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Thanks, much appreciated! I've not had the boomy E string issue. Scratching my head to think what it could be. It could be a bunch of things... 1) Maybe a tweak to your amp's bass setting or EQ might help? 2) Reduce the height of your pickups on the bass side. 3) Try lighter gauge strings. One of those might help... Keep rockin' 🤘🎸

@@appetiteforguitar thanks for the feedback what's the EQ like on your clean neck channel

EQ set to 12 o'clock for me. You could try it all the way down and gradually increase to see what suits.

Nice, sounds like a cool guitar. I think they older ones are awesome. They have loads of mojo. Keep rockin' 🎸🤘

So true! It's nice to have options but yeah... lots of choice. This is a good one but could do with a few adjustments to get the most from it.

Do your research, there are amazing China factories that now have the technology and manufacturing CNC machines that once were only owned by big dollar name brands. The last 10 years, and absolutely the last 7 have changed everything. Look at companies like WOLF AIO, Harley Benton, Grote, IYV, FireFly, Fesley, Squier. There are some like WOLF that actually completely set up these guitars at your liking and request before delivery. Fesley sends a depth chart with their guitars that will confirm an actual human quality checked the string heights at set up before leaving the factory for your hands. Impressive QC departments are handling an outstanding built guitar these days at these factories, something that was unheard of just a few years ago. The finish work and components are getting better with each day. If you search budget guitars on CZcams you’ll find differences in each one, but you will find extremely great standouts. A great Channel for budget quality is Guitar MAX, he covers them all and is outstanding for gathering information.

Thank you, much appreciated! It sounds like you had/have the Special with a single 'wrap over' bridge. On that style of bridge usually intonation can be adjusted, but for all strings at once. Normally that style of bridge has a couple of small 'grub screws' which can be tightened or loosened against the bridge mounts on the treble and bass side to change intonation. Hope that helps. Keep rockin' 🎸🤘

@@appetiteforguitar Yeah, no matter how the grub screws were altered, the intonation would never be within 10 cents of the open string.... I have a pretty precise tuner as well. Thank you for the info, but I am really glad I upgraded from the wrap over style. Standard bridges are the way to go IMO.

Well said! 🎸

Wow, that's a lot of Hofners! I do like mine, but I totally agree with your upgrades. It's a surprisingly cool little guitar. I think I'll hold on to it. When I've got time I'll do a fret level and some hardware upgrades. I've got a Seymour Duncan Slash pup and some hipshot locking tuners lying about... overkill? Yes. Fun? Absolutely! Keep rockin'🎸🤘

Oh, nice amp! I had a quick look and they're about 16kg/35lbs from what I can tell... so maybe! Good luck with your studies :)

@@appetiteforguitar thank you! that was super helpful

Totally, it makes you want to get something even more!

Thank you! That's super appreciated. Keep rockin' 🤘🎸

@@appetiteforguitar Do you think there is much difference between the Epiphone Les Paul Studio and the Epiphone Les Paul Classic? Which one do you prefer?

For me I like the Studio. The specs of the two guitars are very similar, but there are some key differences: 1) The Studio has what Epiphone call Ultra Modern weight relief. So in general Studios should be lighter than the Classic. I like to stand up so that's great for long hours of practice. 2) The Studio does not have the binding that the Classic has. The binding looks nice, but without it the Studio actually has a slightly more rounded feel to the neck which I like. 3) The Classic has phase switching on the pickups and the Studio does not. So the Classic could potentially have more tonal versatility. But they both do have split coil modes. Overall, they are both very good guitars. A lot is down to personal preference. Hope that helps!

@@appetiteforguitar Yes of course your opinion was important. I just purchased the Studio Ebony and was literally shocked at the sound and quality of the guitar. Completely better than any previous Epiphone. You are right, they have taken a big step forward with this guitar.

