Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars

Subject: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Feb 99 - 11:12 PM

Well, here's guitar thread #3. You all know the drill...have at it! Besides, mountain tyme ain't in to good a swappin' mood on the Guild thread, so maybe things improve here.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From:
Date: 26 Feb 99 - 05:40 AM

I have a Epiphone PR200 with a Nitro-satin finish. I think it is a great sounding guitar. I recently bought a new guitar. Not because of the sound; but because I didn't like the narrow fingerboard and the dreadnaught shape. My new guitar is small-bodied (the size of a classical guitar--I guess the equivalent of a 00 in size and shape) with a few mm more on the fingerboard width.

So, I don't play the Epiphone much anymore; but, being my first guitar, I don't have the heart to get rid of it. I keep it around to lend to friends who travel by public transport and don't want to lug around their own guitar when they visit.

Murray

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: Big Mick
Date: 26 Feb 99 - 09:10 AM

My second guitar, and the first one I ever bought for myself was an Epiphone FT79 with a cherry red sunburst finish. I bought it in 1967. I don't know if I am only remembering the good parts, but it seems that it had a great action and lovely sound. I have always wished that I could find one that looked like it and was the same model and vintage. I would buy it in a minute.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: jo77
Date: 26 Feb 99 - 02:35 PM

I've a Gibson made 1953 don't know the model it has a replacement back - I was told by the seller it belonged to a Honky Tonk picker. It is really well worn - it has da sound - that gorgeous Gibson nasal flavor. But it can be played at the end of the fret board and sounds sweet with a lot of overtone. The neck alas is too narow for my big paws so I be happy to trade it. Also have a pre ww1 Vega Tubby 5 Strng - very nice sound. I would happily trade both for a Martin set up for strumming only. I am getting too lazy for that hard stuff f picking etc. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 26 Feb 99 - 05:01 PM

It might be a good idea to let younger 'catters know that for a number of years the "Epiphone" brand name has been used on generic Korean guitars. These have absolutely no connection to the beautiful original Epiphones of the 20s through the 50s. In the 60s Gibson took over the name (and a few of the workers...the rest went to Guild) and built some good quality instruments although most were slightly more expensive clones of existing Gibson models. I owned a 1962 Epiphone "Texan",that may be my favourite guitar of all time. I sold it to my friend Bill for 200 bucks to pay the rent! That was 25 years ago. Everytime I visit his place and see "Tex" on his wall I'm sure I hear it crying out to me, "take me back! I'm sorry, what did I do wrong? My strings haven't been changed in years!! Help, I haven't had a proper "F" chord played on me since 1975!" It tears my heart out, but I can't bring myself to ask him to sell it back to me. On the other hand, if I ever hear that he's croaked on the tennis court I might just break into his house..real quick like!

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: rich r
Date: 26 Feb 99 - 06:22 PM

I once had a Gibson J-50, the model with the adjustable bridge, all you needed was a screwdriver to crank it up or down. Got for $50 from a highschool/college singing buddy. Actually I "took care of it" form him during his stint in the AirForce in VietNam. He decided he didn't need it when he got back, although he kept his Epiphone 12-string. A few years later my apartment was burglarized with the thief taking the Gibson, my stereo receiver and my laundry basket. My favorite memory of the Gibson is that I got about $600 insurance payment for it and used it to buy a Guild (see Guild thread).

rich r

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: catspaw49
Date: 26 Feb 99 - 06:26 PM

Thankee there Rick for that stuff I shoulda' included at the beginning of this thread. And jes' to show my 'preciation, let me offer you this.

Me and Cletus would be proud to take your buddy Bill huntin' with us. As card carryin' members of the C.D.H.A. we'd be right happy aknowin' it was the right thing to do for all concerned...'specially Tex.

Ol Clete and me can see one helluva' career developin' for us.....thanks to Buford, but we are havin' a bit of a problem gettin' this thing off the ground. Maybe if we was to help you out here, well we'd settle for some good word of mouth advertizin'...'cept to the police.

'Paw & Cletus

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 26 Feb 99 - 06:51 PM

HI, I just tried a Montana Gibson remake of the Blues king, a small bodied guitar with a great sound .If I didn't own 4 boxes already I would add this one to the home group.It was wanderfull for blues {slide}but also did very well playing finger-picking background for fiddle.If I needed just one guitar for going out on airplanes and the like this would be the one for me!......I did try the modle Robert Johnson played and it was great but I realy love a 14 fret neck .All my best to everyone ,cheers Guy.................................

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: Will (inactive)
Date: 26 Feb 99 - 10:28 PM

I highly recommend taking the CDHA link in cat's note above, for all those in need of a spritual energisation.

