1970s Epiphone (Japan) ET-290 Wilshire Electric Guitar

Overview: These Wilshires were from the first batch of Epiphone guitars to be made overseas (in this case Japan, made by Matsumoku) starting in 1970. It has a bolt-on neck and "open book" headstock shape but its looks are otherwise somewhat reminiscent of the earlier, US-made Wilshire models. The guitar itself, though, feels more like you're playing an SG in terms of neck profile, reach, and sound. It's a good, hot-sounding, fast-necked little thing and these are popular models in certain circles.

Interesting features: The bolt-on neck arrangement is a lot like a '60s Mosrite or '60s Yamaha thing -- it's got an L-shaped end so it can slip into the neck joint under the neck pickup and thus provide you with more frets free of the body. It also means that the tension of the strings is forced more to an area of the neck that isn't fretted, so these necks tend to avoid the usual bolt-on ski-jump thing at the extension/heel area that plagues old Fender necks. In that case, this is true, too!

Repairs included: Sarah gave this a fret level/dress, cleaned it up, and set it up. It's playing spot-on and ready to go.

• Weight: 7 lbs 3 oz
• Scale length: 24 3/4"
• Nut width: hair over 1 9/16"
• Neck shape: slim C/D
• Board radius: 10"
• Depth at first fret: 53/64"
• Depth at seventh fret: 53/64"
• Body width: 13"
• Body depth: 1 1/4"
• Body wood: maple top/back
• Bridge: ABR-style
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: maple
• Pickups: 2x replacement humbuckers
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16” overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 46w-10
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium

Condition notes: It's original throughout except for a little bit of the wiring, likely the knobs, and the pickups have been swapped to something different (older, though) as the pickup rings have been drilled for two-bolt rather than three-bolt mounting. I can't say I blame them, though -- the originals are a bit microphonic. There's weather-checking and scratches in the finish here and there and everywhere. The body and neck definitely show "edge wear."

It comes with: As I recall, it has a decent older case.

Consignor tag: MRPH