Back when Jazz, Bebop, and Big Band music ruled the clubs, halls, and radio waves of post-war America, electric archtops were the weapon of choice for pro guitarists. Heralded guitar maker Epiphone enjoyed longstanding success as one of the premier instrument manufacturers in the archtop world, giving Gibson a run for its money.
This 1950 Epiphone Zephyr Regent is a testament to that - an exquisitely crafted electric archtop that could go toe-to-toe with the some of the finest guitars Gibson had to offer in its day. With a combination of 17 3/8" body size, laminated Spruce, laminated Maple back and sides, and New Yorker pickup, it had all of the presence, clarity, and power to stand out in nearly any setting.
The Sunburst top finish has aged beautifully, with a nice ambered center that blends into the darker brown edges with great vintage luster. The binding has yellowed throughout, and with only a few small repairs to show, it's held onto the guitar quite well.
The guitar certainly shows its age by way of finish wear and lacquer checking throughout. There are various nicks, scratches, bumps, and bruises commensurate with a guitar of this vintage. The single New Yorker pickup delivers a clear, crisp tone that pairs well with the woody acoustic voice of the guitar. We installed a very nice set of custom-made reproduction "carousel" knobs in lieu of some non-original knobs the guitar arrived with. The adjustable Rosewood bridge allows for further adjustability, and the original trapeze tailpiece remains in good health.
We will sing Epiphone's praises as long as the doors here at TME are open. Given all this guitar has to offer, it's an incredible value in the vintage electric archtop market.
Priced with original Epiphone hardshell case.
**Fun fact: This guitar bears the consecutive serial number to the 1950 Epiphone Zephyr Deluxe sold back in 2024!**
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