Conference napalm::guitar

Bad reviews,, ???  Mixed maybe,,

Given the price range, I don't think you could find
a **Better** guitar for around 400 bucks, (that statement
is KEY,, Better guitar for around 400 bucks..)

hey if you can find a better les paul knock off for
under 500 bucks, I'll buy it for you !!!

    
    I feel the same way but seem to get intimidated by the salesman at the
    music shops...I can get a LP EPI through MDW for 450.00..+/-
    What about the Washburn Hawk, any thoughts ?

    
    
    I've never heard of the Hawk, so I'll leave that one for the better
    informed.
     
    For that price range you could also look at the Japanese Fenders, which 
    might suit you.  Lots of "as new" American Standard Strats appear for
    $425 or so in the Want Ads.  You could also buy an Ibanez RG550 used 
    for that price.  Lots of choices.
    
    Kevin
    

I've never heard of a Hawk either,, but I can bet ya a new
set of strings that Washburn, and Epiphone probably come
out of the same factory in Korea!?

    
    Exactly....do you think they are made by Samick ? I've only seen
    Samicks in one store and they are considerably less than they Epi
    copies. I looked at a 335 copy that could be had for 420.00.

    <Exactly....do you think they are made by Samick ?

I think they are..

interestingly enough I heard Samik has filed for
bankrupcy,,

something to the rumor that the invested in some kind of 
fleet of tuna boats, (trying to divest or what) and the 
deal went bad...

$$buy$$ the way, Epiphone has just come out with a 
whole new line for 97..  There's a new Sheraton with
a trapeze tail (like the original) and they've also
re-issued the Broadway, and they've expanded the
choice of finishes, and colors.. and oh yea, the
list prices have gone up!

also, expanded the Les Paul and Archtop line by 
offering Bigsby tremelos on Pauls and some of the
thineline archtops.

They've also expanded they're amps and made a 
coupld of trace elliot knock off acoustic amps

Gotta go check out the catalog,,, I'm convinced
that the recent insanity on the Gibson USA prices is a ploy
to legitimasize the Epiphone imports, I'll bet the margins
are MUCH better on the Epis...  cash flow baby!  Cash Flow!

     Music 1 in Billerica has all their EPI Les Pauls mared down to $400 as
    of this past saturday. I took my son in to his lesson and the owner,
    Ken Lemire, told me that the mall owners are forcing him out. 
    Seems that the new shop next door to him has been complaining about the
    noise. Mall owners say soundproof or move. He can't afford to
    soundproof or move to new location so he's getting out.
     In short, he'll be marking all his stuff down. 
    He's located in a stip mall in the center of Billerica on 3A.
    486 Boston Road, to be exact.
    
    cheers,
     Bob 
    

Sounds like an oppourtunity to swoop in and save some
bucks,,,  Wonder if he's got an Emporer's ?  Love
to steal one of these for a bargain basement
price!

     I don't recall seeing the Emperor models but he has a few Casino
    and Riviera models along with about 8-10 Les Pauls. 
    
    The phone number is 508-663-9200 if you'd like to call and check
    on anything.
    
     I'll be sorry to see him go. My son really clicked with this guy
    right off. 
    
    bob

    First off, mega thanks to Bob C. for the heads up!!  
    
    Secondly, RUN, don't walk to Music 1 for their mega Epi blow-out!
    Not since note 1103.* has there been such deals to be had!!!
    
    I picked up two, count em, two les pauls tonight -- the aforementioned
    Black Beauty I had my eye on, as well as a *beautiful* flame top STD
    in a heritage sunburst finish.  Both axes, $400.00 bills out the door.
    No tax, CASH only!
    
    Besides the LPs (minue two, there are still at least a dozen left),
    there are lots of goodies to be had -- Fender strats, amps, FX, you
    name it.  Mega deals to be had, but rememebr, CASH TALKS, BS WALKS!
    
    Remaining $400.00 Epi LPs (from memory):
    
    - *beautiful* flame-top STD in Heritage Cherry Sunburst
    - Gold Top STD (had my eye on this one, too.  Nice!)
    - Natural STD with birdseye maple vaneer top
    - Tobacco sunburst STD w/semi-flame top
    - Transluscent Blue STD w/semi-flamed top
    - Transluscent green STD w/semi-flamed top
    - Silver metalflake STD
    - Gold Metalflake (aack!) STD
    - Red metalflake STD
    - Blue metalflake STD
    - Green Metalflake STD
    
    There are a couple more Pauls escaping my memory.  Word to the wise,
    Music 1 sent out FYIs to all the local stores, who'll probably be 
    buying up their stock at rock-bottom prices asap.  Bottom line, if
    you want one, don't wait.  You snooze, youlose applies here.
    
    Thanks again Bob!!
    /Buck

    
    RE: -1
    
    A friendly P.S. to the semi-hollow oriented folks...
    
    
    I'm not "hip" to the names of the Epi line, but I can tell you:
    
    - No archtop style gits
    - They had two or three 335-style guitars were there, but I did not check 
      price or color.
    
    FYI, Music 1 is open til 8pm.
    

    
    	So this place is Rt 495 to Rt 3 East to which exit?  Is it near
    	the exit?
    
    	By cash, you mean check too, yes?  
    
    	Thanks,
    	Tom

two Epi-LPs for $400.00

Buck, you need to go to confession,!  What a deal!

Cripes, makes my palms itchy thinkin bout it..

   > two Epi-LPs for $400.00
    
    I believe that was $400 each.  List price is $630 for the EPI LP Std.
    Great deal and a nice selection you picked Buck.
    
    I have not priced these at the stores.  What is the going price
    (probably less than list price)?
    
    Mark

    
    All depends...I've seen the basic stds go for 469.00 on up....plus
    you'd have to pay sales tax and shipping if they were mail order, so
    all in all a good deal. Daddy's and Wurlit's has them for 499.00....

    <Both axes, $400.00 bills out the door.  CASH only!

That's not the way I read it.. !

    
    	But he then says,
    	
    	"Remaining $400 EPI's..."
    
    	At $200 each, sounds great.  At $400, I'm not so sure.
    
    	Buck, when you say Strats, are they EPI Strats?  Those are ES-200
    	and ES-300 from an old Music Emporium book.
    
    	Tom
    

    
    
    I took it as $400 each, including sales tax.  No case mentioned. 
    I also assumed that Strats ment Fender, because this place is a Fender
    dealer, no?
    
    Kevin
    

    
    It also reads....remaining $400.00 Epi's...I was there
    yesterday.....they are $400.00 each cash and carry...no sales tax....
    just told him to put the trans Green away for me...

    Sorry for the confusion!
    
    $400 cash EACH -- no sales tax -- cash or check and it's out the door!
    
      
    Directions for the interested:
    
    Route 3 north (from 128) to the Concord Rd./Billerica exit (Rt 3A)
    
    Take a right off the exit -- follow Rt. 3A towards Billerica ctr.
    When you reach the center of town, there is a mall (not THE
    Billerica mall mind you!!) across the street on your left --
    there is a Walgreens, a Blockbuster video, and a couple of 
    other things here.  Music 1 is the store with the purple sign on
    the left.
    
    If you get to a mall with a Cinema in it, you're at the wrong mall!
    Turn right out of the parking lot and head up the street.  The
    correct mall will also be on your left.                       
    

    As Mark said way back, list price for the Epi STD is $630, and the
    list on the Epi Black Beauty is 1,100!!  So the two gits for $800
    in cash was a great deal.
    
    
    Buck, thank god he didn't have marshalls!

    First off, mega thanks to Bob C. for the heads up!!  
    
    Secondly, RUN, don't walk to Music 1 for their mega Epi blow-out!  Not
    since note 1103.* has there been such deals to be had!!!
    
    I picked up two, count em, two les pauls tonight -- the aforementioned
    Black Beauty I had my eye on, as well as a *beautiful* flame top STD in
    an antique sunburst finish.  
    
    Both axes were $400.00 bills EACH (sans case!!) -- out the door. 
    CASH only!
    
    Besides the LPs (minus two, there are still at least a dozen left),
    there are lots of goodies to be had -- Fender strats, amps, FX, you
    name it.  Mega deals to be had, but rememebr, CASH TALKS, BS WALKS!
    
