Frank Stallone, the talented musician and actor, has shared the incredible story of his prized possession, a vintage 1940 Epiphone Emperor guitar, which has left many questions unanswered.
The Gift of a Lifetime
The guitar, which Stallone had been eyeing for years, was a gift from his brother, Sylvester Stallone. The story begins with a visit to Norman’s Rare Guitars, a renowned store owned by Norman Harris. Harris had previously gifted Stallone a Gretsch Falcon, which he had bought from a girl who had seen him playing it in the store.
Stallone’s Initial Reaction
When Harris told Stallone that a private person had purchased a gift for him, Stallone was overwhelmed with excitement. He had always dreamed of owning a unique guitar, and now he had the chance to choose from a selection of rare instruments.
- Stallone had to make a difficult decision, as he had always wanted to own a Les Paul, a Rickenbacker, or a Hummingbird.
- He spent a nervous hour deliberating, sweating as he tried to decide which guitar to choose.
A Surprise Reveal
Just as Stallone was about to give up, Harris presented him with a beautifully hand-tooled guitar case with Western tooling on it. The case read “Sons of the Pioneers.” Stallone’s eyes widened as he realized that this was the guitar he had been dreaming of.
The Epiphone Emperor
The Epiphone Emperor was a magnificent blonde guitar, with no signs of wear or damage. Stallone was thrilled to have found his perfect guitar, and he knew that it was a rare find.
- The guitar was estimated to be worth around $5,000 in 1940, which is equivalent to $250,000 today.
- The guitar had a rich history, having been owned by several notable musicians, including Bob Dylan’s manager.
A Family Affair
Despite the high value of the guitar, Stallone’s brother tried to haggle with Harris, offering a bottle of whiskey to reduce the price. However, Harris refused, knowing that the guitar was a gift from Stallone’s brother.
A Gesture of Kindness
Stallone praised his brother’s gesture, saying that it was a beautiful and selfless act. He also stated that he would continue to play the guitar on special occasions, and that it would always hold a special place in his heart.
The Future of the Guitar
Since the video has not been posted yet, there is still much to learn about the Epiphone Emperor. Stallone has expressed his determination to research the guitar’s history and share it with the world.
| Key Facts | Information |
|---|---|
| Guitar Type | Epiphone Emperor |
| Year of Build | Circa 1940 |
| Estimated Value | $5,000 in 1940, equivalent to $250,000 today |
The Sons of Pioneers Connection
Stallone’s love for the Sons of Pioneers, a country and Western group, played a significant role in his decision to purchase the guitar. He had always been a fan of the group and was thrilled to find a guitar with their logo on it.
The Legacy of the Guitar
The Epiphone Emperor has left a lasting impact on Stallone’s life, and he is determined to share its story with the world. As he continues to research the guitar’s history, we can only imagine the fascinating tales that will unfold.
