Made in 2009 in China, 22 frets, thick neck like a Les Pauls, I believe its mahogany body and neck, rosewood fretboard (very dark looks ebony), Gotoh t.o.m. bridge, Grover tuners, non locking Epiphones own brand straplocks, all black hardware.
1984 Explorer ReissueRecently reviewed by: xxx128, on may 15, 2013 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: € 444
Purchased from: misc
Features: I had 3 Epiphone EX 84 Alpine White recently. They all were made in December 2012 at the Epiphone Qingdao Factory in China. This guitar comes with active EMG81/85 Humbuckers. The EX 84 guitar is said to be mahogany neck and body, and I believe its asian mahogany/nato. The guitar looks pretty classy and resembles a Gibson 84 Explorer. Though the original Gibson 84 has an alder body and chrome hardware instead. This is the only way to obtain a 84 Explorer since Gibson USA doesn't offer this quite popular model at the moment. // 7
Sound: For a cheap Chinese guitar this Epiphone sounds surprisingly resonant and lifely, probably due to the large body. This is a fairly full and heavy sounding guitar. And with the right humbuckers and tube-amp you might even get a decent tone out of this guitar. Getting rid of the active EMG might even have this guitar qualify for a broad range of different styles as EMG pickups are tone-wise very limited and rather flat and lifeless sounding. SO with high-end dynamic pickups the Epiphone EX 84 might sound really nice and full. // 7
Action, Fit & Finish: All 3 Epiphone EX 84 guitars I had over the course of 3 weeks came with fret buzz right out of the box. There is no way to get rid of the fret buzz with the standard nut and standard cheapo hardware. You might have more luck by replacing the nut and bridge with quality Gotoh parts. I haven't tested this. The fret work/dressing on this guitar is really exceptionally poor. Some of the frets were too short. The finish had lots of issues all over with all 3 guitars. There were cracks in the finish. One guitar looked like it has been chipped and then painted over. There were little black spots under the poly finish at some places. One guitar didn't have the fret board glued on properly. 2 of them had the machine heads installed on very poorly. In short craftsmanship on all 3 guitars were a slap in the face. // 1
Reliability & Durability: The guitar itself looks like it can withstand a lot of abuse and plenty of rough gigs. The flimsy bridge and stop bar tail piece will surely not. I would suggest to exchange the bridge and tail piece for quality Gotoh M8 metric parts. There was some kind of Epiphone in-house security strap locks system in the box that doesn't really give a solid impression though. Again that is something that can easily be swapped for quality aftermarket parts such as Schaller, Dunlop or other manufacturers offer. // 5
Impression: I am really disappointed in the quality and craftsmanship of these guitars. I understand that it's a cheap made in china guitar. However I have seen Chinese B.C. Rich guitars that were half the price that looked far more solid. It says "Epiphone Customshop" on the back of this guitar and quite frankly that must be some kind of joke, as the quality you get is piss poor. Based on this experience I will never again purchase a Qingdao Epiphone guitar in my life. Sorry to be so negative but even at this low to mid price range there are much better options for Asian guitars! // 1
1984 Explorer Reissue
Reviewed by:
A.Pedro, on march 19, 2013 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: € 500
Purchased from: Thomann
Features: My guitar was made in China, in 2011. It has a mahogany body with a super high gloss black finish, and a mahogany set-neck, with a 22 fret rosewood fretboard (it's really dark, almost like ebony). It also features a Tune-O-Matic bridge, with a stopbar, and non-locking Grover tuners (all black hardware). The pickups are both active EMG's. A 81 in the bridge position, and 85 in the neck position, with a 3 way switch, master tone and master volume controls. The guitar came in with Epiphone's own brand strap locks, two hex keys, a manual/care guide, and a sticker. // 10
Sound: This is where the awesomeness kicks in. I play mostly metal and hard rock, and this guitar fits me like a glove. It feels fast, aggressive, and dangerous, and the EMG's give it that extra punch and compression, which makes it perfect for playing metal. The pickups are super silent, and sound awesome through my Line 6 Spider IV 75. The 85 is perfect for warm and fat clean tones, so it's perfect for mids ands lows, and the 81, which is a high gain pickup, sounds just as awesome as the 85, but with more saturated highs, so it's perfect for soloing (if you're willing to do that using this guitar). // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: The factory setup was a bit high, but still playable. The pickups were perfectly adjusted, so there is no need to move them up and down. However, they messed up with the frets. Most of the frets didn't even touh the fretboard in the sides, in a way that the high E string would get stuck under the fret wire. Because of their terrible job, I had to spend another 120€ in a luthier to refret the guitar. Also, the volume knob was a little crooked, but I managed to fix it. Other than that, it's perfectly fine. The paint is flawless, the neck was perfectly straight, the hardware was perfect too, but now about 4 months after I got it, some of the paint in the bridge saddles is starting to come off, because I use a lot of palm muting. // 7