    Remaining $400.00 Epi LPs (from memory):
    
    - *beautiful* flame-top STD in Heritage Cherry Sunburst
    - Gold Top STD (had my eye on this one, too.  Nice!)
    - Natural STD with birdseye maple vaneer top
    - Tobacco sunburst STD w/semi-flame top
    - Transluscent Blue STD w/semi-flamed top
    - Transluscent green STD w/semi-flamed top
    - Silver metalflake STD
    - Gold Metalflake (aack!) STD
    - Red metalflake STD
    - Blue metalflake STD
    - Green Metalflake STD
    
    There are a couple more Pauls escaping my memory.  Word to the wise,
    Music 1 sent out FYIs to all the local stores, who'll probably be 
    buying up their stock at rock-bottom prices asap.  Bottom line, if
    you want one, don't wait.  You snooze, youlose applies here.
    
    Thanks again Bob!!
    /Buck
   

    
    $400 for the $630 list standard is a good deal (roughly 37% off list),
    $400 for the $1100 list custom is a great deal (roughly 64% off list)!
    
    But then I wonder why the custom lists for so much more than the standard?
    $470 more for extra binding and an ebony fretboard seems a lot.
    
    Do real Gibsons also have such a large price difference between customs
    and standards?
    
    /Steve
    

    List for a Gibson LP Standard and case is $2399.  An LP Custom is
    $3559.  
    
    Jim

    -1
    
    yowsa!!  I soitanly am glad my GTS is in remission...
    
    Can someone explain why a LP custom is worth $1160 more than 
    a standard? I know Gibson is out to lunch with their pricing
    and all, but this is just ludicrous.
    
    /Steve

    In the words of Jim Carrey, "Somebody Stop Me!"
    8^)
    
    When I picked up my gits tonight from Music 1, I picked up a third.
    What can I say?  The Gold Top was calling my name!
    
    
    So, that aside, here is the complete Epi run-down of available gits at
    the  store, for those interested (sans the real low-end of the line):
    
    SG Double Neck 12/6 (Jimmy Page axe)
    - (2) Wine red 
    
    Rivera (335 axe) 
    - (1) Sea foam green
    - (1) Champagne
    
    LP Specials (double cut-away with soapbar pickups)
    - (1) Wine red
    - (1) Custom Creme (you know, what the old TV LPs were referred to
     			as "white")
    
    (remaining) LP Standards (dual PU, mahogany neck and body, maple tops)
    - (1) Heritage cherry sunburst w/flamed top
    - (1) Left-handed model in heritage cherry sunburst, also w/flamed top
    - (1) Natural w/birdseye maple top and open humbucking pickups
    - (1) Tobacco sunburst w/flamed top
    - (1) Solid black w/creme hardware (mounting rings, pick guard, etc.)
    - (1) Transluscent Blue sunburst w/flamed top
    - (1) Silver metalflake
    - (1) Red metalflake
    - (1) Purple metalflake
    - (1) Gold Metalflake
    - (1) Green metalflake
    
    
    Cheerios,
    Buck -- In Epi-LP heaven!
                                                                        

>    When I picked up my gits tonight from Music 1, I picked up a third.
>    What can I say?  The Gold Top was calling my name!
 
    And after reading your last note, I was thinking of checking
    out that gold top.  8^(   
    
>    SG Double Neck 12/6 (Jimmy Page axe)
>    - (2) Wine red 
 
    Do you remember what they were asking for this?  I know, it's not
    really that practical, but I've always wanted one of those!
    
    What kind of Strats did they had?  (American STD would be nice)
   
    
    Steve

    Jeeeze! I think I caused a riot! Glad you had such a good time
    there Buck. The owner called me Monday night and thanked me for
    putting the note in here.
    
    For those asking about the fender line, my best recolection is
    that most, if not all, are Squires. There are some Ibanez Strat
    style and some Guild aucoustics in back room.
    cheers,
    bob

    
    I picked up the Epi LP STD Trans Green last night....I almost took that
    Gold Top but figured I'd get out while I could. I'm not into the razzle
    dazzle colors but the green was kinda pretty..the maple tiger eye or
    cats eye, whatever they call it that was a real looker was gone. 
    
    I just couldn't afford the archtops...real nice....
    
    I purchased a soft bag..thought I could get a hard case but he
    wouldn't bite...cost $22.00..
    
    

    I also stopped in at Music 1 last night with my son. I tried to 
    convince him to buy the LP/Classic with the bird-eye maple veneer
    top...nice guitar. But his mind and heart were set on buying a 
    Gibson LP, which later last night he bough used (LP Studio at 
    EU Wurlitzer in Boston.
    
    Music one also had two EPI Riviera and one Casino....but the Casino 
    sold as I was leaving. 

    A seafoam green Riviera!  Oh man, I wish you hadn't said that...
    
    Does anyone else notice Kitty-Hawk-like-blowout-mania-wave starting to
    form here?
    

    As a price datapoint...I'm pretty sure I heard the EPI Casino go 
    out for $650 w/ hardshell case and including tax.
    
    They also had some Ibanez and Guild accoustic electrics. I played the 
    Ibanez blue sunburst accoustic/electric cutaway w/ equalizer. Regular 
    price was $449; could have picked it up for $300-350. 

    re:  As someone said way back...  
    
    Upon closer inspection (sorry, I was dazzled by the vast array of
    Pauls!), the Strats there are of the Squire series.  Most are in Black
    or White, both with and w/o tremolo systems.
    
    
    re: RickC
    
    Yes -- that seafoam green Rivera SCREAMS retro!!  I like the big silver
    "E" on the pickguard -- make me wanna play surf music!  8^) I forget
    what the tag said -- $6-something -- but the key here is there are
    DEALS to be had at Music 1.  Bring cash and Ken will talk to you,  My
    deal on the Black Beauty is living proof!
    
    Re: Jonathan
    
    Too bad your son was dead-set on a GIBSON.  To be honest, the Gold Top
    I bought last night played and sounded *better* than my old Gibson LP
    Standard (yes, the *real* thing!) EVER did.  I'm glad I played it and
    just didn't LOOK at it -- it was a sweatheart of a guitar, one which I
    could not pass up owning.
    
    
    Cheers from Les Paul Land...
    /b
    

     	Music 1
    	Ken Lemire, Owner
    	486 Boston Road
    	Billerica, MA
    	508-663-9200
    
    
    Directions:

    Route 3 north (from 128) to the Concord Rd./Billerica exit (Rt 3A)
    
    Take a right off the exit -- follow Rt. 3A towards Billerica ctr.
    When you reach the center of town, there is a mall (not THE
    Billerica mall mind you!!) across the street on your left --
    there is a Walgreens, a Blockbuster video, and a couple of 
    other things here.  Music 1 is the store with the purple sign on
    the left.
    
    If you get to a mall with a Cinema in it, you're at the wrong mall!
    Turn right out of the parking lot and head up the street.  The
    correct mall will also be on your left.                       

    > Music one also had two EPI Riviera and one Casino....but the Casino 
    > sold as I was leaving. 
    
    Yep, to me.  :-)  This is the emerald-green Casino that had been
    calling out to me since around March 1996.  Every time I'd go into
    the store, month after month, there it was still hanging there
    looking at me.  It was almost a weird psychic thing (not that I'm
    into any of that stuff, but it seemed strange), almost like "Oh,
    there's my guitar hanging up there, what's it doing here?" :-)
    
    After reading Bob Corrigan's note yesterday, my fate was sealed.
    
    I went to the store.  There were a few customers there, and maybe
    fifty or sixty electrics on various walls and stands.  And one of
    the customers, sitting on a stool over to the side, was playing...
    "*my*" guitar!  Hey!!  :-)
    
    After he tried it and the two Rivieras ("Champagne", eh?  Looks like
    dark pink to me... :-)), I tried the Casino and liked it a lot.  So
    did the other guy, and I told him he could have it since he was there
    first, and all that (hey, I'm a nice guy), but he passed for the
    moment.  So I went home and incredibly got permission from the
    financially-stern spouse (there's a whole story there), and then
    went back to the store and bought it.
    
    Yeah, I probably paid $50-100 more than I should've for this critter,
    but what's money when you're in love?  Besides, the case alone is
    a thing of relative beauty, compared to the plastic-and-foam shipping
    crates that pass for most cases these days.
    
    I'd like to thank Bob Corrigan and all others who've entered this
    information in here.  I know that Ken appreciates it; he was telling
    just about anyone who'd listen about Bob's posting and all the support
    he was getting from "Digital people".
    
    I wish that Ken would re-open somewhere else, but it seems that it's
    not feasible financially, and I got the feeling that he was more than
    a little blown away by the whole recent experience, and he didn't
    seem too eager to start anew somewhere else, too bad.
    
    Chris

    By the way, at least as of 6:00 PM last night, there was still
    *lots* of great equipment there.  It didn't have that "stripped"
    look that all-too-frequently signals a store going out of business.
    So check it out if you're in the area... the Epi Les Pauls were
    especially nice, and if the Casino had been gone I might have
    been tempted to get that nice Cherry Sunburst Les Paul for $400.
    
