Sheraton II question

[Inniswhe]

I am buying my first semi hollow body and I have been trying to choose between the Hagstrom Viking series, Ibanez AS83, and EPI Sheraton II. I am a lefty and none of them are available in my area but can all be found on ebay, craigslist etc.

 

All are in the same price range so I am looking for comments from those that have tried at least two of the them. I know this is an Epiphone forum but I am sure many of you have tried several semi hollows

 

I am into blues /classic rock and have been strumming an acoustic for years but am really just starting to learn to play the blues. Any input would be appreciated with regard to sound /quality of construction, etc.

[TWANG]

I've tried the ibanez that have the bigs and are semi hollow.. I think that's the af series?

no hagstroms around here for sure.

 

I was looking for an acoustic when I bought it. Couldn't find one I liked. 15 years on my blondy and I'm so happy I upgraded just about every single thing on it.. mostly for cosmetic reasons because it's good to go out of the box.

 

It is true that many swap pups.. but I don't believe you'll be any better off with the Ibanez from what I've heard from the model I have played.

 

I know some of the other guys have given the ibanez a go.. and more than one model, so I'm sure you'll probably find one who's played that

particular ibanez.

 

I grab various semis off the rack at stores all the time.. and so far, I've been really glad I got the sheri.

 

However, I have to say.. for the money. that new riviera with the three p90s AND a bigsby. .is almost the exact same guitar as

the sheri for body etc.. just cosmetically different.. and if you don't at least give that a look, you'd be making a mistake.

 

you're going to get all the basic stuff of the sheri.. same body woods, etc.. different neck wood, as the sheri has a five piece laminated maple and mahogany neck.. but there's not enough there to slow anyone down a bit, I don't think.

and the price is lower.. more guitar. less money.

 

Much as I love my blondy, if this had been available at the time I'd own it right now.

 

Either MF or Sweetwater have them, and the price is like 500.00 new, lifetime warranty.

 

That being said.. don't ignore the dot, either.

 

good luck and report back with pictures mister or we'll have you on GP (guitar police.. you'll be polishing).

 

 

TWANG

[IbbysB4Epis]

Since I have never played a Hagstrom I cannot compare that to an Epi or an Ibanez. However, I do own a Sheraton II, a Dot Studio and three Ibanez Semis I can tell you the Dot Studio is the weakest of the bunch in quality and sound. My Sheraton sounds beautiful and plays like butter but I prefer all three of my Ibanez guitars to Epiphone.

 

The AS83 is out of production but if you can find one get it. Artcore Deluxe models are fine guitars.

[Inniswhe]

Thanks Ibby and Twang. I am surprised Ibby that you prefer the Ibanez to your Sheraton II since it "sounds beautiful and plays like butter" What makes these Ibanez guitars so nice ?

Apparently the AS83 isdiscontinued but fell in between the AS73 and AS93. I am not sure what is the differences but they are definately cheaper than the Sheraton so I am a little nervous taking the plunge on the Ibanez but this is good to hear.

 

I will post a picture of whichever I choose.

 

Inniswhe

[JefferySmith]

I had an Ibanez Artcore (MIC) that was not as nice as a Sheraton II. The Hagstrom is a nice looking guitar, but I've never touched one. Don't forget the Gretsches.

[eor]

never played any of the others listed, but i owned a sheraton, and trust me: it won't let you down for you want.

 

love,

eor

[lpdeluxe]

I have owned all kinds of thin body f-hole guitars, from Montgomery Ward to Gretsch, with a lot in between; the last two have been an Epiphone Sheraton II and my latest, a Gibson ES-335.

 

So here are my thoughts: the reason for the success of the 335 is the robustness and thoroughness of the design process. In my opinion, this is what a semi-acoustic should be. The other manufacturers ring changes on the original, but the changes are invariably inferior.

 

Take the '63 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gent I owned and played for many years: Gretsch would not copy Gibson, so they contrived a peculiar control setup, the useless string mutes, and the longer scale. The result was an instrument that did not work as well as the 335. Tone was pre-set with three - and only three - choices; the selector switch was in an awkward location and a round knob was used, less convenient in the heat of a gig (trust me, been there and played that). The neck joint made it difficult to play up the neck, and expensive to reset, compared to the Gibson.

