1967 Epiphone FT85 (Gibson B-25-12) Serenader 12-String 00-Size Guitar

I worked on this guitar and sold it back in 2018 to a friend of mine. He just brought it back recently as he's not 12-strings at the moment. I still think this is one of the better models of vintage 12-string because it has so much going for it -- a cozy, 00-size body, tailpiece string load that is kind to the top and gives the guitar more of a chunky, punchy, woody, Leadbelly vibe, and great looks. This one has been played-in enough that it feels like an old friend, too.

This is my favorite version of this model, too, as it has both the tailpiece load and a small, adjustable (archtop-style, almost) bridge. Being an Epiphone version of the B-25-12, it also has the cool Epi headstock shape and a thinner, '50s-looking pickguard vs. the larger, thicker pickguards the Gibson version would have instead. Am I confusing you? Sorry -- this is a USA Gibson-made product and identical to the Gibson B-25-12 model from the same time save its headstock shape, badge, and minor cosmetic changes.

Anyhow, it's arrived back here at the shop playing just as it left, though it did need minor work to get it playing perfectly spot-on as my buddy had definitely played it enough to give the frets some mild wear.

Repairs included: previously a neck reset, saddle compensation (fully compensated), and fret and setup work and -- just now -- a level/dress, restring, and setup.

  • Weight: 4 lbs 12 oz
  • Scale length: 24 5/8"
  • Nut width: 2"
  • Neck shape: medium C
  • Board radius: 10"
  • Body width: 14 1/4"
  • Body depth: 4 3/8"
  • Top wood: solid spruce
  • Back & sides wood: solid mahogany
  • Bracing type: x
  • Bridge: rosewood
  • Fretboard: rosewood
  • Neck wood: mahogany
  • Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
  • String gauges: 46w-10 (12 string light)
  • Truss rod: adjustable
  • Neck relief: straight
  • Fret style: lower/wider

Condition notes: there's pickwear around the soundhole, weather-checking to the finish all over, and mild usewear, scratches, nicks, dings, etc. throughout. It's all-original save the strap button at the back of the heel.


It comes with: an old chip case.


Consignor tag: TW





















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