    Chris

just suggested to a bud of mine who's been thinking about a
new amp, and maybe a new git-fiddle to check it out..

I may be going up there with himn tonight, I'll have to
make sure I leave the credit cards at home,,,  not really
looking for trouble myslef!!!!

    
    	I purchased the Trans Limited last night....just sent an inquiry
    through Music Tools and got a price quote back for $509.00 less ship..
    So all in all a good deal...

    
    If this sale had happened a few years ago when Guitar Notes was
    hopping, the owner would be in shock by now.  
    
    Scads of smart GTS shoppers with money to spend, notified by an 
    electronic medium the sales guy has never heard of.
    
    Yeah, I'll bet he's *real* interested in Notes right about now.
    
    8-)
    
    

    
    A customer at Music 1 was real interested in the Notesfile....he looked
    at the guitars and said that he had to purchase a new P.C. first.... 

    Well, Music 1 just sold another Epi Les Paul!  8^)   I had my 
    heart set on the heritage cherry sunburst, and luckily, it was
    still there.  It just *feels* right, and really has a nice
    finish.  Can someone tell me what the extra $1000 or so would
    get me for a real Gibson LP STD?  I know that the hardware is
    probably better on the Gibson, but what else?  Pickups different?
    Buck, they showed me the Gold Top you bought, NICE!  
    
    They also had an Epi C-70-CE acoustic/electric that I'm debating
    about.  It played REALLY nice, and the piezo pickup setup sounded
    good, too.  It has the single cutaway, solid rosewood back, sides,
    and neck, but has a laminate top.  The price seems pretty reasonable
    ($320 w/hardshell case), but I'm really looking for a classical
    guitar w/solid top (preferrably spruce).  Anybody know of a solid
    top classical in the $500-$700 price range? 
    
    I also tried the Epi SG double neck.  It's a nice guitar, but it
    kinda feels strange playing that thing.  If I hadn't bought the
    LP, I might have considered it, as the prices were good.  They 
    had two, one with bolt-on necks, and one with glued-necks.  I think
    they were asking ~$600 and <$800, respectively.
    
    It's too bad Ken's going out of business, as he (and his staff) 
    are very helpful and pleasant to do business with.
    

     I couldn't stand it any longer, I stopped in on the way home
    from work yesterday. Played a few LPs and the Mex Strat. Came
    away with the Strat. I just wasn't as comfortable playing the Lps.
     Bought a Princeton 112 and a hardshell case too.
    The Strat is a Squire BTW. Says Squire in small print on the headstock
    with a large Fender logo. Something I hadn't seen before.
    
    Really, Guitar shops AND this Notesfile should have Surgeon General
    warning stickers on them.  ;^)
    
    That Aqua colored 335 was still there FYI. A Riviera, I believe. Very
    nice guitar but out of my range. So I didn't even get withing arms
    reach!
    
    Bob
    

    <Can someone tell me what the extra $1000 or so would
    <get me for a real Gibson LP STD?  I know that the hardware is
    <probably better on the Gibson, but what else?  Pickups different?


	Biggest difference ?  The Gibson says GIBSON on the head
	stock...

	really, that's the BIGGEST one..

	other than the pickups aren't Alnico's they're import knock
	offs, the machine heads aren't as good as what you'd get
	on the standards, but I don't think that they're bad machine
	heads, and I think there 12 to 1 tuners, so they're pretty
	standard..

	Wood is of course of a lesser grade,,,  but do all these things
	justfiy the $1,400  ??  Depends on what you really want, and how
	much disposable income you have.

	So you guys all happy with these Epiphones ???

	/pelks.

    Steve
    
    Good score -- your guitar was a tough choice between that and 
    the antique sunburt one I picked up on Monday.
    
    Yeah, that gold top has one nice hunk of wood on it (the back)

    re: /pelk
    
    Thanks for the info.  It would be nice to have GIBSON scrolled
    across the top, ego ya know 8^), but the prices are so out of
    whack!  What would replacing the heads/pickups run me? ...and
    is it really worth it?  I'm REALLY satisfied with this guitar.
    I brought it home last night around 10pm, and played it until
    12:30 or so.  I had to turn it down after a while (wife wanted
    to sleep, imagine!), and I eventually had to put it down and
    get some sleep, but the more I played it, the more I liked it.
    This is the first time I've owned a Les Paul (I've always had
    strats & charvels), and was amazed at how different the neck
    felt.  I can play much faster with that neck, and the flatter
    fingerboard doesn't seem to fatigue my hand after playing for
    2-3 hours.  Why didn't I get around to buying one of these
    sooner?  8^)
    
    re: Buck
    
    Thanks, coming from you, I feel more confidant that this guitar
    is as good as I initially thought.  What does the antique
    sunburst look like?  They had a few sunbursts that looked 
    similar (the lefty sunburst LP was neat), but I think they 
    were all cherry sunburst.  One had a noticably darker look to
    it, though.
    
    steve

    Steve
    
    The antique sunburst is a copy of the LP Slash plays in the 
    Sweet Child o Mine video.

    Steve Goodwin wrote:
    
    >$400 for the $630 list standard is a good deal (roughly 37% off list),
    >$400 for the $1100 list custom is a great deal (roughly 64% off list)!
    >
    >But then I wonder why the custom lists for so much more than the standard?
    >$470 more for extra binding and an ebony fretboard seems a lot.
    
    I can clarify this.
    
    I went through the *official* Epi catalog ... said the following:
    
    	o LP STD 	- List $920.00
    
    	o LP BB Custom 	- List $1095.00
    
    So, it's really about $150.00 more for the binding, extra pickup,
    gold hardware, etc.
    
    The $630.00 "list" price seems to be the standard "listed" price
    at the music stores, prior to their "sale" markdown.
    
    
    hth,
    b

Steve Grenier Wrote:

   <What would replacing the heads/pickups run me? ...and
   <is it really worth it?  I'm REALLY satisfied with this 
   <guitar.

depends on what you replace them with..

Gibson replacement Pickups are about 100 bucks a pop..
Seymore Duncans are a little Cheaper (75 to 80 bucks)
Dimazo's probably the same as duncans I'd guess..

Is it worth it ?  Not if you're happy with what's there
now.  my advice is to leave it stock if your happy with it.
(especially if your happy with it!!  Leaving it stock is
the best bet!)  I don't think the tunning heads are an
issue, the ones I have on my Sheraton are fine.

for what it's worth, I've not touched my Sheraton since I
bought it, left the stock pickups and the stock tuning 
heads on it. thing sounds great, my wife, who's pretty much
not aware when it comes to guitars, claims she can 'hear'
the shearton over all the other guitars I use.. claims it
has a very distinct sound..  Go figure huh ? (Given my other
guitars are a Strat + a Ibanez MC400 and a USA Les Paul,,,) 
anyways as far as my  Epiphone Archtop goes, I love it, not 
gonna touch it, I would  buy another Epi in a heart beat.)

Regarding your comment about the neck, the necks on the Epi
Les Pauls are pretty nice feeling necks, I've *always* liked
the way these birds play...  Glad you're happy with it, it's
a fine little guitar for the money!

>>my other guitars are a Strat + a Ibanez MC400 and a USA Les Paul,,,) 
    
    
    But Ray is SUCH a nice guy, he is going to sell the MC400 to me!!

    re: buck
    
    The list price clarification makes much more sense...  and also
    makes the $400 standard a great deal as well.
    
    I'm still left wondering about Gibson though... why they ask $1160
    more for a custom than a standard... it just doesn't make sense.
    
    /Steve
    
    p.s.  BTW- what on earth are you going to do with three LP's??
    	I used to have two, but ended up selling one because when it
    	came to picking one up to play, I always chose the better of
    	the two.
    

yea, I am a nice guy, aint I! thanks BUCK!  But ya know what
I couldn't part with the MC400, even if I had to, it's been 
with me since March 19, 1979, (note that I've marked the 
date as any thing significant mind you)

I have thought about it on several occasions, but can't
find anyone to give me 15 grand for it :^)

So Buck, how cool is the Epiphone Black Beauty ??? Does
it have a bigsby (Imagine!)

/pelks..

    <I'm still left wondering about Gibson though... why they ask $1160
    <more for a custom than a standard... it just doesn't make sense.

hey Steven!

It does if you're looking to add snob-appeal value..

The way I understand it, Gibson has changed the production
specs for the Custom to a Limited Run edition, and they're
supposedly only offering them in Black w/gold hardware.
Although the mainstay Custom to my mind has always been
the white one, with the gold hardware...

