epi electronics, really that bad?

[vivalapunk]

well, that's the question, are epitronics really as bad as everyone here says they are? from what i've read here, it seems the selectoknob breaks after using it twice, the pups give up after 3 minutes of playing...
and well, seeing i just want a decent guitar to practice, and don't plan to put a whole lot of effort and money into fixing it, would the g-400 still be a good choice? it might be used on stage by my band's guitarist, but it will mostly be played by me, sitting in my room, trying to learn to play the guitar....
and by the way, a guy i know has an epi g400, and he doesn't seem to have any problems with it.....

 

[vivalapunk]

so what i'm trying to say is, are epitronics really that bad (sub-cheap-asian-copy-standard?), or are you guys just spoiled gibsonbrats :twisted:

 

[Six String]

May it be that they are just in a different class of guitar.... say Chevy vs Lexus. Attention given to such matters is certainly going to be reflected in the pricing. I hear a lot of positives over the Epis here so the chances for a "lemon" seem to me to be no more or less then your average. Years ago I looked at an LP I couldn't get to tune, but I'm sure it was not typical of the breed..... IMHO 8)

 

[crippe]

We're spoiled Gibson brats! 8)

 

[Six String]

...... well...... that too.......!

 

[Guitar3dt]

they're certainly not bad, but the gibson stuff is far superior. just play em and hear it.

 

[skidshark]

that epi will be fine for learning! i think there's one on the everythingSG auction right now!!

 

[vivalapunk]

yeah, i've seen the auction here on the site, but i'm gonna buy me a new one
and as far as playing the gibson and the epi goes for me: there are no guitar shops near where i live, and the one closest by is just a small one and doesn't sell gibsons or epiphones. i've tried a few different guitars friends of mine own, and i've heard a lot of different guitars with the bands i've seen around here. the SG just really won me over with looks and sound, but the only sg i've played up until now was a lefty, and i'm right handed....
and then there's that little fact that i actually know just about nothing about guitars, but that's what you guys are here for: infinite guitarwisdom

 

[JmOS]

I found that the switch is worse 'by feel' than my friends Gibson LP Classic, but the functionality is quite OK. I think it's natural...

I also have problems with staying in tune, but it's not critical. Maybe I should fasten the truss rod a bit.

After a few month it can be said: G400 is a good axe for it's price (mine is the 'Vintage' version, maybe it's a bit better)

Well of course the 'original' SG Standard has been the love at first glance for me ;-)
That'ill be my next one if I deserve it... I mean practicing enough :-)
'til that this Epi is a _perfect_ practicing tool :-)

PS: It was strange that Epi sounded better to me than Gibson Special. Maybe only warmer, but it was similar to the original - without that QUALITY!

 

[Pepol]

The switches they use are crap. At least thats what I found when I owned an Epi.

 

[Guitar3dt]

i've never had any "problem" with my Epi, but I'd definitely say the sound is inferior. As far as bad switches, mine was/is just fine. Good as any other guitar, anyways.

 

[skidshark]

Welcome to the forums jmOS!!

 

[MainFrame185]

so what i'm trying to say is, are epitronics really that bad (sub-cheap-asian-copy-standard?), or are you guys just spoiled gibsonbrats :twisted:

I've had my G-400 for a little over a year. The selector switch finally $hit the bed two weeks ago. I can only play on the rhythm pup now. I'd been "nursing" it for about three months. I have no complaints about the pots or input jack, but when you can replace the whole stink'n Korean mess for under $50, it's not that bad. I figure if I've got to install a new switch, I might as well replace all the electronics while I have the soldering iron out.

As for the factory pups, I have no complaint, but I would like to eventually upgrade them. I'm thinking a '57 classic in the neck and a Angus Young signature in the bridge. That will make it virtually undetectable from a Gibby IMHO, but with a lot less $$$.

 

[lyrad]

my selector switch failed after about a month, & my input jack is fked up. but it was good while it lasted i guess.. i wish for a real gibson standard but im as poor as hell.

 

[pete]

The electronics on my G-400 Custom were pretty sub-par IMO. The pickups were a bit weak and the volume control made very little difference between 2 and 10. I usually rip out the guts and replace everything on every guitar I get so this was no big deal.

I used a Switchcraft switch, CTS 500K pots and a 500K push pull pot as a coil split, new .22 caps, and used better quality wiring. The factory wiring was pretty cheesy.
I had to re-do the controls anyway since I eliminated the middle HB pickup and converted the guitar to 2 HB's. Pickups are gold covered Duncan Distortion and Kent Armstrong Vintage in the bridge and neck respectively.
I have maybe $650 or $700 in it now but it absolutely screams, is a unique color (cream), and unlike a Gibby SG has a bound neck and headstock and gold hardware.

 

[bodhi2600]

epi G-400

i purchased an epi g-400 long ago when they had the dot inlays and the plain headstock which only says epiphone, does not have the gibson like inlay on the headstock. this guitar has been great. the switch has never failed me and i flip it about like a kill switch. still works. never been replaced. i did put dimarzio evolutions in both positions which helped the tone lots. i think it is a great practice guitar however i don't think it can compare to my gibsons. it is nice because it is quite light which is good for long practice sessions (if you stand while practicing).
i don't know if i would replace it if it was ripped off but i am not inclined to let it go either.
later,
~bodhi

 

[tusken123]

I have a Gibson SG faded that sucked until I did the thing over resodered 2 pots, truss rod. plug nut ect. G-400 isn't bad but alot of the new ones sound a little funky just keeping playing ones until you find one that sounds the best. I have seen more people on stage with Epiphones than Gibsons(probally because they don't want to busta $1,000 + axe.)

Epiphone is good but tay away from that $129.00 SG Special (Junk)

 

[Ac/Dc_wannabe]

if it helps any i have an Epi sg g-400 goth and had it for a year and 3/4, so far the epitronics have been holding up real good. the tone switch acts weird from time to time (when switched i get no sound) but this happens rarely and is most likely from being used so much. and the sound IMOP is pretty good for the price. its a good guitar for the money ;D

 

[git_man1]

I don't think that they're THAT bad! Of course Gibby's are superior, and for the difference in
price, they'd BETTER be. Buy an Epi and MOD the sucker! it's fun, AND it's alot cheaper than
a Gibby. I have both, and I like the Epi ALMOST as much as my Gib standard.