1941 Epiphone De Luxe

The Epiphone De Luxe was obviously inspired by L-5 but it took the Gibson’s classic design in a slightly different direction. The first version of the De Luxe was introduced in 1931 and it measured 16 3/8″ across the lower bout, a hair wider than the L-5’s 16″ measurement. When Gibson introduced the 17″ Advanced L-5 in 1935, Epiphone countered with the 17 3/8″ De Luxe. This version of the De Luxe opted for simpler binding than the L-5, but went for fancier fretboard inlays and a rounder pickguard. I’ve always liked the way Epiphone used the curves of the inlays to echo the shape of the pickguard and the headstock silhouette and how that ties the whole package together visually. (I always thought the square, block inlays in the L-5 were a bit jarring for such a curvy guitar.) I also like the shape of the Epiphone’s f-holes, which are more closely modeled on those found in a cello. I also think the Epiphones sound really good. To my ear they are not quite as punchy as a Gibson, but they do have a sweeter, mellower tone. Gibson bought Epiphone in 1957 and continued to build both brands in Kalamazoo until 1970, when Epiphone production was moved to Japan and later Korea. The 40-plus years of Asian manufacture have obscured Epiphone’s earlier history and many younger players are surprised to discover that not only were Epiphones once built in America, but that in their prime they were Gibson’s main competition. This lovely example of Epiphone’s craft is currently living at Retrofret where it is priced at $5750.

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