charlie brown Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Just got a "Highlights from NAMM" Epiphone e-mail. In the portion, regarding the Sheraton II...both the text explanation, and the "spec's" list, state a "5-Piece" neck. Is THIS true?! Have they gone back, to the "Korean" spec's on the neck (I hope)?! OR...is this "left-over" description/hyperbole, from years past??? Inquiring Minds, want to know! ;>) IF they did change, the neck construction, back, I hope they kept the newer (more Gibson like)body shape! That, was a welcome change. The "Sunburst" version, in the ad, shows the newer body contours, while the "Black," and "Natural," show the older (Korean/Generic) body style. So...I'm just curious, you know? CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilpanda Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 well, looks like it! http://www.epiphone.com/news.asp?NewsID=2005 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Another 'must have' guitar............very very nice.........love the blond........... ..........Any word on pricing???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsa11 Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Charlie, if you wouldn't mind answering, what is the difference between the "Gibson" body style and the "Older" body style? Maybe it's just very obvious and I'm not seeing it, but I was planning on purchasing a Sheraton soon. Maybe this will influence my decision? Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hungrycat Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Charlie, if you wouldn't mind answering, what is the difference between the "Gibson" body style and the "Older" body style? Maybe it's just very obvious and I'm not seeing it, but I was planning on purchasing a Sheraton soon. Maybe this will influence my decision? I wouldn't worry about it, I can't see it either... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyGibson Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 well, looks like it! http://www.epiphone.com/news.asp?NewsID=2005 I'm starting to get really Irked over Epi's descriptions. If you look at the link at the end of it; it shows News ID = 2005. I think they resurrected a 2005 news story because the Kings of Leon are on cover of Guitar Player February and one of the players is holding a Sharaton. They also just added the description back on the regular part under archtops. Becaus a week ago, it said 3 piece. I emailed everyting to "Customer Service" and they are not responding. I've actually started looking at an Ibanez AS-103. It's very nice and costs a bit more. But it does have a 5 piece neck and comes with a case. I was on Ibanez's forum too. They are very responsive. In fact, when there is confusion such as this an Ibanez spokesperson joins in to clear things up. There was confusion over there about what pickups are in the AS103, becasue the specs. changed and the web-site wasn't updated. The spokesperson joined in and apologized for the confusion. He had the web-site corrected and everyone is happy. I've never seen that here. On Gibson's side of the forum, someone may join every now and then and remind people if they have a problem with their Gibson, that "customer service is always available to help". Maybe I'm wrong. But I don't see any interaction here with anyone from Gibson or Epiphone. I also registered with the CEO forum. I can log in, but cannot post. I've emailed different contacts for it to get it fixed. And no one has responded. I'm having a real tough time keeping my next semi-hollow purchase in the Gibson/Epi family. This is all I own and have ever purchased. I've always bought new too. However, my next purchase will either be a used Korean model Sheraton. Or it may be the Ibanez. Unfortunately, used ones don't come up too often around here in St. Louis. Granted, one unsold guitar by Epi won't matter to them. But it'll give me a chance to try something different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyGibson Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 No it's not from 2005, it's dated 11.Jan 2011 2005 is just a number and the website now shows 5-piece-neck for the Sheraton II Good catch on the number. I just checked the articles above and below it and they're in sequence. However, they've been producing Sheraton's with the regular Scarf joint head stock and heal, like what is on the Dot's. Yet they description read, "three piece neck". So it doesn't change the fact tht the description didn't match what they've been selling. Now the description is changed - again. Hopefully, for 2011 the description will match what they produce. Their silence is deafening and the reason for speculation. Until an Epiphone Representative responds, or until we see the 2011 Sheratons; this is all speculation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted January 21, 2011 Author Share Posted January 21, 2011 The body contour differnce, between what's now produced, and the Korean versions, is really obvious (to me). It's mostly in the "horns" area. The curve (or lack thereof) from the inner portion (neck side), to the top of the horn is straighter, in the Korean versions, and more curved, in the current "Gibson like," versions. To ME, the current is a much nicer aesthetic, but...if you can't see it, it would be no big deal, I guess? ;>) Maybe a better way to describe it, is...in the Korean versions the angle of the inner "curve" is shallower and points more outward. The "Gibson like," is steeper, and more upward, in angle appearance. Also, in the current (Gibson like) version, the outer curve from the top of the horns, to the waist is more pornounced, and it "looks" like the horns are a bit smaller and the waist is a bit thinner (but, it may(?) be an optical illusion, due to the more pronounced curves, of the horns, on the outside). In the picture link, (TehBeast) posted previously, you can see it in the "Sunburst" model. The "Black" and "Natural" shown, are the Korean version. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyGibson Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 My OCD has really taken hold on this. I called Guitar Center today and spoke with a very helpful salesperson. He confirmed the current inventory he has is one piece necks, i.e., scarf joints. So he called Gibson and was passed around before finally getting an answer. He learned the 5 piece necks will be coming back for 2011. They should hit the store in about 2 to 3 months,once the existing stock is depleted. Yippi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsa11 Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 I see what you were talking about Charlie, now that I knew where to look. That's really good news about the necks; I just wish they'd release a couple of new finishes for it (especially cherry red, maybe an iced tea burst as well). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted January 22, 2011 Author Share Posted January 22, 2011 I see what you were talking about Charlie, now that I knew where to look. That's really good news about the necks; I just wish they'd release a couple of new finishes for it (especially cherry red, maybe an iced tea burst as well). Hey, I'm with you, on the finishes! That would be Sweet!! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted January 22, 2011 Author Share Posted January 22, 2011 My OCD has really taken hold on this. I called Guitar Center today and spoke with a very helpful salesperson. He confirmed the current inventory he has is one piece necks, i.e., scarf joints. So he called Gibson and was passed around before finally getting an answer. He learned the 5 piece necks will be coming back for 2011. They should hit the store in about 2 to 3 months,once the existing stock is depleted. Yippi. COOL!! That probably means another "Sheri" added, in my future. ;>) CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted January 22, 2011 Author Share Posted January 22, 2011 Now....if they'll just come back out, with a "vintage spec" Riviera, with correct headstock inlay, and shape, etc....and applicable color options, things could be damned near perfect?! ;>) CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyGibson Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 well, looks like it! http://www.epiphone.com/news.asp?NewsID=2005 Are my eye's playing tricks on me or did the neck description change in this article from the 5 piece to simply "a gorgeous maple neck"? <_< I thought when we first saw it and referenced it, it stated "5 piece - M/W/M/W/M Here's the link again: http://www.epiphone.com/news.asp?NewsID=2005 And link to the other description: http://www.epiphone.com/default.asp?ProductID=8&CollectionID=1 It now says, "set, hard maple". At least it's cleared up now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eor Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 i used to have me a mik sheraton and i could have sworn it had a 5 piece neck. when did that practice stop? pro tip- maple necks love flatwounds! i always used flats on that thing, but all my hog neck guitars hate them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigneil Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Hey CB you have a great eye for detail, I had to go back and study the pics before I noticed the difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted February 12, 2011 Author Share Posted February 12, 2011 Hey CB you have a great eye for detail, I had to go back and study the pics before I noticed the difference. (Smile)...Thanks, Neil...it's a (past) occupational hazzard. I was a photographer, for 30+ years. And...as the saying goes, "The Devil's in the Details!" ;>) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eor Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 (Smile)...Thanks, Neil...it's a (past) occupational hazzard. I was a photographer, for 30+ years. And...as the saying goes, "The Devil's in the Details!" ;>) 30 years of photography? do tell. surely you have something to share. i recently made the move to digital after a long layoff (guitars, audio recording equipment and life got in the way). i feel that i'm better than i've ever been at it simply because i'm getting more reps than ever. i can fire away with impunity and make as many mistakes as i want, without having to wait for the results and trying to remember how i screwed something up after the fact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertS Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 Please excuse my ignorance, but what is the difference between a 1 piece and a 5 piece neck (besides the obvious number of parts), and why is a five piece neck better? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted February 14, 2011 Author Share Posted February 14, 2011 30 years of photography? do tell. surely you have something to share. i recently made the move to digital after a long layoff (guitars, audio recording equipment and life got in the way). i feel that i'm better than i've ever been at it simply because i'm getting more reps than ever. i can fire away with impunity and make as many mistakes as i want, without having to wait for the results and trying to remember how i screwed something up after the fact. Right now, all I can "share," is...that I rarely shoot photos, much, anymore. Not even sure why??? But, I'll probably get back into that, one of these days? Hope so, anyway. It used to be a LOT of fun, and a decent "living," too. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eor Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 i understand. if a gynecologist spent 30 years staring up clams, he probably doesn't need to see that many more. well, i hope you get back into it at some point. i'm having more fun with it then i've ever had. all the fancy new crap they have out really makes things easier (and harder). though it was startling to learn how little i knew, and how little of the little that i did know was of any value. i'm not at the "make a living" point yet, but with a few careful purchases and a lot of cleverness, maybe i can find a neat sideline. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted February 18, 2011 Author Share Posted February 18, 2011 i understand. if a gynecologist spent 30 years staring up clams, he probably doesn't need to see that many more. well, i hope you get back into it at some point. i'm having more fun with it then i've ever had. all the fancy new crap they have out really makes things easier (and harder). though it was startling to learn how little i knew, and how little of the little that i did know was of any value. i'm not at the "make a living" point yet, but with a few careful purchases and a lot of cleverness, maybe i can find a neat sideline. Good luck, to you, Eor! It's a fun hobby, or career. I'm sure I'll get back to it, pretty soon. But...it won't be for a "living," anymore...just for Fun! Cheers, CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyGibson Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Please excuse my ignorance, but what is the difference between a 1 piece and a 5 piece neck (besides the obvious number of parts), and why is a five piece neck better? Here's my take. On most Gibby's and Epi's, the necks are solid mahagony. Single piece for Gibby's and "solid" neck - headstock/neck/heal for Epi's. The Sheraton previoulsy had and was described (until recenly) as having a 5 piece: m/w/m/w/m neck or a 3 piece neck. Most likely the three piece description left out the two thin strips of walnut. It's now described simply as, "set neck/hard maple", leading me to now believe it is no longer a 5 piece neck. The difference between a 5 piece and 1 piece may be subjective based on differing view points. The one main difference is asthetics. The alternating pieces of dark and light wood is pretty. In theory, a 5 piece of alternating wood, especially with maple adds to the strength of the neck. Maple necks, as I understand can be more prone to warping and twisting vs. mahagony. Then you get into the tonal differences between the two With it now no longer described as 5 pieces, it would imply it is now a solid maple neck. This seems unusual for a semi-hollow. This leads me to now ask, what is the tonal differences on a semi-hollow with a standard mahagony neck vs. a solid hard maple neck? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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