gibsonnick Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Who thinks that Epiphone should bring a custom shop line to the permanent line up. Tired of the limited runs being sold out, lobby for them to get a quality product line in the price range of like the slash and the bonnammasa with actual good quality features and a semi resonable price. They would sell like hotcakes if you expanded it to include guitars in the Gibson historic line.I for one one shell out the cash on a sg if it had a long tennon a bound neck the propper body contours and a trem. Lets face it the gibby historic line is the only thing this company produces that is worth a damn other than the long tennon epiphone les pauls they released last year. I own one of each (the appatite, the bonnamassa, and a 60v3) and they are head and shoulders above anything eles epiphone makes and better than all USA Gibsons in that price range. With a little work they can hang with my 2 historics (a 58 plaintop lp and a 68 custom) i personally beleive that if they went this route offering a higher model and keeping their lesser models for price strapped folks they would dominate in this economy. Something along the line of the elitist line. Feel free to voice your opinions if you roar loud enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Great idea from the consumers point of view, but from a business standpoint they probably feel it might take too much of Gibson's market share. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gibsonnick Posted February 21, 2011 Author Share Posted February 21, 2011 honestly if gibson is worried about epi stealing their market share they need to stay out off each others price range. what the hell are they thinking selling those new crap guitars like those 6o's and 50's inspired les pauls and sgs that fall in the price range of those long tenon epis. Frankly the cheap gibsons are made out of scraps off the floor and totaly look like **** and play like wise. On the epi side of the same price point the epi 60 v1 and v3 are 10 times the guitar and have twice the vibe and more authentic looking to boot and you get a nice case on top of it. IF gibby would stick to what they do best and fan the flames of their legend and make high end smokers and be exclusive to the folks with the cash and let epi take the $700 to $1000 price point smokers that the working man can pay the bills with and actually be happy with for a long while till they can get the legend. Im sorry but i understand that gibson is trying to get sales also but why compete with yourself. Its one big happy family and im sure they make more money per unit on the long tenon epis than they do on a **** bird 50's inspired studio. I mean cmon quit being asses and quit getting killed by all the other loser companys like schecter and esp and fender and lets get back in the game here and make some noise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 The Elite/Elitist line was the "Custom Shop" at Epi, Now it's really down to the 1965 and Elitist Casino only.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanH Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Speak your mind on your first and second posts why don't you, Nick? Let's hope this doesn't descend in to that age old recurring debate. I'm all for Epi upping the quality on their range but there is always going to be a crossover point between the 'no frills' Gibson end of the line (like my SG faded) and the newer higher spec Chinese Epis. When people buy guitars they make their choice based on features, aesthetics, brand name, country of manufacture etc. and they attach varying degrees of importance to each. We're all different, so I'm happy there's a good choice across my usual price range. FWIW, I think these limited editions from the 'custom shop' have two purposes: 1. To maintain interest for the regular clientele 2. To test the water on new ventures Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Forget the "Custom Shop!" All Epiphone needs to continue to do, is to get to "Elitist" type quality, and keep it there. I've seen pretty remarkable quality increases, in just the last 2-3 years, in the regular line, as it is. So, (please) keep going, in that direction, Epi! ;>) As to the less expensive Gibson's? I have both a '50's and 60's Tribute LP Studio. I didn't buy them, JUST because they were priced right. I bought them, because they are great looking (mine are both Gold-Top's), sounding (even unplugged), playing, instruments. In fact, they are among the "liveliest," of all my guitars, in terms of wood resonance, and sustain. The '50's is a 4-piece back, that's true...and the '60's, is a beautiful, 2-piece, center seamed back. Both lack nothing, in terms of tone quality, or playability. Very nice (pleked) fretwork, and solid rosewood boards, with little to no striping. The finish is, as advertised, "Worn," but it's not over done, at all. In fact, it's pretty modest. Even at their outstanding price point, I would NOT have purchased them, had they been anything less, than stellar performers. I have both Gibson, and Epiphone guitars (USA & Asian), from 1954, through 2011, of various models, and price ranges. ALL, are great players, in their own ways. ;>) CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diverden Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 The Elite/Elitist line was the "Custom Shop" at Epi, Now it's really down to the 1965 and Elitist Casino only.... There are numerous "Custom Shop" models that are not Elite/Elitist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigneil Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Well how about this for an idea. Rather than a proper custom shop, Epiphone could change their website to give us more choices and control over what we would like to order by doing