You wear that guitar well, my friend. I agree about the rosewood board, but I suspect those will be on the way in the next 12 months as part of the next mark up. I don't have a problem with what Gibson are doing with Epiphone as these high-end models are very well-made instruments. But they are edging towards second-hand Gibsons in terms of price, and that is where I would prefer to invest my money given the choice. As ever, another well structured, informative film. Thanks, Leonard.
Thanks so much. Yeah, I’d certainly like to see rosewood, at least on these premium models. I’d agree used Gibson solidbodies are not far off, but I doubt semi hollows will be close anytime soon unless repaired, in poor condition, or perhaps less desirable models like the 335 Studio they made awhile back. When I did my video on the new Epiphone ES-355, I couldn’t find a decent used Gibson 335 for much less than double the price of the Epiphone new. Thankfully, as you point out, Epiphone is doing a good job with these models with features like Gibson pickups and one piece necks. Thanks so much for watching.
That's a beauty. A Sheraton looks good in red! My '97 MIK Sheraton is holding up quite well. It plays good. I do need to replace the pups. The original ones were so microphonic that I could actually talk through them. I put a set of Epi '57 pups in it, but I'm not happy with them. I bought a set of Duncan '59 pups for it, but decided to use them on another guitar, so I got a set of Epi Probuckers that should do the trick. I have the 150th Anniversary Crestwood Custom w/Gibson mini-hums and the Tremotone vibrato. It's a super guitar.
I have an older MIK Sheraton lefty. It's one of my favorite guitars. This one is gorgeous and sounds spectacular. (Len's playing has a ton to do with that) I'm still bothered by the rough fret ends. It's a theme with Epiphone and has been for far too long. I think it's unfair to ask a player to pay 1300 for a guitar with sloppy fret ends, seriously. It's Gibson cutting corners, and that's been a theme for too long as well, IMHO. They won't make these in lefty, so my wallet is safe. Thanks Len, great review.
Stunning-looking Epiphone. I already have an old Sheraton from the late 1990s with completely upgraded pickups and electronics, but the want is strong with the mini-humbuckers and that vibrato unit, beautiful finish and sound. First class presentation. There is a new Epiphone Sheraton Frequensator (Viper Blue) that looks, aside from color and tailpiece, to be otherwise identical to the featured guitar here- BUT for $500 LESS. I have my eye on that too, and would really be a good comparison given the seemingly almost identical looks and very similar feature sets- although am possibly missing some major detail that better accounts for the not-insignificant price difference. Just something for your radar and something you might find of further interest if you weren’t aware of it, yet.
The regular Sheraton Frequensator model, which comes in sunburst, natural, and Viper Blue, look to be fine guitars and I appreciate the correct look. There are some differences which keep the price down, as you suspect. Mainly, they use the Epiphone (import) pickups, rather than the USA pickups used in the 150th model. Also, the neck is the standard 3-piece construction rather than the one piece neck. I doubt there’s a significant functional difference other than the pickups. Thanks so much for watching.
That was a fantastic in-depth review and history, really enjoyed it. Everything about this guitar sounded and looked great though I'm not a user of tremolos. The phrasing is always sublime and tasty when you demo guitars! 👍
As always, a very informative and enjoyable video Mr Len. Your Sheraton is gorgeous. Although I have the IGC 1959 ES-355 in Ebony, I think the Sheraton wins in the looks department - finish, headstock, inlays, knobs. I will be on the look out for that comparative video. Thank you Mr Len!
That is a Beautiful Guitar!! And yes, You and your playing are Beautiful as well!!💥 I really love the history you give us also. Keep up the Super Fun Happy hour Work💥👍🤙
