Gibson V Epihone

[asimmd]

Hi All

I see that Gibson have released a small bodied ES-339 semi,just a bit bigger than a Les Paul.

The Epiphone version of the same guitar is released in Nov,and I was quite interested in it
as the usual semi's are a bit too big for me.

My question is,as I know nothing about Gibson or Epiphone,could someone tell me
if Epiphone's are any good?

Thanks

Alan

[dave robinson]

I have an Epiphone Riviera that was built in Japan in the eighties at the Matsumoku factory which is pretty highly rated, so i'm told. My example plays and sounds as good as any of the Gibson 335s' that I have tried, but I have played similar Epiphones' that are nowhere near as good. I have seen this new model and it looks great - my advice try it along side the more expensive Gibson models and decide for yourself.

[JimN]

The Gibson ES-339 has been available for a few years now, and is an astounding guitar - Custom Shop quality at at a low price (c. £1400). That is significantly cheaper than the ES-335, though the workmanship is at least equal to that on the 335 and the materials needed are hardly any less.

Is the Epiphone any good? Well, at its price (given its provenance) it ought to be. But has anyone seen one yet?

While you're at it though, why not check out the new Gibson "Midtown Standard"?

http://tinyurl.com/3lt8dj2

It's effectively a 339 with slightly simplified controls and a Bigsby; a proper USA Gibson for around £1050.

JN

[asimmd]

Thanks for the replies,don't like the Midtown.

I think I am going for the Gibson ES-339,as you say,Gibson Custom Shop for a silly price.

Best of all is,if I don't like it,I can return it no problems.

There are no shops where I am,so I can't try it before I buy.

Alan

[Mikey]

I've had a Korean (Peerless) Epiphone Casino since 1999 and I doubt if I'll part with it...well, not easily anyway!

[dave robinson]

Strange as it may seem I have owned and sold up to twenty Strats' in the eighteen years of owning my Epiphone Riviera which has always delivered and I have never tired of, though I still have my '63 Strat which was with me before I acquired it. The Epiphone has improved with age.