ssgfowler Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Sorry to offend any Epi collecters who just have to own this guitar (I'm sure it will be nice and all), but IMHO it looks like the butt ugly red-headed stepsister of a Gibson SG Special with P-90 pickups. (and yes, I DO have one of those, it cost all of $899.00 new. It ain't hanging on a wall, and I ain't scared to play it like I stole it). Make me a Chinese Epi Coronet for $350.00 or less that I can throw mod parts at all day long if I want to and I'll buy it. Until then i'll save the other $4,000.00 for that damned collectible spiral guitar cable and leather strap that comes with the USA Wilshire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EL-KABONG! Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 I gotta agree w ozzie nelson here. 100 axes at 4800+ puts them in the hands of about 3 types of people 1) dealers; who will gouge for 'em now or later due to so few made 2) collector-scum; who will have fun polishing them. 3) mule-earred idiots that feel that a minimum $3k fisting is just what the doctor ordered. There are plenty of real vintage wilshires out there...and prices are dropping like rocks due to the lovely economic climate. I was excited when I heard Epi was gonna remake these...now I'm really disappointed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larkin38 Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Did Pablo Picasso paint that ugly strat? Then maybe it might be worth the money. Who the hell are they making these guitars for anyway? Not players like us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midiman56 Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 That "Aparition" is starting to look pretty good! MIDI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metalhed717 Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 That "Aparition" is starting to look pretty good! :D MIDI 2nd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pohatu771 Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 I have noticed recently (starting with the Les Paul Junior) that the price on Gibson's site is the retail price, not the list price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EpiEric Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 I have noticed recently (starting with the Les Paul Junior) that the price on Gibson's site is the retail price' date=' not the list price.[/quote'] It appears to still be MSRP at Gibson.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
generation zero Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 IMO, there's a reason you can still buy a stray, tele, Paul, or SG, but not a wilshire or a coronet... If a guitar is well designed, plays well, sounds good, and fits in a number of different musical styles, it stands the test of time. If not, it gets discontinued and ultimately all but forgotten. Then, it gets "reissued" for a ridiculous price, in low numbers, so that we all think it's something special. If there was anything that great about the wilshire, somebody would still be making them on a regular basis, not just a 100 piece limited run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duane v Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 IMO' date=' there's a reason you can still buy a stray, tele, Paul, or SG, but not a wilshire or a coronet... If a guitar is well designed, plays well, sounds good, and fits in a number of different musical styles, it stands the test of time. If not, it gets discontinued and ultimately all but forgotten. Then, it gets "reissued" for a ridiculous price, in low numbers, so that we all think it's something special. If there was anything that great about the wilshire, somebody would still be making them on a regular basis, not just a 100 piece limited run. [/quote'] The guitar just didnt fall off the planet since 1969 The wilshire/Crestwood have been produced through out the 70's in Japan, then in the early 90's the coronet was built in Korea.... The wilshire is currently built in china since 2006 and you can currently buy one new..... It just hasn't been built in the USA since 1969. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
generation zero Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 The guitar just didnt fall off the planet since 1969 The wilshire/Crestwood have been produced through out the 70's in Japan' date=' then in the early 90's the coronet was built in Korea.... The wilshire is currently built in china since 2006 and you can currently buy one new..... It just hasn't been built in the USA since 1969.[/quote'] Oh, I was unaware that they were still currently available in any format. I was just going by what I see on music store walls, online retailer websites, and current guitar magazines and other publications... I guess what I meant to say was that if they were deserving of popularity, they would probably be more popular. Especially if they are supposedly still available... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Nelson Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 The guitar just didnt fall off the planet since 1969 The wilshire/Crestwood have been produced through out the 70's in Japan' date=' then in the early 90's the coronet was built in Korea.... The wilshire is currently built in china since 2006 and you can currently buy one new..... It just hasn't been built in the USA since 1969.[/quote'] You don't seriously think or mean to infer that those crap Epiphone guitars from Japan in the early 70's (like the <cough> guitar in your avatar) or the recent junk out of China were in any way related or remotely similar to the original Kalamazoo modes do you?...oh, wait...maybe you do...never mind... Mr.Nelson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duane v Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 Some visual reference 1970 to 1978 epiphone ET-290N (Japan) http://www.justmusic.net.au/newshipment0508/vintage/epiphone-et290n-1970s.jpg 1970 to 1978 epiphone ET-290 (Japan) http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/2778968138_0ed8675656.jpg?v=0 1970 to 1978 epiphone ET-278 (Japan) http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1058/1264937237_a89874887b.jpg?v=0 1990 to 1998 epiphone coronet (korea) http://guitargeek.com/gear/img/epiphone_coronet.gif 2006 to 2008 Wilshire (China) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31v03ShTKCL._SS500_.jpg My 1970 epiphne ET-275 (japan) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
