Used Epiphone Kalamazoo Rare 1963-1965 Cortez 'Style FT45' Classical Nylon String Acoustic Guitar (Includes Hard Case)

Used Instrument

This is a used instrument. It is in fair condition. It includes the original hard case. Please see photos for more information.

Used Epiphone Kalamazoo Rare 1963-1965 Cortez 'Style FT45' Classical Nylon String Acoustic Guitar (Includes Hard Case)

A very rare Epiphone Cortez Classical guitar, built in the Gibson Kalamazoo factory in the 1960s. Unlike the more common FT-45 Cortez steel-string models, this is a genuine nylon-string classical with a slotted headstock — a scarce and collectible example from Epiphone’s brief U.S. classical production period.

Built in Kalamazoo, Michigan (pre-1970, before Epiphone production moved overseas), this guitar was part of Epiphone’s effort to capture the booming folk/classical crossover market of the 1960s. This particular model is far rarer than the steel-string FT-45 Cortez; these hardly ever surface, which explains why they’re often confused with the steel version.

This guitar plays well with a beautiful warm, resonant tone. It has been set up with Pro Art nylon strings, has a comfortable wide neck and incredible action. Structurally solid, it is a joy to play. Please see pictures for more details of condition.

This is a collector’s instrument and an extremely rare find for Epiphone and Gibson enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a vintage Kalamazoo-built Epiphone that stands apart from the usual models, this is it.

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