Epiphone Sheraton vs Ibanez AS Models

[Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar)]

 Hey gang,

I need some input. A friend of mine has an older, blonde Epi Sheraton that I've used for some recording. I absolutely love the sound and feel of it (thin wide neck, all maple construction, mellow pickups). So much so that I'm seriously considering buying one.

However, being the Ibanez fan that I am, I'd like to compare the Ibanez offerings. Unfortunately, I don't have access to any semi-hollow Ibanez guitars. Well, except for the local Guitar Center. You ever try to test drive a guitar in one of those places? Forget it! Cain't hear anything...

What I really need to know is how the neck shape/size and overall tone of the Sheraton compares to Ibanez semis like the AS200/120/80 and similar.

Cheers
Steve

[Cameron (Cameron)]

 Steve, I've got a fairly recent Epi catalouge at home,but I'm not a 100% sure if it has nitty gritty specs in it, anyway I'll have a look and see if the AS120 comes close to it, I have a feeling that it might.The dimensions on the Artstar necks are as follows.

Scale Length:628mm/24.75"
Width at nut: 43mm
Width at last fret:57mm
Thickness at 1st fret:20mm
Thickness at 12th fret:22mm
Radius:305

Keep On Rockin'

Cameron

[Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar)]

 Thanx Cameron! I'm gonna stop by GC tonight after work. Even if I can't hear, I can get a feel for the AS120.

I forgot to mention that I can buy the Sheraton for $400. I'm hesitating 'cause I really don't like the blonde finish. I would much prefer a burst or solid color. Just my personal thang...

Cheers
Steve

[Funkle (Funkle)]

Steve,

Both the Sheraton and the later AS80/120 were made by Samick I believe. The Epi may be a slightly lower price point. Around $400+ while the Ibanez goes for $600+. There are some cosmetic differences. Opinions on the Epi seem to be good, but there is some dissatisfaction with the pickups. Many people change them out. With the Ibanez, you get the excellent Super 58 PUs. I'm not sure about the Epi neck profile, but I would think it is of the Gibson variety (thick from front to back, narrow from side to side). GC should have both guitars, so even if you cant get a feel for the sound, you can compare fit/finish and neck profiles.

If you're looking at Epi's, you might as well look at Yamahas and Washburns too. Both make excellent 335 copies.

If you want more opinions on the Epi, go to http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&group=rec.music.makers.guitar.jazz
and do a search on Sheraton.

I have a Korean AS80 in butterscotch. 9.5/10. with OEM case. It is very pretty and well constructed. The action is low and it plays well. You want to buy it??? email me.

[Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar)]

 Funkle,

I believe you are correct on the Samick constuction. I don't know the exact year of my friends Sheraton (it's actually a Sheraton II I found out). I believe it's 8-12 years old. The neck on it is amazing! Very un-Gibson like. As for the pickups, I love the way this guitar sounds!

I'm gonna do a lot of looking/researching/testing over the next couple weeks. I've never really been in the market for a semi-hollow before.

Cheers
Steve