Why ?  Don't know,, I guess the Custom has achieved some
collectable status over the Classics, (which are very
cool guitars with the Slim Taper neck and the Cermaic
pickups,, that is if you like it real hot...)

    RE: Steve
    
    I'm building an small arsenal of LPs -- if you had not guessed -- is 
    something I've always wanted to do, but could never do with Gibsons! 
    I'm well on my way.  The pieces I wish to acquire are:
    
    
    [X] - Black Beauty Custom    
    [X] - Standard in Antique sunburst 
    [X] - Gold Top STD 				
    [ ] - Birdseye top STD in amber or natural
    [ ] - Flame top in cherry sunburst
    [ ] - Wine red STD
    [ ] - White Custom
    
    
    RE: Ray
    
    No bigsby.  I had an SG with one, and got over it pretty quickly.

RE: Last..

I know what you're saying,,,  I tried one of my
friends 335s with a bigsby once, it was pretty
bad..  Thing wouldn't stay in tune..

So your BB has the three pickups right ?


Good luck with the Aresnal, it'll be a cool collection
when you're all done...

    RE: last..
    
    Yes, the BB has three pickups.  You know, the "Frampton Comes
    Alive" guitar!  8^)

     I went in to pick up the Squire and amp last night and Ken asked
    me to lets folks know that he's having the dealers in on Sunday
    and expects his stock to be pretty well picked over after that.
     He more than appreciates the support from the "Digital guys".
    
     Last night there were still 8 or 9 Lp's on the wall as well as
    Ibanez strat style(sorry, not up on Ibanez model names). The double
    neck EPI's are still there too. 
     The Ibanez blue sunburst accoustic/electric cutaway w/ equalizer
    is a gonner. Sold it to my brother.
     Having a blast playing with my son now. The new strat and princeton
    112 plus sound great.
    
    Cheers,
     Bob  

    
    The Birdseye Natural LP that they had was beautiful...I took it down
    and it looked like an expensive piece of furniture. The finish was
    gorgeous....it was gone Monday night. The Trans have nice finishes, I
    picked the green cuz the grain showed through more than the blue. It's
    really nice looking. The Gold Top was also nice with a beautiful piece
    of wood on the back. I almost took that since I'm not really into the
    dazzle finishes. 
    Buck....he really came down mucho on the BB, was it because you took 2
    at once ? I almost took the black Std for 360.00 but I couldn;t resist
    something nicer looking. Now if I could've gottn that BB for 400.00
    alone I'm gonna drive myself crazy but I don't think he would've gone
    for that....tell me I'm right...
    
    IS he willing to go down as much for an amp..

     I'm pretty sure that Birdseye was still on the wall last night. 
    I played it wednesday night. The mahogany neck and back were
    gorgeous pieces.
     The black Standard? was still there too. I think he'll go half
    of list on amps without any trouble. Don't tell him I said that! 
    ;^)
     Most of the aucoustics were still on the wall. Though someone
    from here was going back for a classical???? :^)))
     I'm telling ya, there's something that HAPPENS to a person when
    they walk into a guitar shop!
    
    bob

    Are you guys saying his EPI LP Std can now be had for $360.?
                    
    For comparison, Mr. C's Music in Marlboro has a black EPI LP Custom, 3
    pickups.  $599 price tag.  All their EPI LP Std models are $499 tag.
    
    I held a used Gibson LP against a used EPI LP.  The Gibson felt like it
    was twice as heavy as the EPI.
    
    I played a few of them.  I liked the action on the used EPI better than
    the new ones.  I guess they just were not setup properly and could be
    adjusted for better playing.
    
    You guys have really tempted me to go buy one of these!  
    
    Cheers...  Mark
    

   < I played a few of them.  I liked the action on the used EPI better than
   < the new ones.  I guess they just were not setup properly and could be
   < adjusted for better playing.

Quite a true statement...  Most of the epiphones factory
setup is enough to get the strings on and tune them up.
From the factory the gibsons are setup much more maticulously.

You can get the action setup to what ever spec you need
once you decide you're onto one.  The Pauls only take a
few moments to setup with the tune-o-matic bridge.

Full action/neck/intonation shouldn't take more than 20
minuites... I should think to make the sale, any store
owner/sales dude would take the 15/20 minutes to make
it play pretty for you...  You may also need to dress
the frets a bit, some of the Epis comethrough through with
burrs on the top and bottoms of the frets,, (where they'd
been cut and fit to the bingings...)



/pelkster..

    Lots of talk on Epi Les Paul's here. What about Heritage Pauls?
    I looked at a beautiful tiger stripe Heritage Paul yesterday.
    The guy wants to unload it for $700 including case. Sounded
    real nice (kind of 'brutal' next to the Strats I've been playing
    for the last 10 years). GTS is stirring in my loins; how do
    these guitars stack up to the Gibsons?
    
    - Dave

    
    He had one black std on the wall..the list price was a little less than
    the others with the custom finishes but it felt ok to me....
    
    He told me that I could have that particular model for 360.00 out the
    door.....note thatthis isn't a BB just an Ebony STD......

    I played a Heritage LP side-by-side with a $4000 Gibson Historic
    re-issue and thought the Heritage was a better Paul.  Just wish
    they didn't have those headstocks :-)
    
    /tony_the_tiger
    

    
re: Dave, 

	<what about Heritage Pauls?

	Well built instruments, but you get murdered on resale.
	It's mostly an issue of unknown reputation.  

	
    	<I looked at a beautiful tiger stripe Heritage Paul yesterday.
    	<The guy wants to unload it for $700 including case. 

	Is this used, or new ?  New that's a pretty good price,
	used, that's too much.

	This is the problem with the Heritage, Nice guitars, no
	nobody want's em..  For example, had a freind pikcup a
	335 hertiage, paid about $1,600 for it (Ouch) put it the
	want adds cuz he was think, maybe I do want the Gibson
	335. Started it at $900, no calls, dropped the price to 
	$850 no calls, dropped the price to $700, one call, with a
	$600 offer, he still has it, it's a real nice semi...  
	Again, murderous on resale.

	<how do these guitars stack up to the Gibsons?

	They seem like nice pieces...  but: once again, were at 
	the personal preference intersection, same as the Epis,, 

	How to decide?  If you want a LES PAUL, and I mean, really
	been wanting one, than you're probably going to save yourself
	some sleepless nights, just fork over the cash, buy the
	Gibson..  but if your looking for a Les Paul STYLE guitar,
	and ya want a good one, and you really don't care what the
	headstock says,,, than you can buy either Epiphone or 
	Heritage, and wind up with a good axe.  Which one is better ?
	Probably the Heritage, (Materials primarily..)

	Both of these will hurt on resale though, the Epiphone will
	actually percentage wise, probably hold it's price better 
	than the heritage,, agian, nobody wants them and they are
	significantly more than the Epiphone Pauls.

	All my humble...
  

    
    
    Yabut...
    
    If you buy an EPI Les Paul for $400 and decide to sell it for $300, you
    lose $100.  
    
    Name me any scenario where you buy a new Gibson, sell it, and lose only
    $100.  (I'm not talking about keeping the guitar for years and getting
    "vintage prices....) 
    
    Kevin
    
    
    

    Although I've only played two Heritage LPs, I thought both of 
    them were shite!  I honestly think the Epi pauls, although 
    lighter, play better and sound just as good.
    
    The Birdseye model was still there on Wednesday nite, fwiw.
    Maybe it came down for a sale which fell through?  I donno,
    but it is still available.
    
    RE: Epi LP setups.  I will say that all three of the ones I
    recently bought all were in vast different modes of "set up".
    The intonation on the BB was horrible, the action on the
    flame top was high, but the gold top was 'just right' (sort
    of the the three bears story).  But, as noted, nothing that
    15-20 minutes won't take care of.
    
    /b

    re: Ray
    
    the $700 is for a new instrument. That would be more than I 
    would want to pay for a used instrument. 
    
    In 1982 I bought a brand new Gibson LP custom for $660. I sold
    it about 7 years later for $450, roughly a 30% loss. Would I 
    want to do that with a $2200 new Les Paul? No.

    RE: .57
    
    >Buck....he really came down mucho on the BB, was it because you took 2
    >at once ? I almost took the black Std for 360.00 but I couldn;t resist
    >something nicer looking. Now if I could've gottn that BB for 400.00
    >alone I'm gonna drive myself crazy but I don't think he would've gone
    >for that....tell me I'm right...
    
