Silver Lake Vintage Guitars

1966 Sunburst Epiphone Texan

 A super clean original example of a classic Epiphone Texan FT-79 round shouldered dreadnought. Spruce top, mahogany back and sides, rosewood fingerboard and 25 1/2 scale neck.

Gibson purchased Epiphone in 1957 ending a bitter rivalry between the two companies that had existed for decades. It took time for Gibson to formulate a strategy that integrated the two brands and to begin with Epiphone occupied only a small space in the Gibson factory. It wasn't until the early 60's that the Epiphone brand began to flourish under its new ownership. Gibson took some of the existing Epiphone models and integrated them into the new Gibson/Epiphone catalogue. This involved the redesigning and updating of existing Epiphone models. The Texan was one of these models.

Gibson developed a dual approach to the two brands, having some models exclusive to Epiphone and some exclusive to Gibson. However in some cases they also shared the same basic design. For example the Epiphone Texan and the Gibson J45, the Gibson ES-330 and the Epiphone Casino. But, Epiphone guitars had unique features to distinguish them from Gibsons. The longer scale length, the long headstock from late 1963, and different pick guards and finishes. Gibson had a policy of only allowing one Gibson dealer in an area or town to sell their guitars, so, they would offer an Epiphone dealership as an alternative if there was already a Gibson dealer in the area. 

The 1960's Epiphone Texan has been a favourite of many musicians over the years, including Paul McCartney and is known for its playability, tone and recording attributes.

You know what they say " some guitars have songs in them".