hollowdan

I think my thoughts have more than likely been covered in previous answers, but I would say it is a matter of tone and feel. I have a full hollow body Emperor and it is more acoustic and woody in tonal character, while my Riviera with the semi-hollow gets a more beefy electric tone. I love both sounds, but if you have to pick, I would think the 335 would give you enough of a contrast over your LP. The Sheraton is a sweet and versatile guitar for blues and rock, as well as jazz. I have owned all of the guitars we are talking about save the Casino. I think you will be happy either way, but if you try them first unplugged and plugged in, your heart will guide your decision.

The tuners are working out fine, stock. I put some 11-49 strings with a wound G on and it is staying in pitch quite nicely. Sounds warm and full, too. Thanks again!

Not necessarily. I was just thinking if something could drop right in... Well, I think the first step would be the nice flat wounds and go from there. These guitars are very nice. I know Jazz players put them below Eastman, but man I can't see how. The tone, action, and pickups all surprise me. It is a 2000ish MIK (Unsung factory). Thanks for the recommendation.

I sold a USA 2001 Fender Strat, an Ibanez AG75 and a USA Breedlove Mandolin oval hole A style. I love these guitars and they sound really good plugged into my Classic 30 tube amp. The only thing may be tuners for the JP. The Riviera has mods-- tuners, switch and pickups. I love the look, tone and feel of these guitar. I play a guild and a martin both vintage guitars, but I am considering singing and playing with my Emperor. I want to get input on tuners that would fit and a set of flatwound strings that would stay tuned and give me a lot of tone-- fullness.

I have both of them pictured here: Joe Pass Unsung Factory and Riviera Peerless Factory (both MIK)

Turns out the knobs on my Riviera were fine. I saw something in the photo due to light and contrast that made them look warn. No-- just fine.

Thank you for the link. I appreciate your help!

Hey Paully! I am glad you wrote. I am looking at upgrading the tuning machines and purchasing the appropriate truss wrench. I am not sure the tuners aren't fine-- with the colder weather and new strings I would probably be retuning constantly anyway. However, the Wilkenson you mentioned is something for me to look into. I love the tone and the pickups are sounding sweet. The color combination matches my Orange Amp in a weird way!

The other is a 2004 Riviera with the 2 pickup configuration. It has yet to arrive, but it is in route.

Sorry for posting twice. It was inadvertent. Thanks for understanding!

My first of two new to me-- a 2002 Unsung factory in Korea Emperor Joe Pass: Hardly a scratch. I just pulled the Gibson clear plastic off of the pickups. The case is immaculate. I think this guitar was unplayed and sat on a stand, thus a bit of tarnish. It plays with loud acoustic volume and sounds sweet plugged in. I will need to redo intonation right away. I am going to fit with flat wounds.

My first of two new to me-- a 2002 Unsung factory in Korea Emperor Joe Pass: Hardly a scratch. I just pulled the Gibson clear plastic off of the pickups. The case is immaculate. I think this guitar was unplayed and sat on a stand, thus a bit of tarnish. I plays with loud acoustic volume and sounds sweet plugged in. I will need to redo intonation right away. I am going to fit with flat wounds.

I need to replace my black top hat knobs on a 2004 Riviera. Any recommendations for a great fit and look? Thanks!

I did win the bid and have purchased the above Emperor. I am grateful to be able to afford one used for $355 plus shipping. This, alongside my MIK Riviera from 2004, also in route, is going to give me my Epiphone blues guitar arsenal. I love the shape and sound of Epiphones over all other electric guitars. :)

I am hoping to land a Joe Pass Emperor-- Unsung factory-- I believe. I love the build quality of the Chinese instruments Epiphone is producing. I believe this one will be near that Pro you bought. I gave a bit less, so I can do some tweaking and adjusting if I am the winning bidder.