Why Did You Choose Epiphone, And...Would You Again?

[Notes_Norton]

All the long-time members probably know this already, but since you asked......

 

I own a 1970 Gibson ES-330 which I dearly love. Sax is my first instrument and my Gibson has been only played at home for about 20 years after I bought it (used).

 

About a year and a half ago, I decided to get more serious with the guitar, learn to play at least a dozen of the songs we do in my duo The Sophisticats and bring the guitar on stage (I'm up to over 40 now).

 

By now the ES-330 that I spent $300 for was worth between $3,000 and $5,000 on e-bay. Since I would be switching between sax, wind synthesizer, guitar, flute, percussion controller, keyboards and vocals, and some of those instrument switches would have to be done very rapidly, I didn't want to endanger the guitar since it was now worth so much money.

 

So I bought a Kramer/Focus/Faux-Strat guitar but found I didn't like the longer scale and especially the shorter neck radius. Also after playing the ES-330 with P90s in it the fender-ish single coils simply sounded thin to my ears (not necessarily a bad thing, but I personally prefer the P90 tone).

 

I went to music stores and tried a number of guitars, Hagstrom Viking, Ibanez, SG, Jazz Master, Turser, and so on. They all had things I liked but I didn't like any of them as much as my ES-330.

 

Since the ES-330 was no longer in production (although they have re-introduced it) and since the Casino is virtually the same guitar, I decided to get a Casino so I traded the Kramer in for a used Casino. I intended to buy new, but the wood grain on a used model caught my eye. The guitar was in great shape, only a couple of hairline scratches in it, the tuners had been upgraded to Grovers, and they were only asking $425 for it plus they gave me exactly what I had in the Kramer for a trade-in value.

 

After owning the guitar and learning about it (thanks in part to the generous people on this forum) I found it has had the switch, pots and pickups replaced with US parts and Seymour Duncans respectively.

 

Would I buy another Epiphone? Perhaps.

 

Like most guitar players, I have major G.A.S., and my GAS is spread out over saxes, wind controllers/sound modules, guitars, and other synth modules. When I buy another guitar, I will definitely get something different from the Casino/ES-330 design. I still like the looks of Strats and I found I can get replacement necks to shorten the scale and lengthen the radius, I've got GAS for an SG (probably a Gibby since I want neck binding due to the fact that we play in a few dark places), I'm strangely attracted to one of those Eastwood guitars that look so ugly they are cool, a Ric would be nice, there's a double-cutaway, semi-hollow on the Rogue music site that I like, and the Wilshire re-issue turned my head as well.

 

But right now, with the bad economy which has taken its toll on both the band business and the other thing I do (writing aftermarket styles for Band-in-a-Box and Microsoft SongSmith) HNGD is a long way off. Who knows what will tickle my fancy then? It may be an Epi, it may not. That depends on what I am gassing for, and how Epi's quality control is like when NGD comes around.

 

Insights and incites by Notes

[lostindesert]

I think Epiphone hollowbody and archtop guitars are great value for money.

Well i like my B.B.king Lucille but no more Epiphone solid body electric guitars for me. If they'll start using proper

tonewoods and Gibson shaped headstocks( LP and SG's) in the near future i'll reconsider buying them again.

At the moment i'm very impressed with my new PRS SE one, a Junior style single-cut guitar with a single P90 pickup,

wrap-over bridge and 1 volume pot, no tone.

 

Peter

 

Fender Stratocaster, Fender Baja Telecaster, Epiphone B.B.King Lucille, PRS SE One

Martin '16 series' D-16GT, Cuenca 60R Spanish guitar

[Gashole]

I got my first Epi a few years ago. I was a snob prior-I thought of them to Gibson as like I think of Squier to Fender-which is badly.

 

Well, I got the itch for a Gibson 335, but they are just so ridiculously expensive. So I decided to try a Sheraton (Dot 335 doesn't do it for me)with the intention of having it gutted and upgraded-which is what I did, and I do feel it was necesary. Now, it's not a 335, but a guitar just as good IMHO. I'm very happy with it, it's a keeper.

