Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
I'm looking at possibly getting a seven string and I like the way the Agiles are looking as well as the specs, but I don't know about how the quality is on them. Has anyone had any problems with them?
How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
- Thread starter Johnny the Kid
- Start date
treyhaislip
Well-known member
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
I've only played them in stores–not exactly my type but they seem very well made. Played a cool used Fanned Fret 8 String at GC that was a ton of guitar for the low price.
I've only played them in stores–not exactly my type but they seem very well made. Played a cool used Fanned Fret 8 String at GC that was a ton of guitar for the low price.
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
I havent owned one, but have been interested and watched internet chatter on them since they came out. The majority Ive read has been positive. Many owners are happy and feel they got a fair deal or even more than they feel they paid for. From what Ive heard, Kurt, they guy that sells them, usually will take care of you if there is a problem. (When buying new) He has always responded to my emails when I have asked about them. If they have a model you like, I wouldnt hesitate.
I havent owned one, but have been interested and watched internet chatter on them since they came out. The majority Ive read has been positive. Many owners are happy and feel they got a fair deal or even more than they feel they paid for. From what Ive heard, Kurt, they guy that sells them, usually will take care of you if there is a problem. (When buying new) He has always responded to my emails when I have asked about them. If they have a model you like, I wouldnt hesitate.
St_Genesius
New member
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
I've owned a couple. Was a big fan, back when I was young and broke. Still a fan in theory, I suppose. I'm glad that there is someone out there doing what Kurt is doing. But it's not where I spend my money anymore.
I've owned a couple. Was a big fan, back when I was young and broke. Still a fan in theory, I suppose. I'm glad that there is someone out there doing what Kurt is doing. But it's not where I spend my money anymore.
Artie
Peaveyologist
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
I absolutely love my Agile 3010 in Blue Flame. Every bit as good as my EPI LP Custom. Binding all around, set neck, etc. Wouldn't surprise me if the Agile and the EPI were made in the same S. Korean factory.
I go back and forth between this and the EPI . . . and I'm not even an LP kinda guy.
(This is getting a PG set tomorrow.)
I absolutely love my Agile 3010 in Blue Flame. Every bit as good as my EPI LP Custom. Binding all around, set neck, etc. Wouldn't surprise me if the Agile and the EPI were made in the same S. Korean factory.
I go back and forth between this and the EPI . . . and I'm not even an LP kinda guy.
(This is getting a PG set tomorrow.)
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
We feel that Agile is a solid upper entry / lower mid tier instrument, similar to Epiphone yet more consistent. we believe that with a few key upgrades, they may sound and feel fantastic.
We also believe that if you don't own a REAL Gibson you should stop acting like they are as good as one, because they aren't. For those of you who do, and say the Agile is that good, stop lying.
We feel that Agile is a solid upper entry / lower mid tier instrument, similar to Epiphone yet more consistent. we believe that with a few key upgrades, they may sound and feel fantastic.
We also believe that if you don't own a REAL Gibson you should stop acting like they are as good as one, because they aren't. For those of you who do, and say the Agile is that good, stop lying.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
I've seen claims here that they 'Blow away Epi's' for quality and 'Are better than Gibsons'. I take issue with both claims.
In 2010 Epi started their PU improvement program with Probuckers and American-made PU's in a number of models. I'm not aware of Agile doing this. Also, there's no excuse for Agile using those crappy cardboard mystery box toggle switches. They're terrible.
I've seen claims here that they 'Blow away Epi's' for quality and 'Are better than Gibsons'. I take issue with both claims.
In 2010 Epi started their PU improvement program with Probuckers and American-made PU's in a number of models. I'm not aware of Agile doing this. Also, there's no excuse for Agile using those crappy cardboard mystery box toggle switches. They're terrible.
Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
I'm not too worried about pickups. Those can be replaced if they sound completely terrible. Toggle swtiches are an easy fix too. I'm more worried about if there were any major issues: bridges falling apart, terrible finish jobs, just really poor quality. I didn't expect the pickups to be SD quality, and the toggle switch is something I can solder up real quick.
I'm not too worried about pickups. Those can be replaced if they sound completely terrible. Toggle swtiches are an easy fix too. I'm more worried about if there were any major issues: bridges falling apart, terrible finish jobs, just really poor quality. I didn't expect the pickups to be SD quality, and the toggle switch is something I can solder up real quick.
MojoMonster
Active member
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
If you want to blow away Epi's and lower end Gibby's get an Edwards ELP-112 or higher in the Lacquer Taste series. Only available in new Japan or through the used market via eBay.
