1933 Epiphone Masterbilt “David Rawlings” Olympic Archtop Guitar

Excellent Condition

Mahogany Top, Back & Sides

1933

Serial #: 7144, silver Epiphone "Art Musical Instruments" label

Body size at lower bout: 13 1/2" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 11/16"

Finish: Original, exclusive to 1933-34 semi-opaque sunburst finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type

Materials: Hand carved solid spruce top; arched mahogany back and sides; one-piece mahogany neck; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard; single-bound body, solid bone nut.

Hardware: Original hardware includes contoured bakelite pickguard; adjustable Brazilian rosewood bridge; nickel open back three-on-a-plate tuners with ivoroid buttons. Newer Waverly nickel trapeze tailpiece.

Notes: One of the first flight of Epi archtop models, the Olympic first appeared in 1932, and remained in the catalog until 1949. This outstanding example from 1933 shows one of the the earliest designs for the model, with a 13 1/2" mahogany body. Unlike the Gibson archtops of comparable size, the Olympic and its other Epi cousins all had long scale necks and suspended fingerboards, thereby enhancing their formidable projection and bark.

We'd assumed for years that these models would be fairly plentiful, but once alt-country guitar hero David Rawlings adopted the Olympic as his all-purpose touring and recording guitar, we began getting requests for them that we just couldn't fill at any price. And when collectors began searching them out in earnest, it quickly became apparent just how seldom these rarities come to market, much less in such outstanding condition.

A gleaming guitar from the dawn of Epiphone archtops, this wonderful example is from the last year for the smaller 13 1/2" body. The guitar shows no cracks, and has all its original gleaming semi-opaque sunburst finish. Original hardware includes the contoured pickguard of brilliant black bakelite, open back tuners, and adjustable Brazilian rosewood bridge, with matching serial number stamped under the base. The neck has smooth low action over all-original fretwork, a gentle C profile contour, and the voice is bright, forward and punchy as they come. In addition to the segmented soundholes of the earliest Masterbilt Epis, this rare example has a unique Masterbilt logo over a particularly handsome dark tortoise shell peghead facing, the only one we've ever seen. 

Finally, this shiny little guitar comes complete with an original deluxe Epiphone fitted plush lined arched hardshell case. As these models were almost always supplied with flimsy fiber cases, this was a wonderful surprise, and once again, the only one we've ever seen. Just a jewel, in astounding condition, and a mighty rare bird indeed.

Setup: The frets have been precision leveled, recrowned and polished as required; trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted as required; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; bridge foot contour inspected and fit to top as necessary; bridge radius inspected and recurved as necessary; bridgewheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.

This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze strings (.013-.057). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Original deluxe Epiphone fitted plush lined arched hardshell case.

Pure Effect Music Shipping & Return Policy

Shipping

We take great pride in ensuring your guitar arrives safely and promptly.

International Shipping:
We ship worldwide via DHL Express or FedEx International. Customs duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility. These costs are not included in your order and will be billed to you by the transporter during the customs clearance process or upon delivery.

Time:
Orders are shipped within 1–2 business days after payment is received and cleared.

All instruments are meticulously inspected, photographed, and securely packaged prior to shipment.

Returns

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned to Pure Effect Music within 48 hours of delivery in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.

Return Window:
You may return the guitar if the above conditions are met within 48 hours of delivery for a refund, less shipping costs and restocking fee.

Condition:
Guitar must be returned in the exact condition it was received. Any damage, alterations, or signs of wear may result in a reduced refund.

Restocking Fee:
A 15% restocking fee will be applied to all returns. This covers international customs fees, handling, inspection, and potential loss of sales.

Return Shipping:
Buyer is responsible for fully insured return shipping using a trackable carrier. Please pack with care—including original packaging.

Non-Returnable Items

• Custom orders or modified instruments
• Items sold as-is or listed as non-returnable in the product description

Please visit www.pureeffectmusic.com website for further information