chrissyb Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 Hi all, I have and early 1990's Epiphone Sheraton - it cost me about £500 new. It's the model before they changed the scratch plate - the 'E' is printed on in white. I'm not sure what else they changed, but the scratch plate definitely distinguishes this from the later model. It's served me well, as has been gigged fairly extensively - but of the last few years I have kept it hidden away. The condition is not a disaster - but the electrics are playing up a bit and most of the hardware has become tarnished. I quite fancy upgrading the hardware, replace the scratch plate etc. - but at the same time I thinking just to leave it as it is! Could these budget models ever be worth any money - or can you safely upgrade them, and just keep the old hardware... I really don't much about the process - I don't know if anything can be done about the electrics. Anyway hopefully somebody can take a view....nudge me in the right direction. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 You will get some really good advice...welcome to the forums... .......( be patient )..Beautiful guitar..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 but the electrics are playing up a bit and most of the hardware has become tarnished. Welcome to the forum Chris. Can you define "the electrics are playing up a bit" for us? A common upgrade is to change the pots to CTS brand pots and the switch and jack to Switchcraft, Epi uses cheap electronics and the brands I just mentioned are a good reliable upgrade. I wouldn't upgrade the pickups unless you don't really like the sound they produce, but seeing as you gigged it for several years as it is, I'm guessing you don't mind the sound. Can you give us a ball park figure you're prepared to spend on it? As for the hardware, depends how much the aesthetics is important to you. You won't de-value the guitar by upgrading it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vomer Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 Hi Chris, welcome. There's a lot of modding of Sheratons been done, and lots of posts here. Try 'search', and the DIY thread pinned at the lounge. A couple of things about Sheratons: getting at the electrics involves going in and out through the f-hole. Not easy but not impossible. Your Samick model has the odd bridge size. Many folk just live with the gold tarnishing. Electrics and pickups are the most popular mods, and some people say upgrading the electrics improves the sound, without changing out the pups. Whichever you choose, there will be help on hand here, good luck and happy modding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 Hi Chrissy I've got a black one...more recent(the last of the Korean ones), which I've grown to love more with time It's well worth considering an electrical upgrade if unhappy with the current installation It's a terrific looking guitar which feels and plays well I had a set-up for 9's which has held for 2 years now...so great construction and neck stability V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrissyb Posted January 9, 2011 Author Share Posted January 9, 2011 I wasn't expecting so many replies - and I was half expecting people to tell me to flog it for peanuts! Appreciate the responses. At the neck pick up position it crackles and sometimes cuts out, but the more I toggle the switch the better it gets. All the tone and volume controls crackle. I'm inclined not to replace any of the hardware now - If I don't replace the pick ups - it's going to look a bit odd. I'll have a think...Does all gold hardware corrode like this? @vomer - what is the Samick model? You may notice from the picture I did one mod I had to replace one of the tone/volume pot controls! I couldn't find one back in the day that would match the dark amber cover - even in London. Probably have better luck now... Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitmore Willy Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 Chrissyb, Welcome to the forum! The aged look of the mechanical parts is called character. If the mechanical parts work well then it is your choice to change or not. Vomer is right about the bridge size. If the electrical parts are becoming a problem, they can be changed as mentioned above. There is a lot of good information in the DIY thread by Animalfarm at the top of the Epiphone Lounge. It covers everything from fretboard cleaning to changing electronics. Of course, the members here are always happy to give additional advice. Beautiful guitar, by the way. Edit: Some contact cleaner can do wonders for the elctrical parts. Willy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 At the neck pick up position it crackles and sometimes cuts out, but the more I toggle the switch the better it gets. All the tone and volume controls crackle. I'm inclined not to replace any of the hardware now - If I don't replace the pick ups - it's going to look a bit odd. I'll have a think...Does all gold hardware corrode like this? @vomer - what is the Samick model? I'd say the switch is needs replacing with a Switchcraft and the pots would probably benefit replacement also, if your happy with the current pickups new covers can be had for little cost. Gold hardware is prone to wearing, especially on budget model guitars, if this bothers you an option would be to use chrome parts as you replace them, chrome is much better wearing and will last much longer. Samick is a Korean factory who used to produce a lot of Epi models, they also make models for many other manufacturers including their own branded guitars. EDIT: as Willy states above the pots can be cleaned, but it's probably more prudent to replace them with CTS pots because they are much more reliable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 Chrissy, do you know how to use a soldering iron? