hollowdan Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 I was looking for the serial on the back of the headstock and then read threads that talked about some serials being inside the sound hole. Since mine appeared to be a fairly new version, I wondered what that meant. I was thrilled to buy this one and glad it was Chinese made. I found the serial on the label inside and the number clearly indicated it was an Unsung Korea plant instrument, made in Nov 2012. I had read that the Chinese versions are better and was a bit concerned. Are these Later Korean Sheri's considered as well made as the Chinese versions? Thanks for your knowledgeable input. (I am not trying to start a controversy, but I merely want to think that this one meets the standard of quality we all discuss about our Epiphones. My last Epi was a P93 from the Chinese custom shop that I regret selling). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomse Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 I was looking for the serial on the back of the headstock and then read threads that talked about some serials being inside the sound hole. Since mine appeared to be a fairly new version, I wondered what that meant. I was thrilled to buy this one and glad it was Chinese made. I found the serial on the label inside and the number clearly indicated it was an Unsung Korea plant instrument, made in Nov 2012. I had read that the Chinese versions are better and was a bit concerned. Are these Later Korean Sheri's considered as well made as the Chinese versions? Thanks for your knowledgeable input. (I am not trying to start a controversy, but I merely want to think that this one meets the standard of quality we all discuss about our Epiphones. My last Epi was a P93 from the Chinese custom shop that I regret selling). Unsung builds some fine guitars . You have a keeper. Enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollowdan Posted May 17, 2015 Author Share Posted May 17, 2015 Thank you for the feedback, Thomse! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve112 Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 Thank you for the feedback, Thomse! Trust yourself as a guitar player, Dan. If the fit and finish are good; if it intonates properly and holds tuning; if the action, frets and relief are correct; if it plays comfortably and sounds good; IT'S A GOOD GUITAR......so there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StRanger7032 Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 I have two Korean Epiphones currently, and have owned a late 80s Korean Sheraton II long ago. They are very well built guitars. The only issue I have noticed is weird bridge spacing on some of the older 90s ones. There is a myth out there that the Korean ones are better, actually. A lot of eBay sellers are using "made in Korea" as a selling point. This has actually driven up the values on Korean Epiphones in recent years. Your guitar will likely hold its value very well due to being Korean built. Whether its a better or worse guitar that a Chinese one depends on the specific guitar. Both my Korean Epis, a G-400 and Les Paul Limited Edition, are excellent guitars. I played a Chinese Sheraton II last year and thought the sunburst was poorly done (my opinion and one specific guitar), but I'm sure most of them are excellent from the feedback I've heard here and elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffery Smith Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 Love alll my Korean Samick and Korean Unsung guitars. I Won't say that Chinese epis are bad or better. I don't have a bad Korean. You did good with Korean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burchster Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 You have a good guitar. The later Korean ones used a standard bridge and updated electronics. I have a 92 that's built like a tank but the bridge and electronics are crap. Congrats on the new guitar now if they just would make a red or cherry one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollowdan Posted May 18, 2015 Author Share Posted May 18, 2015 Thanks for the props and replies. I realize my post had a strange sounding title when I looked again today. I was truly surpised but found it interesting that this Sheraton was crafted in Unsung. The five piece neck, the serial printed on inside label and a few other minor differences-- I just wasn't aware they were still building these in the Unsung plant. I love all Epi's and am convinced that the QC is excellent at all plants, whether China, Korea or Indonesia. I appreciate the support and reassurance from your experiences. In the past I have owned a Samick made 2000's Les Paul Custom and a 2009 Chinese Custom Shop Riviera P93. I sold them but I so wanted to get back to playing a nice Epiphone semi-hollow. My research led me to this one. Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 that' probably one of the better sources over there. I'd be happy if I got a sheri from there verses anywhere else, (well cept Japan, cuz those guys tend to do a great job too). So did you get her yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burchster Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 That is a beauty, I was drooling over that same one on ebay! Nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollowdan Posted May 18, 2015 Author Share Posted May 18, 2015 that' probably one of the better sources over there. I'd be happy if I got a sheri from there verses anywhere else, (well cept Japan, cuz those guys tend to do a great job too). So did you get her yet? No, Kidblast-- the weekend followed the purchase, so it couldn't go out until today. :( UPS ground from Illinois to CA will be about 4-5 days, I suppose. I am thinking a week from today, realistically. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollowdan Posted May 18, 2015 Author Share Posted May 18, 2015 That is a beauty, I was drooling over that same one on ebay! Nice! Burchster, Isn't that interesting how you noticed this one on Ebay. Though I did buy it on Ebay, I went to the website and all of their guitars are high-end vintage and this beauty was uncharacteristic, but it was a Minty representation of the lower end. I was impressed with their quality and professionalism. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 I am thinking a week from today, realistically. Thanks! Ahh, I see, it will be worth the wait Dan! Post an update when you finally get your hands on it.. /Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve112 Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 No, Kidblast-- the weekend followed the purchase, so it couldn't go out until today. :( UPS ground from Illinois to CA will be about 4-5 days, I suppose. I am thinking a week from today, realistically. Thanks! Yes, by all means keep us posted. She's a fine looking axe, for sure!..:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollowdan Posted May 18, 2015 Author Share Posted May 18, 2015 Thanks guys-- I certainly will. I am going to spend the week reading about the history of Epiphones and the Sheraton specifically. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liquidgarden Posted August 11, 2015 Share Posted August 11, 2015 That is a beauty, I was drooling over that same one on ebay! Nice! I just bought one used exactly like that for $300. It sounds fantastic. The only thing that I have a problem with is the weight. And the Hard shell case that it came with is almost as heavy. Carrying it is breaking my arm. Does anyone know of a good soft case that can fit the Sheraton? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LPS1976 Posted August 11, 2015 Share Posted August 11, 2015 I just bought one used exactly like that for $300. It sounds fantastic. The only thing that I have a problem with is the weight. And the Hard shell case that it came with is almost as heavy. Carrying it is breaking my arm. Does anyone know of a good soft case that can fit the Sheraton? do a search for a 335 style gig bag. that should give you some options. or just start doing curls with it! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted August 11, 2015 Share Posted August 11, 2015 The Unsung factory's build quality is generally very high. I have a 2010 Nick Valensi P-94 Riviera built by Unsung, and have looked at many of their products over the years. Good stuff. More recent Korean Epis will usually have superior electronics, compared to those produced in the '80s or '90s. In the past, I've owned three Korean Sheratons, all made by Saien. These too were very well built, and of course the Korean Peerless factory is also well known for it's quality. Korean pickups are another story. They can range from very good to muddy. Had a Peerless Casino for many years & loved the tone of the Korean-made P90s. But Korean humbuckers can be all over the map, so as mentioned above, trust your ears! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted August 11, 2015 Share Posted August 11, 2015 The Korean made versions, have the "Generic" (some say Samsung style) body style (as depicted in the previous photo above). Most notably, in the horn shape/curves, and the higher positioned "waist" curves. The Chinese version has the more "Gibson" ES-335-355 body style and proportions. It's not a matter of "better" or "worse," just different! Both countries/factories make fine instruments. I tend to prefer the Chinese versions, as they are more "vintage" correct in body shape, so it's an aesthetic thing, for me. But, all things being (otherwise) equal, they'll all be fine players, and tone machines! When the Chinese version first came out, it had a 3 piece neck (one piece shaft, and a butt jointed heal and headstock. They have since returned to the 5 piece neck, for the full length. That too, is much preferred, not only aesthetically, but from a strength aspect, as well. So now, the only real differences, between Korean and Chinese versions, is the body shape. It's really about which one you prefer, more than which one will play the best. "Case by case basis," of course. Cheers, CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.