A fantastic all original solid body guitar, made under the Epiphone brand name at the Gibson Guitar Factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1965.
 
By far the most underrated Gibson-made solid body of this period. These models were made side by side with Les Paul Juniors, using the same materials and tools. As such, this guitar's body is constructed of a beautifully contoured Mahogany slab, which would've otherwise been destined for an SG, etc. Paired with a set neck the result is a guitar that's wonderfully resonant, even unplugged (which always a good sign).
 
These models were the direct Epiphone equivalent of a Gibson Melody Maker, whose body was being produced in a thin, double cut Les Paul-ish shape during this period. The Olympic however shared a body with far more expensive guitars, including the Crestwood and Wilshire models. The most widely-produced finish option was Cherry Red - again, applied in the exact same vain as an SG, by the same team using the same tools. 
 
The pickups used on these models were identical to those used on Gibson Melody makers, and are usually lone units placed in the bridge position. These are single coil pickups, making them sonically more similar to a Fender guitar. The difference with this model however, is the inclusion of a second pickup - notably in the neck position. This opens the guitar up considerably, balancing the treble in the middle position and something considerably fatter when playing on the neck pickup. There is a recent and very informative video of Barrie Cadogan playing some of Rory Gallagher's Melody Maker pickup guitars, in which it is demonstrated just how versatile these guitars can be. I feel a little revisionism is in order for the Melody Maker pickup, personally.
 
All of the above is paired with a desirable 'Batwing' headstock, recently introduced by Epiphone at the time of production. Paired with white plastics, 4 rather kitsch knobs and the signature Epiphone 'E' epsilon to the centre of the guard, I feel this makes for a very handsome design. Further, it has a factory-fitted Maestrom vibrola, with its original nylon (?) tremolo arm tip. 
 
This all makes for an incredibly versatile guitar with the truly beautiful stylings and build quality that one can from expect from a Kalamazoo-built instrument of this period. Other welcome appointments include factory-fitted, pretty rare in their own right white button 6 in a row Kluson tuners. And the fretboard, I believe is Brazilian Rosewood.
 
The finish is entirely original, as are all parts down to the last screw. 0 additional routing, replaced parts or fittings - original down to the screws! 
 
It is free of breaks, repairs or any significant damage. It has been well-played, with two large dings to the front and back, some wear to the sides and natural lacquer checking across the guitar - though again, it is break and repair-free. The finish retains a nice, lightly faded Cherry hue.
 
The frets are original and have been levelled and profile but once in their lift - as such its playing wonderfully. Frets as such are in great condition with plenty of life left in them. 
 
The case is not original to the guitar, but is the kind that was distributed by UK shops during the 1960s and fits / suits the guitar well. 
 
An all original Kalamazoo-built solid body with some serious utility.