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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Mar 17, 2021 19:28:18 GMT -7
So I've been looking serious at getting a semi-hollow again. I had a Gibson Memphis ES-339. It was a nice guitar and sounded great, but it was one of the nice Gibson's I've had that made me realize I don't love the shorter scale and medium jumbo frets. Because of that I've moved them all on (339, a great studio LP, The Paul, and a faded SG). For a while I was on a fewer, higher quality kick and some fun guitars. The reality is that I can't justify multiple high end guitars. So I have a couple really nice guitars I would like to add some less expensive variety for fun. That has me looking at cheaper semi-hollows. Not going to spend Gibson money, so let's not even talk about Collings. I've seen a lot of reviews in the last few years that this is the golden age for asian made guitars, especially semi-hollows. I've picked up and played a bunch of sub-$500 dollar semi-hollows, but never got too serious about it. I think I'm ready to add a semi into the mix and I've dug deep on a lot of the options, which there seem to be many. What I'm wondering is what folks here think about Epiphone Sheraton's. These are supposed to be a step up from the Epi 335's. Both are supposed to be good build quality, but they are using decent pots, switches, and tuners on the Sheraton's. They also claim to have better pick ups. Anyone have one? I did a search here, but there didn't seem to be a lot here on the Sheraton. They actually have a new signature model coming out. Historically it looks like many Epiphone signatures have grown in value. So it seems low risk. This is only $100 more than the standard and has some actual upgrades, including if buying from Sweetwater a HSC. I don't tend to be all about the looks, but I confess I really like the diamond f-holes ala Dave Grohl (his Gibson sigs are stupid money), and the lightning bolts mixed into the block inlays are different without being flashy. Over all, seems like a really nice option, a little more than $500, but I'm still not getting close enough to used Deusenbergs to make the jump there. I had my Sweetwater rep put me in line for one, but I don't have to pay until they come in and are ready to ship.
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Mar 18, 2021 3:49:45 GMT -7
I had one in Natural for several years. I replaced the pickups, put better wiring/pots at the same time, better bridge - the stuff you do to a midrange guitar. It played very well and I liked it - I just didn’t use it much so it moved on. I think it was a very good affordable way to get the semi-hollow need filled. I got it used for around $500 6 or 7 years ago or so.
Looks like on Reverb Sheraton II’s are in the $600-900 range used. At that price, I’d be looking at the PRS SE Semihollow as well - at about $1,000 you probably wouldn’t need to do anything to that one, so comparable from an “all in” standpoint.
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Post by nicholas on Mar 18, 2021 4:33:54 GMT -7
The good thing about guitars in that price range is you can usually find some locally to try out. I'd probably look at Gretch, D'Angelico, and PRS SE too.
I don't know anything about the guitar you posted, but I have played a Sheridan II in store and thought it was really decent. Can't say about the electronics as that's hard to judge in store at whisper levels. But it felt good. Played nice.
I played a Epi Lucille and that was great. I almost bought it. I was actually there to order a Gibson Lucille and after playing the Epi I had to go home and rethink spending so much more for the Gibson version. Never did get either lol.
I am a little confused tho. You mentioned not loving short scale and med jumbo frets. Are you ready to go back to that or is the model you mentioned different in that regard? I'm not familiar with it.
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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Mar 18, 2021 4:51:04 GMT -7
The good thing about guitars in that price range is you can usually find some locally to try out. I'd probably look at Gretch, D'Angelico, and PRS SE too. I don't know anything about the guitar you posted, but I have played a Sheridan II in store and thought it was really decent. Can't say about the electronics as that's hard to judge in store at whisper levels. But it felt good. Played nice. I played a Epi Lucille and that was great. I almost bought it. I was actually there to order a Gibson Lucille and after playing the Epi I had to go home and rethink spending so much more for the Gibson version. Never did get either lol. I am a little confused tho. You mentioned not loving short scale and med jumbo frets. Are you ready to go back to that or is the model you mentioned different in that regard? I'm not familiar with it. No, it is short scale with med jumbo frets. That is the standard for semi hollows with a few exceptions. For 25.5 there is a Reverend, but that doesn't sound or look anything like a traditional 335 style. That also why I brought up Duesenberg, because most of their models are the longer scale, but it's hard to find a Starplayer in good condition for much less than $1800. That's why this particular Epiphone is appealing, even if it doesn't double in value like the Bonamassa signature I'm pretty confident that this one will at least come close to holding the original value. So a) without Gibson type money in it I would feel as much pressure to have it as my only option of 2 guitars, but b) if it really isn't doing it for me I can move on without losing my shirt. I've played a good share of the other brands you mentioned and they've never held my attention. I was really hot on the PRS semi for a while years ago, even liked the feel and how it played. When I got close to buying one and spent more time plugged in at a shop that let you crank the amps it just didn't do it for me plugged in.
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Post by Maddog on Mar 18, 2021 6:07:16 GMT -7
If you can find a Japanese-made (not the Chinese version) Ibanez Artstar 180 you'll be very impressed. Price point has always remained near that of similar 335-ish imports, but the build quality and components are far superior; on par with most US products of that time period (1990's-2010-ish). Hit CL and others.....A+
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Post by zpilot on Mar 19, 2021 9:04:09 GMT -7
Yes, I had an AS180. It was about as good as any semi-hollow I have played regardless of cost. The only one that was significantly better was my Gibson Johnny A but that is a different construction than other semi-hollow bodies. I see that there is now a Epi version of the Johnny A. If I was looking for that type of guitar that would be at the top of my list to try out.
My AS180 was great just the way it was stock. No need to change pickups or anything. That is saying something for me because I love to tinker with things. It was essentially the same instrument as the AS220. It just had a plainer top. John Schofield played an AS220 for awhile. Lots of top jazz guys played Ibanez guitars from that era.
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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Mar 19, 2021 11:29:40 GMT -7
Maddog and zpilot the AS180 look really nice. Seems like word is out, not only is there not one to be found, but the old Reverb listings that Google pulls up for you have them in more of the $1,500 range. If I were to go into that realm I would go for the longer scale with a Duesenberg.
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Post by zpilot on Mar 19, 2021 11:34:48 GMT -7
Gee whiz. I paid about half that for mine in the '90s and of course took a big hit when I sold it about 10 years later because it was an import.
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Post by Maddog on Mar 19, 2021 13:25:59 GMT -7
Gee whiz. I paid about half that for mine in the '90s and of course took a big hit when I sold it about 10 years later because it was an import. SAME!!! Another instance of seller's remorse here for sure!
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Post by nicholas on Mar 20, 2021 1:34:25 GMT -7
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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Mar 20, 2021 3:09:02 GMT -7
Man, those are cool. I like the pickups.
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Mar 20, 2021 5:09:42 GMT -7
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Post by LT on Mar 20, 2021 7:57:02 GMT -7
No specific experience with the Epi Sheraton or its similar guitars, but I had an Epi LP many years ago that I set up strictly for slide. I liked it a lot, and it was bone stock.
I currently have a Gretsch and am very pleased with the build quality and tone.
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