Author Topic: Gentlemen Prefer [Epiphone] Blondes... (Read 1988 times)

Chum · « **on:** May 06, 2012, 02:06:23 PM »

Hi to all!

I got this Epiphone Dot a few weeks ago... Fair condition, but it needed a little work...
Here's a few photos of the guitar as I got it:

Sans pickups...

This one had push-pull pots installed...

Grovers were installed; however, all of the screw heads were broken off...

So, a few changes were in order, among others:
1. Gibson pickups (490R for the neck, 498T for the bridge) (from NathanManansala)
2. New Gibson Tulip machineheads
3. Schaller Straplock buttons
4. 500K CTS pots and amber knoobs
5. Switchcraft Jack
6. New humbucker ring for the neck
7. Set up (courtesy of Alchemist Mike)

So, here is what Mike came up with:

The Gibson tulips just look better, IMHO...

The Gibson pickups came with Nickel covers, which I think just suit the guitar better...

I really like the figure of the wood on the back...

Thanks to Mike and crew, Nathan for the pickups, and Stompmoko/Ram for helping me get the guitar to Mike!

Chum

j-sonic · « **Reply #1 on:** May 06, 2012, 02:10:12 PM »

very nice and clean

NomisNivra · « **Reply #2 on:** May 06, 2012, 02:33:33 PM »

I have to agree with your heading. Been gassing for an Epiphone Sheraton II natural. Nice guitar by the way.

freemansj · « **Reply #3 on:** May 06, 2012, 02:38:30 PM »

crush ko si blonde!!! dandan danda!!!

Chum · « **Reply #4 on:** May 06, 2012, 02:45:32 PM »

While we're on the topic

Here's a few photos of my Epiphone Emperor Regent...

A few autographs

Billy Sheehan...

Mike Stern...

Inlay work...

Love the figure on the back as well...

stringman · « **Reply #5 on:** May 06, 2012, 02:54:13 PM »

Blondes and natural finishes really turns me on!

Rmansh · « **Reply #6 on:** May 06, 2012, 03:13:35 PM »

Nice . I like how the knobs matches the finish. And the kluson tuners too.

grasyaps · « **Reply #7 on:** May 06, 2012, 04:38:31 PM »

Quote from: Rmansh on May 06, 2012, 03:13:35 PM

Nice . I like how the knobs matches the finish. And the kluson tuners too.

its looks nice but i feel this would look more 'proper' if it had the klusons with the oval heads. it would match the headstock of the guitar typically from the early 50s era.

other than that, the guitar had an awesome make over!

teleclem · « **Reply #8 on:** May 06, 2012, 04:47:31 PM »

Quote from: Chum on May 06, 2012, 02:45:32 PM

Cool.

Chum · « **Reply #9 on:** May 06, 2012, 05:00:17 PM »

Quote from: grasyaps on May 06, 2012, 04:38:31 PM

its looks nice but i feel this would look more 'proper' if it had the klusons with the oval heads. it would match the headstock of the guitar typically from the early 50s era.

other than that, the guitar had an awesome make over!

Oooohhhh, now THERE'S an IDEA..... Thanks, will look into this...

r_chino18 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 06, 2012, 07:34:29 PM »

Very nice.

nieldan · « **Reply #11 on:** May 06, 2012, 08:03:06 PM »

Reminds me of the ES-335TDN that i saw on fretted americana. nice.

mandoytz · « **Reply #12 on:** May 06, 2012, 08:37:47 PM »

Nice!!!

Rmansh · « **Reply #13 on:** May 06, 2012, 08:48:36 PM »

Quote from: grasyaps on May 06, 2012, 04:38:31 PM

its looks nice but i feel this would look more 'proper' if it had the klusons with the oval heads. it would match the headstock of the guitar typically from the early 50s era.

other than that, the guitar had an awesome make over!

Nah, I think ts tulip looks way cooler than the oval ones. But that's just me.

grasyaps · « **Reply #14 on:** May 06, 2012, 08:56:22 PM »

Quote from: Rmansh on May 06, 2012, 08:48:36 PM

Nah, I think ts tulip looks way cooler than the oval ones. But that's just me.

sir Rmansh kasi feel ko dun sa guitar since bare finish sha, parang mas 'natural' na kasabay nya yung vintage klusons for an overall look. although yeah we have preferences, parang nababagay ko lang sha dun sa era look ng headstock at over all vibe nung guitar

Rmansh · « **Reply #15 on:** May 06, 2012, 09:32:35 PM »

^sir, you have a point. I probably need to do more research regarding vintage guitars/ parts. I always think Lp juniors with ovals e

Chum · « **Reply #16 on:** May 06, 2012, 10:09:16 PM »

Thanks for the comments guys...

Actually you both have great points, and I'm glad for the tips... The oval tuners are actually in line with old Epiphones, which at that point in time were being made by Gibson. I have an old ES-225TD, and this guitar originally came with oval plastic tuners, just like the headstock shots posted by grasyaps... However, I had Mike install Gibson Tulips on the dot because of the size of the holes for the tuners which had already been drilled for Grovers, and which are much larger than the press-fit bushings of Gibson tulips. If you will notice, the tulip tuners installed have a nut assembly much like the Grovers...

This is all making me gas all over again for another similar guitar, maybe a Sheraton...

grasyaps · « **Reply #17 on:** May 06, 2012, 11:23:51 PM »

also chum, a black 3-ply pickguard wont hurt.

tapos tailpiece:

gandydancer123 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 06, 2012, 11:55:58 PM »

WOW! signed by Mike Stern!!! wooot!

Ben Tsing Co · « **Reply #19 on:** May 07, 2012, 08:06:45 AM »

awesome looking guitars

i bet they sound way more awesome too

Chum · « **Reply #20 on:** May 07, 2012, 01:36:51 PM »

They sound just right, not really awesome

The Gibson pickups on the Dot were a really good upgrade, I must say... And the pots and all the wiring really needed changing, so this is a totally different guitar now from stock...

The Epi Emperor, hmmm, I'm still thinking about a good upgrade for this guitar... Change tuners, maybe a Kent Armstrong pickup or something similar...

Any suggestions amigos?

ael_israel · « **Reply #21 on:** May 07, 2012, 01:51:32 PM »

awesome lookin guitar you got there chum!!!

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Author Topic: Gentlemen Prefer [Epiphone] Blondes... (Read 1988 times)