some advice badly needed

[rollins]

hi im new,

 

i need some advice.

 

i own a epip les paul when i really like but im thinking about buying a dot,casino,sheration.i love the look of these models and they sound pretty good too,especially the dot as it cheap also a lot of my fave players play 335s which the dots the poor mans version.

 

heres my problem funds are low due to repairs to my car etc,etc, so i dont have the money to just go and get one of those epips.i have a left handed fender jagstang which is from 97 original not re-issue sonic blue it was designed by nirvanas kurt cobain.its been out of production for a long time and the left hand and sonic blue are rarer to come by.i bought it to learn on back in the day but gave up.its sat in its case since 97 unplayed its pretty much a collectors item now.ive been playing right handed now for a while and having a left handed guitar seems a waste.

 

i was thinking of selling or trading it for money/or money plus a epip replacement.

 

left handed jagstangs go for $700-$800s

 

theyve maintained theyre price though ive always thought about keeping it as a collectors item or even for my kids to inherit.

 

whats your views on dots,casinos,sheratons in general any advice would be much welcome.

[tweed2]

First of all, welcome. If you're not playing the JagStang, and don't need it, sell/trade if you can get what you think it's worth. As far as what to get between the 3 you've mentioned, it depends on what you want. Pickups are different (P-90 vs. humbucker), body type (semi-hollow and hollow) and price. I went with a Casino for three reasons. First, I like the hollowbody, sounds great unplugged or plugged in. Second, and I know I'll hear about this from some of the others, I just like trapeze tailpieces over stop tailpieces. More stability. And, I love p-90s. As so many have said to the same question as yours, try them all. Go to MF, or whoever is close, and spend some time. Play more than one example of each, quality can vary from guitar to guitar. You'll find one that "speaks" to you. Once you find one, send pitures and tell us about it. Good luck.

[brianh]

A buddy of mine just sold a jagstang on eBay to some collector for $800. It was up for less than a day. But Tweed is right, get the guitar that feels, plays, and sounds right, and don't buy on looks alone. Because they have a block of wood running the length of the body, 335 style guitars sound surprisingly similar to Les Paul's with the same pickups. Anyway, the neck and a good setup makes all the difference depending on your musical tastes and playing style.

[Alan189]

If you compare the Dot and Sheraton II, the first thing you'll notice is that the Sheraton has better looks (Gold hardware, tree of life inlay on headstock etc.) but not also that, the Sheraton also has a slimmer neck profile compared to the Dot making it easier and more comfortable to play.

 

The Sheraton and Casino are totally different in the sense that the Sheraton is semi-hollow, meaning it has a centre block of wood in the body of the guitar which the Casino does not. The sheraton does sound a wee bit like a Les Paul (as does the Dot) with their humbucking pickups. And, the Casino gives a nice clean tone but as it has a full hollow body if your using high gains you may have feedback issues (on stage).

 

Dots are nice guitars too, dont get me wrong. I just think that for an extra couple of pounds you could get a Sheraton, which for me is a better guitar.

 

I have a Sheraton but recently took the stopbar off and installed a frequensator which has changed the sound of the guitar but thats just personal preference, some folks prefer the stopbar.

 

I just wish Epiphone made a cherry coloured Sheraton, wouldn't that be pretty!

 

But, to really find out whats best for you, I would go to your nearest shop and just try each of them out and see which one takes your fancy. Before I got my Sheraton, I went round shops for a good few months and ended up settling on a Sheraton II in natural.

 

Good luck!

[amx05462]

id go for the dot standard. not the studio.

 

i have a dot standard and it has a slim neck the studio feels like a les paul neck. also i put the trapeze tail piece on mine.

 

its a great guitar. the dot studio i also have and bought it for a build im doing but comparitively its a piece of crap compared to the standard dot.

 

they say mahogany . its thin as paper. what a joke. but the standard id put mine up against anything . great guitar.

[milod]

I'm on the side of those suggesting a guitar that helps you play rather than hinders.

 

Actually the thin hollow/semi shape is difficult for some if they've started with a smaller solidbody because the geometry of player to neck is quite a bit different.

