Re: Edwards vs Gibson
There isn't an Edwards that compares to the Standard feature-wise, they are in different classes. Certain aspects of the Gibson are more cost and time intensive such as binding and finish.
Now if you mention Tokai, then we can start comparing apples and apples.
I disagree.
The binding and finish on my Edwards LP Custom Sykes is flawless.
If you need nitro go with a the Lacquer Taste series Edwards.
Yes, it's a final top coat of lacquer over poly.
But, todays Gibby productions use a poly/nitro blend anyways.
I beleive it was JeffH or JeffB that just tried checking thier Gibby
with no success do to the blend.
So what if the Gibby has binding nibs over the frets. It's purely cosmetic.
Serves no practicle purpose other than looks.
The dressing of my Edwards fret ends is perfect. No sharp edges or anything.
To me, properly dressed frets are more important than looks.
As for veneer on plain maple tops.
To me, it's no different the a primed and painted gold top.
It's purely for looks.
It's the thick plain maple carved top that's the important factor for achieving
those LP top ends. Which the Edwards has.
If the veneer is still an issue, go with the plain top then.
Then your just down to the argument of
Poly/Nitro blend vs poly/lacquer top coat.
A majority of the Edwards I have seen have had one piece mahogany backs.
Many Gibby productions are now two piece.
Edwards have long neck tenons.
Gibby production have short tenons.
Argument of resale value.
My total cost for my Edwards LPC was $735. Shipped and customs.
Average ebay price still has been around $550 to $700.
Since Edwards aren't sold here in the States, people are more willing to
pay that when the guitar is already here in the States,
because they are leary of buying from overseas.
Average ebay resale I've seen most '05 or '06 Gibby productions LP Standards go for is $1600 to $1800. Most online places sell them for $2300 new.
That's still a $500 to $700 loss.
Why is it not a big deal when it's a Gibby?
But, if I only get $550 for my Edwards, that's $150 loss is unexceptable.
My whole point is reading through the posts, it seems like many of you are
making the Edwards out to be on the level of a Chinese Epiphone.
It clearly is not. And I question how many of you owned an Edwards.
Is it a Navigator or Tokai LS350? No.
But, neither is a Gibson Production a Historic.
I think the Edwards (or standard production MIJ Tokai, Burny, Epi Elitist, etc..) is more Apples to Apples than many think.
Again, I remember one of the Jeffs owning a Edwards.
He said the quality was top notch. Just that the one he had just didn't give him the tone or feel of the Gibson he already had.
But, how many Gibson did he have to try out to find that "right" one.
I'm sure the same thing can be said for any guitar out there.
finding that "right one". The one that speaks to you.
finding that "right" PRS, Ibanez, Hamer, Jackson, Carvin, etc...
So, trying a $700 Edwards sight unseen is a little more easy on the mind than trying a $2300 Gibson LP Standard sight unseen.
I've found their Lacquer Taste SGs to be inferior to the Gibson Standard
