Epiphone with solid top?

rbenson · #1 09-15-2010, 06:24 PM

I saw photos of a bass recently that looked a lot like an early 40's Epiphone but the owner says it has a solid top. Do any of you know if Epiphone ever made a solid-top bass? The bass doesn't have the stylized f-holes of the later Epiphones, so it's hard to tell from the photos.

BTW, I'm new to the forum and I'm looking to get back into bluegrass bass after a long hiatus. Of course, I could kick myself for selling my '57 Kay Swingmaster.

shadygrove · #2 09-15-2010, 07:49 PM

As far as I know they're all laminated. Here's a link to a site by TBer "MollyKay" who is collecting info on Epi basses...

http://www.bassmonkey.net/epiphone.html

Maybe more info than you're looking for, but she's the best bet to know the answer to any Epiphone questions.

I also sent you a pm with info on a bass I noticed for sale recently in the Seattle area that may be worth checking out.

MollyKay · #3 09-15-2010, 08:04 PM

To my knowledge and based on my research I have seen no examples of a carved top Epiphone. I have seen a retro-fitted carved top Kay bass. If you find an Epiphone with a carved top I would like to know about it. It could be like the Kay bass and have been restored with a carved top. Anything is possible.

rbenson · #4 09-15-2010, 08:21 PM

Thanks for the information! The bass sold so I'm afraid that it will remain a mystery to me.

tony moore · #5 09-20-2010, 07:09 AM

i have a kay with a carved top. i bought it from fellow tb'er mike childree 5 or so years ago. love it!

rbenson · #6 09-21-2010, 11:46 AM

Amazing! Do you think the original top was replaced with the carved top?