Epiphone E452TD Sorrento, Sunburst (1966)

This 1966 Epiphone E452TD Sorrento pairs classic mid-’60s Gibson-era craftsmanship with refined details and a vibe-rich feel that makes it a standout vintage thinline.

1966 Epiphone E452TD Sorrento just into the shop!

Boy, do we love Epiphones from this period, and this double pickup Sorrento is no exception. Built on Gibson's thinline ES-125 platform, the single Florentine cutaway Sorrento adds a touch of sophistication with its oval fingerboard inlays and mini humbucker pickups.

The slender C neck features a slightly wider nut width than the narrow 1 9/16" often found on Gibsons and Epiphones during this period, edging it a little closer to that transitional 1 5/8" nut width from the two years prior. The moderate taper makes it feel slightly fuller, too.

This Sunburst finish is a little more unique to Epiphones, with a thinner, tighter dark edge and a more yellowed center. It has aged beautifully, with fine natural lacquer checking throughout. The darker stained back and sides complement that top finish wonderfully! The original mini humbucker pickups are very sweet sounding, with tight, percussive low end and clear trebles along with a more relaxed midrange. They take to volume and tone control manipulation very well, allowing for warmer, woodier tones should the music ask for it. These guitars are quite versatile!

The guitar had sat unplayed for many years under tension, and therefore needed a neck reset. Glenn Nichols carefully executed the arduous task of undoing a factory archtop dovetail neck joint, and reset the neck with great geometry. The guitar was also refretted with Jescar 45100 fretwire and is now playing better than ever! All plastics, hardware, and electronics are original to the instrument as well.

The guitar comes with a nice aftermarket Epiphone hardshell case and is set up with comfortable medium-low action. Lightweight, comfortable, and chock full of tone, it's a Sorrento we'd all be happy to have in our own collections.