Fungus Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 Ok.....I am confused.....I just picked up a left DOT-vs...it has 4 knobs...2 tone, 2 volume. It is a 2005 model. I had already ordered a lefty DOT in Cherry.....I'm assuming it also has 4 knobs...... I was at my local GC yesterday...go there almost every day at lunch, and saw 2 DOTs that only had 2 knobs......the GC guy who came up was clueless when I asked him what the difference was.....some of those guys don't know jack when it comes to their products. Anyhow...what is the difference between the 2? Is it a different model ? They all just say DOT on the head...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 From the Gibson/Epiphone web-page. (The 2 knob version, is the stripped down "Dot Studio.") http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/ES/Epiphone/Dot-Studio.aspx http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/ES/Epiphone/Worn-Dot-Studio.aspx http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/ES/Epiphone/Dot.aspx There's also a newer version, that's called the ES-335 "Pro," with block markers, and bound fingerboard. (See below) http://images.guitarcenter.com/products/optionLarge/Epiphone/DV016_Jpg_Large_H79035.001_cherry.jpg CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fungus Posted March 6, 2012 Author Share Posted March 6, 2012 Ok...if I'm getting this right, the regular DOT has 4 knobs and the DOT Studio only has 2...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fungus Posted March 6, 2012 Author Share Posted March 6, 2012 It would be nice to see the site layed out so as to be able to compare the various models of the guitars side by side....having to search to find the DOT studio page, or the DOT page is really bad web site lay out...but what do I know...I work in I.T....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 Ok...if I'm getting this right, the regular DOT has 4 knobs and the DOT Studio only has 2...... Yeah, basically. The Studio's don't have "dot" fret markers, on the fingerboard, but they do have the small dots, on the edge. Ironic, since they're called "Dot" Studio's. They have satin finishes, too. Where the regular "Dot" and the new ES-335 Pro, have gloss (Poly) finishes. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 It would be nice to see the site layed out so as to be able to compare the various models of the guitars side by side....having to search to find the DOT studio page, or the DOT page is really bad web site lay out...but what do I know...I work in I.T....... Yeah, the Epi side, of the Gibson site, is especially "Spartan!" CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fungus Posted March 6, 2012 Author Share Posted March 6, 2012 Thanks for straightening me out folks.....I see there's also a DOT ROYALE model as well in White..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 Thanks for straightening me out folks.....I see there's also a DOT ROYALE model as well in White..... Yep, white "Pearl," with gold sparkle binding. Kind of the old "White Falcon" Gretsch treatment, that way. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueman335 Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 There's also 'Dot Deluxe', which have a flame maple top and gold hardware. They come in vintage burst, wine red, and natural. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fungus Posted March 6, 2012 Author Share Posted March 6, 2012 Blueman...just googled the DOT Deluxe.....man does that flame top look sweet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinTheHood Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 DOT 'till your heart's content. http://www.epiphonewiki.com/index.php?title=Dot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fungus Posted March 6, 2012 Author Share Posted March 6, 2012 Sweet little link there! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueman335 Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 Blueman...just googled the DOT Deluxe.....man does that flame top look sweet! They are, I have two. Got them used in very nice condition. A vintage sunburst Deluxe for $215 and a wine red Deluxe for $250. How can you go wrong? Ugraded the PU's, and they sound almost as good as a Gibson 335, at a fraction of the cost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 From what I have seen and heard, the Epi Dots are fantastic VFM Almost unbelievable to get such a classic semi shape, well built and sounding good for not much money The Studios, like others in the Gibson range are stripped back to the essentials and suit many wanting an even lower priced model There appears to be a Dot to suit anyone at any price point From $300 right up to the Gibsons at up to $4000+ Excellent V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 They are, I have two. Got them used in very nice condition. A vintage sunburst Deluxe for $215 and a wine red Deluxe for $250. How can you go wrong? Ugraded the PU's, and they sound almost as good as a Gibson 335, at a fraction of the cost. OK...me playing my little "Devil's Advocate," here...what exactly isn't as good, a sound, as the Gibson's. I hear this "almost as good as," all the time, but no one ever qualifies that statement/feeling, etc. Not trying to be a "d!ck" here, at all...but, I'm actually really curious. Are the Gibson's more "open/airy" sounding, due to "Better woods," etc.? Or, is there just that perception, due to Epi's "bargain brand" status? Seems to me, unless there is really a lot of difference, in wood, and/or construction, that if you use the same electronics (Pickups, pots, caps, etc.), they should/could be identical? I ask this, because my Epi's are equal, in sound/tone, to my Gibson's. Granted, two of them, are USA, or AIUSA versions. MY '66 Casino, and my 2005 AIUSA Sheraton. But, even my MIJ '61 SG, sounds every bit as good, as any Gibson USA/CS SG I've ever played, old or new. And, I was astonished, at how great my "Inspired by" Texan sounds, especially, for it's price point. And, I've seen, and played other "Asian" Epi's that were outstanding, in every way....even "stock!" So...??? CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueman335 Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 OK...me playing my little "Devil's Advocate," here...what exactly isn't as good, a sound, as