{"product_id":"epiphone-zephyr-emperor-regent-1953-blonde","title":"Epiphone 1953 Zephyr Emperor Regent Blonde New York Pickups","description":"\u003cp\u003eNo sales tax for US customers outside California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe name this beautiful Epiphone design was not chosen randomly: Zephyr stood for the electric variant, Emperor was the model name, and Regent indicated that the body had a cutaway. The Zephyr Emperor Regent was the pinnacle of Epiphone's New York-made electric guitar line — the firm's most costly electric guitar, discontinued after Gibson purchased the Epiphone company in 1957. It competed directly with the Gibson ES-5, the three-pickup top of the Gibson electric archtop line — and in at least one important technical respect, surpassed it. The six-button Varitone pickup selector permitted unprecedented variation in tone colors at the touch of a button, and was later copied by Guild for their X-375 model — its versatility has never been matched by Gibson to this day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe six Varitone settings represent each pickup separately — bridge alone, middle alone, neck alone — along with each of the three possible combinations of two pickups together. The New York pickups are a unique Epiphone design based around a side-wound coil that gives a truly unique tone — clear and detailed, with a character distinct from both Gibson humbuckers and standard single-coil Fender pickups. All three original gold-plated nickel-covered New York pickups are present and functional. The original Bakelite carousel pointer knobs, Frequensator tailpiece, original two-control layout, and Epiphone Kolb tuners with E-stamped buttons are all intact. The six-button Varitone switch is original and functional. Wiring and solder joints are original.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"inline-flex\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/prsguitars.com\/electrics\/model\/s2_mccarty_594_2025\" class=\"group\/tag relative h-[18px] rounded-full inline-flex items-center overflow-hidden -translate-y-px cursor-pointer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative transition-colors h-full max-w-[180px] overflow-hidden px-1.5 inline-flex items-center font-small rounded-full border-0.5 border-border-300 bg-bg-200 group-hover\/tag:bg-accent-900 group-hover\/tag:border-accent-100\/60\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"text-nowrap text-text-300 break-all truncate font-normal group-hover\/tag:text-text-200\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe body specification calls for a spruce top with maple back and sides, 18.5\" wide and 3.5\" deep, with 7-ply body binding and triple-bound f-holes. The V-block pearl and abalone fingerboard inlays and Vine of Life headstock inlay are correct and present. The 7-ply maple and walnut neck carries a C profile at .885\" at the first fret and .948\" at the tenth. Honest condition notes throughout: body finish is fair with wear consistent with 70 years of age; body binding is fair to poor with many spliced and re-glued areas; fretboard binding has been repaired throughout; bone nut has been replaced; not all pickguard screws are original; a strap button has been added at the center neck heel. These details are fully visible in the photos. The rosewood fretboard, bridge, and saddle are in very good to excellent condition. Action is set at 3\/32\" on both strings at the twelfth fret. Non-original Guardian hardshell case included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis is a killer sounding, great playing guitar!  It is a true beauty as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 8lbs 4oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColor: Blonde\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody Material: Maple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody Condition: fair\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody Date: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody Markings: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody Repairs: none\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody Binding: 7-ply\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody Binding Condition: fair to poor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody Length: 21-3\/4\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody Finish Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody Finish Condition: Good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLower Bout: 18-3\/4\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWaist: 10-1\/4\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpper Bout: 12-7\/8\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody Depth\/Thickness: 3-1\/2\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickguard Color: black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickguard Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickguard Condition: good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickguard Screws Original?: some, not all\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrap Buttons: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrap Button Added?: yes Location: center neck heel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScale Length: 25.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck Material: maple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck Profile: C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck Thickness At 1st Fret: .885\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck Thickness At 10th Fret: .948\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAction 1st String At 12th Fret: 3\/32\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAction 6th String At 12th Fret: 3\/32\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck Condition: good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck Repairs: none\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck Finish Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck Date: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck Markings: Pearl\/Abalone V-block, full length double pinstripe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck Plate Color: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck Plate Material: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck Plate Original?: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck Screws Original?: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFretboard Material: rosewood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFretboard Condition: very good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFretboard Repairs: binding repairs throughout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFretboard Radius: 12\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFret Condition: good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFret Repairs: none\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFret Count: 20\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNut Material: bone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNut Repairs: replaced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNut Width: 1-11\/16\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBridge Brand: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTremolo Or Fixed Bridge?: floating\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBridge Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTremolo Arm Original?: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSaddle Material: rosewood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSaddles Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBridge And Saddle Crews Original?: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eString Spacing At Bridge: 2.099\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBridge Condition: good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuner Brand And Model: Epiphone Kolb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuners Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChanges To Headstock For Tuners?: no\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuner Condition: good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuner Markings: E \u0026lt;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuner Screws Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTruss Rod Cover: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOverall Length: 44\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocumentation: none\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCase Brand: Guardian\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCase Original?: no\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCase Condition: good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCase Smells?: none\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickup Brand: \"New York\" single coil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickup Count: 3\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickup Reading: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickup Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickup Bobbin Color: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickup Markings: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickup Condition: good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickup Screws Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickup Cover Color: gold plated nickel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickup Cavity Condition: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnob Color: white\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnob Count: 2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnobs Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnob Condition: good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eControl Cavity Cover Material: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eControl Cavity Cover Original?: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eControl Cavity Condition: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePotentiometer Count: 2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePotentiometer Manufacturer Code: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePotentiometer Date Code: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePotentiometers Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePotentiometer Condition: good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolders Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWiring Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwitch Brand: \"Vari-Tone\" six-button switching system\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwitch Condition: good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwitch Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwitch Tip Color: white\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwitch Tip Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput Jack Plate Color: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput Jack Plate Condition: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput Jack Plate Color?: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScrews Original?: n\/a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput Jack Original?: yes\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmells?: no\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccessories Included: none\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTailpiece Brand: Epiphone Frequensator\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTailpiece Color: Gold plated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTailpiece Condition: good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTailpiece Original?: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShipping policy:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are multiple shipping cost options for purchases made on our site.  Select Ground, 3 Day, 2 Day, or Next Day Air Saver.  For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for Eastern states - customers from any state that is more than a 3 day UPS ground shipment from our shop will get their shipment via UPS 3 day air.  Otherwise, ground shipping will be used.  Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.   \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Epiphone","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56449855946918,"sku":"G-2237","price":4499.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0455\/7527\/4662\/files\/epiphone-1953-zephyr-emperor-regent-blonde-new-york-pickups-5228658.jpg?v=1778491096","url":"https:\/\/www.maharsvintageguitars.com\/products\/epiphone-zephyr-emperor-regent-1953-blonde","provider":"Mahar's Vintage Guitars","version":"1.0","type":"link"}