

General changes:

• Neck reinforcement: transition to rod adjustment at headstock on all models (last with adjustment at fretboard end: SN 65304); white plastic rod cover on higher models, lower models typically with metal rod cover (until c. 1953)

Archtop model changes:

• DeLuxe: body size back to 17⅜" (first SN 62762)
• Devon: blond finish optional (first SN 64711), maple back

---

1952

Highlights:

• Production resumed in Philadelphia after strike in NY factory

General changes:

• New company address: 130 West 3^rd Street, New York
• Production moved to Philadelphia, after strike in NY factory shut down production for 4 months ⁴⁰
• Continental Music, Division of C.G. Conn Ltd., made distributor in 26 states
• Tuners: single Waverly bell-end, on most lower models (first SN 64506; until 1956)
• Heel: rounded neck heel shape also on some lower models, until 1953 (first SN 64539, last SN 65986)

---

1953

Highlights:

• Low-end models discontinued: Byron + Kent

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Price list, July 1953

General Changes:

• Bridge: offset saddle (for individual string compensation) also on most low-end archtops
  

Archtop model changes:

• Byron: discontinued (last SN 65400)
  

Electric model changes:

• Kent Spanish: discontinued (last SN 65704)
• Kent Hawaiian: discontinued (last SN 9071)
• Console: single-neck model discontinued
• Dreadnaught Amplifier: redesigned, grille 7 vertical slots, 15" speaker
• Century Amplifier: redesigned, grille 6 vertical slots, 12" speaker
• Asta Amplifier: discontinued

---

1954

Highlights:

• FT 210 DeLuxe Cutaway launched as new flagship flattop

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Catalog "Dedicated to the best" 

General changes:

• Pickups: transition to DeArmond pickups (first SN 67239), last with NY Tone Spectrum SN 68919)

Flattop model changes:

• FT 210 DeLuxe Cutaway: new 17⅜" model (first SN 67732)

---

1955

Highlights:

• Amplifier models redesigned, now made by Danelectro
• Harry Volpe model: new low-end electric backed by artist

Sales literature (see Catalogs):

• Catalog "Professional Amplifiers"

Electric model changes:

• Volpe: new 15¼" model (first SN 68710, strip Waverly bell-end tuners) ⁴¹
• Dreadnaught Amplifier: redesigned, 2x 12" speakers
• Zephyr Amplifier: redesigned, 15" speaker
• Century Amplifier: redesigned, 12" speaker

---

1956

General changes:

• Production ended ⁴²

---

Notes:

Go to bibliography of quoted sources.

10) The Masterbilt label – and later type labels – featured printed SNs (likely applied by a letterpress numbering machine). However in some cases "blank" labels with a typed SN were used: There are numerous examples of instruments which have the original SN typed on an untypical, later period label – possibly glued in as replacement for the original label during a later repair at the factory. Apparently there were no "blank" examples of green labels (1939-1943) – instead earlier "blank" Masterbilt labels with typed SN were used as replacements during that period.

11) Fisch 1996, p69; quoting a letter to dealers dated July 17, 1936: "All EPIPHONE Guitars are now furnished in the new large sizes and greatly enhanced in appearance, representing in many cases a 50% increase in value with no increase in prices."

12) Rocco model named after musician Anthony Rocco; Frixo Stathopoulo filed patent March 9, 1938.

13) See advert "Metronome", July 1936, p28: "Electar New Design" (info: Rod McDonald); Epi Stathopoulo filed a patented design for Model M Hawaiian on June 12, 1937.

14) Advert "The Music Trades", Dec 1936 (Fisch 1996, p146).

15) Specs and pictures in this catalog are almost identical to the 1936 (orange cover) edition, except:

• on page 3, the "compensating" tailpiece of the Emperor was retouched to a curved cut-out and engraved "EPIPHONE" instead of "Emperor" (this was first pubished in an advert in "Metronome", Sept 1936);
• on page 4, "EPIPHONE" was added to the tailpiece of the DeLuxe model;
•  furthermore, some of the artists' photos were changed.

This catalog was likely published before fall 1937 (note: no reference to Frequensator tailpiece or adjustable neck reinforcement yet).

The 1937 flyer used the same images; the Spartan model now described with "carved back".

16) See advert "DownBeat", Sept 1937, p37; Frequensator prototype pictured in advert "DownBeat", July 1937, on Tom Morgan's DeLuxe; Herb Sunshine filed patent June 12, 1937; see also Fisch 1996, p71f; catalog "1939 Orchestral Guitars, Selmer of London" showing Frequensator on lower models. 

17) Epi Stathopoulo filed patent Aug 2, 1937; Fisch 1996, p75.

18) Herb Sunshine filed patent Nov 10, 1937; Fisch 1996, p109f;  initially named "TruBalance" pickup (see note 21), renamed to "Master" pickup in the 1939 catalog.

19) "Rhythm Control" announced in a letter to dealers June 29, 1937 (Fisch 1996, p117).   

20) Fisch 1996, p105. The catalog "Orchestral Guitars" by Selmer UK, 1938–1939, p5, features this model as "Epiphone 8", obviously referring to its price of £8/8-.   

21) Excerpts of 1937 flyer reproduced in Fisch 1996: Model C Spanish (p117); Model M Hawaiian (p133); Electar Rocco (p134); Model M Mandolin, "TruBalance" pickup with adjustable poles, no handrest, no soundholes (p179).
In an updated version of the 1937 "Electar" catalog, on p13 the Model M mandolin was added by stamp.

