mgrasso

From the serial : Saein Plant, 2005, January, Production No 0712. No info on specs or model but it could be a Classic with the open HBs. Could be aftermarket though. Nice quilt on top which points to the Classic. Should say that on truss rod cover. Play it. Should be sound in fit and finish. Would not go above $399.

A Casino pickguard will fit. Look on eBay.

I have. 2011 Hummingbird. Picked it up used at Guitar Center 4 years ago for $199 including a new Epi HS Case. The top has opened up nicely and is almost as loud as my mid-2000’s Masterbilts. Will never sell. Great slim neck, great action. I hate to to call it my beater, but I travel more with it because it holds its own and is damn pretty.

Plant S - Smack Year 00 - 2000 Month 04 - April 0005 Unit number 0005

Made in the Samick plant in 1996, November. No 7420.

Unloaded mine also because of this issue. POS. Never really bonded with it either.

Where did you pick this baby up? And how much?

Main reason I got rid of mine. Love Epiphones, but that is a design flaw I would not live with.

Nice 12 string. I have an AJ-18s with a solid top from early 2000 that plays like butter. Thinking about investing putting in electronics. Will cost more than I paid for the guitar, but well worth it. The sloped shoulder jumbos boom in voice. Enjoy.

Those are sweet looking. Different pickup choices would be nice. P-90s and Mini’s.

Not sure, but interesting. Checking the back of the headstocks on the 500 at Sweetwaters site shows the same Epiphone branded tuners. Just stock photos of the AJ-45 with Grover’s.

My first guitar was a Matsumoku EA-250 from the early 70's.But I loved the original designs from the 60's. When I started buying in the early 2000's, I almost every Korean Archtop I could. 1 or 2 still missing, but I have a good assortment.

My Masterbilts are great, AJ-500RNS, AJ-500MNS, DR-500PNS. But my $199 Hummingbird with Hardshell case is hot on their trail. (Sorry for the large photos)

You’re right. The cherrys never seem to come up. There are 3 Pelham blue up on eBay. I chose the white. Had to go through 3 to find one with no flaws. Good luck with your hunt.