something like a menu system that lets us choose our body shape, then a further set of options like stoptail or vibrato, colour, gloss or faded finish, fat neck or thin neck, coil tap or standard wiring, etc etc. That way we can feel like we are customising our very own guitar Here is the website for Sparrow guitars, they basically do something very similar. Sparrow LINK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vomer Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Welcome gibsonnick. I think you've got a point. A couple, actually. Being fairly skint is a long term hobby of mine, with occasional peaks and troughs of alternating riches and despair. I've repaired and modded too many cheap guitars in the last few years to ever consider buying one for myself again. So in a feeling flush spell, I'm much more likely to look for something of Elitist quality with decent pickups, level inlays, a good fret job, bridges that don't rattle, and good electrics. If Epi did this and stuck to the classics I think they would be onto a winner. A range of mid-priced guitars which could become known for their quality, sound and playability. Much like Mexican Fenders have nearly become, with their occasional variable quality issues. (Not knocking them, big Fender fan.) My suggestion is that the line should include an LP with hums, LP Gold Top with P90's, SG, Dot, Sheraton, Casino. Keep it a small simple range of the classic designs to begin with. Concentrate on quality at the best possible price. And don't call it "Custom Shop". I think Fender have shown that there is a place for a range of price points in their collection. I don't think Gibson will lose sales of £2,500 - £3,500 axes to people who don't mind Epi on the headstock and can only afford £700-800. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 There are numerous "Custom Shop" models that are not Elite/Elitist. That's just a silkscreen, they are mass produced guitars that usually don't appear in the catalog. I know, I have a few including a set-neck LP Junior '57 Reissue, a bolt neck LP Junior, and a P93 Riviera. The Riviera and bolt-neck Junior were made in China, and the '57 Reissue in Korea, so hardly "custom" by any definition. It's just a marketing category, that's all. Not that there's anything wrong with that.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karine_plays Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Epiphone could change their website to give us more choices and control over what we would like to order by doing something like a menu system that lets us choose our body shape, then a further set of options like stoptail or vibrato, colour, gloss or faded finish, fat neck or thin neck, coil tap or standard wiring, etc etc. That way we can feel like we are customising our very own guitar Be prepared to pay A LOT more for a truely customizable Epiphone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Rather than a proper custom shop, Epiphone could change their website to give us more choices and control over what we would like to order by doing something like a menu system that lets us choose our body shape, then a further set of options like stoptail or vibrato, colour, gloss or faded finish, fat neck or thin neck, coil tap or standard wiring, etc etc. That way we can feel like we are customising our very own guitar We've already got that, it's called Frozen Rose Guitars.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StewartB Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 It's all becoming a bit blurred with the Gibby/Epi thing. I have an elitist and it just reeks of quality even when you hold it without playing. I have friends with Gibsons that also feel just as good as the elitist, or perhaps even better. Then there are the Gibby "specials" (particularly the SG series) that they turn out ,and when you see some of them, the quality is so poor it makes you go straight to the Epi SG display at the music store. The name of the game is "dollars", and the marketing people control the game. Don't hold your breath waiting for Epi "custom shops". StewartB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dem00n Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 Are you could go the tons of guitar makers that make guitars with your specs for good prices... Like Carvin? Like US Master guitars? Stoopid people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigneil Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 Are you could go the tons of guitar makers that make guitars with your specs for good prices... Like Carvin? Like US Master guitars? Stoopid people. I have a Carvin, It is an extremely well crafted guitar. they really have got a great formula over there, you can choose a basic model or you can go the full hog and still not break the bank. you can also buy your own switches and tremolo system and send them to carvin and they will build them into your guitar to your spec'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjlandry Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 I have a friend who is an absolute Gibson purist. Epiphone is a cheap Chinese clone, in his mind. He won't listen to the fact that Epiphone is Gibson's "economy" brand. I can't get him to agree to a blindfolded test, playing each one for himself, then telling us which one is the piece of crap Chinese clone. Hell, the guy plays metal. Give him a pair of active EMG's on a stick and he'll be in heaven. