Extremely rare Epiphone Japan EMPEROR HSB, 1982 model, beige label, Matsumoku-made, full acoustic guitar, sought after USA Gibson Tim Shaw PAF numbered pickups with gold covers.
This model is highly regarded and popular as a Japanese vintage piece, and it is traded for over $3,500 NZD in overseas markets.In the late 1970s, Epiphone moved its production base from the United States to Japan, and production began at the now world-famous "Matsumoku factory." Recognized for Japan's advanced production technology, production at the Matsumoku factory continued into the 1980s, and this particular instrument was manufactured during the golden age of Matsumoku-made guitars.Based on the serial number on the back of the headstock, we estimate it was manufactured in 1982. Incidentally, "HSB" is an abbreviation for the body color "Honey Sunburst".The body has a full acoustic structure with a spruce top and maple sides and back, and the neck is a 5-piece set neck made of maple and ebony, with some flame maple grain visible in the maple of the neck.The fretboard is made of high-quality ebony wood, and the bridge base is also made of ebony; both are made from the finest woods available at the time, and the guitar is carefully and sturdily crafted. The guitar boasts a luxurious look and feel, featuring block-type V-block pearl inlays on the fretboard with triangular inlay decorations, a hand-drawn vintage-style headstock logo with a Vine of Life pearl inlay, layered body and neck binding, and gold hardware.Furthermore, the original pickguard is made of genuine tortoiseshell. While most of these pickguards are usually in poor condition due to age-related deterioration, this particular one is in excellent condition.And perhaps the most distinctive feature of this particular instrument is that it is equipped with "Gibson Tim Shaw New PAF Numbered Gold cover" pickups. These are extremely popular, and they are traded on overseas websites for high prices, at least around $600 to $800 USD each. Moreover, this particular unit has a gold cover and is in its original, unsoldered state. The two pickups alone are worth over $1600 USD. The maple body provides a bright tone with a strong core, while the spruce top adds an acoustic texture, the full-bodied resonance of a hollow-body guitar, and the warmth of a vintage tone, resulting in a brilliant, sweet, and deeply resonant sound.
Tthere are eight small holes on the back of the body that have been filled and repaired. There are some discolored areas on the body binding and some small chips in the clear coat. There is a very slight bulge in a part of the fretboard binding, but it does not affect playability.There are some minor dents and scratches on the body, but no significant damage, and considering it's 43 years old, it's in generally great condition. The metal parts, including the screws, bridge, and saddles, have been polished to perfection and are in good condition. Currently, the string height at the 12th fret is approximately 1.8mm for the 6th string and 1.6mm for the 1st string. The neck condition is also good, as the frets have been adjusted previously. The nut width is 43mm. Overall length: approx. 110cm, String length: approx. 64cm, Body width : approx. 42cm, Body thickness : approx. 8.6cm , Weight: approx. 3.6kg.
The frets have over 90% remaining.The fretboard and frets have been regularly maintained and cleaned, so they are in good condition.
