ratrap
So I am contemplating buying an Epi Dot.
What other Brands/Models should I be looking at even if it means spending a bit more.
I'm looking at new guitars.
ActionArnie
I've got '97 Korean Dot ... its a superb instrument! Highly recommended and superbly playable, just get a decent tech to give it the once over and look to replace the stock pickups.
singemonkey
A Chinese made Tokai ES60 will be in the same kind of price-range as an Epiphone Dot. It has the open-book Gibson style headstock and neck binding - so it looks much more like a vintage Gibson ES335. Someone on the forum has one and can give you some idea of the quality comparison.
Another option would be the Ibanez artcore AS73. Very nice semi-hollows.
If you've got a considerable amount more money, a Japanese-made Tokai ES135 will be every bit as good as a Gibson ES335 for about 55% of the price. Then there's your Ibanez John Scofield for more - the higher end Tokai ES335 clones - with flamey tops and vintage-style hardware and electronics (more like a Custom Shop Gibson 335, in other words). And finally there's your Gibson Custom Shop Reissue 335s which tend to be a little rich for most of our pockets but are definitely great guitars.
ratrap
Thanks for the input!
I assume the Epi Dot is now made in China?
Which of the Ibanez range is made in Japan?
I'm looking at the AS103.
Thanks again!
singemonkey
I doubt whether any of the artcores are made in Japan. However, a good guitar is a good guitar no matter where it's made. And the artcores seem to be well-made guitars.
The recent Chinese Epiphone Les Pauls looked like toys to me. Very poorly made. But the dots looked much better. I don't know if it was made in a different factory or whether they were just made to better spec.
AndyD
Picked up an Ibanez Artcore As73 off Gumtree For R2500 including a decent gig Bag. Bought it on a whim but agree with the above that although its made in China its a great guitar and covers a lot of bases. Played through a decent amp it sounds fantastic. Two thumbs up for the Ibby and this coming from a Fender guy.
Sean
I think Ray was selling something like this some time ago, Ibanez hollowbody( I might be wrong ), you could check out the classifieds, he might still have it
ratrap
Sort of narrowed it down to an Ibanez AS103 or Epi Sheritan. Ibanez off the shelf...Epi is a 3 month wait. That may just make up my mind for me!
nick
Ive got a Dot, if I didnt get the Les Paul it'd be my number one ?
Banditman
An older Epi Dot is a decent guitar, but you won't go wrong with one of the entry level Tokai versions. I tried one out in April last year, and kept saying "I can't believe this is a Chinese guitar".
Got a Sheraton II (Korean-made) which is basically the same vibe as the Dot, but with more trim and a maple (instead of mahogany) neck. Can't wait to upgrade mine, which I got for a song.