If you want to blow away Epi's and lower end Gibby's get an Edwards ELP-112 or higher in the Lacquer Taste series. Only available in new Japan or through the used market via eBay.
FuseG4
Our Neighbor Totoro
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
They are a lot like the better epiphones for a little less, if you can get past the stubby lower horn
I've had two Agiles, an Al-3100 and an AL-3000M with a 3/4" plain maple top. The neck shapes felt a bit unwieldy to me, the first one was the "wide" profile they offer, the second was their normal one. The fretboards felt great, very smooth, but being ebony, I feel like they give a real snappy attack that I ended up noticing a lot.
Fretwork was OK by my relatively novice standards but the first agile I had ended up with forum bro MetalManiac and wasn't able to get the lower action he wanted without some fret touching-up, I seem to recall.
The finishes on Agiles seem very thick or very glossy or very both but it's a little bit of a cheap feeling finish. The second agile I got, I very lightly took some gloss down with a scotchbrite pad and was pretty pleased with the result.
The hardware was about epiphone quality. nothing that made me want to replace it. The tuners were nice.
The nuts were like basically every guitar I've ever owned, not perfect but nothing you can't fix with sandpaper.
What else... I am fine with the alpha pots they use, they're not the mini pots at least. Yeah the switch and output jacks were garbage.
As far as construction goes, they claim a one piece neck on their better models and have for years, however both of mine had a seperate neck and heel/tenon, so technically it's a 2 piece neck?
So Agile is cool in my book, but they're not "better" than epiphone to me, they are just different. I've played plenty of Gibsons and have owned a Gibson LP Studio Faded and honestly it's gonna come down to how it feels and sounds to you on a guitar by guitar basis. I currently own one epiphone and zero agiles though, if that says anything about my final opinion of agile. The epiphone I got to play in the store and make sure it had "that sound" I wanted and felt good to play, before I reached for the wallet.
They are a lot like the better epiphones for a little less, if you can get past the stubby lower horn
I've had two Agiles, an Al-3100 and an AL-3000M with a 3/4" plain maple top. The neck shapes felt a bit unwieldy to me, the first one was the "wide" profile they offer, the second was their normal one. The fretboards felt great, very smooth, but being ebony, I feel like they give a real snappy attack that I ended up noticing a lot.
Fretwork was OK by my relatively novice standards but the first agile I had ended up with forum bro MetalManiac and wasn't able to get the lower action he wanted without some fret touching-up, I seem to recall.
The finishes on Agiles seem very thick or very glossy or very both but it's a little bit of a cheap feeling finish. The second agile I got, I very lightly took some gloss down with a scotchbrite pad and was pretty pleased with the result.
The hardware was about epiphone quality. nothing that made me want to replace it. The tuners were nice.
The nuts were like basically every guitar I've ever owned, not perfect but nothing you can't fix with sandpaper.
What else... I am fine with the alpha pots they use, they're not the mini pots at least. Yeah the switch and output jacks were garbage.
As far as construction goes, they claim a one piece neck on their better models and have for years, however both of mine had a seperate neck and heel/tenon, so technically it's a 2 piece neck?
So Agile is cool in my book, but they're not "better" than epiphone to me, they are just different. I've played plenty of Gibsons and have owned a Gibson LP Studio Faded and honestly it's gonna come down to how it feels and sounds to you on a guitar by guitar basis. I currently own one epiphone and zero agiles though, if that says anything about my final opinion of agile. The epiphone I got to play in the store and make sure it had "that sound" I wanted and felt good to play, before I reached for the wallet.
Rand-O-Monium
New member
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
How are teh PGs working out,Artie?
:wave:
How are teh PGs working out,Artie?
:wave:
St_Genesius
New member
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
Here's a related, but slightly separate question: why do the finishes of Korean-made instruments so often (which is just me weaseling away from saying ALWAYS) feel so much better than those coming out of China or Indonesia? Across multiple brands, there's this particular, plasticky feel to the cheaper models coming from those factories, yet their Korean cousins feel as good as they ever have. I mean, they're all poly. What's the difference?
Here's a related, but slightly separate question: why do the finishes of Korean-made instruments so often (which is just me weaseling away from saying ALWAYS) feel so much better than those coming out of China or Indonesia? Across multiple brands, there's this particular, plasticky feel to the cheaper models coming from those factories, yet their Korean cousins feel as good as they ever have. I mean, they're all poly. What's the difference?
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ItsaBass
New member
How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
They're decent import guitars of approximately Korean Epi quality. They cost less, because they aren't Gibson owned; they don't have the exact shapes as Gibsons or Epis. They offer lots of non-standard designs, and I believe that if you talk to the owner, the next time he places a big order, he will even custom order you a guitar to your specs (within limits, of course).
