I did have a problem out of the gates with this particular MIC Epi, and actually the service was not great from Sweetwater on this one - I actually got a 'what do you expect? It's an Epiphone' response when I told a tech there that I couldn't get the action down to a reasonable factory spec setting - but I took it to a luthier and he quickly spotted that the nut slots were cut too low. That (even deflated to late 90s dollars) would not have had much chance for success until the more recent change in perceptions. Now the esteem of Korean made guitars has risen so much that there's the launch of MIK D'Agelicos selling new between 13 bucks. I also think it's interesting how much folks were in general diss'n the older Korean made Epiphones back in the 90s and after the Chinese factories opened up, then folks started singing the glory days of the fine craftsmanship from the luthiers at Sammick. The old Epiphones are incredible too, but ten years ago they were still looked down upon by internet guitarists and junior high school players.

They have more warmth and internal resonance to them than most mahogany Vs, and that characteristic Epi Humbucker tone creates a very good classic rock overdrive tone from the bridge position (neck p'up could use some definition though) that has a lot of girth to its tone. I own around a dozen of them (including two Elitists) and I've found that for the most part I'm a happier camper if I go with their own voice rather than attempt to Gibson-ize them. I think you pretty much just have to love an Epiphone for being an Epiphone. I've had plenty of good and bad from both labels. Better finished frets, possibly more level. png' alt='16x16_' alt='smiley-wink'>.png'>Ĭ) resale value - will eventually (as in quite a few years) appreciate (after initial depreciation of playing it off the showroom floor.)ĭ) likelihood of better action/playability. So now you're down to $1,400 worth of debatable differential.įor that you pick from the following menu.Ī) Possibly more resonant due to better woods, construction details, including a lighter lacquer finishī) get to skip the Epi Headstock. Techs usually want above 2x for installs on semi-hollows.(although I do think the latest Epi p'ups are better and that they are splittable is a nice plus) 57 Classics)- and installation on a semi-hollow would run you around $400. You can get the Gibson for around $2,300īetter pickups (e.g.

Well, I've first got to mess with your math.

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