Inspired by Gibson …Epiphone NGD

[KenRu]

Wanted the Gibson version of the ES 339 but out of stock for with no availability in site. Lots of folks claiming Epiphone 339 as good with some upgrades (Pups, Pots, Bridge) So for just over $500 got this blue Epi version and not disappointed at all. This is a great guitar now to decide on what upgrades are to be made??? Suggestions, thoughts, ideas questions, lets hear them.

 

[Tollywood]

I love the color. Are those Grover tuners?

I would gut it and upgrade the parts that they saved money on so that they could offer it to you for only $500+. Your options are completely subjective and there will be many opinions.

Gibson Custombucker pickups are now available for the first time and I love them. Nickel parts would be nice but gold would make a BOLD statement against that pewter color.

Happy NGD.

 

[jb_abides]

Great Pelham Blue color choice, and great value! This is the guitar I want them to make in Lefty.

I think one main area Epi is saving on is using Laurel instead of Rosewood for the fingerboards, which allows them to up their game in electronics and hardware. Not sure why Laurel (and not Grenadillo or baked Maple); I suspect the supply chain cost favors Laurel getting to the factory.

These have CTS pots, so I would be hesitant to gut. Also Alnico Classic PROs are favorably comparable to 57 Classics (lots of information online on how to get the most from them).

Epi hardware is... fine. I wouldn't rush to replace bridge/stoptail unless you feel something lacking, and only after really living with it; also consider you have real Grover Rotomatics!

Agree with Tolly nickel would rock this thing, but purely for aesthetics. And the tuners would still be chromed.

IMHO changing pickups also would be subjective to taste, noting Alnico Classic PROs are certainly more than decent, akin to 57s.

 

[jb_abides]

PS what's the Orange?

PPS great first post, and welcome to LPF!

 

[Tollywood]

Great Pelham Blue color choice, and great value! This is the guitar I want them to make in Lefty.

I think one main area Epi is saving on is using Laurel instead of Rosewood for the fingerboards, which allows them to up their game in electronics and hardware. Not sure why Laurel (and not Grenadillo or baked Maple); I suspect the supply chain cost favors Laurel getting to the factory.

These have CTS pots, so I would be hesitant to gut. Also Alnico Classic PROs are favorably comparable to 57 Classics (lots of information online on how to get the most from them).

Epi hardware is... fine. I wouldn't rush to replace bridge/stoptail unless you feel something lacking, and only after really living with it; also consider you have real Grover Rotomatics!

Agree with Tolly nickel would rock this thing, but purely for aesthetics. And the tuners would still be chromed.

IMHO changing pickups also would be subjective to taste, noting Alnico Classic PROs are certainly more than decent, akin to 57s.

At that price you could buy one, drill five holes on the opposite side and turn it into a lefty! I am being serious. I think you should do that JB.

 

[jb_abides]

At that price you could buy one, drill five holes on the opposite side and turn it into a lefty! I am being serious. I think you should do that JB.

Yes I could, that'll go on the project list... a long one!

My Epi money is ear-marked for a NG Riviera.

 

[Tollywood]

Yes I could, that'll go on the project list... a long one!

My Epi money is ear-marked for a NG Riviera.

It’s good to have a list to work off of. Now, have at it!

 

[KenRu]

I love the color. Are those Grover tuners?

I would gut it and upgrade the parts that they saved money on so that they could offer it to you for only $500+. Your options are completely subjective and there will be many opinions.

Gibson Custombucker pickups are now available for the first time and I love them. Nickel parts would be nice but gold would make a BOLD statement against that pewter color.

Happy NGD.

Yup Grover tuners.

 

[KenRu]

After playing this for few days think Im liking it just the way it is