generation zero Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 Some visual reference 1970 to 1978 epiphone ET-290N (Japan) 1970 to 1978 epiphone ET-290 (Japan) 1970 to 1978 epiphone ET-278 (Japan) 1990 to 1998 epiphone coronet (korea) 2006 to 2008 Wilshire (China) My 1970 epiphne ET-275 (japan) (Links and pics snipped to avoid redundancy... they're viewable one post up' date=' LOL) [/quote'] Sorry, but I just think they're unattractive, cheap looking guitars... and you can't deny that they are nowhere near as popular as a Paul, SG, Strat, Tele, or even a PRS. The point I was trying to make is that the original design(s) lack the "staying power" of any of the other models I just mentioned, what with all but the PRS style being also available in the 60's. The other 4 have obviously stood the test of time, where just looking at a Wilshire or Coronet makes me start hearing Herman's Hermits in my head, and I'm only 28 years old. The guitars are dated at best, and ugly at worst. The ugly part is subjective, but the dated part is undeniable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duane v Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 You don't seriously think or mean to infer that those crap Epiphone guitars from Japan in the early 70's (like the <cough> guitar in your avatar) or the recent junk out of China were in any way related or remotely similar to the original Kalamazoo modes do you?...oh' date=' wait...maybe [b']you[/b] do...never mind... Mr.Nelson I cant speak for the Korean made Coronets or the Chinese made Wilshires because I haven't played either... But the people that do own them seem to enjoy them....... And no doubt you've never tried either one.... ... So your blind assessment is only for self entertainment while you stroke yourself in front of your computer monitor, thinking you've stated something so profound.... I'm sure you'll read it 40x before your meds kick in and allow you to go back to bed. I enjoy my Japan made ET-275, and it's probably in better condition than any vintage guitar you own, that's if you own a guitar.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duane v Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 Sorry' date=' but I just think they're unattractive, cheap looking guitars... and you can't deny that they are nowhere near as popular as a Paul, SG, Strat, Tele, or even a PRS. The point I was trying to make is that the original design(s) lack the "staying power" of any of the other models I just mentioned, what with all but the PRS style being also available in the 60's. The other 4 have obviously stood the test of time, where just looking at a Wilshire or Coronet makes me start hearing Herman's Hermits in my head, and I'm only 28 years old. The guitars are dated at best, and ugly at worst. The ugly part is subjective, but the dated part is undeniable.[/quote'] Until you play one, your comments are subjective.... I can accept your opinion about the visual, because I can't tell you to think something is pretty.... I play my Crestwood over my Gibby les Paul custom and SG... The only downfall with the Crestwood is it need just one more fret, and it breaks a high E string every 10 days or so. But it's the meanest sounding guitar I have, with exception of my Moser with EMG's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larkin38 Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 As an older member of the forum I can tell you that Herman`s Hermits did not play Coronets or Wilshire. It was Fenders and Gibsons. I saw them live in 1966 (Damn that makes me old). And a certain Mr. Page played guitar on alot of their records. I can tell you that my 1965 Coronet has replaced my 1968 Gibson SG as my go to guitar for the last 15 years or more. In my opinion the new Wilshire can not compare to a 1960`s one for what I feel is the lack of guality wood. The guitar industry has used up the world`s supply of quality wood a long time ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
generation zero Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 RE: Larkin38 and duane v's last posts, respectively... I wasn't making a judgement on how they play, as I have not played one. My point was based purely on the visual appeal, and overall popularity, both of which are lacking. I suppose an "IMO" should be attatched to the part about the visual appeal, but the overall popularity is undeniable... you just don't see many people playing them these days, in fact none that I know of personally. Sure, the original vintage ones might be great playing and sounding guitars, but the repros are a niche market item at best, and really don't warrant all the hype. I think it's just a ploy to keep people from thinking that the newer, more "modern" Epi ventures are the only thing the brand is aiming itself at. An attempt at conecting with the crowd who remember and appreciate the older Epi models, if you will... I find it akin to the "modern rock" radio stations that feel the need to play tons of "classic rock" as well as the newer stuff. It is an attempt to broaden the market, but IMO it just serves to alienate both sides. Fans of the Apparition or the Zakk Wylde V/SG hybrid will probably not give two sh*ts about the Wilshire, and vice versa. I think moreso, there is a group of players who just wish the modern Epi brand would stick to what it does best... supplying a less expensive alternative to standard Gibson models for those of us who cannot afford $2500 guitars. Give us a few more models of Les Pauls to choose from... a few more hollow body and semi-hollowbody models, SG styles, even a faithful V or Explorer that isn't all gothed out or faded finished... That's all I'm saying. Oh, and Herman's Hermits was just the first '60s band I could think of as an example... probably because I just read an article on Zeppelin that mentioned Page's studio work with them, LOL! