madbeanpedals::forum

General => Open Discussion => Topic started by: blearyeyes on March 27, 2015, 05:09:11 AM

Title: Ibanez AS93 violin burst! NGD
Post by: blearyeyes on March 27, 2015, 05:09:11 AM
(http://www.shattuckelectronics.com/pics/Front.jpg)

Just want to thank all of you guys for such great input. I bought this guitar and it is sweet! Couldn't have done it without so much input all of which was spot on...this guitar sings and sustains forever, plays all the way to the top fret without a single issue.. She was a little pissed when I yanked her out of the box but after a few minutes she settled and stays in perfect tune, intonation is perfect.... wow!

Thanks!

Sweetwater took a better pic that I could.
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: jkokura on March 27, 2015, 05:16:07 AM
I already have an Epi Dot, so no I don't, but if I didn't have a Dot...

No, I'd get a full size guitar. I like the semi hollow, but when I played a 339 style guitar at my local store I didn't like how small it was.

I'd think of a 5000 series gretsch would be fun.

Jacob
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: GrindCustoms on March 27, 2015, 05:22:38 AM
Quote from: blearyeyes on March 27, 2015, 05:09:11 AM
I'm looking to get some more organic sounding guitar tracks. I was thinking a semi hollow would help..
I can spend a few bucks but GAS has influenced my judgment, what would you do if you could spend some money at Sweetwater?

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ET33VSNH (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ET33VSNH)

I really like my 5122 Gretsch, don't have much experience with the Epi's, but those i tried where feeling good and solid to me. Also sounded quite well.

I just have one gripe with SemiHollows, i think that you have to choose one right off the bat that sonically really suits your taste, 'cause if you're to change the electronics in it, nightmare it is.

Rej
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: blearyeyes on March 27, 2015, 05:25:40 AM
Quote from: GrindCustoms on March 27, 2015, 05:22:38 AM
Quote from: blearyeyes on March 27, 2015, 05:09:11 AM
I'm looking to get some more organic sounding guitar tracks. I was thinking a semi hollow would help..
I can spend a few bucks but GAS has influenced my judgment, what would you do if you could spend some money at Sweetwater?

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ET33VSNH (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ET33VSNH)

I really like my 5122 Gretsch, don't have much experience with the Epi's, but those i tried where feeling good and solid to me. Also sounded quite well.

I just have one gripe with SemiHollows, i think that you have to choose one right off the bat that sonically really suits your taste, 'cause if you're to change the electronics in it, nightmare it is.

Rej

I was thinking the same thing, just changing the pickups I would have be like a man that builds ships in a bottle..
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: blearyeyes on March 27, 2015, 05:28:13 AM
Quote from: jkokura on March 27, 2015, 05:16:07 AM
I already have an Epi Dot, so no I don't, but if I didn't have a Dot...

No, I'd get a full size guitar. I like the semi hollow, but when I played a 339 style guitar at my local store I didn't like how small it was.

I'd think of a 5000 series gretsch would be fun.

Jacob
Thanks Jacob,
With a plywood guitar and having it be smaller I was worried about that same thing.
Thank you for your experience..
I'll look at the Gretsch 5000 series as well..
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: jkokura on March 27, 2015, 05:45:36 AM
Plywood guitar?

The Epi semihollows may have a ply top, but a plywood guitar it is not. Remember that a real 335 also has a ply top.

Jacob
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: blearyeyes on March 27, 2015, 06:17:28 AM
I'm sorry but doesn't being made out of laminate wood make it a plywood guitar?
i did not mean to offend you in any way.
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: blearyeyes on March 27, 2015, 06:20:48 AM
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ETDTEBCH (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ETDTEBCH)

This is less money and doesn't have the split pickup option, but is full sized, what so you think?
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: jkokura on March 27, 2015, 07:49:17 AM
Quote from: blearyeyes on March 27, 2015, 06:17:28 AM
I'm sorry but doesn't being made out of laminate wood make it a plywood guitar?
i did not mean to offend you in any way.

You didn't offend me, I guess my comment was more about the fact that a Epi Dot is very different than the old sears 'plywood' mail order guitars. Plywood is a building material, comes in 4'x8' slabs and is used to sheet floors and walls and roofs. A lot of very cheap, and very poor instruments were made out of plywood, the building material - and I should also say that there are some innovative and pretty cool instruments made of plywood out there too. In so far as plywood is pretty much laminated wood, there's also a big difference in a guitar having a 'laminated top' and being made from plywood.

Generally people call a guitar a 'plywood' instrument is to imply that it's inferior because of the construction technique. The reason the top is laminated has more to do with tradition, and the $3500 335 has a laminated top too.

