NGD Epiphone Deluxe Archtop

Rich Cohen

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Just received a 1946 (birth year) Epiphone Deluxe in very good to excellent shape. It came with the original Lifton case. The pickguard is on its way to me. Compared to its bigger brother, the Emperor, the Deluxe is lighter, sits more comfy on the lap and has a lighter touch and resonance. See below the photos for a description of the Deluxe.



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Westerly Wood

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that split saddle is really interesting...is that original?
and didn't Guild hire 3 guys from Epiphone factory when it closed? in the early period of Guild.
i assume then the Guild archtops are really Epi continued? so to speak....
 

GGJaguar

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Stunning addition to the Emperor, congrats!!
 

Rich Cohen

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that split saddle is really interesting...is that original?
and didn't Guild hire 3 guys from Epiphone factory when it closed? in the early period of Guild.
i assume then the Guild archtops are really Epi continued? so to speak....
Woody, if by "split saddles" you mean two layers, yes. And I believe it's original. Most archtops were built with a saddle that is adjustable. And yes, the Guild archtops are pretty much based on Epis of the early 1950's. Notice the cloud inlays on the finger board. They are probably the inspiration for the cloud inlays on the JF-100 and D-100. But, others can weigh in on that point. I love the "tree of life" motif on the peghead. And the stellar binding on the f-holes.
 

Westerly Wood

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Woody, if by "split saddles" you mean two layers, yes. And I believe it's original. Most archtops were built with a saddle that is adjustable. And yes, the Guild archtops are pretty much based on Epis of the early 1950's. Notice the cloud inlays on the finger board. They are probably the inspiration for the cloud inlays on the JF-100 and D-100. But, others can weigh in on that point. I love the "tree of life" motif on the peghead. And the stellar binding on the f-holes.

this question will be kind of silly Rich, but what are those archtops like playing vs say your JV72. I assume archtops are more for fingerpicking?
 

Westerly Wood

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and here is what I found about re the "3 Amigos" and the very early days of Dronge's fledgling Guild Guitar company idea:

It all began in a 1,500-square foot loft in New York City during October of 1952. The location was strategically placed in between two lucrative communities to the forefront of this new guitar company with their target audience. The experienced craftsmen who were working at the nearby Gretsch and Epiphone factories, as well as a community or top jazz guitarists in New York, frequented the area at the time.

Guild hired some experienced craftsmen to design and produce the new, original Guild Guitars, and the owners used their connections with recording artists to receive valuable testing and professional insight on creating the perfect guitar. Because Guilds are made to be played, as their motto, the guitars needed to be perfect for the average player and perfected to meet guitarists needs.

Only a year into the company’s beginning, Mann left the company to Dronge. Although their partnership dissolved, Dronge was as determined as ever to transform his dream into a reality. He began to seek out better craftsmen when he found that the answer lies in men such as the “Three Amigos,” who helped make Guild Guitars what they are today.

Gilbert Diaz, who has extensive experience with Gretsch, Carlo Greco, a classical guitar craftsman, and Fred Augusto, a finishing specialist, came on the scene to make Guilds the best they could be. These men are alone responsible for crafting more than 25 years of Guilds and perfect the guitars.
 

Rich Cohen

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this question will be kind of silly Rich, but what are those archtops like playing vs say your JV72. I assume archtops are more for fingerpicking?
Well, as with most guitars, the use to which a guitar is put often simply depends on the interests and playing style of the owner. I've found that flat tops and archtops can be played in similar ways in similar genres. But, that might be a contemporary use of the archtop. Back in the day, say in the 30s and 40s, archtops were used in swing and jazz contexts, mostly to complement the rhythm. The archtops got bigger and bigger, maxing out with 18" and even 19" behemoths. My Epi Emperor is 18.5" at the lower bout. The Deluxe is 17 3/8". I would say that the archtop when played rhythmically can mimic the sound of a drum beat. Also, the strings when plucked individually have quite a different sound from the flat top. Clearly, the archtop, at least one played acoustically with PB strings is very articulate and can compete with a flat top in such genre as old timey or country music. It also works well with jazz and swing. However, one has to learn the chords for such playing style. Then again, you can electrify the archtop and come up with some convincing jazz tones as well, where as the flat top isn't as competitive in that genre. Nothing like a flat top for good 'ol country, pop, folk, etc.
 

Rich Cohen

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and here is what I found about re the "3 Amigos" and the very early days of Dronge's fledgling Guild Guitar company idea:

It all began in a 1,500-square foot loft in New York City during October of 1952. The location was strategically placed in between two lucrative communities to the forefront of this new guitar company with their target audience. The experienced craftsmen who were working at the nearby Gretsch and Epiphone factories, as well as a community or top jazz guitarists in New York, frequented the area at the time.

Guild hired some experienced craftsmen to design and produce the new, original Guild Guitars, and the owners used their connections with recording artists to receive valuable testing and professional insight on creating the perfect guitar. Because Guilds are made to be played, as their motto, the guitars needed to be perfect for the average player and perfected to meet guitarists needs.

Only a year into the company’s beginning, Mann left the company to Dronge. Although their partnership dissolved, Dronge was as determined as ever to transform his dream into a reality. He began to seek out better craftsmen when he found that the answer lies in men such as the “Three Amigos,” who helped make Guild Guitars what they are today.

Gilbert Diaz, who has extensive experience with Gretsch, Carlo Greco, a classical guitar craftsman, and Fred Augusto, a finishing specialist, came on the scene to make Guilds the best they could be. These men are alone responsible for crafting more than 25 years of Guilds and perfect the guitars.
That's right. My 18" 1970 Artist Award most probably was overseen by Greco when built.
 

twocorgis

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That's beautiful Rich! Play it in good health.
 

zizala

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Beautiful new addition Rich!

I love my group of old Epiphones, but never have owned an Emperor or a Deluxe.
That Deluxe is a dream for me.....
 

Stuball48

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Rich:
I no need look at your Epi archtops - make my mind talk to me. I will have to scrap more copper!
Just a stunning addition to a player who can prechate it.
 

walrus

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Beautiful, Rich! What a gorgeous looking guitar!

What's the lower bout? 17"?

walrus
 

shihan

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Man, I can count on you to bring the awesome archtops. That one is in fabulous shape.
My understanding is the old Epi’s have fairly thin necks. Is that he case with the Deluxe?
 

HeyMikey

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Another stunning addition Rich! Congrats
on the birth year find. What a joy it must be to sit within a circle of those fine instruments, soaking in the history and trying to decide which one to play.
 

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Just received a 1946 (birth year) Epiphone Deluxe in very good to excellent shape. It came with the original Lifton case. The pickguard is on its way to me. Compared to its bigger brother, the Emperor, the Deluxe is lighter, sits more comfy on the lap and has a lighter touch and resonance. See below the photos for a description of the Deluxe.



thumbnail_IMG_8273.jpg
thumbnail_IMG_8279.jpg
thumbnail_IMG_8274.jpg
thumbnail_IMG_8275.jpg
thumbnail_IMG_8276.jpg
thumbnail_IMG_8277.jpg
thumbnail_IMG_8278.jpg
I love the elegance of this guitar. Found myself wanting to hear it -- then thought about youtube. Here it is:
 
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