Help! - Casino vs. Lucille vs. Sheraton

[BillyGibson]

This thread got me looking at the Sheraton's. It seems the websites and even the EPI website descriptions of the neck

are now incorrect. They all say 3 piece - exccept Guitar Center now says, "laminated neck". Sweet Water has a picture

of a natural that clearly shows it's a laminated neck. Yet describes it as 3 piece.

 

Because the new ones are not three pieces anymore, I think these guitars are overpriced now. They are essentially a

Dot with bling. Unless the bling is worth $200, I'd say get a Casino with the P-90's. Then a Dot later on if you want

a HB semi-hollow. Musicians Friend is giving the case with the Dot Deluxe this month for $399. I'm tempted to get one,

but can't figue out how to convince my wife it will round out my sounds.

[docmeister53]

Well, um:

 

 

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/59552-hnbmwtgd/

 

Damn, just when I was narrowing things down. Unfortunately upstate NY has few options when it comes to finding instruments to actually try. I can go to GC and play a couple of Epi Dots or Sheratons, Gibson 335 Dot, Gretsch or Ibanez...

 

And they are out of my current price range...Oh well.. Dream on.

[jcwillow777]

I know I'm in the minority here, but it hasn't been the first time and it won't be the last. I don't know if you use effects. I love my TS-9s and I can say that P90s are really noisy with overdrive units like the TS-9. I have owned a few P-90 guitars and sold them. Well, I kept my '56 Goldtop, but I pulled the P-90s and put a set of Gibson minis in it. Much more usable for my style now.

 

I have a Korean Sherry with the 5 piece neck and a Dot. I love them both, but both have a different feel and sound. Like CB said, try them out and see what you like.

 

Just my $.02

[brianh]

Musicians Friend is giving the case with the Dot Deluxe this month for $399.

That's a pretty good deal. I wonder if MF will run a 15% off sale on this after Xmaz. That would put it in the $340 range with case.

 

With their 45-day return period, it's almost a no-braniner...

 

[docmeister53]

Their 15% discounts (and Guitar Center's) never include Epi, Fender or Gibson... Stopped out at GC today and all they had were some Dot's, a beautiful flame top Dot and some Ibanez Artcores.. Solid bodies all over the place. A few used Gretsch.

 

I'll keep looking.

[brianh]

Their 15% discounts (and Guitar Center's) never include Epi, Fender or Gibson...

Not true! - I got my Special SC and P93 with 15% off, despite the fine print exclusions.

 

Also got 15% off an already marked down IBJL Casino that was returned in perfect shape.

 

You just have to push the issue - sales folk make $0 commission if you hang up or walk out empty-handed....

[AlanH]

I may be biased but I'm going to pitch in for the Wildkat too.

 

Like the Casino you have the P90s and that archtop twang so it does cleans very well........IMO it's equally great for Rockabilly or early Beatles tones. Also, both designs are original to Epiphone rather than being Gibson 'copies' like the Sheraton, Dot or Lucille.

 

However, with the Wildkat, you also get:-

 

-Semi hollow body (routed out mahogany body like a LP but with a laminated top) so there is a lot less feedback. Great for punk rock growl / mid range crunch..........think Green Day!

-A smaller body so it's more comfortable to hold and play

-Neck Vol, Bridge Vol, Tone, Master Volume controls. This means you can set a nice mix between the two pups and control the whole thing with your master volume.

-Bigsby for a bit of shimmer

 

All this means it's a lot more versatile IMO and, therefore, better as a stage guitar if you get in to gigging later on.

 

If looks are also a major factor for you (and why not!) then I can say that you really would be blown away by a Wildkat 'in the flesh'. These pictures of mine always seems to cause forum members to have major GAS attacks:

 

 

 

 

 

Alan

[BillyGibson]

Not true! - I got my Special SC and P93 with 15% off, despite the fine print exclusions.

 

Also got 15% off an already marked down IBJL Casino that was returned in perfect shape.

 

You just have to push the issue - sales folk make $0 commission if you hang up or walk out empty-handed....

 

 

That's how I've always bought my Epi's and Gibson. The coupon says, "some Epiphone and some Gibson". Even

when it stated Excludes Epi andGibson with no qualifer, I still got the discount. All you gots to do is ask.

I wouldn't have bought them without the discount.

[docmeister53]

Good to know. I actually think when I traded up to my Fender HotRod Deluxe, there was a discount, but I thought it was because I was trading in another amp.

 

I am almost sold on the Wildkat. Found one on ebay that looks great and comes from a shop, not an individual. new in box too.

[docmeister53]

The way I am looking at it. $399 for a new/demo WildKat is pretty good. Can always find a Casino or Dot... One more for the collection.. I must be developing some feel. I put my Strat away and pulled out the LP. Easier to play.. Just a better feel.. I guess that Is why I bought it first.

[Pennyman]

I am almost sold on the Wildkat...

 

[RaSTuS]

The way I am looking at it. $399 for a new/demo WildKat is pretty good. Can always find a Casino or Dot... One more for the collection.. I must be developing some feel. I put my Strat away and pulled out the LP. Easier to play.. Just a better feel.. I guess that Is why I bought it first.

I'm the opposite, with my short fingers a strat neck always seems easier to play to me.

[docmeister53]

 

Bought it! Wish you hadn't brought up the WildKat because I probably will keep looking for my Lucille!

