A History of Archtop Excellence Since 1931 Reinvented for the 21st Century
Epiphone’s first Masterbilt archtops quickly rose to popularity during the 1930s “Big Band” era and were renowned for their warm woody tone, wide tonal range and punchy volume. However, with the invention of the electric guitar pickup, archtop acoustic guitars quickly became equipped with magnetic amplification and were for the most part, forever transformed into “electric” guitars. Until now…
Epiphone, the leader in affordable professional archtop guitars, reinvents the archtop again by combining our original, time-tested designs with 21st century acoustic guitar electronics to bring you the new Masterbilt Century Collection™. The first collection of archtop “acoustic/electric” guitars designed to be played and amplified as true acoustic instruments. Just play one and you will immediately feel and hear the difference between today’s common “flat top” acoustic guitar and the unique voice of a Masterbilt Century. Plug one in and prepare to be amazed! Really. You have to hear it to believe it.
Now with the eSonic™ HD preamp and Shadow NanoFlex™ HD Under-saddle pickup, you can plug in any Masterbilt Century archtop acoustic/electric into an amp or any PA and hear your guitar’s beautiful and dynamic true acoustic tone on any size stage. For flattop guitarists who have only played old plywood archtops, the sound of a Masterbilt Century guitars will be a revelation. Get ready for a totally new acoustic guitar experience!
PRODUCT FEATURES
Historic Epiphone Archtop Design with Round Sound Hole
Solid Spruce Top with Longitudinal Bracing
True Acoustic Sound with Sonic™ HD Preamp/NanoFlex™ HD pickup
Ebony Fretboard
Historic Tuners and Headstock Inlay Design
SPECIFICATIONS
Finish Aged Gloss
Hardware Aged Nickel
Top Solid Spruce; Longitudinal Bracing
Body Laminated Flame Maple
Body Dimensions Lower Bout = 17″
Upper Bout = 12.6″
Waist = 10.25″
Body Length = 21″
Neck 5-pc Laminated; Hard Maple/Mahogany
Neck Profile Rounded “C” shape
Preamp eSonic™ HD (High Definition)
Controls Master Volume & Master EQ
Pickup Shadow NanoFlex™ HD; Under-saddle
Power 9 Volt Battery
Output Jack 1/4″
Truss Rod Dual-Action
Truss Rod Cover Black PVC “Bullet”; 1-layer
Neck Joint
Dovetail; Glued-In
Fingerboard Ebony
F’Brd Inlay Pearloid “Notched Diamond”
Headstock Historic Epiphone Dovewing with Pearloid “Banner” logos
Tuners Historic Epiphone Reissue Tuners with Marboloid “Crown” buttons; Improved to 18:1 ratio
Frets 20; Medium
Nut Bone
Nut Width 1.69″ (43mm)
Scale Length 25.5″
Strings Cleartone®; 12-53
Bridge Floating Adjustable; Ebonoid
Saddle Compensated; Artificial Bone
Tailpiece Historic Epiphone Trapeze
Binding Body Top – 3-Layer
Body Back – 3-Layer
Fingerboard – 1-Layer
Headstock – None
Sound Hole – 2-Layer
Pickguard Imitation Tortoise
Strap Buttons Yes
Serial Number 1930’s Era Replica Soundhole Label
Optional Century Collection De Luxe Hard Case
Part #940-DELCS; UPC 711106700229