 

But... I've never cared for the LP body myself, and I think the Dot is probably the best bang for the buck from Epi as an electric, possibly tied with the 175 reissue which is a clone of the full hollow Gibbie. I have a relatively recent Dot and it's a very nice instrument that I much enjoy playing.

 

I've also run into some who prefer the Dot studio precisely because it is minimalistic and perhaps a bit more "raunchy" in sound, depending on how one plays it and one's sound preferences, amp, etc.

 

Regardless, the string choice, how one "wears" a guitar, etc., all will make a difference in playability once one has an instrument that basically has good "feel." Lighter or heavier than standard strings may require a revised setup.

 

m

[EpiGreek]

hi im new,

 

i need some advice.

 

i own a epip les paul when i really like but im thinking about buying a dot,casino,sheration.i love the look of these models and they sound pretty good too,especially the dot as it cheap also a lot of my fave players play 335s which the dots the poor mans version.

 

heres my problem funds are low due to repairs to my car etc,etc, so i dont have the money to just go and get one of those epips.i have a left handed fender jagstang which is from 97 original not re-issue sonic blue it was designed by nirvanas kurt cobain.its been out of production for a long time and the left hand and sonic blue are rarer to come by.i bought it to learn on back in the day but gave up.its sat in its case since 97 unplayed its pretty much a collectors item now.ive been playing right handed now for a while and having a left handed guitar seems a waste.

 

i was thinking of selling or trading it for money/or money plus a epip replacement.

 

left handed jagstangs go for $700-$800s

 

theyve maintained theyre price though ive always thought about keeping it as a collectors item or even for my kids to inherit.

 

whats your views on dots,casinos,sheratons in general any advice would be much welcome.

 

I think that you should sell your Jag-Stang. With the money, you should get a natural Dot and a Dot Deluxe Flametop. Both are good guitars that look great.

[stein]

You have a pretty good guitar in the Epi LP, but what kind of amp do you have?

 

A good amp is just as vital and worthwhile as a guitar.

[rollins]

You have a pretty good guitar in the Epi LP, but what kind of amp do you have?

 

A good amp is just as vital and worthwhile as a guitar.

 

 

 

marshall mgfx 30 watt - do you rate it??

 

thanks the reponse and help guys,

 

yeah i love my les paul im looking at the dots,sheraton,casinos for somthing different ive taken the above advice onboard, though im still undecided which model to get or could even get 2 if i sell the jagstang

 

im still weighting up wheter to sell the jagstang still im just wondering will i regret it a few years down the line as the leftys in my colour are very rare and people are buying them even to put on display as a collectors item

[bigneil]

If you are a rock kind of a guy then it's hard to go wrong with a Marshall. As for the Jagstang... personally i would sell it unless you want to start a collection of unusual guitars.

[rollins]

thanks for the reply,

 

yeah i play rock,blues,grunge,etc,etc so the marshall was a big of bargain i bought it 2nd hand for £100.

 

i'd bought the jagstang to play originally as im a massive nirvana but gave up playing left handed so its never even been played im also trying to find the best way to sell it im thinking ebay,gumtree as im the uk or if i can even sell it locally if i can get the right price for maybe 2 guitars i can use or a guitar plus cash.

 

i think someone said the dots pick-ups are the same as the les pauls??

 

how do the other 2 models hold up??

 

ive always loved the dot as the 335 would be a dream though i wouldnt pay it or play it for fear of damage the dots very cheap ive seen videos on youtube of just stock dot its pretty good

[bigneil]

I have never played a dot, but i hear they are very good value for money. But If i was you i would want to play as many as i could before buying one, just to make sure i get one that plays just right.

 

P.S. I was i Big Nirvana fan too back in the day. ... i remember when rock bands looked like day-glo poodles with guitars that were so sharp they they could take your eye out, then along came grunge and suddenly rock bands started turning up in dirty jeans and checked shirts looking like have come to creosote your fence. lol

[rollins]

i was speaking to a guitar tech last night who was doing some work on my les paul,he advised me to do the same to really play as many as i could till one stood out he told me that it should out while playing acoustically then if im liking it to plug it.

 

would you go along with that??

[stein]

i was speaking to a guitar tech last night who was doing some work on my les paul,he advised me to do the same to really play as many as i could till one stood out he told me that it should out while playing acoustically then if im liking it to plug it.

