NGD Epiphone FT 45N

[richardp69]

I just picked up this very sweet Epi FT 45N as part of a trade deal (plus cash) for my Martin D 18C. This guitar is in really fine shape. Looks like a 00 model and I'm not typically a big fan of smaller bodied guitars but this one has a really nice voice and surprisingly (to me anyway) a pretty big and resonant voice. I like it quite a bit. I believe it's a Sitka Spruce top with Mahogany back and sides.

The lady thought it was a 1964 but I'm having trouble dating it to be sure. Plenty of decoders out there but as is typical, many aren't very good.

The sn is 217084

Any folks out there that have tried to date an older Epi?? Any help and suggestions appreciated.

Here's a few pics.

 

[GGJaguar]

I can't help with the decoding, but congrats! I know a couple of players who like that size Epi/Gibby for playing fingerstyle blues and folk.

 

[Westerly Wood]

that mahogany looks beautiful.

 

[twocorgis]

The lady thought it was a 1964 but I'm having trouble dating it to be sure. Plenty of decoders out there but as is typical, many aren't very good.

The sn is 217084

Any folks out there that have tried to date an older Epi?? Any help and suggestions appreciated.

guitarinsite.nl is usually pretty accurate, and here's what it says about this guitar:



Looks like a nice one!

 

[walrus]

That's a cool guitar! Congratulations!

walrus

 

[HeyMikey]

Richard, is that a one-piece back? The mahogany looks gear in any case. Perfect for nodding around on the couch. Congrats!

 

[richardp69]

Richard, is that a one-piece back? The mahogany looks gear in any case. Perfect for nodding around on the couch. Congrats!

Pretty sure it is a one piece back. I don't see a seam anywhere.

 

[richardp69]

guitarinsite.nl is usually pretty accurate, and here's what it says about this guitar:



Looks like a nice one!

Thanks Sandy. As usual you've been helpful.!!!!

 

[bobouz]

Richard, welcome to my world. I’ve had three of these since the ‘70s - two Epi’s, and a Gibson (the Epi FT45n is a clone of the Gibson B-25n). Yours is indeed a ‘64, and the back is a bookmatched two-piece. When you find a good one, the tone is full, quick, and slightly metallic due to the adjustable plastic bridge’s overall construction & hardware - which imho is critical to it’s tone (and I’m addicted to it!). As tempting as it might be to swap it all out, if the bridge is structurally stable, don’t do it if you like it’s current tone - been there, done that.

I’m unabashedly a huge fan, so if you have any questions about this model, please PM me. One quick tip to avoid structural bridge issues - make sure the ball ends of your strings are properly seated on the bridgeplate. And just for fun, here’s my current example, a ‘66:

 

[Stuball48]

Richard:
Do you have visions and dreams that guide you to such fine guitars or in upper Michigan the mere mention of your name causes people to think, "yeh, I need to get in touch with Richard Peterson, he may be interested?"
And the website had you in mind when they named it "Letstalkguild.". Omit the L E T and it describes you to a tee. Stalk Guild.