Epiphone USA Frontier Acoustic, Vintage Sunburst Overview
The Epiphone USA Frontier FT-110, now made in the USA by Gibson’s expert luthiers in Bozeman, Montana, is a faithful revival of the original Frontier acoustic, which was produced from 1958 to 1970 in Gibson’s Kalamazoo factory. Known for its distinctive tone and striking design, the new Frontier brings back the iconic features that made it a legend, including high-quality materials, vintage styling, and modern electronics, making it ready for both stage and studio use.
Key Features and Highlights:
Premium Tonewoods:
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce delivers a bright, resonant tone with excellent projection and dynamic response.
- Back and Sides: Solid Figured Maple adds clarity and punch to the tone, giving the Frontier a unique sound that blends warmth with brightness.
- Body Shape: The Dove body shape (similar to a square-shouldered dreadnought) offers powerful, balanced projection, making it a great choice for a variety of playing styles.
Traditional Hand-Scalloped X-Bracing: The hand-scalloped X-bracing on the interior of the guitar enhances its resonance and sustain, allowing for a rich, full sound with improved dynamic range.
Iconic “Lariat and Cactus” Pickguard: A hallmark of the Frontier design, this ornate pickguard, featuring a lariat and cactus motif, adds vintage flair and sets the guitar apart visually.
L.R. Baggs VTC Pickup: The LR Baggs VTC pickup system ensures that the guitar’s natural tone is faithfully reproduced when amplified. With discreet soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls, it offers professional-quality sound for live performances and studio sessions without detracting from the guitar’s classic look.
Vintage Styling and Modern Craftsmanship:
- Neck: The mahogany neck with a round C profile offers comfort and familiarity, making it suitable for a variety of hand shapes and playing styles.
- Fingerboard: The Indian rosewood fingerboard, adorned with Mother of Pearl slotted rectangle inlays, provides a smooth playing surface and adds elegance to the overall design.
- Scale Length: At 25.5 inches, the scale length contributes to the guitar’s bright tone and powerful projection.
- Nut: A bone nut ensures excellent sustain and tonal clarity.
Gold-Plated Hardware: The Gotoh Keystone tuners are not only highly reliable for stable tuning but also add a luxurious touch with their gold-plated finish, complementing the guitar’s aesthetic.
Specifications at a Glance:
Body:
- Shape: Dove (Square-Shouldered Dreadnought)
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back & Sides: Solid Figured Maple
- Binding: Multi-ply top and back binding for durability and visual appeal.
Neck:
- Material: Mahogany
- Profile: Round C
- Nut Width: 1.725" (43.815mm)
- Scale Length: 25.5" (647.7mm)
- Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood with Mother of Pearl Slotted Rectangle Inlays
- Frets: 20
- Nut: Bone
Hardware:
- Bridge: Indian Rosewood, Belly Up
- Tuners: Gotoh Keystone
- Plating: Gold
Electronics:
- Pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Under Saddle)
- Controls: 1 Volume, 1 Tone, Soundhole-mounted
Finish Options:
- Antique Natural
- Frontier Burst
Case: Comes with an Epiphone Hardshell Case, offering protection and convenience.