Epi or Gretsch?

January 15, 2008 9:52 AM

Comparing an Epi to a Gretsch.

After 4 months on a Epi LP Special 2 I have the opportunity to move up. I'm still learning, on a practice amp, and on a budget. The 2 guitars I am looking at are a Gretsch Electromatic Pro Jet and an Epi LP Classic Quilt Top.
Blues/Rock are what I'm into.
I'm looking for any warnings or swaying arguements. I am leaning towards the Gretsch.

posted by sailormouth to media & arts (9 comments total)

I'd prefer a Gretsch over an Epi anyday... not really sure why - probably perceived differences in quality.

There are users reviews for almost any piece of imaginable equipment over at http://reviews.harmony-central.com/
posted by gnutron at 9:57 AM on January 15, 2008

Gretsch any day. They look fantastic and Epiphone just screams "can't afford a Gibson."
posted by fire&wings at 10:21 AM on January 15, 2008

Those are both decently made import guitars with set necks, carved tops, and two humbuckers-- haven't heard anything bad about them. Either one will be able to get the tones you're looking for. The best way to choose will be to play both, and buy the one that feels and sounds best to you.
posted by InfidelZombie at 10:25 AM on January 15, 2008

I doubt you'd find an objective difference in quality between the two, but I'd take the Gretsch. Everyone and their mom plays a Les Paul. I find them incredibly boring.
posted by Plug Dub In at 10:26 AM on January 15, 2008

One other thing-- play more than one of the model you decide on. Quality can vary a lot from guitar to guitar, you want to get the best of what the store has in stock. Play them unplugged for at least a little bit, and go with the loudest one. More resonance = better construction.
posted by InfidelZombie at 10:30 AM on January 15, 2008

For what it's worth, the Gretsch doesn't have the same volume/tone pots the Les Paul has. Honestly, I keep the knobs on my SG on 10 just about all the time, but it does prevent you from using the pickup selector for "stuttering," or whatever you want to call it.

Personally, I think the Epiphone pickups are lousy (at least on the G400, which are probably the same as on the Les Paul). I can't imagine you'd get much more from a Gretsch in the same price range. If you can manage an extra hundred or two, check out the Gibson SG Special Faded. The finish is goofy, but the tone is fantastic (I play an SG Standard, but have played a Special; the differences are minimal). You won't get quite as much meaty chunk as from a Les Paul, but it's still mean as hell.
posted by uncleozzy at 11:10 AM on January 15, 2008

If you can, go play them. Play the two, one after another, on the amp that you're going to play on, or one like it. Action can be changed a bit by a competent tech, but changing the electronics to get a different sound is expensive.
I've never met a Gretsch I didn't like. They just feel "right" to me. It seems like they have a bit more flexibility in tone than the equivalent-priced Gibson/Epiphone, too.
posted by leapfrog at 11:46 AM on January 15, 2008

Almost 12 hours later, and there happily is a Gretsch in my house.
Thank you everyone for your feedback.
I ponied up the extra money for the Bigsby model because I couldn't wait for them to get a non-Bigsby in. I am totally stoked.
posted by sailormouth at 9:33 PM on January 15, 2008

Excellent choice! I just bought a Gretsch electromatic hollowbody.

I tried lots of Epis and they seemed more variable in quality - some great, some not so great. Gretsch seems more consistent. (Also more expensive. Go figure.)
posted by mmoncur at 3:19 AM on January 19, 2008