charlie brown

Ahead Rings Out, Blodwyn Pig! CB

I own both. As mentioned, they are very different guitars. My main, and only "problem," with the Casino, is Upper Fret Access! The Sheraton is much better, for that. But, if you're not a "Lead" guitar player, that may not be a consideration? The combination, of P-90 pickups, and a fully hollow body, on the Casino, give it a unique tone, and openness. The Sheraton, IS heavier, with it's Center Block construction, but is much less prone to feedback, at high volume. So, depending on what type of music, you play, and your own personal preferences, either might work for you. They both have their strengths and weaknesses. Although, personally, I feel the Sheraton has more pro's, than con's! But, I love my Casino, for what it does, as well. So...??? Try them both, as well as the "Dot" model, and see which one you bond with most! Cheers, CB

Well, the original poster either IS a "Troll" (as he's not responded back), or...being called one, scared him off?! As to the question...I've (personally) never owned a bad Epiphone. I've played some, as well as some bad Gibson's, and other's...but, I'd never "buy" a bad guitar, regardless of brand. Though I much prefer to buy what I see/play, first hand...Most (reputable) Mail Order places, have good "return" policies, so there's no reason to be stuck with a less than stellar guitar, Epiphone, or otherwise...IMHO. CB

Nothing...I'm watching "Law & Order," on Netflix Instant View! CB

Hmmm, looks a lot like the new Midtown Custom, with a different (bat-wing) headstock, and (somewhat) less symmetric body. Cool! CB

Remember too, that a 15-16 year old guitar, "should" have a more "open" tone, due to the wood (and finish) being dryer (or, should I say "fully dried") than a newly manufactured version. So, in that sense, "used" can be an advantage. Especially, if it was played, quite a bit, and the top and back "loosened" up, tone wise. Used acoustic guitars, usually have that characteristic, as well. Granted, the ES guitars are laminated construction, whereas a good acoustic is not, usually. But, the wood tone characteristics can still be influenced, in similar ways, by age, and usage. CB

Right...the horns are a bit different, in shape, and the waist is different, too! Yeah, that was always "my" biggest "issue," with the Korean ones. The newer Chinese version, is being made more to Gibson's spec's, that way, than Samick's...or, other Korean generic spec's. I know it's "only cosmetic" or appearance, and has nothing to do with it's overall quality...but, like you, I think it looks much better, and more like USA Epi's, used to be. CB

Korean has a 5-piece laminated (length wise) neck. Chinese has a solid neck, with scarf joints for the headstock, and heal. Korean has a "generic" body style, whereas the newer Chinese has a very "Gibson" like body style. Very early Chinese versions, were not as nicely made, as the Korean versions..IMHO. Also, the headstocks, on the Korean versions, are slightly smaller. HOWEVER, the later, and current Chinese versions (I've seen), are as nicely made, now. The biggest differences are the one's I've outlined. So, either way, you can't really go wrong. My advice, as always, is to play both, and see which one you prefer. CB

Generally, I'd wait until the neck "adjusts" to the new string tension. You may (or may NOT) need a new "set-up." ??? I have found, that I can go 9 to 10, or the reverse, without any new "setup." At best, a slight 1/8 to 1/4 turn, on the Truss rod. But, often, not even that. CB

Get a set of hybrids. I use them, all the time 9-46 (as opposed to 10-46) Best of both worlds! CB

Well, I'm sure "Gibson's Attitude" toward Chet's requests/needs, was a major factor, because they built, exactly, what he wanted! And, at the time, Gretsch's quality was "spotty!" I think, seeing (and owning) the newer (Japanese made/Fender owned) Gretsch guitars, that the "build quality" would be equal to Gibson's, to say the least. Even so, they are voiced very differently, in type/approach, from Gibson's. CB

Yeah, LOL, no doubt! CB

Now THAT's a nice guitar, IMHO. All the appointments, befitting it's heritage. CB

Fake! Les Paul's of that year, did not have a pointed horn! Also, the top of the "bookend" on the head stock, it too shallow. Keep your Marshall! IMHO... Also, why would he be so eager, to trade (even up) a guitar, said to be worth 2 1/2 times, what you paid for your 1/2 Stack? CB

Larry, you've mentioned (several times, before) not liking the "current production (Memphis) ES-345's." Why, specifically? Just curious... Is it "Custom Shop," as opposed to "normal" (whatever that means) Gibson quality issues? Are they (really) different "spec's," woods, finishing, etc.? CB

You can't go wrong, either way...IMHO. I (personally) love the ES-345 (and, 355's). Just because I like the option, of the Varitone, and the extra "bling," too. But, 335's are awsome guitars, all their own. Marvelous, beautiful simplicity! So, there's no "bad" choice, there. Good Luck, with your decision! ;>) CB

Watching "Barenaked Ladies: Talk to the Hand: Live in Michigan" DVD, on Netflix Instant view. CB

It's a "Byrdland!" It's clear, from the photos. And, Clapton said so...and so do several articles, where he's mentioned playing "a Gibson Byrdland," at that concert! Google it... CB

Well (for what it's worth), I've always felt it's better to grow into a guitar (skill wise) than out of one. Less expensive, in the long run, too. But, there are a lot of Les Paul models still in production, and the "Traditional" is a very worthy "replacement," for the "Classic," should you go ahead and sell the Classic, and want another similar guitar, later. So...??? Whatever your heart tells you, is what you should do. If it feels wrong, and you think you'll really regret it, then don't sell. But, only you can know that, for sure. CB

One thing I've noticed, with the Qing Dao made Epiphone ES models, is they are now back to "Gibson/Epiphone" like spec's, instead of the "generic" Samick spec's, with a Epi headstock. This is a GOOD thing..IMHO. Body outlines are correct, now...etc. Now, if they'll only correct the inlay on the Dot's, to the "crown," and use the current dot inlay, on all future "Riviera" models, which would be technically correct, for that model...things could be near perfect...save having them made in USA. But, of course, they'd be at "Gibson" prices, then. ;>) CB

Now THAT, I like...love the L-5 neck, on it! CB

As I write this..."Fame" by David Bowie/John Lennon. CB

Right now...the DVD "Pretenders, Loose In LA" is on the tube...Again! LOL Can't seem to get to far away, for very long, from Chrissie, these days! I just Love that woman's voice/delivery, and lyrics/melodies, too! (Smile) Plus, Adam Seymour's guitar work, is top notch! CB

The Wind Blowing, by Mother Nature ;>) CB

Well, right now...because of the recent "Crossroads" thread, I'm listening to Cream's "Wheels of Fire," CD. FUN Stuff, always! CB