The Epiphone FT-45 Cortez was a model of flat top acoustic guitar, produced at Gibson's Kalamazoo plant between 1959 and 1969, shipping precisely 8500 guitars over this decade. Many Epiphone guitars of this period were directly analogous to Gibson models, with similar construction and specifications (and they were built side-by-side) - effectively increasing the number of retailers stocking Kalamazoo-built guitars. The Epiphone Cortez was practically identical to the Gibson LG-2 / Gibson B-25.

The Cortez had a lot of similarities to the FT-30 Epiphone Caballero, sharing the same body dimensions (14 1/4" wide, 19" long, 4 1/2" deep); and scale of 24 3/4". The difference was the spruce top (rather than mahogany of the Caballero), with both guitars sharing a mahogany back, sides, and neck and a rosewood dot inlaid fretboard. The Caballero also had a less labour-intensive satin finish, at least in some years!

The Epiphone FT-45 Cortez is a concert-sized acoustic guitar. Introduced in 1958; it was produced through 1969, when regular Epiphone production in the United States ended. Model FT-45N, indicating a natural finish, was equivalent to the Gibson LG-3 or Gibson B-25N. It featured mahogany back and sides with a spruce top.

Like other Kalamazoo-made flattop acoustic guitars from both Gibson and Epiphone, the Cortez's bridge was changed several times. Plastic bridges were discontinued in 1966 and replaced with a traditional Gibson-style "belly-up" bridge, retaining an adjustable saddle, now made of rosewood. 

BODY

Top Material - Spruce

Finish Options - Shaded, Natural

Scale Length - 24.75"