weird epiphone sheraton...

Re: weird epiphone sheraton...

I have a 1968 Sheraton that there's no way I'd sell it for less than $700 (actually, I wouldn't sell it at all. It doesn't have that goofy "by Gibson" headstock. I contacted Epiphone several years ago to find out more about it. Seems they can't even track the serial number. Back in '68 to '70 there was quite a bit of change going on in the production of their guitars and they didn't keep accurate records of the serial numbers and can't even tell if it was made in Kalamazoo or Korea. Their best guess is that it was probably one of the last ones made in the USA. The quality is the best I have seen in any guitar by any manufacturer.

Back in those days, people took pride in their workmanship. There was no cutting corners. I also had a 1960 ES330, a '68 ES345TDC, and a '69 LP Custom (black and gold). All were outstanding quality. Not like any made today.

What a shame. What a loss of pride and personal integrity. Sometimes I wish that I hadn't lived in the good old days so I wouldn't have to see such a degradation in quality in instruments in recent years.
 
Re: weird epiphone sheraton...

GuitarDoc said:
I have a 1968 Sheraton that there's no way I'd sell it for less than $700 (actually, I wouldn't sell it at all. It doesn't have that goofy "by Gibson" headstock. I contacted Epiphone several years ago to find out more about it. Seems they can't even track the serial number. Back in '68 to '70 there was quite a bit of change going on in the production of their guitars and they didn't keep accurate records of the serial numbers and can't even tell if it was made in Kalamazoo or Korea. Their best guess is that it was probably one of the last ones made in the USA. The quality is the best I have seen in any guitar by any manufacturer.

Back in those days, people took pride in their workmanship. There was no cutting corners. I also had a 1960 ES330, a '68 ES345TDC, and a '69 LP Custom (black and gold). All were outstanding quality. Not like any made today.

What a shame. What a loss of pride and personal integrity. Sometimes I wish that I hadn't lived in the good old days so I wouldn't have to see such a degradation in quality in instruments in recent years.
Click to expand...

As a Sheraton player, answer me this...

People always talk about the Sheraton like it's a 335 copy. I guess they're building off the fact that it's a semi hollow guitar with humbuckers and the shape is very similar if not the same, as well as some cosmetic similarities.

that being said, I don't feel like a sheraton is a 335 copy at all. I think it has it's own thing going on. Would you agree? What do you like the most about the Sheraton and what do you like the least?
 
Re: weird epiphone sheraton...

A "proper", American-made Sheraton will have mini humbuckers and the two-piece Frequensator tailpiece. First and foremost, it is a jazz guitar.
 
Re: weird epiphone sheraton...

Funkfingers said:
A "proper", American-made Sheraton will have mini humbuckers and the two-piece Frequensator tailpiece. First and foremost, it is a jazz guitar.
Click to expand...

I would own an original If I could.

maybe I could add the tailpiece? from what I understand it isnt tied down by anything but two or three screws near the strap pin.
 
Re: weird epiphone sheraton...

Like this:

4036164093_c2eb495af1_z.jpg
 
Re: weird epiphone sheraton...

If it has a factory stop tail piece, it is a Sheraton II or a rare exception.
 
Re: weird epiphone sheraton...

that sunburst one isn't the one. the original picture didnt work anymore so i took it down.

it looked like this one:

DSCF0830.jpg
 
Re: weird epiphone sheraton...

astrozombie said:
As a Sheraton player, answer me this...

People always talk about the Sheraton like it's a 335 copy. I guess they're building off the fact that it's a semi hollow guitar with humbuckers and the shape is very similar if not the same, as well as some cosmetic similarities.

that being said, I don't feel like a sheraton is a 335 copy at all. I think it has it's own thing going on. Would you agree? What do you like the most about the Sheraton and what do you like the least?
Click to expand...

To me, the Sheraton is a 345- or 355-based guitar in terms of trim level. There are obvious differences (pickups and tailpiece, of course) but look at the binding and inlays. Block inlays instead of dots or trapezoids, multi-ply binding, and extra decorative inlay on the face of the head. No Vari-Tone or stereo output, though.

And the Sheraton II uses the same pickup and tail piece design as the 345/355. So the differences are that they don't have a Vari-Tone or stereo wiring.

