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1965 Epiphone Texan
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SN#: 289386. Body size at lower bout: 16" Scale length: 25 1/2" Body depth, endpin to heel: 5"- 3 7/8". Nut width: 1 10/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .84/.95"
Materials and Hardware: Solid quartersawn bookmatched Sitka spruce top; solid bookmatched Honduran mahogany back, sides and neck; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard; mother of pearl parallelogram fingerboard inlays; 3-ply top binding, contoured tortoise pickguard with epsilon badge, nickel Kluson Deluxe double line white button tuners, Brazilian rosewood bridge with adjustable saddle, adjustable truss rod.
Notes: It's the guitar that gave us 'Yesterday'. And the legend continues to this day.
The Gibson J-45 and the Martin D-18 are two of the most beloved acoustic guitars ever made. What would you get if you combined the two? This is the guitar that answers that question.
Epiphone's venerable Texan model began life in 1941, as the popular FT-79 flat top. Originally a square shoulder dreadnought, the 79 was modified in 1949 with a more rounded, jumbo style body. Discontinued in 1955, the model was revived by Gibson in 1959 as the Texan, two years after the firm acquired the Epiphone brand. Priced comparably to Gibson's J-45, the Texan was built in Kalamazoo on the same production line as all other Gibson flat tops as well.
Though similar in appearance, the Texan was an attractive alternative to the J-45 for a number of reasons. Both models shared a lightweight mahogany body and graduated spruce soundboard, but the Texan is a full inch deeper at the endpin, and is fitted with a long 25 1/2" scale neck, like a Martin dreadnought. Both features lend the Texan greater volume, projection, and bass response, over its Gibson counterpart.
A favorite of players from Paul McCartney to Kurt Cobain, the Texan remained a popular model until the last one rolled off the line in 1970. Revived periodically since 1993, the model continues to be hand crafted as a premium offering in Gibson's Bozeman, MT custom shop at this writing.
This veteran player has the iconic features: the thin, x-braced Sitka top with tall, skinny braces, lightweight mahogany body, multiple soundhole rings, and prewar style pickguard.
Lovingly maintained since new, this handsome guitar boasts a straight Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with fine original fretwork, and a gleaming light sunburst finish, with just enough lacquer checking to vouch for its originality. Apart from a small spot of pick wear near the soundhole, and a few incidental lacquer nicks, this gleaming guitar remains in outstanding all-original condition.
At a just 4lb. 5 oz, the instrument is nicely light in weight, and well balanced on the lap or the strap. Of special note is the particularly slim, easy neck profile, ideal for the electric player unwilling to grapple with a clubby old-school neck. The action is smooth and low with a fresh high precision setup, and the guitar plays like butter itself.
The voice is open and vibrant, with deep, resonant bass and brilliant highs: a powerful guitar, and powerfully rewarding to play. Clear as a long drink of water, this striking guitar is a classic acoustic workhorse, equally adept at finger or pick style play. A remarkable find from Gibson's Golden Age of fabulous flat tops. One only, call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge phosphor bronze strings (.013-.056). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings.
Case: Original black hardshell case with burgundy plush lining.
