Epiphone Zephyr Emperor Regent Model Arch Top Hollow Body Electric Tenor Guitar (1951), made in New York, NY, natural lacquer finish, laminated maple body and neck, original black hard shell case.
Here is yet another extremely rare variation of a relatively familiar instrument -- a 4-string tenor version of the Epiphone Zephyr Emperor Regent, one of the most imposing electric guitars ever created.
While the 6-string electric Emperor was built in some numbers, this custom-ordered tenor is one of possibly a handful ever made. The blonde-finished body is actually that of the slightly smaller Deluxe Zephyr Regent, but all features are Emperor standard and the label reads "Zephyr Emperor Tenor". Perhaps Epiphone considered that the small tenor neck would look rather absurd on the full 18" Emperor body!
This model was Epiphone's top of the line electric in the early 1950's, with all the cosmetic features of the acoustic Emperor mated with extremely elaborate (for the period) electronics. It features three "New York" single coil pickups -- special 4-pole versions -- with the proprietary elaborate push-button selector panel allowing numerous different combinations, including some interestingly funky combinations.
Inspired by Gibson's three-pickup ES-5 introduced in 1949, Epiphone as always went full out to top the competition and produce the most versatile and visually striking amplified instrument imaginable in the early 1950's. This is a great-sounding instrument and certainly one of the most deluxe and impressive electric tenor guitars ever built.
Overall length is 39 1/2 in. (100.3 cm.), 17 3/8 in. (44.1 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 22 3/4 in. (578 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/16 in. (33 mm.).
Very nice original condition; the only noticeable repair is a well-done patch in the jack area. Finish wear is very light; there is some noticeable plating wear to the gold pickup covers and tailpiece. There is a small gold metal letter affixed to the truss rod cover -- this would be simple to remove, but we have left it as a testament to the previous owner. Includes an original HSC with numerous old string packets in the pocket. Excellent Condition.
