antwhi2001 Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Before I start, I know you'll ask me to post pics....and I will in a few days! Just got a new Chinese "EE" LP Custom Plus, natural, supposedly limited edition. Bought from MZONLINE in UK, probably not an authorised Epi dealer (don't think there is one in the UK at the moment). It was cheap so I knew I was taking a risk....paid £268 plus £10 delivery, and some UK retailers are charging £499 now. It was shipped direct from Beijing in what looks like an official Epi box, can't see any obvious errors in print. It includes a small multi-colour Epi owners leaflet and a large folding poster showing a Casino on one side and the whole Epi range on the reverse. Also a short, cheap guitar cable with right-angled jack. Superficially, it looks like the real thing, but build quality is noticeably lower than my old 2001 Korean Samick Epi LP standard. No way would I pay £499 for one of these, although the £278 it's cost me is probably fair. I bought it to mod it into a replica of Mick Ronsons' LP custom as used in the Ziggy Stardust period. Differences I've noticed so far in comparing to the Samick: 1. The p/up and control cavities on the Samick were neatly routed and painted, on this they are uneven, rough and unfinished inside (although this doesn't show with the covers on) 2. The control cavity is crudely machined out, there is a just a very thin smear of conductive paint on the horizontal surfaces, sides are bare wood 3. No grab washers at all on pots etc 4. Binding badly finished with areas that look like smudging 5. Body is about 5mm thinner at edges 6. Neck heel/joint sticks out more and makes frets harder to access above 15th 7. Bridge and stopbar are made of a noticeably lighter alloy (not necessarily bad) My first conclusion was that it's a fake, but the inclusion of the poster etc seems to indicate it's more likely a real Epi, just not built to the same high standard of the Samicks I've had. The p/ups are both stamped Epiphone but the only other difference is that one has a blue insulated lead and the other is red. Electrically, it all works, the p/ups are not bad but will be replaced with better ones. Anyone else got a recent EE and opened it up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leicester35 Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 I don't know. The poor finishing surprises me. The EE LPs and G-400s are normally distinguished by their attention to detail. That said, when I bought my G-400 (from Musicians Friend in the US) - it came with the exact same poster you're talking about, and the same useless plastic cable + a small instruction booklet. By the way, if you're looking for an authorised Epi dealer in the UK in the future (at least online) check out: http://www.imuso.co.uk/ Mind you, you are quite right - they are aking £449 for an Epi Les Paul Custom, but the only one they have in stock is ebony...so if you wanted to recreate Mick Ronson's you'd have a bit of sanding to do... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricochet Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Anyone else got a recent EE and opened it up? Yes, and my findings are almost identical to yours except for the finish and binding which is fine. Bought at Thomann Germany, a very legit dealer. Ironically what is giving this away as a legit Epi are the crap PU. The sorta ok neck, and the anemic shrill sounding treble PU... I would never buy a guitar shipping directly from China... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.