1966 Epiphone Cortez – £1749

NEW ARRIVAL  Gibson bought Epiphone in 1957, and moved it to the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1960. Epiphones were then built in the Gibson factory from 1960 – 1969 until being transfered to Japan in early 1970. So buying a 60’s Epiphone gets you a USA made, Gibson produced guitar. With this in mind, this 1966 Epiphone Cortez is the equivalent of a Gibson LG2 – a small bodied, Spruce / Mahogany acoustic with X bracing. It’s a very warm sounding guitar, well balanced, with a rich sounding mid range. Although this guitar would be considered to be a great bluesy fingerpicker, the 59 year old Mahogany giving the guitar warmth and depth, it’s actually quite versatile, working well for light strumming, with plenty of attack when soloing. The guitar is in good condition, with a couple of top crack repairs, and a stripped natural top finish. There’s just the right amount of playwear for a vintage guitar of this age, and the slim neck feels great, with a comfortable playing action. The guitar comes in a non original hard case.