 

Then I decided to get a Wildkat last summer...I figured I'd have to do the same thing-gut it...But that was not the case. The Wildkat is great stock, as many have likely read me write about it. I'm not very interested in Epi's Gibson models-I prefer Epi's own models. I like Gibson to make my Les Paul and SG's...

 

 

Then there is the Epiphone BC 30 I have...it's great, I love it. I'd buy another if I lost it somehow. I'd have to.

 

So, I am very happy with my relationship with Epiphone. I am very open minded about other Epi products, mostly amps and P90 rigged semi hollows.

[IntelligentAl]

Honestly, I got my Epiphone because it was a less expensive alternative to a Gibson. If I had the choice, chances are I would probably go for the Gibson, but I can't afford one and really really wanted a Les Paul, so I saved up and got myself an Epiphone Les Paul Studio. And I was amazed. I've never had a really expensive guitar, but I know that this is a good one. It sounds and feels great, and considering I didnt have to pay a huge price for it, I am happy with it. Would I get another one? Of course I would. I probably will very soon, too. I'd really like a Dot or a Casino, so I'm saving money still!

[Dr. Rock]

It seems that nearly all of us are Gibson-kind of guitar players but also on a budget. Epiphone is the only company that offers real "copy" of our beloved Les Paul, SG and Dot at a good quality-price ratio.

 

I have a problem spending more than 1000$ on a guitar so I bought an Epi LP Standard +top back in 2005 and never regret it! I' m also a big fan of Flying Vs of all kind so I have done me a favor last year and bought my dream guitar; a Gibson V factor in cherry! My next object of desire is a Epi Korina '58 Flying V with GFS Mean 90 PU for the blues.

[lpdeluxe]

I bought an Epi Biscuit in '05 or thereabouts because I'd been playing Dobro for a number of years and wanted to try a different flavor. Turned out it wasn't for me -- I prefer the sustain of the spider bridge. Still, it made a good impression, as far as finish and playability, so when I spotted a blonde Sheraton II a couple of years later I was willing to give it a try -- especially since I got it in trade with very little cash involved. I rewired it with Seymour Duncans, but then made the mistake of playing a friend's Gibson ES-340. Soon after, I found a Gibson 335 for a bargain price so the Epi had to make room.

 

Nice guitar, though, and somebody is now very happy with it -- come to think of it, it was a '95 model, and I was only the second owner.

 

[o8jedi]

Plain and simple, I wanted a Les Paul, but I couldn't afford Gibson's ridiculous price. After a bit of research, I found out about Epiphone's line of LPs and that was it, really.

 

I'm definitely going to make my next electric an Epi. For the price range, they're very solid instruments.

[Parabar]

My first Epiphone was my Joe Pass Emperor II. I was shopping for a hollow body jazz guitar, and was really impressed with the looks, sound, playability and value. It's still the guitar I play most often --- and I would absolutely do it again.

[pohatu771]

To this day, I only have one Epiphone (if you don't count the mandolin), and I have yet to find a better alternative to my Casino than an Epiphone.

 

If I were in a better financial position, I'd probably buy the ES-330 now that it's available again, but even then, it's the same thing.

[Emetry]

My first guitar was given to me for free. It was my Epi G-400 Limited. My long time music-player friend (we've played together in all sorts of projects for about 6 years) did not like the way it felt. She said it seemed that without a..."package" it wouldn't sit right, even with a shortened strap. So it was given to me.

I fell in love with it. Named it Khione.

I then purchased 2 more Epis and an S101, all within about 6-8 months.

 

I do love my Epis, and very little would change my opinion of them.

[actuweenie]

For me I was buying an electric for the first time (having first played an electric for the first time at age 46!)

 

Couldn't afford a Gibson or Gresch off due to price.

 

Tried a friend's mock LP (an El Degas) and liked it.

