Epiphone Triumph Arch Top Acoustic Guitar (1937)

Epiphone Triumph Model Arch Top Acoustic Guitar (1937), made in New York City, serial # 11246, sunburst top, dark back and sides finish, maple back, sides and neck, spruce top, rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.

This lovely transitional Epiphone Triumph from 1937 is an intriguing mix of features old (the smaller center-peak headstock with open-back, metal button tuners,) and new (17" body, large cello f-holes, Frequensator tailpiece) that could only have occurred in 1936-7. Additionally, this guitar has an unusually "tight' to the body edge sunburst with a large golden center area, which we have seen on a few other Epis (the 1937-9 on the current Epiphone Company's "wiki' page is identical).

Most unusual, the top is multi-bound with 8 plys and the back triple bound, which is fancier than than any Triumph we have seen! The functional result of all these features is a wonderful sounding guitar with a big, open and surprizingly rich tone that plays effortlessly and can easily fill a room. The 1936 catalog listing for the Triumph specifically mentins a "new narrower neck" and this guitar definitely has a slim-contoured neck with a slight "V" profile that is much less chunky than many Epiphones, making it more comfortable for many players. The (originally) $125.00 Triumph was the lowest "professional" grade model in the Epiphone line, like the Gibson L-7, but this one has a sound equal to many much more expensive guitars, from this or any other era.
 
Overall length is 42 in. (106.7 cm.), 17 1/8 in. (43.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.). A very good playing and sounding old professional-grade prewar Epiphone. All original hardware (tuners, pickguard, talipiece-a never-cracked Frequensator!) except for a newer bridge. One tuner barrel is period but mismatched. The finish has some checking and small dings but overall is in very fine shape-the neck finish is very smooth and may have been polished out at some point but eveything matches and the entire guitar blacklights perfectly. There are two small patched holes inder the bridge where someone appears to have attempted some sort of solid bridge attachment long ago-these are not visible with the bridge in place. Original frets are still functional without major wear. Includes a lovely if somewhat worn-in OHSC with green plush lining. Excellent Condition.

Item # 5130
 
This item has been sold.


 
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