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Post by WickedWishes on Apr 1, 2004 19:55:21 GMT -5
I was in my local Guitar Center the past weekend, and I noticed they had re-stocked on their selection of Epi-LPs.
(which was very kewl for I had the opportunity to compare korean to chinese.)
My observations:
Korean models are heavier.
Chinese models had off color binding.
All had Grover tuners.
All had quality fretboard inlays, (no filler)
General craftsmanship were the same, (korean to chinese)
I could not pull the pick-ups of either to verify wood/body/top composition.
Flame tops were also consistant between the Korean and Chinese,(wood grain quality)
My Epi-LP was made in the Saein factory, Korea.
She is an Epiphone Les Paul Standard/Ebony. Mahogany body and neck, rosewood fretboard so dark it looks like ebony. Inlays perfect.
All electronics work perfectly, humbuckers sound great, fit and finish, simply beautiful, w/ grover tuners, sustain for hours, always holds tune, one heavy lady(but soooo,.... nice to hold,...*VBS*) (I want to get another Epi-LP in Vintage Sunburst, Korean mfg.)
So,...Here is my question to the members of this forum.
In speaking of Korean mfg. Epiphones,...has anyone noticed a big difference between a Samick: a Saein: an Unsung: (general quality, fit , finish, etc,...??)
I personally feel that the Korean models are so far, superior to the Chinese models. IMHO
Lemme know what ya'll think
WickedWishes
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Post by BOOJIBOY on Apr 4, 2004 12:05:41 GMT -5
I havn't seen many up close to compare but I can tell you about my Korean LP classic plus (vintage sunburst). The quality is fantastic. I can't claim to be any kind of an expert on guitars but I am a cabinet maker by trade. I really can't find any kind of a fault on the whole guitar.
For £270.00 it is unbelievably good. I can't really see how the chinese factory could improve the quality. What more can I say, great guitar!!!
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Post by ZacAttack on Apr 9, 2004 18:59:33 GMT -5
Ok I was told that the LP specials were made in China and the LP Special IIs were made in Korea. I did not like the Specials for the way they played and that if you looked close you could see flaws in the finish. Plus they seemed neck heavy to me. I passed up the Special IIs for some time based on those reasons. Well when they went on sale I tried them out and liked them much better. Look better, play better, sound better, and just all around feel better. Plus the Special II are all mahogany except for the fret board which is rosewood, and I have been told that the specials were made out of what ever was handy at the time.
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Post by WickedWishes on Apr 9, 2004 21:24:07 GMT -5
ZacAttack
I did not look closely at the LP special or the LP special II, as I had my sights set upon an Epiphone Les Paul Standard, (which I inturn purchased)
IMHO,...I consider the Korean mfg LP's still to be superior to the new Chinese models. Now, this may change with time, quality control, and the Chinese guitars may become the desired manufacturer.
I am planning to purchase a new Epiphone Les Paul in "vintage sunburst" and I will find one with the grain and colors I desire with an "I" for Saein mfg. (but dats me,..*S*)
But ya know,.....its what feels good in yer hands,.....sounds good through yer amp,.....and looks good to yer eyes,.....reguardless of where or when it was made.
"nuff said"
^5
WickedWishes
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Post by Smooth on Apr 9, 2004 21:25:54 GMT -5
what did the 'special' look like? To my understanding there is only the Special II.
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Post by Smooth on Apr 9, 2004 21:44:03 GMT -5
yes the LP Special II's all say Special in script on the headstock, as do the SG specials. Look on the Epiphone site under Electric>Special II and see if it matches with the special you saw. There use to be a "Special" way before they changed to a LP Special II sometime around the mid 1990's. After that they are all Special II's. I can post some pics if that is helpful.
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Post by ZacAttack on Apr 9, 2004 21:54:24 GMT -5
Yeah that would be cool.
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Post by ZacAttack on Apr 10, 2004 14:31:02 GMT -5
what did the 'special' look like? To my understanding there is only the Special II. Ok it looked the same but the epiphone logo was different. It was kind of rounder,fatter lettering and it ....well it was just different than mine. Plus it was used and the store was asking $360.00 U.S. for it , so I asked why anyone would pay that when a new one with a sweeter finish (it was black/ebony) was still only just over $200.00 with tax. The salesman went into this long explaination on how it was a Special and not a Special II. Before that I had played one in a pawn shop that was exactly like the one in question. But since you work for Epi I will go by what you say. The guy was most likely just wanting to make a sale. The only question I have now is what is the deal with the different looking logo? |
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flyv
Full Member
Posts: 71
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Post by flyv on Apr 16, 2004 15:55:28 GMT -5
i have an epi l.p. standard plus refurb that i got from m.f. and saved a couple hundred bucks.its a great guitar,in fact it played so good when i got it i almost didnt want to tweak it.its amazing how a few adjustments can improve a guitar...now if i could learn to sight read music id be all set...
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Post by spacecowboy on Apr 17, 2004 21:39:54 GMT -5
i believe there were some special 1 made at one time.. they came out of the samick indonesian factory, we're talkin about 6-7 years ago though.... take a special II and think cheaper, if you can!
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Post by CAFeathers on Apr 17, 2004 21:57:27 GMT -5
I have an Epi Special II made in China and an Epi LP Standard made in Korea, both were made about 2000-2001. In my opinion the Special II made in China was better made. The workmanship seems to be better and the finish looks nicer. After I did some mods on the Special II it even played and sounded better than the LP Standard with a few of the same mods.
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