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2004 or 1991 Epiphone Texan?


Campbell

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I've just purchase online from Chicago Music Exchange an Epiphone Texan. It was listed as a Epiphone Texan Natural 2004 (s767). I can tell it's a Texan by the body plus, I was able to zoom in on the label inside and could just make out that it is indeed a Texan. That said, I've not seen any other Texans made of this wood/color combo.

 

The other Naturals I've seen are more of a Antiqued Natural, whereas this one is more of an "un-aged" natural. It's listed as having a spruce top with maple back and sides. The neck is said to be mahogany ("D" profile, 1 11/16" wide nut). I find it somewhat odd that the neck sports a sunbust style finish, as well. It's a Korean made model.

 

It's listed as a 2004 but, running a serial number search on it came up with the date 1991...and yes, I know those aren't always very accurate.

I just can not find any online that have this look to it, is the thing. I have no doubts it's a Texan. I searched a bit on this site too to see if anyone had any like it but, not found anything. So, I am at the mercy of you good folks here to give me your two cents regarding what I have just bought (hasn't arrived yet).

 

Here are a few pix of the actual guitar:

xAb2m.jpg RBF8C.jpgrwOzC.jpg 10UBo.jpg

 

The word "USED" is stamped on the back of the headstock under the Korea sticker. Again, any insight anyone can offer would be appreciated. Don't hesitate to tell me I've just bought an extremely rare Epiphone Texan that's worth five times what I've paid, too! :P

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By the lack of responses, I'm guessing no one else has a clue, as well. I'll try my luck sending the pix with a inquiry to the good folks at Gibson/Epiphone and see if they have a clue. She's not due to arrive for another 5 or 6 days...holidaze slowing delivery down a bit...so I'm on pins and needles awaiting her arrival.

 

In the meanwhile, if anyone has any idea, please chime in. Any kind of insight would be helpful!

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Disclaimer: ideas, not necessarily hard facts

 

The 'used' stamp is often applied to guitars that have been refurbished - that's to say something prevented them from being sold as first quality straight from the factory. The exact issue can sometimes be difficult to determine, though sellers will usually tell you if they know. In the case of your Texan (which IMHO is a fine looking guitar) the finish disparity might stem from a finish issue that was resolved in a way that required applying an unusual body/neck finish combo. The refurbs are assigned new serial numbers prior to sale, often by means of a sticker applied over the original label's number. So - it's possible for such a guitar to carry two numbers. The original serial number, in that case, is no longer the number of record. In my experience, refurbs are just as serviceable to play as any other comparable model - and have sometimes had more attention to detail (fretwork and set up) than their straight from the factory siblings. Hope this helps!

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Chicago Music Exchange from whom you purchased the instrument may be the easiest source of reference for your question(s). They have an excellent reputation as being knowledgeable about instruments, including the instruments they sell. Plus, as they sold it to you, they should be able to explain the background of the instrument they sold.

 

My understanding is the “used” designation means the instrument was originally used as a demo instrument at a NAMM show or was provided to a dealer or event as a promotional instrument or even a charity or it didn’t conform in some way (not effecting its playability) to the stock of the instrument so it could not be originally be sold as a new instrument with a new instrument warrantee when it initially was produced in the factory. That could also include an instrument a factory worker made for themself to purchase or as an authorized gift. Gibson, for example used to use the designation of “2” on the back of the headstock for such instruments during its Kalamazoo days. The “2” or “used” designation is generally considered to never interfere with an instrument’s resale value (based on everything I’ve ever read about it in George Gruhn or vintage Guitar articles. It only designates that out of the factory it can not be or was not initially available to be sold as s new instrument with a new guitar warrantee.

 

Just my two cents. Hope this helps.

 

QM aka Jazzman Jeff

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The only Texans Epiphone released in 2004 were the Elitist McCartney Texans (crafted in Japan by Terada) and their made-by-Gibson in Bozeman, MT. counterparts.

 

The guitar pictured is not one of them.

 

The guitar pictured is maple, not mahogany (as a Texan would be traditionally), which was how Texans were released in 1991.

 

I don't believe a natural-finished Texan would come with a sunburst neck in 1991, but I am not 100% positive. I have never seen that on another Epiphone, though. If I had to guess, your guitar may have been some kind of prototype or sample, and that is why the guitar is marked USED. It's also possible the neck is a replacement, but that seems unlikely due to the expense involved to repair what is a relatively modestly priced instrument.

