1965 Epiphone Granada E444T

The Granada E444T made its debut in 1962 as the Epiphone equivalent to Gibson's ES-120T model. Much like the ES-120T, Epiphone's Granada featured a loaded pickguard design rather than having wiring inside of the guitar. Branded by CMI as the "exclusive, patented fingerrest pickup," this loaded pickguard considerably simplified the manufacturing process, thus making the Granada the most affordable hollowbody electric in the Epiphone range at $149.40 in 1962.

Cost-effective electronics mounting aside, the Granada E444T was a finely crafted 16-1/4" Thinline that was otherwise on par with the Gibson-branded hollow-bodies that were built in Kalamazoo at the same time. While the ES-120T sold quite well throughout the 1960s with nearly 9000 units shipped, the Granada E444T experienced mediocre sales. Available records suggest that under 2500 Granada guitars shipped before the model was dropped from the catalog in 1969.

With its faded sunburst finish contrasted by a large white pickguard, this 1965 Granada E444T is a seriously good-looking Gibson-built hollowbody. The original PU-380 single coil pickup delivers an airy response with clear note separation, making it an excellent rhythm guitar. The typical mid-'60s Gibson neck carve is fast and comfortable, with its narrow nut and condensed string spacing allowing for easy chording. 

This sixty-year-old Epiphone remains in very fine condition and is completely original apart from replaced tuners. The original frets are largely unworn and have plenty of life left, suggesting that the guitar has seen minimal playtime over the last six decades. Crazing throughout the guitar's finish, along with minor scratches, chips, and dents are the key indicators of the guitar's age. A deep craze line on the treble side of the fingerboard extension likely extends into the first layer of laminate on the guitar's top, but it does not pose a structural issue. The guitar is currently outfitted with modern Kluson Deluxe tuners which replaced non-original Schaller machine heads that have been long-since removed. A crack between the treble-side tuner post holes has been glued by our repair shop. 

Pickup DC value of 7.0K . Scale length of 24.75". First fret depth of 0.838", ninth fret depth of 0.972". Nut width of 1-9/16". Weight of 5lbs 6oz.

With original soft shell case.

**USD Price includes Shopify fees