Haulzitall Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 HI, I have been trying to find out what my 1988 Epiphone Sheraton is worth. It was made in Korea and its production number is 11438. It is in excellent condition with original hardshell case. Thanks for your time and consideration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueman335 Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 Sheraton 1's (like yours)aren't worth as much as Sheraton 2's. From what I've seen, the quality wasn't as consistent back then. Plus people are leary of fret wear and scratchy pots with an older mid-price guitar. Maybe you could get $300 to $350 for it. I doubt any more than that. It's not like they're a vintage guitar and increase with age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rolling56 Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 Welcome to the forums............be worth a lot more if John Lee Hooker had it at one time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 I don't think Epiphone made any Sheratons from '82 to '92, so you may be incorrectly reading the serial number. Post some pics of the guitar and the serial number for a more intelligent answer. Anyway, older Japan/Korea Sheratons typically sell for between $350 and $450 depending on condition, whether it has a case, and local availability/demand. Also whether it's a cash deal or eBay/Paypal. A completed sale search on eBay is the best gauge of actual current value, but here's what the 2011 Blue Book says: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted November 1, 2011 Share Posted November 1, 2011 Sure there have been Sheratons made in the late 80s ! That's why I said "I think..." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueman335 Posted November 1, 2011 Share Posted November 1, 2011 I don't think Epiphone made any Sheratons from '82 to '92, so you may be incorrectly reading the serial number. Post some pics of the guitar and the serial number for a more intelligent answer. Anyway, older Japan/Korea Sheratons typically sell for between $350 and $450 depending on condition, whether it has a case, and local availability/demand. Also whether it's a cash deal or eBay/Paypal. A completed sale search on eBay is the best gauge of actual current value, but here's what the 2011 Blue Book says: Of course, the prices in the chart you posted aren't for the basic Korean/Chinese models that we're talking about. Those aren't going to go up in value. The guitar-value book I have from several years ago states that Sheratons 1's are worth less than the current Sheraton 2's. Used mid-price imports from those countries usually sell for around half of the new retail price (NOT list price); I know personally, I've bought a bunch of them. And since they aren't 'vintage' instruments by any stretch of the word, the older they get, the more the value declines as it's assumed that the cheaper materials on them won't hold up decade after decade (as compared to a Gibson or other high-end guitars). I don't think anyone's going to pay as much for a 20 year old Sheraton as they would for a 2 year old one. From what I've seen, the quality of Epi's in the last 10 years, Korean and Chinese both, is much better and more consistent than older ones. They have to be...the market's much more competitive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted November 1, 2011 Share Posted November 1, 2011 Of course, the prices in the chart you posted aren't for the basic Korean/Chinese models that we're talking about. Those aren't going to go up in value. The guitar-value book I have from several years ago states that Sheratons 1's are worth less than the current Sheraton 2's. Used mid-price imports from those countries usually sell for around half of the new retail price (NOT list price); I know personally, I've bought a bunch of them. And since they aren't 'vintage' instruments by any stretch of the word, the older they get, the more the value declines as it's assumed that the cheaper materials on them won't hold up decade after decade (as compared to a Gibson or other high-end guitars). I don't think anyone's going to pay as much for a 20 year old Sheraton as they would for a 2 year old one. From what I've seen, the quality of Epi's in the last 10 years, Korean and Chinese both, is much better and more consistent than older ones. They have to be...the market's much more competitive. I'd agree with that, except the new Sheratons have a 2 x scarfed solid neck and the older ones have a 5-piece laminated neck, no scarfs. IMO, the laminated neck is going to be stiffer (and therefore need less adjustment), last longer, and take more abuse on the long run. For this reason alone, I'd take a used Korean Sherry over a new Chinese version any day and have done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blues335 Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 I paid $400 for my 1987 Samick Sheraton...very happy with the guitar at that proper and fit price.......agree with Brian over the 5 piece necks which is why I bought an older Sheraton. Nice guitar BUT play it back to back with a Gibson 335 (or a Kalamazoo Epi) and it is all about feel and harmonics the mundane vs the superb Korean Epi........"tree wood" plastic and OK nice guitar Gibson 335......."tone wood" bone etc etc........mighty fine your guitar is worth $350-$400 if in nice condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tweed2 Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 I just ran across this on eBay, listed today. Same year. Watch it and see what happens. It should give you an indication of what the market's like. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1988-Epiphone-Gibson-Sheraton-II-Rare-Headstock-Inlay-/110768803726?pt=Guitar&hash=item19ca55cf8e Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueman335 Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 I'd agree with that, except the new Sheratons have a 2 x scarfed solid neck and the older ones have a 5-piece laminated neck, no scarfs. IMO, the laminated neck is going to be stiffer (and therefore need less adjustment), last longer, and take more abuse on the long run. For this reason alone, I'd take a used Korean Sherry over a new Chinese version any day and have done. True, a multiply neck will be more rigid, but a one-piece will transfer vibrations (and wood tone) better, so I prefer those whenever I can get them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbrooks0711 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 HI, I have been trying to find out what my 1988 Epiphone Sheraton is worth. It was made in Korea and its production number is 11438. It is in excellent condition with original hardshell case. Thanks for your time and consideration. Are you selling one? Or at least looking to sell? I'm in the market for a 1988 Sheraton specifically. Just send me a message privately if you are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muse Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 I'd agree with that, except the new Sheratons have a 2 x scarfed solid neck and the older ones have a 5-piece laminated neck, no scarfs. IMO, the laminated neck is going to be stiffer (and therefore need less adjustment), last longer, and take more abuse on the long run. For this reason alone, I'd take a used Korean Sherry over a new Chinese version any day and have done. does sound right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 does sound right. You already have one............:unsure: ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parabar Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 True, a multiply neck will be more rigid, but a one-piece will transfer vibrations (and wood tone) better, so I prefer those whenever I can get them. It's worth pointing out that the highest-end Gibsons (like the L-5CES, Super 400, Citation, etc.) use a 5-piece laminated maple neck with walnut or rosewood strips just like the Sheraton. By comparison, one-piece necks are used on the ES-175, ES-335 and Les Paul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MicVic6 Posted October 8, 2019 Share Posted October 8, 2019 (edited) I realise this thread is ancient... but, in case anyone visits via a search (as I did), I MUST correct a couple of comments above: Of course Epiphone made Sheraton's in the 1980's! For example, I have owned mine since 1989, which is a mid 80's model made in the famed Japanese Matsumoku factory... which brings me to another point... the Sheraton I have is of course worth more money than one you would buy now and I promise you that it plays and sounds better than any Gibson 335 I have laid my hands on. . Edited October 8, 2019 by MicVic6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben123 Posted January 15, 2022 Share Posted January 15, 2022 I got my fathers sheraton. Made in Korea, by Samick at 1988. Plays lovely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben123 Posted January 15, 2022 Share Posted January 15, 2022 Might be of not much value but 🙏 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt4356 Posted January 15, 2022 Share Posted January 15, 2022 Try ebay completed listing, look for similar condition and colour etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmendoza Posted August 1, 2022 Share Posted August 1, 2022 How funny that today the 80s and 90s MIK Sheris are sought after. They had lousy pick-ups but were very well made and playable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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