Reliability & Durability: This guitar will definitely withstand a live gig. I still have a backup guitar, but I could play it without the need for a backup. The hardware looks like it is going to last. Except for the paint in the bridge saddles. The strap buttons are solid, and after almost 5 months of playing they never got loose. However, some of the black paint is starting to chip off, because of the locking strap buttons. The finish looks like it will last forever, and is shiny as hell. It attracts a lot of scratches, dust, and fingerprints, but if you get a cloth and a bunch of carnauba wax you can polish it all off. // 10
Impression: I play mostly metal, and this guitar is obviously a perfect match. I have been playing it for about 4, almost 5 months, and it is still as awesome as the day I took it out of the box. Other than this guitar, I own a Squier Stratocaster, which was my first guitar. If someone stole it, I would first beat the sh*t out of him, and if I couldn't find the guy, I would definitely buy a new one. I simply love the way it is balanced, and how it feels dangerous and fast when playing. Oh, by the way, it is a bit neck-heavy, and it weighs about 5 kg. If I could change something, I would put a EMG 60 in the neck position instead of the 85. // 10
1984 Explorer Reissue
Reviewed by:
agerginov, on march 14, 2012 1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Price paid: € 700
Purchased from: Guitar center
Features: So this guitar is made in the late 2011 in the Gibson custom shop under the brand of Epiphone in USA. The guitar is composed of neck trough mahogany body the same as the body of the 1984 Explorer guitar with Ebony Fat 22fret neck. It is painted in white color and consists of Tune-O-Matic bridge (black color) with active pick ups which are EMG85/81 9v modification with non-locking Grover tuners. // 10
Sound: This guitar is the perfect instrument for me and suits me perfectly as it is the instrument one of my favorite guitar players own. My stile is hard rock, metal and more. The used amps are a Randall rgh150w valve dynamic head with 4x12 cabinet loaded with 2x12 Vintage 30s and 2x12 rockets. The pick ups are dead silent and have the ability to reproduce the full Spectrum of the sound. The 85 situated on neck position gives that warm and fat clean while giving room for more exotic solos or rhythmic parts, has prefect mids and lows, sorta lacks in the high pitched area but still is better than many of the pick ups on the market. The 81 in the bridge position and is high gain high pitched pick ups, has the same spectrum as the 85 but with more saturated highs. From blues to trash and dead this guitar with that hardware can reproduce anything. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: There were just small miss hap with the paint on the back of the neck but everything else was solid, the pick ups were perfect, so that meant I didn't have to move them up and down, just to add some finishing lines on the final position in which they are now. For the other things the guitar was taken to the local guitar maker a luthier, who checked the guitar for any cosmetic or hardware damage or miss done factory things. Overall it came really shiny and I would say it was really nice to see that peace of instrument in my home. // 9
Reliability & Durability: This guitar can withstand everything you are able to trow at it, it is made for live playing and I've played twice with it on stage. The hardware especially the EMGs are killer and the strap holders are epic, because they are locking. I would definitely say that the guitar is dependent on and can be used without back up instrument. The coat is pretty fat and will last long before it starts to wear out. // 10
Impression: I've been a fan of J. Hetfield so that guitar is a match to my style and playing techinque. I've been playing for 6 years now but I cannot say that I am good, I still need lessons and all that stuff. The guitar is one of a kind, and hopefully for me it wont be stolen but if something like this is to happen then there are two back up guitars which I don't play because of this now but the one is a black Explorer with Snake inlays and a Ken Lawrence replica. The main disadvantage is that the EMGs actually make most of the sound so comparing guitars with the same wood and pick ups is like comparing only hardware. Definitely I wish it had the James Hetfield Signature on the top of the neck and the Papa Het drawing on the body. // 8
1984 Explorer Reissue
Reviewed by:
kurtfletcher, on july 05, 2011 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: £ 429.00
Purchased from: Nevada Music
Features: I Think my guitar was made in 2011 in China. I went for the ebony version rather than the alpine. The guitar features features all black hardware, a rosewood neck, an EMG 81 in the Bridge and an 85 in the neck position. The guitar comes without a scratchplate unlike other explorers and has a master volume, master tone and a 3 way switch. It comes woth grover locking tuners and a stop tail bridge. I have been looking for an Explorer for a long time. I was going to buy an black Epiphone Explorer and change the pickups to EMG's and to change the pickguard from a white pickguard to a black one. As soon as I saw this guitar I found it has all of the specs I wanted without having to replace parts on a brand new guitar. // 10