 

Tried various Teles and Strats and they didn't feel right (I'm guessing I was used to the full figure on my classical girl).

 

Tried and really liked a Washburn HB that nearly became the one. Also tried a PRS hollow that kinda looked like a mock Ric. and Ibanezs and they were ok but not great.

 

Tried a took home a Casino based on fit and price for the complete package compared to what the other shop wanted for the Washburn (i.e. when amp and case were factored in). Also buying in Calgary meant no sales tax! Was lucky that the guitar and amp fit my little Versa with all our luggage.

[Svet]

My first Epiphone was a Korean Samick built Sheraton II. I owned two Strats at the time and was really lusting for a Gibson ES 335. I couldn't afford the Gibson so I found a Sherton and it was in my price range. It was my first Epiphone as well as my first Semi! I sold that guitar off during a time in my life when I had stopped playing. I retained two of my guitars and would only play them once a month or so. When my interest was rekindled I quickly sought another Sheraton. It was at this time I learned about the Elitist line and my local Mom and Pop had the Elitist Sheraton in stock. The rest is history! I love my Epiphones and I would buy another one in a heartbeat!

[Big Norm]

Plain and simple' date=' I wanted a Les Paul, but I couldn't afford Gibson's ridiculous price. After a bit of research, I found out about Epiphone's line of LPs and that was it, really.

 

I'm definitely going to make my next electric an Epi. For the price range, they're very solid instruments.[/quote']

 

It's the same story for me. I would also add, that I would never leave a Gibson LP on a stand in a night club, during the breaks, without havin' a nervous breakdown... I could'nt certainly affort to buy another one if it was slolen or broken.

I should mention That at first, My LP was bought to back up my US Strat. I loved it so much that I sold the Strat and kept the Ultra as premier and bought a Godin Freeway Classic for backup.

[taxman]

Why did you buy your first Epiphone,

 

Beatles, John Lennon. The various ways the Casino was used by John, George, and Paul made me realize this guitar is a winner. It is. Plus it looks so cool. Beatles never played an Epi, I wouldn't be here.

 

 

and would you buy again?

 

Probably not. After buying my Casino I bought another Epiphone - the acoustic EJ-160E. The guitar is not well made. First one I had lasted about three days. Name it, it went wrong on it. Returned it and now the one I have is also giving me some trouble. I was all set to buy an Epiphone SG, but after my 160E experience I will just save and save and get myself a Gibson SG.

[ladyscaglyc]

Just like Parabar, my Emperor Joe Pass in vintage sunburst.

 

I always wanted a large "jazzbox" and the Emperor is just great to play,

hear & be seen.

My other "box" is a Gretsch White Falcon and the crunch sparkle of those

Dynasonic PUs is the only reason I hope to change the neck PU on the EPI

to a HBsize meanP-90.

Other than that- who else builds a Joe Pass ?

 

(You could buy 6 Emperors for the price of the Falcon)

 

Both are equal in comfort & playability, with individual merit to sound.

 

I would buy another (maybe a Riv, Dot or Wildcat ) someday.

[FirstMeasure]

Like Ladyscaglyc and Parabar, my first Epiphone was my Joe Pass Emperor, also Vintage Sunburst.

 

I'd gone to guitar Center for an Ibanez Artcore AF-75. My Dad had one and I liked it, but when we got there, they had this Joe Pass model sitting up on one or the Guitar Displays in the middle of the room with a big Green Tag on it that said $519.00 on it. I picked out an AF-75 strummed it a couple times, all the while breaking my neck to look at the Vintage Sunburst and Gold Hardware of the Joe Pass. I put the Ibanez back and figured, "It probably just looks nice, I bet it doesn't play any better." I took it down and before Plugging it in to a amp I knew I wasn't letting go. The Smooth Neck and near perfect finish told me it was worth $200 more than I was gonna spend. Then, while testing it I noticed the protective plastic on the pick ups said something like "Electronics 100% Gibson USA". I ran over and checke the plasticon a Casino and it said something about Epiphone Electronics. Thaty was it, It was Mine all Mine. I was even able to talk them into a TKL hardcase for $35.

