Can anyone identify this Epiphone?

[caulkhead]

Saw this for sale today for £150 - not sure what model it is, or if it's worth the cash. It looks quite old but I'm no expert, what do you guys think??

 

http://www.gumtree.com/london/81/32524981.html

[duane v]

looks like a Japanese made Epi

[Parabar]

Yep, that's a 70's-era EA-250 made in Japan by Matsumoku. There's several threads here about them, and most players agree they represent the nadir of Epiphone's history. Bolt-on neck, generic design (same as models branded Aria, Lyle, Ventura, Conrad, Sebring, Univox and many others), cheesy pickups. They were what the phrase "cheap Japanese guitar" was coined for.

 

Modern Epiphone Dots, Sheratons, or Casinos are FAR better instruments.

[pohatu771]

Really, I don't see any reason to buy one, unless you're trying to re-capture your childhood memories of playing this guitar. For the same price, roughly, you could buy a brand new Dot Studio, and it would be a far better instrument.

[caulkhead]

Thanks for the info gents! I thought it must be junk at a £150 starting price and so it has proved. I'm glad I'm picking up a bit of info about what's good and bad, the s/h guitar market seems to be a bit of a minefield!

[duane v]

My ET-275 Crestwood smokes, especially after having it re-fretted with taller frets. I play it more than my Gibby Les Paul Custom.... The only complaint is it kills the high E string if you dive-bomb the tremolo:-s ....