charlie brown Posted June 25, 2010 Share Posted June 25, 2010 As some of you are aware, I have a AISUA Sheraton II, which is, by the way, a fantastic guitar, in all regards. I have a good friend, that has an excellent (black) early Korean Sheraton II, as well. There is always some skepticism, when models are made in a new location/factory/country, that the quality will (automatically) be inferior. And, since I live "in the sticks," I have yet to see any "new" Sheratons, I'm most curious, as to how the new Chinese versions, compare, in an unbiased and fair evaluation. I really like the look, of the new ones, in that they have a more Gibson like, body shape, especially in the upper bout, area. But, how do they really compare, to the Korean versions, overall? Thanks, for any help and constructive comments. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vic Flick Posted June 25, 2010 Share Posted June 25, 2010 As some of you are aware' date=' I have a AISUA Sheraton II, which is, by the way, a fantasticguitar, in all regards. I have a good friend, that has an excellent (black) early Korean Sheraton II, as well. There is always some skepticism, when models are made in a new location/factory/country, that the quality will (automatically) be inferior. And, since I live "in the sticks," I have yet to see any "new" Sheratons, I'm most curious, as to how the new Chinese versions, compare, in an unbiased and fair evaluation. I really like the look, of the new ones, in that they have a more Gibson like, body shape, especially in the upper bout, area. But, how do they really compare, to the Korean versions, overall? Thanks, for any help and constructive comments. CB[/quote'] CB, I've had a few Samick Sherrys (late '80s to mid 90s), and they all had really nice thin necks (I'm not a fan of fat necks). A friend of mine has a later Sherry, not sure if it's MIK or MIC, has a rounder profile neck. All the ones I've seen recently in GC or Sam Ash have the thicker necks as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwe82 Posted June 25, 2010 Share Posted June 25, 2010 Can't really answer this question having never played a Chinese Sheraton. I own a 1995 Samick-made Sheraton from Korea. I've never had to do any work to it (other than lowering the action a little when I first got it). It still has its stock parts and pickups. Of my three guitars, its my favorite. In my opinion, it still sounds as good or better as the day I first played it. Never played a Chinese made Sheraton, however I do have a Chinese made Epi Les Paul. Of the two guitars, I prefer the sound of my Sheraton better. Also, my Epi Les Paul had several frets that needed filed down a little because of rattling. Also had to retighten all the nuts above the tuning keys that were coming lose (didn't have to do any of this to my Sheraton). So while I'm kinda comparing apples to oranges here, its hard to compare a Sheraton to a Les Paul soundwise, as far as workmanship, I really do believe my Korean Sheraton is built better and had better quality control than my Chinese Les Paul, IMHO. My AJ-200 electric/acoustic is also made in China, and the bridge had a split in it (didn't notice it when I bought it). Long story short, first time I put new strings on it, the bridge came unglued from the guitar and flew across the room. So I have a little more faith in the Korean made Epiphones of yesteryear :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midiman56 Posted June 25, 2010 Share Posted June 25, 2010 Jerry's right ... Epiphone has really fattened up the necks on the latest batch of Sheratons. They're not exactly 50's necks, but they are quite a bit "chunkier" than the MIK units. That seems to be the only reallly big difference ... the quality of the guitars seems to be on a par for the most part. The three we currently have at the store are all nice instruments ... you'll either like (or learn to live with) the fatter necks or you won't. My only real beef with the latest batch of MIC Sheratons has to do with the Natural models. I don't know how they are choosing their wood, but there is absolutely no grain in the tops of these things at all! It's the same with all of the Natural Casinos I've seen lately ... they look like they're made out of cardboard! The MIK Natual Sheratons all had a beautiful, understated grain in the tops ... but not these! Thay must have accress to a nicer wood ... my new Riv P93 is beautifully grained. For some reason, they seem to be going with a very plain looking top on these. Maybe they feel that all the other "bling" on that guitar will make up for it? Honestly, at this point if I were going to buy a Sheraton, it would either be in Black or Sunburst. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted June 25, 2010 Author Share Posted June 25, 2010 Yeah, I've noticed the lack of grain, on the tops, of both Sheraton, and Casino's from China. The very early "Natural" finished Casino's, had a almost "greyish" appearance, not even neutral, much less "warm." I think they've improved that part, judging by what I've seen here, and on other sites/forums. But, yeah...the grain thing is pretty "boring," frankly. I am curious, as to the weight, solidity, and quality of construction, and finishing..especially with the "bling" (multi-binding, inlays, fret work, etc.) on the Chinese Sheri's. As I stated, earliar, I DO like the more "Gibson" body style, being less "generic," and closer (at least) to it's origins. So, Jim...how would you say that they're built, overall? As Good, Better, Less so, etc.? And, Why... do you feel that way...if you can or care to, elaborate? You see them, sell them, so I trust your judgement. Thanks, for the replies, so far! