Epiphone’s woodworking skills

[nobby_trussin]

Hi

 I’m new here so I hope this message finds you well.

I have procured a 2008 epiphone casino, which I’ve been doing some work on to upgrade it somewhat: pickups, 50s wiring, pots, capacitors, nut, tuners etc. However when I removed the pickups and peered inside, I found this little gem. Now I’m no luthier but I know a little bit about engineering, and if I made a guitar I wouldn’t be happy with this tenon and mortise (attached).

There’s gaps all over - it only makes contact on one edge! Is this expected epiphone quality?

I suppose I’m a bit disappointed as I knew epiphone are budget guitars but i had read that they’re structurally similar guitars to higher end models but simply with cheap hardware. Clearly not.

Thoughts and ramblings welcome

 Regards

 Dan

[Sgt. Pepper]

I think the old adage is you get what you pay for. You said it’s a 2008, so it must have been purchased used. There is a reason those are as inexpensive as they are. 

[nobby_trussin]

For anyone who’s interested I have decided to replace said mortise with one that actually fits. I’ll post progress update on here….