olie Posted November 11, 2015 Share Posted November 11, 2015 Doesn't matter what a company does the criticism will emerge mere moments after the launch.Perhaps Epiphone and Gibson should initiate an encounter group and ask all of us to decide. That should take another hundred years.In the meantime Gibson and Epiphone have to walk the fine line between "Who's #1 and who's the junior partner?" It must be difficult during meetings between Gibson and Epiphone (assuming they have 'em) deciding how to tweek the two brands.But the raw material for these debates is assured! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 12, 2015 Author Share Posted November 12, 2015 I have NO problem, with Epiphone, at all. Only a few "wishes," spec wise, here and there...that's all. One, being that they build their Epiphone models, exactly like the Kalamazoo era (USA) models, right down to the Gibson truss rod, and 2-hole Truss Rod cover! Nic picking, maybe...but, why not do them "right," down to the last detail??? The "Chinese" Epi's are excellent! Awesome, even, at their price point! I'd just like to seem them go that little "extra," and match the Kalamazoo era spec's. I can live with the very light (now) and well applied "Poly" finish! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cody78 Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Well, there are some of us, here, that would like to see Epiphone use the "Gibson" headstock, like the ones that are made for the "Japanese only," market, on their "Gibson" models. If Epi is going to copy "Gibson" guitar models, then why not us the Gibson headstock shape, but with "Epiphone" instead of "Gibson" logo inlays. Other folks here, don't seem to mind, either way. So...??? CB I always thought Epiphone should use the same shape as Gibson for the headstock too. The Epi LP/ SG headstock shape I never much cared for. How come Japan gets the better shape I wonder? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 12, 2015 Author Share Posted November 12, 2015 I always thought Epiphone should use the same shape as Gibson for the headstock too. The Epi LP/ SG headstock shape I never much cared for. How come Japan gets the better shape I wonder? I believe it to be a Marketing agreement, with Gibson. The Japanese (Epiphone Japan) models are not Supposed to be sold outside of Japan. If/When you see Epi's on E-bay with "From Japan," that (usually) only means that's where it's located, and, like the one's we get in the USA, are most likely made in Korea, China, or Indonesia. But, if it says "Made in Japan," those will be the true "Epiphone Japan" and/or their "Elitist" models. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skyline_UK Posted November 16, 2015 Share Posted November 16, 2015 I asked Andertons (UK) and they expect them early to mid 2016. Still, time to sell something to make room I suppose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capmaster Posted November 16, 2015 Share Posted November 16, 2015 So they will become 101st anniversary models? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pin Posted November 17, 2015 Share Posted November 17, 2015 jdgm (Les Paul section) reports that the UK Epi custom will be £899. That is absurd. You can pick up a s/h Gibson Les Paul for not much more. However, I do think this edition of the custom may turn out to be one of the very, very few modern Epiphones that become collectible over the longer term. Time will tell. But £899...? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manfred33 Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 So, if I may, I'd like to pose a what if? Perhaps a noob kind of question, but nonetheless.... I think I might like to get a new LP, as my current Epi LP Custom is not in the greatest condition; it was a tour guitar for some college kid in a previous life.... The 100th Anniversary Epi is beautiful to say the least, but what if you could get, let's say a new Gibson LP Studio 50s Tribute for the same price? What would you get it over the Epi? I like the Anniversary as well as the Tribute Plus Epis, but would love an actual Gibson, just don't have Gibson LP Standard or Traditional money. Or more like, my wife would kill me if i spent that much money on a guitar. And what do I need a $2k guitar for anyways..... So back to my question, an Epi 100th Anniv/Tribute Plus or a Gibby Studio 50s Tribute for the same price...? I have looked at the specs for both, and realize the differences, but again, Gibson quality and sound vs Epi affordability. And I know Epis sound quite good these days, but I've never played a Gibson. Which could be a positive, as I really don't know what I am missing, right?