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CajunBlues Posted June 25, 2010 Share Posted June 25, 2010 I like the koreans better mostly for the wood... as y'all have already elaborated... Nicer grain and they did a better job of making the guitars look good... The electronics however were bad then and are still bad... The only exceptions are the P90s and minibuckers.... They have always been pretty good pups... However, I just looked at some new chinese epiphone lps today.. and they ain't that bad looking or playing... I had a 2001 Korean Riviera that I really regret selling now... That was a beautiful looking and sounding guitar... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted June 25, 2010 Share Posted June 25, 2010 I haven't tried or even seen a MIC Sheri but the tobacco and natural MIK Sheris I have are both stellar instruments for what I paid. It'll be a cold day in hell before I sell them.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midiman56 Posted June 26, 2010 Share Posted June 26, 2010 I am curious' date=' as to the weight, solidity, and quality of construction, and finishing..especially withthe "bling" (multi-binding, inlays, fret work, etc.) on the Chinese Sheri's. As I stated, earliar, I DO like the more "Gibson" body style, being less "generic," and closer (at least) to it's origins. So, Jim...how would you say that they're built, overall? As Good, Better, Less so, etc.? And, Why... do you feel that way...if you can or care to, elaborate? You see them, sell them, so I trust your judgement. CB[/quote'] Well CB ... they say timing is everything ... It just so happens that I took a MIK Natural Sheraton as a trade-in couple of weeks ago. It was immediatly snapped up by a customer, but it's been sitting on lay-away wiating to clear the 30 day Metro theft-check. What that means, however, is that I had an example of both to compare! I have to admit that other than the aformentioned differences in neck size and the grain in the guitar's top (man, that MIK is a beauty!), the guitars seem to be almost identical. You get the impression that Epiphone takes a bit of special care when manufacturing this model, as opposed to say, the Dot. Dots can be hit or miss sometimes ... I've seen plenty come out of the box with rattling brisges and tail pieces, some with loose knobs or sloppy binding. Perhaps it's the fact that Sheratons go for $200 more on average. perhaps it's because Sheratons are one of Epi's top-of-the-line semi's, but they all seem to be tight, solid and put together with care. Both guitars weigh about the same ... certainly no more than an ounce or two of difference. That means they are HEAVY! I'm always surprised at how much these guitars weigh ... much more than you'd expect from a semi-hollowbody guitar. I get the same impression from my Lucille, which makes sense since they are, for all intents and purposes, the same guitar. The hardware on both the MIC and MIK seems to be identical as well, as does the binding and inlay work (nicely done on both). I plugged them both in and heard no major difference between the two. Again, I guess it's me, but I always hope to hear something different out of these guitars ... and I'm always just slightly disappointed. To me, they always sound like thinner Les Pauls! I suppose that when it comes to these types of guitars, I'm more of a full hollow guy ... there just ought to be a sonic reason for playing one of these that the semi's don't seem to capture for me. That being said, both guitars sounded virtually identical and I would suspect that the same electronics are used in both. So in conclusion, the MIK gets a big nod from me simply by virtue of the thinner neck and the better top on the Natural. If, however you were looking at either the black or the sunburst, or didn't want to search out a used MIK, I would have no issues with recommending one of the Chinese made models. They really are excellent instruments and one of the finer products coming out of Epiphone China. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender 4 Life Posted June 26, 2010 Share Posted June 26, 2010 I guess I need to check out this latest batch of MIC Sherris.........I just happened to be in my local GC when the 1st batch of '09 MICs were being put on the rack and I wasn't impressed with them........fit & finish weren't as good, the Natural was absolutely cardboard, the "burst" wasn't much better & had stain all over the binding, but that was OK because the binding had some small gaps at the fretboard, and (on the natural)was LOOSE on about a 2" section of the body. The hardware didn't look any different, but both guitars had an overall "cheap look" about them. I couldn't do a real sound comparison vs. my MIK model, because they had no Blackstar amp to plug in to, but I didn't really notice the larger neck profile (maybe this is a later development?) I've read several sources that have all said that the quality has made great improvements as the factory(s) "got the hang of it", and now I really want to go have a look at the newer stock, maybe plug into a Marshall "Class 5" and see if they sound good...........Septembers coming, which is my "HNGM" and my Mrs. & I BOTH agree that my Sherri is our favorite.....I'd sure like to get a "mate" for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted June 26, 2010 Author Share Posted June 26, 2010 Thanks, Jim, for that evaluation. I too, will take a good look, at the newer Sheri's, now... (Whenever I manage to get into Wichita or OKC, that is.) Nothing wrong, obviously, with the Korean version...I just prefer, the newer "Gibson" like body outline, on the MIC version. But, that's just personal prefecence. I too, will hope that Qingdao will start to use more figured wood, for the Top's (and backs) on the "Natural" finished one. Wish they'd make one in "Faded Cherry," like Gibson uses on the 335, 345, 355's. I would just about HAVE to get one, then. LOL! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted June 26, 2010 Author Share Posted June 26, 2010 One "Cherry Red," like this, would be awesome...even with the full sized humbuckers, they now have. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Buffalo Posted June 27, 2010 Share Posted June 27, 2010 I think some of the early MIC guitars could not compare (quality-wise) with MIK models, but I think a lot of the quality issues have been addressed. Recently, I tried a MIC Casino with Bigsby, and I thought it was just as good as my MIK Casino. I also tried a Dot and Sheraton (in another store). I assume they were both MIC. Both nice guitars, but the Sheraton was overall, the better guitar - better sound, better finish, better over-all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PP_CS336 Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 As some of you are aware' date=' I have a AISUA Sheraton II, which is, by the way, a fantasticguitar, in all regards. I have a good friend, that has an excellent (black) early Korean Sheraton II, as well. There is always some skepticism, when models are made in a new location/factory/country, that the quality will (automatically) be inferior. And, since I live "in the sticks," I have yet to see any "new" Sheratons, I'm most curious, as to how the new Chinese versions, compare, in an unbiased and fair evaluation. I really like the look, of the new ones, in that they have a more Gibson like, body shape, especially in the upper bout, area. But, how do they really compare, to the Korean versions, overall? Thanks, for any help and constructive comments. CB[/quote'] CB, Hi! I had the chance to check out a MIC Sheraton II back in May 2009 at Sam Ash Music in Paramus, NJ. One of the things I noticed right away was its lack of the 3 piece Maple neck (some say 5-piece because they count the two mahogany strips). The embellishments in the headstock and the inlays in the neck looked "cheap" compared to the Korean model (NA 2005) that I have. The one I was playing was a VS version, so it was hard to tell the neck was a solid maple piece or mahogany as it says in the Sweetwater advertisement (see the URL below). I'm not sure if the new MIC's are getting better, but I was not impressed with the workmanship on the particular guitar I was playing (I was using it to test out a BOSS pedal I was buying). The whole guitar overall seemed inferior to the Korean made ones. Hopefully they're making them better now. http://www.sweetwater.com/guitargallery/electric/custom/s10041500041/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 333 Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 I happened to be in Guitar Center today, and took a look at the natural MIC Sheraton they had. The neck didn't feel much different than those on the Dots next to it. I'm guessing Epiphone fattened the neck up because they eliminated the (more costly) traditional 5-piece laminated construction, which allowed the neck to be slimmer by providing more stabilty to the maple. Because maple is less stable than mahogany, necks made with it are usually of either 3 or 5 piece design, so they can be kept thinner (and lighter), or are made good and thick. The wood on all the Epiphones I saw was markedly plainer, and the headstock and fretboard inlays had a lot less depth than they have exhibited in the past. This is true of the Masterbilts, too. Some of them, and the Les Pauls I looked at, too, had necks made from something that only vaguely resembled wood, the grain was so faint (and no, the finish was not opaque). The exceptions were the SG and LP Studio made from Walnut, both of which were built with cosmetically appealing slabs of wood and veneers. While plainly plainer than in the past, the Sheraton is still only $599, as it has been for several years now, while the selling prices of the Gibson, Japanese and USA Gretsches and other hollow bodies displayed alongside it keep on going up and up. For example, The satin ES 335 was $2399, when it was only $1799 just a few years ago. The Japanese Gretsches were all well over $2K, and some were in the $3K range, while just a few years ago some could be had at comparable prices as a similar Elitist (they are/were made in the same factory). I guess Epiphone cuts material costs in the wood and inlays to keep the selling price from rising. The Sherri is still a nice looking guitar (and presumably it plays just as well), it's just not AS nice looking as in the past. The construction on the one I saw was very tidy. You coudn't fault that. Still an excellent bargain, it would seem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.