About the guitar you linked...

I think I paid $375 Canadian for my Dot, used. You can find them pretty easily for cheaper. The ones made in China tend to be pretty consistent. I think Epi has a good factory there, as opposed to the inconsistent factory that was in Korea a while back. Epiphone make really nice instruments based on my experience, and I'd be happy to pay $400 for a new one. Get a hardcase if you can, and if you can choose the colour I've always preferred red.

Jacob
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: micromegas on March 27, 2015, 11:05:59 AM
Regarding small semi-hollows... I have a Ibanez AM-400 and I'm in love with it. It has maple top and mahogamy body. I'm in love with it and it's as comfortable as it could get. It is true it doesn't sound like a full-sized one, but it has it's own essence and plays great with distortion.


Here's a photo of mine (literally, this is the one I bought)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/500x300q90/819/cimg1294y.jpg)
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: lars on March 27, 2015, 03:12:38 PM
If you want an Epiphone semi-hollow, go with the Sheraton II. Every Sheraton II I've ever played has played great, and everyone that ever tried the one I used to have would always say, "This is a nice guitar!" I sold mine years ago when I needed cash, and have regretted it ever since.
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: GermanCdn on March 27, 2015, 05:45:20 PM
Quote from: GrindCustoms on March 27, 2015, 05:22:38 AM

I just have one gripe with SemiHollows, i think that you have to choose one right off the bat that sonically really suits your taste, 'cause if you're to change the electronics in it, nightmare it is.

Rej

Actually, this isn't completely true when it comes to Epiphones, at least in regards to the pickups.  The pickups on their hollowbodies (as of the last 8 - 10 years) all have quick connects on them, it's pretty easy to swap them out.  Just clip the zip tie which holds all the wires together in the F-hole, pull the wires through the f-hole, clip the wires from the pickup above the clip, remove the clip, attached hot and ground to the clip, and you're good to go.  Took me about half an hour to swap the pickups on my 2008 Dot.

If you want to change out the harness, that's still quite a bit of work, but can be done.
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: pickdropper on March 27, 2015, 06:27:06 PM

Quote from: micromegas on March 27, 2015, 11:05:59 AM
Regarding small semi-hollows... I have a Ibanez AM-400 and I'm in love with it. It has maple top and mahogamy body. I'm in love with it and it's as comfortable as it could get. It is true it doesn't sound like a full-sized one, but it has it's own essence and plays great with distortion.


Here's a photo of mine (literally, this is the one I bought)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/500x300q90/819/cimg1294y.jpg)

I think many of the Ibanez semi-hollows are a very good value for the money.  I have generally preferred them the Epiphones I've played at similar price points.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: blearyeyes on March 28, 2015, 08:48:39 AM
Saw this:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HB35TS (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HB35TS)

Looked interesting as well.

Epi has a les Paul semi-hollow.

I really don't want to go to guitar center to try all these suggestions out. I think there's one shop not to far away that might have decent selection...time for a road trip..
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: blearyeyes on March 28, 2015, 10:56:55 PM
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AM93TKS (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AM93TKS)

OK been thinking about everyone comments...look at this one tell me what you think...
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: blearyeyes on March 28, 2015, 11:09:17 PM
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Blue-LP-Standard-6-Strings-Supreme-Tiger-flame-Electric-Guitar-guitar-factory-from-china-free-shipping/1684157974.html (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Blue-LP-Standard-6-Strings-Supreme-Tiger-flame-Electric-Guitar-guitar-factory-from-china-free-shipping/1684157974.html)

China...roll the dice?
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: GermanCdn on March 28, 2015, 11:19:16 PM
Quote from: blearyeyes on March 28, 2015, 11:09:17 PM
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Blue-LP-Standard-6-Strings-Supreme-Tiger-flame-Electric-Guitar-guitar-factory-from-china-free-shipping/1684157974.html (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Blue-LP-Standard-6-Strings-Supreme-Tiger-flame-Electric-Guitar-guitar-factory-from-china-free-shipping/1684157974.html)

China...roll the dice?

For 300 bills. Hell no.  You can easily pickup a used Dot or Ibanez for that price.
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: blearyeyes on March 28, 2015, 11:26:50 PM
Quote from: GermanCdn on March 28, 2015, 11:19:16 PM
Quote from: blearyeyes on March 28, 2015, 11:09:17 PM
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Blue-LP-Standard-6-Strings-Supreme-Tiger-flame-Electric-Guitar-guitar-factory-from-china-free-shipping/1684157974.html (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Blue-LP-Standard-6-Strings-Supreme-Tiger-flame-Electric-Guitar-guitar-factory-from-china-free-shipping/1684157974.html)



China...roll the dice?

