Alan17 Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 Two queries ... I have an Epi 'Invader' which seems to be a version of the Epi LP Junior, but was probably sold as part of a starter pack. (There's very little info available anywhere). The tuners are rubbish and I'd like to replace them with Grovers or Gotohs .... has anyone done that and, if so, can you identify which of the many tuners they make are the right ones for this guitar? The Tone pot also crackles so I may have to replace that as well. BUT --- I'm wondering about ditching the Invader and using what funds I have available to buy the Epi LP 100. (I don't think I can raise the money for a 'Studio'). Has anyone got any experience of this guitar in the Epi range? I've looked on Youtube and the demos look interesting. I'm not a distortion freak and usually play with clean tones plus reverb and some phasing. Thanks for any suggestions or comments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amx05462 Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 try using some contact cleaner on that pot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 It looks like the Invader is really a Junior with a covered humbucker instead of open-coil. Except for the 2nd pickup and TOM bridge, I think the 100s are very similar with the bolt-on neck, plywood body, low-end electronics, pressed-metal tuners, etc. so not much of an upgrade from a Jr. At least the Studios are arch-top, have a set-neck, solid wood body, Grover tuners, and (I think) better pickups. Maybe hold out for a used Studio? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The.Traffic.Lights Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 It looks like the Invader is really a Junior with a covered humbucker instead of open-coil. Except for the 2nd pickup and TOM bridge, I think the 100s are very similar with the bolt-on neck, plywood body, low-end electronics, pressed-metal tuners, etc. so not much of an upgrade from a Jr. At least the Studios are arch-top, have a set-neck, solid wood body, Grover tuners, and (I think) better pickups. Maybe hold out for a used Studio? Hey, that picture looks more like a P94 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinTheHood Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 Hey, that picture looks more like a P94 All of the Epiphone Invader pics I found had an uncovered humbucker. I think the Invader was just the LP Jr. HB Player Pack. As far as tuners go, the LP Jr. is equipped with 8mm pressed tuners. Replacing them with Grovers or Gotohs means that you will have to drill the holes out to 10mm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 All of the Epiphone Invader pics I found had an uncovered humbucker. I think the Invader was just the LP Jr. HB Player Pack. As far as tuners go, the LP Jr. is equipped with 8mm pressed tuners. Replacing them with Grovers or Gotohs means that you will have to drill the holes out to 10mm. Yep, that's right. That Invader pic I pulled from the web must be a GFS P94 clone upgrade. Looks nice actually. Alan, don't discount the Agiles in your search, they're a lot of guit for the green: http://www.rondomusic.com/electricguitar-ss11.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitmore Willy Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 As far as tuners go, the LP Jr. is equipped with 8mm pressed tuners. Replacing them with Grovers or Gotohs means that you will have to drill the holes out to 10mm. AND...Let's not forget about getting the old bushings out. I imagine a few head stocks have been damaged in the process. You may be able to find 8mm tuners however. I do think Guitarfetish has some that might fit. They are Klugson knock offs. ( about $22+ shipping) You would have to remove a tuner, measure the hole in the bushing and then contact Guitarfetish to see if they would match the existing bushings. Unfortunately, they do not post their specs on their web sight. Also, consider the L.P.100 is, I believe, about $300. Not sure what tuners come on them. You would not want to find yourself in the same situation with a brand new guitar. For $300 (and a little shopping around) you have other choices including the Vintage G-400 and the Wilshire Pro. Maybe someone in here has (or has had) a 100 and knows for sure about the tuners. Willy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinTheHood Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 AND...Let's not forget about getting the old bushings out. Ah, yes. The bushings. There's nothing like a tight bushing to chip the tuner holes... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
animalfarm Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 Two queries ... The Tone pot also crackles so I may have to replace that as well. BUT --- I'm wondering about ditching the Invader and using what funds I have available to buy the Epi LP 100. (I don't think I can raise the money for a 'Studio'). Has anyone got any experience of this guitar in the Epi range? Except for the 2nd pickup and TOM bridge, I think the 100s are very similar with the bolt-on neck, plywood body, low-end electronics, pressed-metal tuners, etc. so not much of an upgrade from a Jr. At least the Studios are arch-top, have a set-neck, solid wood body, Grover tuners, and (I think) better pickups. Maybe hold out for a used Studio? Alan17 - Obviously, WELCOME to the FORUM!!! I did some "quote-chopping" so I could ask a question, provide a link about your scratchy tone pot, then add comment. You used the term "Rubbish" - are you located in Europe or USA? This will greatly influence recommendations as to where to hunt for a STUDIO that will match your price requirements. And, the "pressed Metal" Tuners that come with the "Lower end" EPIs (Including LP-100) are not exactly something to go outside and dance over. Internal construction allows too much