Sound: Initially, I didn't like the sound of the EMG's. I found them too thin sounding, but after adjusting some of the settings I was able to achieve a rich and full sound. I play alot of Metallica hence buying the guitar, but also it has a great variety and sounds great clean, although I am not very keen on the neck pickup on a clean setting as it is very bassy. The guitar is well suited for any style be it; blues, classic rock, metal or jazz. // 9
Action, Fit & Finish: This guitar has been a nightmare. The guitar was well set up in the factory however, the aweful Bridge saddles kept snapping the strings, right on the bridge. I went through several sets of D'Addario strings and in the end, had to fork out £26.00 for a set of graphite Bridge saddles which cured the problem immediately. Secondly the Epiphone "schaller" type straplocks which the guitar comes with are also rubbish. They fell apart in my hands within the first day. The finish on the guitar however was flawless, my only problem with it is as anyone knows; black guitars scratch very easily and attract alot of dust and finger marks. This does not bother me too much as I have owned black guitars in the past. // 7
Reliability & Durability: The guitar seems solid. I have gigged with it before and it seems to easily withstand live playing. Now that I have replaced the harware, I also feel that this could withstand life on the road. The finish seems pretty good however it seems to acquire alot of surface scratching all ovewr the guitar. This is not too noticable however and doesnt't really bother me. // 8
Impression: This is a very versatile guitar that can serve any kind of player. It sounds great for any style you want to play. I thought the price was fair, however I was disappointed that I had to go out and buy brand new hardware to replace the dodgy mass produced rubbish that this guitar came with. I'm not really bothered about where it was made and I really love this guitar. If something were to happen with this guitar I would definately buy another explorer, maybe not this one though. Instead I would probably go for a Gibson 1984 Explorer Reissue. // 8
1984 Explorer Reissue
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on august 30, 2010 1 of 8 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 599
Purchased from: SamAsh
Features: Made in 2009 in china 22 frets thick neck like a les pauls, I believe its mahogany body and neck, rosewood fretboard (very dark looks ebony) alpine white finish gotoh t.o.m bridge grover tuners non locking epiphones own brand straplocks all black hardware, EMG 81 85 set included battery compartment body style? Explorer more like an ESP mx 220 control setup is also just like it. // 10
Sound: This guitar was clearly made to appeal to metal heads, it looks exactly like an ESP mx that james hetfield of metallica used in the late 80's aka the EET FUK guitar that can be seen in the Seattle 1989 performance, I'm using a Line 6 spider 3 150w amp and it sounds beastly, I do plan on swapping the pickups out for a 60 81 setup with 2 volume controls for preference but out of the box this guitar sounds great, action was a bit high but that's easily fixed the guitars variety in sound is surprising it can handle pretty much everything I could dish out I usually play metallica (hence my choice of this guitar) and it hasn't let me down. // 9
Action, Fit & Finish: The action was as I said a bit high, still playable but not what I was used to, the pickups were well adjusted on the back of the headstock was a sticker (I don't know if its true) stating that it was setup in the usa I do trust this as this guitar also features a limited edition Epiphone custom shop logo painted on the back of the headstock, so its clearly gotten some attention, no visible flaws that I could see, only 1 thing was if you look VERY closely there's some slight imperfections on the last side fret markers I mean you have to be looking for it to see it, other than that no flaws at all. // 9
Reliability & Durability: I can say this guitar would definitely withstand live playing, its clearly built to last, the hardware is solid and appears to be locking (as in if you take all the strings out the tail piece doesn't fall off nor does the bridge 'jiggle' the strap buttons are actually locking which was a surprise for me, as on my Les Paul Custom it came with some awful strap buttons that werent dependable regardless of what strap you used, I'd definitely go gigging with this guitar, its got the looks, sound and reliability that I look for in guitars the finish is even all over, I would say that with vare the finish would last. // 10
Impression: I play metal pretty much all the time, I do like to play clean stuff sometimes and this guitar handles it perfectly, the guitars pickups are the biggest clue that it was built for metal, I've been playing for approx 2 years, I still own my Epiphone Les Paul Custom alpine white, which with a few changes for preference has become a very good guitar for my style, only thing wrong with this guitar is how theres no information anywhere about it, I've scoured the internet and the Epiphone site, and couldn't find any specs details etc about it, so I wish Epiphone would at least acknowledge this guitars existence because it deserves it, if stolen they wouldn't live to see another day, I ordered from samash in america, I live in the uk I highly recommend using them as I received 2 days after ordering, I did compare with a Gibson Explorer but this won me over with the face that its limited edition, doesn't have a pointless pickguard and came in white. // 10
You aren't very specific either. And saying 'it looks like James Hetfields guitar' is totally wrong, should be 'James Hetfield Guitar looks like this because its based off this model'.