 

A guitar marked USED is sold with no warranty (the serial number is deliberately obscured by the USED stamp, so that the owner has none to submit to Epiphone when needing warranty service). A guitar marked "2" keeps or is reassigned a new serial number by an authorized refurbishment center, so the original owner has a warranty.

 

Epiphone's warranty does not pass from one owner to another.

 

Red 333

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Now that I look more closely at your photos, I don't see a serial number at all--just the USED stamp. If this is the case, it strengthens that argument that your natural Texan with sunburst neck was a prototype or sample. Those type of guitars don't receive serial numbers, typically.

 

Red 333

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A huge Thanksgiving Day thank you to one and all!

 

I greatly appreciate the feedback. Some really great insights offered here. Allow me to address a few:

 

OldCowboy: Your comments make a great deal of sense. I was thinking along the same lines after doing even more research since my last post here.

 

QuestionMark: The "one off" for a NAMM show or the like is also a good guess. I was already aware of the "USED" stamp reason on head stocks, as well. I have already reached out to the folks at CME and still awaiting a response...holidaze and all...I didn't ask too many question prior to the purchase since I was too excited about it being so unique and just wanting to score it quickly before another had the chance!

 

Red 333: I knew it couldn't be an Elitist just from it's finish...though that would have been a great score! Yes, I noted that the Natural finish would not have the "sunburst" finish on the mahogany neck,as well. That really lends it's self to one of the odd, but cool, factors of this Texan...for me, anyways. CME had it listed as not having had any repairs or modifications done, so I ruled out it being an aftermarket neck replacement or refinishing. Plus, even if it was refinished (back/sides), that still would not explain the Maple body rather than Mahogany that they traditionally have. As for the serial number; I zoomed in on the label in the sound hole and could make out the serial number and that it clearly says, "TEXAN"...well, "EXAN" and "NA" for Natural. I'll add a picture of an enlarged and lightened version of the label below.

 

Again, all really great answers and ideas, guys! I sincerely can't thank you enough for the help and the interest. Hope everyone has a great Turkey Day and all are doing well and are blessed this Holiday! I'll keep you all posted once she arrives. Is scheduled to arrive this coming Monday! Will be interesting to hear how a maple Texan sounds as apposed to a mahogany one, too. All in all, I think it's a pretty cool score.

eBTko.jpg

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I just realized a sentence in my post was clumsily constructed, so may be unclear. Here is what I meant to say: The Texan, though made traditionally with mahogany back and sides, was issued with maple back and sides on 1991. The puzzling feature of your 1991 is the sunburst neck.

 

Happy Thanksgiving.

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I just realized a sentence in my post was clumsily constructed, so may be unclear. Here is what I meant to say: The Texan, though made traditionally with mahogany back and sides, was issued with maple back and sides on 1991. The puzzling feature of your 1991 is the sunburst neck.

 

Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Well, Chicago Music Exchange had it listed as a 2004 year model. It was only through my running the serial number that I got the date 1991. That said, as many of us are aware, the serial numbers on the Korean built Epiphones aren't always know for their reliability. Though, the run I did on the serial number did confirm it was built in Korea.

 

The fact that it has maple back and sides seems to be, perhaps, the oddest aspect of this Texan. I've not been able to find any online that were constructed this way. Plus, it's natural finish is not "aged" or "antiqued" on the front. I also notice, from zooming in and examining the wood grain of the back through the sound hole and comparing it to that on the outer back, that it looks like it may be solid maple. I won't be 100% sure until I have her in my hands. I'm almost sure it won't actual be solid back and sides but, who knows with this enigma of a Texan? As for the sunburst neck, that would be the other odd factor, I agree. The neck wasn't from a repair nor was the body refinished. So, it was made that way.

 

I'm still awaiting any word from CME. Like I stated earlier in the thread, I did some research on it prior to the purchase and notice some of these oddities. I got a little excited since she, for what ever reason, seemed to be a rare Texan. Because of that, I did not ask too many question prior to the purchase in the off chance that the folks at CME didn't realize what an odd (or rare) Texan they had...I didn't want to alert them to the fact.

 

I'm gonna be antsy waiting for Monday after work for her arrival, that's for sure. Still, I'm left with this puzzle. I'm not holding my breath anyone at Epiphone/Gibson will actually respond to my e-mail. The only piece of the puzzle I will have solved once she arrives is: How does a maple Texan sound?

