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1946 Epiphone Emperor

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Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Description

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The 1946 Epiphone Emperor stands as a testament to the golden era of jazz guitars, blending vintage charm with a robust semi-hollowbody design. Crafted in the post-war period, this guitar embodies the essence of the swing era, offering musicians a piece of history that resonates with timeless sound quality. Its 17-inch body provides a rich tonal depth, perfect for those seeking a full-bodied sound without sacrificing clarity. The Emperor's ornate inlays and intricate binding reflect the meticulous attention to detail characteristic of Epiphone's craftsmanship during this era. Its arched spruce top, paired with maple back and sides, ensures a balanced resonance ideal for both rhythmic comping and melodic lead playing.

Designed for the discerning musician, the 1946 Epiphone Emperor comes equipped with a floating pickup that captures the warm, woody tones of its hollow body, making it an excellent choice for jazz, blues, and beyond. Whether you're a collector or a performer, this instrument offers an authentic vintage experience, combining historical significance with enduring playability.

Key Features:

Semi-hollowbody design for enhanced tonal warmth
17-inch body for a full, resonant sound
Arched spruce top with maple back and sides
Intricate inlays and detailed binding
Equipped with a floating pickup for versatile sound capture
Ideal for jazz, blues, and versatile playing styles

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solidbodyguitar

1946 Epiphone Emperor Kenny Rardin solidbodyguitar.com

solidbodyguitar

1946 Epiphone Emperor

teleman52

AS#45-1 "body and soul" on vintage epiphone Emperor 1946

Acoustic Standards

AS256 - Smile (Charlie Chaplin) - 1946 Epiphone Emperor

Acoustic Standards

1946 Epiphone Emperor Acoustic Archtop at ThatRhythmMan.com

That Rhythm Man Guitars

1946 Epiphone Emperor

teleman52

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1946 Epiphone Emperor.

Build quality

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Original 1946 Epiphone Emperor models typically feature a 9-layer binding, with pre-war versions having up to a 13-ply binding.
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Features and functionality

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The Frequensator tailpiece is reversible, allowing for personal preference adjustments without altering the guitar's structure.
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Comparisons

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The 1946 Epiphone Emperor was intended to compete with the Gibson Super 400, though it remains underpriced compared to its Gibson counterparts.
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Setup and maintenance

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The tailpiece does not affect intonation; intonation is determined by the nut and floating bridge position.
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User experience

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The reversed tailpiece allows unwound strings to be easier to bend due to their increased length.
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Use cases and applications

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This model is praised for its suitability in old-school swing music, attributed to its tonal character and design.
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Carol Kaye

Bassist, Music Producer

The Grass Roots

Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

Kaye can be seen towards the bottom of the article playing an Epiphone Emperor.

Duke Robillard

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Verified via Premierguitar

I’ve also got a lot of cool archtop guitars. I’ve got a cool ES-350 from 1952, a 1946 Epiphone Emporer, a 1939 Epiphone Broadway, a 1944 Epiphone Blackstone and a 1938 Gibson L7.

Premier Guitar interview, 2007.