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Product Details
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Epiphone / 1966 FT-45 Cortez

This 1966 FT-45 Cortez is an Epiphone built in the same factory as Gibson, with a body shape matching the small-body dimensions of a Gibson B-25 or LG. On paper the two share a lot in common, but pick it up and play, and the impression is clearly its own.

The all-solid construction of a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides produces a dry attack and an open, far-reaching resonance. It has more scale to it than the small body suggests - strum a chord and the sound spreads wider than expected, while arpeggios keep each note crisply defined.

Perhaps due to a slight dimensional difference at the Epiphone headstock, it carries a touch more tension than an equivalent B-25, giving the tone extra snap and drive.

Light without ever feeling loose - that balance is what keeps drawing you back to pick it up.

The plastic bridge typical of this era is prone to warping with age, but this example has had its bridge replaced with Brazilian rosewood, reinforcing the tonal core while giving extra peace of mind for the future. The stickiness and complex overtones unique to Brazilian rosewood, used here for the fingerboard and bridge, add depth to the mahogany body's simple character and produce the lustrous decay typical of a vintage instrument.

None of the fussiness sometimes associated with vintage guitars - this one is in shape to be played hard, regularly. Not a guitar that overwhelms with volume, but one that makes you think "yes, this is exactly right" the moment you pick it up at home.

Among Kalamazoo-built instruments, examples in condition to genuinely gig with, backed by real resonance, are not common. Recommended to those who want substance over flash - a vintage instrument to spend real time with going forward.

[Specs]
TOP: Solid spruce
BACK/SIDES: Solid mahogany
NECK: Mahogany
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Brazilian rosewood
SCALE: 621mm
NUT WIDTH: 40.0mm
CASE: TKL hardshell case

[Repairs / replaced parts / condition]
Please note this is a vintage instrument; details below reflect what our staff could confirm through inspection.
- Pickguard replaced due to age-related shrinkage of the original.
- Bridge replaced from the original plastic bridge to a Brazilian rosewood bridge.
- Center seam of the body top has been glued/reinforced.
- Overlacquer applied across the body.

[Playing condition]
- Action at 12th fret: 2.5mm (low E) / 2.0mm (high E)
- No buzzing or choked notes; plays well.
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Please note that all items are for sale in our Tokyo store.
There is a chance they might be sold out. All items are shipped tracked and insured. All import duties or customs fees are the buyers responsibility - please be aware of the requirements for your country. If you have any questions please ask.