Epiphone introduced the FT-45 in 1941 and it was made until 1948. It was an 00 size flat top acoustic with a spruce top, American walnut back and sides and cherry neck.
Gibson reintroduced the FT-45 in 1958 as the Epiphone FT-45 Cortez model with slightly different specifications. These Gibson era FT-45s are much more common than the pre-1950s models.
Epiphone's promotional flyer described the FT-45 as follows, back in 1941:
"This model is especially recommended for those who wish to combine beauty of tone and appearance at a moderate price.
Back and sides of selected American Walnut, neck of Cherry Hardwood finished in a rich, glowing brown. Top of straight grained Spruce, finished in the gleaming white of the natural wood. Body bound on top and bottom with white Pyralin. Imitation Tortoise Shell pickguard.
Body size 18.88" long, 14.5" wide, 4.4" deep. 20 frets with neck joining body at 14th fret. Fitted with EPIPHONE'S Exclusive Adjustable Truss Rod."
2 Comments
Epiphone FT-45 Cortez
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
They went into the late sixties.
Not quite...
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
The original FT-45 was produced in the 40's, but the Cortez version was brought out by Gibson after their takeover and was produced in the 60's