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Product Details
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Epiphone / 1966 FT-45 Cortez

This 1966 FT-45 Cortez is an Epiphone, manufactured in the same factory as Gibson, and features a small body shape similar to the Gibson B-25 and LG. While they share many similarities in spec, the feel is clearly different when you actually hold and play them.

The solid spruce top and all-solid mahogany construction produce a dry attack and an open, sustained tone. Its small body gives it a sense of scale that's beyond imagination. Chord strokes produce a wider sound image than expected, and each note maintains a crisp, clear outline during arpeggios.

Perhaps due to the difference in the dimensions of the Epiphone headstock, there's a slight sense of tension compared to the similarly sized B-25, which gives the sound crispness and drive.

Its light yet not loose feel, with an exquisite balance that makes it hard to resist picking it up.

Although the plastic bridge, typical of this era, is prone to warping over time, this instrument has been replaced with a Brazilian rosewood bridge.

This guitar strengthens the core of its sound while providing future-proofing. The unique viscosity and harmonic complexity of the Jacaranda used for the fingerboard and bridge add depth to the simplicity of the mahogany body, creating a lustrous, vintage-inspired resonance.

It's in perfect condition for continued use, without the harshness often associated with vintage guitars. It's not a guitar that overwhelms with a loud sound, but the moment you pick it up at home, you'll think, "Ah, this is it."

Even among the many Kalamazoo guitars available, there are very few that offer both reliable performance and a solid sound.

For those who value authenticity over flashiness. I highly recommend this guitar as a vintage piece to spend time with.

[Representative Comment: Mochizuki]
Although it's supposedly made in the same factory and with the same specifications as Gibson, I can sense the sound and atmosphere of an Epiphone. It's fascinating.

As I'll explain later, this guitar has been maintained and repaired to this day, and I'm grateful that it still exists in playable condition in this day and age.
Compared to Gibson small-body guitars, the sound feels crisper and some may find it easier to handle.
This is a guitar you'll want to play to your heart's content.

[Specifications/Included Case]
TOP: Solid Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Solid Mahogany
NECK: Mahogany
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Brazilian Rosewood
SCALE: 621mm
NUT-WIDTH: 40.0mm
CASE: TKL Hardshell Case

[Repair/Modification History/Replacement Parts/Condition, etc.]
¦As this is a used/vintage item, this information is based on our own inspection.
Thank you for your understanding.
-The pickguard has been replaced due to aging shrinkage.
-The bridge has been replaced from a plastic bridge to a Jacaranda bridge.
-The center seam of the body top has been glued and reinforced.
-The entire body has been over-lacquered.

[Playability Condition]
- String height at the 12th fret: 2.5mm on the 6th string, 2.0mm on the 1st string
- No buzzing or muffled notes.

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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.