 

Thanks for the update, Red. I'll keep y'all posted!

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I've seen this model before, but never with a sunburst neck. I'm guessing the neck is the cause of the "used" headstock stamp, as well as the white serial number label, which is frequently indicative of a refurbished unit. The neck may have been repaired and sprayed in sunburst to cover the repaired area.

 

I would also guess that this guitar was made by the Peerless factory in Korea, as I do believe that was the case with the others I've seen. If the white serial number were removed, the original serial number might still be legible, and if so, an 'R' or 'P' in the number would indicate the Peerless factory. Peerless has a strong reputation for building good quality instruments, but it is rather unlikely that the back & sides are solid.

 

All of the above is based on observational experience, but still subject to being wrong!

 

So let us what else you can uncover when it arrives, and enjoy.

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The only Texans Epiphone released in 2004 were the Elitist McCartney Texans (crafted in Japan by Terada) and their made-by-Gibson in Bozeman, MT. counterparts.

Red - A bit of a correction:

 

The McCartney 1964 Texans manufactured for the Adopt-A-Minefield fundraiser project first appear in the 2005 "New Models" Epi catalog. As you mentioned, these included the Terada-Japan made version, as well as the two Montana-built versions (although the catalog doesn't differentiate). A few of the Terada instruments were actually built towards the end of 2004 & their serial numbers start with #040001. Mine was manufactured in 2005 (#0500XX). These have solid mahogany back & sides.

 

However, in the 2004 Epi catalog, the Terada-made "Elitist '65 Texan" does appear, sporting a solid mahogany back - but laminated mahogany sides.

 

I believe the end of the Elitist Texan's run coincided with the debut of the McCartney Texan (which was still listed in the 2008 catalog).

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I'm guessing the neck is the cause of the "used" headstock stamp, as well as the white serial number label, which is frequently indicative of a refurbished unit.

 

They put a sunburst neck on a guitar with a natural finish? Yeah, I'd say that's a big enough screw up to stamp the thing "used" and send it off to MIRC to sell as a "refurbished" guitar. I have never heard the "used" stamp being used for a prototype to be shown at the trade shows, and I've had an Epiphone prototype that was reportedly shown at the shows. It was pristine - no "used" stamp.

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Well, the fella at Chicago Music Exchange who sold it to me wrote back today. He is puzzled by the Texan, too. He said he's going to try reaching out to the guy that sold it to them for some answers. That said, he did find a video on YouTube of a guy playing one just like it. It even sports the sunburst neck. I'll try reaching out to the guy that posted the video but, it was almost ten years ago. Have a look:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCpAFBnHY_E

 

The video was posted back in 2008. At first I thought it might be my actual guitar but, I noticed the pickguard is black and mine is tortoise and zooming in on the serial number, I could see it was different. Nonetheless, it's got the maple back/sides with the sunburst neck. So, at least I know mine has a twin out there...somewhere!

 

Cougar: Yeah, I agree, I doubt it was for a NAMM show event, too, having the "USED" stamp on her headstock. I was just spitballin' a few ideas.

 

bobouz: CME is sure it's not a repaired guitar, so the neck being a replacement is not likely, plus with the unearthing of this video which shows another maple Texan with the same neck would suggest that at least a few were made this way...for some reason!?! It would be an even odder coincidence that two maple Texans would have neck repairs and the luthiers decided to make the neck sunburst. As to whether it's a solid back/sides; again, just spitballin'. That I can't really say until she arrives (one more day!!!). I doubt it is a solid back and sides but, I can't rule it out. Again, I was just going by the pix I currently have and zooming in on the inside and comparing it to the grain on the back.

 

At least I have an idea how she'll sound, going by the video. Not bad, I'd say!

 

I'll keep you posted, kids! I'll pick her up after work Monday, so it might be a few days before I can comment here on her.

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Very interesting!

 

Yes, the sunburst neck must have indeed been intentional. Perhaps the maker simply chose to do this because they were using a scarfed mahogany neck & thought it would look more high-end to cover the scarf joints? Again, just a guess.

 

But what I find particularly noteworthy is that we now have two examples sporting refurb-type labels.

 

When you receive it, let us know what else the label says, and if you're willing to pull off the added-on white serial number label, the original serial number (if legible) would most likely answer the questions of date & origin.

 

Regardless, I'm very partial to the typically crisp & full tone of large maple bodies. I'm guessing you've got a winner on the way!

