LesB3

I was able to get some pretty convincing (early) sounds out of it, so if you're looking for a straight up 40's / 50's Jazz sound, you might have a guitar that suits. Ultimately, I decided that it still wasn't a $1400 guitar (in my mind) so returned it today. They didn't have any of the other 150th models in stock (a shame) as I was looking forward to trying them out.

I did get to play with it more today, and some things are getting better for me, but I'm also starting to notice some other details that are making me think taking it back is still the better option. I've been comparing this new Zephyr to my older Broadway and Zephyr Blues Deluxe, and if you look close, it almost looks like the binding on the new guitar is painted on or... something... I don't know. Something looks off about it. It's most noticeable on the headstock. With a great deal of knob tweaking on my amp, and some fiddling with the bridge, I'm starting to get some usable sounds out of this guitar. The Mini-HB's in this are a bit strange - they remind me somewhat of a DeArmond, but with some humbuckerish qualities. Clean, they're very plucky / percussive, but there's also some room there, meaning you could use this guitar for rock as well. I don't knownwhat the genesis of these pickups was, but if the intent was to duplicate the slightly weak, slightly percussive sound of a vintage NY pickup... mission accomplished?

Mine came today, might be going back on the weekend. I really wanted to like this guitar -like you, it hit all the right buttons. Ultimately, I think a new (or used) Broadway is a better guitar, and if looking to spend $1300 on a vintage inspired guitar, a Guild X-175 or X-350 would be a far better choice. Here's my initial impression: https://www.gretsch-talk.com/threads/epiphone-150th-anniversary-guitars.222096/post-1604004

OK, here goes...

The luthier who repaired her recommended that I give her more time to "settle." I have done so, and it gets better sounding the more I play. About a week after the original post, it sort of "clicked" all of a sudden...

Well, I've tried. The forum refuses to let me insert a link to the photo(s), and I have tried facebook, google photos, and even a cross-post from another forum. Here's a link to my post on the Gretsch forum, plenty of pretty pictures! Other Thread

You know, enough people have recommended pure nickels / monels/ etc., that I'm going to try those next. Thanks all for the suggestion!

I don't know why that seems to always happen, the 3kB limit on attachments is absolutely ridiculous.

Quick Update...Had several local people recommend the same name, so took it to Jack Romano of Vintage Guitar Repair (Conshy, PA). He's done work for me in the past and has always been thorough and fair. Highly recommended.I have been told it is most likely a '44 (possibly a '45) and that it has a Sitka spruce top with maple back and sides. The guitar has a truss rod and, according to the luthier, has never been touched. Everything is 100% original.Since I intend to play this guitar (and never sell it), we decided it was just better to replace the tuners with "restoration" tuners from Stew-Mac that lined up with the existing holes (even the old grommets could be reused). They're "OK" and at least do their job while still looking the part. The guitar is in very good shape for its age, and Jack was amazed at how little "patina" there is. So much so that some might think it was an earlier refin. He said he is positive it is the original finish. The top had been repaired in the past and the repairs appear to have been very good. The cleats were replaced (as necessary) and a lot of the internal bracing had to be reglued (some of the braces fell out while I was there). The neck is slightly chunky though still comfortable, and in the sunlight you can actually see the flame on the back of the neck. We strung it with a standard set of Martin 12's, action is slightly higher than I like, but its still settling in so will see how I feel in a couple of days. The guitar is surprisingly articulate, not at all woody, and I imagine it could punch through fairly well. This, I imagine, is down to the Maple body. It makes for a wonderful contrast to the Guilds and Martins I normally play.The holidays have basically stripped me of all personal time, but can't wait to really work her over next week!

Was just on the phone with the luthier with the daily report so was able to ask him about the top -he says it looks like Sitka to him, didn't look like Adirondack. Repairs are progressing nicely, shouldn't be long now! No problem posting soundfiles, provided I can "figure it out." 😉

Thanks JT! For sure it is a special guitar (to me), but your book has made it all the more interesting, not to mention a fun intellectual pursuit for me these past few weeks. Once I get her back, I'll add to your online registry (some of the guitars on there already seem to have similar / the same FON). There was quite a bit of material in the case (lesson books, etc.), I'll see if I'm lucky enough to have a receipt!

