I'm getting a semi...

[Concretebadger]

...hollow.

As I mentioned briefly in the diary thread the other day, I start a PROPER JOB that pays PROPER MONEY this summer, so I can save up for stuff again (plus do other things like pay the bills on time and eat properly). To celebrate I want to treat myself to a #2 instrument as an alternative to my JM so a hardtail, double coil pickups and a non-Fender standard scale length would be cool.

Option 1: going for a mid-price Epi or Gretsch ES, like the Sheraton that I had to sell earlier this year. It would be an inexpensive everyday guitar that I can use for practice and rehearsals without worrying about scratches, dings and theft.

Option 2: being patient and saving up for something more classy and . It means waiting longer, but I'd be less inclined to upgrade pickups and hardware later, so it might be more worthwhile in the long run. A genuine Gibson ES is the obvious choice here, but there's the CIJ option like Seventy Seven, which are less well-known but might give me a nicer bit of gear for a similar price.

Option 3: a Jag/Mustang? A baritone? Bearing in mind that I could well just gratefully read everyone's advice then ignore it completely because there's something unexpected and awesome in the store on the day.

I dunno. What would you guys do?

[benecol]

Love semis; have had a few over the years, my best being my current one - a MIJ Edwards 335. I wouldn't bother going full Gibson (they are SO EXPENSIVE), but outside of 90s-era Sheratons, haven't rated any of the Epiphones I've played, and I HATE the necks (and just about everything else) on the Gretsch reissues. So I vote MIJ - Tokais and Edwardses are amazing. Epi Nick Valensi (I think now discontinued) was the real sleeper of the recent Epiphones; was meant to be a corker.

EDIT: just seen the prices of those 77s. Fuck that. Second hand MIJ is where it's at (or new for that matter - search ebay.com - not .co.uk - for Japanese sellers).

[Bacchus]

Check out the Ibanez Artcore range. Mines is brilliant and was £250 second hand.

[Gabriel]

I just got a 335, took a lot of tweaking and there were basic things that had been overlooked in manufacturing, but despite that it's a really great guitar.

I went for Gibson though as I know I won't take a hit on the resale value when I have the dollar to get something built for me.

If I was only concerned about the quality of the guitar I'd buy an Eastman or an older Ibanez AS

[Fran]

This thread makes me feel guilty Martin

If I hadn't bought your Sheraton, I was considering one of the Aldens or even a Harley Benton White Falcon copy.
They aren't revered brands amongst the Cork Sniffers but honest reviews suggest they are excellent for the price.

Benecol is right about the old MIJ stuff but finding one that hasn't been played to death with a load of fret wear, at a reasonable price, is an achievement in itself.
If you think outside the box and look at stuff like old Hohner or the Aria Pro TA models you could find a bargain.

If you like the Korean models you can usually pick up an Epiphone Dot from that era for around £250. I had one in mint condition for that price a few years back and it was excellent.

Always fancied trying a Gretsch but have never heard a good thing about the cheaper models.

Good luck.

[bradzeera]

SEMI HOLLOW JAG, DUDE!

[dezb1]

I have a 1994 epiphone Riviera that I bang on about any chance I'm
given great guitar stopped me wanting a ES. It's the Nick Strokes blokes signature guitar is based on (all he did was swap the humbuckers for P94s)



The pic I always post.

[Mike]

I used to have one exactly like that Riviera

Sort of miss it now


Would prefer be to have a 339 in cherry red like Elliott smith played but never will, they're stupid expensive

[dezb1]

I used to have one exactly like that Riviera

Sort of miss it now


Would prefer be to have a 339 in cherry red like Elliott smith played but never will, they're stupid expensive

Excellent guitar... was my only guitar for 14 years.

[Mike]

That strokes guy gives them good resale too
#blessed

[Noirie.]

I tried a recent Epiphone 339 in a shop and it felt great. On parr with some Korean Epiphones/MIJ Tokai's I've owned.

[dezb1]

That strokes guy gives them good resale too
#blessed

The resale value will only affect my kids cause it won't be sold in my lifetime.

[theshadowofseattle]

I've got an Epiphone P-93 Riviera in black sparkle. Can defo recommend.

[westtexasred]

Can you drive that fast?

[youtube][/youtube]

[Dillon]

My Sheraton (circa-2006, Korean model) is one of my favorite guitars. I got it used for $350 (US), with upgraded (nickel) hardware and wiring. Even without the upgrades, I'd highly recommend one from that time period or older. The fit and finish is much better than the newer Epis. And the Sheraton's inlays are quite nice.

[Noirie.]

Always fancied trying a Gretsch but have never heard a good thing about the cheaper models.

The newer Streamliner ones are great.

Tried one with a Fredric Effects SuperFuzz and a Twin Reverb with the verb cranked and it was fucking insane

[sunshiner]

Resaling value of Gibsons and old MIJ Epis must be the best, on everything else you can lose your money, including Casino. BUT how about Casino anyway?
This 1961 reissue looks amazing

[jcyphe]

The MIJ Epiphones like the elitist and "Epiphone Japan" series were excellent. There were many good Korean Epiphone hollowbodies from the 90's.

[Concretebadger]

Cheers for the input so far, guys. The vote so far is leaning towards "Sloan" so I'll take that to mean that I ought to sit tight and wait patiently for a bargain.

To summarise then: Gibson are overpriced, lower end Gretsches are mediocre and Epis are a bit of a lottery unless you go for select models or MIK, while CIJ is the best bet?

@Fran: no need to feel guilty - I'm glad it found a good home, and you helped me out of a tight spot. I found the box for the pickups btw. They're Tonerider Alnico II Classics, in case you were curious. I couldn't for the life of me remember off the top of my head!