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Red - A bit of a correction:

 

The McCartney 1964 Texans manufactured for the Adopt-A-Minefield fundraiser project first appear in the 2005 "New Models" Epi catalog. As you mentioned, these included the Terada-Japan made version, as well as the two Montana-built versions (although the catalog doesn't differentiate). A few of the Terada instruments were actually built towards the end of 2004 & their serial numbers start with #040001. Mine was manufactured in 2005 (#0500XX). These have solid mahogany back & sides.

 

However, in the 2004 Epi catalog, the Terada-made "Elitist '65 Texan" does appear, sporting a solid mahogany back - but laminated mahogany sides.

 

I believe the end of the Elitist Texan's run coincided with the debut of the McCartney Texan (which was still listed in the 2008 catalog).

 

You are right. The bulk of the Terada models seem to have been made in 2005. One of mine is a 2004 (I have #6). A second (#69) was made in 2005, I think.

 

I also have an ELitist that is a 2004, too (I have three Texans total).

 

The #6 McCartney and the Elitist seem to have sides cut from the same billet of mahogany; they both display a very similar prominent dark grain stripe in the same place on the sides!

 

Since you pointed said the Elitist Texan had laminated sides, I looked at my copy of the 2004 catalog and noticed for the first time that it does say simply "mahogany" for the sides, implying that they are laminated. All of the mahogany b/s acoustics say that, while the spec for the back of all is "solid." The specs for the Elitist J-200 also say "solid maple" for the sides. Interesting. I always thought my Elitist Texan had solid sides. The distinctive grain pattern is visible inside and out if I remember correctly, but I was never expressly looking for it, I don't think. I will look later tonight and let you know.

 

Red 333

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Since you pointed said the Elitist Texan had laminated sides, I looked at my copy of the 2004 catalog and noticed for the first time that it does say simply "mahogany" for the sides, implying that they are laminated. All of the mahogany b/s acoustics say that, while the spec for the back of all is "solid." The specs for the Elitist J-200 also say "solid maple" for the sides. Interesting. I always thought my Elitist Texan had solid sides. The distinctive grain pattern is visible inside and out if I remember correctly, but I was never expressly looking for it, I don't think. I will look later tonight and let you know.

Yes Red, the 2004 catalog is where I picked up that info.

 

Typically, I'm always a bit cautious with catalog specs, but the Elitist specs do seem to be quite specific in their breakdown, and Epi's literature at the time was pointedly focused on the quality of construction details within the line.

 

Overall, I've been highly impressed with Terada's stellar workmanship, and greatly appreciate the three Terada-made bodies I have, including a 2000 AIUSA John Lee Hooker Sheraton (w/Frequensator) & 2009 Elitist Casino to go along with the 2005 McCartney Texan. They truly are on a par with the finest makers anywhere.

 

Now if only an Elitist Byrdland would drop into my lap!

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Again, really appreciate all the ideas and feedback. Now, for rest of the story...

 

Well, I should have had her this Monday night (Nov. 27th) but, thanks to the good folks at UPS, I will have to wait for what will more than likely be another two weeks. Yes, they screwed up the delivery. Not once, not twice, but THRICE! [cursing]

 

A very long story semi-short: The official Authorized UPS drop off/pick-up location refused the package. The reason they gave me, "It was too big and some people leave their packages for several days and we didn't want it here to long in the way." I politely explained I would be picking it up after work and that I only live a block away from their location. The owner assured me, if I was able to get the UPS truck to make a return trip later that day, they would accept it. She went on to assure me that she would leave a note for the rest of her crew in the event it were to arrive later that night or the next day. I was able to get a hold of UPS, got them to make a return trip to the drop off point. So, after work I got of the bus and headed over there to get my Texan. Nope. This guy again> [cursing]

 

They "lady" working behind the counter told me the UPS man was just there and she refused the package "...because it said fragile on it..." Seriously :blink: . I asked if the owner (the woman I spoke with while I was at work) was there still. "No, she just left." I asked if she had left a note. I know. Why would I torture myself asking such a silly question? Of course, no note.

 

Once home, I spent an hour (mostly on hold) trying to speak with a human over at UPS. Eventually, I got one. I explained the story. They agreed to make a third attempt the next day.

 

Ah, if it were only that simple...