 

I play it throiugh an Epiphone SC-210 stereo chorus amp and it sounds fantastic. I wish I had a Roland JC-120 or even a JC-90.

 

My Joe Pass was made at the

Peerless Plant, Korea

April 2003

 

My Brother has a 5 String Limited Edition Les Paul Bass made in Korea, Korea's Epiphone sure are high quality.

[AldoMcD1]

I'm a big Oasis fan and the guitars they used from 94-97 was always Epiphone (mainly Sheraton & Riviera) so that has played a major factor.

 

I own three Epiphone acoustics (Dove, Hummingbird & EJ200) and love them all.

 

I'm on the lookout for a new Epiphone archtop, so I would definitely buy again.

[Kong]

I've been playing for about 20 years, but I've never had a real high-end guitar. I lost 4 guitars to a flood in 1999 which was not fun. My teacher was a strat guy so I started out as a fender guy. I had a tele made from spare parts that sounded really great, it sounded exactly like Keith Richards on "Can You Hear Me Knocking". I had a japanese strat, a '73 Fender Musicmaster, a Yamaha nylon acoustic-electric - all were destroyed. I got out of playing for a few years but picked up a cheap squier about 2 years ago. I upgraded to a fender showmaster in Feb of 2008 and it has a great sound with a set neck and 2 seymour duncan humbuckers, but I longed for a guitar with more b-llz!!

 

I have always lusted after a les paul, but my current finances put Gibson squarely out of my range, and I really don't like the aesthetics of the Gibson Studio. I became aware of epiphone and they got a lot of good reviews from the online stores. I saw the Silverburst on sale in December and decided it would be my Christmas present to myself. I thought it was a good deal at 699. I also got my first decent amp, a line6 spiderjam. When I first plugged in I could not believe my ears, that growling milky les paul tone came through loud and clear. I may upgrade to gibson pickups in the future, but I'm very happy with my Epi silverburst.

 

Today I bought my 2nd Epi. An acoustic Hummingbird. I must admit I know next to nothing about acoustic guitars other than the fact that I love to play "Angie" on them. I tried a bunch out at the local store, Martins and Taylors - most of which were way out of my price range. Then I tried some Ibanez, Fender and the like more in the $300 - $400 range, then I pulled down this orange looking epiphone hummingbird. I don't know what it is but I love the tone on this thing and the way it projects. The action was just right for me as well. I was going to buy a new one as soon as I got my tax refund, but I found one on Craigslist today and got it for a steal with a real nice wolfpack case.

 

I'm really happy with both of my epi's so far and I would love to get a hollow or semi-hollow electric in the future and Epi is definitely in the running. I also understand the guys that have been buying Epi's for decades and their concern for quality. All I can say is that I think the Epi packs the most bang for the buck in the current market for

sub-$1000 guitars.

[wheatlands]

Up until now I was a Gibson guy only. Went looking for Gibson acoustic. I played about a half a dozen. None of them jumped out and said buy me. Plus they didn't didn't sound as good as some other brands. I wound up buying a Breedlove. Went to buy an electric. I couldn't handle the price of the Gibsons. I tried PRS, Ibanez, Gretsch, then Epiphone. I liked the way the epi sounded and the neck was almost like my Firebird. Would I buy another one. Yes. As a matter of fact I just did. Custom Silverburst. I know there is a question as to which is better, MIJ, MIK, MIC. You can find crap from any manufactor, and place of build. Bottom line is, if you are happy with the guitar then it is the right one for you.

[AXSIS]

I bought my first epiphone explorer in the early - mid 80's.... a small body with a locking trem. think the body was plywood - its still on my wall...

 

i BOUGHT IT AS IT WAS WHAT i COULD AFFORD.

 

Since then, I have bought several more epiphones over the years... a natural explorer (changed hardware after 3 tuners snapped) and also has SD pickups...