 

I could give similar comparisons for other guitars, but the fact remains that Gibson got it right in 1958. I like the Epi Sheraton II because it follows rather closely the 335 paradigm. The fact that it offers nice inlays and finishes (and that the pickups are upgradeable) is a plus, of course; but my central argument is that this design, specifically, is the best way to incorporate the thin f-hole style in an ergonomically useful instrument.

 

The selector switch is in exactly the right place; the knobs are easy to read at a gig and in convenient spots; there are no distracting bells and/or whistles. In contrast, all of the competitors (and imitators, let's not forget) are less competent guitars.

 

I really liked my Sheri, but the chance to get a 335 in my favorite blond finish overpowered my loyalty to it; but the tale has a happy ending, because I traded it to get my favorite bass back (that I had foolishly let go) and someone is happily playing it, probably as I type.

[custer]

I agree the 335 IMHO is top of the line, however of the guitars you mentioned, I would go for the Sheraton, hands down. Gretsch is another fine choice. The Sheraton Elitist rocks!

[Beans]

I dream about the day I can afford a 335....sigh....

 

Anyways, I have only played a Sheraton, having owned one for 12 years. If you get a good un, it'll do everything you need it to and more. IMHO.

 

I've played on a few Sheratons in my time, and whilst they dont fell like mine (how could they?) they still play beautifully. And I really like the necks on em too.

[ButchCassidy]

Since you're playing blues rock I'd say the sheraton... or possibly the ibanez but i wouldn't know what they sound like having never messed with them. I played a hagstrom viking at a local store and it seemed balls-less; good for elevator music, but rock? Not so much. Cosmetically, it's a tie between the hagstrom and epi, with the ibanez falling short (but that's just my opinion). I love both the hagstrom and epi head shapes, the hagstrom tailpiece, the sheraton inlays, etc.

[charlie brown]

One thing about a 335...once you get one, you'll never look back...providing, of course, you've done your home-

work, and found one you love! If "blues" is your thing, they're hard to beat!

Strats, however, are a close second...some might even say, the order should be the other way? If it's "Bling"

you like...the Sheraton is great, especially the Elitist. But even the regular Sheri's are wonderful...and, mod it

to your requirements, and you've got a guitar that will rival a 335, at a fraction of the cost! But, Gibson's are

wonderful...just "pricey!" Epi "Lucille" is another excellent "blues" guitar, also at a fraction of the cost, of Gibson's

version. Several members here, own them...and, I'm sure they'd agree.

 

CB

[Stig]

 

However' date=' I have to say.. for the money. that new riviera with the three p90s AND a bigsby. .is almost the exact same guitar as

the sheri for body etc.. just cosmetically different.. and if you don't at least give that a look, you'd be making a mistake.

 

[/quote']

 

I had a Sheraton II, and it's a great guitar. Difficult to beat for the price. Sold it to pay for a new-old-stock Ltd. Ed. Casino VS. (And the new owner is modding it with pretty much new everything)

And I agree, if I hadn't bought that Casino 3 weeks ago, I would DEFINITELY be picking up that Riviera! (For 100 bucks less!)

[lpdeluxe]

One thing about a 335...once you get one' date=' you'll never look back...providing, of course, you've done your home-work, and found one you love! If "blues" is your thing, they're hard to beat!

 

But even the regular Sheri's are wonderful...and, mod it to your requirements, and you've got a guitar that will rival a 335, at a fraction of the cost! But, Gibson's are

wonderful...just "pricey!"

 

CB[/quote']

 

The Sheraton I had was fine...but I couldn't pass up a 335 at half price!

 

I've said before, one of the advantages of the Sheraton is that you can swap out pickups (with a little patience and planning) and whatnot to taste without messing with resale value. This is definitely a good way to go.

 

The singer/rhythm guitarist in my last band brought home an Ibanez Artcore to try out, but nobody in the band (including him) was impressed. The Epi was a much better guitar, and didn't have knobs that get accidentally moved while playing because of awkward placement.

 

Of course, I'm not a bells-and-whistles guy: I own three basses, all of them Fender Precisions, so that's where I'm coming form.