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duane v Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 RE: Larkin38 and duane v's last posts' date=' respectively... I wasn't making a judgement on how they play, as I have not played one. My point was based purely on the visual appeal, and overall popularity, both of which are lacking. I suppose an "IMO" should be attatched to the part about the visual appeal, but the overall popularity is undeniable... you just don't see many people playing them these days, in fact none that I know of personally. Sure, the original vintage ones might be great playing and sounding guitars, but the repros are a niche market item at best, and really don't warrant all the hype. I think it's just a ploy to keep people from thinking that the newer, more "modern" Epi ventures are the only thing the brand is aiming itself at. An attempt at conecting with the crowd who remember and appreciate the older Epi models, if you will... I find it akin to the "modern rock" radio stations that feel the need to play tons of "classic rock" as well as the newer stuff. It is an attempt to broaden the market, but IMO it just serves to alienate both sides. Fans of the Apparition or the Zakk Wylde V/SG hybrid will probably not give two sh*ts about the Wilshire, and vice versa. I think moreso, there is a group of players who just wish the modern Epi brand would stick to what it does best... supplying a less expensive alternative to standard Gibson models for those of us who cannot afford $2500 guitars. Give us a few more models of Les Pauls to choose from... a few more hollow body and semi-hollowbody models, SG styles, even a faithful V or Explorer that isn't all gothed out or faded finished... That's all I'm saying. Oh, and Herman's Hermits was just the first '60s band I could think of as an example... probably because I just read an article on Zeppelin that mentioned Page's studio work with them, LOL! [/quote'] you're entitled to you're opinion about visual. As for what Epi gives us, I would still like to see USA made Epi Wilshires, Crestwoods, Coronets, Olympics and Casino guitars. Epihpone didnt become Epiphone for its version of the Les Paul, SG's and Zak Wylde type guitars, but they are nice guitars nevertheless. As for the classic rock statement, I'm not so sure about your opinion as to why stations play classic rock.. I have my own reasons as to why I think classic rock is still prevalent. But it's a bias opinion based only what I like and grew up with, and I don't feel like debating that, because I know I wont budge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jefleppard Posted January 20, 2009 Author Share Posted January 20, 2009 1970 to 1978 epiphone ET-290N (Japan) 1970 to 1978 epiphone ET-290 (Japan) 1970 to 1978 epiphone ET-278 (Japan) 1990 to 1998 epiphone coronet (korea) 2006 to 2008 Wilshire (China) My 1970 epiphne duane, i love those. i'm a sucker for a misfit guitar though. especially the coronet. i'd buy one if the price wasn't insane. i saw a '65 at a show recently that looked like it went through a tree chipper and the guy was asking $3500. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stan 58 Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 No faithfal V, I beg to differ. Stan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
generation zero Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 you're entitled to you're opinion about visual. As for what Epi gives us' date=' I would still like to see USA made Epi Wilshires, Crestwoods, Coronets, Olympics and Casino guitars. Epihpone didnt become Epiphone for its version of the Les Paul, SG's and Zak Wylde type guitars, but they are nice guitars nevertheless. As for the classic rock statement, I'm not so sure about your opinion as to why stations play classic rock.. I have my own reasons as to why I think classic rock is still prevalent. But it's a bias opinion based only what I like and grew up with, and I don't feel like debating that, because I know I wont budge.[/quote'] On the radio station thing, I was referring to a recent trend, at least locally, where stations that used to brag about playing new, modern rock are now playing over 60% classic rock, even when in the case of the biggest local station, the same company owns a classic rock station, and the classic rock station broadcasts from the same building, right down the hall. There isn't an option anymore if you just want to hear newer stuff, because they are all trying to pander to bigger demographics. As for Epi, I know about the company's history. I was saying that with what the company has become, nowadays their best guitars seem to be their Gibson clones and their hollow/semihollow stuff. I think both the radical departures from the Epi norm, and the 50s and 60s reissues are bad ideas. If the wilshires were made with the rest of the epi stuff at a reasonable price point, like 300 to 400 dollars, it would be fine. But high priced USA made reissues is what Gibson is known for, not Epi. I don't think it's a smart business move, personally. Maybe if they made more, and could at least get the price under a grand by making it up in volume... But I don't see that happening in the USA, unfortunately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gibplayer Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 OK, I'm not personally in to the look of Wilshires as some others have said, but that really doesn't matter because it's a question of personal taste. What we are all forgetting is the major piece of news here. Epiphones are being made in the USA again to the same specs as Gibsons- just like the old times! OK, manufacturing processes and the quality of materials has changed since those days but essentially, this story is