Jump to content
Gibson Brands Forums

My current Epi experiences


LPKEN

Recommended Posts

Well so here goes, I have purchased and sold a lot of guitars over the years. Such as a 58 LP reissue a 59 reissue, 3 PRS custom 24's a LP standard, an ibanez Steve VAi, Strats etc, etc. I currently own a Music man JP Artisan Mafesty, a Strat Elite special edition a 2011 LP trad plus top, a Strat USA pro and now three EPI's a Sheraton 2 pro, a lee Malia LP and a Masterbuilt DR 500 MCE. I Concider myself a level 3 maybe 4 player. I am extremely picky on quality and playability the later because I am a learning player.

 

So on the 3 Epi's

 

The Masterbuit - I played several Gibson acoustics form cheap to 3k, I also checked all the reviews online and watched YouTube videos. This guitar is built with attention to detail that some of the higher priced Gibsons failed to meet. The sound and playability is perfect with low action and no fret buzz though they needed to be polished. The tone is top notch, the electronics are excellent. And the cost is 650 new, case 109 for it plus tax. Seriously people stop with the "real" Gibson vs. cheap Epi comparisons. Epi's Masterbuilt acoustics today are completely legitimate and are worthy contenders at least the Masterbuilt ones are of your consideration. Why spend 3k when 800 with case and tax will get you an excellent instrument!

 

Now the Lee Malia LP is simply outstanding but different in that the pickups are not your standard LP configuration. The build quality is outstanding and it plays better than my 2011 LP and is at minimum just as good a player. I polished the frets on this one as well but otherwise excellent playability. The P94 in the neck position is pretty cool but does have the good old hum that you have to fight with. The Bridge PU is super hot so?, this is cool but not your usual LP 57's or burstbuckers.

 

Now the Sheraton 2 Pro is just awesome, it is a beautiful guitar great to look at and super easy to play. The fret work flawless including polishing and it sounds fantastic. The laminated arquement is mute considering Gibson's 335's are also laminated 3 ply maple body's. But the neck on the Sheraton is Laminated 5 piece with maple and it looks fabulous. The large headstock needs getting used to, its huge but the inlays are beautiful in the headstock and neck.

 

Yes the paint on all Epi's is polyester except the elitist which are pricy. But dam who cares the finish is super deep and ritch and the instruments just melt with luster and smothness. The Masterbuilts are painted thin to allow better resonance. The neck inlays are awesome and well done. Mine are all rosewood fingerboards and are smooth and fine grained they look perfect. My Gibson LP needed fine sanding, just saying?

 

I could go on but considering your hearing/reading this from a guy that has had some really high quality guitars over time and I have no preconceived opinions of EPI's I can honestly tell you that I am sold on the current crop of their higher end guitars. If these instruments were built to this quality in America they would of course be much more expensive.

 

So that's it enjoy 😊

 

Ken w.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Interesting and informative post Ken.

 

Worth noting that the laminated Sheraton multi-piece neck also appears on some high end Gibson models. For example, the Super 400 and even my own 1978 Gibson Les Paul 25 / 50.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Masterbuit .... The tone is top notch, the electronics are excellent. And the cost is 650 new, case 109 for it plus tax. Seriously people stop with the "real" Gibson vs. cheap Epi comparisons. Epi's Masterbuilt acoustics today are completely legitimate and are worthy contenders at least the Masterbuilt ones are of your consideration.

 

Good to hear you're happy with your Epiphones! I tend to agree for the most part. I've had several EF500 Masterbilts, and as you say, they are fabulous guitars. I've kept the sunburst and abalone-bound EF500RAVS, which has a pristine finish and remarkable tone. I'll be keeping the amber plustop LP Standard, too.

