Description
New York-made Epiphones from this era have a presence that's hard to replicate. Equal parts art deco sculpture and working musician’s tool, this 1953 Zephyr walks the line between form and function with ease.
Cloud inlays, vine headstock motif, Frequensator tailpiece... the whole design feels like something lifted from a Raymond Loewy sketchbook. The original pickups are still in place, mounted in their signature gold bezels. They deliver that smoky, articulate midrange these old Epis are prized for.
The original pickguard had gassed off over time, so it's been meticulously rebuilt by Jereme Clingan using the original white binding as a guide. A washer has been added at the output jack, likely to reinforce a small crack or prior repair (as pictured). Both fixes are clean, tasteful, and functional. Some binding shrinkage to the body on the bass side between the pickups - stable but should be pointed out.
The finish has aged gracefully and the guitar feels like an heirloom more than a collectible. An elegant reminder of when Epiphone was still building in Manhattan. This instruments rarely hit the open market and this example is a stunner!
Made in New York City. Includes hard shell case.
Serial: #65337