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitmore Willy Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 Chrissyb, I've changed my opinion! Considering the scratch plate has the printed E the guitar is a total loss. You should send it to me for proper disposal. (LOL) Willy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Lunatic Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 Older dark-colored Sheratons like yours are quite popular, although they have no "vintage" high-dollar value. It's not uncommon for the pots and switch on these older ones to get scratchy. I'd recommend replacing them, but advise that many Sheratons will not accept full-size CTS pots through the F-hole, although some have a large access hole in the bridge pickup rout (you'll need to remove the pickup and look). You would need to determine what parts will fit into your Sherry. The scratches on the pick guard can probably be polished out with fine compound and an electric buffer. If it was my guitar, I wouldn't spend the money to replace the tarnished hardware - I'd leave it old and funky. IMO, it's a keeper. And even if you decide to sell it, the repairs will increase its saleability and selling price. Edit: My recommendation to replace the controls is based upon two things: 1) The parts are 20 years old. 2) In order to clean the controls properly, they're going to have to be fished out of the guitar. Might as well replace them while exerting such effort (or professional labor cost) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BryanFoFyan Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 you could change the hardware to chrome like i did (see below) as the chrome doesnt wear as easily and quicky as the gold. and as for scratchy pots, they could just be dirty or gunky because what ive found is semi or hollow body guitars tend to allow dirt and other filth to accumulate on pots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrissyb Posted January 9, 2011 Author Share Posted January 9, 2011 That's lovely bryanfofyan...no idea they came in that colour... It is tempting to change them to chrome - but then everything has to be changed to chrome...and then seeing as I've got the dark red...mmm. @RaSTuS I had to learn how to use a soldiering iron at school - but the last time I tried to make some balanced mic cable - I was hopeless. Anyway thanks for all the amazing replies - I'm chuffed that people have shown an interest in my guitar, when I was out gigging I thought I was the only one who played one - in the world! Here's a terrible picture of me playing it, in a terrible suit, in some dive in London, about 16 years ago. I'll keep you posted on what I do with the guitar... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 Welcome, Chrissyb... IF it were me, I'd change all the pots, wiring, switches, and upgrade the pickups, to Gibson '57's, or Burstbuckers. But, there are other great "aftermarket" pickups available, as well. As to the tarnished Gold parts...I'd leave them (adds a bit of mojo/character)! Good Asian made guitars, will, at best...retain their value, with inflation. They were made in mass quantities, so any real "collector value," will (probably) not be a factor. Sheri's are great! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggs Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 Welcome Chrissy, As you will see in my 'Lust List', I've got GAS for a Sheri real bad... & yours looks fantastic. Looking forward to seeing what you do with her! Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 ???!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 Chrissy, I have a tobacco Sherry nearly identical to yours. I got it used, and it was pretty filthy but cleaned up real nice. Cleaned all the gold bits (did not replace anything) and sprayed contact cleaner into the pots and it works like a champ now. But I don't think it had been gigged as much, so I'd agree with the previous comments - rewire but leave the pickups in unless you never liked their sound. I have found that new pots and wiring will make good pickups sound great, and great ones sound spectacular. Here's the link: http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/51940-oopsi-did-it-again/page__fromsearch__1 PS: My unit had lots of room to get full-sized CTS pots in through the bridge pup cavity if necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbrooks0711 Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 Everybody has been spot as far as I know. I agree with everybody on upgrading the pots and wiring, especially if you get a large access hole like Brian's had. I would also wait to upgrade the pickups before you dive into an upgrade that will be more expensive and maybe not be what you're really looking for. I got a late 90's Sheraton this past week and I took it to band practice this morning. I told a bandmate what I paid for it this week and he was said the usual "oh, now you can upgrade the pickups and have an great guitar". THEN I plugged it in and after one listen he said "nevermind, those sound really good." I don't mind hardware being tarnished if the guitar is older, but that's up to you. Check out my thread here. http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/61291-hngd-sheraton/ My plan of action is to: 1. Acetone the hardware 2. If it cleans up well, replace the pickup covers to make them nice and shiny. