1990's Made in Korea Epiphone Texans, anybody know about them?

[ilikeguitar90]

Hi everyone, I'm new here and have a question about a used Epiphone acoustic I bought. I recently picked up an Epiphone Texan that was made in Peerless, Korea in 1999 (judging from the serial number). I paid 10% of the price in store, but can't actually pay the rest and pick it up until 3/4/11 due to it being on layaway.

 

Anyway, does anyone know what woods the Epiphone Texans of those eras are made of? The top is definitely solid spruce, but I'm not sure about the back and sides, considering that they look like maple.

 

For reference, the guitar in this video seems to be the same exact model as the one I bought:

 

 

So any idea on whether the back and sides are solid? I know the newer inspired by 1964 Texans that are Chinese made with a pickup are solid top, solid back, but laminated sides.

 

Thanks!

[el capitan]

Laminated maple back & sides.

[ilikeguitar90]

Ah I see. Well then do you think the newer inspired by 1964 Texans would have been a better purchase then? Do those ones sound noticeably better? I don't think I'd want to return this guitar anyway since I really like it, but if an inspired by 1964 texan happens to pop up on my craigslist or local music store I'd really want to try one out and see if the newer ones are better.

[el capitan]

The guitar in the demo is natural finish ,with horizontal striped maple veneer.Classy!

Most Korean guitars of the period striped into a "V".Awful!

The solid top should have improved with age & playing.The thing is ,if you like the sound,look & feel of your guitar ,that's it.As I've written before IB's are good for the money,but Elites,Elitists & Maccas MIJ are the real deal.