Epiphone Broadway 1949

In 1937, the model expanded to a 17 3/8-inch size, positioning the Broadway between the smaller models and top-of-the-line models like the Deluxe and Emperor. It was characterized by its carved maple back and sides, cello-style F-holes, and the innovative Frequensator tailpiece, which became standard in 1939. This Epiphone innovation was designed to better distribute string tension. The Broadway was a popular choice among jazz musicians seeking an archtop with volume, projection, and a warm tone. 

This 1949 Broadway dates from the postwar period of Epiphone's production, when the company still operated from its New York factory. This 1949 Broadway features a two-piece carved maple back and a two-piece arched spruce top, resulting in a bright and balanced tone with excellent projection. The five-piece maple and mahogany neck has a comfortable V-profile with a rosewood fingerboard featuring mother-of-pearl block inlays. The white binding with black and white purfling, the bound tortoiseshell pickguard, and the cello-style F-holes give the guitar its classic archtop look. The original Frequensator tailpiece and adjustable rosewood bridge complete the traditional look. The guitar is equipped with a Benedetto Floating Jazz Humbucker pickup, making it suitable for both acoustic and amplified playing. 

This Epiphone Broadway has been to the workshop of Gitaarwerk in 2014, where it was given a new dark sunburst finish. Thanks to this refinish, the guitar is in excellent condition and retains its authentic character. A small crack under the tailpiece was repaired, the binding was also repaired in some places, the pickguard has been replaced and the guitar was refretted in the past. The guitar was purchased by the Dutch Archtop Museum in September 2009 from Joe Vinikow of archtopcom in Seattle. It comes in a hardshell case.