Clean '66 Epiphone Cortez in a really attractive faded sunburst, A fantastic example of affordable vintage: solid wood, X-braced construction, USA made, vintage looks, feel and character all at a fraction of the price of a newer Gibson Custom equivalent. 

The FT-45 Cortez was the Epiphone equivalent of the Gibson LG-2, featuring an X-braced Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides, Mahogany neck, Rosewood fingerboard and at this time an adjustable wooden bridge and saddle. This example has had a fixed bridge conversion which has tightened up the sound giving an increase in volume and attack, tonally offering more in the lower register than you would expect from an adjustable bridge model. It has a remarkable amount of clarity and character too, nicely overdriven when played hard, great for blues and finger style playing but works well strummed or pick'd too.

The guitar plays very well. There's plenty of bridge height remaining, and the action is very comfortable up the neck. Frets have lots of life left in them, and the overall playing experience is really comfortable; the slimmer nut width Gibson and Epiphone had in this period offering plenty of access without feeling to skinny or limiting.

With no cracks or repairs to speak of, and minimal knocks /dings / checking, this guitar has clearly been well looked after. An excellent example that's very hard to put down!