For historical interest, this instrument originally sold for $35.

The Ebony finish was briefly available from 1931 to 1932. In 1933, engraved pearloid peghead overlay with pearl Masterbilt banner peghead inlay was added. In 1934, 15.5 in. body width, mahogany back/sides, redesigned unbound peghead with redesigned inlay replaced original part/designs. In 1936, 16.375 in. body, parallelogram fingerboard inlay replaced original part/design, auditorium style body, maple back/sides, diamond/script logo peghead inlay replaced original part/designs. In 1939, center dip style peghead replaced original part/design. In 1941, Blonde finish became an option. In 1945, abalone oval peghead inlay and logo were introduced. In 1946, diamond peghead inlay and plastic inlays were introduced.

In 1934, walnut back, bound pickguard, block fingerboard inlay, vine/block logo peghead inlay, gold hardware replaced original part/designs; carved back added to design. In 1937, 17.375 in. body width, redesigned pickguard/tailpiece/logo replaced original part/designs, bound peghead replaced original part/design, and Frequensator tailpiece was introduced. In 1939, maple back/sides, center dip peghead replaced original part/designs.
In 1941, Blonde finish was an option. In 1945, pearl flower peghead inlay replaced original part/design. In 1951, f-holes with painted corners were introduced.

This tenor model was originally called the Bretton from its introduction in 1931 to 1936. The name was changed to Broadway Tenor in 1937.

This model may have been available as early as 1939.

In 1934, floral fingerboard inlay, vine/logo peghead inlay replaced original part/designs, raised white pickguard was added. In late 1935 (grand auditorium style), a 17.375 in. body width, redesigned black pickguard, bound f-holes, resigned tailpiece replaced original part/designs, cloud fingerboard inlay, script peghead logo replaced the original parts and designs. In 1937, a Frequensator tailpiece replaced the original tailpiece. In 1939, Natural finish became an option, and a center dip headstock was introduced. In 1949, De Luxe Regent (cutaway body) was introduced.

In 1950, some models were produced with unbound f-holes. In 1951, f-holes with pointed corners were introduced.

Under Gibson ownership, this model was reintroduced in 1958/1959. In 1959, 70 instruments were produced in Gibson's Kalamazoo plant. By 1965, the model was available by special order; and discontinued in 1970.

In 1954, Natural finish was introduced. In 1955 a metal peghead plate was introduced.

In 1937, Frequensator tailpiece replaced original part/designs. In 1939, pearl block/abalone triangle fingerboard, center dip peghead replaced original part/designs; Natural finish was an option. By 1946, rosewood fingerboard replaced original part/design. By 1948, an abalone V inlay was introduced. In 1948, Emperor Regent (cutaway body) was introduced. In 1950, the E logo appeared on the pickguard. In 1951 f-holes with painted corners were introduced. In 1952 a truss-rod cover was introduced on the peghead. For historical interest, this instrument originally sold for $400. A limited number of cutaway Emperors bearing the label Soloist Emperor were produced between 1941-42.

In 1933, the body was changed to 13.625 in. width, trapeze tailpiece, rounded end fingerboard with dot inlay, and a sunburst finish were introduced. In 1934 the Masterbilt and Epiphone in banner logos appeared on headstock. By 1936, the Masterbilt logo was removed, the body was changed to 15.25 in. wide, cello f-holes with squared edges, and a single bound top were introduced. In 1939, a center dip peghead and a script decal with tail logo was introduced. In 1943, the tail was removed from the logo, and some featured a pearl logo. Some models have appeared with no body binding.