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The other feature that would make a difference is the tailpiece but, in this instance, both instruments have a stopbar.
A year or so back I really thought I wanted a Sheraton, after watching endless YouTube etc. and reading around. Then I went and played one, and decided I really didn't. Which was annoying, as I ended up spending a lot more on something else
However, that's me, and your mileage might well vary - loads of people have Sheratons and love them, and I still love the concept, I just didn't gel with the reality.
If I were you and had your budget I'd try and find a well cared for Korean made Epi Dot from late 90s/early noughties. My Riviera is a 2001 MiK job and it feels a cut above any Chinese Epiphone I've tried.
The only Epiphone I have at the moment is a Century 66 (the non-signature version of the James Bay model) . It’s rather nice & really playable, it’s fully hollow so doubles up as an acoustic too!
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- Korean Epiphone models woodwork better and nicer to play, mainly rubbish electrics and pickups (but not always, I had a Casino with nice sounding pickups. My SG on the other hand was awful, new wiring loom and pickups and it was great).
- Chinese models woodwork not as good, electrics and pickups much better.
Take into account that if you do get a Korean model and the pickups/electrics are junk, it's more of a pain on a semi hollow to address that.I've never had a Chinese Epiphone but I hear the fit and finish have improved massively since they first moved there. I can only imagine as time goes by the gap will be negligible. I remember that when the Korean Epiphones were originally in the shops nobody was talking them up as much as they do now.
Don't take this Korean is better as gospel. I've had a Sheraton and a Dot, both from the Samick factory - the Sheraton from around 1991 and the Dot was 2001. The Sheraton was solidly built with excellent finish, and frets. The Dot was much lighter and felt amazingly lively (especially when played at any kind of volume - I could feel the air coming out of the f-holes on my forearm) but was let down by poorly installed frets. Both would have benefited from a pickup and wiring upgrade.
I would happily take a chance on a 1990s Korean Epi (especially a Sheraton) again though.
I bought it second hand and had to get a couple of frets levelled and a good setup done, but its now a killer instrument.
Remember, it's easier to criticise than create!
1st post!
I bought an Epi ES 335 pro second hand for £270 about 6 weeks ago. Wanted to see if I could get on with a 335 style guitar.
Lowered the neck pup fairly low and slanted lower on the 6th string higher on the 1st, cranked the bridge pup reasonably higher than the neck. New strings and clean of the fretboard and I can't put it down. Sounds fantastic. Has the clarity of gibby 57's I have in Gibby SG, and when I pick up a '17 Gibby Trad Lester I much prefer the Epi.
I also removed the heavy gloop on the neck with some light rubbing with a washing up scourer which has made a huge difference to the feel.
Overall it's not as light as I imagined it might be, however it has fast become the go to. Some great BBK tones (even though I don't sound or play anything near his ability!!) I don't use the coil split/tap as such, however it does sound nice in the middle position with the neck in bucker and the bridge in split, gives an almost tele twang. Also sounds great in all positions with a timmy on low gain.
I thought it was worth a punt for the money, and I didn't have any expectations either way. The only other Epi I've owned/played being a casino coupe, which just doesn't work for me, however the 335 pro is fantastic. I might well buy a full fat Gibby 335 some day, but it will be a while before I do as the Epi more than good enough!
HTH.
Ade.