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Topic: Refurbished Epitome Lap Steel |
Lee D Kaiser
From:
California, USA
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Posted 25 Oct 2020 1:57 pm |
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Here's a circa 1950 Epitome that I refurbished. I was initially drawn to its rustic character. After some research, I found that it was an Epitome, made by Jackson-Guldan. I kind of like the idea of people selling these door-to-door, if that story is correct. The pot codes didn't tell me a date made, but apparently the bridge is a pre-war Gibson, so I'm guessing late 40's to early 50's for build. There are a few references to Epitome steels on this forum.
I thought at first that I'd just get it playing and leave it rustic looking. Then I thought I'd stain and lacquer it, but the wood itself was not so pretty. I finally decided to make a crackle finish like it originally had.
String spacing is a little closer than my other steels, but it plays well and sounds good. Scale length is 23", and it weighs in at a light 4 lbs.
I like how the previous owner's finger picks scalloped the edge of the fretboard at the higher frets. I'm guessing he played and enjoyed this guitar a lot. Judging by the condition of the strings, it hadn't been played in a long time.
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If I'd stop buying old guitars to fix, I might actually learn to play.
I haven't met a guitar I didn't like. |
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Bill Groner
From:
QUAKERTOWN, PA
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Posted 25 Oct 2020 2:26 pm
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Nice job Lee, I like the crackle finish you put on it.
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Currently own, 6 Groner-tone lap steels, one 1953 Alamo Lap steel, Roland Cube, Fender Champion 40 |
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Christopher Blood
From:
Missouri, USA
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Posted 25 Oct 2020 3:24 pm
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| Awsome job. Where did you get the sticker for the headstock? |
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Lee D Kaiser
From:
California, USA
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Posted 25 Oct 2020 3:32 pm
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| Bill Groner wrote: |
| Nice job Lee, I like the crackle finish you put on it. |
Thanks. At first I didn't like the looks of the finish on the original Epitomes I saw, but then it grew on me.
| Christopher Blood wrote: |
| Awsome job. Where did you get the sticker for the headstock? |
Thanks. I found a picture of an Epitome headstock, printed it on photo paper, and cut out the label. A little contact cement holds it on.
_________________
If I'd stop buying old guitars to fix, I might actually learn to play.
I haven't met a guitar I didn't like. |
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