1959 Epiphone Texan FT-79

A Rare and Historic Texan

The 1959 Epiphone Texan FT-79 featured here is a remarkable instrument, steeped in both historical significance and sonic excellence.

This particular guitar stands out as an early example of the model, predating the iconic instrument played by Paul McCartney, and showcases unique features that distinguish it from later Texans.

The "Guitar of Yesterday"

While this specific Texan predates Paul McCartney's iconic instrument, it shares the same model designation and fundamental design elements. It offers a glimpse into the sonic qualities that captivated the legendary musician and contributed to the creation of timeless songs like "Yesterday."

This 1959 Texan represents a pivotal moment in Epiphone's history, shortly after its acquisition by Gibson's parent company. It showcases the brand's efforts to revitalize itself by combining elements of Gibson's popular designs with unique Epiphone features. The guitar's early production date and distinctive neck construction further enhance its historical value.

Download PDF
1959 Epiphone Texan
FT79 Natural (887kB PDF)

Key Features

• Body: The Texan boasts a classic Gibson J-50 body style, crafted with mahogany back and sides and a spruce top. This combination produces a balanced tone with warmth, clarity, and projection.
• Neck: A distinctive feature of this early Texan is its neck, built from a 3-strip mahogany/maple laminate with a pronounced "V" shape and a pointed heel. This design provides a comfortable playing experience and contributes to the guitar's unique tonal character.
• Headstock: The wider Epiphone headstock showcases an early truss rod cover design without the "E" Epsilon logo, with the Epiphone name inlaid in pearl.
• Fingerboard: The unbound rosewood fingerboard features elegant pearl trapezoid block inlays and a longer 25 1/4" scale length, contributing to a tighter, more powerful sound.
• Bridge & Pickguard: The rosewood bridge with a bone saddle ensures optimal intonation and sustain. The tortoise celluloid pickguard, smaller than those found on later models, adds a touch of vintage charm.
• Case: The guitar comes with its original black hard shell case, providing protection and preservation for this valuable instrument.

A Rare and Fine-Sounding Instrument

This 1959 Epiphone Texan FT-79 is a testament to the craftsmanship and innovation of the era. Its rarity, historical significance, and exceptional sound quality make it a highly desirable instrument for collectors and musicians alike.

This vintage Epiphone acoustic guitar is in Toowoomba, Queensland.

Whether you're a fan of the Beatles, a vintage guitar enthusiast, or simply seeking a superb acoustic guitar, this Texan is sure to impress.