In 1941, the f-holes were placed even with the pickup, the hand rest was removed, the jack was on the side of the guitar, and the knobs were moved closer to the edge. In 1943, the cutout for the pickup was longer. In 1944, single body binding was introduced, the top mounted pickup was in the middle position, and some intruments appeared with Sunburst finish and laminated spruce tops. By 1947, a 17.375 in. body width, and a large metal pickup with poles was introduced. In 1949, laminated spruce tops no longer appeared, a New York pickup was introduced, and a 3-piece cherry/maple neck replaced the earlier neck. In 1950, a Frequensator tailpiece and knobs on a line were introduced, and Sunburst and Blonde finishes were available. In 1953, clear barrel knobs were introduced and some models had De Armond pickups. In 1954, the model was changed to the Zephyr Electric in both cutaway and non-cutaway versions. A tenor version was also available in 1954.

In 1960, the peghead plate was removed. In 1961, mini-humbucker pickups were introduced.

In 1942, the knobs were mounted on the "Mastervoicer" plate. In 1947, the pickup was moved to the middle position and some appeared with Sunburst finish. In 1948, a large metal covered pickup was introduced. In 1949, the pickup was moved to the neck position. In 1950, New York pickups were introduced, two pickups were optional with a three-way switch, and Sunburst and Blonde finishes were available. In 1951, the knobs were moved to be parallel to the strings.

In 1949, two pickups were optional with a three-way switch and knobs parallel to the strings. In 1950, the single-pickup was discontinued, and New York pickups were introduced. In 1951, five-ply body binding and a triple bound pickguard was introduced. In 1953, knobs were moved to cross the strings. In 1954, this model was re-designated the De Luxe Electric, with a laminated maple top, and some had a single flower peghead inlay. In the mid-1950s, some models appeared with an 18.5 in. wide body, single bound f-holes, and nickel hardware.

This model was also known as the Zephyr Emperor Vari Tone. Some models between 1953 and 1957 had DeArmond pickups. In 1954, this model was redesignated the Emperor Electric. In 1958, this model was changed to the Gibson-Epiphone Emperor.

Starting in 1953, some models were available with DeArmond pickups, and clear plastic barrel knobs and Sunburst and Blonde finishes were introduced. In 1954, this model was re-designated the Zephyr Electric as a cutaway or non-cutaway. In 1958, this model was renamed the Gibson-Epiphone Zephyr.