VerySlowHand Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Hello all I'm looking to pick up a Sheraton II tomorrow, bought on eBay, but had a last minute wobble... it's a 2008 model (or rather it was bought in October 2008, so it could be 2007) – are they still made in Korea, or have they moved production to China? Either way, am I right in thinking they actually assemble them in the USA? I've asked the seller for the serial number so I can check it on the interweb, but I think he might have gone to bed(!), so I thought I'd ask here. Thanks VerySlowHand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Most production has moved the China. Exceptions seem to be the "Lucille," (Korea) and "Elitist" Casino (Japan) You might find (New "old stock") Korean Sheri's, but It seems they're all being made in China. There was a limited edition Sheraton I and II (John Lee Hooker), "Assembled in USA," but it was really an "Elitist" (Japanese) Body and neck, with "Kalamazoo era" headstock, which is slightly different (wider at the top, and not as high of a "open book" indentation), with final finishing (Nitro paint, and USA Electronics and metal parts), and assembly, done in "Nashville" (or Memphis)...no one seems to know (for sure), which it was. There's even debate as to IF the AIUSA were even finished in "Nitro" as advertised, but I know "mine" is/was done that way. Other's here, aren't convinced, seemingly. One thing that is the most obvious difference in Korean and Chinese Sheraton, seems to be the necks. The Korean are 5 piece (full length of the neck), the Chinese are 3 piece...solid neck, with heal and headstock added. The upper bout of the bodies are slighty differnt, too. The Korean is more of a "generic" 335 shape, whereas the Chinese looks more like the older "Gibson" shape. It's hard to describe, but there IS a (cosmetic) difference... The Korean ones, have a straighter line inside cutaway, whereas the Chinese has a bit more "curve," to the inside of the cutaway. Like a Gibson. Hope I didn't confuse you, too much? CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JefferySmith Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Hello all I'm looking to pick up a Sheraton II tomorrow' date=' bought on eBay, but had a last minute wobble... it's a 2008 model (or rather it was bought in October 2008, so it could be 2007) – are they still made in Korea, or have they moved production to China? Either way, am I right in thinking they actually assemble them in the USA? I've asked the seller for the serial number so I can check it on the interweb, but I think he might have gone to bed(!), so I thought I'd ask here. Thanks VerySlowHand[/quote'] I don't think any Sheratons are assembled here any more. I have two reissue Sheratons that were made in Japan but assembled (with hardware) here. That seems to be a thing of the past. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarpBoy Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 My brand new Riviera is MIK with a serial number of 08XXX...... They no longer include the letter for factory of origin in the serial number, it appears, but mine had the 'Made in Korea' sticker on the back of the headstock. This guitar had just arrived at the store, and they own the sole distribution rights to Gibson products in Canada. So I think I can assume it was built in late '08. I'd conclude from this that at least some semis are still being MIK, unless they stopped very, very recently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rowdy27 Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 What does it matter? If your looking to invest..Gibson holds a higher re-sale. What if they were made on Mars? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VerySlowHand Posted March 11, 2009 Author Share Posted March 11, 2009 Thanks everyone! rowdy27... I take your point (I always wonder why people get so uppity about MIM Fenders), but for me it really does matter if the made-in-China neck is three piece! That's one of the main reasons I'm selling my cheapo Tokai. As for investment... that wasn't really why I asked my question, but I would take a bet that Korean Epi's will become more sought after now... maybe three or four Epi's would be a better 'investment' than one Gibson – and it'd be an excuse to buy more guitars! Anyway – the one I got is a Korean (May 2008) and I must say it's a (VSB) beauty... a revelation even!!! I had a Gibson ES333 last year and this makes that look like a toy. The neck is pure joy and the stock pickups seem quite good – I had thought I'd swap 'em for Seths or 57s, but I think I can live more than happily with these. Epi Sheraton II, 52 ri Telecaster, Fender Blues Junior, Marshall AVT20 (for headphones), Bad Monkey, MXR Carbon Copy, BOSS RC2, BOSS TU2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AS90 Posted March 11, 2009 Share Posted March 11, 2009 What model Tokai did you have? Was it the ES60? I was thinking about getting one of those. PS, I live in South Wirral! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VerySlowHand Posted March 11, 2009 Author Share Posted March 11, 2009 ES-60 – I've sent you an email. It's on eBay at £249.99 – cherry red. If you want it I can deliver tomorrow. Kevin. PS. I take back everything I said about them...!!! Actually it's as good as the Gibson 333 – honestly! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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