I stopped reading this review when I realized that there were periods ONLY at the end of sections. Do you realize that, for most people, periods serve as 'checkpoints' for what they've already read? That might be why they're still around...
On the actual review... It doesn't come with locking strap buttons. 'Locking' is actually for attaching something to the guitar, i.e - Strap locks lock the strap to the body, not the buttons to the body, locking tuners keep the strings in place, locking trem clamps down on the strings. What you've described is standard equipment constructed right, not locking hardware.
'Limited Edition' and 'limited run' guitars actually end up being worth less for resale than their regular run counterparts, simply because their numbers are restricted right out of the box. I would much rather want a 60's Paul before I'd want the oldest LE or performer's take on the 60's; Their number wasn't intentionally restricted to foster resale, so I don't know why that factors into your review.
James Hetfield played a guitar based off the original McCarty design of this guitar, not visa versa. Not much more to be said.
And, finally... You never give any specifications on the guitar. Just because Epiphone doesn't list them (And they probably do, but here's the specs on the SamAsh website - http://www.samash.com/p/1984%20Explorer%... %20Guitar%20Assorted%20Colors_1208758) Doesn't mean they don't exist. Looking at this list, it doesn't have locking hardware, just a simple stop-tail, and the tuners don't look like they're locking from the photo.
I wonder how so many people got theyre hands on Spider 3 amps.
Anyway the guitar looks beastly. Still dont think Id buy as Im saving for a Deluxe Jr V. Can someone please, please, please, review the BCRich Deluxe Jr V. Its wierd that such a nice guitar isnt reviewed here.
You aren't very specific either. And saying 'it looks like James Hetfields guitar' is totally wrong, should be 'James Hetfield Guitar looks like this because its based off this model'.
As soon as I saw this review, I wondered: "What crazy antics will Epi be up to in this one?"
review the BCRich Deluxe Jr V. Its wierd that such a nice guitar isnt reviewed here
for you and the guy who wrote this review, a "cool" body shape or paint job doesn't mean the guitar is good, just because a band uses a certain guitar doesn't mean you will sound or play like them. In short, those guys don't sound good because of their equipment, they sound good because they practice and make their equipment sound good.
You aren't very specific either. And saying 'it looks like James Hetfields guitar' is totally wrong, should be 'James Hetfield Guitar looks like this because its based off this model'.
As soon as I saw this review, I wondered: "What crazy antics will Epi be up to in this one?"
I honestly feel disgraced by this review, even though I sold my explorer a while ago.. e.e Ya got ta have soooooul damnit.
I own this guitar, and while the review is horrible, the guitar is very nice. Though I am a fan of Metallica, I didn't buy the guitar for that reason. I was looking for an explorer that was as close to a Gibson as I could get without have to pay $1000 plus. Compared to standard Epiphone explorers this one played the most like its Gibson counterpart. Being a custom shop guitar it did get some extra attention and it shows. The classic EMG 81/85 combo sounds great for your heavy rock/metal riffing. Something that should also be noted is the natural bass in its tone that is good for your fat
powerchords and chugging riffs, but it also adds a little something extra to the cleans as well. Bottom line is its a great guitar for its price, though I would advise you do buy strap locks for it as its shape will cause it to slip out without one.
I own this guitar, and while the review is horrible, the guitar is very nice. Though I am a fan of Metallica, I didn't buy the guitar for that reason. I was looking for an explorer that was as close to a Gibson as I could get without have to pay $1000 plus. Compared to standard Epiphone explorers this one played the most like its Gibson counterpart. Being a custom shop guitar it did get some extra attention and it shows. The classic EMG 81/85 combo sounds great for your heavy rock/metal riffing. Something that should also be noted is the natural bass in its tone that is good for your fat
powerchords and chugging riffs, but it also adds a little something extra to the cleans as well. Bottom line is its a great guitar for its price, though I would advise you do buy strap locks for it as its shape will cause it to slip out without one.
