1963 Epiphone FT-45N Cortez Vintage Gibson-made X-Braced Acoustic Guitar, B-25N

  

Up for sale, a 1963 Epiphone Cortez FT-45N vintage acoustic guitar, crafted by Gibson in their Kalamazoo, MI factory. A particularly clean and well cared for example of the Cortez, this Epiphone features a host of desirable features including an upgraded rosewood (not plastic) bridge, tall saddle with ideal height, and a transitional 1 5/8 nut width. Essentially the same guitar as Gibson's B-25N yet with a different headstock shape and pickguard, the Cortez boasts X braced construction and an incredibly powerful sound.

An absolute workhorse with tonal depth and projection that belies the body size, this Epiphone is simply one of the good ones. Ery rewarding for flatpicking, and sweet and warm for fingerpicking, with r.

Ich bass register growl and a glassy immediacy and snap to the trebles without being strident. The midrange has a rich. Punchy character, and the guitar offers excellent projection. Featherweight at 3lbs 15oz and professionally s. Etup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, this Cortez is strung with fresh 12-53 bronze strings.

The one-piece mahogany neck has a. Round C profile carve in every register with generous shoulder. Filling the palm comfortably and fretting easily, measuring. 865 deep at the 1st fret and. The Brazilian rosewood fretboard is a jet black cut of this hallowed tonewood, retaining the o. Riginal medium jumbo fretwire which has plenty of meat and height, showing only very light wear beneath the plain strings on frets 1-4.

The nut measures 1 5/8" in width, and this transitional nut width (between the 1 11/16" nuts from previous years and the 1 9/16 nuts used into the 1970s) is particularly comfortable, offering ideal string spacing. The headstock has been fitted with a set of modern Kluson Deluxe single line strip tuners, perfectly matching the style and footprint of the original gears yet with reliable modern functionality. The body features an upgraded carved rosewood bridge slotted with a tall saddle ensuring optimal playability for decades to come. Visible through the soundhole, the original blue rectangular Epiphone badge is intact, with a stamped serial number matching the number embossed on the back of the headstock.

The original Natural nitro lacquer on the top has deeply ambered, accented by the original tortoise pickguard. Ight, mostly vertical lacquer checking on the top and sides, with sparingly little checking and only one minor nick at the bass-side waist on the back.

Wear is otherwise limited to a. Few scattered small marks on the lower bout on top, and a few very faint finish scratches in the clear coat of the lacquer on the back. The gloss nitro lacquer on the neck profile is extremely clean and smooth with just a couple minor marks and no palm wear. Truly one of the more lively and soulful X braced small bodied Kalamazoo-made acoustics weve had in the shop, this Cortez simply delivers. A vintage black tolex hardshell case with blue plush interior is included. Check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, " and please let us know if we can answer any questions! International orders will be declared as merchandise, and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please. The item "1963 Epiphone FT-45N Cortez Vintage Gibson-made X-Braced Acoustic Guitar, B-25N" is in sale since Tuesday, March 9, 2021.

This item is in the category "Musical Instruments & Gear\Guitars & Basses\Acoustic Guitars". The seller is "mmguitarbar" and is located in Seattle, Washington. This item can be shipped worldwide.

1. Body Color: Natural
2. String Configuration: 6 String
3. Model: FT-45N
4. Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
5. Model Year: 1963
6. Type: Acoustic Guitar
7. Fretboard Material: Rosewood
8. Neck Material: Mahogany
9. Handedness: Right-Handed
10. Body Material: Mahogany
11. Brand: Epiphone