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: bbelle
Date: 26 Feb 99 - 10:38 PM

My one and only guitar has been a Gibson B-25; bought it in 1966 and it's been the love of my life. Was browsing the "collectibles" stack at Barnes and Noble and came across a book devoted to Gibson. Interesting book. jenny

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: Ronn
Date: 27 Feb 99 - 12:12 AM

I have a 1947 Gibson L12 archtop F-hole guitar that I found in a pawnshop in Cincinnati in 1978. It has no pickup or cutaway, but has a wonderfully mellow tone that I have found to be ideal for any rhythm playing, be it folk, bluegrass, country, blues, or jazz. The highs are not real bright, so it is not really suited for lead playing, but can be effective in 2 or 3 piece groups. I am guessing that, considering its age and the locale in which it was found, a lot of Hank Williams or Merle Travis-type country was played on it in its early years.

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Feb 99 - 12:18 AM

I've not had many Gibsons. My first real 12 was a Gibson built in 64 and I had to part with my Framus to buy it. See with the Framus you could also take batting practice, play squash, and use it as a sunshade on hot summer days. It was a tough decision but I had to have that Gibson. I could never get what I wanted out of it though...just too heavy a sound, a bit dull. I've often wanted that guitar back,knowing what I do now verus then.

Probably because of the Nashville influence, I've always been disturbed by the Gibson predilection for pickguards and how this affects sound. Certainly the models built for C&W players have had some outlandish things on them. By the way, I just heard of a tragic accident that happened late last night in one of the sequin mines...4 workers sparkled to death in an explosion.

There have been some legendary f-holes over the years and other fine guitars built by Gibson. But I think that when you get used to Martin style instruments (necks,fretboard length and radius,etc.) or Gibson style, the other isn't necessarily bad, but the difference in feel is significant, which a lot of people translate to "bad."

Had a college friend and fellow jug band picker with a B-25 that had a solid MOP fretboard. I need to look him up to see whatever happened to it. Might be a job for 'Paw and Cletus in it. HHMMMMMM

catspaw

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 28 Feb 99 - 04:15 PM

"Hey there Cat". Last night my friend Mose called (I really Do have a friend named "Mose" here in Toronto) and I tried to get him interested in becoming a "catter". I talked him through the process and told him to read the "Gibson" thread, and he laughed at the appropriate parts of my story of losing "Tex" to my friend Bill (who he also knows). When he got to your reply detailing how you, Cletus and Buford might be able to "liberate" Tex, he stopped laughing. "Do you know these people?" he asked quite seriously. "Not really" sez I, "why? Do you think they're dangerous?" I could tell that visions of "Deliverance" were starting to seep into his head. Well, that got me to thinkin' too. If I were wanderin through the woods with nuthin but a fishin rod and my 1924 Florentine F4, and just supposin I encountered three rural folk named Buford, Cletus and Catspaw...well, I'd have to let them know that I had some pretty tough Canadian brothers as well. Problem is that Canadian names just don't inspire the same kind of pictures. We've got too many Nigels and Cyrils and not enough Billy Bobs! But be warned, if you guys try to trade me some shocks from a 56 Chevy for my Gibson, I'll get my brothers Reg, Reg, and Reg to take you ice fishin. How bout that EH?

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Feb 99 - 04:25 PM

Gawd Rick, I'm bustin' a gut here!!!! Reg,Reg, and Reg.....Geez I'm sorry, maybe Mose needs a little more Mudcat education...I suggest showing him the thread on "Today" and the NCM, he can see more of what catspaw is really like...not to mention Art, Sandy, Joe,etc.....and also see how far afield a thread can go.

I appreciated your e-mail. Thanks.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: mountain tyme
Date: 01 Mar 99 - 01:07 AM

Well now I jus no 49 cats is gonna try a'gen ta barter up a deal fer my 56 Gibson Country Western Model Ser.# V7382-20 or my mint mid fifties Framus since he couldn't get up enough anty fer my old Guild. I do like my Gibson a hole bunch an it's more then loud fer a Gibson but when push comes ta shove it jus don't get it on like my D28. Jus keepin it this long shows I really like it so 49 cats if'fn ya is skeemin wif Cletus an Buford ta get yer paws on this here un ya gotta do better then that ole pickup an varmit blaster. Cides, if yer gonna take Rick up on that ice fishin trip a Framus would be the way ta go. Them Framus ones is indefateegable. Be advised them wot goes ice fishin gotta be ones wot really hates their wives. But then it is the best sport ta have if ya like yer beer real cold. I'll be a'waiten fer yer offer an I don't mean Joe.