Awesome, glad you're emjoying it. I really like this guitar a lot. I also did a deep dive video comparing my ebony Studio from 1998 and this new Studio you might get a kick out of. Some interesting discoveries that even surprised me: czcams.com/video/qKOo2uA4UXw/video.htmlsi=09t1pR4skLrSejET

Thank you! I put a lot of work in and really enjoy making these videos so that means a lot! Keep rockin' 🎸🤘

The Yamaha range are great guitars. It sounds like you have a really good one for sure. I use my Yamaha here and there for fun. The more and more I play guitar, it becomes very clear that the most important thing is one's own ability on the instrument. As long as the instrument plays well and sounds basically decent, the focus is better placed on practice and enjoyment than the next guitar. I have got caught in that loop too many times! The Fender is brilliant too... But there are x2 guitars I play and use for practice every day at the moment which are relatively cheap 1. An Ibanez 421PB 2. A modified Squier Affinity (I switched the neck out for a much chunkier profile). The reason I use those is because they are very light and incredibly easy to play. I can stand up for hours to get good playing posture with little fatigue. I have various other guitars for slightly different sounds and for variety... and more reviews/comparisons incoming. I should really do a 'Squier vs Yamaha' video at some point if that's of interest.

That sounds great you got something which suits - I've not tried the Power Players, but I need to give them a whirl. The lightest guitars I own here are the Ibanez and the Squier Affinity. Both are a bit under 6lbs from memory. But yes, 25.5 inch scale length. The Mustang is 24 inch scale length, but is a little heavier, more like 7.5lbs give or take. My heaviest guitar is a Les Paul which is 9.7lbs! That can get tiring. None of the guitars in the video are that heavy by far. I play and practice standing up so I always gravitate to the Squier and the Ibanez for day-to-day practice. I love the others, but for long sessions they win. One of the lightest guitars I've tried so far would probably be a Strandberg. I haven't got one yet... but if it's good enough for Plini! Another light guitar is an SG. They're usually thin mahogany and some of the lightest guitars around. Oh, and the Hofner Shorty which is really really light... 4lbs 4oz... it's a bit weird but worth checking out! I reviewed that one here: czcams.com/video/jaYmrQxlGvk/video.htmlsi=9XWqYIg7ndT5Lubf

@@appetiteforguitar Thanks for the reply! The Power Players is 5 lbs 3 oz. So that's manageable. I usually play seated. Its weird that my Tylor T5z has a scale length of 24.75 yet its fine. I like the Power Players but up the neck at fret 14 plus the frets are close, even for me, my hands are small adult. My Taylor is more comfortable up there by far. I think there are tradeoffs to each one. Happy hunting!

Yes

@@appetiteforguitar what no it doesn't lol it comes with roswell pickups lol

@@appetiteforguitar I looked it up

There are different versions of this guitar. You have found the cheaper version. The version in the video has EMGs. It's called the Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW. Look it up again on Thomann and you will find it. It's a great guitar.

@@appetiteforguitar oooo

Nice, I hope it works out! I also did a deep dive comparison of the new Studio vs a Studio made in Korea in 1998 you might enjoy: czcams.com/video/qKOo2uA4UXw/video.html

Yes, very nice! I'll try and post a review when I can. It has quite a slim neck. It has a very big, full sound.

Can you give me some information? I read that the top is laminate and not solid. Do the mechanics hold up well? info on action and key protrusion? A thousand thanks

I think it's laminate mahogany. The electrics and tuners are very good. No issues there. The action on this one is very low. I was surprised at how low the action was out the box. It's a relatively inexpensive guitar, but feels and sounds like a much more premium instrument. It's very easy to play. Really happy with it.

​@@appetiteforguitarPerfect. so you didn't need to take it to the luthier? Are the keys good or do they come out and remain a little sharp as the hand slides? Thank you

It didn't need a luthier. Very smooth frets. It was already set up great from the box.

Muchissimas gracias! 🎸😎

For sure, I got myself a nice Gibson LP for much less than that - I'm going to review and pitch that against an Epiphone very soon in a video. I'm thinking probably doing the Gibson Vs the Epi Studio and/or the Epi Slash, which is more expensive and pretty close to cheap Gibson price. I do like a good Epiphone, but some of the prices leave me a bit stunned too... but is it justified if the guitar is THAT good...? Hmmm. In a way, if an Epi is Gibson prices, and the labor is much cheaper, then the guitar must be incredible. There's also inflation, the fact there's more artist signature models, the expertise of the labor regardless of where they are based.... lots of reasons things are changing. It's a complex discussion so a I think a proper video on the subject is in order... Keep rockin'!

