Epiphone Sheraton

StefStoep

I've been GAS'ing over a ES-335 type guitar for the past couple of months and have been looking at al the different options available. The one that really caught my attention was the Epiphone Sheraton, purely on the looks. I also checked out some YouTube videos and it seems with a pickup change that they really get quite close to the real deal. And there are a couple of older models around from the 1980's and 1990's which seems to be even better than the never ones.

Does any one here own one or use to own one? Or went through the process of testing a couple of different es335 types? What is your opinion of the Sheraton?

AlanRatcliffe

I know the mid-90s ones pretty well and, as you said, a decent set of pickups and they come close to a 335. I would imagine like most of the Epis, the new ones would have a better set of pickups, but wood and build quality will not be the same.

singemonkey

StefStoep wrote: I've been GAS'ing over a ES-335 type guitar for the past couple of months and have been looking at al the different options available. The one that really caught my attention was the Epiphone Sheraton, purely on the looks. I also checked out some YouTube videos and it seems with a pickup change that they really get quite close to the real deal. And there are a couple of older models around from the 1980's and 1990's which seems to be even better than the never ones.

Does any one here own one or use to own one? Or went through the process of testing a couple of different es335 types? What is your opinion of the Sheraton?

What do you mean "The real deal?" A Sheraton is its own guitar. It may be based on a 335, but it's a Sheraton. It has a name, and a style that is recognisable and unique. If you want a 335, get one, or, if you can't afford it, get an MIJ Tokai ES. If you get a Sheraton, get it because you want a Sheraton. I have never seen them as an Epi branded 335. That's what the "Dot" is for.

Chocklit_Thunda

Just my 2 cents, but on all the other various forums I've seen guys that swear by their Epi Sheraton's. and also from what I've read the Epiphone quality control is highly rated (unlike its parent company)
I'd say you'd definitely have a winner in a Sheraton.

@Singe remember the OP said he's looking for a 335 TYPE guitar... Which the Sheraton is. It's a kitted out version of en Epi 335. The same way a Dot is a kitted down version and the Gibson 345 and 355's are also modified versions of the same style of guitar.
I think the OP is just looking for a decent semi hollow style guitar so a Sheraton would do just fine... Or like your suggestion the Tokai ES which is also great

StefStoep

Thanks, i realized the Sheraton is it's own guitar unlike the dots, tokias and the other es copies, and that is why i am interested in one. I would love a Gibson ES335, i think most people that want a 335 style guitar would rather get the gibbo than anything else, but the price tag on one is pretty hefty, even second hand, if you can find one, it's still a big chunk of pocket money.

I am currently looking at a seconhand Sheraton, unfortunately the seller is about 1400km from me and i won't get a chance to see it before hand. Should i ask for photos of a specific areas? I think it is a 90's model so i feel quite comfortable with getting it and not seeing it.

Big-G

In terms of photo's, the main point that I've seen being an issue with hollowbodies of this age and older (not necessarily the Epiphones, but generally) is the neck joint. I've seen hairline cracks forming at this joint, which after time can widen into significant weaknesses. So thats where I'd start checking out to know if the guitar is well looked after or not?

Other than that, the usual stuff you'd look out for on any guitar.... Dents, heavy scratches etc. Just bear in mind that a dent on a hollowbody is more likely to be structurally an issue than on a solid electric.

If I were you, I'd ask the seller if there are any dents or scratches of note, and ask him to send pics of these, plus a close up of the neck joint.

Having said all this, the neck joint isn't necessarily weak, but its more a point that IF there are any signs of cracking here, you should most likely walk away.

Hope this helps?
Regards
G!

Sean

Big G wrote: In terms of photo's, the main point that I've seen being an issue with hollowbodies of this age and older (not necessarily the Epiphones, but generally) is the neck joint. I've seen hairline cracks forming at this joint, which after time can widen into significant weaknesses. So thats where I'd start checking out to know if the guitar is well looked after or not?

Other than that, the usual stuff you'd look out for on any guitar.... Dents, heavy scratches etc. Just bear in mind that a dent on a hollowbody is more likely to be structurally an issue than on a solid electric.