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Lunatic Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 CJ, it ain't no use arguing with guys like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karine_plays Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 I have a friend who is an absolute Gibson purist. Epiphone is a cheap Chinese clone, in his mind. He won't listen to the fact that Epiphone is Gibson's "economy" brand. It doesn't even phase me anymore, I let my fingers do the talking I can't get him to agree to a blindfolded test, playing each one for himself, then telling us which one is the piece of crap Chinese clone. He's worried he'll pick the "wrong" one Nothing wrong with liking what you have though, I'm pretty quickly becoming an Epi purist. I also love my 'asian-crap' Ibanez which is truly a well built guitar. I'd make an exception to get an American made Fender, but Gibson? Naaah. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinTheHood Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 I also love my 'asian-crap' Ibanez which is truly a well built guitar. I hear that! A guy at work just bought a $129 Ibanez from GC. At first glance I was like "meh...", then I picked it up and felt how light and cheap-feeling it was (basswood), and Iwas like, "hell no!". Then I played it, and I'll be damned if that thing didnt play incredibly well. The frets were a little sharp, but the neck in general felt great and it played easy. Of cource, the bottom wrung Epi's are still superior, but all in all it was a good guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karine_plays Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Of cource, the bottom wrung Epi's are still superior, but all in all it was a good guitar. Mine was $700 at the time I got it, back in 1991. It's the Joe Satriani model, but it's a limited edition "Custom Made" with Floyd Rose temolo, in Jewel Blue. I can't find a similar picture on the Internet, they might be kind of rare. It actually exceeds the quality on the low to mid range Epi's I've seen. Funny though, my frets were a little sharp too! Must be an "Ibanez thing" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gibsonnick Posted February 25, 2011 Author Share Posted February 25, 2011 my point is this and i guess you guy helped me clarify it a bit is that epiphone needs to offer a permanent $700-$1000 price range in like a basic feature set that pay homage to their historic style Gibson line but made overseas. Before you guys get bent out of shape I know that is what the elitist line was but they dont have it no more. They need to bring it back and make the construction like the Gibson historic counterparts but overseas to keep the cost down(era correct tenon depths are a must!. Take for example their sg line epiphone currently offers the standards have no neck binding and the body bevels are all wrong and have an inferior neck tennon compared to the Historic spec sg Gibby offers. Epiphone could easily get the shape of this particular guitar right with the bevels mind you put a deeper neck joint and put binding on the neck and offer it with or without the mystro trem and the sales would probabaly dwarf all the rest of the sgs they offer. It gives guitarists that cant afford the gison historic something that is alot more quality and more anesteticaly pleasing that would be a good platform for upgrading or put some good electronics (I.E. pickups pots and caps) and it would get the working guy through till he could afford the real deal. The custom shop thing I was refering to is the Bonnamassa the Appatite and the 60 reissue is proof that they can do this so why not continue. Those three models are a way closer with their top carves and long tenons than a normal epi standard and the rest of the construction great too. My point is they should actually keep a line of guitars that are put together this way and not ration them in limited quantitys and they would totally be on to something. The appearence and the construction and the quality control would have to go hand in hand and people would buy them by the crate full. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Lunatic Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Dontcha just love armchair quarterbacks? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vomer Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 I agree with gibsonnick entirely. Pretty much what I was getting at in my post. Fringe, what's your problem with gibsonnick's posts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karine_plays Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 I think what he's trying to say is "if you know so much, why don't YOU start a guitar company and see how you do?". It doesn't matter what Epi does, there will be a dozen people per week on here telling how it can be better. But then I guess that would be partially what this open forum is for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Lunatic Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Epiphone is in the business of selling guitars in high volume, at maximum profit, mostly to buyers who are not in the least concerned with esoterics such as long tenons, vintage-correct beveling, etc.. The average Epiphone buyer doesn't even know about such things. He sees a pretty guitar, perhaps one that looks like one played by his favorite guitarist, and buys it. And if Epiphone doesn't sell what a buyer is looking for, most will simply look and buy elsewhere, as opposed to entertaining pipe dreams. To imagine that Epiphone is listening to, and basing business decisions upon a handful of forumites' opinions is naive, at best. And even if some members' opinions are actually correct, Epiphone is not paying attention to them, as has been proven historically. Sure, it would be nice if companies actually listened to their customers, but unfortunately, most don't. Epiphone is not primarily in the business of making guitars; they are in the business of making money. This is simply my personal opinion - there's no need to debate it or take it personally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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