Vintage 1964 Epiphone FT-79N “Texan” made by Gibson

Aaah, the Epiphone FT-79N Texan model flat top acoustic guitar, made in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1964. Serial number 229409, what a musical instrument! Sure Paul McCartney knew what he was doing when he bought his 1964 Texan just down the street from the Ed Sullivan Theater the week of The Beatles first shows in the US. But oh, there is so much more to these iconic guitars.

This example represents years of collecting “Texans” by my luthier David Hatchard of New Hampshire. Dave managed to acquire 8 really fine sounding examples over quite a long period of time and this was the last one he kept. It was for years the “shop guitar” and everyone played it. About 4 years ago I started taking it home with me while he worked on my guitars (kind of a hostage situation) and eventually he sold it to me.

I’ve played this guitar regularly since I first met it at Dave’s and it is hands down one of best sounding and best playing guitars I have ever played or owned. Honest, this guitar is magical!!

This is a well played veteran in original and very nice condition. Always kept professionally set up with action at 3-2 and proper string break across the saddle. Crack free with some minor battle scars including an upper bout cigarette burn Mojo, but what can you say? No other funny business sans a very old repaired top center seam separation. Dave replaced the adjustable ceramic saddle with a tasteful Brazilian rosewood insert allowing for a much better sound producing intonated bone “fixed saddle”. An under saddle pickup is tastefully installed as well with the jack at the endpin making this guitar totally suitable for stage play.

For those not in the know…Texan’s are the slim fast neck “long scale” (25 3/4″) (1 5/8″ nut) version of the iconic round shoulder Gibson J45 & J50. Engineered to be very powerful and outstanding sounding guitars.

I will sadly miss this one.

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