If I were you, I'd ask the seller if there are any dents or scratches of note, and ask him to send pics of these, plus a close up of the neck joint.

Having said all this, the neck joint isn't necessarily weak, but its more a point that IF there are any signs of cracking here, you should most likely walk away.

Hope this helps?
Regards
G!

Yeah but most often than not, the cracks at the neck joint is just the finish. Pics are not really going to help.

Keira-WitherKay

Ok unless i'm wrong a sheraton is all hollow ..... And not got a centre block like a 335 ,, and unless the design has changed its closer to a 330 than 335 ....

I didn't notice where you from but Marshall music in woodmead jhb has a few in stock when i was last there ....

John lennon made the sheraton famous ... So more a 60 's pop song jangly sound than a bluesy/jazzy 335 offers

so all hollow means feedback if you play loud

AlanRatcliffe

Keira WitherKay wrote: Ok unless i'm wrong a sheraton is all hollow ..... And not got a centre block like a 335

You're wrong. ? If you're ever unsure, the TOM bridge and stop tailpiece are the giveaway, as they cannot be mounted on a full hollow.

John lennon made the sheraton famous ...

Actually, Lennon made the Casino famous - AFAIK, he never played a Sheraton. John Lee Hooker is the most notable Sheraton player.

Bob-Dubery

Didn't Lennon (and Harrison) play a Casino? Famously with the finish sanded off so (reportedly) it sounded better.

Keira-WitherKay

Yes absolutely correct alan and bob apologies ... I confused the sheraton with the casino ... My bad

aubs1

StefStoep wrote:
I am currently looking at a seconhand Sheraton, unfortunately the seller is about 1400km from me and i won't get a chance to see it before hand. Should i ask for photos of a specific areas? I think it is a 90's model so i feel quite comfortable with getting it and not seeing it.

Hey StefStoep, I bought guitars from dealers/people 1400km away. I asked a fellow forumite (who I knew was more than suitably qualified) to go check it out for me, and give me feedback. There are such people on this forum, just ask! I have more faith doing it this way. Photos?? Nahh!!

StefStoep

Aubs1 wrote:
StefStoep wrote:
I am currently looking at a seconhand Sheraton, unfortunately the seller is about 1400km from me and i won't get a chance to see it before hand. Should i ask for photos of a specific areas? I think it is a 90's model so i feel quite comfortable with getting it and not seeing it.
Hey StefStoep, I bought guitars from dealers/people 1400km away. I asked a fellow forumite (who I knew was more than suitably qualified) to go check it out for me, and give me feedback. There are such people on this forum, just ask! I have more faith doing it this way. Photos?? Nahh!!

Well if there are any guys in PE that would be willing to go and have a look it would be much appreciated.

The seller will send me more photos over the weekend, so i'll see how they look, and a extra bonus, one of my friends are heading down to PE in the next 2 weeks, so he'll be able to bring the guitar with him when he is coming back up to Nelspruit. Unfortunately his knowledge on guitars is the same as my knowledge on brain surgery ? so i can't wait for him to give me the info needed.

StefStoep

So, i bought a Epiphone Sheraton ii, that is te good news, the bad news is, that the guitar is in Port Elizabeth and i'm not! The allright'ish news is, that my parents are flying down to PE tomorrow and returning on Sunday and will bring the guitar back with them. The not-so-alright'ish news is, they live 400km from me! But at least it is closer and not a 1400km away anymore

Some awesome news for me was that I got ge serial number from the guitar and this was the details......

Factory: Samick - Korea
Year: 1988

This was a limited run of Sheratons made at the Samick factory between 1986 and 1988, and is the only one's with "Epiphone by Gibson" on the headstock.
Here is a link to see how the "Epiphone by Gibson" headstock looks.

http://leadingtoneseattle.com/wordpress/2011/06/epiphone-by-gibson-sheraton-c-1986/

The guitar needs a bit of TLC but luckily all small things e.g. A couple a screws missing on the pickup rings.

I will post pictures as soon as i get the guitar.

studmissile

Looking forward to it!