    He dealed with me on the BB cuz I was buying 2 at once, and he knew
    I was looking at a possible third.  Hell, I may pick up a fourth on
    Saturday and will deal again -- we'll see.

    I really need to stay away from that place.  I went back last 
    night and bought the Epi C-70 acoustic/electric classical I 
    mentioned in 3259.41.  Cost me $320 w/hardshell.  I'm still
    going to look for a quality solid top classical, but I figured
    I'll still be able to get $250 or so for the Epi if I sell it
    within the year. 
    
    Meanwhile, the Epi is a lot of fun.  8^)  
    
    They also have a bunch of pedals and effects marked at 50% off.
    The Ibanez Tube-screamer had a nice sound to it, but I ended up
    buying this big ugly green Russian thing.  8^)  I can't remember
    the name of it (muff something, believe it or not), it comes in
    a heavy wooden box with russian writing on it, and looks like it
    was made in 1968 or so.  I really liked the fat, 70s tone this 
    thing had.  Anybody else try one of these?
    
    Steve

    
     FYI, my bro just picked up the Ibanez and an electronic tuner.
    The tuner was marked down $40 from $70.
    
    bob

    <Name me any scenario where you buy a new Gibson, sell it, and lose only
    <$100.  (I'm not talking about keeping the guitar for years and getting
    <"vintage prices....) 

Well I can, and at least two, within the last 3 weeks...  

My buddy Mike, bought a Jimmy Page a few years
ago, paid $2250 for it, sold it last week for $2150,,, So
he only lost 100 bucks, and there was no talking him down.

here's another:
one of my sons friends just picked up a 2nd hand standard, LP
Wine Red, just about brand new, in the want adds for $1k, 
guy paid $1,150 for it last spring, he only lost 50 bucks,,,  
and the kid never once attempted to talk him down!

Now, regarding this thread of EPI Les Pauls, used ones
are usually started at $325 to $375...  I see them all
the time,, So this makes these $400 deals even sweeter, 
given the average store prices are between $489/$545...
but if you look at all this noise in terms of what
happens when you go resale, and then assuming you paid
the going price, you could lose close to 200 bucks on the
Epi Les Paul, cuz your just not gonna sell these things 
for 400 bucks, they simply wont move, so you gotta
get the price down where the rest of the world is.

If the going starting price is 1,000 for a mint standard,
and you paid $1,200, the loss just don't sting as much I
guess. , and percentage wise, you're not loosing as much.

see my point..

/pelks.

    I betcha Buck doesn't try to sell me his Ibanez...  :-)

    re .69
    
    a Big Muffski!
    
    :-)
    

    Hey Coop.
    Don'tcha feel left out here?   We have no music store closing here in
    C/S..... but then, that may just be a good thing.  That much drooling
    could be bad for ya.
    Mike
    

     re .69
     
     a Big Muffski!
    
    Would that happen to be the Sovtek version?
    

    
    Buck....MD a wholesaler (?) wants 579.00 for the BB....

    First off, VERY nice meeting culprits (!) 8^) Bob Corrigan and George
    Hovey at Music 1 on Saturday ... twas a pleasant surprise.
    
    Well, as mentioned, I picked up the birdseye top STD when I picked up
    my gold top.  All four Epis are NICE nice axes -- I'm very happy with
    all of them.
    
    Buck, one step closer to his goal
    
    [X] Black Beauty Custom
    [ ] White Custom
    [X] Antique sunburst STD
    [X] Gold Top STD
    [X] Birdseye top STD
    [ ] Flame top STD in cherry sunburst
    [ ] Wine red STD
    [ ] Tobacco sunburst STD
    

    
    Buck...I picked up a nice Fender amp for the son...it's called a 
    FRONTMAN.....25w with a real good reverb....he has a Crate that he'll
    sell for decent money, actually 2 of them but when is 160w (wife would
    really appreciate that). Somehow I wish Bob never told me about this
    place but I just keep using you as a bad example to the wife, "but, you
    should see this guy from work, 4 guitars!" doesn't work....Bob should
    buy that black std for real decent money but I guess he has more of a
    conscience than me...to think I hadn't touched a guitar in 25 years now
    I'm back to my childhood (is there a message here?)
    Anyways I may go back for a pedal and maybe an amp.... 

    Go ahead, use me as a scapegoat!  8^)
    
    It will be interesting to see what is "left" at the store when I pick
    up the birdseye on Wednesday.  I know that a couple of music stores
    were coming by yesterday (Sunday) to 'pick them clean'.  I'll post an
    update of any treasures that remain.
    
    BTW, when I spoke with Ken on Satruday, he said that he already has a
    new job, so he has pushed UP his date of fleeing the Billerica store. 
    Just an FYI to those following along at home.
    
    
    /b

    
    Have you ever heard of the "Frontman"? Can't find any lit. anywhere ?
    it doesn't have the typical Fender front cloth.....it's black....
    Geez I was going to go there today...hopefully he has some amps left..

Buck, I was there (Music 1) Saturday, probably around noon,
must have missed ya..  saw the Birdseye, and my buddy
Wayne thought briefly about buying it, but decided
not too,,

Also went to the Danvers Guitar Center, picked up a CASE
of strings (dean markley 9s) for 19.95 ($1.67 a set!!!)

    
    	re: Guitar Center - any more news on when it opens in
    	Framingham?  And whether there'll be a big sale.  Geez, maybe
    	a sale to previous customers first!
    

    Guitar Center having a sale?  Gee, that NEVER happens!  8^)

    I stopped in at Music 1 myself on Saturday, also around noon'ish; must
    have just missed yooze guyz.  I had to take a look at that aqua Riviera
    myself.  Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your point of view)
    the neck was too narrow for my tastes.  I saw Bucks birdseye LP, as
    well as several sparkle tops; you could do a whole collection just of
    those.  But the most tempting deal left imo was an Epi LP Special in
    TV yellow.  These are great copies, if you're into that P90 thang.
    
    Kind of a sad vibe while I was there, lots of people stopping in to say
    goodbye.
    
    /rick
    

    Guitar Center opens it doors Thursday March 27 at 7 P.M.  It'll be a
    zoo fer sure.
    

    So Rick, did you buy the LP Special? How much were they asking?
    
    A friend of mine had an early 60's Gibson LP special with P90's.
    There were 2 versions of this. One had a weaker neck joint than
    the other. I'm not sure which one he had, but the neck on it had
    in fact been reset. These guitars play great and the P90's are
    sweet. You can generally find them for less than $1k which is a
    bargain compared with their older cousins from the 50's.
     
    I believe the first double-cut LP Special was introduced in 1961
    and the modified version (with better neck joint) came out in '62. 
    
    

gee Rick funny you mention that T.V. special, cuz that's
the first one we both notice when we walked in the door,
a real double take, had to look twice, looked so much like
it's original counter part,,

and that Birdseye LP that Buck picked up...  how'd he use
ya Buck ?  ($400???) that was tagged a little higher than
the other ones,,,  and did the price include the case ??
curious,, (Wayne was inches from buying it...)

Did anyone make it to the back room where the Acoustics are ?

He had a couple nice Guilds in there, had to get out quick 
before a I caught a relapse of GAS...

    re Specials
    
    Bill told me that everything was half off list; the Special was tagged
    at $750 I think, so you could've walked out with it for $325.  And no,
    I didn't buy it.
    
    Hey Mark, vintage double-cut Specials have been going up lately (as
    have Juniors).  You don't see too many listed below $2000 anymore.
    The double cuts were introduced in late '58 I believe and ran through
    1960, although you occasionally see a few early '61s.  After that,
    Juniors and Specials went to the SG body style.
    
    /rick
    

    -1
    
    Special tagged at $750??  Although I didn't actually see the tag
    for the TV Yellow one, I did look at the tag on the wine red model,
    and it clearly was listed at $450 -- so that puppy would probably
    go out the door around $300 - $325.

    Hmmm, didn't see the red one.
    
    In any event, the yellow one had a "list" price in $700s, and yeah
    a $450 "retail" price.  Bill said "half off list", so I assume he
    meant the higher number.
    

    -1
    
    Probably, but when I was there, this woman was looking at this
    Fugly green Ibanez (ala Poison!).  She asked me my recommendation
    and I told her the red LP special!  The price which came out
    of the sales guy's mouth was in the low 3's ... I rememebr, cuz
    that Ibanez was $275 and I said to myself 'for the extra 50 bucks
    you should really go for it

     Has anyone been in the store since saturday? I'm wondering what 
    is left for stock after the dealer showed up on Sunday.
     Glad to meet a couple of folks from this file(Buck and Hovey)
    on saturday. Brought my Squire in for some work. Problem with
    the nut. High E and B make a pinched "sitar" like sound.
    Apparently the string groove in the nut for these two strings
    is more v shaped than u shaped.
     
     bob

    
    	Hi Bob...i was there again yesterday...he was trying to peddle that
    Crate on me and it was tempting...I picked up a used Boss pedal,
    chorus,delay,distort, and compress for 50.00..it's' not pretty but it
    works...he still has a fair amount of guitars left...he still has that
    Black Std....that you want...offer him 350.00...
    

