Has anyone tried one of these yet?

[Leonard McCoy]

 

[62burst]

Well, how 'bout that. Bold move, Gibson Acoustic.

More into the standard sunburst, but would be very interested to play one of these. Although the short scale is part of the endearing nature of the J-45, for those who are looking for a cleaner bass note, or loudness, on paper, this long-scale Epiphone might fit the bill.

In times when many are offering less, Gibson does this. +1. Now, if they could just get cracking on a Bozeman made. . . 

Martelle DeLuxe 12 fret-

. . . or why not continue with the Bird series, and give flight to a Kalamazoo (Bozeman?) Oriole?

[michaelsegui]

I’d really like to try one of these new Texans too

[MissouriPicker]

I had one (Texan) around fifteen years ago.  I'm assuming that back then they were made in China.  Nice-looking guitar, but the sound was very thin.  Don't know if it was because of the strings or just the guitar itself, but I only kept it a few months.   Pretty sure the cost was something like $425 or so.  ........... One made in the U.S.A. would be interesting.  Might be a considerably better guitar.

Edited May 30, 2020 by MissouriPicker

[bayoubengal1954]

On 5/30/2020 at 3:45 AM, 62burst said:

Well, how 'bout that. Bold move, Gibson Acoustic.

More into the standard sunburst, but would be very interested to play one of these. Although the short scale is part of the endearing nature of the J-45, for those who are looking for a cleaner bass note, or loudness, on paper, this long-scale Epiphone might fit the bill.

In times when many are offering less, Gibson does this. +1. Now, if they could just get cracking on a Bozeman made. . . 

Martelle DeLuxe 12 fret-

 

This young fellow out of Chattanooga, Tennessee named Isaac Stroupe builds his take on the Martelle Deluxe. He just sold this one recently. His company is called Minerva Fretworks. 

 

[62burst]

5 hours ago, bayoubengal1954 said:

This young fellow out of Chattanooga, Tennessee named Isaac Stroupe builds his take on the Martelle Deluxe. He just sold this one recently. His company is called Minerva Fretworks. 

 

 

Very nice. My intent was mostly as a dusting-off and as a reminder of the obscure, and sometimes humorous, brands under which Gibson has built guitars. Gibson has actually done a very good job to recently build 12 fret guitars in several forms lately- the deep-bodied Stage DeLuxe in mahogany and rosewood , the Radio Grande, the Advanced Jumbo 12-fret, and my fave, the standard body depth J-45 12-Fret.

Edited June 2, 2020 by 62burst

[Jinder]

I loved my IB'64 Texan to bits. It was my guitar for overseas gigs (or, indeed, any I had to fly to, overseas or not) and always sounded terrific. I sold it (along with many of my other guitars) when I was ill for three months at the end of last year, and needed to get some cash together to pay the rent and feed the family whilst off the road. I wish I hadn't had to.

One day, when I can afford to, I'd love to replace it with a Bozeman Texan...if the Pac Rim IB'64 (or mine, at least) sounded as good as it did, I'll bet the Bozeman built Texan is sensational.

[michaelsegui]

I listen to a lot of Bill Morrissey. 

It doesn't help the Texan G.A.S.

 

 

Edited June 4, 2020 by michaelsegui
edited to add pics

[zombywoof]

I will just stick with my NYC-made Epiphone FT-79.  One of those guitars that doe snot do anything terribly well but sounds so good trying.

[brixa]

I just took delivery a few weeks ago of the new Masterbilt version released at the same time. I have the Peter Frampton one and had the I.B. 1964 one too - the Masterbilt is far superior to both of those - I can’t justify the USA one as my J45 TV is the best acoustic I’ve ever played. 

[dhanners623]

On 6/4/2020 at 10:06 PM, michaelsegui said:

I listen to a lot of Bill Morrissey. 

It doesn't help the Texan G.A.S.

 

 

Played Bill’s main Texan (he had a spare) once in the green room of the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis back in the ‘90s. Sweet guitar and he knew how to get the most out of it.

[rustystrings]

Could be a very interesting guitar - ideal for playing "Blackbird," or for Wizz Jones or Al Stewart fans, too.

 

[pohatu771]

My local store got two in stock back in February (one of each finish) and I played them both then. After almost three months of being closed, they are both still in stock, and I intend to buy whichever one I like better in the near future. I hope it's the natural, but I'll buy whichever one sounds best. I'll need someone to hand them to me with my eyes closed.

The other description is right. This is less bassy than my J-45, which has bothered me more lately.

Visually, I love that they went more for the early Texan, with the New York headstock, than the famous Paul McCartney version.

Edited June 15, 2020 by pohatu771

[E-minor7]

On 6/9/2020 at 2:40 PM, rustystrings said:

Could be a very interesting guitar - ideal for playing "Blackbird," or for Wizz Jones or Al Stewart fans, too.

 

Yes, although Jones and Stewart used plastic bridge.  But didn't McCartney play BB on the rio D-28. . 

[JuanCarlosVejar]

I played one at NAMM ,

thought they were absolutely incredible !

 

 

 

JC

[bobouz]

I have one of the Adopt-A-Minefield fundraiser "McCartney 1964 Texan" models built in 2005 by Terada in Japan.  Sort of an Epiphone Elitist Texan on steroids, as it was a nicely done reissue of McCartney's actual guitar, with an ink stamp Paul McCartney signature on the label.  Love the tone of it, and Terada's workmanship is second to none (including Bozeman).

There were also two Montana versions built at the same time for the fundraiser.  One reliced & signed by McCartney on the top, and one non-reliced & signed by McCartney on the label.  I believe these three versions may be the only signature-model instruments ever actually endorsed by McCartney.

