1962 Epiphone FT-45 (Gibson B-25) Cortez 00-Size Guitar

This old, Gibson-made, Epiphone-branded flattop is basically a rebadged B-25. This particular guitar is owned by the prettier half of a duo-band-playing couple and has clearly been loved to death. It has a glorious sound -- woody and full and relaxed -- and a quick, easy neck profile. The classic sunburst finish doesn't hurt, either.

It arrived here needing a new bridge, some fretwork, and setup work. Ancel made a fresh Madagascar rosewood bridge (with nods to both the '60s plastic one that was on it and '50s-looking Gibson bridges) and fit it to the guitar -- yanking out the old, funky, adjustable posts and whatnot. I had my hands on it just a tiny bit to cut the saddle slot and pinholes, but he can take the glory! After that it got a level/dress of the frets, a new bone saddle, and a good setup.