 

would you go along with that??

Oh yes, for sure. The real problem, which you might be experiencing now, is the idea that we NEED something. It is called GAS. GEAR ACQUISITION SYNDROME.

 

The more you play, the more experience you get, the more you will want some other guitar or amp. A particular piece will get to you in your head and you will think you NEED that in order to improve.

 

Now, you are here asking us what to buy that you will like. Soon you may be here trying to justify something you think you need to have that you don't have the money for.

 

For where you are in your playing and what music you like, The guitar and amp you have are exactly what I would think you need, and you can't do better than that.

 

You are like a guy with a diseased liver that has come to the bar for advise when you should see a doctor. So quickly, while I am having a moment of clarity:

 

Here is some REAL advise: you will never really need that lefty. Sell it at your leisure and put the money away. Continue to practice and your own playing as it develops and your playing situation (jams, gigs, etc.) will tell you what you want or need. It could change completely from where it is now. When and IF you think you need something, play it at the guitar shop to see if it actually does what you think it does for you rather than following the trends.

[RaSTuS]

i would sell it unless you want to start a collection of unusual guitars.

The more unusual, the better IMHO, who wants to be like everyone else.

 

EDIT: having said that, if you now play right handed, hanging onto a lefty would seem pointless, I have many unusual guitars, but at least I'm able to play them whenever the mood takes my fancy.

[bigneil]

i was speaking to a guitar tech last night who was doing some work on my les paul,he advised me to do the same to really play as many as i could till one stood out he told me that it should out while playing acoustically then if im liking it to plug it.

 

would you go along with that??

 

 

I once heard a story about Mick Jagger. he walked into a music shop to buy something .... a mouth organ i think....anyway, he sees a row of guitars on the back wall and walks over to have a wee look. He then plucks a couple of strings string on each one, unplugged, still hanging on the wall. Then he finds one that really sings out and regardless of brand, colour, pickup type, or price. he buys it for the band cause he knows its gonna be a great guitar.

 

 

If any one else knows this story, chip in and tell me if i remember it right?

[bigneil]

The more unusual, the better IMHO, who wants to be like everyone else.

 

 

How about one of these to add to your wonderful collection?

 

[RaSTuS]

How about one of these to add to your wonderful collection?

I've added an addendum as a qualifier to that remark.

 

I'm not that way inclined Neil (not that there's anything wrong with that), if it was somehow related to the female anatomy, then that's another story.

 

 

[bigneil]

Well i have to admit, those are much nicer than the Wangcaster

[musicmaker99]

Recently I had a bad case of gas directed toward hollow bodies. Within 3 weeks I'd aquired a Casino (96 korea), Emperor (97 Korea), Emperor Joe Pass, Es-175RI and an Ibanez AG75.. They all sound amazing. The 175 is by far the warmest of the bunch...a true jazz guitar and flawless build (it;s the only Chinese built one and I was thoroughly impressed with the QC). The Casino (natural) is a 96 model from the Peerless factory in Korea. The P-90's set it apart from the others and I love the neck-very fast-semi slim. The Emperors (one natural, one sunburst) are both Korean builds too and with their thicker necks give a real solid feel. Their sound is warm, yet clean and well defined/articulated. I put flat wounds on the Joe Pass and sonically it set it apart from the stock Emperor. Lastly, the Ibanez AF-75 in sunburst. This was my first achtop and I scored it off CL for $175 in pristine condition with a casr and a perfect setup. This one started the whole ball rolling. It sounds amazing. A great tone for Rock-a-billy, jazz, etc. It's a feedback MONSTER (worst of the lot by far), but it's necks action is the one by which I gauge all others (use it as a template for my luthiers future setups on all my gear).

 

So, try 'em all out. Look for bargains (my second Emperor was off CL for $275 with a very nice plush case) and play some different styles of music on 'em. I'm a novice when it comes to jazz but know enough to play a few chord structures and get an idea of what a guitar is capable of. What I discovered is that these hollowbodies are great for rock and blues. They complement my solidbodies perfectly.

 

Good luck in your search.

