Jump to content
Gibson Brands Forums

what is the worst feature of epi's


sdgails

Recommended Posts

I have found the switch to be the worst. It is easy enough to replace.

 

I believe the pickups are not as bad as people think. It's just that most do not know how to setup a guitar to get the best tone out of them. Then there is the amp they are playing through.

 

Granted some guitar/amp combo's are not going to give you good tone no matter what you play. Junk will always be junk. However making a blanket statement of all Epi pickups are not good is just not true.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"I believe the pickups are not as bad as people think. It's just that most do not know how to setup a guitar to get the best tone out of them. Then there is the amp they are playing through.'

 

Ahhhhm.....they suck sorry! And I Do know how to set up a guitar... and a great setup does not make up for shitty electronics I'm sorry!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

I believe the pickups are not as bad as people think. It's just that most do not know how to setup a guitar to get the best tone out of them. Then there is the amp they are playing through.

 

Granted some guitar/amp combo's are not going to give you good tone no matter what you play. Junk will always be junk. However making a blanket statement of all Epi pickups are not good is just not true.

 

Totally agree with this Nick...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Switch.

Easily the cheapest and most overlooked part on the Epi.

Has anybody here ever had one last long (5 or more years) before screwing up? I'd really be interested in knowing.

Mine worked great for about a year. And then.....not.

That's another reason why I recently got a Jr.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If all you've ever played are Epi pickups... then pretty good is all you know...but if you've ever played a really good set of pickups...it's night and day boys and girls....just not even close!

 

Good sound is in the ear of the beholder.

And if you asked 10 different people what "a really good set of pickups" are, you may very well get 10 different answers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Layboomo,

I don't intend to insult you...I played guitar for over 40 years, and I think I know what are good or bad pickups. I will not say Epi's having the best pickups, there is a lot of better ones and a lot of worst ones. I played a Gibson LesPaul Classic for a while and found the pickups so bad, I sell the guitars. I've payed over $300 to change pickups on an American Strat with Samarium cobalt noiseless pickups and they were bad sounding to my ears. I play now a LesPaul Ultra, and I'm very please with what I ear. I also have a Standard Telecaster 2007, now with hi gain pickups and please with what I'm earing. I gig with both and have nothing to say against them. The point is (maybe or certainly not your case ) but a lot of players complaint about pickups playing them true a $40.00 amp. Another thing, is the kind of music you are playing...If you play metal, Epi's pickups are certainly very bad for this... There is a matter of taste also. To many points to generalize that Epi's have bad pickups. But again, it's just the opinion of the old classic rock guitar player I am.... I don't know all the Epi's pickups, but the ones in the Ultra are certainly pleasing me enough to leave them there. I respect your opinion Layboomo, it's certainly as good as mine, but again, there is better pickups, that, I have to agree, but it does'nt make all epi's pickups bad....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have changed every part of my Epi except for the bridge and tail piece. I have put money into frets, 57 pickups, wiring, bone nut, swich, pots. I am about to change the wood. Wait! I can't do that. I really enjoy my Sheraton but when you compare it to 3000.00 Gibson and you have played for long enough, your ear should tell you that there is a relevent difference between the two. The choice of maple for the bodies and the mahogany necks really stand out. The tone and sustain are just better plain and simple. You do get what you pay for and that is the truth. I am saying that Gibbys are really way over priced but they are fine instuments.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If all you've ever played are Epi pickups... then pretty good is all you know...but if you've ever played a really good set of pickups...it's night and day boys and girls....just not even close!

 

Hate to take sides but I second Layboomo... (example -For me, US P90's by far give better tone than the stock ones on a Casino... I had to make the switch to higher quality P90's on my MIK Casino cause it sounded so crappy after playing my elitist Casino...) and then only my elitist comes close to any of my gibsons or fenders...

Of course this is just my own tonal preference... still love my Epi's...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been swapping pickups a lot in recent years. I've tried Kent Armstrong humbuckers and P94s, Seymours, Burstbuckers, Burstbucker Pro, Gibson P90s, and Maxon (Ibanez subcontractor). I play classic rock and blues stuff and don't use a lot of FX.

 

Through a decent amp I can get acceptable tones out of the Epi neck pups, both the P90 and the alnico humbucker. Never been happy with the Epi bridge pups though, always end up replacing them. If people don't like their Epi pups I usually suggest they upgrade their amp if they're using low-budget solid state.

 

I vote for the switch. First sign of trouble, replace it with an enclosed one.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yup, PU-switch as well. I replaced it before actually plugging the guitar in. Crap mechanics. Didn't like the cream plastic output cover, and the electronic caps.

Bridge, potmeters, and PU are mediocre or halfway decent depending on how you look at it. If you're willing to spend the money it could be well worth upgrading.

I actually like the tuners. Alltho obviously not the best quality, I'm not on a world tour, am I?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's all relative...would have been a better way for me to put it....It's not my intent to offend anyone here and if your stock pickups work for you thats all that matters really...not what I think nor anyone else. I agree with alot of whats been said about some of the other manufacturers pickups too! I hated the pickups in a LP classic that I had...infact I really only like a couple of gibson's current offerings as well. If you have a comfortable Epi that you like alot it can really improve the guitar to upgrade the electronics and pickups...thats all I was trying to say.....is it worth it to you?? You decide. I'm really not knocking Epi guitars they give you a good bang for the buck no doubt about it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, the switch but more than that I'm gonna complain about Epiphone no longer offering the Casino for left-handed players. My lefty brethren can no longer experience the joy of purchasing a new, really cool guitar. Lefties are the minority I know and business is about the "bottom line", but it still saddens me. I look on Ebay and haven't even seen a used one listed for a long time (and mine is staying with me for the forseeable future).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...