 

Epi Wildkat

 

Futura Prophecy

 

They are all ok, some better finished and some came set up better than others, but for the prices I have paid, they represent good value for money...

 

I now also have a Gibson explorer 84 reissue and it has shrunken ebony board and cracked lacquer after less than two years...

[pohatu771]

I never answered the second question... I probably won't buy another Epiphone, at this point. There isn't much that interests me that they offer, and even then, the prices are very high. For Gibson-style guitars, I feel that PRS is a better value, at least on the import models.

 

I would buy a WildKat or AlleyKat, though, assuming they hold up to similar Gretsch models. I think they're very well-priced. I'd buy a Dot, too, if I decided I needed one.

 

Despite buying a guitar last weekend, and putting a deposit on another one just two days later, I'm starting to feel an itch for another one, but I've decided that this time I'm going all-out... I'll pay it off bit-by-bit, if I have to (and I will have to), but I've decided I'm going for something impressive... I really like the Fender American Deluxe Telecaster, but I feel like I should buy something with humbuckers - which I don't have any of.

 

I also want to build my own over the summer... a Fender/Gibson hybrid:

 

Les Paul DC body (carved top)

Gibson-scale neck with Strat headstock

Seymour Duncan P-Rails

Tune-o-Matic bridge (recessed)

string-thru tail

[charlie brown]

CB' date=' to this day I couldn't tell you what made me even want a guitar, let alone chunk down the cash on it that I chunked down. I'd read reviews of the guitar, and I just liked it. I liked it a lot.

 

An impulse buy? Yeah probably, but it was a hell of an expensive one, and I'm currently straining and stretching my hand trying to conjure a bar-chord that doesn't buzz louder then a hive of bees, so it's lasted a while.

 

I have no idea where it's gonna go. But I hope it goes somewhere interesting.[/quote']

 

Well Sid, you're a (graphic) artist, right? Music is just another art form, method of expression, etc. That's

(probably) why you got the "bug?" Maybe...??? Just enjoy, and take it at your own pace, wherever it leads.

Can't be a "bad" thing...at least it never is/was, for me.

 

Cheers,

CB

[vomer]

I was given the EA250 by my wicked stepfather (OK, not so wicked I guess.)

 

Last year I was in the USA for nearly three months and I needed a guitar to play. Having two strats, my usual favourite guitars, I thought I would get a strat, looked at a lot but didn't find one I really liked.

 

The 2004 Sheraton jumped off the shelf and we hit it off- love at first sight.

 

I'm troubled by tales of recent quality, and might try another 'budget' brand if I needed another guitar rather than Epiphone at the moment. Buddy had a Wesley bass recently, cheap electronics but really well made; got a good range of axes.

[charlie brown]

The 2004 Sheraton jumped off the shelf and we hit it off- love at first sight.

 

I'm troubled by tales of recent quality' date=' and might try another 'budget' brand if I needed another guitar rather than Epiphone at the moment. Buddy had a Wesley bass recently, cheap electronics but really well made; got a good range of axes. [/quote']

 

Again, try them! The tales of Epiphone "troubles" may be woefully overstated? Or, some less than perfect

specimens, that "got away?" Who knows? It makes no "business sense" to me, to produce Epiphones of

lesser quality, in a factory that's making ONLY Epiphones, as compared to contracted factories that were making

many brands, using the same parts/specs, except for the headstock shape and/or brand inlays. IF (and this is no

statement of fact) Qingdao is producing less quality products, then "Gibson" Corporate is..should be held

responsible, not the Chinese workers. The Qingdoa facility, is still an American company (Gibson-China),

and though they use Chinese labor, the policies and quality, would still be dictated by Gibson USA! So...???

 

CB

[FirstMeasure]

Oh yeah I forgot the second part of the question, too. Yes, I'd buy another epiphone. I'd like a Les Paul Bass, a Les Paul Ultra II, a Sheraton II, and a Prophecy EM-2 Custom FX.