I did compare with a Gibson Explorer but this won me over with the face that its limited edition, doesn't have a pointless pickguard and came in white.
WHAT?
1000$ saved -> OK reason
EMG pups -> OK reason
wanting a James-Hetfield-copy guitar -> OK reason (I guess)
But "pointless pickugard" and "limited edition" ---> WTF??? Pickguards aren't pointless (and you can remove them) and even the best limited edition Epi will NEVER sound as good as real Gibson does.
EpiExplorer wrote:
Diven wrote:
I own this guitar, and while the review is horrible, the guitar is very nice. Though I am a fan of Metallica, I didn't buy the guitar for that reason. I was looking for an explorer that was as close to a Gibson as I could get without have to pay $1000 plus. Compared to standard Epiphone explorers this one played the most like its Gibson counterpart. Being a custom shop guitar it did get some extra attention and it shows. The classic EMG 81/85 combo sounds great for your heavy rock/metal riffing. Something that should also be noted is the natural bass in its tone that is good for your fat
powerchords and chugging riffs, but it also adds a little something extra to the cleans as well. Bottom line is its a great guitar for its price, though I would advise you do buy strap locks for it as its shape will cause it to slip out without one.
Everything this guy said: Seconded.
Thirded; these guys sound like they know what are they talking about.
I did compare with a Gibson Explorer but this won me over with the face that its limited edition, doesn't have a pointless pickguard and came in white.
WHAT?
1000$ saved -> OK reason
EMG pups -> OK reason
wanting a James-Hetfield-copy guitar -> OK reason (I guess)
But "pointless pickugard" and "limited edition" ---> WTF??? Pickguards aren't pointless (and you can remove them) and even the best limited edition Epi will NEVER sound as good as real Gibson does. EpiExplorer wrote:
Diven wrote:
I own this guitar, and while the review is horrible, the guitar is very nice. Though I am a fan of Metallica, I didn't buy the guitar for that reason. I was looking for an explorer that was as close to a Gibson as I could get without have to pay $1000 plus. Compared to standard Epiphone explorers this one played the most like its Gibson counterpart. Being a custom shop guitar it did get some extra attention and it shows. The classic EMG 81/85 combo sounds great for your heavy rock/metal riffing. Something that should also be noted is the natural bass in its tone that is good for your fat
powerchords and chugging riffs, but it also adds a little something extra to the cleans as well. Bottom line is its a great guitar for its price, though I would advise you do buy strap locks for it as its shape will cause it to slip out without one.
Everything this guy said: Seconded.
Thirded; these guys sound like they know what are they talking about.
A pickguard on an Explorer is ****in' retarded. Don't you realize that it can't be removed?
You aren't very specific either. And saying 'it looks like James Hetfields guitar' is totally wrong, should be 'James Hetfield Guitar looks like this because its based off this model'.
Saying that Het's "guitar looked like this" would imply that the Epiphone came first, which it didn't.
It looks like an ESP EXP.
Also, as excited as I am to finally own my dream guitar, I think it's stupid that ESP can't use the EXP shape anymore, but Epiphone can use it, knob/switch layout and all. It'd make sense if it really was the '84 Explorer... but I'm still happy as hell that it's not.
1000$ saved -> OK reason
EMG pups -> OK reason
wanting a James-Hetfield-copy guitar -> OK reason (I guess)
But "pointless pickugard" and "limited edition" ---> WTF??? Pickguards aren't pointless (and you can remove them) and even the best limited edition Epi will NEVER sound as good as real Gibson does.
I don't understand why guys born after 1990 always want to act like they've already been playing for a lifetime and that really know what they're talking about.
I have the 58' Goth Epi Explorer. Put a Gibson in the neck and a Seymour Duncan in the bridge. Thing is nice. Was nice. Then the neck broke off. And all the electronics were stripped out. It's back together now, but the volume knobs don't work... not that great with the electronics, too small. But the guitar is nice. I love it. The neck is sexy. It even feels sexy.
I own this guitar, and while the review is horrible, the guitar is very nice. Though I am a fan of Metallica, I didn't buy the guitar for that reason. I was looking for an explorer that was as close to a Gibson as I could get without have to pay $1000 plus. Compared to standard Epiphone explorers this one played the most like its Gibson counterpart. Being a custom shop guitar it did get some extra attention and it shows. The classic EMG 81/85 combo sounds great for your heavy rock/metal riffing. Something that should also be noted is the natural bass in its tone that is good for your fat
powerchords and chugging riffs, but it also adds a little something extra to the cleans as well. Bottom line is its a great guitar for its price, though I would advise you do buy strap locks for it as its shape will cause it to slip out without one.
