Lord Summerisle Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Do I regret an Epiphone purchase? Only once - a (Korean-made) Epiphone Firebird V (reverse) with a bolt-on neck, which I bought new sometime around 1997. Total and utter garbage. Horrible in every way. It looked just like this one: i.e. quite attractive - from a distance; but it played like the firewood it was. (Also this one seems to have had some hideous translucent speed-knobs retrospectively applied). It makes me smile when some people wax lyrical about Korean Epiphones always being better than Chinese ones - (proof that a guitar should always be judged on its individual merits...) All other Epis I've owned have been excellent guitars. The Firebird was just a bad apple, I suppose. Although reviews of the Korean-made bolt-on Firebirds from the 1990s were never very positive, in my experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Zeplin Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 On a few ocassions yes: 2003 Epi LP, MIC (DW plant), while swapping bell knobs for speed knobs the area around one of the holes caved in while pushing the new one on. Not much meat left after the holesaw was done. Never bonded with that axe regardless how pretty it was. In 2006 got a G310 new, that lasted a couple of days until it was returned in exchange for a Gibson LP special doublecut w/P90s. The G310 had lousy tuners, poor access to upper frets and in general didn't do it for me. I had 3 epi LPs over the years and 2 were ok although neither is in my possession right now. I gave one to my brother and sold another to my nephew. I still have the broken LP, a PR6e acoustic w/pickup that I like, Accubass Jr and a MM30e mandolin which isn't too bad. I do want an ES339 but am leery of scratchy pots, poor electronics and no access but for the F-holes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad4d8 Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Currently have two Epiphones and don't regret purchasing either one. If I were in the market for another guitar in the Epi price range, it would be one of the first brands I'd look at. Brad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schadenfreudian Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 My favorite axe (I own or have owned 8) is an Epiphone ES-175. Although I was satisfied with the tone, I figured that for an extra $150 I could have the tonal equivalent of a Gibson 175. I purchased a Gibson Burstbucker II and had a guitar tech at G.C. replace it (professionally). Tested his work by plugging it into a Vox AC130 and had people dropping by for a listen and a nice comment about the jazzy voicings. (I play a lot of jazz and world music.) Structurally, the ES175 is as good or better than the Gibby 175. Rosewood fingerboard instead of the Gibby's ebony. Same wood types (except fingerboard), same dimensions. Built like a Panzer tank. The tuners are Grover--a no-brainer--and the neck is a dream. Believe it or not, I do NOT have the same impression of the Gibson 175, which I've put through its paces. I was a bit underwhelmed, frankly. Now, I've also played and found these Epis to be tremendously good: 1. Broadway 2. Zephyr/Regent 3. Nick Valensi Riviera (AWESOME tone) 4. Alleykat (never found a more versatile axe) 5. Sheraton II Most other Epiphones I either haven't played, or don't care for at all. But that's normal, and doesn't mean that the rest of the label's products are defective. For example, I also like Ibanez hollowbodies/semi-hollows a LOT, but I recognize that some of Ibby's products are lame. None of them, however, match my lovely Epiphone ES175, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fungus Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 2 words....No way! I love my epiphone guitars. I did hust get my back ordered Dot in Cherry too. Pics coming soon. I'm still settling back in here in Ohio and my new job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinlander Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 None whatsoever even if I customized all of them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad4d8 Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Well, the original poster either IS a "Troll" (as he's not responded back), or...being called one, scared him off?! CB He posted the same question on a Jazz guitar forum and responded several times. In one of his responses he said >I have put this question out on several different boards and all the responses have been (surprising good).< I imagine he just hasn't gotten around to returning to this board yet, Brad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gentlemanvase Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 I bought a 90's Sheraton 2 and now one of the screws on the bridge has sheared. Non-standard 72mm bridge. Non standard 50mm string spacing. Any solutions that don't involve drilling and plugging the guitar? Cheers John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan K Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 No regrets here, own 3 and they're all great. One bit of advice might be to stay on the higher side($$) when buying Epi's. Say for instance if you like the Les Pauls, I'd go with a studio/standard or better. My LP-100 cuts it, but just barely (it's my beater). I have to re-tune it way more often than my Standard PT. Once you dip below, say, the 300 dollar mark(New off the shelf) ...the quality takes a nose dive too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSDx Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 I'll play, troll or not. Simple answer, ..... no regrets ... my Epi AJ18 and Epi LP are great for the price point. I'm happy with both (AJ is a '99, LP is an '07, both MIC) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonzoboy Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 @ Lord Summerisle: The problem that you had with your Korean Firebird must have been inherent in the bolt-neck models.I have an '06 Custom Shop sunburst and it's simply a great guitar and what really makes it outstanding is that it sounds just like a mid 60s SG.The guitar is also a great player too and stays in tune for hours of constant hard playing. It's a pity that your guitar was plagued with problems because the black finish is reallt striking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikekefr Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 I own 2 Epi's ,the Ace Frehley model which is just sweet all the way around,and a cheaper model Epi lp special 2,which i got what i paid for when i bought a scratch and dent combo kit at MF,the smallest amp i owned was a crate combo so i opted