Epiphone Dot Deluxe Thoughts?

T

teleblooz

New member
Spotted one of these today in a pawn shop. It had a beautiful flamed top in an antique violin sunburst finish that immediately reminded me of my long gone, (stolen) but much loved and missed 1981 Ibanez AS-200.

It was super busy, so I did not play it, but it looked to be in nice shape. It also looks like it may have had a pickup upgrade. It's marked at $299.00, but I can probably get it for $2 bills out the door.

Not familiar with this model, so wondering what those who do think about it.
 
Re: Epiphone Dot Deluxe Thoughts?

Nice guitar, well made, I have a couple. For $200 I wouldn't pass it up. With upgraded PU's, even better.
 
Re: Epiphone Dot Deluxe Thoughts?

It's a Fancy Epiphone Dot. It could be weak, or meh. Is likely decent at worst. Could be good, or even great. Upgraded pickups will make it a serious player - and looker - if you set it up well.

Most likely. Two bills? I'd do it on principle.
 
Re: Epiphone Dot Deluxe Thoughts?

It's a 2002 Dot Deluxe "Limited Edition". Have yet to open it up and check the pups and wiring, so not sure if it's all stock. The output jack was moved from the top to the bottom side. You can see the lil mess left behind. The jack is a bit wonky, so I'll fix up (somewhat!) proper.

I don't know if this particular model is considered a dog or a beaut in the guitar player consensus...if the MIK's are considered better than the MIC's. Not that it matters.....I knew this was a good one as soon as tuned it up (actually, tuned it down as it was cranked up to F#!) and played a few licks on a little Mustang amp using the twin setting.

I played it for 15 minutes when I got home and damn if it doesn't do the trick. Whatever the pups are, I'm going to give em a whirl before considering a change. I thought the pups would be the first to go, but perhaps not. I like what I hear (and feel) so far....plus the look reminds me of my long gone AS-200. What ya think?d.jpgd1.jpgdd.jpgddd.jpg
 
Re: Epiphone Dot Deluxe Thoughts?

Thanks mate! It was an amazing guitar.. I know it's too soon to tell, (as Bonnie said) but I have a real good feeling about the Dot. Even with old strings and no set up, (tomorrow!) it plays well and has that signature 335 tone. It took me all of 5 seconds to dial in some killer blues tones ala Shuggie Otis. His first album has always been at the top of my tonal benchmark list for 335 tone.

The gold hardware has faded a bit and looks more chrome than gold at times, but I like it. I've got a brand new gold set of Ibanez Super 58's and a used (and faded) gold set of Kent Armstrong Kentrons, so if a pickup change is in order, they may be first up.

I loved the Super 58's on the AS-200 and the Armstrong pups are darn good in their own right. Another option is a set of Burstbucker Pro's I received from a forum brother recently. They are new with nickle covers, but those things don't bother me. Just want the tone that thrills! Again, I'm putting the cart way before the horse as I will give the pups in it now a fair shot to thrill. One lesson I have learned (the hard way!!) over the past 40 years is 'Don 't fix it if it ain't broke".

Yes, these three sets of pups have been waiting a long time for a new home, but that home may have to be somewhere other than here!
 
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Re: Epiphone Dot Deluxe Thoughts?

Shame about teh JackMess,but prolly wouldn't be a deal-breaker for me,either.

Did you talk 'em down to 2 Bills? Case/Bag?

Still,nice & 'Grats!
:D
 
Re: Epiphone Dot Deluxe Thoughts?

Since it had just come on the floor two days earlier, they were not to keen to discount it any lower. I pointed out the jack issues, wiggled the cord for emphasis and brought up the fact it needs some tlc. Got it for $225. No case or bag, but I have a few of both, so that's no biggie.

New pups will be going in soon, but will wait and upgrade the electronics at same time. Crazy good guitar as it is.....new pups, pots, caps, switch, jack, etc., should put if over the moon!
 
Re: Epiphone Dot Deluxe Thoughts?

Yeah,if they're stuck with it for a bit there's usually more wiggle-room,but it prolly wouldn't have lasted very long...
:D

'Grats Again!
 
Re: Epiphone Dot Deluxe Thoughts?

Sounds like a keeper. Shame about the jack relocation. I bet the cable got stepped on and ripped out the jack. Chalk it up as character. :D
 
Re: Epiphone Dot Deluxe Thoughts?

Nice grab! I tried a few dots when I was semi-hollow shopping a little over a year ago and they seemed like great guitars, but I just couldn't seem to bond with any of the ones I tried.

Congrats... that's a keeper! :fing2:
 
Re: Epiphone Dot Deluxe Thoughts?

Really pretty, and an awesome deal! Play it for a month or so before deciding if the pickups need to be changed.
 
Re: Epiphone Dot Deluxe Thoughts?

Follow up. I took the pickups out and was ready to replace them when I got sick. Today I finally felt good enough to take it out and get it up and running. I wound up putting the stock pickup back in the bridge slot and a GFS Gold Foil (the bucker sized Ferrite sing coil) in the neck. I've not had the same success with GFS pickups others have, so I wasn't expecting much, but I must say this Gold Foil-ish pickup sounds great in this guitar.

Anyway, it's a fine player.... great feeling neck, spot on intonation and some serious tone.
 
Re: Epiphone Dot Deluxe Thoughts?

Follow up. I took the pickups out and was ready to replace them when I got sick. Today I finally felt good enough to take it out and get it up and running. I wound up putting the stock pickup back in the bridge slot and a GFS Gold Foil (the bucker sized Ferrite sing coil) in the neck. I've not had the same success with GFS pickups others have, so I wasn't expecting much, but I must say this Gold Foil-ish pickup sounds great in this guitar.

Anyway, it's a fine player.... great feeling neck, spot on intonation and some serious tone.
 
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