You aren't very specific either. And saying 'it looks like James Hetfields guitar' is totally wrong, should be 'James Hetfield Guitar looks like this because its based off this model'.
Saying that Het's "guitar looked like this" would imply that the Epiphone came first, which it didn't.
It looks like an ESP EXP.
Also, as excited as I am to finally own my dream guitar, I think it's stupid that ESP can't use the EXP shape anymore, but Epiphone can use it, knob/switch layout and all. It'd make sense if it really was the '84 Explorer... but I'm still happy as hell that it's not.
you're retarded.
gibson made this design in the late 50's, as well as the corvus, and futura. esp stole the gibson design.
DUDE, don't complain that you have high action out of the box!! you want high action out of the box... Why? because it means that when you get it setup, you have more options (so of your weird. I love Epi's, and would recommend the sg-310, it's a beautiful peice of kit that'll make you look badass!!
DUDE, don't complain that you have high action out of the box!! you want high action out of the box... Why? because it means that when you get it setup, you have more options (so of your weird, you can keep it high). I love Epi's, and would recommend the sg-310, it's a beautiful peice of kit that'll make you look badass!!
the bracketed bit i for some reason forgot to finish
1000$ saved -> OK reason
EMG pups -> OK reason
wanting a James-Hetfield-copy guitar -> OK reason (I guess)
But "pointless pickugard" and "limited edition" ---> WTF??? Pickguards aren't pointless (and you can remove them) and even the best limited edition Epi will NEVER sound as good as real Gibson does.
I don't understand why guys born after 1990 always want to act like they've already been playing for a lifetime and that really know what they're talking about.
I don't understand what does age have to do with experience.
I've been playing since I was eight (that's ten years now) and I still think that just because a guitar is "limited edition" or doesn't have a pickguard doesn't make it better than the guitar it's trying to copy. Sure, while saving a hundred bucks or having a guitar like your idol does sound like a good idea to me, I'd take normal american strat over "limited edition" squire any day of the year. Your profile says you have a Gibson Explorer, so you most likely have more experience than I do (I've only played one a couple of times).
Then again, Fender - Squier relationship isn't exactly the same as Gibson - Epiphone.
Anyways, you are only two years older than "those guys born after 1990" so shut up. Playing experience counts, not age.
You aren't very specific either. And saying 'it looks like James Hetfields guitar' is totally wrong, should be 'James Hetfield Guitar looks like this because its based off this model'.
Saying that Het's "guitar looked like this" would imply that the Epiphone came first, which it didn't.
It looks like an ESP EXP.
Also, as excited as I am to finally own my dream guitar, I think it's stupid that ESP can't use the EXP shape anymore, but Epiphone can use it, knob/switch layout and all. It'd make sense if it really was the '84 Explorer... but I'm still happy as hell that it's not.
you're retarded.
gibson made this design in the late 50's, as well as the corvus, and futura. esp stole the gibson design.
Gibson didn't have the two knob/ no pickguard design. That's what I meant.
1000$ saved -> OK reason
EMG pups -> OK reason
wanting a James-Hetfield-copy guitar -> OK reason (I guess)
But "pointless pickugard" and "limited edition" ---> WTF??? Pickguards aren't pointless (and you can remove them) and even the best limited edition Epi will NEVER sound as good as real Gibson does.
I don't understand why guys born after 1990 always want to act like they've already been playing for a lifetime and that really know what they're talking about.
I don't understand what does age have to do with experience.
I've been playing since I was eight (that's ten years now) and I still think that just because a guitar is "limited edition" or doesn't have a pickguard doesn't make it better than the guitar it's trying to copy. Sure, while saving a hundred bucks or having a guitar like your idol does sound like a good idea to me, I'd take normal american strat over "limited edition" squire any day of the year. Your profile says you have a Gibson Explorer, so you most likely have more experience than I do (I've only played one a couple of times).
Then again, Fender - Squier relationship isn't exactly the same as Gibson - Epiphone.
Anyways, you are only two years older than "those guys born after 1990" so shut up. Playing experience counts, not age.