 

At one point, I decided to sell a number of Epiphones and get myself a higher quality Gibson. Another opportunity knocked, however, and I jumped on a New Hartford-built jumbo Guild F50R. I have to admit, the Guild is getting all the 6-string play around here. I don't think it's just because it's a jumbo vs. a 000 orchestra. Is it three times better than a Masterbilt (about what I paid for it)? Probably not. But it is better. Tone, bass response, balance, noticeably better. Nitro finish, ebony fretboard, dual source DTAR electronics... It's pretty much the ultimate 6-string in my book.

 

Still, it's all relative. If you're not comparing Masterbilts to a $2,000-3,000 guitar, you'll be quite happy with one. They're excellent!

 

RAVS

mbt373.jpg

 

 

Les Paul Standard

lpp367.jpg

 

F50R

f50r557.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Am I the only one who finds that the fret wire wears quickly even on the new Epis? That's my only gripe with mine. Other than that, it's been puppy love since Feb 2016 with my Plustop.

 

It's amazing how much of a Gibson tone you can get out of an Epi LP these days.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Epiphone is making some fine instruments these days. Definitely upped the game in the last few years. I have a mitful of Epis, and I think they are great..

Agreed. I've got a Dot (highly modded), an Elitist Casino, Masterbilt AJ500M, and the surprising DR100 and DR212. I also own Fenders, PRS, Gretsch, Gibby, etc. I'm not a headstock snob but buy guitars for what they can do/sound like and I'd put my Epi's up against any competition out there in the same, if not (model depending) higher price points. Fit, finish, quality, etc. is all there!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have owned many Vintage Guitars including some Holy Grail Guitars. Including 50's LP's & a '59 ES345 with PAF's & others.

 

I have several Guitars including my Epi's.

 

Currentlyl I have 3 Epi Casinos & an RI Texan AE Guitar. An IBJL Revolution Casino, a 50th Anniv. 1961 RI Casino with Tremotone & a Ltd Ed. Peerless Casino with Bigsby. I would compare them to anything. I play them more than my Gibson ES335, Gibson LP Std Plus, Gibson LPJr Special & my Gibson Firebird V.

 

I also bought a cheapie RI Texan to leave out all the time just in case I get an inspiration. It too is a really good Guitar. I like it's bright Acoustic sound which is different but very cool. Different than my Gibson J-160E & 1975 Martin D-35 which both sound great but have slightly more mid & low range Tones.

 

Epiphone is making some really good Guitars that are high quality, great players & well priced for working Musicians & hobbyists.

 

I also own high end Fenders. I have bought some of the lesser priced Fender Squiers with far less success. With the exception of a CV Tele & a J Mascis Jazzmaster. Good Guitars but both needed mods & needed serious Setup to be good players. Unlike all my Epi's which played great out of the box & needed minor adjustments.

 

Lars

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't currently own a Lot, of Epiphone's. I have a AIUSA Sheraton II, a 1966 Casino, and a recently

purchased "Inspired by 1955 Les Paul Custom Outfit!" ALL are Great Guitars, in their own right. And,

for me, that's ALL that counts. Not brand, head stock shape, price (high or low), or even country of

origin, but just how nicely built, finished, and their awesome playability and sound! [thumbup]

 

I AM interested, in obtaining a MIC Sheraton Pro, in "Wine Red," at some future point. They're awesome

guitars, at any price.

 

IMHO, as always...

 

CB

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't currently own a Lot, of Epiphone's. I have a AIUSA Sheraton II, a 1966 Casino, and a recently

purchased "Inspired by 1955 Les Paul Custom Outfit!" ALL are Great Guitars, in their own right. And,

for me, that's ALL that counts. Not brand, head stock shape, price (high or low), or even country of

origin, but just how nicely built, finished, and their awesome playability and sound! [thumbup]

 

I AM interested, in obtaining a MIC Sheraton Pro, in "Wine Red," at some future point. They're awesome

guitars, at any price.

 

IMHO, as always...

 

CB

 

Epiphone=best guitars evermsp_thumbup.gif in my humble opinion wink.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Epiphone=best guitars evermsp_thumbup.gif in my humble opinion wink.gif

 

[biggrin] Well, as with ANY brand, that's a source of debate! But, I certainly love the one's I own!