First, full discosure... I don't really hang out here all that much, and spend most of my time when I'm here in the Epiphone forums... I'm more of a Gretsch guy, and when it comes to acoustics, prefer my Guilds, but do have a really nice CL-20 that is a joy to play as well. As of two weeks ago, I now have my second Gibson acoustic, my grandfather's Banner J-45: The guitar is currently at a luthier I trust, receiving the necessary repairs to make it playable again. I have been told it is most likely a '44 (possibly a '43) and that it has a spruce top with maple back and sides. The guitar has a truss rod and, according to the luthier, has never been touched. Everything is 100% original. I am most interested in finding out a bit more about this guitar, where it's been, etc. I have already purchased (and read) "Kalamazoo Gals," which has inspired me to look into this guitar more. I know that my grandfather bought this "second hand" (verbally from him), and the case that this has been in for quite some time is emblazoned with the previous owner's name: "RIP WALKER" I have reason to believe it may have been originally purchased in NYC, but can't say for sure. My grandfather would (most likely) have purchased it some time after he returned home from Europe at the end of WWII. The book mentions that scans of the original Gibson ledgers were taken by the author, and I would be curious if anyone knew where to find those online so as to see if I could find out more about this guitar. Of course, I don't even know if these ledgers contain any useful information, but would be interested in seeing them anyway. Thanks in advance for any help that may be provided!

The wood was soft enough to just poke holes before screwing in, very easy job, maybe 20 minutes total? No need to drill the headstock or even remove the old threaded inserts.

It has a decidedly older look to it of course, so may or may not be your thing...

I know sort of an old post, but figured I'd share my solution, just in case anyone else happens by this thread. I had a spare set of Grover Stat-Tites (V98) lying about so decided to put them on my LP Special II (90's).

Yep, Zephyr Blues Deluxe is the name. Basically a copy of an ES-5.

1990's Epiphones had "G I B S O N" on the truss rod covers (my '97 Special II does, as does my Kat from '00). It's probably an '01 (not a '10). I don't know when they switched to the epsilon "E" on the cover, but it was right around '01 I think.

I'm with the OP. Won't buy a MIC model due to political reasons... And have seen some pretty bad QC-related issues on some fresh Epiphones. I was at the local store the other day and they were dragging the latest load of Epi's off the UPS truck and we decided to open up one of the new SG's they put out (I think it is a "'61" -had a "Les Paul" truss rod cover) and things were broken / missing on it, etc. It sure did *look* good though, finish-wise. In comparison. the Bonnamassa LP they had there that day was stunning, almost flawless. And to be perfectly honest, I have seen / had QC problems with Indonesian and Korean guitars as well. Gibson USA too, though at a much lesser degree for sure. So far, I have had great luck with Fender USA and Mexican models, and Terada-made Gretsch's. To answer the OP, maybe look for something (used) that is "uniquely" Epiphone or something you just can't get otherwise? With *11* Gibsons already, you probably have the LP/SG/335 (and maybe even 135 / 175) areas covered. Maybe you can find a MIK 'Kat? They make 'em with P-90's, Mini-HB's, and regular HB's in a variety of finishes and I've always loved the sound of mine. A little bit bigger than a Les Paul, but smaller than a standard hollow-body. I can vouch for a USA Casino as well, excellent guitar, but might also be somewhat duplicative depending on what you already own Gibson-wise. I have an '05 ZBD as well (ES-5 copy) but the pickups in it aren't very good and I haven't had a chance to replace them yet. Good luck!

Final follow-up: Went through the M2M process with a local custom shop dealer and I was given the same document as previously posted. When I asked, they assured me that Gobson told them it was the "latest version." I should also note that every request outside of the guide was rejected, and some of the options available in the document were rejected as well. Lead time was quoted at 16-24 months. Seems they are VERY busy and not very flexible as a result.

Incidentally, the response from Gibson was "contact one of our authorized custom shop dealers" (I specifically asked about the on-site "experience") and when I pointed this out to them, there's been no response (3 days now).

Honestly, I wasn't planning on going TOO crazy but I've always liked the simplicity of an LP Special so was thinking of getting one in a different color (i.e. not red, white, brown, black, or yellow) with DeArmonds and a Bigsby. And / or a chambered "goldtop" with a different color top (coppertop maybe?), Filter-Tron + Staple P-90, and a B7.

Thanks Dub! I did find this online, unfortunately, it doesn't offer the options I'm looking for. Other than colors, seems like we're stuck with semi-standard offerings. 😞

Would love to take a road trip to Nashville one day (never been) and get a "custom" Les Paul made at the GG, but was kinda wondering if anyone has (or knows someone who has) had a guitar made for them. Specifically wondering if it's just picking from a standard bucket of parts or if a bit more leeway is given on things like colors, oddball pickups / combos, etc. I have the same question into Gibson C.S. too but would like to see if there is any "real world" experiences from the folks here.

I wouldn't worry about drilling the holes. A local luthier did mine for about $100. It IS a lifetime commitment so be sure that's what you want!

6122 is a Country Gent which would use a B6 (Gretsch V cutout) not a B3. The only (mainstream) models that use a B3 that I am aware of are Gretsch Jets (and these are almost always the Gretsch branded models of same as well).