Epiphone / FT-79 Texan / 1958 / Natural / Guitar
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The Epiphone FT-79 model made quite a transition when the Gibson company purchased Epiphone in 1957. The FT-79 had previously been made with a long scale neck and a peanut shaped body with an arched back. The Gibson acquisition meant that many of the half finished parts from the old Epi factory were shipped from New York, NY to Kalamazoo, MI. Like many of the 1957-1960 Epiphones, Gibson mated leftover Epiphone necks to Gibson made bodies. They even used some other leftover parts such as laminate Poplar unkerfed lining. The new Texan used long scale Epiphone made necks mated to J-50 style bodies. The new Texan was essentially a long scale J-50 meaning loud long scale volume and big mid to low end Gibson thump. Transitional Texans with Epi made necks are quite rare so I’m very proud to be showing you this one today.
This 1958 Epiphone FT-79 Texan has survived in fantastic original condition with no changed parts or significant wear. It’s got loads of volume and mid range rumble. The setup is excellent and it’s really a joy to play. Repairs include a long ago bridge reglue, one reglued back brace and two glued back cracks. The guitar is now in excellent playing condition and is ready to go back on the road or in your studio. There was likely a metal epsilon logo glued to the pickguard but it has long since been lost. The finish is nice and soft but shows standard finish checking typical of Nitrocellulose finishes this old. The action is medium low with great break angle over the original saddle. The original case is an Ess&Ess made hard case that is in solid structural but fair cosmetic condition.
This rare transitional Epiphone FT-79 Texan has all the cool features that discerning collectors and players look for. The mid 1950s round shoulder J bodies are highly regarded for their stunning good looks, build quality and tonal response. The long scale New York made Epiphone neck adds a bit more drive to the top that gives the Texan a bit more volume and low end rumble. These features combined with the unique historical provenance add together for a very cool package for both the player and the collector.
True Vintage Guitar, USA 
Thank you for visiting us on Vintage and Rare! At True Vintage Guitar, we are passionate about vintage instruments and the stories they carry. If you’re looking to sell a vintage guitar, True Vintage Guitar can help with accurate identification, evaluation, and may be the buyer you’re looking for. We specialize in appraising, buying, and selling Fender and Gibson guitars made during the golden era of guitars: the 1950s and 1960s anywhere and everywhere in the world. We empower private sellers with useful knowledge about the value of their guitar and help guitar players fulfill their lifelong dreams.
Founded by John Shults, a 16 year veteran guitar appraiser and buyer based in Birmingham, Alabama, True Vintage Guitar specializes in helping sellers bring forgotten old guitars out from the closet and into the hands of a guitarist who’s always dreamed of owning it. John's worldwide travel to buy vintage guitars has earned him the nickname “The Guitar Safari Champion” by Reverb.com and "The Indiana Jones of Vintage Guitars" by City Lifestyle.
We offer expert appraisal for vintage guitars, market based offers to buy vintage guitars, and a curated selection of the finest Fender and Gibson guitars available to musicians worldwide. Along the way, John sees it as part of his job to catalog all the fine details necessary for authenticating vintage guitar finishes, parts, and seldom seen rare features. Our 72 hour approval period is intended to show confidence that you’ll love the guitar you’re buying from TVG.
If you're looking to sell your vintage guitar or are in the market to buy one, True Vintage Guitar is here to help. Our commitment to preserving the legacy of these instruments and connecting them with new owners makes us a trusted destination for vintage guitar enthusiasts.
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