And, I genuinely feel, the quality has increased, since Epiphone got their own dedicated factory. They

are certainly a lot of guitar, for their price point, and even beyond! [thumbup]

 

 

CB

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Glad to hear that you like your Epiphones, and that it sounds as thought Epi has stepped up its game a bit, in terms of Asian-manufactured instruments, in recent years.

 

My own experiences (I currently own zero Epis, which is odd - might have to go an buy a Les Paul one day soon).

 

Epis I have owned.

 

Korean-made Firebird V, black, circa 1995. Garbage. Firewood.

 

G-400, ebony, 2006, made by Unsung, China. That was a great guitar which I really miss. Had the Grover tuners. Loved it, wish I'd never sold it. Haven't found a G-400 Pro which I would ever want to buy to replace it.

 

Casino, natural, 2009. Bought it from AMS online. Looked great but I never liked it. Very, very thick neck (50s Les Paul territory), plus a wonky inlay and other minor problems. It hung around my studio for a bit, and then got traded. I don't miss it at all.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Glad to hear that you like your Epiphones, and that it sounds as thought Epi has stepped up its game a bit, in terms of Asian-manufactured instruments, in recent years.

 

My own experiences (I currently own zero Epis, which is odd - might have to go an buy a Les Paul one day soon).

 

Epis I have owned.

 

Korean-made Firebird V, black, circa 1995. Garbage. Firewood.

 

G-400, ebony, 2006, made by Unsung, China. That was a great guitar which I really miss. Had the Grover tuners. Loved it, wish I'd never sold it. Haven't found a G-400 Pro which I would ever want to buy to replace it.

 

Casino, natural, 2009. Bought it from AMS online. Looked great but I never liked it. Very, very thick neck (50s Les Paul territory), plus a wonky inlay and other minor problems. It hung around my studio for a bit, and then got traded. I don't miss it at all.

 

The Entry level Casinos weren't/aren't great examples. I tried some about that time & thought they were pretty bad.

 

Then a few years later Epi released several new upgraded versions. The JL's, IBJL's, 50'th Anniv., Peerless & Elitits. All of them are Amazingly great Guitars. All but Peerless (which is excellent) feature Gibson USA Pickups, Switchcraft & other upgraded Compenents. You should try one. I think you'd be very pleasantly surprised.

 

Lars

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't currently own a Lot, of Epiphone's. I have a AIUSA Sheraton II, a 1966 Casino, and a recently

purchased "Inspired by 1955 Les Paul Custom Outfit!" ALL are Great Guitars, in their own right. And,

for me, that's ALL that counts. Not brand, head stock shape, price (high or low), or even country of

origin, but just how nicely built, finished, and their awesome playability and sound! [thumbup]

 

I AM interested, in obtaining a MIC Sheraton Pro, in "Wine Red," at some future point. They're awesome

guitars, at any price.

 

IMHO, as always...

 

CB

By all means get one, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I got the Sheraton II pro in natural a while ago after I got rid of

my PRS custom 24 SE, which was not impressive at all.