 

Guess I am now a 50 something Kool Kat!

[charlie brown]

I may be biased but I'm going to pitch in for the Wildkat too.

 

Like the Casino you have the P90s and that archtop twang so it does cleans very well........IMO it's equally great for Rockabilly or early Beatles tones. Also, both designs are original to Epiphone rather than being Gibson 'copies' like the Sheraton, Dot or Lucille.

 

However, with the Wildkat, you also get:-

 

-Semi hollow body (routed out mahogany body like a LP but with a laminated top) so there is a lot less feedback. Great for punk rock growl / mid range crunch..........think Green Day!

-A smaller body so it's more comfortable to hold and play

-Neck Vol, Bridge Vol, Tone, Master Volume controls. This means you can set a nice mix between the two pups and control the whole thing with your master volume.

-Bigsby for a bit of shimmer

 

All this means it's a lot more versatile IMO and, therefore, better as a stage guitar if you get in to gigging later on.

 

If looks are also a major factor for you (and why not!) then I can say that you really would be blown away by a Wildkat 'in the flesh'. These pictures of mine always seems to cause forum members to have major GAS attacks:

 

 

 

 

 

Alan

 

 

Alan...is that a "Stock" "Natural" Wildkat. The one's I've seen (admittedly, it's been awhile) are decidedly "yellower,"

in color. I LOVE your's!! If that's the stock color, nowadays...I may have to get one! LOL

 

CB

[docmeister53]

The picture of the one I just purchased is that nice finish too. Not the darker accents like in the past...

[AlanH]

Alan...is that a "Stock" "Natural" Wildkat. The one's I've seen (admittedly, it's been awhile) are decidedly "yellower,"

in color. I LOVE your's!! If that's the stock color, nowadays...I may have to get one! LOL

 

CB

 

It's the stock natural Wildkat, CB but it's a 2006 Korean model. A lot of the pics I see on the web are taken with flash rather than natural light so that might be the reason.

 

 

Docmeister53, you must start a HNGD thread when she arrives!

 

Alan

[charlie brown]

It's the stock natural Wildkat, CB but it's a 2006 Korean model. A lot of the pics I see on the web are taken with flash rather than natural light so that might be the reason.

 

 

Docmeister53, you must start a HNGD thread when she arrives!

 

Alan

 

 

Thanks, Alan...the one I was talking about, was "live" (not a photo),

and it was decidedly more yellow! A Korean version, too. But, IF your's is

now the norm...I'm REAL interested! LOL

It's a Beauty!!

 

CB

[docmeister53]

HGND? Sorry can't figure that one out.

[charlie brown]

HGND? Sorry can't figure that one out.

 

Maybe, he's (slightly) dyslexic, like I am? Happy Guitar New Day...Smile!

 

CB

[docmeister53]

Thanks. Just googled it. Should have in the first place....

I hate emoticons.. oh well

[Pennyman]

Bought it! Wish you hadn't brought up the WildKat because I probably will keep looking for my Lucille!

 

Guess I am now a 50 something Kool Kat!

 

Right on~ When do you expect it to arrive?

 

We expect a full report with pics!

[docmeister53]

A little disappointed.Haven't gotten any indication from "gigmaker" on ebay. 2 days and no word.. A little annoyed too. Spend weeks agonizing over a decision, make it and then want instant gratification... Oh well. Putting my big boy pants on and will wait it out.

[docmeister53]

My "Kat" showed up on Wednesday. Surprised. Dealer just hadn't updated eBay... Put up a new HNGD post and even figured out how to add a few pictures...

 

Sitting around waiting for patients so I might just take her for a test drive.

 

Happy Holidays to All.

[Stewie]

What's not to be fond of????

 

Hey Pennyman. I found 3 Wildkats for sale on ebay. 1 demo 2 new. For $399-599. should I go for it and put everyone who has been listening to my questions out their misery?

 

Also a few Alley Kats... oh no....

Should just go to Guitar Center and pickup something they have..

Not much has been mentioned about the Sheraton. I have both an Ebony ES335, and a Korean Sheraton. The Sheraton is a lovely guitar. The neck is quite slim and the guitar overal is very light. Full binding, body and neck and a solid block so you can have a fixed bridge. I also have two P90 guitars and they are not for everyone. They are quite noisey compared to a Humbucker (hence the name). I have never owned a Casino so I cannot give any experience with them. I can only say that my Sheraton is every bit as nice a guitar as my 335. I really like the stock pickups becaue I play only blues and you can get some pretty good bluesey tones from them.

I would highly recomend a Korean Sheraton especially the Samick made ones.

[gvdv]

Just a couple of pieces of information in case you should also decide to go the Casino route at any point and be worried about feedback.

 

First, I was very worried before I got my Made in China Casino about 15 months ago, because all I had read suggested that the instrument would be prone to feedback. Well, I started using it immediately in a live situation (small-ish, but fairly loud, coffee bar) and I had no problems whatsoever. I'm not discounting others' experience with this, but I was surprised that there was never a hint of feedback.

 

Second, anticipating some feedback, I had contacted a fellow in the U.S. who makes foam inserts to plug the f-holes, in order to cut down or eliminate feedback. He has his customers make a tracing of the f-holes, and send them to him (there are instructions on his website). Unfortunately, I don't have his contact information to hand, but I'm sure that somebody here knows of this fellow.

 

Hope this is helpful.