Epiphone Triumph 50-53

[Caspmac]

Hey guys,

I recently inherited a Triumph and I’m trying to figure out exactly what it is. I understand you can figure that out from the serial number?

I’m also in need of someone to look this thing over any suggestions for Luthier in California that deal with vintage guitars. I don’t want to just take it to anybody.

Have any of you found this guitar hard to play? The fretboard is so much wider than I’m used to. When I play individual notes it sounds fine. But when I play chords it sounds terrible. Especially the high E and B strings.

I’ll try to post some pics later I haven’t taken any yet. Only had the guitar two days.

[zizala]

Yes, it would help to see a bunch of photos.

Some of us might be able to help put a date on it, see what sort of Triumph it is and look for any issues that might be cause for concern or making it sound poorly or difficult to play.
Looking at more old guitars is always worthwhile anyway!

I have a Triumph from that era that for me doesn't have a particularly wide neck and is easy to play.
But neck size, contour, taper, and width can vary and lots of people have their own preferences.

Most old unplayed guitars need some maintenance and set up to solve some of the problems you're having.
So your idea to find someone competent to look it over is a good one.

[Caspmac]

Here’s it is I worked out most of the playing issues

[zizala]

Nice!

And what a cool guitar to inherit!

The shape of the body makes me think its a bit older than late 40's early 50's....
Is there a serial number readable on the label (viewed through the bass side f-hole)?

Giving it a quick look over, seems to be in more than decent condition.

[Caspmac]

It’s a made in New York don’t have the number off hand. New York Epi website said54 and after were made in Kalamazoo I think Or maybe Pennsylvania I really can’t remember. I’ll get the number when I get a chance
edit:
also has Adjustable truss rod under the finger board

[citizenk74]

[daverepair]

I believe that's a 'square-shoulder' model Triumph, made from about '40-'45. It appears to have pearl(not celluloid) inlays, which would make it early '40's(before wartime shortages forced the substitution of celluloid). But, the serial number, on the inside label, will confirm that. It appears to have an 1-11/16" nut, not especially wide. It undoubtedly needs a good setup, at least, to play well(if not additional work, like a neck reset, or refret, if it's been sitting, unplayed, for a long time). I have a '45 Triumph on my workbench at the moment, for some maintenance, and it's a very fine sounding example.

[daverepair]

Once the OP has the serial number, he can confirm the year, by checking the database at the 'Unofficial NY Epiphone' website.

[gionnio]

http://www.stewartportguitars.com/

Dunno if you're near Oakland but, if so, Stewart has done some nice work for me at reasonable rates and specializes in vintage acoustics.

[Caspmac]

http://www.stewartportguitars.com/

Dunno if you're near Oakland but, if so, Stewart has done some nice work for me at reasonable rates and specializes in vintage acoustics.

I’m about 2 hours away but go up a couple times a year for friends and family

[Caspmac]

I believe that's a 'square-shoulder' model Triumph, made from about '40-'45. It appears to have pearl(not celluloid) inlays, which would make it early '40's(before wartime shortages forced the substitution of celluloid). But, the serial number, on the inside label, will confirm that. It appears to have an 1-11/16" nut, not especially wide. It undoubtedly needs a good setup, at least, to play well(if not additional work, like a neck reset, or refret, if it's been sitting, unplayed, for a long time). I have a '45 Triumph on my workbench at the moment, for some maintenance, and it's a very fine sounding example.

I got it playing better intonation is a little sharp and it definitely needs a set up the action is really high. I don’t feel comfortable with trying myself.Thanks for all the info. Was going to check the number on NY Epi. Who or what is OP?

[Caspmac]

It’s a made in New York don’t have the number off hand. New York Epi website said54 and after were made in Kalamazoo I think Or maybe Pennsylvania I really can’t remember. I’ll get the number when I get a chance
edit:
also has Adjustable truss rod under the finger board

update:
sn 17875

[sgosnell]

OP is Original Poster. That would be Caspmac for this thread.

[Caspmac]

[QUOTE=sgosnell;1050731]OP is Original Poster. That would be Caspmac for this thread.[/QUOTE

Oh boy can’t believe I didn’t get that
Thanks

[sgosnell]

The Guitar Dater Project says that guitar was made in New York in 1942.
The Guitar Dater Project - Epiphone Serial Number Decoder
Be sure to click the box for an extended search, or you will get no result.

[zizala]

1941

NY Epi Reg - The Unofficial New York Epiphone Registry

[Caspmac]

Wow I had no idea

[morroben]

Cool guitar!