Epiphone Sheraton E212TN Model Arch Top Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1964), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, natural lacquer finish, laminated maple body, mahogany neck, original grey hard shell case.
The Sheraton was Epiphone's top of the line thinline semi-hollow guitar in the 1960's; the model was equivalent to the Gibson ES 355TD but built in much smaller numbers. The main differences were the Epiphone's use of the proprietary mini-humbucking pickups and use of the somewhat more elaborate traditional Epiphone inlay patterns.
The rosewood fingerboard has five-ply binding and the inlay is the split pearl block with "V" abalone centerpiece, in the 1940's Emperor style. The thin elongated headstock is triple-bound with the "tree of life" pattern in pearl used on top-line Epiphones since the mid-30's. The top is bound in 6-ply and the back is 3-ply; the tortoise celluloid pickguard is 5-ply bound. Hardware is gold-plated, including the original Grover rotomatics, and the knobs are the typical "capped' gold 1960's Gibson style.
The rather costly (over $500.00) Sheraton was made in fairly limited numbers in the early 60's, and the optional (and more expensive) blonde finish makes this a rather rare guitar. With a rather wide and fairly flat-feeling neck, this is a very comfortable player. This particular Sheraton is equipped with a natural (not gold-plated) Bigsby B-3 instead of the gold B-6 one would normally expect; we at first assumed this to be a period addition, but there are no other screwholes present beneath the tailpiece anchor, and this appears to be a factory fitting. All other hardware is original as well, making this a well-gigged but unaltered guitar complete with the original HSC.
Overall length is 43 in. (109.2 cm.), 16 1/4 in. (41.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.).
Some average overall playwear -- one large "sweat mark" on the lower bass bout where the original owner's arm obviously rested for many a long night's gig. This guitar came up from Texas and has likely spent many an hot evening playing the blues or country circuit.
A well-played but well cared for and spectacular sounding guitar. Overall Very Good + Condition.
