For your consideration is this gorgeous 1983 Epiphone Emperor-F with a Gibson neck pickup (either a late 70's t-top or early 80's Tim Shaw- I can't tell without desoldering the cover- let me know if you have more info on it). Comes with the original Gibson hardshell case.

This guitar plays and sounds like a dream. It has been professionally set up and is currently strung with TI JS112 strings. The action is incredibly low up and down the neck, there are no dead spots or buzzing. Every string on every fret rings loud and true, perfectly balanced with that beautiful, warm L5 tone.

Honestly, I'm in no rush to sell this and am happy to keep it in my collection. I have another archtop that I play more but this one still sees plenty of action.

Plugged in, this guitar sounds every bit as good as a much more expensive L5 particularly with that Gibson humbucker in the neck (MMK 61 in bridge).

The highly skilled Japanese luthiers that built this at the Matsumoku factory were trying to establish themselves as a legitimate alternative to the American market and were creating instruments that frankly out-competed much of what was being made in the US at that time.

I'm happy to answer any questions about this amazing guitar. Thanks for looking!

Laminated Spruce top

Laminated Maple back and sides

Ebony fretboard with mother of pearl and abalone markers

5 piece maple neck with walnut strips

Multi-ply binding throughout

25.5" scale

12" radius

Made in Japan