    Calling Mark Clement -- awesome Black Epi STD for $350 -- hello?

     $350 sounds like a great bargain but the divorce procedings can
    be quite costly, I'm told...;^)
     I'm going to see about a pedal for the Princeton. Noting fancy,
    just channel switching.
    
    bob

    
    Don't quote me....2 weeks ago he said I could take the Black Std for
    360.00 cash out the door....that was before I took the trans....I
    should've made a deal on that BB that Buckley got....
    I would assume as time goes by he may deal more...		
    george

    Temptation!  I know not what to do!  Mark

    <Temptation!  I know not what to do!  Mark


buy now, beg forgiveness later...

Groveling is much easier with new guitars to deflect
the indiginty,.

    Hey folks.  Check out Guitar Center deals on the EPI LPs...
    
    @ http://www.musician.com/selection/deals/guitardeals.html
    
    They have LP Special II at $199.  LP 100 $290.  LP STD $449.
    
    What is the difference between these guitars?  I can see the physical
    difference with the Special II, but what about the LP100 and LP STD?
    
    Thanks,  Mark 

 <but what about the LP100 and LP STD?

Bolt on neck, chrome tuning keys, and alder wood 
used for some parts of the body, and the top on the 
LP100..  plus if you look at the body, the LP100 
is half the thickness, and no bindings... 

    
    Yesterday I got the new brochure from Musicians Friend....the prices
    are shocking compared to what one can get around here...their catch is
    that you can pay in installments....3...so they tell you that it's
    easier to manage..they have a huge collection of EPI's and Gibson....
    I guess some of the stuff, pedals, etc,,,aren't all that bad but they
    can be beat....they sent me 2 catalogs if someone wants one let me
    know..

    re -1
    Shocking in what way?   Higher / lower?
    

I've been a Musician Friend customer for about 2 years now.

Fast service, easy to deal with, never screwed up an
order,, and they treat you the same regardless of wether
your buying three sets of strings, or a 500 dollar item..

These installments, are simple..  it's based on your
credit card,, and I think they bill your CC via
the installments, or something like that...

But, their prices are o.k., I think you can probably
get the Guitar center to beat them on most stuff..
for example, the Digitech RP12 is $499 at M.F., the
Guitar Center in Danvers had a SKID of them in the store
on Saturday for $449...

Like anything else, Mailorder catalogs define the prices
that you go to the local store to begin your niggling
on!!!  8^)



/pelksta..

    
    I really don't think I'd buy a guitar via Musicians friend or any other
    catalogue.I'd be really leary about what they sent!
    
    
    has anyone got any stories about buying mail order?
    
    						ian

I've bought mail order for a lot of stuff...

I bought a 1962 reissue Fender Start (jap made) about
10 years ago from East Cost Music Mall, even had the
guy who did the setups call me ask me a few questions
before he put it on the truck.  Ordered in on a Monday,
it was at my door Wednesday afternoon (ups).. 
it was one of the nices jap strat reissues I've had, 
(had a few), sold it just last year when I bought my strat
plus..

Also, bought my Digitech dsp128+ mail order, never failed
me, had it for 8 or 9 years now,, 

cables, strings, microphones, crossovers,, 35mm cameras, 
lenses, filters,, all mail order, no problems at all, ever..  

    The only guitar that I ever bought mail order was a Carvin.  No regrets
    there, although I no longer have the guitar.
    
    I've bought a guitar case and effects mail order.  In all cases I was
    satisfied. 
    
    For guitars my first preference is to play them in person, and I'm
    willing to pay a little extra to play before I buy.  In general,
    though, most of my local dealers are reasonably competitive with
    mail order pricing (and some mail order places don't have that
    great of prices, anyway.)  In addition,  I have Elderly Instruments 
    (major mail order place and the worlds largest martin dealer) about a 70 
    minute drive from here (metro Detroit), so I really have the best
    of both worlds (a top-notch store with a huge inventory and mail
    order prices).
    
    Now camera and telescope stuff is a different story.  I've order quite
    a bit of stuff mailorder and have had both very good (Camera World of 
    Oregon) and very bad (Adorama) experiences.  
    
    Jim

    A friend of mine bought a Rick 335 from Mannys music via mail order.
    After a few days, the guitar arrived in satisfactory condition. A 
    few days later, a second Ricky 335 arrived. He was only billed for
    one guitar.  He was honest and sent the extra Ricky back to Mannys.
    
    Mark

    Guitars are a bit hard to buy before you try.  Each one is an
    individual.   Other toyz like effects, any rack gear, etc... are just
    boxes pushed over the counter.  I find I can buy them mail order with
    good satisfaction.   In fact, some noters will tell you stories of
    local stores re-packaging their demos or floor models and selling them
    as new.    
    Most of the catalog type outlets only move boxes thru the warehouse, so
    the chances of getting something pre-opened are pretty small.
    Mike
    

    I've bought many a (fine) guitar mail-order -- no problem!
    
    fwiw

    Here is a Music 1 "available" Epi run-down as of 3/19/97:
    
    
    SG Double Neck 12/6 (Jimmy Page axe)
    - (1) Wine red, bolt on neck 	$500
    - (1) Wine red, glued in neck	$600
    
    Rivera (335)
    - (1) Sea foam green		$???
    
    LP Specials
    - (1) Wine red w/p-90 pickups	$???
    - (1) TV Yellow w/p-90 pickups	$???
    
    LP Standards (maple top, mahongany body and neck, rosewood board, etc.)
    - (1) Tobacco sunburst w/flamed top	$400
    - (1) Solid black w/creme hardware	$400(?)
    - (1) Left-handed cherry sunburst	$400
    - (1) Silver metalflake		$400
    - (1) Red metalflake		$400
    - (1) Purple metalflake		$400
    - (1) Blue metalflake		$400

    
    	Buck...I thought that yellow was a Samick or were my eyes looking
    at the wrong item....or are we playing the name game here?
    
    	How bout the acoustics?

     I stopped in last night on the way home to see what's left.
    the only additions to Buck's inventory list that I noticed are;
    
    LP Standard, Green metalflake
    
    and the acoustics; (the ones that stick out in my mind)
    
    Guild cutaway Acoustic/electric
    Guild D28
    EPI Chet Atkins A/E
    Epiphone 12 String
    
    There were quite a few more. Ken was marking them, and other items
    with red stickers priced at half of list. My sense is that he would
    like to move more acoustics at this point so there may be room for
    bargaining on that red sticker. Just a guess though.
    There were a few Crates left and 3 or 4 Fender Frontman practice amps
    priced at $80 to $90 with reverb.
     
    I think Buck was refering to the TV Yellow LP Special. I remember
    seeing one Samick there. Don't recall if it was yellow or blue.
    
    bob(in WinNT training this week)
    
    
    

    Just for comparison's sake,  that double neck Epi is featured in the
    latest Musician's Friend catalog at $899 for the bolt-on and $999 for
    the set neck.  According to MF, the list prices are $1,488 (bolt) and
    $1,688 (set).
    
    	FWIW,
    
    	Rick
    

Geesh, I would ***LOVE*** to pick up that Guild Thin body
cutaway....  man- if I only had the cash...

    Whats the price of the Guild Cutaway acoustic?  Mark

    I'm not sure what the Guild sells for. If it's from the natural series
    (matte finishes) it's probably in the $600 range. 
    
    I wasn't aware that Guild had a "D28" model. They make D15, D25, D30,
    D50, D55, etc. but no D28 that I know of. The Guild equivalent to a D28 
    would be a D50 (Indian rosewood).
    
    Guys, I must admit the Music 1 deals sound interesting and if I was
    in a buying mood, I'd be tempted to check them out. But I really am
    a died-in-the-wool want-ads fan. I bought my Guild D25-12 out of the
    want-ads for $375 and it is *MINT*! Show me a music store that will
    sell a comparable guitar this cheap and I'll become their best 
    customer. I bought my Gibson ES175 for $700 and my Gibson Firebird
    for $600. Try finding a mint ES175 for $700 anywhere! It can't be
    done.
    