22) Wheeler 1982, p30: "in November 1938 (Epiphone) formally introduced a line of gut-string guitars ($75-225)."

23) Fisch 1996, p35/p38. The 1939 catalog introduced Epiphone's "E" logo, shown on the new enclosed tuners and in the lining of case lids; the "E" logo was registered as trademark in 1941 with the statement "claims use since Apr 15, 1939" (Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent Office", July 15, 1941, p539).
The Century Mandolin on p31 was illustrated with a retouched image of the Model M Mandolin as shown in the 1937 flyer.

24) Advert in "DownBeat" + "Metronome", Feb 1939 (Fisch 1996, p35/p138).

25) Announced in flyer "Blondes"; this flyer introduced the new natural finish options for the Triumph, Spartan, Blackstone, and Broadway models; the flyer also mentioned the FT 30 + FT 50 as "new additions" (prices $30/$50, raised in October 1940 list to $35/$57.50).

26) Bass models announced in "The Music Trades", June 1940 (Fisch 1996, p172); advert in "Metronome", Aug 1940.

27) Fisch 1996, p165: quoting a letter dated August 18, 1941 sent to Epiphone dealers: "We are discontinuing the Gut String Guitars as there isn't a sufficient market for this type of instrument in the Epiphone price range."

28) Price Changes list, Dec 1, 1941: "Announcing a new model: De Luxe Zephyr Spanish Electric Guitar" (sic!); this Price Changes list contains no reference to Catalog V, nor mentions the FT 110 model.

29) Catalog V was commonly dated 1941 (Fisch); however we conclude it was likely not released before early 1942, since it features the new FT 110 model (not included in the Price Changes list, Dec, 1, 1941; see note 28). Price list, March 15, 1942 refers to Catalog V. Further evidence: An ad in "Metronome", January 1942, referred to a "new catalog"; "Metronome", March 1942, published an editorial announcement of the new Epiphone catalog.

30) Quote from a letter to a customer, dated August 4, 1942, signed by Herb Sunshine: "Some of the instruments shown in the catalog, especially those in which there is a preponderance of metals or other strategic materials, are not available for the duration of the war. These include the VARICHORD."
Note that other guitar manufacturers such as Gibson and Martin also discontinued their high-end models and electric instruments around 1942.

31) Fisch/Fred quote a letter Epi Stathopoulo sent to dealers in August 1941: "Owing to governmental restrictions on the use of certain materials, it has become necessary to use substitutes wherever possible. While the performance specifications of our instruments are not affected, substitute materials may be used. In accepting orders during the present situation brought about by the National Defense program, we reserve the right to make any necessary substitutions in the constructional features." (Fisch 1996, p43). This exact notice is also included in the 1942 Catalog V (p42), and in the price list of March 15, 1942.
Regarding the substitute for spruce in carved tops: "Certain carved-top models were fitted with limed mahogany tops in place of the traditional spruce" (Fisch 1996, p43). "Some other interesting wartime features of at least one Olympic from 1943 included a rosewood crossbar on the tailpiece and brown bakelite adjusting nuts on the bridge. The top of this particular instrument was not spruce, but of some other not readily identifiable wood, possibly poplar" (Fisch 1996, p104).
Interestingly, Epiphone continued using metal neck reinforcement rods during the war years, while both Gibson and Martin replaced metal rods with wooden bars.

32) The price lists 1946–48 are still referring to Catalog V from 1942; in the 1946 price list, discontinued items are listed with asterisks (***) instead of price. The 1946 notice sheet lists all discontinued items, with Zephyr and Century models marked "distribution expected late spring".

33) See: http://www.bassmonkey.net/epiphone.html.

34) This 1948 price list included under "new models" also "Advanced" (=cutaway) versions of the Emperor, DeLuxe + Broadway, and "Concert" versions of the Emperor + DeLuxe (earliest documented example SN 58809, c. 1949). The short-lived Concert models disappeared from the price list by 1949.
The 1948 price list also reintroduced flattop guitars (FT 79 + FT 110) and mandolins (Rivoli + Strand), first documented examples SN 58535 and SN 58807, c. 1949)

35) Tone Spectrum pickup shown on Zephyr DeLuxe Cutaway model, adverts in "Music Dealer", May 1948, and "Metronome", May 1948; this pickup type underwent several changes (see here and Fisch 1996, p115).

36) All early Epiphone amps were built with circuitry designed and manufactured by Nathan "Nat" Daniel (who later founded the Danelectro company); after the exclusive cooperation with Daniel allegedly ended around 1947, Epiphone amps featured new circuitry with "Harmonic Vibrato" option (see advert "Metronome", March 1948). At least some of Epiphone's 1950s amps appear to be made by Danelectro.

37) Price list, March 1, 1949, still refers to the old Catalog V; the 3 new catalogs basically list the same prices with only minor changes plus some additional model options, so likely published late 1949 or early 1950; prices were increased in price list, July 15, 1950.

38) Advert in "Metronome", Nov 1950; the model also appears in the price list, Nov 15, 1950.

39) Asta Amplifier: price list, July 15, 1950; not mentioned in price list, Nov 15, 1950; we haven't found any picture of this short-lived amp model in Epiphone sales literature; however examples of an obscure amp model with E logo style grille have surfaced which we assume to be the Asta model (first SN 2027); Fisch 1996, p270.

40) Article in "The Music Trades", April 1952 (Fisch 1996, p53ff).

41) Advert “Fretted Instrument News” + "DownBeat", March 1955 (Fisch 1996, p214).

42) Fisch 1996, p57.