[RaSTuS]

Recently I had a bad case of gas directed toward hollow bodies. Within 3 weeks I'd aquired a Casino (97 korea), Emperor (97 Korea), Emperor Joe Pass, Es-175RI and an Ibanez AG75.. They all sound amazing. The 175 is by far the warmest of the bunch...a true jazz guitar and flawless build (it;s the only Chinese built one and I was thoroughly impressed with the QC). The Casino (natural) is a 96 model from the Peerless facyory in Korea. The P-90's set it apart from the others and I love the neck-very fast-semi slim. The Emperors (one natural, one sunburst) are both Korean builds too and with their thicker necks give a real solid feel. Their sound is warm, yet clean and well defined/articulated. I put flat wounds on the Joe Pass and sonically it set it apart from the stock Emperor. Lastly, the Ibanez AF-75 in sunburst. This was my first achtop and I scored it off CL for $175 in pristine condition and a perfect setup. This one started the whole ball eolling. It sounds amazing. A great tone for Rock-a-billy, jazz, etc. It's a feedback MONSTER (worst of the lot by far), but it's neck is the one by which I gauge all others (use it as a template for my luthiers future setups on all my gear).

 

So, try 'em all out. Look for bargains (my second Emperor was off CL for $275 with a very nice plush case) and play some different styles of music on 'em. I'm a novice when it comes to jazz but know enough to play a few chord structures and get an idea of what a guitar is capable of. What I discovered is that these hollowbodies are great for rock and blues. They complement my solidbodies perfectly.

 

Good luck in your search.

+1 on the hollow/semi-hollow deal, my last 4 guitars have been of this ilk, bought over a similar time-frame to yours, I couldn't afford Epis though, I got cheap chinese knock-offs and rebuilt them with tusq xl nuts, roller bridges (3 had bigsby style trems), new pups, complete re-wiring (cts, switchcraft, shielded wire), re-aligned the trems (yes all three were mis-aligned) and a complete set-up, I cherish them all.

[AlanH]

As has been mentioned, the Dot/335 type sounds fairly similar to a Les Paul when plugged in. Conversely, a semi-hollow with P90 pickups would be a very different weapon to add to your armoury. It can deliver Fender type jangle on cleans but, with gain thrown at it, it will snarl and growl. So it's great for Rockabilly or Jazz right through to punk and rock. It's not prone to feedback like a Casino and you might find it a lot easier to 'wear'.

 

Here's mine:

 

 

 

Alan

[musicmaker99]

+1 on the hollow/semi-hollow deal, my last 4 guitars have been of this ilk, bought over a similar time-frame to yours, I couldn't afford Epis though, I got cheap chinese knock-offs and rebuilt them with tusq xl nuts, roller bridges (3 had bigsby style trems), new pups, complete re-wiring (cts, switchcraft, shielded wire), re-aligned the trems (yes all three were mis-aligned) and a complete set-up, I cherish them all.

 

Previous post.: is that a Wildkat? OMG, I LOVE that axe!!!!!

 

Rastus: I admire anyone that can switch out parts, etc to make a better built "machine" That's an expertise I've never developed but certainly can see the inherent value in doing so (self customization, better parts-increased bang for the $). Congrats to you for going where many of us do not dare tread :)

 

I'm the worlds BIGGEST cheapskate but a skilled bargain hunter. I use to be a regular seller on Ebay and procured my items from pawn shops and second hand stores. I sold mostly audio and photographic equipment with an occasional guitar thrown in. I rarely sell on Ebay anymore opting instead for CL to save on fees and the shipping hassles. Recently I came across a mint 1997 Gibson LP Smartwood STANDARD at one of the pawn shops I frequent. They had it marked @ $695 with the original Gibson case. I researched it and discovered that they had mistaken it for a studio model as that's what the vast majority of smartwoods were (I have yet to see a Standard SW on Ebay). So, I successfully offerred them $650 and flipped it on Ebay for $2,200.

