Epiphone FT-45 Cortez, Made in 1966

Epiphone / 1966 FT-45 Cortez

This 1966 FT-45 Cortez is an Epiphone model built in the same factory as Gibson, featuring a small-body shape identical in dimensions to the Gibson B-25 and LG.
While the two share many similarities on paper, the experience of actually holding and playing it is distinctly different.

The solid spruce top and all-mahogany solid-wood construction produce a dry attack and an open, resonant tone that seems to stretch on forever. It has a greater sense of scale than one might expect from its
compact body; when strumming chords, the soundstage expands beyond expectations, and when playing arpeggios, each note maintains a crisp, well-defined contour.

Perhaps due to the slight difference in dimensions at the Epiphone headstock, it feels slightly tighter than the B-25 of the same model, which lends the sound a crispness and forward drive.

Lightweight yet never loose—that exquisite balance makes you want to pick it up again and again.

While there are concerns about warping over time with the plastic bridges typical of this era, this instrument has been fitted with a Brazilian rosewood bridge.

This not only strengthens the core of the sound but also provides peace of mind for the future.
The distinctive richness and complex harmonics of the Jacaranda used for the fingerboard and bridge add depth to the simplicity of the mahogany body, creating a lustrous, vintage-style sustain.

It lacks the finickiness often found in vintage instruments and is in excellent condition for active, heavy use.
While it’s not a guitar that overwhelms with volume, it’s the kind of instrument that, the moment you casually strum it at home, makes you think, “Ah, this is just right.”

Even among the many Kalamazoo-made guitars, there are very few that combine a condition reliable enough for active use with such a solid tone. For those who seek substance over
flash. I highly recommend this vintage guitar as a companion for the years to come.

[Staff Comment: Mochizuki]

Although it was likely manufactured in the
same factory and to the same specifications as a Gibson, it has the distinct sound and character of an Epiphone. It’s quite mysterious.
As described below, this instrument has been carefully maintained and repaired over the years, and I’m grateful that it has survived to this day in a playable condition.
Compared to a Gibson small-body guitar, the tone feels more crisp, and some players may find it easier to handle.
This is a guitar I hope you’ll play to your heart’s content.

[Specs/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 / Replaced Parts / Cosmetic Condition, etc.]
*Please note that as this is a used/vintage item, the information provided is based on our inspection.
- The pickguard has been replaced due to shrinkage caused by
aging. - The
bridge has been replaced from a plastic bridge to a Jacaranda bridge.
- The center seam of the body top has been repaired with adhesive and reinforcement.
- The entire body has been refinished with a new coat of lacquer.

[Playing Condition]
- String action at the 12th fret: 2.5 mm on the 6th string side, 2.0 mm
on the 1st string side - There are no playing issues such as buzzing or muffled tones.

[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 Months]

[Mail-Order Assurance Service]
Since we are unable to offer customers the opportunity to try out the instrument when purchasing via mail order, we provide a 6-day trial period after the product arrives. Please take your time to try out the product
at home, and if you are not satisfied,
we will refund the purchase price. *The customer is responsible for round-trip shipping costs.