Super rare 1960 Epiphone Coronet with 1959 style slab body and a P-90. One of only a handful of known examples in this configuration.

Here is an extremely rare 1960 Epiphone Coronet which features a deep ‘59 style slab body with side output jack socket, but with a stock P-90 and cherry red finish. This is one of only a handful known to exist in this transitional configuration and this particular guitar is believed to have come from the personal collection of the late guitar tech Alan Rogan.

The Coronet first appeared in 1959 and featured a deep symmetrical double cutaway slab mahogany body, a New York single coil pick-up and a side mounted output jack socket. In 1960 the specifications changed to a thinner body with more rounded edges and top mounted output jack socket, with a P-90 replacing the New York pick-up and a cherry finish replacing the ’59 style black finish. What makes this example unique and extremely rare is that it one of only a handful of known examples to feature the ’59 style thicker slab body with side output jack but with a P-90 pick-up and cherry finish.

The overall condition is excellent for a 64 year old guitar with some fine lacquer checking, a small number of nicks and light dings, some surface scratches mainly on the back of the guitar and a light amount of fading to the cherry finish on the front of the guitar, that still retains a nice amount of red.

The neck features a very comfortable soft V profile reminiscent of the type of profiles found on many ’56 and ’57 Gibsons. The original medium jumbo frets have plenty of life left in them. At some point in the past it has suffered a headstock break which has been professionally repaired and is totally stable. A previous owner, who bought this guitar in Florida in the early 90’s, has confirmed that the headstock repair was done before he purchased the guitar, so the repair is at least 30 years old and is totally solid. There is some overspray on the back of the neck around this area and on the back and front of the headstock. 

All parts are original with the only exception being the truss rod cover which is very likely non original.

Sonically this guitar is firmly in Les Paul Junior territory as you’d expect, with plenty of bite, growl and sustain when opened up through a mildly overdriven amp. Roll the volume control back a bit and it cleans up nicely to get into Tele like territory. As with Les Paul Juniors the volume and tone controls are extremely versatile and can deliver a surprisingly wide tonal palette for a one pick-up, no frills set up.

If you’re into Juniors and Esquires or are just looking for a very cool and unique vintage guitar then this Coronet ticks all the right boxes, and is a rare opportunity.

Weight: 7lb 11oz
Pick up reading: 7.9k

**Please ask about shipping outside the UK**