    The Epi models that interest me are the ones that were original
    Epi models back in the 50's such as the Emperor, Sheraton, Riviera,
    Casino, Howard Roberts, etc. I would expect to find used/mint (import)
    Epis in the want ads in the $200 - $300 range.  I don't care how nice
    these guitars are, they are imports and this is what used ones are
    worth! 
    
    Mark
    

    
    As for me...I'm waiting for the opening brawl at Guitar Center-Natick.
    
    Hey Rick C...  when did you say they're going to open their doors?
    
    /Steve
    

    Guitar Center opens a week from today, at 7 P.M.
    

	>>Guitar Center opens a week from today, at 7 P.M.
    
    
    Does that mean the ::GUITAR noters gathering is at 6:30?
    8^)

    -1
    
    sounds like a great idea...  where shall we meet?
    
    /Steve

    
    where about in Natick is this place going to be?
    
    
    					ian

    Hmmm.  Right down the street there is a Ground Round or some such
    place at the corner of Speen St and Route 30.  They have a bar area.
    
    Could meet there afterwork then head over.  I believe someone said it 
    is in the little plaza on Speen St across from the Wonder Bread
    facility.
    
    Mark

this actually sounds like a fun idea..

Imagine,, 200 decies, with no intentions of purchasing
a thing, loitering infront of the store, an hour before
it opens... we could make headlines...

*8^)

    201
    
    
    I may take a trip along after work(I finish at 8pm) 8)
    
    
    						ian

    Just heard an ad for the "green tag" sale at Guitar Center this week;
    they mentioned prices slashed (less than half I think) on Epi Les
    Pauls.
    

    I placed a pointer earlier regarding Guitar Centers sale.
    
    The EPI LP Std is on sale for $449.  
    
    - Mark

    
    I was in Music1 on saturday and took a quick inventory of
    what's left in case anyone was interested.
    
    LP Standards, $400;
    
    			Red, Green, Blue, Silver Sparkle
    			Black
    			Honey Burst
    
    LP100, $239		White I believe. 1 left, 1 right.
    
    LP Special $350	TV Yellow
    LP Special $380	Cherry
    
    Ibanez RG470 $400	Black?
    
    			 	Acoustic
    
    Guild DCE -1 $600 No Case	
    
    Guild F4CE	 $650
    
    Guild D4 	 $475 W/case
    
    EPI Chet Atkins $300
    
    There were others I haven't noted.
    
     Ken will be at the Guitar Center openning, BTW.
    
    cheers,
    Bob 

    
    Hi Bob...does Music 1 have much of anything else left? I have a nephew
    looking for some cymbals...
    What kind of deal did yiu get on that Princeton 112?
    
    regards
    George

     Hi George,
     Percussion has pretty much been wiped out, but I'm going
    by there today to pick up my guitar(being set up) so I'll
    ask.
     $200 no tax for the amp.
    
     I forgot these;
     
     The Riviera in Turquoise was still there, marked $600.
    
    A Squire Jagmaster @ $350
    
    bob

    
    That was a good deal...all he had left when I got there were the
    smaller Fenders and the larger Crates...nothin in the middle like you 
    purchased....that's a perfect size...does he still have the Crates?
    
    Well one of these days I'm gonna get a Princeton Chorus.....but that's
    only 25w....
    
    have fun..
    George

     Yes on the crates, but didn't check models. I love the 112, so does
    Ian,....he's been plugging in to practice. Turning his nose up to the
    Frontman.
     
    bob

    RE: Guitar Center opening THIS Thursday...
    
    
    So ... per previous notes, are we agreed to meet at the Ground
    Round down the street ... say, after 6pm?
    

    I'm planning to be there.  My sons birthday is coming up so I want to
    see what kind of deal I can get on some drum gear.
    
    Mark Clement (for those who have not seen me in a long time I am tall,
    slim, brown hair, brown leather jacket).  I'll be at the bar having a
    beer.

    
    I'm planning to be there...  
    
    /Steve
    

    For those planning on going to Guitar Center Thursday, or anytime in
    the near future for that matter...  a friend of mine is going to be
    working guitar sales, it would help him out if you asked for him if
    you wanted to talk to a salesperson, or even just to say hi (they rate
    salespeople on how often someone comes in and asks specifically for
    them).  Please do so if you see fit, and feel free to drop my name
    to him too.  His name is Steven Ross.
    
    /rick
    

    
    Bob...the Frontman is real nice for the house...it has a great reverb
    and is plenty loud....I had a guy come over who has a Marshall and
    Peavy, at first he snickered then once he started playing he thought it
    was a great amp for around the house....he didn't like Crates but I
    still like that GX212 or whatever that is that Music 1 has.....does
    Ken still have that doubleneck EPI ?

     No doubt, the frontman is a nice little amp. The double necks
    are still there. And there are a few symbols left, maybe 6-7.
    I wouldn't know a crash from a trash can lid so you'll have to 
    call him for anything more specific.
     
    bob

    
    Attention dec guitar noters --
    
    Those heading to the guitar center opening this eve -- we will be 
    meeting before hand at the Ground Round rest. down the street --
    between 6 - 7 pm.  
    
    PS -- leave your check books and credit cards at home!  8^)

    
    	Got the mailing yesterday.  Buy 2 sets of Dean Markley electric
    	strings and get 10 sets free.  
    	Former Grim Reaper (?) guitarist Nick Bowcott will demo Korg and
    	Marshall gear.  
    	Save up to 83%, Not stop prizes, winners, deals, etc...
    	Doors open at 7 pm and the sale is thru Sunday.
    	

you guys should no one thing about the Dean Markley
strings and the sale.. (this is an unconfirmed rumor,,,)

The reason the Gtr. Ctr. is giving away strings.
They bought a truckload of them from Deam Markley
at 75 cents a set...

Supposedly, these strings have not gone through any
QC checks, and there could be defects..  Even
still at what I paid for a case of these last week, (19
bucks at the Danvers store), for 1.67 a set, I'll take
the chance.  This deal (buy 2, get 10 free) is even better,
given they'll be what, 7 bucks a set, so somewhere
around 14 or 15 bucks, you get a case.. at that price,
you can get 2 or 3 bumm sets, and still be way ahead.

so, still CLEARLY a good deal, but check em out as
you put them on..  

/pelksta

    Ground Round and Guitar Center -- see you guys tonite.
    
    - Mark

    If any of you are still hanging around, I'll probably be dropping by
    about 10:30 or so.  Say hi to my buddy Steven.
    
    /rick
    

    If I was going it woldn't be until about 8.30pm!
    
    
    
    						ian

    
    	RE: .139 et al
    
    	And buy 1 pair of drum sticks and get 11 pairs free.  Not a great
    	deal for guitarists, but worth mentioning.  8^)
    
    	Hey, tell that Grim Reaper guy that I'm still looking for "See
    	You in Hell" and am having a hard time finding it.  8^)
    

    A little recap of last nites experience at Guitar Center...

    Drove by the joint about 6:00 on my way to the Ground Round.  Already
    a mob in front of the place in the parking lot.

    Got to the Ground Round bar for a beer, did not recognise any fellow
    NOTERS.  Where were you guys?  

    Got back to GC about 6:30.  Get into extremely long line.  Had to be a
    good 100 yards long, about 2-3 person deep (interesting observation
    that the male to female ratio had to be @ 99 to 1).  Spot lights
    running the skyline, WBCN and Mark P. broadcasting live, lots of
    police.  We start inching our way closer to the mall entrance.  Then
    I notice a sign that the "Freebies" are located in the opposite
    direction.  No way am I going that way as the line I am in has doubled
    since I got into it.

    A stretch limo pulls up and parks nearby.  Bunch of young guys get out.
    One is walking along the line handing out fliers to a few folks.  I
    stick my hand out for one.  Its an ad for EU Wurlitzer, 25th
    anniversary celebration, all sorts of deals including Martin (Darco)
    electric guitar strings and Zildjian drum strings; 99 cents per
    set/pair, plus complimentary Limo shuttle between Cloverleaf mall
    (where GC is) and Wurlitzer.  

    I get a kick out of this and figure I will hit Wurlitzer when I leave
    GC.  

    Finally we get in the mall.  About 6-8 tables in the mall selling just
    the strings and drum sticks.  I passed on the strings, bought a dozen
    pairs of sticks for $11.  Proceed into GC.  What a beautiful place,
    guitars all over the walls and floors.  Special large rooms for
    percussion, keyboards, and acoustic guitar.  The place is mobbed with
    sales folks, company reps, tons of customers.  Way to crazy for me to 
    shop for a big ticket item.  I cruised the whole place.  Bought a
    guitar stand for $9.99, and left.