 

Next day. Pick-up point. No package. Of course, right!?! [angry] Back home...I kid you not...three fricken hours on the phone...three of these guys now> [cursing] [cursing] [cursing]

 

First two hours: they have no idea where the package is at. Then they try convincing me a change of delivery request was made. It was not made by me, so I ask who requested the change. That got me put on hold for about forty minutes. Then I get another genius there who can hardly speak English...sure, why not!?! He tries the same cr@p with me about the address change. I ask what the address was changed to. He repeats to me the same address is was originally labeled for, the UPS pick-up point. I tell him that was the original address. I hear him breathing on the other end. I explain to him I used to work for FedEx and explain to him how their system works. Hey! Now he knows where my package is! How about that? So, I ask, how do I get my package? The lovely man on the other end of the line, mouth breathing into his phone pauses a bit, then ask me, "Do you want to speak with my supervisor?"

 

"If speaking to your supervisor means I'll be put on hold for another forty minutes, then no. Just tell me how do I get my package.", I said calmly...although like this inside> [cursing] More mouth breathing on his end. I ask where the package is being sent right now. Five minutes of more mouth breathing, he then grunts that it's going back to the sender. "How can I stop it and have it sent back to the pick-up location?" , I naively ask. "Let me put you through to my supervisor..."

 

At that point, I listened to the hold muzak for...I kid you not...forty-five minutes before they simply disconnected me. You're familiar with him by now> [cursing] Tried calling back. More than an hour on hold. I just gave up then.

 

Well, the good folks at Chicago Music Exchange have been contacted by me and will alert me when (or if!?!) my Texan arrives there. That should just take a week or so before they get it. At that point, I will arrange for FedEx to send it back to me where I can pick it up at their FedEx Office location where I usually get my gear sent. So, the "great deal" I got on this guitar (I never did mention what a sweet deal I got on her, too!) will now even out once I pay for the FedEx shipping.

 

I know, I said long story short. Sorry to ramble on. I'll keep y'all posted as soon as I learn more.

 

Regarding the video and the comments: It does lend me to believe the sunburst neck was intentional. A bit quirky, but I think that adds to it's charm and uniqueness. I'm still not ruling out (however unlikely it may be) that it might have a solid back and sides, too. I know, grasping at straws a bit with that one, still not out of the realm of possibilities. Look, after all of what I've been going through, let me dream a bit, fellas!

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Wow, that's one crazy UPS story. I'm not a big fan of those franchised UPS stores, and the little bit of hell you just went through reinforces those feelings. Seems like two very lame excuses for not accepting a guitar-sized package. Too big? Marked fragile? So are they useful for anything at all? Good grief.

 

Hope your Texan arrives safe & sound, and soon!

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Wow, that's one crazy UPS story. I'm not a big fan of those franchised UPS stores, and the little bit of hell you just went through reinforces those feelings. Seems like two very lame excuses for not accepting a guitar-sized package. Too big? Marked fragile? So are they useful for anything at all? Good grief.

 

Hope your Texan arrives safe & sound, and soon!

Thanks, bobouz. I actually gave the short "safe for family viewing" version, too.

Right now, just sayin' my prayers and having faith she will eventually be in my hands...hopefully no later than two weeks (I say with a lump in my throat).

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  • 2 weeks later...

Yippie Ki Yeah! She finally made it home, boys & girls! And yes, it was well worth the wait. I just got her tonight on my way home from work, so I'm a bit tired at the moment but, I wanted to at least let those who were watching this thread know that she made it. I'll post a few pix of her over on the upcoming weekend.

 

I can say this about her now that I've got her in my hands, though, to quench some of the mysteries that surround this unique Texan:

*It is, indeed, the original neck on her. This is not an aftermarket or refurbished nor a repair. It's a natural, bird's eye maple body with a mahogany sunburst neck.

*I know some will still dispute this fact but, it does have solid back and sides. I'm going to try to see if I can get pix to accurately show what I can see with my eyes to prove it to any naysayers. I can clearly see the wood grain on the outer back matches the wood grain on the inside perfectly. The very same way I can tell with my Gibson J15, which we all know are made with solid walnut back and sides.

*The sound is nice and bright, a good contrast to the Gibson J15. It is an electric acoustic, as well.

 

The folks at Chicago Music Exchange do a real great job with their sales and customer service. I am used to the stickers and polishing clothes but, they even added a nice humidifier for the guitar, too. I can tell they set this baby up, as well. The fretboard has been oiled, new strings on her and she was cleaned and polished. She was not labeled as "mint" but, all I could find was a very, very minor bump on the top side. The only thing that shows any wear at all is the pickgaurd, and even that is just some light surface scratches from playing. I'd say in damned good shape for a guitar that is over ten years old...or more?

