Frank1229 Posted November 28, 2009 Share Posted November 28, 2009 I inherited what I believe to be a 1932 Epiphone Masterbilt Zenith. Its been refurbished once before, but still has many scratches, nicks, and worn spots on it. Anyone here got an estimate on a price? Not selling, just curious. Pictures of it, for your viewing pleasure: The guitar in what I believe could be the original case. http://img215.imageshack.us/i/epiphonemasterbiltzenit.jpg/ The head. http://img514.imageshack.us/i/epiphonemasterbiltzenit.jpg/ The sticker and serial code inside. http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7735/epiphonemasterbiltzeniti.jpg (Sorry for the yellow-ness, a sticky note is the only thing I could find to tone down the flash.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larens Posted November 28, 2009 Share Posted November 28, 2009 I inherited what I believe to be a 1932 Epiphone Masterbilt Zenith.Its been refurbished once before' date=' but still has many scratches, nicks, and worn spots on it. Anyone here got an estimate on a price? Not selling, just curious. [b']Pictures of it, for your viewing pleasure:[/b] The guitar in what I believe could be the original case. http://img215.imageshack.us/i/epiphonemasterbiltzenit.jpg/ The head. http://img514.imageshack.us/i/epiphonemasterbiltzenit.jpg/ The sticker and serial code inside. http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7735/epiphonemasterbiltzeniti.jpg (Sorry for the yellow-ness, a sticky note is the only thing I could find to tone down the flash.) I would probably guess the guitar is worth in the $1500-$1800 range and being that it's been previously "refurbished" it could be even slightly less. There's not a huge collector demand for the early lower/mid range Epiphone arch tops. There's really not even a huge demand for the Gibson lower/mid range arch tops from this time period. Now, the L-5s and later Emperors do command serious money but the early Zeniths were small-bodied (13 5/8") and Epiphones don't start getting interesting to collectors until later in the decade when the 17"+ bodied guitars started appearing. Still, a very nice piece of guitar history that I'd be inclined to keep in the family and pass down. Good luck. Larens Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ship of fools Posted November 29, 2009 Share Posted November 29, 2009 They actually had three different types of Zeniths, the first being one with a spruce top sized at 13.625 inch's and maple back/sides from 31-58, they also had a Zenith sub-named the Melody Tenor which sported a Walnut back/sides and had a 13.5 in body width 31-36, and lastly the Zenith Tenor made from 37-57 similar to the Melody but the body size was slightly smaller 13.25 in's, if indeed yours is a 32 then it would actually be slighty lower then what Larens had suggested ( especially that the market is weak, unless you find a buyer that just has to have it ) one in excellent shape would sell around then $1000.00 USD, but a very nice looking jazz box take great care of her and please play the thing or else its just a piece of firewood and what do you mean by its been refurbished, do you mean it has had a set up, neck reset of the frets dressed and leveled or cracks repaired and also I would venture a guess that that could be the original case that they bought with the guitar, not one made by Epiphone, I don't believe they made very many cases to go with their guitars from that time period.Ship Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masterbuilt Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Hello - I am new to the forum. I love these small early Epi Masterbilt archtops! From what I can tell from the photos, the tuners, pickguard and tailpiece are replaced. If the finish is original and guitar otherwise in fine condition, I would also estimate market value around $1K. m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3 Chord Hippie Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 The Zeniths are great guitars. I have a 1939 (first year for truss rod). The $1000.00 estimate sounds spot on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 The last two that sold in this neck of the woods went in the $1400 range but both were 100% original and in very nice condition. But it is hard to tell these days because prices are really down. Trade values are actually higher that what you can get in a sale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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