Re: Epiphone DOT vs PRS SE Semi Hollow?
PRS have their own thing going on, and some guys love it, some don't, regardless of how much a PRS costs. I like Epi's, especially the recent-manufacture MIC and MIK. Most of the newest models have push-pulls for coil cut and A2 magnet PU's. I've found the quality over the last 10 years to be consistent and competitive. They offer a lot of variety in solid, semi, and full hollows, much more than PRS or Washburn.
With upgraded PU's they can sound very good, like my natural Dot with a thick mahogany neck that I put a pair of Seth's in.
I have to respectfully disagree since I used to manage a major guitar retailer that was an authorized gibson/epiphone dealer. I have yet to find a Dot or Sheraton that really has the mojo of other semi-hollows.
Every Epiphone we got in SG, LP, 335/sheraton, etc required a lot of setup work. Don't even get me started on how bad the ES-339 models have been. I have yet to play one of those (and I've played 20 different ones) that I liked enough to consider buying. At that point who cares about wiring or pickups (I can easily swap pickups or do wiring myself).
If you actually played multiple epiphones (like dozens upon dozens) and compared them to dozens of washburns you'd understand. The Washburn is not only a better setup instrument out of the box but the pieces of wood (at least on those that I've had experience with) were far superior to any Epiphone as were the stock electronics/pickups. I'd like you to find me an Epiphone that will truly compete with the HB35 or HB36. Play them side by side today and compare the prices. Washburn is clearly better bang for the buck. I'm sorry but if a guitar doesn't sound right and feel right unplugged it's not going to matter what else it's got going on. I find that Sheratons and Dots really like the life and 3D quality I search for in a semi hollow (now there are exceptions to that statement, but they are a rarity).
As to your PRS remark, I stated that already in this thread, the PRS SE's are very nice but PRS has their own vibe/character. Again across the board PRS is much higher quality in every regard than a current production Epiphone. We are talking about comparing hundreds of Epiphones to a large amount of PRS, not the same numbers because obviously Gibson/Fender guitars are the biggest sellers.
Now please bear in mind that I own four Epiphone acoustic guitars (so I don't hate the brand two masterbilts, an inspired by 64 texan, and a roy orbisson bard 12 string). But this is simply an issue of people paying more for a brand name than actual quality 9 out of 10 times.
Italia, Hagstrom, Eastwood, Phantom, DiPinto, G&L Tribute, PRS SE, Washburn, ESP Ltd, Tradition, etc offer superior instruments to the Fender/Squier and Gibson/Epiphone brands.
A quality Epiphone electric is far and few between in comparison to how consistently good these less popular brands are. In all honesty of all those brands I listed not one of them had a bad/lemon guitar. I play horrible gibson/fender guitars all the time.