@@appetiteforguitar good points, lots to consider for sure. Looking forward to it

Very easy to do! 🎸

Nice and comfy, never had issues on this one re the higher frets. Bolt on neck is good really, it's easy to work on as can be dettached to clean/work on frets etc if desired without risk of damaging the body area. I did a video which shows the difference when cleaning the fretboard here which you might find useful: czcams.com/video/FBvFXsE0UHk/video.html

Oh, I need to check out the Kramer! I have a Gibson Faded I'm going to do a review on too. Like you say, mine is the same regarding the brightness. It is much brighter than than the Epi. The sound is more different than I would have thought. Both nice... and worth keeping both lol. That's how I'm justifying an expanding collection anyway 😅

Yeah, I was suprised when I saw that. Until you put them next to each other it's not that obvious. But then when you do, the new headstock looks really big in comparison and the angle is more acute as a result. Looks nice though!

Wow, that's a cool selection of guitars!

Harsh lol

Lol, I used to hate them before I realized they rule.

Thanks! I can relate... my Epi Traditional is going towards 4.5kg which is a fair bit after some hours of standing! I thought the rout looked quite a bit larger on the new Epi so assumed it was part of the chambering. Guitar Max sawed thru a LP once. I'm not sure I'm brave enough to do it and check the exact routing... but never say never! The '97 Black Beauty is a lovely guitar. Keep rockin' 🤘🎸

I'll have to check the Dean out for sure! I know of the Bolero which I've heard good things about. Ah, the SG! I haven't got one by Epi or Gibson yet... but I've got my eye out for one. I have the original Epi Traditional Pro - v.cool guitar - I did a review of that one you might enjoy: czcams.com/video/VqbIiUdB4Z4/video.htmlsi=jcu6zZRLgKmMeKuP

Interesting... the box was open when I bought mine, so it's very possible it had a decent set up. When a guitar is shipped across the world from the factory, you would hope a lot of shops would do a set up. My old one was ok when I got it. As a used buy, cheaper than new and a great guitar still. Assuming a good set up, to me, they both sound and play awesome. My Epi Special II was a bit of a different story... that's a guitar that could do with upgrades. There are some pretty significant look and feel differences like the body thickness, pots etc on the Studios. I had wanted to sell one, but I think doing this video has made me enjoy them more... I think I'll end up selling something else! The Slash I briefly mention in the video is also good (not perfect), but maybe the shops near me are doing good set ups before they even reach a consumer's hands. To be fair, it's great to hear Sweetwater do that due diligence. Keep rockin' 🤘

I think the reasons old guitars (15+ years) tend to be better than new ones is that only the best of the best manufactured back then actually survive to this day. So the average distribution of quality is likely to be higher for old guitars than newer ones but this depends on quite a few factors like quality standards today vs then, the lifetime of a good vs bad "old" guitar etc. Older guitars are also more likely to have had work done on them just because of their age and imo a good setup (frets, action, truss rod) is rlly what meaningfully differentiates guitars in different price brackets today..

The new pickups did sound better but it's hard to tell which guitar is better with out being able the play em and such.

Very true! In practice the necks and playability are remarkably similar for two guitars separated by 25 years or so. Personal preference is a big factor - I like the chunky body of the new one and having split coils... but I love the old one too.

I tend to prefer older guitars, however that being said, the new Gibson modern series are really sweet. I kind of got away from "Traditional Guitars " ie. Gibson Les Paul and Fender strat. I realized that I just prefer the late 80's and 90's shredder guitars so keep that in mind with my responses. I think so.e of the newer Gibson and Epiphone are really nice. Where I'm having issues is with Richlight fingerboard and the Indian Laural stuff and constant fret sprout going on. I have an 1989 Kramer Nightswan Aztec, Peavey v-type exp that I replaced everything on lol. Kramer Dave Sabo signature, Zakk Wylde Epiphone 2004, Kramer Dave Sabo 2021, 1996 Hamer Californian, Fender Squire Jim Rroot model, 1998ish Jackson and a Spector bass. I just have les issues with these guitars, 5 of them are Floyd Rose guitars. I think people, including myself get sorta trained/brainwashed into thinking that if your not playing a Gibson or Fender your not a great player kinda thing. My next on my list is and ESP/LTD, the craftsmanship is outstanding. I like real woods, not fake stuff like say Richlight stuff, shielding is usually something I always do myself so I don't worry about that anyway. I find with say , Indian Laural that is higher maintenance and the companies are starting to use it alot more. I'm an Ebony fingerboard kinda guy personally and people use to tell me those were high maintenance, not compared to the Laural. I do find aged , old wood has stabilized and just less work. Again this is just an opinion, not what I think others should do. It took me too many years to realize that you don't need say a Traditional Gibson or Fender collection lol. I'll say my 1989 Kramer Nightswan sounds better than a Gibson Les Paul, has the same scale length and had big bottom end and plays absolutely effortlessly. Just my opinion once again lol.

