Epiphone Deluxe 1938

In 1937, the body was enlarged to 17 3/8 inches, positioning the Deluxe as an instrument for the discerning professional musician. It was distinguished by its rich ornamentation, featuring five-ply black and white binding, bound F-holes and pickguard, and the innovative Frequensator tailpiece. 

The Deluxe was known for its powerful projection and clear, balanced tone, making it particularly popular among big band guitarists who had to compete with full horn sections. The Deluxe represented the pinnacle of Epiphone's ambitions in the 1930s, when the New York-based company competed with the biggest names in the guitar world. This 1938 Deluxe is a beautiful example, featuring a two-piece carved maple back and a two-piece arched spruce top, finished with a natural gloss that beautifully showcases the beautiful wood grain. The three-piece mahogany and maple neck has a comfortable C-profile with a rosewood fingerboard featuring beautifully engraved mother-of-pearl cloud inlays and stripe inlays. The white binding on the neck, combined with the five-ply binding on the body, the bound tortoiseshell pickguard, and the bound cello-style F-holes, give the guitar its refined appearance. The original Epiphone tuners with marbeloid buttons and the Frequensator tailpiece complete the authentic vintage look. 

The guitar was purchased by the Dutch Archtop Museum in January 2010 from Gary's Classic Guitars in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was subsequently fully restored by Hans de Louter. He completely disassembled the guitar, refinished it, and fitted the body with new bindings. A crack on the back of the body was repaired, and a new piece of wood was inserted around an f-hole. A refret was also performed, the bridge replaced, and the guitar was then reassembled into a beautiful looking instrument. However, the guitar has a fairly high action and needs a neck reset to get back into optimal playing condition.