epiphone FT 145

[mustawanna]

I have had this guitar for 33 years and was wondering when it was made and what it would be worth it has a sticker inside with FT145 on it the name ect is in mother of pearl

[DrRogerFisher]

I have had this guitar for 33 years and was wondering when it was made and what it would be worth it has a sticker inside with FT145 on it the name ect is in mother of pearl

 

Epiphone FT-145 were called Texans

The originals made in Kalamazoo in the 1960s have a blue sticker inside with a 6-digit Serial Number, also stamped on the back on the headstock.

You can use the number to find the manufacturing date and location through the Guitar Dater Project:

Guitar Dater

 

Prices range widely; a Kalamazoo model in excellent condition could run over $2000. Japanese models sell for maybe $500.

 

Check e-bay, Elderly Music, etc.

 

Others here might have more info.

[TommyK]

This looks like a Norlin era FT145. Made early 70's in Japan... only Japan.

 

The label may say "Kalamazoo.." but it's only a name in Michigan where Epiphones once were made.

 

If it has a blue label, it's the early run, with a potential for a loose neck block. This can be fixed.

 

Due to the epsilon on the truss rod cover it would be a late blue label with, maybe, a better neck block.

 

Value? Take a zero off. $200 would be a more than fair price for the guitar alone. More if it has a decent case.

 

Serial numbers in this era were anything but serial. Physical description will get you to within a year or three of actual production.

[TommyK]

Here's what to look for in the way of a loose neck block and the fix:

 

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/37812-repairing-a-norlin-era-ft-guitar-with-broken-neck/page__st__20__gopid__1527336#entry1527336

[mustawanna]

thank you this has helped me a lot

[TommyK]

Here's a link to a thread on Epiphone history. It can be used as a benchmark for 'aging' some Epiphones. http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/54174-brief-epiphone-history/

Within it is a link to a page describing the rise and demise of Norlin and it's founder H. Norton Stevens.