 

As for the Archtops,I scored some pretty good deals off CL with the exception of the Casino ($499--Korean build-pristine cond with an excellent plush hardcase bought at Music Go Round) and Es-175ri-($399--new but stamped "used" so it was a second, also bought at MGR). My CL purchases--which I consider to be good deals with resale profit potential built in-- were: 1) Joe Pass Emperor- sunburst-mint cond- $350. 2) Emperor- natural-VG plus -Korean build with exc. plush hardcase: $275. 3) Ibanez AF75-mint cond w/older case: $175.

 

Solidbody deals: 1)New Gibson 60's tribute LP--Cherryburst--: $399 (repaired headstock) GC; 2) Agile LP AL-3100-Mint cond-10 months old with exc plush case: $275-CL. 3) Agile- AL2000 LP-exc cond: $125-CL. 4) Epiphone LP Standard plus top $175=Pawn shop. 5) Vantage MIJ- LP copy-1978 matsumoku factory-vintage sunburst-vg cond $100-Music Go Round 6)1997 Epiphone-LP JR. P90-TVY-mint: $129 --GC. 7) Epiphone s-310 Custom $90--Pawn shop.. 7) G&L Legacy Tribute: mint: $235--GC .8) Memphis Strat (with a neck to die for) Matsumoku?: $60-Music Go Round 9)Samick Strat (my first score back in the 80's and still one of my favorite players!): $60..Pawn Shop 10) EPI GENESIS...$399..GC.....IT'S COMING!!!!! :) :) :)

 

So, as you can see, there are remarkable bargains out there. Just be persistent and consistent. Do your research, don't lowball private sellers and be prepared to lose a few here and there..

 

 

[RaSTuS]

Previous post.: is that a Wildkat? OMG, I LOVE that axe!!!!!

 

Rastus: I admire anyone that can switch out parts, etc to make a better built "machine" That's an expertise I've never developed but certainly can see the inherent value in doing so (self customization, better parts-increased bang for the $). Congrats to you for going where many of do not dare tread :)

 

I'm the worlds BIGGEST cheapskate but a skilled bargain hunter. I use to be a regular seller on Ebay and procured my items from pawn shops and second hand stores. I sold mostly audio and photographic equipment with an occasional guitar thrown in. I rarely sell on Ebay anymore opting instead for CL to save on fees and the shipping hassles. Recently I came across a mint 1997 Gibson LP Smartwood STANDARD at one of the pawn shops I frequent. They had it marked @ $695 with the original Gibson case. I researched it and discovered that they had mistaken it for a studio model as that's what the vast majority of smartwoods were (I have yet to see a Standard SW on Ebay). So, I successfully offerred them $650 and flipped it on Ebay for $2,200.

 

As for the Archtops,I scored some pretty good deals off CL with the exception of the Casino ($499--Korean build-pristine cond with an excellent plush hardcase bought at Music Go Round) and Es-175ri-($399--new but stamped "used" so it was a second, also bought at MGR). My CL purchases--which I consider to be good deals with resale profit potential built in-- were: 1) Joe Pass Emperor- sunburst-mint cond- $350. 2) Emperor- natural-VG plus -Korean build with exc. plush hardcase: $275. 3) Ibanez AF75-mint cond w/older case: $175.

 

Solidbody deals: 1)New Gibson 60's tribute LP--Cherryburst--: $399 (repaired headstock) GC; 2) Agile LP AL-3100-Mint cond-10 months old with exc plush case: $275-CL. 3) Agile- AL2000 LP-exc cond: $125-CL. 4) Epiphone LP Standard plus top $175=Pawn shop. 5) Vantage MIJ- LP copy-1978 matsumoku factory-vintage sunburst-vg cond $100-Music Go Round 6)1997 Epiphone-LP JR. P90-TVY-mint: $129 --GC. 7) Epiphone s-310 Custom $90--Pawn shop.. 7) G&L Legacy Tribute: mint: $235--GC .8) Memphis Strat (with a neck to die for) Matsumoku?: $60-Music Go Round 9)Samick Strat (my first score back in the 80's and still one of my favorite players!): $60..Pawn Shop 10) EPI GENESIS...$399..GC.....IT'S COMING!!!!! :) :) :)

 

So, as you can see, there are remarkable bargains out there. Just be persistent and consistent. Do your research, don't lowball private sellers and be prepared to lose a few here and there..

Stop, you're killing me. I live in Oz and we can only dream of such deals.