Suggestions???

[starfire90]

Hey all,

I'm needing some advice on a huge decision for me. First of all, I just got done selling my Gibson LP Custom, and today I shipped my Gibson LP Standard and Melody Maker (it was a sale package) to Musician's Friend. I've pretty much decided that unless I'm in possession of a vintage Les Paul (50's-60's), I'm just not going to be happy with one. I'm mean, they're definetly great guitars, but since they're production models, there's nothing that really seperates one from the other. I've finally kicked that "name on the headstock" habit, and I'm returning to Epiphone. Great value guitars! I'm looking at purchasing 3 guitars right now. For an Elitist Les Paul Standard-Vintage Sunburst finish, a Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster, and I'm either going to get an Elitist LP Custom, or an Elitist Dot. Not really sure yet. If I get two Les Pauls, one will be modified with different pickups with the ability to split the coils, and the other will stay stock. I've owned one semi-hollow body in the past (a really nice Samick), and it was a great guitar. I just don't know if I would have much use for one. I play classic and modern rock, old and new country, and also a lot of blues. I don't think it matters either way, if I go with a second Les Paul or the Dot...they're both going to be great guitars. I'm just wanting to know what some of you Dot owners and semi-hollow players in general out there think and how different the sound is. I've played for 13 years, and I know Les Pauls, Strats, and Teles very well; however, I lack the experience in the semi-hollow body department! ;D Thanks in advance to any and all replies. Later!

[Ol Geezer]

Okay, I'll go first then everyone can shoot me down.

I think the idea of having a Dot, Nashville Tele, and Les Paul is a great combination. The semi-hollowbody will serve you well for your blues journeys, and may even inspire you to play differently just from holding the different body size/shape.

None of those three will sound quite alike, and you can cover a lot of musical ground. In my opinion, the split-coil Les Paul wouldn't contribute as much variety as the semi-hollowbody would. One more option to consider would be a Casino in place of the Dot -- Mr. Tadweb of the Epi forums plays blues on his.

And, by the way, I have all these guitars (I'm posing with my Casino in the image to the left).

A final consideration would be the Nashville Power Tele instead of the "regular" one, which adds a Fishman bridge transducer for acoustic sounds that can be mixed-in or used alone (though I've never actually heard one, only seen them).

[supedupviper]

I say getting a Les Paul, Telecaster, and a Dot or Casino is a great combo! With the warm sound of the Les Paul, the twang of the Tele, and the bluesy sound of the Dot or Casino, you can't go wrong!!

What kind of amp do you have?

[starfire90]

Thanks for your replys, guys! Ol Geezer, I think you're right about the expanded tonal palette that the Dot would offer. I think I'm going to go that route. Supedupviper, the amp I'm using (and I absolutely love it!!) is a Crate V-series VFX5212. It's all tube, with 15 digital effects. It features EL34 tubes, and it just rocks! Just like with the 7 Gibson Les Pauls I've owned in the last 3 years, I owned 4 Marshalls as well. I MG 100 watt stack, 1 AVT 150 watt combo, 1 TSL 100 Combo, and 1 TSL 60 watt combo. Great sound...just not versatile enough for me. I just got the Crate 1 month ago...been in love with it since day 1! It covers rock, blues, and country very well, and the digital effects are sweet as well. Thanks again for your opinions!

[ZacAttack]

Wow !!!! This goes to show that different strokes for different folks must be true. Personally I can not imagine trading down from any Gibson to ANY Epiphone, and on the same note trading down from Marshall to Crate. OH WOW MAN!!!!! Ok wait I am not saying you are wrong but the concept is just so farfetched to me that its gonna have to sink in for a while. Anyhow you do your thing by all means. Again I am not slamming you I just have never heard anyone express that viewpoint before. Ok well tell me how it goes for ya.

[starfire90]

Hey ZacAttack,

Yeah...kinda weird, isn't it?!?! Well, let's just say that I've been fortunate enough to try out some great high dollar equipment that I had either always wanted or at least try out. Of course, it's been a few days since I first made this post, and I've been doing alot of shopping around the online dealers and also ebay. I'm currently bidding on a Gibson LP Standard on Ebay right now....exactly what I've been looking for at the price range that I'm looking for. If it was any more, I probably would go with an Elitist LP. We'll see what happens with the auction, I guess. I also bought a G & L Tribute ASAT Classic (telecaster) on ebay this morning for cheap, so I won't be getting the Fender Nashville Telecaster, either. As for the amplifier...I really liked the Marshall amps that I had. But, you know how it is...you see new gear come out all the time, and you can't help but read the reviews on it. The Crate V-series really caught my eye...especially the price. Also, I was fortunate enough to be able to play through one at a music store 100 miles away from where I live. I loved it!! Great tube tone, with a definate vintage vibe, plus 15 very usable digital effects...it just blew me away. The one that I got features 2 12" loud speakers, 50 watts (EL34 tubes), 15 digital effects, and a 2 button footswitch that controls it all. I really like the 2 button footswitch for simplicity...I hate playing the stomp box guessing game on a darkened stage! Honestly, especially on the distortion channel, it sounds just like a distorted Marshall. The clean channel I would dare to say sounds just a bit better than on the Marshall. Of course, I'm not bashing Marshall in any way....they rock! I just found something that I like better and that works better for me...that's all.

[ZacAttack]

Well its all about finding what works best for yourself. I know I may have come off a bit strong. I didn't mean to. Its just the thought of selling a sweet Gibson to buy a sweet Epiphone was totaly forien to me. The amp thing threw me because I guess I am gun shy about Crate amps. I have owned one and know other players that have also owned them. Great out of the box but the older ones I have experience with, have a problem of crapping out on ya. I did get a chance to play the V series the other day at the new Guitar Center they just opened in Ft. Worth Texas ( no more having to drive to Arlington) and I liked it alot. But in the back of my mind was that voice saying "watch it its a Crate." Well I know Crate is better than it was when I bought their equipment so best of luck to you and keep on pickin man.

[starfire90]

ZacAttack,

Hey man, don't worry about. I know exactly what you're meaning. When I first decided to get rid of these Gibsons, I thought to myself "Man...are you crazy?!?!". But, you know, I used to own an Elite LP Custom when they first came out, and I've had 7 Gibson LP's, and I would've put that Elite LP up to any of those Gibson's any day. Now, if I had a Vintage Gibson LP, that would be a different story, and not just because of the value. Guildx700 from the Epi Forum would agree, too. There's just a different vibe about those vintage LP's. As for the Crate V-series, I'm going to stick with them and see how they last. I love the tone, but I may put in a set of Celestions later down the road. But, as for now, I see no need to. I haven't played any of their older stuff, but I have heard the horror stories of Crate, and I was very leary of buying one. But, I think these V-series will last. I love mine! Later.