Epiphone Sheraton II Review

“Once I had the pickups replaced - in my case Gibson...”

Written on: 06/01/2007 by tallgroove (1 review written)

Good Points
Stunning yet simple good looks matched by truly superb build quality. I have the natural finish, and over the years it has gone from fresh pale wood to a softer, golden tone. Breath taking. I have had literally dozens of complements on sight alone.

Bad Points
The hardware. Epiphone were a bit cheap in that regard. A miracle if the thing stayed in tune for more than 15 minutes - particularly the G string, although that is a problem common to many guitars. The pickups are perfectly fine for entry level, but too thuddy and inarticulate for more ambitious playing. Same lack of top quality parts is true for pots and switch. Jack input a little loose, however not a serious problem so far.

General Comments
Once I had the pickups replaced - in my case Gibson P-94s - and installed Schaller tuning machines I was left with a guitar as good as anything money can buy. May have the pots, switch and socket replaced at some point, but that would be an artistic extravagance in all honesty. This is now my #1 guitar - and I've owned a fair few. Somehow easier to play than many, and far more versatile than it's 'blues man' image would suggest - although that is it's main strength to be sure. I would recommend it, but only if you are willing to upgrade it. Otherwise, there are better value entry-level semi hollow-body guitars out there. I've been miserly with ratings, simply because I've had to pay a good bit extra to transform it into something special, but something special it now is.