
( Brand: Epiphone ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: FT-165 ), ( Handedness: Right Handed ), ( Type: Acoustic ), ( String Configuration: 12 Strings ), ( Instrument: Guitar )
The Epiphone FT-165 Bard Acoustic 12-String Guitar is an exquisite instrument that delivers rich, full-bodied sound ideal for folk, pop, and country music genres. This guitar boasts a classic design, combining traditional aesthetics with modern construction technology.
The heart of this 12-string guitar is its solid Sitka spruce top, which provides excellent projection and clarity. The top is supported by a scalloped X-bracing design, ensuring the guitar remains stable and strong even during aggressive playing styles. The body of the FT-165 Bard is made of select mahogany, lending a warm, resonant tone to the instrument.
The 12-string model features a 25.5-inch scale length and a select rosewood fingerboard with 20 frets. The dot inlays on the fretboard ensure easy navigation during performances, while the slim taper D-profile neck makes playing comfortable for players of all skill levels.
The Epiphone FT-165 Bard 12-string guitar comes equipped with a synthetic bone nut and a synthetic saddle, ensuring accurate intonation and proper string alignment. The guitar's hardware includes a chrome 12-string tuning head with die-cast machine heads, which provide smooth, stable tuning and excellent gear ratio for precise pitch control.
The guitar's classic appearance is completed with a gloss finish and a beautiful sunburst body. The body binding, fingerboard, and headstock overlay are all made of ivoroid, adding a touch of elegance to the instrument.
The Epiphone FT-165 Bard 12-string guitar comes with a hardshell case, ensuring the guitar remains protected during transportation and storage. This guitar is an excellent choice for musicians seeking a high-quality, affordable 12-string acoustic guitar with a rich, full-bodied sound and classic design.
The Epiphone FT-165 Bard 12-String Acoustic Guitar is an affordable option for those interested in the rich, full sound of a 12-string instrument. Here are some pros and cons to help you make an informed decision:
Pros:1. Affordable: This guitar is significantly cheaper than many other 12-string acoustic guitars in its class.
2. Solid Spruce Top: The solid spruce top ensures a good tonal quality and resonance.
3. Mahogany Back and Sides: Mahogany provides a warm, rich tone and helps to balance the brightness of the spruce top.
4. 12-String Tuning Machines: The guitar comes with sealed 12-to-1 tuning machines, making tuning easier and more stable.
5. Die-Cast Machine Heads: Die-cast machine heads provide smooth and precise tuning and add a touch of elegance to the instrument.
6. Cutaway Design: The cutaway design allows for easier access to the higher frets, making playing more comfortable.
7. Built-in Preamp: The built-in preamp system allows for better amplification and volume control during live performances or recording sessions.
Cons:1. Action and Intonation: Some customers have reported issues with the action and intonation out of the box, requiring adjustments.
2. Fret Dressing: The frets may need dressing to ensure a smooth and even playing surface.
3. Bridge: The bridge may not be as sturdy as some higher-end options, which could affect tuning stability.
4. Finish: The finish may not be as durable as some more expensive guitars, which could result in scratches or chips over time.
5. Setup: Depending on your skill level, you may need to invest in a professional setup to achieve optimal playability and sound quality.
Conclusion:The Epiphone FT-165 Bard 12-String Acoustic Guitar offers a rich, full 12-string sound at an affordable price point. While it may require some adjustments and setup work, the solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and built-in preamp make it an attractive option for those looking to explore the world of 12-string acoustic guitars without breaking the bank.
Recommendation:If you're considering purchasing the Epiphone FT-165 Bard 12-String Acoustic Guitar, be prepared for some potential setup work and possible adjustments to the action and intonation. However, with a little patience and investment, you'll have a versatile and high-quality instrument that's perfect for practicing, recording, and live performances. If you're uncertain about your ability to set the guitar up yourself, consider investing in a professional setup to ensure optimal playability and sound quality.
This specific instrument has been exceptionally well preserved, showing only minor, honest cosmetic wear consistent with its age, no structural issues or cracks. Crafted in Japan during the golden era of Midsummer manufacturing 1970s, this Bard-12 model is a beautiful testament to historic Japanese lathery. Included is a fitted hard shell case to protect this vintage gem for years come. Type Acoustic.
For sale is a vintage, Japanese-made Epiphone FT-165 Bard-12-string acoustic guitar in very good condition, complete with hard shell case and carrying serial number 261457. Vintage Epiphone FT-165 Bard 12 Acoustic 12-String Guitar with case - nice shape. The neck is straight, the action comfortable, and original hardware functions perfectly. It features a resonant jumbo body with spruce top and striking rosewood back sides, delivering the deep, orchestral chime that vintage 12-strings are celebrated for.