Which Epi is this?

[TNFrank]

Here's a guitar that I'm interested in buying but I don't know the model of it yet. The guy is suppose to call me back to let me know. He said he thought it was a 1968 guitar though, if that's any help. Anyway, any help ya'll can supply would be appreciated, Thanks.

http://www.golsn.com/listings/musical_instruments/instruments/1225651.html

[stone1281734000]

Perhaps an FT150?

http://www.matsumoku.org/models/epiphone/catalogs/1974/pg2.html

[TNFrank]

That does kind of look like it. Any major issues with this guitar? Is it pretty solidly built? From what I read it looks to be all laminate, I was really wanting at least a solid top. What is something like this worth in decent shape? Thanks, for the reply, hope to hear more info.

[stone1281734000]

I'm not that familiar with old Epi acoustics and their value, but others here are. Perhaps they can help.

 

As far as issues, any guitar that old(late 1960's) could have major ones if not cared for properly. Definitely something you'd want to inspect before buying.

[TNFrank]

I got a reply back from my e-mail and was told it has "FT-105" and "#39" on the tag. That's confusing, never heard of an FT-105, I really wonder if they ment FT-150.

[stone1281734000]

Must of been a typo. I don't believe there is an FT105.

[Larens]

I got a reply back from my e-mail and was told it has "FT-105" and "#39" on the tag. That's confusing' date=' never heard of an FT-105, I really wonder if they ment FT-150. [/quote']

 

That model was one of the first Epiphone Japanese imports that arrived in the states in mid/late 1971. Originally it was called the "6830E" and that was changed in 1972 to "FT-150". Along with the change in nomenclature, the machine heads receivecd chrome-plated metal knobs as the original stylized plastic knobs tended to break (I can attest first-hand to that having owned a 6830E since they first arrived). They are fully-laminated with a bolt-on neck and have a proclivity for structual problems at the neck/body joint. They were originally an Aria model introduced in 1969 that was superficially modified to be sold as an Epiphone. Not the worst guitar ever made but also not the best. $250 seems a bit high to me... <$200 is more like it. By the way...I once had my heart broken by a young lady from Crossville but that was many years ago and I'm almost over it by now lol. Good luck.

 

Larens

[TNFrank]

Thanks guys for all the info. I looked at a Masterbilt AJ-500 today and I totally love that guitar. Open back tuners, matte finish, NOT a Dread, great tone and nice action. The guy at the local shop has it listed, new for $399 which is $100 cheaper then Musician's Friend has em' for, of course I know MF will deal with ya' a lot too.

I currently have a Recording Kind RO-06 with case that I'm trying to sell so I can get something more "vintage". The little RK 000 is nice and all but the gloss finish and sealed tuners just don't do it for me anymore. I need something that looks like the guitars from the '30's and that Masterbilt was awesome.

I guess I'll pass on the FT-150, just doesn't sound like what I'm looking for. IF anyone here wants to give the guy a call and buy it please feel free but I want that AJ-500. Anyway, talk to ya'll later and thanks.