putting Epiphone on level pegging with Gibson again, albeit in a limited way; but there is a distinct possibilty that this may be a sign of things to come. I think a lot of the negative posts are sour grapes from the people (or the person with multiple personailities) who come on here bashing Epiphone just to stir people up because they lead sad lives and they use this site to massage their own shattered (in the real world) egos. Because the company appears to treat both brand names with the respect they deserve it's not really supporting the arguement of these trouble makers. I could go as far as to say that the people who have been paying over-inflated prices for any USA made guitar over the last decade or two are the ones who've really been taken for the biggest ride. As a Gibson owner myself, I must be just as much of a fool as the rest. I don't believe I am though, because I'm very happy with all of the guitars I've bought, whatever the brand because I bought them for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gibplayer Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 On the radio station thing' date=' I was referring to a recent trend, at least locally, where stations that used to brag about playing new, modern rock are now playing over 60% classic rock, even when in the case of the biggest local station, the same company owns a classic rock station, and the classic rock station broadcasts from the same building, right down the hall. There isn't an option anymore if you just want to hear newer stuff, because they are all trying to pander to bigger demographics. [/quote'] For me, the reason for this is 'Guitar Hero'. As real guitar players we may not like the concept, but it sure is bringing the old classic rock tracks to the youth of today if nothing else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Nelson Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 I cant speak for the Korean made Coronets or the Chinese made Wilshires because I haven't played either... But the people that do own them seem to enjoy them....... And no doubt you've never tried either one.... ... So your blind assessment is only for self entertainment while you stroke yourself in front of your computer monitor' date=' thinking you've stated something so profound.... I'm sure you'll read it 40x before your meds kick in and allow you to go back to bed. I enjoy my Japan made ET-275, and it's probably in better condition than any vintage guitar you own, that's if you own a guitar.... [/quote'] yeah, I own a guitar...here's about 1/4 of my little group...and except for maybe the Les Paul none of my vintage stuff is there..these are the guitars that get played on a regular basis..and speaking of which...how about a photo of your Gibson Les Paul Custom that the piece of sh!t Japanese Epiphone is so much better than?...I showed you mine..now, you show me yours...here's a little better photo of the Les Paul I usually play and the photo also shows the really amazing figuring in the Riviera Reissue's neck: and some of the kids... that cute little blond Strat there on the left? IF you sold that Partsino, the ET-278 and your Gibson Les Paul Custom and got what you dream that arch top is worth and got top dollar for all of that? If you didn't buy a case, you maybe could buy that guitar..if you had a time machine because they don't offer one-piece swamp ash bodies any longer...that was about a $500 up charge and the neck upgrade was about the same and the Abby Ybarra pickups were another $150 extra if I recall...if you think I'm bullsh1tting why don't you go price out what the closest you're going to get goes for? (see the Makin' Music" link-they're doing the cheaper Mary Kay knock-offs now)...and mine's a one-piece swamp ash body with a vintage-style neck that adjusts at the end of the fretboard and has conventional switching...just like if you got in a time machine and went back and bought a '56 with gold hardware (special order until early 1957)..and according to Fender, that guitar would have cost about $400 in 1956...and over ten times that now)... http://www.makenmusic.com/product.cfm?prodID=188&catID=1 The sonic blue one wasn't as special and was about half what the Mary Kay was and the teal-colored one is just an American Deluxe...only about $1200..yeah, I have a guitar or two...in fact, I have about forty of them.. Here's a few of the other Strats...if you haven't guessed my now, I usually play Stratocasters and I have for almost twenty years so it really doesn't matter about the Gibson/Epiphone thing to me... Oh, and your ET-278 cannot possibly be a 1970...good ole Duane...always trying to stretch it so he has something a little more special...those came out about 1973. and only stuck around until about 1979/1980... I remember them because the shop I owned a piece of at the time sold them...so yeah, I know all about them.and there were no Japanese Epiphones before 1971.. so much for your bullsh!t date chart..there was a set neck limited distribution Coronet sold in Japan but yours ain't one of 'em ....and nice guitar poses, by the way .. but why don't you flip it over and show everyone those cheap, crappy machines heads and that mystery wood (I'm guessing maple neck/basswood body) BOLT-On neck...so exactly how are these similar to anything Gibson made in Kalamazoo as Epiphones? They never did a bolt-on neck...they didn't use full sized humbuckers on any Epiphone models unless it was a VERY special order (I've seen a '64 Riviera with factory full-sized hummer and that's the only one I've ever seen), they certainly didn't use a piece of sh!t vibrato system like that one either...so where's the connection...you can though, find your guitar with a slightly different headstock and the Aria name on it..maybe you meant it's like other Aria guitars from the 60's... Have a great day in your little fantasy world... Mr.Nelson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gibplayer Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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