From a metalhead's point of view, not having the pickguard is all it takes for it to be better. But anyway, I don't see why people always want to knock this guitar when hardly anyone's played it yet. I've checked a lot of message boards though various sites and there's always a lot of people bitching about it being Epiphone and not Gibson. I've had 4 $1,000+ Gibsons. They're not all that. I have $4-700 LTDs that are just as good - even better in some aspects. With Gibson, you're not paying for quality, you're paying for the name. Truth be told, I hate Gibson because they make boring old man guitars and they've never been supportive of the metal community. The only reason why I own their Explorers is because ESP can't make the EXP anymore.
But back to the age thing. You may have been playing for 10 years, but you're only 18 so you were a child for most of those years. I just don't think it's right to judge guitars you haven't owned/played and say they'll never be as good as something else that you haven't owned/played as if you have 30+ years of experience with guitars. I wasn't meaning to come off as the "big, bad adult" just because I'm a few years older than you.
1000$ saved -> OK reason
EMG pups -> OK reason
wanting a James-Hetfield-copy guitar -> OK reason (I guess)
But "pointless pickugard" and "limited edition" ....
.... Playing experience counts, not age.
From a metalhead's point of view, not having the pickguard is all it takes for it to be better. But anyway, I don't see why people always want to knock this guitar when hardly anyone's played it yet. I've checked a lot of message boards though various sites and there's always a lot of people bitching about it being Epiphone and not Gibson. I've had 4 $1,000+ Gibsons. They're not all that. I have $4-700 LTDs that are just as good - even better in some aspects. With Gibson, you're not paying for quality, you're paying for the name. Truth be told, I hate Gibson because they make boring old man guitars and they've never been supportive of the metal community. The only reason why I own their Explorers is because ESP can't make the EXP anymore.
But back to the age thing. You may have been playing for 10 years, but you're only 18 so you were a child for most of those years. I just don't think it's right to judge guitars you haven't owned/played and say they'll never be as good as something else that you haven't owned/played as if you have 30+ years of experience with guitars. I wasn't meaning to come off as the "big, bad adult" just because I'm a few years older than you.
Fair enough.
I admit, perhaps I've been too harsh and Epiphone-Gibson gap isn't that big (or worth the extra thousand dollars). I've never played this 1984 Explorer reissue (or directly compared this Epi with its Gibson counterpart) so saying that "Epi will never be as good as Gibson" was really out of hand.
What I was trying to say in my original post is that I've found the reasons for choosing Epi over Gibson... interesting, at least. To me, tone is the most important part of guitar; and what makes me judge a guitar in first place. If I'd have to choose between a Gibson or Epi (and could afford the Gibson), I'd choose by tone first, playability next and looks last. And the way the reviewer told it, it looked like he based his decision solely on pickguard, "limited edition" tag and white color; he didn't mention sound he wanted with active pups, or saving 1000$ at all. I find that weird, IMO tone is much more important than any pickguard (at least if you aren't planning on modding from the very beginning).
I respect your experience, you seem to know what you are talking about. Also, I may be many things but I'm not your typical metalhead, at least as far as playing is concerned. Still, I'm not as inexperienced as you probably think I am (yea, I haven't been playing 30+ years but that isn't necessary to know what you want from a guitar). And after trying out few Gibsons and few Epiphones (not this particular one, but few LP's and three SG's) I prefer Gibson than Epiphone by tone and playability, I don't have any grudge against them.
Anyways, I think I get what you are talking about, I hope you'll see what I'm talking about too .
1000$ saved -> OK reason
EMG pups -> OK reason
wanting a James-Hetfield-copy guitar -> OK reason (I guess)
But "pointless pickugard" and "limited edition" ....
.... Playing experience counts, not age.
From a metalhead's point of view, not having the pickguard is all it takes for it to be better. But anyway, I don't see why people always want to knock this guitar when hardly anyone's played it yet. I've checked a lot of message boards though various sites and there's always a lot of people bitching about it being Epiphone and not Gibson. I've had 4 $1,000+ Gibsons. They're not all that. I have $4-700 LTDs that are just as good - even better in some aspects. With Gibson, you're not paying for quality, you're paying for the name. Truth be told, I hate Gibson because they make boring old man guitars and they've never been supportive of the metal community. The only reason why I own their Explorers is because ESP can't make the EXP anymore.
But back to the age thing. You may have been playing for 10 years, but you're only 18 so you were a child for most of those years. I just don't think it's right to judge guitars you haven't owned/played and say they'll never be as good as something else that you haven't owned/played as if you have 30+ years of experience with guitars. I wasn't meaning to come off as the "big, bad adult" just because I'm a few years older than you.
Fair enough.