This Sheraton shows very fine craftsmanship, love to detail and the pickups

sound great. I like it just as much as my Gibsons, Fenders, Gretsch 6120 and my Ric 360/12.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have had Epi-Hawk built in Korea in 1996. Guitar does OK. The real Nighthawk blows it out though. The subtle differences in the cut of the body and the feel on the neck show why its a Gibson and warrants the extra moneys. The Epi neck is screwed on, heavier body (thicker too when I compare the real NH side-by-side), and the pickups aren't as good. The wiring scheme is even a bit quirky whereas the Gibson NH has a very intuitive pickup selection scheme. I mean, I paid $700 for this back in 1999 or 2000 - which was GROSSLY overpriced (thanks Anderson Music in Dearborn, MI who no longer stands as a business today HAHAHA!...) and I didn't even get a case, but I was young guy and didn't know what I was doing and was taken advantage of. Nonetheless, the guitar is OK, but nothing to write home about. The HW was also "Asian" like due to its cheap, cost savings nature. I had to replace the input jack as it was cheap plastic, the 5-way switch failed - no contact on multiple channels, and the pots were becoming rough where contact spray didn't even help. Again, mentioning the wiring scheme, it was this stupid way to use this dummy coil or whatever you call it. I have had to replace all the broken, cheap stuff to make guitar decent and gut the wiring job and make it something intelligible. Mind you, I have had no accidents with this such as dropping or bumps. Essentially, the guts were Epi-cheapO. The design of guitar per Gibson got me to love it enough to buy 3 Gibson NH's. If I knew they were that much better than the Epi-Hawk, I would have passed on the Epi-Hawk. It worries me that the new Epi-Hawks today are only around $350 give or take... You get what you pay for in this world - nothing is free...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Seriously people stop with the "real" Gibson vs. cheap Epi comparisons.

I think the majority of people on this board are beyond that phase.

 

If you can afford a Gibson & like them, they make some stellar instruments. If you need or want to be at a more modest price point & like Epiphones, you can purchase a very good instrument that fits into your budget.

 

There have been many fine Epiphone models made in the last couple of decades that certainly hold their own with the best of what's out there. The AIUSA models & Elite (Elistist) models that came along a few years later are built with a level of quality that rivals any other maker. And in the ensuing years, a number of limited run models have provided serious bang for the buck.

 

With so many good Gibsons & Epiphones out there to consider, just find what you like & enjoy!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lord S: if you're looking for an Epi LP, try the Plustop Pro! Just be aware the fretwire could be better, at least it on mine it could (yes, I know I go on and on about it, but I'm recommending something to a prospective customer here).

 

Gibby-Epi comparisons will probably continue for a long time, Ken. All I can add (again) is... Try the later ones. I kid you not: I'd read the Plustop reviews, didn't believe the hype, and it took two chords and a couple bends at the store - literally less than ten seconds - before I'd decided: I NEED THIS GUITAR. A year and a half later, I'm still wildly enthusiastic about it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lord S: if you're looking for an Epi LP, try the Plustop Pro! Just be aware the fretwire could be better, at least it on mine it could (yes, I know I go on and on about it, but I'm recommending something to a prospective customer here).

 

Gibby-Epi comparisons will probably continue for a long time, Ken. All I can add (again) is... Try the later ones. I kid you not: I'd read the Plustop reviews, didn't believe the hype, and it took two chords and a couple bends at the store - literally less than ten seconds - before I'd decided: I NEED THIS GUITAR. A year and a half later, I'm still wildly enthusiastic about it.

 

me too msp_thumbup.gif

CWIMYpK.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

By all means get one, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I got the Sheraton II pro in natural a while ago after I got rid of

my PRS custom 24 SE, which was not impressive at all.

This Sheraton shows very fine craftsmanship, love to detail and the pickups

sound great. I like it just as much as my Gibsons, Fenders, Gretsch 6120 and my Ric 360/12.

 

 

Well, I checked Sweetwater, and they DO have 4 Wine Red Sheraton's for sale. BUT, those

seem to all be made in Indonesia! (Samick, I presume.) So, I'll wait until I can get one built in

Qing Dao, again, by the actual Epiphone factory. Sheraton's seem to be "back and forth" with

where they're built, these days (Korea, Indonesia, China, etc.)? But, that's fine...I'm in no

real hurry. [tongue][biggrin]

 

 

CB

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Crust: cool! Great, innit?

 

I'll have it re-fretted eventually, doubt I'll ever buy a Gibson LP. It's got the signature LP tone, plus the ProBuckers are raunchy in that early GNR way, only much better.

 

I'm prone to overstatements, but it literally took all of six or seven seconds to make up my mind. I was dumbfounded.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...