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Mar 99 - 05:10 AM

I know when I got it tough and I want to do right by you there mountain, so, I'm thinkin' that a huntin' trip with me and Cletus would be givin' us the chance to see what y'all really could use, swappin' wise. And Clete and me are puttin' some serious money into the late Buford's pick-up. Why Clete is doin' a camper conversion that'll make them factory jobs look pathetic!!! And we could loan you Buford's heavy brown coat with the white fanny pack and his coonskin cap too. But I need to warn about some other folks.

Saw you over on that "MUTES" thread and them ol' boys have got holt of some narcotic whats rendered their thinkin' kinda' null and void. They're talkin' 'bout the release of musical energy as heat when you burn a ol' wooden mute. Well I can see what they be wantin' to do next!!! Way they figger it, a well played old Gibson like yours would heat a house for the winter. So you be careful.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Mar 99 - 07:14 PM

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: Mark Roffe
Date: 16 Mar 99 - 01:17 AM

I'd always played Gibsons and Epiphones in my early days, probably because Martins were too expensive for me. I have a well beaten 1957 Gibson LG-3 whose top is held together by a "bridge doctor," and a gorgeous old Super 400. These older Gibsons seemed right to me - they felt not like a Stradavarius nor a piece of furniture, but just responsive and versatile guitars. Haven't tried any newer ones, though.

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Apr 99 - 07:02 AM

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Apr 99 - 07:02 AM

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: Tony Burns
Date: 06 Apr 99 - 07:51 AM

Can one of you please explain the significance (if any) between instruments marked "Gibson" vs those marked "The Gibson"?

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: Ronn
Date: 06 Apr 99 - 11:41 PM

"The Gibson" in script was the trademark that was used by Gibson until 1946. "Gibson" as it appears today started with the 1947 instruments.

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: Tony Burns
Date: 07 Apr 99 - 11:25 AM

I'm almost positive I've seen instruments much newer than 1947 marked "The Gibson".

Can anyone confirm or deny Ronn's information?

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: Ronn
Date: 07 Apr 99 - 11:50 PM

Tony---When I first got the Gibson I described further up the web, I called George Gruhn at Gruhn Guitars in Nashville who I new to be an expert from his columns in Guitar Player magazine. It was he that gave me this info, so I have always accepted this as the straight dope. There may have been some very high end or custom instruments that use the old logo though.

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 12:34 AM

They've used it on some of their newer instruments. (the last 5 or 6 years)

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: Tony Burns
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 09:30 AM

Ronn and Rick, I visited the Gibson web page and have submitted the question to them. I'll post their answer here when I receive it.

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: Marc
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 10:16 AM

Rick; Altho I agree that today the name Epiphone generaly is associated with, and applied to, cheap Korean instruments. I believe I'm in possessian of a pleasant exception. Coincidently a copy, or reissue, of the early 60s Texan. According to the sticker inside. "Made in Montana, 1994" in a limited number. I almost didn't buy it because of the name, but danmit I liked the sound. When I put the money down, 3 or 4 years ago now, the guy at the store say's, " Great choice! Don't let any body tell you that that's a 'cheap Korean guitar', it's as well made as any other in the shop." I had not looked at the sticker inside yet. Since then I've recieved many compliments about the guitars well developed sound, and exceptional feel. I've even had a few older folk whom I respect comment," Believe it or not this is every thing the origanal Texans were, it'll be worth something some day". Myself haveing own only a few other guitars simply think it's a great instrument, probably not exactly all of what your beloved Texan was, But I can immagine how much you miss her.

Marc Bernier

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: dwditty
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 11:16 AM

I recently purchased (well traded for actually) a new J-45. I had one once and it is the one guitar I always regretted getting rid of...even over several old Martins. The J-45 is a guitar to be found in blues, country, bluegrass, folk, rock...you name it. Thw Workhorse is a fitting name. For whatever reason, the J-45's are consistently the easiest guitars I have ever played, allowing me to get shapes that only produce buzzes (clams, if you will) on other guitars. Of course, I will still hang on to my Collings, Guild, and Santa Cruz 12 string.

dw

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 02:20 PM

Fantastic Marc! Sounds like you got a good one. Hi Diddy Wa ditty....indeed it IS a workhorse. Boy this was an old thread.

Rick

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: Marc
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 03:28 PM

Accually, I went and searched this thread out after reading a comment in a 'Cheap Guitar' thread this morning. I hadn't realized how old the thread was until I just read your comment Rick. I really can't believe that a repro built in the 90s can compare to the intruments that were being built 40-50 years ago. This is a nice guitar tho, no plywood, really well made. probably a lucky find.

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
From: GUEST,guitargarr
Date: 12 May 12 - 07:52 AM