1946 Epiphone Emperor Burst

#55681...Beautiful (and big!) 1946 Epiphone Emperor archtop guitar with original hard case. This great old guitar has the best projection, volume and tone that I've heard from any archtop...super loud and balanced and very responsive all over the neck (message me for a sound file if it doesn't play for you in the listing). The neck on this one was, according to a previous owner, replaced at Gibson during the 1960s. The nut width of the neck is 1 5/8" which would be consistent with mid-late 60s Gibson factory spec, and the work is factory quality, very nice indeed. Though the neck finish would obviously be contemporary to the neck, the body finish appears to be original, as the three-tone burst is identical to that found on other 40s era Epiphone guitars. If anything, the guitar may have been lightly oversprayed when the neck was made at Gibson, though that is speculative and not based on any evidence other than the overall super clean condition of the finish on the body. The bridge is a Gibson bridge (not the original Epiphone), likely installed at the factory when the neck was made. The pick guard is a replacement (proper style, by DiMarino. The guitar has two hairline top cracks at either side of the top near the waist curve, see pics...these are very tight and stable, they don't flex. Since they are at the edges and over the kerfing/joint with the sides it is difficult to assess whether they've been glued in the past but they are very solid and don't move when pressed. Neither are they open, there is no gap at either location. There is also one hairline crack on the back near the outer edge of the bass bout, difficult to tell whether this is through the wood or in the finish only but it is very solid when pressed and doesn't need any attention (see pic). The bass side F-hole has had the binding come loose slightly in two spots, see pics, this could easily be repaired if desired but is not a significant issue requiring immediate attention. The finish on the top and back has a few minor scratches/dings on the surface, superficial in nature and not through to the wood. They appear to be from handling rather than play. The back of the neck is clean and free from dings or scratches. The fret board is free from wear and the frets show no wear at all. The neck is straight and feels great. The action is low and comfortable, and as I said, the guitar sounds fantastic. Comes with the original hard case which is also in great shape...one of the hinges is a little wobbly but the other is solid as are all of the latches and the handle along with the interior lining and accessory box. Ships to US destinations only, no international shipping. NYS buyers add 8% sales tax. Thanks for looking!