the Gibson's. I hear this "almost as good as," all the time, but no one ever qualifies that statement/feeling, etc. Not trying to be a "d!ck" here, at all...but, I'm actually really curious. Are the Gibson's more "open/airy" sounding, due to "Better woods," etc.? Or, is there just that perception, due to Epi's "bargain brand" status? Seems to me, unless there is really a lot of difference, in wood, and/or construction, that if you use the same electronics (Pickups, pots, caps, etc.), they should/could be identical? I ask this, because my Epi's are equal, in sound/tone, to my Gibson's. Granted, two of them, are USA, or AIUSA versions. MY '66 Casino, and my 2005 AIUSA Sheraton. But, even my MIJ '61 SG, sounds every bit as good, as any Gibson USA/CS SG I've ever played, old or new. And, I was astonished, at how great my "Inspired by" Texan sounds, especially, for it's price point. And, I've seen, and played other "Asian" Epi's that were outstanding, in every way....even "stock!" So...??? CB I said 'almost as good' as to avoid some guys getting bent out of shape. There is no one 'Gibson sound' anyways. They're all over the map depending on the guitar design, PU's, and individual wood. Gibson uses higher quality woods, hardware, and PU's, so I expect them to sound a little better than Epi's. Is it worth 4 or 5 times as much? You decide for yourself. I have a pair of Duncan Seth's (unpotted) in a natural 'regular' Chinese Epi Dot. It's got a thick mahogany neck. The PU's were designed by Seth Lover, the guy who invented HB's in the 1950's. Very open and airy sounding PU's, arguably the most authentic PAF's you can buy. I'll go up against any Gibson 335 for tone, especially if it has '57's. I bought the guitar used for $250 and the PU's used for $150. Whether it's as good as, or almost as good as, or better-sounding than a Gibson 335 I don't care. For a $400 investment, I'm thrilled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Well, some will get "bent out of shape," over that kind of comparison, anyway... no matter how cautiously, or diplomatically one tries to get around it. I agree, about there being no real specific/distinct "Gibson" tone. To many variables, even within specific models, to have that. Which is why I'd much rather hear what people think, about the guitars they have/play, regarding their own merits, as opposed to always bringing up the Epi Vs Gibson thing. Who cares?! It's all in the playing, anyway...or, at least, it should be! I have, personally, played Gibson's, that were complete train wrecks. Other's, that were absolutely sublime! But, the same is true, with Epiphones, and other brands. Asian, or otherwise. Regardless of price, or where it was made. In fact, I demoed a CS ES-335, against a Epiphone Dot (Pelham Blue), in my dealer's shop! The Epi, sounded better, unplugged... believe it, or not. The Gibson had a slight edge, due to the pickups/electronics. BUT, if we could have swapped the Epi electronics, for the same Gibson electronics, I think the Epi would have sounded as good, if not better! The same was true, with a Gibson vs. Epi LP Junior! The Gibson was a brick...completely dead, unplugged. The Epiphone was very lively, unplugged. Plugged in, virtually the same...with the Epiphone having a bit more "life" to it, because of the difference, in wood=unplugged tone. Don't misunderstand me, I LOVE my Gibson's! But, the perceived "Gap" between them, and their Epiphone versions, seem to (finally) be narrowing, significantly. OR...I've been really fortunate, in my Epiphone demo's and choices? CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesrob Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Just my 2 cents. I have an Epi Dot and a Gibson 339. Note exactly comparable in size, etc., but similar. Of course the Gibson sounds better. A lot better. That's why we pay the big bucks for them. the Dot sounds good, for the price. My particular Dot is somewhat tinny and metallic, but I think that's just the wood. It sounds harsh. I think Gibson/Epiphone make quality instruments at many price points. I don't know about the really pricey models, but from the Dot to the Gibsons around 2k, I think we get what we pay for. More bucks will get us better instruments, disregarding that there are always gems and turds in any line of guitars. It also depends on the type of music played. Maybe for some genres there are aspects that don't follow the price curve. Overall, I like my Dot, it's a good guitar, and I'm glad I bought it. I like my 339 even more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Then there's the discontinued "Half Dot", with one PU and one knob......... :unsure: ..... Epi "Dot"s are great values and nice guitars....I owned one 'till it was stolen in 2006...................... I plan to replace it with two Dots..........And an Epi 339.......And a Wildkat......and a......etc etc........... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueman335 Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 I don't know about the really pricey models, but from the Dot to the Gibsons around 2k, I think we get what we pay for. More bucks will get us better instruments, disregarding that there are always gems and turds in any line of guitars. I agree, but there's not a one-for-one relationship with the dollars you spend and the amount of quality you get. It's a diminishing return. The more you spend, the more quality you usually get, but it's a smaller and smaller percentage of increase. With the same PU's let's say a typical Gibson will sound 10% better than the same model of Epi, due to the better woods and hardware. But you're paying another grand or two for that 10%. You got the first 90% for a fairly small investment. Everyone has to look at their financial situation and determine how much they'll sink into a guitar. If you've got a wife and kids and don't have much in the bank, a $3,000 Gibson 335 may be a luxury you'll have to do without. As far as quality goes, Gibson's cheaper models obviously do not have the same quality of materials as their high end models, or they'd lose money on them. So other than PU's, a faded Gibson may be a lot like an Epi quality-wise. You're paying for the name and American labor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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