Epiphone 1961 full line catalog, page 8. Details of the Epiphone Crestwood Custom (SB332) and Epiphone Wilshire (SB432), two of Epiphones earliest solid body guitars. The Crestwood was launched in 1959, the Wilshire in 1960. Prior to this point Epiphone had really only produced hollow body instruments, but from the early 1960s Gibson decided to use the brand as a means of increasing output by supplying new non-Gibson dealers with a very similar product. This called for a range of new models, similar (in construction, components and pricing) to the new Gibson Les Paul / SG solid bodies.
The Crestwood is listed solely available in Cherry finish. By the time of the next catalogue, White finish was also offered.
Both models pictured have the early symmetrical body and three-per-side headstock design, a characteristic of the earliest Epiphone solid bodies. In late 1963 this would change to a similar design but with a shortened lower horn, and the familiar 'batwing' Epiphone headstock.
The Crestwood Custom was certainly a very fine guitar:
The professional player who wants the finest quality of a solid body guitar fine is it in the Epiphone Crestwood Custom. A double cutaway model with two adjustable polepiece pickups, it offers superb tone, perfect response, fast easy action plus solid body durability.
$125
$195
$5999
$595
$996
$1800
£2500
€2998
€799