I admit, perhaps I've been too harsh and Epiphone-Gibson gap isn't that big (or worth the extra thousand dollars). I've never played this 1984 Explorer reissue (or directly compared this Epi with its Gibson counterpart) so saying that "Epi will never be as good as Gibson" was really out of hand.
What I was trying to say in my original post is that I've found the reasons for choosing Epi over Gibson... interesting, at least. To me, tone is the most important part of guitar; and what makes me judge a guitar in first place. If I'd have to choose between a Gibson or Epi (and could afford the Gibson), I'd choose by tone first, playability next and looks last. And the way the reviewer told it, it looked like he based his decision solely on pickguard, "limited edition" tag and white color; he didn't mention sound he wanted with active pups, or saving 1000$ at all. I find that weird, IMO tone is much more important than any pickguard (at least if you aren't planning on modding from the very beginning).
I respect your experience, you seem to know what you are talking about. Also, I may be many things but I'm not your typical metalhead, at least as far as playing is concerned. Still, I'm not as inexperienced as you probably think I am (yea, I haven't been playing 30+ years but that isn't necessary to know what you want from a guitar). And after trying out few Gibsons and few Epiphones (not this particular one, but few LP's and three SG's) I prefer Gibson than Epiphone by tone and playability, I don't have any grudge against them.
Anyways, I think I get what you are talking about, I hope you'll see what I'm talking about too .
I get what you're saying and I thank you for being cool about it. And I totally agree about wanting a high-end model instead of a limited edition low-end, but unfortunately, no one else makes this guitar right now and probably won't for a long, long time...
I guess I'm at a point where looks DO matter to me. I already have the tone, feel, etc. that I want, but I just hate the way Explorers look with pickguards. I've always wanted one like Hetfield and I think it sucks that I had to spend an additional $500+ on an already $1,400 guitar to get it close to what I wanted. That's what makes me bitter towards Gibson.
Why can't they just make the Explorer that everyone wants?!
No one is being paid here; yet, it has devolved to people impugning his diction and syntax as opposed to honest discussion about the guitar. A: No one is being paid here.B: No one is impressed by the pseudo-english teacher treatment that a few chose to waste our time with. I am interested in this axe, and hope to get an honest review.Please no more pseudo-professors. Everyone understood the gist of his post/ I know that I had no problems...
So this guitar is made in the late 2011 in the Gibson custom shop under the brand of Epiphone in USA. The guitar is composed of neck trough mahogany body
1) It's not made by the Gibson Custom Shop team. It's made on a production line in China.
2) It's not neck-through.
People should really know where their guitar comes from and the basics of its construction before they write a review.
ok guys, you want a serious review? ive owned this guitar since it was a prototype,it is well balanced for the most part. yet, it is slightly neck heavy. this is mainly due to the center of gravity being towards the right side on right handed models.The construction is all mahogony set neck on a mahogony body.it is solid not that chambered bullshit. it has the classic 1958 boomerang headstock.the stock hardware is not bad at all, i replaced some just for my preferences. The hardware is fairly sound except the tuners(could just be mine). after replacing the tuners(i would recommend locking tuners), setup for the this instrument was fairly simple. i also replaced the standard plastic nut that is stock for this guitar with a bone nut which aided the tone and made a world of difference.The emg 81/85 model pickups were excellent. the finish of this guitar is even and flawless, but it scratches easily so for those whos dont like pickguards, just take the simple step of installing a clear pickguard for it. you can buy the material to do it for 8 u.s. dollars on stew mac. this guitar"s stock parts are surprisingly durable. at $600 this guitar is actually not bad at all. it is the closest to a gibson as far as epiphone explorers go. i have compared it to a real 1984 gibson explorer and they are similar. they do have their differences in tone though(atleast with stock parts).the gibson was just slightly warmer, but with its stock pickups it sounded more natural than the epiphone. i would keep the emgs though, they are amazing and very hot.again for $600, it is an excellent guitar, and it is not just a metal guitar as most of the previous writers states. it is actually quite versital. i use it for metal, blues, rock, country, hell i even use it for funk and rockabilly.as far as this whole (its a metal guitar) thing, that mainly depends on your amp, your effects and your settings on your amp. i would definitly reccomend this guitar if one did not wish to may $1200 for its gibson counterpart. oh and on another note ive been playing four years, but i play 4-6 hours a day and i know this. and to the younger players, i would listen to the guy who has been playin for 30+ years, he actually knows what he is talking about.
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Punctuation is your friend. Learn to use it properly, and your writing may become readable.