Interesting... the Kramer NightSwan seems to be having a bit of a revival... with blue polka dots! The neck pup is kind of set back towards the bridge more than most by the looks of it. Intriguing guitar for sure.

@appetiteforguitar The rereleased Nightswan is nothing like the original, not even close. The rereleased one is a nice guitar on its own, I wish they would have just named it something else. I was really excited, thinking I could have another, then I played the new one and the neck is completely different. The original Nightswan has an R1 nut and the new one is an R2. The profile is completely different as well. That's why I bought the Kramer Dave Sabo signature and was looking at the SM1 as well. All fantastic in their own right, I was just disappointed they trying using the original name and it's not like the original. The pickups are different as well. The original Nightswan had a Seymour Duncan Fullshred in the bridge and a JB in the neck. The new one has 2 JBs. The new Kramer's are super nice and I think overlooked. With the Dave Sabo one, is essentially a reverse headstock Beretta with a nice paint job and a hotter pickup. Hope that gives you some insight on them lol.

These are about £150 to £200 usually, give or take. About the same in USD or Euros.

Cool, I have a bit of a soft spot for the Vintage. It feels awesome to play. The one in the video is super slick and fast and low action. Very nice. Underrated guitars overall. The camo one is fun! I ended up selling this one to help fund others... but I have thought about getting it again.... I miss it! I think it comes in purple and a Floyd Rose too which would be interesting to get hold of. Keep rockin'! Please think about subbing if you like this kind of thing. Doing guitar videos all the time, plenty more to come... keep rockin' 🤘

The Pacifica is a winner no doubt. The Pacifica has a very different sound and feel to either a Fender or Squier. They all have a lot to offer in different ways. Cool guitars. Keep rockin 🎸🤘

The Special can be ok I think... but needs a few upgrades to made it really good. I agree the Studio is massively better. I did a full review of the new Studio you might enjoy: czcams.com/video/8LzvGIPR4mU/video.html

Same! I've been using it to jam even today. It's really nice to play, very inspiring. I've got a comparison of this vs my 1998 Korean LP Studio incoming too. Keep rockin' 🤘🎸

@@appetiteforguitar great! I'll be waiting

Thank you! Cheers! If you're interested, full review here: czcams.com/video/8LzvGIPR4mU/video.htmlsi=HCbXlVZkXWl0a3K3

Yes, it's small and light. It sounds good and is battery powered too so is practical. I posted a full length review here: czcams.com/video/x97M2JceEFU/video.html

@@appetiteforguitar thanks a lot

No worries, glad you enjoyed it. Great question! The Special is good fun, but to get the most from it, it could do with upgrading pickups and tuners. So that leaves AFD and the Studio. Studio has the set neck (rather than bolt on of AFD) and a bit more control of the sounds thanks to the extra tone and volume knob. It arguably has a bit more nuance in the tone and can slip from jazzy warmth to punchy hard rock with ease. The AFD is still great though and is awesome for it's nice crunchy clear tone. It still sounds good for clean tones, but maybe just sounds a little bit less warm than the Studio when clean. Both are great choices. It's worth considering the latest generation of Studio too. Full review of that one here and I've got a deep dive comparison of the 90s Studio vs the new Studio coming up soon: czcams.com/video/8LzvGIPR4mU/video.html

@@appetiteforguitar thank you

The Gibson is a beauty for sure. I think the Epi holds it own and is pretty gorgeous too. Keep rockin' 🎸🤘