 

Okay kids, I'll have a few pix over this next weekend, for now, I gotta get the cat out of all the brown packaging paper the guitar was packed in. He's making a fort in the front room with it.

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As promised, I took a few pix of the Texan this weekend. I focused on the neck to body area and a bit more detail of the figured maple back and sides, since we already have seen the full front and back thanks to the pix from the CME site.

 

I did reach out to another collector of old and rare guitars for any advice or if he had seen any like this before. He sent me the same link I already have to that guy form several years ago on YouTube who was selling one (previously posted link to that here in this thread). Then he gave me advice, much like many of you have with regards to the "USED/2ND" stamp on head stocks. He did go on to tell me that it couldn't be solid back and sides because they only made a few select series with solid back and sides. He then offered a picture of an older guitar he had with solid back/sides and suggested that all made with solid woods would have these particular braces in them every so many inches. Mine didn't. Funny though, neither does my Gibson J15, which we all know IS solid back/sides. So much for that theory. He meant well, though. So I tried "bobouz's" advice about the end pin. Voila! Solid wood! Whaddya know!?! The argument that only certain models where made with the solid back/sides seems to be a bit moot when it comes to this particular guitar, when you think about it. After all, they never technically made any production models out of maple, either. So, using that logic, this one doesn't exist.

 

All this just adds an even bigger mystery to this guitar. It seems, at some point, Epiphone thought of making a Texan with maple back and sides. I'm guessing it would have cost a pretty penny since it has the solid back and sides and the maple is a lovely figured maple, at that. I can only imagine that there were more than just the two made (mine and the YouTube guy...or whomever he sold it to), but maybe not. This guitar is beautiful. She feels great, she's solid with a great weight, sounds great, is really well made. Aside from matching a sunburst mahogany neck on a natural body, everything about the build is flawless. Having never played a traditional mahogany bodied Texan, I can not properly compare it to this one for the sound quality/texture. I would guess, this having the maple, that she has a brighter tone. It is brighter than my J15, but the J15 has a much richer overall tone. Perhaps the tonal quality was thought too radically different from a traditional and that is why Epiphone decided not to mass produce more like this? At this point, I'm done playing Columbo and will just stick to playing guitars. Enjoy the pix, kids and have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwazy Kwanzaa and a Joyous Festivus!

 

uhgWC.jpgpV9Kq.jpgiEotG.jpggtK7P.jpgCRYld.jpg

NiF1H.jpg

That's my cat, JoJo.

He thinks it's cool but,

preferred the packing paper it came in more.

 

 

One brief note: On one of my previous post: I inadvertently referred to the maple as "birds eye" rather than "figured". I was tired and a bit excited at the time of it's publishing. The guy in the YouTube vid wrongly calls it birds eye, too. I know some folks are sticklers for those type of things.

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Your Texan is quite the odd duck!

 

Just noticed that there's no adjustable truss rod access at the peghead. I would assume it has one, with access through the soundhole.

 

To my knowledge, this is unlike what any of Epiphone's typical Korean suppliers were building in the '90s. Every Epiphone I've come across from the Samick, Peerless, Saien, and Unsong Korean-made factories have a truss rod cavity with access at the peghead.

 

So once again, this guitar does not neatly plug into the most common categories for that era. Regardless of all that, it looks like a very nice find, and one that will provide some interesting tonal variations.

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Your Texan is quite the odd duck!

 

Just noticed that there's no adjustable truss rod access at the peghead. I would assume it has one, with access through the soundhole.

 

To my knowledge, this is unlike what any of Epiphone's typical Korean suppliers were building in the '90s. Every Epiphone I've come across from the Samick, Peerless, Saien, and Unsong Korean-made factories have a truss rod cavity with access at the peghead.

 

So once again, this guitar does not neatly plug into the most common categories for that era. Regardless of all that, it looks like a very nice find, and one that will provide some interesting tonal variations.

I had not noticed that either, until you mentioned it. Yes, it's in the sound hole. It is a Korean build but, I've yet to try peeling off the white "new" serial number sticker from the blue label on the inside to see what the other serial number is which may help to identify the year built.

 

Thanks for giving me yet another odd dimension to this unique guitar [crying].

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