Centris
Active member
It really is amazing what you find in a pawn shop, went in yesterday after seeing an Epiphone Custom in the window. On closer inspection it turned out to be made at the Samick factory in December 2000. It was a right mess to say the least, strings were filthy and they had surface rust as well. A strip down, remove grime and clean with T-Cut! Then 3 coats of wax and new strings (in all, 6 hours work) it looks really nice. All for the sum of ?120, with hard case LOL.
Only problem is the centre position of the three-way switch does not work, both strap connections and the input socket were loose (sorted). There is a little wear on the first 5 frets ever so slight which I am sure can be dressed, plays well. Thought it would make a great guitar to take to my lessons and leave my new Tokai 48 safe at home.
On comparison between the two I think the epiphone has a better feel to the neck for my smallish hand, the back of the neck is slightly flatter, allowing me that little bit more reach, the 48 more rounded. Sound quality through my pathetic practice amp seems similar, though it was late when I finished so had to keep the volume down. The Epiphone is the lighter of the two which surprised me a bit, not much in it, but noticeable.
Before cleaning
After Cleaning just the wax and a lot of buffing.
After.
Only problem is the centre position of the three-way switch does not work, both strap connections and the input socket were loose (sorted). There is a little wear on the first 5 frets ever so slight which I am sure can be dressed, plays well. Thought it would make a great guitar to take to my lessons and leave my new Tokai 48 safe at home.
On comparison between the two I think the epiphone has a better feel to the neck for my smallish hand, the back of the neck is slightly flatter, allowing me that little bit more reach, the 48 more rounded. Sound quality through my pathetic practice amp seems similar, though it was late when I finished so had to keep the volume down. The Epiphone is the lighter of the two which surprised me a bit, not much in it, but noticeable.
Before cleaning
After Cleaning just the wax and a lot of buffing.
After.