HuBBie36 Posted October 2, 2010 Share Posted October 2, 2010 Hi All! I'm new here, so please excuse me if I am putting this posting in the wrong place . Last week my wife surprised me with an Epiphone ES-333 (Tom DeLonge Signature). I absolutely love the guitar but right away I noticed some 'imperfections'. Things like random glue spots on the body (that picked right off), and not-so-perfect body shaping where the neck and body meet. Perhaps I am a perfectionist but I also have the suspicion that my local dealer COULD have ordered me a 'Second' or 'Bargain' guitar and I'm hoping someone can help me identify if it is in fact so. The serial number in the guitar is '10021500928'. After doing some research I found that most Epiphone numbers start with a letter to define the location of where they were made, this has no letter, however I also found that sometimes a second will be marked with an 'S' or 'SEC' or 'BGN' on the headstock, there is no such stamp on my guitar. Hopefully someone can put me at ease here. Is there any definitive way to determine that my guitar is a Grade-A product? Or if it is in fact a Second? Thanks for any help!! HuBBie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted October 2, 2010 Share Posted October 2, 2010 I have this guitar too and love it....a pic might help if you care to post one of the area in question Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i Can Tuna Guitar Posted October 2, 2010 Share Posted October 2, 2010 Genuine Epiphone factory seconds (which are fully warranteed) have "2ND" stamped on the back of the headstock, and are often sold as "B Stock". I own one. True Epiphone factory rejects (not warranteed) are stamped "USED". QC seems to vary quite a bit, I've seen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuBBie36 Posted October 2, 2010 Author Share Posted October 2, 2010 Amazing fellas! Thanks for your time and this great information. I'll post a photo tonight when I have more time!! HuBBie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuBBie36 Posted October 2, 2010 Author Share Posted October 2, 2010 Fellas, Here are the photos requested. Please have a look and tell me what you think. Thanks again for all this great information... I'm learning a LOT! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Summerisle Posted October 2, 2010 Share Posted October 2, 2010 Last week my wife surprised me with an Epiphone ES-333 (Tom DeLonge Signature). I absolutely love the guitar but right away I noticed some 'imperfections'. Things like random glue spots on the body (that picked right off), and not-so-perfect body shaping where the neck and body meet. Perhaps I am a perfectionist but I also have the suspicion that my local dealer COULD have ordered me a 'Second' or 'Bargain' guitar and I'm hoping someone can help me identify if it is in fact so. The guitar looks fine. I don't think you need to worry about it being a "second" or anything like that... Epiphones do seem to have these imperfections. I bought a brand-new Casino last year, and noticed little problems such as poor painting around the f holes; globs of finish where the neck and body met; and the usual crappy "pirouetting" control knobs. It's the nature of the beast. At the end of the day, Epiphones are cheap guitars (compared to their Gibson cousins). But they can also be great value for money. If you can live with the niggles, and make modifications as and when you see fit, you can get a great guitar for a low price. Enjoy your new Epi...(I wish my wife would surprise me with a new guitar from time-to-time!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MediaMan Posted October 2, 2010 Share Posted October 2, 2010 The serial#system changed in late 2008 I hadnt realized that the serial number format changed is late 2008 now as you note, ie its now YY MM FF NNNN. If the old code (EE) for Gibson/QingDao is now '15', what are the new codes for the other China plants? DW = DeaWon = ?? EA = Gibson/QingDao = ?? MC = Muse = ?? SJ = SaeJung = ?? Z = Zaozhuang Saehan = ?? BW = China = ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuBBie36 Posted October 2, 2010 Author Share Posted October 2, 2010 Pete.R, Lord Summerisle, and all... Thanks again (my Canadian nature is forcing me so say Thank You a lot it seems). You've put my mind at ease. The fact that it could be a second didn't bother me as much as the dealer taking advantage of my wife; the guitar isn't 'cheap' by any standards. I just didn't want them making a fast buck that's all. Its great to know I can trust them 100%... well, 99% anyways I've been playing a basic (and I mean BASIC) Sears packaged Yamaha guitar for a few years now and have learned the basics on my own. Now I'm ready to take the next step and get serious, learn more theory / scales and start to take the lead and improvise. Hopefully this tool will allow me to do just that. Next step is a good amp to replace my tiny Roland MicroCube. It's great to know there is a non-judgmental community out there of valued enthusiasts willing to help! All the best, HuBBie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuBBie36 Posted October 2, 2010 Author Share Posted October 2, 2010 Epiphones do seem to have these imperfections. I bought a brand-new Casino last year, and noticed little problems such as poor painting around the f holes; globs of finish where the neck and body met; and the usual crappy "pirouetting" control knobs. It's the nature of the beast. At the end of the day, Epiphones are cheap guitars (compared to their Gibson cousins). But they can also be great value for money. If you can live with the niggles, and make modifications as and when you see fit, you can get a great guitar for a low price. Enjoy your new Epi...(I wish my wife would surprise me with a new guitar from time-to-time!) This is exactly what I am noticing... blotchy paint work and particles under the paint (looks like it was painted in a sawdust factory). I mean, I realize it's NOT a Gibson ( Someday baby!) but I was expecting a bit more in the way of craftsmanship. On the other hand, I plug it in and this beast wants to be unleashed! So, looks aside... so far I'm very happy. Lastly... I've only been married for a few months... so I'm sure the gifts will pass HuBBie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MediaMan Posted October 2, 2010 Share Posted October 2, 2010 Here you go........ http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/54419-id-your-epiphone-here-serial-key-guitardater-link-factory-codes-a-worldwide-guide-%26gt%3Bpart-3/ Thanks. I see its not quite a definitive list, ie, other than 15, the rest seem pretty uncertain. 