[Brian Cecil]

I've owned a Sheraton II for three years, and an Ibanez Artcore Custom AS103BM for a year. Here's what I think:

 

Sheri: undeniable superb appearance and playability, largely due to what is, for me, the best neck in the business. The electronics are OK, but not great. I lowered the stock neck pu considerably to resolve muddiness, and I've lowered the bridge pu slightly less to balance its output with the neck's pu. I'm still not completely happy with the pu's frequency response, as the neck seems to have a rather abrupt output increase around 800 hz (which may be due in part to the TI flatwound strings I use). The pu selector switch is not quiet. The output jack is suspect. I've put a parts list together and talked with a local guitar tech about re-doing the pu's and internal electrical components to Gibson 335 level. I'll do this if I don't buy an incoming Rickenbacker 12-string from my local music store instead (this would be my 3rd RIC). Otherwise, quality of the guitar has been excellent. It's a hugely satisfying guitar to play loudly and primitatively. It covers the lower-mid end of the sound spectrum with great authority. It's good at rock, blues, and jazz.

 

Ibanez: this was a limited-production guitar built for a recent NAMM show I bought on a whim. Its the only one of the electric guitars I've owned in the past 45 years that I didn't have to do an immediate re-string and set-up on. I have no plans or desire to change-out or alter the Custom 58 pu's. Their balance and response out of the box was perfect. Build quality is as good as it gets, period. Better than the old Fender plant output was, better than Rickenbacker was and is. The neck feels thinner than the Sheri's, with a slightly less flat radius, something along the lines of a 10-inch radius Fender. This guitar feels rather more refined than the Sheri. It puts out a higher-voiced sound range than the Sheri, something more along the lines of a tenor as opposed to a baritone. But it never lets you forget that those are humbuckers you're hearing. They're rich and clear, with great sustain. This guitar's good at rock, at retro 60's music, and jazz.

 

Ibanez' large output of hollow and semi-hollow guitars are not all created equally. The company puts three types of pu's into their humbucker-equipped guitars. The Custom 58's seem to be the most highly thought of on the company's web forum, with the more common Super 58's slightly less so.

 

If you can, you should really try out any Ibanez before you buy it. I think the Sheri's are probably more uniform, more like a standardized production item.

[lpdeluxe]

Ibanez: this was a limited-production guitar built for a recent NAMM show I bought on a whim. Its the only one of the electric guitars I've owned in the past 45 years that I didn't have to do an immediate re-string and set-up on. I have no plans or desire to change-out or alter the Custom 58 pu's. Their balance and response out of the box was perfect. Build quality is as good as it gets' date=' period. Better than the old Fender plant output was, better than Rickenbacker was and is. The neck feels thinner than the Sheri's, with a slightly less flat radius, something along the lines of a 10-inch radius Fender. This guitar feels rather more refined than the Sheri. It puts out a higher-voiced sound range than the Sheri, something more along the lines of a tenor as opposed to a baritone. But it never lets you forget that those are humbuckers you're hearing. They're rich and clear, with great sustain. This guitar's good at rock, at retro 60's music, and jazz.

 

Ibanez' large output of hollow and semi-hollow guitars are not all created equally. The company puts three types of pu's into their humbucker-equipped guitars. The Custom 58's seem to be the most highly thought of on the company's web forum, with the more common Super 58's slightly less so.

 

If you can, you should really try out any Ibanez before you buy it. I think the Sheri's are probably more uniform, more like a standardized production item.[/quote']

 

Thanks for the information; the Ibanez guitars that show up around here are nothing special.

[tom nair]

The Sheraton actually has a laminated maple neck, not mahogany. This makes quite a difference. The neck on the Sheri IMO better and faster than the 335. I put classic 57's in mine and rewired it with all parts pots and switches. It is as close as you can get to a 335 hands down with the mods. I have played 335's and the new 339 and when you get into that next price range you really CAN tell the difference. Now they have the 330 reissue, all hollow with P-90 pups. You tube this guitar, it sounds awesome. The Elitest casino and shari are also fine instruments. Modded Epiphones get you in the door better than the other brands IMO because they are designed by Gibson.

[Inniswhe]

Thanks for everyone comments. I bought the Sheraton II, can't wait for it to show up .

[Bender 4 Life]

I really don't think you'll be disappointed with the Sherry...........before buying mine, I played several other semi hollow and hollow body guitars by Epi, Ibanez,Gibson, and even Fender.

As far as value per dollar, I chose the Sheraton II.

People say the stock p'ups are "muddy", but mine are no worse, and sound almost identical to, the origional '57's in my old Les Paul(Gibson).

