1966 Epiphone EM-66 (Gibson A-50) Archtop Mandolin

Overview: What we've got here is a quite clean old Gibson A-50 that was dressed-up as an Epiphone EM-66 and build with a different-style headstock to suit. Gibson, of course, built these '60s Epi models right alongside the Gibson-branded normal versions of the instruments. I think the "double hump" headstock is a cool look, though, and as far as rebranded A-50s go, this one sounds excellent and plays like it looks.

Tone: It's choppy, poppy, and woody -- bluegrassy as you'd please -- with a decent amount of cut and kick.

Interesting features: The Epi-style headstock is nice, to start. It's also got a good, crisp sunburst and a tailpiece pressed without the Gibson logo, which is neat in its way.

Repairs included: It's had a level/dress of the frets and setup work and is playing bang-on.

• Weight: 2 lbs 1 oz
• Scale length: 13 7/8"
• Nut width: 1 3/16"
• Neck shape: slim-medium C
• Board radius: flat
• Body width: 10"
• Body depth: 1 3/4"
• Top wood: solid carved spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid maple
• Bracing type: tonebar
• Bridge: rosewood adjustable
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 36w-10
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: low/small

Condition notes: Its pickguard is missing but it's otherwise completely original. It only has very minor usewear and the finish looks great. You may find fine weather-checking here and there.

It comes with: It's got an older hard case.

Consignor tag: SIYU