Up for sale is a 1945 Epiphone Zenith acoustic Archtop guitar.

There has been some maintenance done over the years and I will describe to the best of my knowledge although I am not the original owner or have any association with the original owner.  Who knows how many hands have played this great guitar in the last 70 years.

First of all there are no visible cracks to the body or neck anywhere.  The center seam on the top is visible and can be felt but is not a crack.  Seems to be glue seem that has become more visible over the years.

Original tuners have been replaced but are in the case and will be shipped with the purchase.  It has undergone a neck reset and refret.  I am no luthier or repairman but it seems that a truss rod was installed during the reset.  You can see on the body where the neck originally set onto the top.  It is now lifted from that area and there is an exposed truss rod at the base of the neck/fingerboard.  Repair is solid, neck is straight, action is low and comfortable, a real pro must have repaired this.  There is a little first position wear on the fingerboard but not much considering the age.  The refret was an excellent job with the exception of the 15th fret which is a little low.  The only area I notice it to fret out with any bending.  I use this guitar for chord/melody jazz with flat wound strings so I\'m not bending at all but I want to disclose everything.

The neck reset area on the bass side looking down shows a very slight gap between the neck and the body.  This is no loose gap.  It does not rock or move.  I have tried.

The tailpiece is not your typical metal, but a nice piece of rosewood.  Not typical for this type of guitar but a nice touch.  The end pin is not original.  I bought it from stew-mac.  There is a drilled hole on the bass side shoulder where I put a strap button.  I sit when I play and use a strap.  I can include the button if desired.  Let me know when you purchase.

There are some small areas where the binding has separated from the body but it is not loose and has not broken free.  All is intact.  Pickguard seems to be original and is in great shape--no issues.

Original material on the neck heel is missing but I purchased a piece from stew-mac to replace but have not used.  I will include in the case with the purchase.

The finish or what\'s left of it appears to be original.  There are plenty of scratches and bumps and bruises all over.  With a complete refinish this would be a head turner, but the sound and playability in the right hands will make that person happy too.  I think it\'s cool just the way it is.  Was always complimented on it for both sound and looks.

The case is obviously a newer aftermarket HSC.  Roadrunner brand.  No issues.

I am giving this detailed description because there will be no returns.  This is sold as is.  None of the aesthetic issues or flaws affect the form fit or function of this guitar.

It plays like a dream.  Stays in tune.  Intonates perfectly.  Low action.  You can dig in for a gritty bluesy growl or lighten up for some nice swing jazz.  The chord/melody standards I play on it take you back to the era from when those songs were written.  Very beautiful tone.

Despite the age and repairs this axe is solid as a ROCK.

Please ask ANY questions or ask for any details or pictures you need to help in your decision.  No returns.

Shipped and insured free of charge through fedex ground to continental U.S. Only.  No international offers will be accepted.

Thank you for looking.