Epiphone FT-85 Serenader

5.0 (1)

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Epiphone FT-85 Serenader

0 wishlisted

1 saved

Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

The Epiphone FT-85 Serenader is a distinguished member of the acoustic guitar family, designed to offer both seasoned musicians and budding artists an exceptional playing experience. This 12-string steel-string acoustic guitar is celebrated for its rich sound and robust build, making it a versatile choice for a variety of musical styles. Crafted with precision, it features a spruce top that ensures excellent resonance and sustain, while the mahogany back and sides contribute to its warm tonal quality. Whether you're strumming through folk tunes or experimenting with intricate fingerpicking, the Serenader's harmonious blend of materials delivers a full-bodied sound with clarity and depth.

The neck is fashioned from mahogany, providing comfortable playability, and is paired with a rosewood fingerboard that enhances the guitar's overall tonal warmth. The FT-85's distinctive headstock and classic body shape not only offer aesthetic appeal but also ensure a balanced feel, allowing for extended playing sessions without discomfort. Epiphone's commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in every detail of the FT-85, making it a reliable companion for both stage performances and studio recordings.

Key Features:

12-string steel-string acoustic guitar
Spruce top for enhanced resonance
Mahogany back and sides for warm tonal quality
Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
Classic body shape for balanced feel
Distinctive headstock design
Suitable for a variety of musical styles

Videos

Add video

Jake Wildwood & Co

1967 Gibson-made Epiphone FT85 Serenader 12-string guitar

Jake Wildwood & Co

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone FT-85 Serenader.

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Tuning in D standard and using a capo on the 2nd fret is recommended to reduce neck tension on the FT-85 Serenader.
Source
0 0

D’Addario silk n steel strings are suggested for reduced tension on the neck of this 12-string guitar.
Source
0 0

A lifting bridge is a common issue with vintage 12-strings; a skilled repair person can routinely address this.
Source
0 0

A neck reset may be required for optimal playability, typically costing a few hundred dollars with a good technician.
Source
0 0

Using extra light Martin phosphor bronze strings and adjusting the bridge saddle height can enhance playability and sound quality.
Source

Add review

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

xaqary

5455

over 9 years ago

Will never sell this. It's magic.

I'd hunted for "the right 12 string" for at least 3 years. Not being a fan of what I've dubbed "Dave Mathews, Dorm Guitar" giant Dreadnought thing, it was a long road. Was worth the wait. I can't count how many people who have asked to buy or borrow this guy.

I found this on a tour & this- it was WAY outta my budget at the time-but thank god my Wife was along to say "Don't be an idiot. You've been searching for a 12 for years & now you've found it-buy it". Bless that woman. I've never looked back. When The Clean came to town & had issues with their 12 I gotta call & countless other times it's made it's way into so many recordings & performances (yep, dropped a name. Inspired me as a kid. You get the weight or you're a dick). So this is a love story. It's a magical guitar. A delicate, nuanced, beautiful guitar without that's boomy low end & an exaggerated high end seemingly unavoidable w/ most modern 12 string guitars anymore. It's tasteful & brilliant. Prize part of my overall gear collection. Hands down.

Artist usage

Add artist

Brian Jones

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Rolling Stones

Verified via Photo

Brian Jones can be seen posing with an Epiphone FT-85 Serenader 12-string guitar in a photo shoot taken by photographer Bent Rej in 1965.

The Tallest Man On Earth

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via YouTube

At around 22:34 in the Premier Guitar "Rig Rundown" YouTube video, Kristian Matsson, known as The Tallest Man on Earth, discusses his use of the Epiphone FT-85 Serenader. The tailpiece is missing.

Ronnie Montrose

Guitarist

The Edgar Winter Group

Verified via Julienslive

Auctioned via Julien's in 2013.

Ronnie Montrose's Epiphone FT85 12-string acoustic guitar, played by Montrose on all of the 12-string guitar parts on the album Paper Money in 1974 and on many of his other records. Serial number 152224. Natural finish, with added Sunrise pickup, input jack and truss rod cover that says "Ronnie Montrose." Includes a hardshell case.

PROVENANCE From the Collection of Ronnie Montrose

John Phillips

Guitarist, Singer

The Mamas & the Papas

Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "The Mamas & The Papas - Words Of Love [The ES Show 1966]", originally broadcast on December 11th, 1966, John Phillips is seen playing an Epiphone FT-85 Serenader. At the 1:04 mark, the guitar's logo, 12-string headstock, and body are clearly visible, confirming the use of this specific instrument. The source of this footage is the YouTube channel "Classic Music of Yesteryear".