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1937 Epiphone F.T. 27
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SN#:12739, white Masterbilt label
Body size at lower bout: 14 1/2" Body depth, heel to endpin: 3 /1/2" to 4" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 10/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .96/1.04" String spacing at bridge:
Materials and Hardware: Solid quartersawn bookmatched spruce top; solid bookmatched Mexican mahogany back, sides and neck; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and pyramid bridge with bone saddle; mother of pearl dot fingerboard inlays; Pyralin top binding: original contoured teardrop tortoise pickguard; original Waverly 3 on a strip white button tuners.
Notes: After their great success with banjos and archtop guitars, Epiphone finally bowed to market demand for flat top guitars, launching their 'F.T.' series instruments in 1935. Their F.T. 27 model has a unique hybrid design unlike any prewar Martin or Gibson: a compact lightweight body, with the power of a long scale neck.
The slope shouldered body of the F.T. 27 is similar in shape to the Gibson Advanced Jumbo, with a 14 1/2" lower bout just slightly bigger than a Martin 000. With back and sides of Mexican mahogany, the instrument is phenomenally light: at a mere 3lb 12oz this sprightly guitar is comparable in weight to a typical prewar OM-28.
Well cared for, this handsome guitar shows no apparent structural cracks, and all-original hardware and sunburst lacquer finish. Playwear is light for an instrument of its vintage, with a few scattered finish dents, some light buckle marks on the back, a small finish crack on the lower treble bout, and a soundly resealed fine hairline crack on the lower treble side.
With a comfy, traditional full C neck profile, fine recent fretwork and neck set, the action is smooth and low over a fresh high precision setup. With tonewood seasoned for the better part of a century, and the power of the long scale neck, the voice is bright and clear, with brilliant trebles, fine open bass, and excellent balance across the range, with lightweight traditional ladder style bracing.
The most desirable version of this model, this pin bridge version of the F.T.27 was built for only three years, as later examples were fitted with a tailpiece. Discontinued in 1940 after just five years of very limited production, the Epiphone F.T. 27 is a notably rare find, and an exceptional value in a true classic of the prewar era. Complete with its original plush lined hardshell case, this little powerhouse is a most remarkable discovery, from the Golden Age of the flat top guitar. One only, call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing.
