1962 Epiphone Crestwood Custom + HSC

Originally introduced in 1958 as Epiphone's top of the line solid body electric, the Crestwood was one of the first new designs to be launched under the new Gibson ownership of the Epiphone brand as was made in Gibson's Kalamazoo factory alongside Gibson's other instruments from the golden era.

This particular example dates from 1962 and features the more rounded body edges first seen in late '59, the traditional three on a side headstock shape, the oval fret inlays introduced in 1961 and a pair of PAF mini humbucker pick-ups. In 1963 the body shape was changed slightly along with a completely redesigned pick guard, and the headstock changed to the 'batwing' six on a side shape. It is these earlier pre '63 versions like this one here that are the rarest and most collectable examples.

The Crestwood Custom was basically the Epiphone equivalent of its cousin the Gibson SG Standard and shared the same tone-woods and construction methods, but featured a pair of PAF mini humbucker pick-ups rather than the full sized humbuckers of the SG Standard and also the Epiphone Trem-O-Tone Vibrato. The other hardware (double ring Kluson Deluxe tuners, no wire ABR-1 tune-o-matic bridge, control knobs) and electrics (switch, pots and caps) were the same as used on the SG Standards of the period.

This example is completely original and in excellent to near mint collector grade condition. There are just a handful of small nicks and some light lacquer checking. The cherry finish has faded somewhat to a rust colour which is common on vintage Gibson's and Epiphone's from this period.

The neck profile could be described as a medium C and while slimmer than the '59 type profile is by no means what could be a termed a typical 'slim' profile. It has a nice depth and is a very comfortable natural feeling neck to play with a nice slinky action. The original frets are in great condition with virtually no wear to speak of and many years of playing life in them.

Coming in at just under 7lbs it is nice and lightweight too.

Acoustically it has a nice natural growl and is resonant with bags of natural sustain. Plugged in the pair of PAF mini-humbuckers deliver a great tone with lots of lower mid range grunt and top end bite. They are quite similar in character to a hot Tele bridge pick up, so are great for clean tones as well as overdriven tones and retain clarity and articulation at all times.

This is a superb example of a vintage Kalamazoo made Epiphone that sounds and looks great. If you are looking for something a little different that can deliver bags of vintage tone and looks super cool then look no further. These Crestwood Customs from this period are truly great guitars and are a excellent value especially when put side-by-side with their much more expensive SG Standard cousins from the same era.

These don't come up for sale very often either so here is a rare opportunity to acquire one of these superb guitars to add to your collection. Not only that but one that is in original collector grade condition.

Comes with a modern repro vintage Epiphone case.

Weight: 6lb 11oz

Pick up readings: neck 7.4k, bridge 7.75k