This is really rare cool early production 1953 Epiphone Zephyr Emperor Regent is in incredible original shape. Its got a gorgeous rich Honey Sunburst finish over a nicely figured maple top w/matching figured maple back & side panels. Its delightful full sized wide 3 piece mahogany neck w/its 1 11/16″ nut width feels fabulous. It’s got a white bound Ebony fingerboard w/top line abalone triangles inside white pearl block inlays. The push-button pickup selector system, originally called the Vari-Tone before Epiphone retired that nomenclature in deference to Gibson, offers a broad range of brilliant, clear tones. Expressive and detailed, the New York pickups amplify the natural clarity and midrange-forward sweetness of the instrument, emblematic of arguably the finest era of Epiphone production.  Quite versatile, this Zephyr Emperor can be sparkling and crisp or thick and mellow, literally with the push of a button. The bound Brazilian rosewood headstock veneer features Epiphone’s vine inlay and script logo, complete with the original truss rod cover. The original gold-plated 16:1 ratio Epsilon tuners are intact with a smooth, reliable response. The original electronics function as intended, with the New York pickups wired to the push-button pickup selector (the same system Guild would later co-op for their X-375) and Master Volume and Tone knobs capped with original distinctive cream octagonal pointer knobs. The hardware includes the original gold patent pending Frequensator tailpiece and the compensated rosewood Brazilian rosewood bridge. The bound deep red bound tortoise pickgard appears original. Visible through the F hole, the serialized Epiphone label is present, dating the instrument to ’53. She’s got killer sustain & tone qualities. Other than some slight play time, she’s an exceptional original example & comes in its original Brown Tolex/Pink lined hard case.