The original Sheratons are built as well as Gibsons. I generally prefer mini humbuckers if I have a choice. I also prefer the cosmetics of the Sheratons (three-piece block inlays on fretboard and vine inlay on head) to the 345's and 355's. I like the Vari-Tone and stereo wiring, but can live without them. So, to me, an antique Sheraton is the ultimate thin-line semi-hollow-bodied guitar. Who knows; there may even be some with the Vari-Tone and stereo wiring.
 
Last edited:
Re: weird epiphone sheraton...

Yeh, I'd say that the Sheraton is the most delux quality of the slim semis. Like ItsaBass said. Quality, trim, finish, and workmanship are supurb. Actually, mine is a Sheraton ll, it's got the stop tailpiece.

But like I said...I would never consider selling it. It couldn't be replaced nowadays with like quality for under $3000.
 
Re: weird epiphone sheraton...

GuitarDoc said:
Yeh, I'd say that the Sheraton is the most delux quality of the slim semis. Like ItsaBass said. Quality, trim, finish, and workmanship are supurb. Actually, mine is a Sheraton ll, it's got the stop tailpiece.

But like I said...I would never consider selling it. It couldn't be replaced nowadays with like quality for under $3000.
Click to expand...

You just pointed out a mistake in my post. I said that Sheraton II's have full-sized humbuckers. But I forgot that the model also existed in the '60's. I tend to associate the II's with the foreign-made Epis, which have full-sized humbuckers.

Boy, would I love to have your guitar. It would be the perfect compliment to my '68 bronze 330.
 
Re: weird epiphone sheraton...

Here's the problems with Epis really bad electronics, bad pickups, and hardware must Change out the nut. Other than that great guitars.
 
Re: weird epiphone sheraton...

I'm late to this party, but I've got an "Epiphone By Gibson" Sheraton. My intention was to buy it and sell it for a profit, but it's a keeper. Made in Korea, 1987.

The tone is sweet, full, very much a Gibson quality about it. The neck is a dream come true. Fits my medium sized hand beautifully and allows me to do what I want instead of talking back! It's worth at least as much as what the new Chinese Sheratons are going for, but likely much more, considering the downward trend in quality these days.

About modern Chinese instruments, I think they're a great way to get an instrument for little money, but none of them are made all that well, and I've had my hands on plenty of them. A shame we'd rather have 12 Chinese guitars in our closets instead of 3 good American made instruments.
 
Re: weird epiphone sheraton...

Welcome to the forum, spoonido.

My brother's Epi-by-Gibson Sheraton II is MIK and dates from 1988. He likes its slim neck. (Strange, as he is primarily as bassist.) I find it far too flexible.

One thing that I will say in favour of these guitars, they sound much better if the black plastic nut is upgraded to bone, synthetic ivory or - in my brother's case - solid brass.
 
Re: weird epiphone sheraton...

ItsaBass said:
To me, the Sheraton is a 345- or 355-based guitar in terms of trim level. There are obvious differences (pickups and tailpiece, of course) but look at the binding and inlays. Block inlays instead of dots or trapezoids, multi-ply binding, and extra decorative inlay on the face of the head.
Click to expand...

+1. Most like a 345 or 355, but it's all in the closely-related 335 'family.' Great design that has stood the test of time, with some variations here and there. Certainly more uniform than the huge variety in LP's (Custom, Std, Studio, Deluxe, Special, Jr, Double cutaway, Access, etc).
 
Re: weird epiphone sheraton...

BluesDisciple said:
Grab it. Make your best offer. I was able to find a new, Made in Korea Epi Sheraton II a few years ago. The build quality is excellent in mine. The older Japanese ones are now sort of sought after. Swap the pickups out for a pair of SD's or Gibson 59 Classics. You won't be disappointed.
Click to expand...

Gibson 59 Classics??
 
Re: weird epiphone sheraton...

Nothing weirder than any other inconsistancy they have had in the past 50 years.

I'd hit a Sheraton over a DOT any day.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Epiphone LP Goldtop
Replies
9
Views
211
Sam SG
S
blakejcan
FS-Epiphone Emily Wolfe Sheraton
Replies
6
Views
382
blakejcan
blakejcan
blakejcan
Still making guitars and having fun with stencils
Replies
8
Views
110
d1dsj
d1dsj
R
Pickup upgrade for Epiphone Les Paul (hard rock/metal)
2 3
Replies
51
Views
957
Wattage
Wattage
G
How to install 3 P90's on an Epiphone P93?
Replies
4
Views
333
jeremy
jeremy
Back
Top