Weird Epi things to know

[Dom L]

Got around to putting in a 59n and APHb in my Epi,
pain in the arse because:

1. Gibson NECK covers will fit SD neck AND bridge pickups
2. The volume pots were 500k LINEAR taper
3. The tone pots were 500k AUDIO taper
Had to swap them around
4. Standard size pots will not fit, had to use the "dime" size pots
Couldn't use CTS pots
5. The gibson 3 way will not fit a Epi, the threaded collar is too shallow
left it the way it is for now, have to find an Epi 3 way toggle
6. The Gibson toggle knob will not fit the Epi switch, had to dunk it in cofee

I think the only thing that is interchangeable between Gibson and Epis are strings

If you guys upgrade your Epis be prepared for some "Aw shucks" moments
Can't wait to change the tuners and bridge/tailpiece
Dom L

[yes-fan]

Re: Weird Epi things to know

nothing a drill and 10 bucks cant fix though.

[beandip]

Re: Weird Epi things to know

damn, yes fan beat me to it. I'd just drill bigger holes and route it out. Unless you dont have a router, then you're kinda screwed.

[Guitarist]

Re: Weird Epi things to know

Cool stuff to know, on behalf of all Epi owners - thanks for the heads up!

[StratTom]

Re: Weird Epi things to know

From reading your sig I'm guessing your talking about an Epi Les Paul. I wonder if the SG's are the same way. Either way thanks for the tips.

[butnut]

Re: Weird Epi things to know

The stock Epi pup rings are wider than Gibson, the knobs have a different shaft (metric?) and Gibson knobs won't fit, yes, the toggle tip is a different size (metric?) and I think the bridge/tail will be different from a Gibson too. I made some changes to an Epi LP I sold long ago...and I'll be getting another soon.

[mongrollo]

Re: Weird Epi things to know

nothing a drill and 10 bucks cant fix though.

BECAREFUL!!!!

It not easy do drill a propper hole in an already drilled hole on wood. It sound extrange i know . When you work with wood it is easy to just drill a hole of any diameter you want (if you have apropiated tools). BUT when a hole it is already make you CAN'T make it bigger with a bigger drill. The drill has a small nail of its end that helps to guide it staight thru the wood. If the hole it is already made the is no wood that can guide this nail of the drill. The result it is a hole that won't be circular.

The easiest solution it is to file the hole. Or ask a luthier to do it

[Dom L]

Re: Weird Epi things to know

BECAREFUL!!!!

It not easy do drill a propper hole in an already drilled hole on wood. It sound extrange i know . When you work with wood it is easy to just drill a hole of any diameter you want (if you have apropiated tools). BUT when a hole it is already make you CAN'T make it bigger with a bigger drill. The drill has a small nail of its end that helps to guide it staight thru the wood. If the hole it is already made the is no wood that can guide this nail of the drill. The result it is a hole that won't be circular.

The easiest solution it is to file the hole. Or ask a luthier to do it

I use a tapered reamer costs about 18 bucks at the hardware store
Invaluable tool
Dom L

[beandip]

Re: Weird Epi things to know

actually, if you tape off around the hole, then drill, you'll be fine. just make sure that you have something on the other end to "recieve" the bit, so that you dont completely tear up your guitar. Or, you could just buy a reamer like Dom did.

[midnite_man]

Re: Weird Epi things to know

Must be the year your Epi was made. I had no problems with installing a Gibson 3-way, or standard pots in my axe, which I think is a '93 Standard.
The only reaming I had to do to the guitar was when I installed Sperzel locking tuners in place of the stock, and very low quality tuners.
Another item I think that isn't interchangeable though, is the bridge. I think the studs in the bodys are different sizes.

About the reaming, whatever anybody does don't take an electric drill to your headstock's pegholes. It would be too easy to splinter the wood around the holes and really mess up the finish. Definitely use a reaming tool.

[jeremy]

Re: Weird Epi things to know

yup the bridges arent interchangable, but companys like tonepro's make replacement bridges for imports. ive drilled probably almost a hundred guitars and never really had a problem with making a hole bigger. you do need a quality drill (press) and bit

[midnite_man]

Re: Weird Epi things to know

actually, if you tape off around the hole, then drill, you'll be fine. just make sure that you have something on the other end to "recieve" the bit, so that you dont completely tear up your guitar. Or, you could just buy a reamer like Dom did.

Dude, I don't want to even partially tear up any guitar of mine.

[midnite_man]

Re: Weird Epi things to know

yup the bridges arent interchangable, but companys like tonepro's make replacement bridges for imports. ive drilled probably almost a hundred guitars and never really had a problem with making a hole bigger. you do need a quality drill (press) and bit

I agree with using a variable speed drill-press and high quality bit to drill or ream the holes, as a Luthier might....I was referring to those who might think it was okay to just grab up a hand-drill and start reaming their guitar's headstock out. I'm sure you can agree that is not an advisable course of action to take.

-Bob