A 36-year-old, well-maintained Epiphone Emperor is looking for the new owner. Inspired by Gibson Super 400, Emperor features elegant larger bout and rich acoustic jazz tonality. Also notable is the orange label, affixed by a Japanese manufacturer Terada music from 1987 to 1997. Compared to the predecessors, orange labeled Epiphone stands out with lighter frame, hence smaller-looking body. In fact there are 2 different types of Japan-made Emperor, one with single floating pickup and frequensator tailpiece, rather a simplified version, and here we are looking at the full blown 2 humbuckers with a decorative classical tailpiece.

Serial number dating hints: 5 digit serial numbers represent Terada music's numbering scheme, used from 1987 to 1997. The first digit indicates the year (0 = 1990), the second digit implies the type of guitar, where number 2 refers to Emperor whereas Emperor-J, a domestic model, has 9 at the second digit. The rest 3 digits are the production number.

Looking at the specs, maple body balances off the high tension coming from the strings while soft spruce top enhances full acoustic resonance. Condition-wise, headstock logo is taken off a bit, some of the knobs punched in, and oxidations seen on the metal parts but playability is nothing to compare – with the straight neck and right action she delivers excellent resonance. Finally, a well-maintained hardcase holds this elegant vintage safe during its journey to your doorstep.