brianh Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 OK, I've had this Chinese-made "Inspired By" John Lennon for over a week, and need your comments/opinions. On another thread I complained about the piss-poor setup from MF - high action and intonation out of whack (which I have fixed - almost), and what I felt was a sub-par top grain. At that time, I was planning on sending it back for a refund. It was a perfect condition customer return, plus I got a 15% discount, so I only paid $747 USD shipped. It came with the case, full warranty, all paperwork, and the plastic still on, so it's essentially new. Yesterday, after several days of it sitting in the case, I finally got the chance to spend some time with it plugged into a tube amp (Epi Valve Senior), and I'm starting to warm up to it. But I'm still undecided so I've created a poll to get member feedback about it. Let me know what you think, here are the pics: Some grain issues: F-hole paint slop: Binding spooge: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcwillow777 Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 I can't see the pics, I'm at work and graphics are blocked. But, if you are not happy with it I'd send it back. I bought a guitar a while back and had a similar decision. It was an Agile AL-3000M HSB Plaintop. The thing was set up perfectly out of the box. My problem was that the two top pieces didn't match. Looked like the grain of one was sideways. Well, after keeping it for a week and getting feed back from some members on the Agile forum I sent it back and got another one. I am glad I did. The replacement in drop dead gorgeous. It's hard to see where the two pieces are seamed together in the middle. You are the one who will have to live with it. It's not a good deal if you aren't happy with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted January 7, 2010 Author Share Posted January 7, 2010 Thanks JC, I remember your post about the funky Agile AL-3000. I sent an SX strat back to Kurt last year for finish defects, but never replaced it. The thing about this Casino is it's not awful, and I'm not sure any of the others are any better. I was kind of hoping some of the other IBJL owners here would post pics of theirs since I haven't seen any others except the crappy pics on the Epi and vendor websites. Also, I doubt I'll find another new one at that price. Cheers, Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamm7215 Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 I voted for send it back (not 'cause it's a piece of junk...your wording). The fact is you're not HAPPY with it. I'm HAPPY with mine. I had to set mine up too, but on yours the grain issue on the front would be a deal breaker for me. It looks like the top laminate was stained or got dirty before the poly almost. The binding error is also a downer. I have none of the issues on my IBJL that you have. Don't play it too long or you won't send it back. I would try another IBJL, they're really quite good, otherwise there's always the John Lennon's for a few thou... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cosmitron Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 I was about to write: 'Sometimes a week or two is not enough. Try to remember why you bought it. Give the IBJL a chance! But if the several issues spoil your time with it, send it back.' But finally I think the "Unhappy>send it back" simple logical is the way to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcwillow777 Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 It's a hard call. I wish you the best in whatever you decide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deflepfan Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 Maybe . . .Can you afford to get the AS-1000 to play it up against? I know you have issues with the look of the AS, but . . . Hell, if you aren't happy with this one, it'll save you $300.00. Seriously, if you aren't thrilled send it back. Sheila Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted January 7, 2010 Author Share Posted January 7, 2010 Sheila, the Agile AS-1000 is nice guitar, but it's not really comparble to a Casino. For one, it has a center block like a Dot, Riviera or Gibson ES-335, so won't resonate acoustically nearly as much. Also, it has humbuckers instead of P90s, which have a very different sound. But at $375, for a bound ebony fretboard / flametop semi, the AS-1000 is a helluvalotta guitar for the money. A buddy of mine is bringing a standard Casino over in the next couple of days to compare. That may help... Cheers, Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 Buy a REAL USA "Lennon" one! I think that's the only way you'll be happy? ;>) From the photos, I think the things you're unhappy with, are pretty minor, and are as likely to occure, with even the more expensive "Gibson" made version, as not. But, again...if YOU aren't happy with it, it's a no brainer... Send it back, and get something you WILL be happy with. Even if it takes several returns, to do that. It's YOUR money, after all. As to the IBJL models...There will be, like any other model, from any price range and/or brand, factory, etc....great ones, and flawed ones. It's just a fact of life, and you've experienced one reason I seldom buy guitars "on line!" I want to see it, up close and personal, and play it, before I spend the money. But, that's just me! Good Luck, Brian! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Summerisle Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 I voted for "send it back," Brian - but not because it's a "piece of junk." A new guitar like that should leave you feeling like a kid in a candy store. If you are having to work hard to find the enthusiasm for it at this stage, then something's clearly wrong. In your position, I would send it back forthwith. That way, you'll recover most of your money (the retailer should charge you the shipping only, and no restocking fee (provided you still have the original box, case candy etc). I speak from painful experience... New Casino and case bought in June for $669. 45 day return limit expired sometime in August. Casino and case traded in October for $375. Money down the toilet = $294. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deflepfan Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 Lesson learned, Brian! (Hopefullt it'll stick. I should be writing this stuff down!) Still really know nothing about the semi's and hollow bodies. Knew I was comparing an apple to an orange, but did not know to what extent. Thanks, Sheila Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted January 7, 2010 Author Share Posted January 7, 2010 Buy a REAL USA "Lennon" one! I think that's the only way you'll be happy? ;>) Thanks CB, but I'm too much of a bottom feeder. But an Elitist might do it. Cheers, Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookieman15061 Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 I have the IBJL revolution casino and mine is just fantastic. Played mine last night until 2am and even then my wife had to come downstairs and tell me to shut it down and come to bed. I dont have any of the issues that you do Naturally it would be better to play one in person before buying but since none of my locals would order one in to sample I took the plunge and ordered on line. Mine has a beautiful very subtle grain running through it with a barely there sort of matte finish. It definitely feels like an all around better guitar compared to my standard casino. The sound I get out of it with the Gibby USA pups etc. is exactly what I've been searching for. I may have just been fortunate with mine or lucky or blessed, who knows but its quickly gone to the top of my fav list. Well worth the money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hungrycat Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 If you don't like it, send it back. Simple as that... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted January 7, 2010 Author Share Posted January 7, 2010 Very nice c-man, thanks for posting the pics. Put up some of that VS with the Bigs too, when you geta chance... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 Yeah, I think Cookieman got a Good one! Looks awesome! The two I saw, in my favorite guitar shop, were both excellent, too! No "issues" at all. So, they're out there! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duane v Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 Brian Ask yourself this: If that same guitar was at your local music store, and while your were giving it a spin, would there have been enough in her to lure you to take it home???? If not, then it's probably not meant to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookieman15061 Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 Very nice c-man' date=' thanks for posting the pics. Put up some of that VS with the Bigs too, when you geta chance...[/quote'] No prob my friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluelake07 Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 The fact that the flaws are bothering you enough that you created a poll and are asking for opinions tells me that you should send it back and get another one. Some people would have seen those flaws, shrugged their shoulders, remembered the money they saved by buying a used one and just played it. You will notice those flaws often and they will bother you. Pass it on, I'd say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Figstrum Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 I did not vote, but I say send it back if you are completely frustrated with it. If not, fix the action and jam away. The defects do not appear to affect the tone of the guitar. Plus, what if you get something worse from them? I just got an AJ 200 acoustic and I love the thing. There is a small flaw at the corner of the headstock that is not very noticeable but it is huge to me. Eventually, I wont notice the thing and keep playing it like it was never flawed. I'm crazy enough to think that minor defects give the guitar it's character. But, I have been in your shoes before and sometimes is better to remedy the situation and be happy than spend ur time wondering if you should have sent it back. Like somebody else said, it is a hard call. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender 4 Life Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 by the time you replace the Chinese electronics in it, re-wire it, etc.(you KNOW deep inside that this is all coming) you could have added a little $ to that, and gotten a really nice used Elitist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 Just voted send it back, I have never bought a "new" guitar in my life every one has been used and you expect the odd thing that pi***s you off. If I had bought that guitar and it came and did not give me that "brand spanking new, pristine feeling" I would have to send it back. Also, the companies have/need to know some standards are not acceptable, and I think the grain issue and binding issue are just not good enough on what should be a brand spanking new quality controlled musical instrument. Just my two Swedish Krona worth....:-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carverman Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 Sheila' date=' the Agile AS-1000 is nice guitar, but it's not really comparble to a Casino. For one, it has a center block like a Dot, Riviera or Gibson ES-335, so won't resonate acoustically nearly as much. Also, it has humbuckers instead of P90s, which have a very different sound. But at $375, for a bound ebony fretboard / flametop semi, the AS-1000 is a helluvalotta guitar for the money. A buddy of mine is bringing a standard Casino over in the next couple of days to compare. That may help... Cheers, Brian[/quote'] I like the "limited" lifetime warranty sticker on the pickguard. I guess that would mean the warranty is limited to your lifetime and up until you use it? LOL! You would think they would use a nicer grained plywood for the top and especially the back that has walnut stain but very plain. For a John Lennon signature Casino..I would expect nicer grain than that..but that's Epiphone..I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carverman Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 No prob my friend. Those pictures are more indicative of the nicer grained curly maple or at least maple with a grain that a Casino is worthy of. Nice guitar! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carverman Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 Also' date=' the companies have/need to know some standards are not acceptable, and [b']I think the grain issue and binding issue are just not good enough on what should be a brand spanking new quality controlled musical instrument. [/b] Well the sticker does say "Handcrafted in China"..LOL! Ya, sure, they have highly paid "expert luthiers" at the Chinese factory that produces these to " lovelingly" (is that a correct word?) craft on these "works of art" signature series and bestow upon them the finest materials, workmanship and skills in the art and craft of the worlds finest luthiers. I got a MIC Black and Decker battery operated drill that won't hold drill bits tight..the chuck is made of plastic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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