For 300 bills. Hell no.  You can easily pickup a used Dot or Ibanez for that price.

You are of course correct.. Total gamble and they are counterfit. 
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: PigeonFX on March 28, 2015, 11:32:15 PM
Another fan of the Epi Dot here, think its a ridiculous amount of guitar for the money!

The ES-339 is a little to small for me, but also love the Epi Sheraton (despite the Liberace gold hardware).

Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: jtn191 on March 28, 2015, 11:42:22 PM
Looks pretty nice. I like the sunburst...my ideal guitar of that style would be a 330/Casino. I got pretty close with an epi riviera p93
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: blearyeyes on March 29, 2015, 01:28:25 AM
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AS93VLS/sn211205S15011237 (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AS93VLS/sn211205S15011237)


Ok this one frosts my cupcakes. There is a demo below I think where they play the full size and then the smaller size. Not too much difference but the full size is rounder in tone and fits what I'm looking for...this one is not bad on the book match grain so I'm getting a twitchy buy button finger... IBANEZ Artcore AS93.   
Smaller one is the AM93

SOMEBODY STOP ME!
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: chordball on March 29, 2015, 02:23:43 AM
That sure is sexy. Price is right too. Oh wait, I was supposed to stop you wasn't I?  ;)
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: blearyeyes on March 30, 2015, 04:30:38 PM
Yea. Talk me outta it chordball! 
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: GermanCdn on March 30, 2015, 04:34:23 PM
Do it.  You can't fight it.  Give in.  It's easier that way.

Says the guy who's been on the road for four weeks and has 5 guitars waiting for him at the post office (Hey, I'm on a Charvel kick, what can I tell ya?).
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: blearyeyes on April 01, 2015, 12:46:57 AM
CLICK.......BOOM!  GAS!

Trigger Pulled....
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: gordo on April 01, 2015, 02:45:06 AM
Too late to the party.  My buddy has the real Gibson 339 and it sounds amazing. Much brighter than a 335 but bigger than a LP. I'm a big fan of small body hollows.  I have a Hamer 25th Anniversary that's about the LP size with the standard 335 center block construction and it is a nice mix of tones.

The Hamer is solid maple top with routed mahogany for the body. All Gibsons are "plywood" (in Gibson speak: laminated) to my knowledge.  Don't know your playing situation but at high volumes the hollowbody takes on a life of it's own and "plywood" is better at not having hot spots.  Part of the art is moving a few inches to coax overtones and feedback from your amp and on a good night (I'm in a praise band so morning for me) you can control your tone as much from moving around the stage as working your pedals and volume/tone knobs.
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: blearyeyes on April 01, 2015, 03:12:21 AM
Waiting......
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: pickdropper on April 01, 2015, 03:58:51 AM
The Super 58 pickups I had in my old Ibanez Hollowbody were stellar.  Hopefully yours are just as good.
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: billstein on April 01, 2015, 04:07:14 AM
congratulations. That is a real beauty.
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: blearyeyes on April 01, 2015, 05:05:46 AM
Thanks you guys! I hope so too.....
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: ar on April 01, 2015, 05:17:03 AM
Also late to the party, but I'm looking for a semi hollowbody too. Tried the epi 339, played 4 and they all were awful. Never liked the dot or most of the Ibanez I've tried to.

Right now it's a toss up between one of the new gretsch center blocks and a Hofner very thin. Leaning towards the gretsch, mostly because the super hilo pu is really amazing fat and full. The neck on those is dreamy... But then here's the Hofner.....
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: muddyfox on April 01, 2015, 07:12:22 AM
i had the as93 in violin burst... it was a stellar guitar with impeccable workmanship and i'm kicking myself to this day for letting it go... don't even remember what i used the money for anymore.
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: blearyeyes on April 02, 2015, 07:12:34 PM
I bought the AS93 but as far as I can tell the only difference between the 73 and 93 is cosmetics and I think pickups.
Still, looking at the AM93 Yellow burst had me teetering. That is smaller and more electric guitar sized. Very pretty fer sure.

Another guitar I would like to own is a Fender Cabrionita.
Title: Re: Would you buy this guitar if you could?
Post by: blearyeyes on April 08, 2015, 01:53:07 AM
Waiting.....
Title: Re: Ibanez AS93 violin burst! NGD
Post by: jprizz on April 08, 2015, 11:34:57 AM
That's a beautiful guitar. Have fun with it!