1966 Model FT-45 Cortez

Epiphone / 1966 FT-45 Cortez

This 1966 FT-45 Cortez is an Epiphone born in the same factory as Gibson, featuring a small body shape identical in dimensions to the Gibson B-25 and LG.
While they share many specs on paper, the impression is distinctly different when you actually hold and play them.

Its solid spruce top and all-mahogany construction produce a dry attack and an open, expansive resonance that seems to stretch endlessly.
It possesses a sense of scale beyond what its compact body suggests. When strumming chords, the soundstage expands more than expected, while arpeggios maintain a crisp, defined contour for each individual note.

Perhaps due to the slight difference in headstock dimensions compared to the similar B-25 model, it has a bit more tension, which gives the sound a crispness and forward momentum.

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

While the plastic bridge typical of this era raises concerns about warping over time, this instrument has been upgraded with a Brazilian rosewood bridge.

This provides a more solid tonal core while offering peace of mind for the future.
The unique stickiness and complex overtones of the rosewood used for the fingerboard and bridge add depth to the mahogany body's simplicity, creating a vintage-like, lustrous sustain.

It lacks the nervousness often found in vintage instruments and is in a condition ready for active, heavy use.
It's not a guitar that overwhelms with sheer volume, but one that makes you think, "Ah, this is just right," the moment you casually pluck it at home.

Among the many Kalamazoo-made guitars, very few possess both the condition to confidently take the stage and the assured tone this one does.
For those who seek substance over flash. We strongly recommend this as a vintage companion for the years ahead.

[Staff Comment: Mochizuki]
It was made in the same factory and to the same specs as Gibson, yet you feel the Epiphone sound and character. It's remarkable.
As mentioned later, this instrument has been meticulously maintained and repaired over time. I'm grateful it exists today, playable in this era.
Compared to Gibson small bodies, it feels like the sound has more punch, and some may find it easier to handle.
This is a guitar I want you to 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

[Repairs/Modifications/Replaced Parts/Appearance Condition, etc.]
※As this is a used/vintage item, the information provided is based on our inspection.
Please be aware of this beforehand.
- The pickguard has been replaced due to shrinkage over time.
- The bridge has been replaced from a plastic bridge to a rosewood bridge.
- Adhesive repair/reinforcement applied to the center seam on the body top.
- An overall over-lacquer finish has been applied to the entire body.

[Playing Condition]
-String height at the 12th fret: 2.5mm on the 6th string side, 2.0mm on the 1st string side
- No issues such as buzzing or muffled notes during play.

[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 months]

[Mail-Order Assurance Service]
Since mail-order sales do not allow customers to try the instrument beforehand, we offer a 6-day trial period after delivery.
Please try the product thoroughly at home. If you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price.
*The customer is responsible for the round-trip shipping costs.

February 25, 2026