11 = MIC sticker on a '08 Masterbuilt 500 12 = DeaWon or Unsung (China -- uncertainty remains as to which factory) 15 = Qingdao (China) -- electric 16 = Qingdao (China) -- acoustic 17 = China - factory unknown MIC sticker on a J160E 18 = China - factory unknown found on one 2009 model bass 20 = DaeWon or Unsung (China -- uncertainty remains as to which factory) 21 = Unsung, Korea 22 = ??? Korea (factory still unknown) 23 = ??? Indonesia (factory still unknown) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MediaMan Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 blotchy paint work and particles under the paint (looks like it was painted in a sawdust factory). I mean, I realize it's NOT a Gibson ( Someday baby!) ... 1) If the guitar was bought new, why not consider exchanging it?....or request the dealer order another one so you can choose between the two? 2) As to 'Someday baby', dont be so sure! I am about to purchase a new guitar myself (also a gift from the wife!), and started my search hell bent on a new Gibson and no other. It was always a dream to own one but could never afford one. Now that I can, after trying out dozens, and reading hundreds of forum posts (not just here), its pretty clear even the Gibsons have thier share of QA issues and perhaps its not so much a dream (ro a no-brainer) anymore...but as I still value the "Gibson" tradition, and the style, I found myself with three choices: - Epiphone line - a Gibson subsidiary - likely the Sheraton II at $640 CDN - Gibson line- likely the 335 BLOCK at about 5 times the price at over $3000 CDN, (and still laminate!) - Heritage line (built in the old Gibson factory) - about the same price as the Gibson, but better quality. Turns out a decent Epiphone is more than adequate for me, meets my sense of value and my desire for the Gibson tradition. I'm pretty excited now to pick one up, at an accomodating dealer. Yes, I've seen many 'cheap' Epiphones - but many awesome ones as well, that feel and sound great. The Epi forums are full of realy satisfied owners, and many are pros. And at these prices, I am much more tolerant of any imperfections, and can easily change out any hardware I dont like - heck even Gibson owners change out hardware!. And for the price difference, I can upgrade not only the hadrware, but other studio equipment, speakers, computers, etc. Finally, I tend to keep the guitars I buy so I'm not too concerned about resale value. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuBBie36 Posted October 3, 2010 Author Share Posted October 3, 2010 1) If the guitar was bought new, why not consider exchanging it?....or request the dealer order another one so you can choose between the two? 2) As to 'Someday baby', dont be so sure! Thanks for the feedback MediaMan. Please don't misunderstand me for 'trashing' the Epiphone name or my new guitar. I have no intention of trading in the guitar. As aforementioned, I simply wanted to know for the sake of my wife's dealings with the local music supply. Also, I am an absolute perfectionist so perhaps I was being a bit too dramatic. I'm looking forward to may years with this guitar. HuBBie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 Just to let you know Hub, I have this guitar too and think it's great...a really interesting alternative take on the 335 theme. For your info it can be modded by a technician to allow coil-tap if you fancy...that Dirty Fingers pickup is 'dirty'. I put mine through different amps...Vox Valvestate, Fender DeLuxe, Laney VC30. It really comes alive in high gain situations as was it's initial intention for punk style...but I enjoy sustained Chicago Blues as well. Canada is not a million miles from Chicago so who knows....?....lol I mean, of course Vox Valvetronics.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amx05462 Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 well if you want gibson perfection you got to buy a gibson. or... you can buy 5 epiphones. personally i love my 5 epiphones. sg dot ej200 wildkat 56 gold top gibson can keep there over priced stuff. like in a previous post. a few ajustments and tweaks and you got a great guitar. id put my sg or dot up against anything gibson makes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuBBie36 Posted October 3, 2010 Author Share Posted October 3, 2010 Just to let you know Hub, I have this guitar too and think it's great...a really interesting alternative take on the 335 theme. For your info it can be modded by a technician to allow coil-tap if you fancy...that Dirty Fingers pickup is 'dirty'. Thanks for the suggestion! Like I said, I'm looking into more beefy options to replace my little Roland MicroCube as this great little amp just cant allow this guitar the freedom it deserves. Then, I'll know what I'm dealing with. I do enjoy the Blink-182 / Angels and Airwaves sounds just for fun but I do intend to get a bit more serious. I'll be honest, I have no idea (yet) what to even consider for upgrades as right now I'm still in awe. We'll have to see what the future brings but I'm, always looking for advice and options out there... so if anyone is willing... hit me with what you got! 1. Good Amp (Under $1000)? 2. Good Mods? 3. Effect Processors? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted October 6, 2010 Share Posted October 6, 2010 The journey of discovery begins.... Lots of good clips on U Tube to watch and enjoy/learn from The T deL is great for power chord fun Greenday are easy to cover in that style...particularly Dookie period For home practice the Roland Cube 30 is great Or a Vox Valvetronics 15 or 30w There is no 'perfect' amp to spend lots of money on at this stage I enjoy having an EHX Muff Fuzz for dirty enjoyment in addition to the inbuilt effects on these amps If you gravitate towards reading music then Alfred's Basic Guitar Method is useful And/or find a friendly tutor locally.... Fiddling at the Pearly Gates Or somewhere LOWER and WARMER Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beatles1909 Posted October 6, 2010 Share Posted October 6, 2010 I'm with AMX, I own the sg 400, dot 335 & (Les Paul cherry plus top - which I did a straight trade with my 87 Gibby les paul studio at L&M) The guy there thought I was nuts, but to me I never bonded with the LP studio, where I love the Epi LP, actually I love all the 3 Epi's & don't regret getting any of em! As for quality, I am a lefty so all 3 Epi's were in stock quitars, so I couldn't pick & choose, all play & look good! :) except for my photography!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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