Music

This is a very rare and unusual vintage Epiphone Batwing headstock guitar that people just love to play-and for good reason.  I have never played one that wasn't just awesome.  This one is from 1966 and was produced at the original Gibson factory in Kalamazoo Michigan, U.S.A.  It features a set-neck design with a one-piece mahogany body and a one-piece mahogany neck; just like a Les Paul Junior.  The guitar's design and construction give it  a very characteristic resonance and sustain.    This guitar is all-original with the exception of one tone capacitor and the pickguard is from a different Crestwood Custom guitar-but still a vintage piece.  The are no breaks and the guitar is super-solid.  It has been professionally set up and is ready to play-it needs nothing.The body is a one-piece mahogany unit and wears the original cherry red stain.  The color is a translucent dark red and the clear coat has line checking-which is difficult to see unless at a shallow angle-see photos.   The mahogany grain is very beautiful.  The body has typical handling evidence on the front, sides and back.  The neck joint is solid and the neck angle is perfect.   The neck itself is super straight and has a smooth feel.  The nut is 1.62" wide and the neck has a vintage C-shape profile.  The neck depth starts out at .808" at the 1st fret and graduates to 1.020" at the 12th fret.   It is a really great feeling neck and many professional players have stated that the Crestwood Custom neck profile is one of the best of all time.  There is a line crack in the binding but it is stable and a just a cosmetic-see photos.  The tuners all function and the guitar stays in tune well.  The headstock and logo display loads of patina and wear.  There must have been an old-school hootenanny strap used under the strings which rubbed the finish considerably.  It may have been touched up at some point-it is difficult to tell.  The logo and original black finish are certainly evident.  The nut has been shimmed at some point-see photos.    The rosewood fingerboard is nice and clean with a soft feel.  The cool 'capsule' position markers all display nicely.  The frets have been professionally leveled, crowned and polished.  They are a low profile like a Les Paul Custom from the late 60's.  They have a nice flat top with clean edges.  The action is set low for a fast and easy playing experience.  The string height is currently .010" at the 1st fret and .050" at the 12th fret.  The guitar plays great up and down the fingerboard.  The pickups are the original patent-sticker mini-humbuckers.  They both have an excellent signal.  The neck reads 6.87 ohms and the bridge reads 6.69 ohms.  The wiring harness is very clean and the potentiometers date to 1966.  As previously stated-the front capacitor (neck position) has been replaced at some point.  These guitars' pickguards are notorious for shrinking/warping/cracking-especially around the output receptacle.  This one was replaced with another vintage Epiphone unit at some point.  It fits nice, and it looks great.  It is crack-free and nice and flat.  The two front screw holes did not line up quite perfectly in the body so there are two extra holes-which are completely covered with the pickguard on-see photos.  The guitar sounds nice and loud with a killer resonance and amazing sustain.  The pickups have a slightly driven tone and wide-range.   The bridge is the original standard Gibson tune-o-matic and it is in great condition.  The vibrato is the original "Vibrotone" unit.  Most of these tailpieces have lost their vibrato arm-but this one is present (yay!).  The roller does not function as it is stuck.  Consequently-you can't use the vibrato as the arm just pivots on the shaft.  Also consequently-the guitar stays in tune very well LOL.  The guitar is super lightweight-it only weighs 6.71 lbs.  It is very comfortable and feels amazing in your lap or on a strap.  This guitar sounds killer and would be a great addition to anyone's collection.  It is equally at home on stage or in the studio-and is lots of fun just playing around on the couch too.  Comes with a newer hardcase.  I have taken several photos to show how it looks in different lighting for your viewing. Photo props including signs, straps, cords, cars, shoes, dentures, toothbrushes, dust, albums, clothes or photos are not included unless noted otherwise. Draggin’ Guitars has been collecting, buying, selling and trading as well as repairing and restoring vintage guitars amps and effects for 35+years. Our descriptions of items are honest and forthright. In fact, we got our start in mail-order back in 1989 so you can count on our detailed descriptions. We want you to get exactly what you expect-so read thoroughly and please ask questions prior to purchase. There will be a 25% restocking fee plus the full amount of our outgoing shipping charges on any return for any reason-no exceptions. Although minor changes in shipping are possible-Any alterations including adjustments, modifications or moving the truss rod, nut, bridge, saddles or anything else on or in the guitar-will void any return policies. Please call us first. We will not be liable for 2nd or 3rd party repair ‘bench’ fees. Again-call us first. If you have any technical questions just call us on the Draggin’ Guitars hotline: 785-766-8906. Again, we welcome your call with any questions-we want your experience to be the best it can be. Our track record and reputation is #1 (go team!)-But don’t take my word for it-view our feedback and see for yourself.

The Custom S from 48th Street NYC is designed to deliver exceptional electric performance, featuring custom controls for versatile sound shaping.