Over the years, Epiphone guitars of the 1960's have developed a folklore of their own. Built in the same factory as their Gibson equivalent models, they share many features with these guitars, although subtle design changes and undeniably catchier model names such as 'Cortez' & 'Texan' have given them a cult following of their own outside of their Gibson connection, and many are far less commonly found than their Gibson counterparts.
This wonderful 196 Epiphone Frontier is a fantastic example of a Gibson made square shoulder Epiphone acoustic. The Frontier was the Epiphone branded version of Gibsons Dove acoustic dreadnought model, featuring a spruce top with maple back and sides. The Frontier is often found with a Sunburst finish, making Natural models generally more sought after. This particular guitar is one of the best acoustics we have had for some time, with a presence and balance that make it formidable across all playing styles. This particular example also features the wider nut width found on models from ‘63, as opposed to the typically skinnier neck found on the majority of Epiphone acoustics.
Other features of this beautiful guitar include the smaller Epiphone headstock shape, slotted block fretboard inlays, and the wonderfully ornate rope and cactus celluloid pickguard.
This guitar is in original condition with the exception of a replacement belly up bridge, with the original Kluson tulip tip tuners and no repairs to speak of. At some point, a DeArmond soundhole pickup has been fitted, with a jack input remaining on the lower bout and some wear to the pickguard where it was seated.
This guitar is in very good condition, lacquer checking and patina commensurate with age, and has been given a full service & appraisal by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop. This guitar also includes a 3 year warranty.
