1964 Epiphone FT-98 Troubadour Natural

1964 Epiphone FT-98 Troubadour made by Gibson in very good condition with very minimal signs of wear seen throughout the instrument. Somewhat of an odd ball model form the 60s. Trying to capitalize on the Folk Boom Gibson introduced several models designated as Folk guitars. Their wide necks and 12 fret neck joints as well as dual white pickguards set them apart. The idea was a cross between steel string and classical. The Epiphone version is based on the square shouldered maple body with spruce top, rosewood fingerboard and bridge. The bracing is quite a bit lighter than an equivalent steel string guitar of the era. It is a 12 fret neck joint however the bracing is located as is it were a 14 fret guitar. In addition the bridge plate is located as if it were a 12 fret guitar. The result of the lighter bracing and bridge position makes for a guitar that catches you off guard. It sounds huge! It is lively and full and does what you wish a Gibson Dove would do , or J-200 for that matter. The 2" nut width takes a minute to acclimatize to. The neck shape is nice oval and comfortable despite the width. 24 3/4" scale length, 27/32" thick at the first fret, 1" thick at the ninth fret, and weighs 5.14 lbs exactly. Fancy cosmetics with traditional Epiphone inlays, gold Kluson tuners, and multiple bound top and back. All original with no major repair work. An unusual and quite pleasing instrument. This guitar comes with the original hardshell case.