At any rate, it's very cool that Gibson has released this new USA-made Texan model - but I'll be sticking with my McCartney version.  Especially with a J-50 & J-45 Rosewood in the house, which pretty much rounds out my roundshoulder bases!

[E-minor7]

11 hours ago, bobouz said:

I have one of the Adopt-A-Minefield fundraiser "McCartney 1964 Texan" models built in 2005 by Terada in Japan.  Sort of an Epiphone Elitist Texan on steroids, as it was a nicely done reissue of McCartney's actual guitar, with an ink stamp Paul McCartney signature on the label.  Love the tone of it, and Terada's workmanship is second to none (including Bozeman).

There were also two Montana versions built at the same time for the fundraiser.  One reliced & signed by McCartney on the top, and one non-reliced & signed by McCartney on the label.  I believe these three versions may be the only signature-model instruments ever actually endorsed by McCartney.

At any rate, it's very cool that Gibson has released this new USA-made Texan model - but I'll be sticking with my McCartney version.  Especially with a J-50 & J-45 Rosewood in the house, which pretty much rounds out my roundshoulder bases!

 

It's almost as if it's my job & duty to remind the Board-members/audience of the fact that McCartney's Texan had the plastic bridge - like Wizz Jones's and A- Stewart's by the way. . 

All 3 drove hollow plastic bridge with ceramic saddle. In fact W.J. stil does - hasn't changed his acoustic since the mid60s. . 

[bobouz]

3 hours ago, E-minor7 said:

It's almost as if it's my job & duty to remind the Board-members/audience of the fact that McCartney's Texan had the plastic bridge - like Wizz Jones's and A- Stewart's by the way. . All 3 drove hollow plastic bridge with ceramic saddle. In fact W.J. stil does - hasn't changed his acoustic since the mid60s. . 

Yes indeed, I was already aware of that, but thanks for reminding everyone.  Of course we’ll never again see a Texan manufactured with a plastic bridge.  Terada’s version is rosewood, with the adjustable saddle (as were the two Montana versions).

Had my ‘66 Epi Cortez (FT-45n) out for a spin the other night, with it’s original plastic bridge & ceramic saddle.  That metallic-tinged tone sucks me in every time!

[fortyearspickn]

Unless I'm missing something - the Bozeman made Epiphone Texan is only a hundred bucks less than a J45.   It would have to sound a lot better for me to gamble that much on it. 

[Jinder]

As much as I love a good Texan and applaud Gibson for making this guitar, in my opinion (which is, of course, just one man's take), I feel as if it's an instrument that may have fallen between a few stools. There are a few reasons for this:

1) it's an iteration of the Texan that doesn't have a specific artist/iconic recording association-as Em7 said, Wizz, Paul and Al all played Texans with adjustable saddles and plastic bridges, not to mention the later headstock. This one is beautiful, but has no historic hook to hang its hat on.

2) Brand association is a powerful market force, and most off-the-peg guitar buyers associate Epiphone with solid, low-to-mid-price instruments, as do performers. Personally, I'm all about tone and function onstage, but plenty of people would rather put that money down for a J45 as an instrument to be seen with onstage (classic, iconic, has the Gibson logo, was featured on countless classic records and seen in the hands of hundreds of musical icons) than this, which will undoubtedly sound wonderful but still resemble a budget guitar to the uninitiated.

3) Resale is going to be a major issue. Many of us chop and change our instruments from time to time, and this is bound to be a tough sell as a used guitar. Hell, if they're not selling new, they will be a tough go to shift secondhand without losing a LOT of money. 

 

That said, I want one. It's a great guitar to own as a keeper, and the fact that the resale would be a kicker would force me to keep it and bond with it on a long term basis. I don't care about branding...I play a guitar because I like it. 

[Sgt. Pepper]

On 6/9/2020 at 8:40 AM, rustystrings said:

Could be a very interesting guitar - ideal for playing "Blackbird," or for Wizz Jones or Al Stewart fans, too.

 

I think Paul recorded Blackbird with his D-28. Macca and John both had D-28's in India.

 I believe he used the Texan on Yesterday.

Edited June 16, 2020 by Sgt. Pepper

[bobouz]

8 hours ago, Sgt. Pepper said:

I believe he used the Texan on Yesterday.

Yes indeed.  Gibson has featured McCartney’s use of the Texan on Yesterday as a marketing tool for many years.  Very cool that he still owns his original Epi Texan, as well as his original Epi Casino (which he says is his all-time favorite electric guitar).

As for separating itself from the J-45, the Texan’s one key difference will always be scale length.  Otherwise, it’s just aesthetics.

[Sgt. Pepper]

4 minutes ago, bobouz said:

Yes indeed.  Gibson has featured McCartney’s use of the Texan on Yesterday as a marketing tool for many years.  Very cool that he still owns his original Epi Texan, as well as his original Epi Casino (which he says is his all-time favorite electric guitar).

As for separating itself from the J-45, the Texan’s one key difference will always be scale length.  Otherwise, it’s just aesthetics.

If it doesn't have a Detroit Red Wings sticker it will never sound as good.

[bobouz]

2 minutes ago, Sgt. Pepper said:

If it doesn't have a Detroit Red Wings sticker it will never sound as good.

 

Amd that’s why 2005’s reliced version costs so much!

[Sgt. Pepper]

Just now, bobouz said:

 

Amd that’s why 2005’s reliced version costs so much!

Yep add a $3 dollar sticker and they jack the price up.