slop with gearing. For an entry-level or "Beater" guitar, they're passable. The STUDIO has MUCH better Grovers - you can actually keep 'em! HOWEVER, should your finances dictate an EPI LP-100, by all means go for it! There is NO SHAME in having an LP-100!!! I ALMOST bought one myself back when the Guitar Bug bit me again after being away from it for several years. I kept going back and forth between the LP-100 and the Studio. Ended up with the studio because the price was right and I wanted the set-neck. STILL have it (see signature). Regarding your TONE POT: Here's a link to EPI Lounge DIY thread. Click on it, then scroll down to "Electrical Hum/Scratchy Pots" section. You'll see a thread called "Clean Scratchy-sounding Pots". Click that link. It's an option before replacing pot. Your decision! DIY Link: http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/51292-the-d0-it-yourself-thread-look-here-for-tech-related-questions/ Regarding your possible purchase of a STUDIO: Do you have your heart set on a BRAND-SPANKING-NEW one, or would you consider a Used/Factory Restock Studio with small cosmetic issues IF this would bring it down to the price of an LP-100? Are you flexible regarding Guitar Finish/Color? The reason I ask is because of the above comment, AND, from time to time places like Musician's Friend (USA Based) will discount Colors that are not selling as well as others. I have 2 older Flyers from previous purchases (expired now) that featured an ALPINE WHITE Studio for $249.00 USA Brand New. Gave you a "Special discount Code" to use to get the price. Oh, yeah - and Welcome to the Forum. Just MY input. Work with us (We're the folks on the "Friendly Forum") and we'll do our best to help you find what you want! Oh, yeah - and Welcome to the Forum................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 Stumblinman found an Epi Studio on Craiglist for $140: http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/56497-hngd/ I'm just sayin'... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan17 Posted October 13, 2010 Author Share Posted October 13, 2010 Thanks for all the comments, feedback and suggestions. I'm very grateful. To quickly run through a few responses .... I live in the UK within easy-ish reach of Leeds and Bradford. I know of one excellent shop in Leeds which specialises in used electric, so I'll definitely start there when I'm nearly ready to buy (about 6 weeks). My Invader has an uncovered humbucker and actually plays very nicely for my style of music (folk, folk-rock and country). I like its weight and general feel but keep fighting the tuning and the crackling tone pot. I've tried Servisol contact cleaner with no effect. I have a Vintage V100MRPGM (Lemon Drop) which weighs in at nearly 9lbs which is about the same as a Les Paul. Although I like it, I rarely play it. I've done some more digging and find that here in the UK, the Epi Studio isn't massively more expensive that the LP100. I do prefer the vintage sunburst finish which is now doscontinued on Epi Studio's, but the 'worn brown' looks just as nice. I was pretty sure that the Studio was fitted with Grovers ... unless, of course, Epiphone do one of their occasional spec changes and start fitting something cheaper. I've never heard of the Agile range - maybe it isn't available here in the UK? I'll check. Thanks again for all those comments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
animalfarm Posted October 14, 2010 Share Posted October 14, 2010 I have a Vintage Brand V100MRPGM (Lemon Drop) which weighs in at nearly 9lbs, which is about the same as a Les Paul. Although I like it, I rarely play it. Alan - I'm not one to intentionally sidetrack a potential EPi sale, BUT what is it about your Vintage Brand LP that is not to your liking??? I pulled up several pics, looked, and am wondering. Some of the potential Cash outlay could be redirected at your VINTAGE for upgrades, and bring it up several levels in performance and playability!!!! I don't know the brand, haven't read reviews YET. (Aha - just found one, will post farther down) TO WIT: Vintage V100MRPGM ICON Series Lemon Drop Electric Guitar The reverse-fitted neck humbucker and out of phase centre position wiring created one of the most recognisable guitar sounds of the genre real Black Magic. Differential bell type control knobs, and sealed gear tuners all add to the mojo.... Body: Mahogany Top: V100CS Flame Maple Neck: Mahogany Set Neck Fingerboard: Rosewood Scale: 24.75"/ 628mm Frets: 22 Neck Inlays: Pearloid Crown Tuners: Wilkinson® Deluxe WJ01 Chrome Bridge: Tune-O-Matic Pickups: Wilkinson® Double Coil x 2 (N) MWVC (B)MWVC Hardware: Chrome Controls: 2 x Volume/ 2 x Tone/ 3-Way Toggle VINTAGE REVIEW: http://www.jhs.co.uk/reviews/G&B%20DEC%20(V100MRPGM).pdf Seems like you may have what you want already - perfect "Mod" platform. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan17 Posted October 14, 2010 Author Share Posted October 14, 2010 The Vintage is a good guitar - but my problem with it stems from a question about the respective weights of the Vintage, the Epi Studio and Epi LP 100 that I forgot to ask. I'll post that as a new thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stumblinman Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 I have an LP-100 and I love it. Granted, I changed tuners for Grovers and replaced pickups, but as far as weight, it is definitely lighter than my Studio that was mentioned earlier in the thread. It plays well and does what I ask of it. The body is thinner than a standard/studio, which I actually like. The neck is the same profile, at least for mine. I can't say they use the same on all of them over the years. But to answer the weight question, yes, it is definitely lighter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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