You're going to have to do the same things to them that you'll have to do to Epi in order to get it to be a good playing instrument. New electronics and hardware, but most importantly, a new nut and a fret dressing.
Personally, I feel that they are not worth it. If I was on a budget, and really didn't plan on doing a ton of mods, then they might be worth it to me. But I am of the mind that buying a used guitar that was originally good is better than buying a new guitar that needs a whole lot of work to maybe reach the level level of that good used guitar. But like I said, if you can get one cheap, it looks good, and will get you through until you can get something better, go for it.
They're decent import guitars of approximately Korean Epi quality. They cost less, because they aren't Gibson owned; they don't have the exact shapes as Gibsons or Epis. They offer lots of non-standard designs, and I believe that if you talk to the owner, the next time he places a big order, he will even custom order you a guitar to your specs (within limits, of course).
You're going to have to do the same things to them that you'll have to do to Epi in order to get it to be a good playing instrument. New electronics and hardware, but most importantly, a new nut and a fret dressing.
Personally, I feel that they are not worth it. If I was on a budget, and really didn't plan on doing a ton of mods, then they might be worth it to me. But I am of the mind that buying a used guitar that was originally good is better than buying a new guitar that needs a whole lot of work to maybe reach the level level of that good used guitar. But like I said, if you can get one cheap, it looks good, and will get you through until you can get something better, go for it.
treyhaislip
Well-known member
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
I've found that to be the case as well. I think the Korean Factories have a higher level of quality control. I've seen that with both acoustics and electrics–had an older Korean Epiphone Masterbilt (spelled correctly ) that just felt more solid than the newer Chinese one–frets and finish wise.
I've found that to be the case as well. I think the Korean Factories have a higher level of quality control. I've seen that with both acoustics and electrics–had an older Korean Epiphone Masterbilt (spelled correctly
) that just felt more solid than the newer Chinese one–frets and finish wise.
St_Genesius
New member
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
I swear, though, that it's not that there are any inherent FLAWS in the construction or application of the finishes. They just feel different in my hand, though by all rights, they're made of exactly the same stuff.
I swear, though, that it's not that there are any inherent FLAWS in the construction or application of the finishes. They just feel different in my hand, though by all rights, they're made of exactly the same stuff.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
I've owned/played dozens of both Korean and Chinese made guitars, and I definitely prefer the Chinese. There's no doubt that they're more consistent (part of it is newer/better computer-controlled machinery). Today the market's more competitive than it used to be (partly from the recession), and companies have to use better quality parts to be able to sell guitars. Depending on which factory built the Koreans, the quality was all over the map. The pre-2000 Korean Epi's used 'mudbucker' PU's, cheap mini-pots, & no-name tuners. I'd take a recent Chinese Epi any day, with Probuckers, Grovers, and full-size pots.
I've owned/played dozens of both Korean and Chinese made guitars, and I definitely prefer the Chinese. There's no doubt that they're more consistent (part of it is newer/better computer-controlled machinery). Today the market's more competitive than it used to be (partly from the recession), and companies have to use better quality parts to be able to sell guitars. Depending on which factory built the Koreans, the quality was all over the map. The pre-2000 Korean Epi's used 'mudbucker' PU's, cheap mini-pots, & no-name tuners. I'd take a recent Chinese Epi any day, with Probuckers, Grovers, and full-size pots.
treyhaislip
Well-known member
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
That is very interesting! I was thinking on a budget line pricing. I would say my dad's Korean Ibanez Prestige is top notch quality but my handmade Chinese Eastman E8D has top notch quality also BUT little things in the finish work on my Eastman show that its no Martin in terms of quality (small streaks, too much finish on the sides of the neck, etc.)
That is very interesting! I was thinking on a budget line pricing. I would say my dad's Korean Ibanez Prestige is top notch quality but my handmade Chinese Eastman E8D has top notch quality also BUT little things in the finish work on my Eastman show that its no Martin in terms of quality (small streaks, too much finish on the sides of the neck, etc.)
St_Genesius
New member
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
Epi has DEFINITELY stepped up their pickup game the last few years. No question. Agile's stock humbuckers are every bit as bad as you would expect them to be, while Epi's are often surprisingly good.
Epi has DEFINITELY stepped up their pickup game the last few years. No question. Agile's stock humbuckers are every bit as bad as you would expect them to be, while Epi's are often surprisingly good.
treyhaislip
Well-known member
Re: How Do You Guys Feel About Agiles?
I really like Epiphone–they make a great product for the price IMO
I really like Epiphone–they make a great product for the price IMO
