Is it worth it?

Harleypastor · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 9:07 am Post subject: Is it worth it?

I picked up an Epi studio dot for next to nothing. It's white, and in great condition. It doesn't sound bad as is, but I believe some new pups would help. I want to put on some 11's and play rhythm for worship.

Question: Is it worth the $$ and effort? I like the neck and it stays in tune, so beyond pups & possible new pots and/or wiring I think I would be set.

Looking for feedback and pickup suggestions. Thanks! Jeff

SAguitar · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 11:28 am Post subject:

Howdy Jeff!

Sure, go for it. I definitely think it would improve that guitar to be a very worthy gig rig. I have done that treatment to 2 Epiphone Sheratons now with amazing results. The build quality on those Dots are very good, and the only major part that is lacking is in the electronic. If you were to gut it out, and replace the pickups, and all the pots, caps, wiring and jack, you would end up with a great little guitar, without too much investment. Cool

Stay tuned,
Stan

Harleypastor · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 11:44 am Post subject: Thanks

Hey Stan, I was hoping I'd hear from you. Do you think you can catch a cold via e-mail? If so I think I caught yours a couple of days after talking to you! Snot Sity, what a drag trying to sing and preach yesterday.

Any suggestions on which pups would work good for rhythm tone? We've decided to leave the Gibson 335 we bought alone, other than replacing the sagging bridge.

Also, I tried some new, well actually NOS RCA blackplates in my Rivera Sedona Lite, and now the Gibson and the Crowdster sound great through it.

I bought a used Gries amp from the Gear Page, it should arrive by Wednesday. I'm looking forward to hearing it "Live". I already heard some sound clips.

God bless, hope you're feeling better, Jeff

SAguitar · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 1:30 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Jeff! I'm feeling much better now, and I'm sorry you got the bug!

I'm excited that you brought the Rivera back to life. I was thinking that over and couldn't figure out how a 335 wouldn't sound great through it. I guess I assumed that all the tubes were in great shape, and I'm glad you got it goin' for ya.

About the pickups, if you're going to leave the 335 stock, then what guitar are you looking for to get that "nice rhythm tone." And by that description, what do you mean, more specifically? Good tone to one guy is Yuck City to another, y'know! And then about what price range are you looking for in pickups. As you know there are choices out there all over the map in that area.

Stay tuned,
Stan

Harleypastor · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 1:53 pm Post subject: I think I'll survive the cold!

You know that Rivera sounded fine with my crowdster, but with a change in the pre amp 12AX7's it sounds even cleaner.

The guitar I'm thinking of is an Epi Studio DOT (at least I think that's what they call it) It has uncovered humbuckers, one tone and one volume knob. I already have the guitar, purchased from a frined of my son. It's white, in showroom condition. I like the neck, and it stays in tune, so I'm not sure other changes would be needed.

I have a chance to buy some Gibson 57 classics from a friend who's changing to burst buckers on his LP. He'll sell me both for 100, and one of them is a plus. I've heard them in his LP and they sound great.

I just don't know if there would be a better pup for what I want to do. I'm looking for clean rhythm, not overdirve, but something full, not thin, if that makes any sense.

Thanks, God bless

SAguitar · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:02 pm Post subject:

Wow.

I would jump on those '57 Classics like white on rice, like stink on stuff, like... well anyway, that is an incredible deal!

Put the Classic Plus in the bridge, and the other in the neck position. While you're at it, replace all the rest of the rat's nest, the jack, switch, pots and caps. And get good ingredients, worthy of being mated up with those Gibson pickups. You will end up with an incredible sleeper of an Epi Dot. It will look pretty stock, Korean style, but under the hood will be a full blown Gibson Custom Shop engine. That is the pup set that Gibson CS puts into most of their guitars.

I put a set of '57 Classics in an Epi Sheraton and it is a sweet machine. You'll be able to pull lots of great tones from it. Cool

Bless ya right back,
Stan

Harleypastor · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:07 pm Post subject:

Outstanding! Thanks a lot