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Catch of the Day: 1967 Epiphone Frontier

While the majority of the iconic Gibson flat top acoustic guitars are short (24.9″) scale (as opposed to the “Martin standard” scale length of 25.4″), several of the Kalamazoo-made Epiphone acoustics were built to similar specs to their Gibson cousins, but in long scale editions. The most famous example, the Paul McCartney endorsed FT79 Texan, is built out of the same shape and tonewoods (spruce and mahogany) as the ever-popular J-45/J-50 Gibson, but in long scale. The Frontier is a rare model that rarely comes up for sale, and with its square shoulder dreadnought body, long scale, maple back and sides with spruce top, the Frontier is essentially a Gibson Dove but with a more subtle, less flashy design.

This catch has a particularly attractive flamed maple back, which Gibson/ Epiphone stained in a beautiful walnut color, as opposed to the more common natural/ blonde finishes seen on maple acoustics. The long Epiphone headstock has a distinctly retro country western flavor, and the rectangular inlays (that resemble the figures out of the Space Invaders video game) have an elegant look. As this was a high level model, the Kluson tuners are gold-plated. This example has had the much maligned adjustable bridge saddle replaced with a fixed saddle, which many will agree/argue brings out the best tone from these guitars. While the narrow nut width (usually 1 5/8″) may be a turn off for some players, I’m a player with big hands and I personally love these necks. One thing that can’t be argued is that there are no new guitars with this neck shape!

As with all classic Gibson flat tops, these guitars are known to have a “dry” sound. Of course, applying these kind of terms are open to interpretation, but my take on the “dry” Gibson sound is one in which there is a strong fundamental “chop” that fills a lot of sonic space, but doesn’t get boomy and lost within other instruments. It’s no secret that studio engineers and producers love this sound, as it can sit beautifully in a mix and drive a track percussively.

Another plus is that a rare guitar such as this can be had for a lower price than a comparable Martin… it’s a deal at under $3500 at Gruhn’s.