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfarrell Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 Sheratons will not accept full-size CTS pots through the F-hole Unless Sheratons have a smaller F-hole than a dot you should be able to fit full sized pots through them. You will need to enlarge the hole for the shaft slightly, but that is very easily done with sand paper and a piece of dowel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Lunatic Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 Unless Sheratons have a smaller F-hole than a dot...... They often do, perhaps because of the binding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHERNAGH'91 Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 ChrissyB, I have a 1991 Epiphone Sheraton II (Samick factory made) that sadly also spent a few years in the closet. A shame because they're great guitars. I gave it a complete overhaul this year, new pickups (Gibson Classic 57 and Classic 57 Plus), all new wiring, pots, output jack, tuners (changed to Grovers), bridge, Graphtech nut, light-weight stopbar, even new strap knobs. Like yours, the gold on mine was tarnished. While it looked pretty cool I was tired of the gold anyway, so I went nickel with the hardware. I always loved the guitar, but with the mods it really sings now. If yours is a Samick factory Epiphone you will have bridge issues. Bridges on the Samicks have 72 mm post spacing - standard is in the 74 mm range. I spent weeks Googling, looking for a replacement, and ultimately had to go with a chrome one (and I was lucky to get it. A fellow who bought the last one from a UK website saw a post I made and offered it to me.) If you just want to strip the hardware use a Dremel hand rotary tool - the gold plating comes off in seconds. That was my first step before I bought all new parts. The stripped hardware is very dull though, just the base metal (Zinc?). I have no illusions about ever getting my money back through selling it. The mods cost more than the $517 I paid for it in 1991. But I have no plans to ever sell, at any rate. I'll be taking this one to the grave. Spread the mods out over a few months, more fun that way. Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 Yes they are standard sized f-holes, but the binding makes the available space much smaller. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vomer Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 "smaller hole than the dot" They often do, perhaps because of the binding. Yes they are standard sized f-holes, but the binding makes the available space much smaller. I'm not sure this is accurate for all models guys. I'm sure we have seen two types of f-holes on Sheratons here, the most usual size is the wider one which will take full size pots, even though it is bound, then there is a narrower one which will only take mini-pots. I've never seen a narrow one in the flesh to measure it, but they do look noticeably narrower in photos. The wider f-hole on my Sheri measures 1 3/32" across the widest part. Chris, yours look like the wide version, but this is academic anyway if you are lucky enough to have a large enough space in the pickup rout. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jadedbat Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 Welcome, Chrissyb... IF it were me, I'd change all the pots, wiring, switches, and upgrade the pickups, to Gibson '57's, or Burstbuckers. But, there are other great "aftermarket" pickups available, as well. As to the tarnished Gold parts...I'd leave them (adds a bit of mojo/character)! Good Asian made guitars, will, at best...retain their value, with inflation. They were made in mass quantities, so any real "collector value," will (probably) not be a factor. Sheri's are great! CB I second this :) I bet you could sell that hardware on Ebay in that condition for twice the cost of new hardware.. that is a true 'relic' look and really is the twinkle in that git's eye :) I'd push for keeping it. Up the ante on the electronics and you will be blown away with the increase in quality tone-wise :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 I'm not sure this is accurate for all models guys. I'm sure we have seen two types of f-holes on Sheratons here, the most usual size is the wider one which will take full size pots, even though it is bound, then there is a narrower one which will only take mini-pots. I've never seen a narrow one in the flesh to measure it, but they do look noticeably narrower in photos. The wider f-hole on my Sheri measures 1 3/32" across the widest part. Just for fun, here is a CTS pot: MIK Sherri no. 1 - No way Jose: MIK Sherri No. 2 - Not even close: MIK Riviera - Closer, but it would damage the guitar to force it. MIK Emperor - Drops right in with room to spare (biggest F-holes ever): MIC Riviera P93 - No problemo: MIC IBJL Casino - Easy Peasey MIC ES-175 - Fell right through, almost lost it in this one: Not sure if this settles anything, but I tend to think that if you can't get CTS pots in through the f-holes or bridge pup cavity, you're stuck using minis or cutting an access panel in the back of the guitar. Discuss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.