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pin Posted November 26, 2015 Share Posted November 26, 2015 I have looked at the specs for both, and realize the differences, but again, Gibson quality and sound vs Epi affordability. And I know Epis sound quite good these days, but I've never played a Gibson. Which could be a positive, as I really don't know what I am missing, right?? You pose a fair question and deserve a fair answer. However, answers may vary but here's my take. Gibson's are, in my opinion, better made than their Epi counterparts but you would be hard pressed in most instances to determine significant sound differences (so much depends on the pickups and the amp) from the wood alone although I am not denying that differences are present. For me, the main difference is in resale. You will lose a significant wad of money reselling an Epi but that wad will be lighter with a Gibson resale. Over the longer run you can gain with Gibson and you probably won't with Epi (note original Epiphones made in Kalamazoo are different). I note above that maybe (and it is a big maybe) this 100th Anniversary Custom may be an exception to the rule. But don't bank on it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 26, 2015 Author Share Posted November 26, 2015 Hmmmm, well construction/fit & finish, on Asian Epi's, has only gotten better, over the years. Some Indonesian versions are nearly flawless! The "spec's" on the Chinese made versions, while not perfect, are much closer, these days, to the Kalamazoo variety, in several areas. The Japanese Elitist, and '66 Elitist, being the best/most accurate, so far. So, I'm fairly sure those "Elitist" models will retain their resale value, and possibly even increase, as the Gibson's are likely to do. I've yet to actually see, or play the 100th Anniversary Les Paul Custom, but I would think, being a limited edition, it will be an awesome version. And, well worth what they're selling them for. Personally, I really like the "Sheraton" neck appointments, and more standard non-clipped headstock, and "vine" inlay, as well. They should be a good purchase, all the way around. But, time will tell. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manfred33 Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 Thanks for the answers. I figured with the Gibson, it will hold it's value more, along with just having that Gibson quality and sound. But, even with a Studio model? I know those are the most basic stripped down models so, not sure how they hold up to a Standard or Traditional, etc... Anyways, the Anniversary is a really beautiful guitar, but I am not crazy about the natural finish or the Cherry to be perfectly honest. I decided to go with a Epi Tribute Plus, based on all of the great reviews of that guitar; the carved maple top, the electronics and I guess above all the Gibson p/us... Ordered it from Sweetwater, should be here by Monday. Hopefully sooner... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capmaster Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olie Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 The thing about something holding it's value is-the more you spend , the more you have invested in your "investment" holding that value.So it's all about your starting point.If you're buying a car you can spring for a Corvette or you can simply buy something to get you from A to B.It depends on your agenda. If you REALLY only wish to play music you don't have to have a $3000 guitar if it's about the music. I think there is a mixed agenda going on here and some folks are in it to impress-and not necessarily by means of what they play.It's a matter of one's strength of self. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pin Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 The thing about something holding it's value is-the more you spend , the more you have invested in your "investment" holding that value.So it's all about your starting point.If you're buying a car you can spring for a Corvette or you can simply buy something to get you from A to B.It depends on your agenda. If you REALLY only wish to play music you don't have to have a $3000 guitar if it's about the music. I think there is a mixed agenda going on here and some folks are in it to impress-and not necessarily by means of what they play.It's a matter of one's strength of self. I find that opinion quite insulting to be honest although it perhaps applies to some few people who are collectors rather than players. The main reason why people buy top rated instruments is because they are (really are) top rate and they play and sound it too. Why are on earth do you think Stradivarius violins command such high prices? It is not only because there are so few of them but they are reckoned to be so superb to play. My own ES345 reissue is a case in point. Many years ago I owned a 1964 Gibson ES345 but sold it. I have never ceased to regret that sale. Roll on many years later and I still could never afford a Gibson ES345 and they had stopped making them anyway. And then Epiphone brought out their version and I snapped one up. I changed just about everything on it (there is a thread on here about it with pics) but I could never get it to sound like the Gibson I once had. And then I had a bit of luck and came into enough money which was coincident upon Gibson releasing reissues of the 1959 and 1964 ES345s. I just had to have one given my memories. I went for the 1959 because I preferred the original "mickey mouse" ears. And you know what? The Gibson plays a thousand times better than the Epi version. It is so superior in every way that I just sold my Epiphone ES345 and don't regret it at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartyWFB Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 I "pre-ordered" one after "2nd" glance (in natural). Have been looking for a new Epi LP for some time, and had pretty much settled on the "Lee Malia" edition, as I really loved the look, AND "P-90" pups! Then...this! Spec's are terrific, and the 100th "extras" are a nice touch. I happen to agree that this model may very well be amongst the Epi's that become truly "collectable" as time goes on. That said, I do wonder about the "durability" of the gold plated hardware (vs. "standard" plating). Already considering changing out the pup's (I'm having a tough time locating "specifics" on "Pro-buckers"). Went with the natural as very similar to an Aria Pro II LP I purchased in Japan in 1980 (another "shoulda-coulda-woulda" thing...d'uh!). I've been "told" that availability may be as soon as 12/23..Ah, the waiting game! