Epiphone Triumph Natural 1947 Hollow-Body Electric Guitar

This is an Epiphone Triumph Hollow-Body Electric Guitar in Natural finish. Built in the USA in 1947, this incredible piece of history is constructed using a Solid Quatersawn Bookmatched Spruce top, a Solid Figured Maple back, Rock Maple sides, a 5-piece Rock Maple neck, and a 20-fret Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard. Other appointments include a Frequensator tailpiece, “Epsilon-logo” tuners, and a Brazilian Rosewood bridge. The guitar is fitted with a DeArmond Rhythm Chief 1100 pickup with pickguard-mounted controls for volume, tone, and a boost switch.

Designed in the height of the Big Band/Swing era, the Triumph was Epiphone’s most popular professional-level guitar until the original company closed in the 1950’s. This guitar is truly a Triumph by name, and by nature, proving that well-built instruments do stand the test of time. Bursting with character and mojo, this guitar is sure to inspire whoever is lucky enough to be it’s next owner.

This Epiphone Triumph has a Classic Light ‘V’-shaped neck that might seem intimidating at first but is actually incredibly comfortable and fills the hand well without being overly cumbersome. The guitar has been carved beautifully with it’s shape feeling very familiar in both the seated and standing positions. The rounder radius makes playing chords an absolute breeze up and down the neck. The playability of this guitar is a prime example of how excellent build quality can stand the test of time.

Acoustically, the hollow-body construction of this instrument produces an open and airy tone, with the naturally aged wood of the body resonating beautifully for a rich and distinctive sound which cannot be easily imitated. The DeArmond Rhythm Chief 1100 pickup produces a strong, dark low end which adds a depth and character to the sound, and is well complemented by the open and clear midrange. The top end is unpronounced, producing a sound that is perfect for jazzy lead lines. The boost button adds a significant amount of volume when engaged, making it perfect for boosting your solos whilst not tampering with your desired tone.

Luthier Report

Our ID: 101052597301

Weight: 6.05lbs

Serial: 56661

Aesthetic Condition:

Headstock: Overall very good condition, all aspects of the headstock demonstrate finish checking, scratching and light indentation. Discoloration is apparent in line with the instrument’s age.

Neck: Overall good condition, large portions of the finish to the rear of the neck have worn away over the years revealing the natural wood beneath, which has now heavily discolored with regular use. This provides two contrasting textures to the rear of the neck. Light indentation is apparent throughout the register of the rear which can only slightly be felt under the thumb in playing position. The fingerboard demonstrates notable signs of use, with notable wear in the early register, improving as you climb the neck. This does not affect playability. The heel demonstrates two patches that could indicate either strap button removal or repair. The binding remains intact.

Body: Overall good condition, a small crack is apparent to the bass side f hole, running from the tip of the f hole approximately 2 inches downwards. The binding to the rear lower bout has expanded away from the body, with some separation running around the bottom edge. The rear face demonstrates some moderate buckle rash in the center. All aspects of the body demonstrate consistent scratching, chipping of the finish and indentation in line with a well played instrument of this age.

Condition of Frets:

The frets demonstrate notable signs of use. There is no material remaining for future fret work.

Current Set Up:

Truss Rod: This guitar does have a truss rod but we are waiting for a tool to adjust the truss rod for functionality.

Hardware: Fully functional with moderate signs of wear.

Structural: The neck demonstrates a little too much relief, however remains very playable.

Height of the string from the 12th Fret-3mm - Bass 2mm

Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.

Strings on Guitar - Flatwound 11s

Electrics: When moved around, sometimes the electronics produce a loud buzzing. However, this is not consistently reproducible.

Case & Accessories

Tweed hard case

The case demonstrates light signs of use.