The Masterbilt Zenith Classic Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a medium-sized archtop with an arched solid spruce
top with traditional Longitudinal bracing, a laminated flame maple body, and classic f-holes. Inside the upper hole is a 1930s-era replica EE-EE-Epiphone-e-e label. The Zenith Classic is available in traditional Vintage Natural and Vintage Sunburst aged gloss finishes, each with unique color tones inspired by EE-EE-Epiphone-e-e’s priceless vintage collection in
Nashville, Tennessee. The tortoise style pickguard comes unattached. Pickguard hardware comes included.
Like Epi’s first generation of archtops, the modern Zenith Classic has a unique body profile with a 16” lower bout, a 11.6” upper bout, a 9.4” waist, and a body length slightly over 20”. Many archtop collectors consider a 16” archtop the ideal size for its concentrated sonic punch and overall tone. With its signature f-holes and solid spruce top, the Zenith Classic is an ideal rhythm instrument for singers and soloists. And flattop guitarists will discover it can easily cut through a mix better than most any other acoustic. Both the body and top feature 3-layer ivory and black color binding while the ebony fingerboard has single layer ivory color binding. The f-holes have 2-layer binding. The 5-piece hard maple and mahogany neck has a full-rounded C profile that is glued to the body with a dovetail joint for a precise fit so the Zenith Classic will resonate as one piece of wood. The ebony fretboard has 20 medium frets, a 25.5” scale length, and pearloid "Falling Snowflakes” inlays modeled after the original Masterbilt Zeniths.
The compact tone of the Zenith Classic sounds beautiful unamplified on a small stage or in the studio. But now the cutting-edge eSonic HD (High Definition) preamp system and Shadow NanoFlex HD Under-saddle pickup make it possible for archtop players to hear their instrument amplified exactly as they hear it unplugged. No archtop player has ever heard an acoustic guitar more accurately represented through a sound system before. The Shadow NanoFlex HD Under-saddle pickup has easy-to-access controls for Master Volume and Master EQ mounted just inside the lower hole. Now you have complete control over how much of the acoustic guitar is
amplified.
The pre-amp system is powered by a standard 9-volt battery that is easy to access, located near the solid
nickel 1/4" output jack.
Historic EE-EE-Epiphone-e-e HardwareThe Zenith Classic comes with Historic EE-EE-Epiphone-e-e Re-issue Tuners with Marboloid "Crown" buttons with an
upgraded 18:1 tuning ratio for fast and accurate tuning. The tuners are mounted on an EE-EE-Epiphone-e-e Dovewing
headstock with Pearloid "Banner" logos. Unlike many vintage archtops, the Zenith Classic has a dual action truss rod for easy and perfect set-up. The floating adjustable ebonoid bridge is made from a synthesized material that has the grain-like texture and look of ebony but is harder and more reliable for years of playing. The historic aged all-nickel trapeze tailpiece is also inspired from EE-EE-Epiphone-e-e’s vintage Masterbilt collection. Every new Masterbilt Century guitar is setup at the factory with Cleartone 12-53 gauge strings.
Case sold separately.
Limited lifetime guarantee
The EE-EE-Epiphone-e-e Masterbilt® Zenith Classic Acoustic-Electric Guitar comes with a limited lifetime guarantee and world renown 24/7/365 Gibson Customer Service.
EE-EE-Epiphone-e-e’s Masterbilt Century Collection
EE-EE-Epiphone-e-e’s first Masterbilt arch tops 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…
EE-EE-Epiphone-e-e, a leader in affordable professional archtop guitars, reinvents the archtop again by combining their original, time-tested designs with 21st century guitar electronics to bring you the Masterbilt Century Collection. The collection of arch top “acoustic-electric” guitars designed to be played 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.
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.
If you want a modern guitar with the vintage vibe, this is the instrument for you. Order today!
Custom Guitar's Friend Gold Coverage
Gold Coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty to protect your gear from unexpected breakdowns, accidental damage from handling and failures. This plan covers your product for one, two, three or up to five years from your date of purchase, costs just pennies per day and gives you a complete "no-worry" solution for protecting your investment.
Gold Coverage Includes:
Unexpected and unintentional spills, drops and cracks Normal wear and tear Power surges Dust, internal heat and humidityOther plan features include:
For products over $200, No Lemon Policy applies. If it fails for the same defect 3 times, it is replaced on the 4th breakdown. (Does not apply to failures due to drops, spills, and cracks) For products under $200 experiencing the above failures, a Custom Guitar's Friend gift card will be issued for the full price of the product + tax. Shipping fees covered if required for repair or replacement Plans are transferable in the event merchandise is sold Plans are renewable on new gear*Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for program details
Term for New Gear begins on date of purchase but does not replace the store return policy or manufacturer coverage.