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Description

The Epiphone FT-45 Cortez is a vintage-inspired steel-string acoustic guitar that brings back the charm and playability of the classic folk models from the 1960s. This guitar is tailored for musicians who appreciate a rich tonal palette and a comfortable playing experience. The FT-45 Cortez features a solid spruce top, delivering a warm, resonant sound that's perfect for both fingerpicking and strumming. Its mahogany back and sides complement the top with added depth and richness, ensuring that every note you play is full-bodied and expressive.

The guitar's slim taper neck is designed for easy playability, catering to both beginners and seasoned players who need agility and comfort during long sessions. The 24.75-inch scale length offers a familiar feel while enhancing the guitar's overall tonal response. With its vintage-style X-bracing, this model not only looks nostalgic but also provides structural integrity and enhanced sound projection.

Whether you're performing on stage or simply jamming at home, the Epiphone FT-45 Cortez offers a balance of tradition and modernity, making it a reliable companion for any acoustic guitarist.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top for enhanced resonance
  • Mahogany back and sides for a rich, warm tone
  • Slim taper neck for comfortable playability
  • 24.75-inch scale length
  • Vintage-style X-bracing for improved sound projection
  • Adjustable truss rod for precise neck adjustments
Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1966 Epiphone FT-45 Cortez

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1966 Epiphone FT-45 Cortez by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1966 Epiphone FT-45 Cortez

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for Epiphone FT-45 Cortez from 1961 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Epiphone FT-45 Cortez from 1961 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone FT-45 Cortez.

Build quality

  • Vintage models often have lifting plastic bridges and may require rosewood replacements for longevity.

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  • Owners report that not all cases fit due to the guitar's unique dimensions; dreadnought cases are often too large despite recommendations from retailers.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners should inspect for cracks, loose braces, and headstock issues, common in mid-60s models.

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  • New bridge and saddle adjustments may impact tone; experimenting with different string types is recommended.

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  • The long headstock of the 1966 FT-45 Cortez can complicate case selection; classical-sized cases like Musician’s Gear Deluxe and Access Bags Stage One Small Body Acoustic are recommended.

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User experience

  • With used strings, it delivers a smooth, mid-range tone with bass presence but lacks the boom of the J-45.

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  • A user confirmed that the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Olympic case is a suitable fit for the FT-45 Cortez, providing a reliable option for storage and transport.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to the J-45, it offers a more controlled bass, while still maintaining good action and a smooth neck.

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Critic Reviews

1965 Gibson-made Epiphone FT-45 Cortez Flattop Guitar

jakewildwood.blogspot.com

The 1965 Epiphone FT-45 Cortez is a sleeper hit among vintage guitars. Initially requiring some love—like fret reseating and brace reglues—it transforms into a tonal powerhouse, rivaling the mid-'50s Gibson LG-2. While its original state featured worn-out strings and peeling bridges, post-restoration, it offers punchy mids and a woody vibe, perfect for fingerpicking and old-time flatpicking. The guitar's appealing price point and near-identical build to Gibson models make it a smart buy for vintage enthusiasts. Despite some cosmetic wear, its structural integrity holds strong, making it both a charming and reliable piece.

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Artist usage

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See how David Longstreth uses Epiphone FT-45 Cortez

David Longstreth

Singer, Guitarist

Dirty Projectors

...
Verified via YouTube

In the NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert video, David Longstreth of Dirty Projectors is clearly seen playing an Epiphone FT-45 Cortez guitar.

See how Damon Fowler uses Epiphone FT-45 Cortez

Damon Fowler

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via GuitarPlayer.com

“I like to create a song skeleton out of riffs and chords on a mid-’60s Epiphone Cortez acoustic, and then flesh it out on an electric instrument,”

See how Dave Simonett uses Epiphone FT-45 Cortez

Dave Simonett

Guitarist

Trampled By Turtles

...
Verified via YouTube

Playing a vintage 60s Epiphone FT-45 in this video

Album Usage

The Epiphone FT-45 Cortez has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Epiphone FT-45 Cortez, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Telecaster P-90
Telecaster P-90 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Fender 1965 Super Reverb
Fender 1965 Super Reverb Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1

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Community setups

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Gear Guides

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    Gear IQ 267