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manfred33 Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 I find that opinion quite insulting to be honest although it perhaps applies to some few people who are collectors rather than players. The main reason why people buy top rated instruments is because they are (really are) top rate and they play and sound it too. Why are on earth do you think Stradivarius violins command such high prices? It is not only because there are so few of them but they are reckoned to be so superb to play. My own ES345 reissue is a case in point. Many years ago I owned a 1964 Gibson ES345 but sold it. I have never ceased to regret that sale. Roll on many years later and I still could never afford a Gibson ES345 and they had stopped making them anyway. And then Epiphone brought out their version and I snapped one up. I changed just about everything on it (there is a thread on here about it with pics) but I could never get it to sound like the Gibson I once had. And then I had a bit of luck and came into enough money which was coincident upon Gibson releasing reissues of the 1959 and 1964 ES345s. I just had to have one given my memories. I went for the 1959 because I preferred the original "mickey mouse" ears. And you know what? The Gibson plays a thousand times better than the Epi version. It is so superior in every way that I just sold my Epiphone ES345 and don't regret it at all. Hmmm, I tend to go with a little bit of both of these opinions. I have played instruments since I was in junior high school, so I consider myself a musician, more of a hobbyist now than anything else. So it is about playing the music for me, because it is one of those things that I could never give up. With that being said, I do appreciate quality and collectibility as well. I enjoy collecting guitars. I don't have a large collection, but if I see something that I think would be of value to have, I tend to want to get it as well. And if it plays great and sounds awesome, then bully for me. I have an '80 Ibanez Musician Fretless Bass that I will never part with, because for me it is worth more than any of my current guitars put together, it is a collectible and it does play awesome.... Now, I have owned many Epiphones up until this point, but I have never owned a Gibson, which I would love to have for both reasons; their collectibility/value as well as their quality and sound. I dont' have any problem with how my Epis play or sound, because they sound good to me. I have never played a Gibson though, so in a way I don't know what I am missing. But i really don't have Gibson money to spend, except for maybe a LP Studio. But there again, is a Studio really worth the investment? Over an Epi LP Anniversary? Or the Epi LP Tribute I just bought? I should start squirreling away money to buy a Standard at some point down the road I guess.... I tend to believe that most people on here are of the same mind, musicians that appreciate good quality instruments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pin Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 I tend to believe that most people on here are of the same mind, musicians that appreciate good quality instruments. Yes, I agree with that Manfred. I am not - under any circumstances - decrying Epiphone. I still have two Epi's and of all my guitars I probably play my Epi SG the most. But there is no doubt in my mind about real quality making a real difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manfred33 Posted December 3, 2015 Share Posted December 3, 2015 Yes, I agree with that Manfred. I am not - under any circumstances - decrying Epiphone. I still have two Epi's and of all my guitars I probably play my Epi SG the most. But there is no doubt in my mind about real quality making a real difference. Oh, I did not think for a second you were decrying Epiphone, on the contrary.... I do believe that quality makes a big difference, i just have never played a Gibson, but they cost what they cost for a reason. And they are played by a great many musicians for a reason; how they sound. If I owned a Gibson, I might not play it as much as my Epis either. Same reason I don't pull my Ibanez Musician of out its case except on rare occasions.... I don't pull my Casino out that often either, but I typically don't hesitate if I am in the mood to play something that sounds good on a hollowbody. And i bought the Epi LP Tribute mostly because of the Gibson pups, among other reasons so....not sure if that makes it worth more or not. To the OP, didn't mean to hijack the thread.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skyline_UK Posted February 2, 2016 Share Posted February 2, 2016 So, anyone received theirs yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skyline_UK Posted February 3, 2016 Share Posted February 3, 2016 Andertons demo video just gone up: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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