Epiphone / FT-45 Cortez / 1963 / Sunburst / Guitar
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When Gibson purchased Epiphone in 1957 there was already a line of great flat-top guitars in place. The folks at Gibson integrated the two lines to feature the same structural makeup with different cosmetics for each brand. The FT-45 became the FT-45 Cortez which was based off of Gibson’s LG-2 model. Like the LG-2, the Cortez featured an X braced Sitka Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides and a 24 3/4″ scale length neck. The Epiphone version also featured a sunburst that followed the shape of the body instead of fading to the center. The headstock was designed to look more like the traditional Epiphone shape with a Gibson twist. The wide nut and short headstock are rare, early features that were discontinued later in 1963. I’m very proud to be presenting this early Cortez to you.
I was blown away by the loud voice and lightly braced top that this one has. The wide 1 11/16ths” nut is comfortable and easy to play. The body size is comfortable for the couch or the front porch. There are no cracks on the guitar and it is structurally solid. The bridge plate was a bit tired so Jason made a proper new plate of the same design, thickness and size. The glue on three of the back braces failed so we glued then back tightly with period correct hot hide glue. The tuners were replaced with a proper, period correct Gibson branded Klusons. The only things left to do were to clean the finish and shine the frets. The action is low and the guitar is a joy to play.
True Vintage Guitar, USA 
Thank you for visiting us on Vintage and Rare! At True Vintage Guitar, we are passionate about vintage instruments and the stories they carry. If you’re looking to sell a vintage guitar, True Vintage Guitar can help with accurate identification, evaluation, and may be the buyer you’re looking for. We specialize in appraising, buying, and selling Fender and Gibson guitars made during the golden era of guitars: the 1950s and 1960s anywhere and everywhere in the world. We empower private sellers with useful knowledge about the value of their guitar and help guitar players fulfill their lifelong dreams.
Founded by John Shults, a 16 year veteran guitar appraiser and buyer based in Birmingham, Alabama, True Vintage Guitar specializes in helping sellers bring forgotten old guitars out from the closet and into the hands of a guitarist who’s always dreamed of owning it. John's worldwide travel to buy vintage guitars has earned him the nickname “The Guitar Safari Champion” by Reverb.com and "The Indiana Jones of Vintage Guitars" by City Lifestyle.
We offer expert appraisal for vintage guitars, market based offers to buy vintage guitars, and a curated selection of the finest Fender and Gibson guitars available to musicians worldwide. Along the way, John sees it as part of his job to catalog all the fine details necessary for authenticating vintage guitar finishes, parts, and seldom seen rare features. Our 72 hour approval period is intended to show confidence that you’ll love the guitar you’re buying from TVG.
If you're looking to sell your vintage guitar or are in the market to buy one, True Vintage Guitar is here to help. Our commitment to preserving the legacy of these instruments and connecting them with new owners makes us a trusted destination for vintage guitar enthusiasts.
True Vintage Guitar | Buying Fender and Gibson Vintage Guitars
Website: https://truevintageguitar.com/
Showroom: 2301 1st Ave N, STE 104, Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Phone: 659-208-7343
Email: John@truevintageguitar.com
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Thank you for considering True Vintage Guitar. We look forward to helping you find or sell your next vintage treasure!
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