In the 2 months i've had my Sherry, My Les Paul,Gibson V-Factor,Custom Hot Rod Telecaster with Bigsby, and G-400 Custom Flametop, have been played exactly twice each because I love the Sherrys tone so much.

 

Don't be afraid to play with the p'up heights to get the exact tone you want, I had to lower both of mine just a touch.

 

Hope you like it, please post a pic or 2 when it arrives.

[Brian Cecil]

I think you've made a good choice. I spent some time last week alternating playing my Sheri with the Ibanez, and came out of it thinking (again) that there's no great need to change out the Sheri's pickups. The sound they make is a good sound. Its rock and roll.

[Inniswhe]

I will post pics when I receive the guitar. It is a 2004 year . Would that be one of the Korean guitars ? I read somewhere that they changed to Chinese sourcing now .

 

Also what would you guys recommend for a home use tube amp. I will not be playing loud but I do have a sound proof room I built for Home theater and the kids to play music in .I never thought I would be the one using an electric guitar in there.

 

The amps I have been considering are the Fender Blues Junior and Pro Junior, as well as the Fender Super Champ XD and EPI Valve Junior.

 

There is a decent deal on a local used Blues Junior and aslo on a made in USA Pro Junior so I was leaning towards one of those but are they too much for home use ?

 

Thanks for any comments

[vomer]

My 2004 is a Korean, from the Saein factory. The serial number starts with an I. If yours is different post again, I've got the list of serial number letters & factories.

[Brian Cecil]

They're all nice amps. Ranking them in order from least loud to loudest, in terms of getting to the amp's sweet spot, I'd say 1) Super Champ XD; 2) Blues Jr; 3) Epi VJ; and 4) Pro Jr. The SCXD uses a solid state pre-amp which can give you distortion at virtually any volume level, the BJ has a separate gain and master volume setup, the VJ's a straight single-volume 5-watter, and the PJ's a single-volumed 15-watter. None of these should be too loud, to the point of getting the local sheriff knocking on your door, given the room environment you're going to be playing in. They're all readily available, so you should think about trying all of them out before deciding which to buy.

 

I play mostly through an old Fender 22-watt Deluxe Reverb, and a new 15-watt Vox AC15 Heritage, which I often play at it's optional 7.5-watt setting. They each have just a single volume control. I play in an isolated room at the back of my house which I use as a studio. I play the Deluxe at volume level 4, max. The Vox is maybe 3, max. I constantly expect the cops to come knock knock knocking at my front door. They haven't come knocking yet, but, especially with the Vox, I have loose stuff in the room shaking, rattling, and moving around like its alive. It's a great experience.

[Inniswhe]

Thanks Brian,

 

I tried some of the amps mentioned previously as follows:

 

Epi Valve Junior Combo - Sounded surprisingly good for the cost, lack of clean headroom and the speaker seemed a little confining

 

EPI Valve Standard - Liked the sound, but the amp is a little large for transporting, otherwise I really liked the sound of this amp

 

Fender Blues Junior - Probably the all around front runner so far but the sound did not seem quite as nice/warm as the EPI amps

 

Fender Super Champ XD - Decent but too many effects for me

 

Fender Prop Junior - Similar to the Blues Junior

 

The other alternatives I have found that I am considering and have found decent prices on used or NOS are the Crate Palamino V16, and the Traynor YCV 20

 

Can anyone comment on those two especially the Crate V16 .I wonder how they compare to the EPI Valve series and Blues Junior amps for tone. My preference is a warm tube sound with that 60's/70's slight breakup at higher gain levels.

 

Thanks

[weeladdie]

I originally bought a Fender Pro Jr, but after having it at home for a week, I took it back and traded it in on a Blues Jr.

 

The Pro just seemed like a one trick pony, but the Blues Jr is much more flexible.

 

You can also change the speaker on the BJr (I chose an Eminence Greenback) and the tubes to tailor the sound to your liking.

 

I played my Sheraton II with the amp turned up to the point where I started to get air puffing out of the f-holes, what a rush!!!

 

I foolishly sold the Sherri, but soon after replaced it with a Washburn HB-35 which is also a great semi-hollow.

 

Best of luck with your journey!!

 

Alex

[Fubar]

Anyone tried the new Hofner Club.........