to buy a tobacco sunburst Epi lp w/ the gig bag and Epi practice amp so i could jam in my bedroom w/out luggin the 80lb. combo down the hall.The kit was total $160 so if i chose to upgrade the p'ups im sure it's be fine,but for now its a beater,as well as a future project.I wouldnt shy away from the name imho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eccod Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 I record exclusively with my Epi Nighthawk Custom Reissue and Thunderbird Pro-IV bass... no regrets here! I did put SD 59's in the NH's bridge though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred Patton Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 Um no, not really. Forgive my ignorance, but are those two jazz boxes on the right Epis? I'd love to see some close-ups of those... Fred Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 Forgive my ignorance, but are those two jazz boxes on the right Epis? I'd love to see some close-ups of those... Fred I'm not Brian, but, that's a wall of Epis................... [thumbup] ......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ne_buddy Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 No regrets: '04 Elitist Riviera, DR-500m Masterbilt, and a 50th Anniversary 1961 Casino Reissue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ant7629 Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 Just one. A Chinese Casino. It was one if first Chinese produced models after the.move from Korea and it was obvious that they were still finding their feet. Horrible wood, finish and construction. Apart from that i love my Epiphones. I own a recent Chinese Riviera and its an amazing guitar. I think they know what they are doing now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Notes_Norton Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 Hey folks, wondering, have any of you been disappointed with your Epiphone purchase? I have NEVER been a fan of Epiphone because I believe you do not get what you pay for when you buy a Gibson. As such, I have avoided Epiphone thinking if I was not impressed with Gibson it could only go downhill with the Epiphone. Thoughts anyone? I have a 1970 Gibson ES-330 and a 2000 Epiphone Casino. Do I regret buying the Epiphone? Definitely not. The Gibson has better wood, nitro finish, real MOP inlays, and the Gibson Logo. But for an electric guitar, those are not important to the business of playing the guitar. The fit and finish of the Epiphone are excellent, and it plays extremely well. A new ES-330 costs about 4 times as much as a Casino. Is the Gibson 4 times better? Definitely not. An analagy would be, the Gibson : Epiphone as the Lexus : Camry with the same body/engine. IMHO The difference is luxury materials here and there and prestige. Notes ♫ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ciar Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 I only started playing back in Feb 11, bought my first electric in August an Epiphone Lucille, never really got to grips with it, I honestly wanted to buy the Swingster but on recommendation of the shop didn't, now I know plenty more about guitars and what the different types do, so I sold my Lucille a couple of weeks back and picked up a lovely new shiny Swingster, it's amazing plays well feels better just all round much more my type of guitar! all in all I love my Epi ;-) have played a friends Gibson Les Paul which was nice, so that's really all I can compare it to for top end guitars, but I still would take the swingster over that, just gutted they didn't have the red wine instock so i picked up the black version instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KVL Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 I kinda regret NOT buying an Epiphone sooner. I bought a PRS SE which is a lovely guitar, but I still long for a Les Paul. I could have bought a beautiful Epi LP for less than the PRS. Sure, the prs has a great trem and 2 extra frets, but theres a certain mojo about an LP... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayF Posted April 27, 2012 Share Posted April 27, 2012 I was a reluctant Epiphone user. Always wanting a Gibson, I couldn't understand how various Epi's could be quality and/or pleasing guitars to play. Then wanting a 12 string acoustic, I stumbled upon an EJ-212, a 12 string jumbo and 12 string variant of the EJ200, and it turned-out to be one of my absolute favorite guitars. It's hard for me to believe what a tremendous value this guitar is. For me the V profile wide neck is perfect and the box just sings. I have since acquired other Epi's most notably more than one Casino which is my favorite acoustic 6 string amongst my electrics. IMO, the Casino might be the best value out there in an acoustic-electric 6 string. My only disappointment regarding Epiphones was upon hearing that the company would release a 339 as I had purchased a Gibson CS-336 6 months prior. Even though I am completely happy with the 336, there is no doubt that I would have opted to wait for the Epi. I have read about quality control problems with certain Epi's but mine have all been trouble-free and all were bought used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonzoboy Posted April 29, 2012 Share Posted April 29, 2012 Epiphones are all premium quality guitars that are way beyond the quality of other brands in their price range.The fit and finish and attention to detail as well as the tone are sll superb. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epi Rocks Posted April 29, 2012 Share Posted April 29, 2012 ++++ You tell 'em BB. I'll second that. Best bang for buck out there in electric guitars. PERIOD!! Paul 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichyC Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I had a late 80's electric that was advertised in Circus magazine. When it cracked, the body turned out to be hollow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-poland Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Epiphones are all premium quality guitars that are way beyond the quality of other brands in their price range.The fit and finish and attention to detail as well as the tone are sll superb. I'll concur also! between me and my two boys we have 2epi dots,1-60s tribute les paul epi,1 epi les paul special,and epi aj200 real happy with'em all! but on the 1st les paul special we bought it had to be returned to GC either a bad set up or a bad neck? but 2nd 1 was fine!cant beat the price thats for sure! in 30 seconds the troll spray will detonate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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