    Stopped over to the "freebie" spot at the other end.  They were giving
    out T-shirts.  Got one each for me and the kids.

    Back to my truck.  I start pulling out and notice the limo pull up
    again.  I figured what the heck, I'll take a limo ride over there.
    By the time I get out of my truck and over to the limo there is just
    the limo driver and this dude in a suit from GC.  This guy looks like a
    upper scale club bouncer.  He had to be three times my width in size.
    He is "telling" the limo driver to beat it, full of ultimatums,
    including having his hired police posy make sure the limo does not
    come near his customers.  The GC guy was in my opinion being a jerk
    about the whole thing.  

    I decide I don;t want to wait for them to finish this one sided
    discussion and I head over to Wurlitzer.

    Wurlitzer:  Spot lights running the skyline.  As I enter the building
    there are a couple of guys on stools drinking beer from huge mugs.  Its
    Norm and Cliff (look alikes) from Cheers.  Cliff shakes my hand as I
    come in and says "Cheers!".  These guys were great.  I cruise the
    place.  Pickup 14 sets of strings @ .99/a set, fill out an entry form
    for a giveaway, played a few keyboards, and left.

    Fun couple of hours!  Mark
    

    I rolled in around 11:00.  Amazingly, the parking lot was full and the
    store resembled a busy Saturday afternoon inside.  There was a constant
    wall of noise that was almost impossible to talk over.  My friend told
    me that this was nothing compared to earlier in the evening.  Corporate
    GC veterans said it was the loudest store opening they'd ever been too.
    
    I couldn't possibly imagine buying a high ticket item in that
    environment; well, unless you didn't care what it sounded like I
    suppose.  Nevertheless, I saw an LP Standard deal go down ($1799
    with case).
    
    Saw a few vintage items of interest; a beat L5S (played nice), a
    '63 SG Special refinished in white, a few 50's and 60's Strats with
    outrageous pricetags.  Bass selection was pretty poor imo, but I was
    told several high end basses didn't make it in time for the opening.
    
    Ahh, most intriguing item I saw was a Boss GC-5(?) floor multi-effects.
    Looks like Boss finally has a unit out with a gas pedal.  Pretty
    expensive beast, $999 marked down to $799 on sale!  Anyone know
    anything about this item?
    
    /rick
    

    
    Ack!@?
    
    $1799 for a LP Std???   What happened to the great prices they
    were going to be offering during the grand opening sale?
    
    /Steve

    
    $1799 is outrageous!Who ever bought it is obviously has more money than
    sense!
    
    
    					ian

$1,799 for a standard doesn't sound right at all,  (should
hav ebeen more like $1400 there abouts) but if it was a Classic,
or a Standard plus, it's more in the ball park, but
still no bargain!


sounds like quite they hype event,  I had a dinner meeting
with my group, so I had to beg-off, and now, hearing the
tales, I'm sort of glad I did,, I'd have never gotten
into the lines, I don't really dig big crowds at all.

Maybe after the dust settles, I'll journey out there during
a long lunch some weekday..  Any OGO noters (you know who 
you are..) feel like takers on this ?

/pelksta

    
    -1
    
    Ya, Ray, I'll tag along whenever you decide to hit the new GC...
    
    /Steve
    

    RE: Orvill
    
    ...or how about those LP Studios for $949?
    
    I got there late -- rolled into the parking lot at 7:15pm -- actually
    set foot inside GC at 8:05!!  I felt like I was at Six Flags over 
    Guitar Center!  8^)
    
    Anyway, the store is nice, but I want to go back and see it when the
    madness ends.  WAY too much noise, pushing, customers and commition
    to even think straight.  I had thoughts of buying a small amp there,
    but blew it off.
    
    Overall, I was a bit disappointed by the "great deals" pitch -- sure,
    some things were 50 - 60 percent off -- off LIST price, that is.  BFD!
    
    I left shortly thereafter with a headache.

    Something to watch out for; every sticker price you see at Guitar
    Center (except for Martin and I think Ovation) is WITHOUT CASE.
    
    /ralph_nader
    

    
    Did anyone see a Fender Jerry Donahue Stratocaster? 

    I guess its a new model they had at NAMM.  
    
    Also, are they carrying any interesting archtops?  
    Usually what I see at GC Boston is a 175 or two, and
    that's about it.  
    
    Dave
    
    

    It's strange that they would price guitars without cases, because
    in most cases, manufacturers ship the guitars with cases. I was
    told by more than one dealer that you cannot buy a Fender sans
    case. Fender ships every guitar with a case. Same goes for Gibson.

    No on the Donahue, although I may have missed it.  They had a Gibson
    Johnny Smith, maybe 60's, and a late 60's ES-175.  Can't recall the
    prices on either.
    

    
    	RE: .154
    
    	OK, so people that don't know any better go in and buy a guitar
    	and then also buy a case ... and the music store makes money on
    	the case twice.
    
    	They're not stupid.
    

    They did have a Ritchie Blackmore ltd edition strat there.

    A while back in here, someone posted that Guitar Center was selling Epi
    LP's for $445. or something in that ballpark.  Well, the Framingham GC
    has Epi LP's listing for $799 and selling for $499 -- as they quote,
    a $300. savings!
    
    Sorry, buit the black STD which Music 1 had was still $150 cheaper.

    
    	I went saturday afternoon about 4:30.  Nothing like opening night 
    	but filled with distorto crankers.  One guy in the corner with the
    	Gibsons playing a 335 or something with his hear near the amp and
    	a clean sound.  He had no chance.
    
    	How can anyone work in a place like that?  It's all washed out
    	barre chords and no one is shy about volume.  
    
    	Now I know why my parents used to stomp on the floor and yell
    	"turn it down!".  And I was playing Beatle tunes!
    
    

    re .158
     Ah Buck, now that you mention the black Standard LP, I don't
    recall seeing that particular guitar hanging on the wall at Music1
    on saturday. You didn't by any chance pick that one up too, did you?
     As a side note, when I left there on saturday, Ken was setting up that
    lefty Pro Tone Squire strat as a righty.
     
    
    bob

   < How can anyone work in a place like that?  It's all washed out
   < barre chords and no one is shy about volume.  

Lots and Lots of Ibuprophen !!!

I think the best bet in those places is if you go on Sat.
Get there early,, better time is early in the week,
before lunch or thereabouts..  When most of the problem
should be in school...

/pelksta.,

     At Music1 as of saturday afternoon;
    
    EPI double neck(bolt neck) $500
    
    Lp's Sparkle finish, Red, Blue, Green $400
    
    EPI Riviera, aqua color	$600
    
    Squire Jag Master 	$375
    
    Pro Tone Squire Strat, lefty strung right $300
    
    TV yellow LP special $350
    
    Acoustics pretty thin, a couple of Guild acoustic/electric cutaways.
    
    
    cheers,
     Bob
    

    What exactly is a Squire Jag Master?
    
    This is the second reference to jag master in this note. Is this a
    typo or is there really such a thing?
    
    Mark

    
     As far as I know, it's a combination Jaguar/Jazz Master. Looks
    alot like a Jazz Master actually. The one in the shop is aqua blue
    with a tortoise shell pick guard. 
    
    bob

    The major differances between the Jaquar and the Jazzmaster are the
    necks (Jag is short-scale) and the pickups (Jazzmaster has soapbars,
    Jaquar has strat-style pickups). 
    
    A friend of mine has both. The jaquar looks really cool, but the
    Jazzmaster is the better player, and those soapbar pickups sound
    great.
    
    	Mark

    Well, I saw a Jagmaster at GC last night.  Without measuring, it looked
    to me like it had the longer scale.  Pickups were humbuckers.  Not sure
    what was "Jag" about it; seemed like a Jazzmaster without the fancy
    trem, electronics, or pickups.
    

    
     What remains at Music1;
    
    Guild F4CE w/hard case	$650
    Guild D4 no case		$400
    EPI double neck (bolt on)	$500
    EPI Special TV Yellow	$350
    EPI Riviera Aqua W/Case	$600
    EPI LP Std Sparkle 		$400
    EPI LP 100 Lefty		$200
    Ibanez bass SR 500		$400
    
    Crate Bass amps and speaker cabs $???
    Crate PA 6 channel head 	$230
    Fostex 4 Trac		$275
    Ultimate Keyboard Stand	$40
    Mini Timbales		Make offer
    Headphone amps for bass and guitar.
    Guitar parts, some strings, books, etc..
    
    All prices listed are what's marked but negotiable at this point.
    
    Usual disclaimer, I'm not connected with this store etc..
    
    If interested give Ken a call at 508-663-9200.