epiphone sheraton ii or gibson es-335

[skeezbo]

Josh, have you seen any Epiphone Elite or Elitist semi-hollowbody models? Reviewers have favorably compared the quality of these instruments to Gibson factory models, but most are no longer in production. Made in Japan at the Terada factory, these repro 335s, Rivieras and Sheratons can be found here used if you keep an eye out. I saw a Sheraton go for about a grand on ebay last week.
There are two Elitist models still in production, I think: the Casino, which is the 330 style hollow body double cutaway, and the Riviera Outfit, which is very similar to the Sheraton II. The Riviera is less fancy than the Sheraton, but this model is supposed to have a real lacquer finish. Unfortunately, the Riviera Outfit is made for the Japan market only. There are a few on ebay right now, but shipping from Japan is steep.
Other interesting similar options that you might consider are the post lawsuit Japan-market only Grecos, Epiphones (with the Gibson style headstock but made in Japan), and especially Orvilles. The most accurate reproductions seem to start in the early 80s and continued generally into the mid 90s. I would think any of these would be better than a Korean or Chinese made Sheraton, but they will be more expensive. I think they generally would split the difference in cost between the Sheraton II you are looking at and the Gibson 335.
Do plenty of research if you go this way; there are many different model year variations; a low price could also mean a more modern Korean, Chinese or Indonesian variant.
Happy shopping!
Skeez

[Phil_S]

Depending on what you really want, there are other brands of ES-335 style guitars that people like. Really, taste varies according to the person's ears and hands. You might consider looking at Ibanez (several models) and Guild Starfire IV. The "Epi" of Guild is DeArmond, so look for that, too. I'm quite sure there are other brands, too. All of these can be had a considerably lower price points compared to the Gibson. From what I'm hearing, there is no sacrifice in quality, playability, or tone. Unfortunately, it seems Gibson isn't what it used to be.

Here's an example of a solid wood (maybe just the top at this price?) model: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/ ... ductDetail

[RCGPNY1]

Just to play "devil's advocate"..I have recently discovered the wonderful world of Japanese guitars. It's very hard to find better craftsmanship than on Japanese made instruments.....some of the best Fenders were made in Japan
in the '80's. I recently picked up a Epiphone Japan(non-Elitist) ES335 in cherry red.
Yes it was expensive to ship but the total cost was still under $1500. I would put this ES up against anything Gibson makes. The stock pickups(havent even taken them out to see what they are)sound articulate and sweet...just the right amount of output...very easy to get into "Larry Carlton Land". They are definately worth lookin into . Also the Edwards(by ESP) are absolutely fantastic instruments. I own 2 Les Paul style instruments and again I would put them up against any Gibson, and they were a fraction of the cost.

[vibratoking]

Those are all good thoughts. There are a lot of options and there are some very nice guitars at lower price points. Another thing to think about is resale value. In general, I've always found I can get my money back out of Fenders and Gibsons. They are just easier to sell IME.

[schaublin65]

Hi,

I have two Gibson Les Pauls and would love to find a Yamaha SG 1000 for the right money.

Never managed to sell a guitar. Not sure I even like that idea.

take care

John

[TUBEDUDE]

Jazz, it's a full depth hollowbody about 2 years old. Chose it from 4 models on the Sweetwater site. I was worried about a purchase without feeling the neck, but the hi res pics made it too tempting. I love it. I have been winnowing down my collection so the Epi, the 66 strat, homemade tele custom, and 6. String fretless bass are all that's left. Sold off two teles, a jazz master, a vintage Yamaha U10, and gave a zebra wood double hum guitar I made to my granddaughter.

[67plexi]

I can say one thing out of most the guitars made the 1952 Epiphone Zephyr
Emperor Regent has one of the finest necks no doubt why Gibson bought
them out. In the past I did own a 1960 Epiphone Sheraton it was an ok
guitar but I prefer my Gibson 335 but I never play it's to heavy at 9 pounds.
My advice is check with the music store and bring in your favorite amp
and play the guitars and see witch one's work for you.
I just went through a similar situation.
I wanted a Mandolin I went to my local music store and played a Lloyd Loar
China copy what a piece of crap. I ended up with a hand made in USA
Morris F-5 sound's and plays fantastic for the same price.

[DonMoose]

For the money, I'd look at an Ibanez AS-73, -75 or -93. You may have to go through a few to find one that feels 'right', but I've been pretty happy.

/ I say this as a serial guitar owner who only misses his '83 ES345 (second) that he (stupidly) sold in '90 and saw in 2006 at South Austin Music, tagged at $3k.

[dotfret]

My dotfret is an ES333, 10 years old, but I spent time with a 62 345 in my youth and have a friend who has a couple of real dots, so I speak from some experience ...

Those Yamaha SGs are great guitars, I have one, but only the 2000 & 3000 models go up . Yamaha did make a great line of semis in the 70s and 80s, but nobody famous used them except Bert Weedon.

You want a semi that will sound good and still hold its value? Look at 90s Gibson's, not just the ES models. The Blues Hawk is worth a look if you get one with a stop tail. The 90s guitars were good quality and are still being treated by dealers as ordinary with respect to depreciation. There is real value out there.

[Structo]

I finally weighed my 2012 LP Traditional.

Well, I held it in my arms standing on the bathroom scale.

Looks to be 9.1 pounds!

I think it is weight relieved as well?

This is the heaviest guitar I own besides a 5 string bass.