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FDP Forum / Miscellaneous and Non-Fender Topics / WHY Doesn't Gibson Sell Import "Gibsons"?
FDP Forum / Miscellaneous and Non-Fender Topics / WHY Doesn't Gibson Sell Import "Gibsons"?
Previous 20 Messages
BrentD
Contributing Member
****
Lansing, MI
My CVR is noisy, but so is my playing!May 24th, 2012 07:46 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
Topic
They do on the Vs and Firebirds. Just not the "open book" headstocks.
Fred132
Contributing Member
******
Manos de Piedra
No Longer CaresMay 24th, 2012 08:18 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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I don't understand why so many people seem to dislike the Epi headstock shape..it's basically a slightly elongated Gibson shape with sheared off corners.
BrentD
Contributing Member
****
Lansing, MI
My CVR is noisy, but so is my playing!May 24th, 2012 08:19 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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I actually like it. I much prefer it to the big boat-paddle Gibson headstocks on old Customs and Norlin guitars.
super400
Contributing Member
*****
Snohomish WA USA
Look at Them Beans!May 24th, 2012 09:27 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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So many of the newer Epi's have some pretty nice appointments. Most have some fairly cheap hardware, but even that seems to be slowly getting better. But, I am on the hate the headstock side of the fence. Until they do away with the "...goofy, carnival-fun-house-mirror-looking thing..." my interest in Epi will remain quite low.
I also don't mind the Epi name one bit, but that headstock makes the whole instrument look out of proportion.
bluesfreak49
Contributing Member
***
San Diego, USA
If it's got 12 bars count me inMay 24th, 2012 10:26 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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It's easy - people pay $800 + because they want the Gibson name on the headstock. If all the Epis had the Gibson headstock and logo, it would decimate the low end Gibson sales and hence profit margin.
LudwigVonFender
Contributing Member
****
Portland, Oregon
sometimes life shows up when you least eMay 24th, 2012 10:50 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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I don't think I have any 'carnival headstock mirror looking thing'(what the H does than mean anyway)Epi headstocks. I like the distinction between the Gibby and Epi headstocks.
Oh,and, my Epi Les Paul does say Gibson on the headstock, just not on top. 8)
5Strats
Contributing Member
**********
***
Edmond/OKC
Axe VictimMay 24th, 2012 10:57 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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bluesfreak49 - If that's the case then why are Fender, PRS, Gretsch and G&L successful at selling name brand import versions?
BrentD
Contributing Member
****
Lansing, MI
My CVR is noisy, but so is my playing!May 24th, 2012 01:22 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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"If that's the case then why are Fender, PRS, Gretsch and G&L successful at selling name brand import versions?"
I wonder this too sometimes. Maybe the profit margin is actually higher on the Epis than the Gibsons. Maybe Gibson maintains a break between brands because they would make LESS money selling imported Gibsons. People might buy the Epis expecting a lower markup when in fact the Epis might be cheaper percentage wise to build.
gdw3
Contributing Member
**
LA-la-land, CA
Insert clever comment hereMay 24th, 2012 02:05 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Just because it's popular and makes money, doesn't mean that it's a good thing. I don't want it to happen because I think it would water down the Gibson brand. I believe it has with Fender, who is in massive debt, BTW. Gibson already has cheaper models with the Studios, etc. I like the idea that Gibson means American made.
With Fenders, you have to be an original FDP'er to keep up with all the model variations and where they're made. It's a real pain. I'd rather Fender be USA, and imports be Squier or whatever else. This whole MIM, CIJ, MIA stuff is confusing and I believe causes more than a little bit of fraud and less-than-honest selling techniques by people selling used Fenders.
mroulier
Contributing Member
*****
Suburban MD.
Ask me about my BlowCoat(tm)!May 24th, 2012 02:09 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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"Gibson wants a clear line drawn between them and Epiphone."
And I have no problem with that.
mfitz804
Contributing Member
**********
***
Staten Island, NY
"Insert witty saying here"May 24th, 2012 02:35 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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"I don't understand why so many people seem to dislike the Epi headstock shape..it's basically a slightly elongated Gibson shape with sheared off corners."
And for some, it goes way beyond dislike. I don't get it either. Its a different brand, it has a different shape.
I will definitely admit that cosmetics are usually important to me when I buy a guitar. I have picked more than one based on its finish color, etc. But I don't really draw that line with the headstock; its shape isn't really that important to me. I mean, I am sure there are some exceptionally stupid shaped ones out there, but I don't think Epiphone falls into that category.
YMMV
Hammond101
Contributing Member
*
So. Cal. USAMay 24th, 2012 02:54 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Gibson/Epi does make Epi guitars with Gibson style headstocks just not for sale in the US. They are built in Japan for sale in Japan.
Other than the fact I own one, I know little about them other than it's a MIJ thing.
I brought this back from a business trip to Hiroshma.
jobsworth
Contributing Member
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NCMay 24th, 2012 04:49 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Maybe Gibson is still recovering from the shock of finding that Orvilles and especially OBG's routinely outgunned USA models in quality and accuracy to vintage form. They probably realized they were outgunned by Japanese QC and kept the so-so Epi line on a tight leash.
(Not knocking Epi's per se but they do tend to need some upgrading to get them to work at their best; then again, so do Gibsons with their ho-hum hardware and pickups... oh well!)
telegib
CanadaMay 25th, 2012 03:43 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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You can buy anything out of Japan including the counterfeit Gibsons complete with certificate of authenticity.
Some of the best made guitars you can buy out of Japan these days are the Yamaha high end models such as the SG 1820, 1802, etc. They are very high end, solid guitars.
I have an original SG1000 from the 70's that is a great guitar. That thing is great sounding and very well made.
SoK66
Contributing Member
****
USA
We had the hit but Van got the moneyMay 25th, 2012 08:16 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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If the Feds have their way Gibson may have no choice.
Gary101
vero beach, fl
That was brokeMay 25th, 2012 05:42 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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For me epi is the gibson import always has been. Fender scribes its name different on its imports & I want the spegetti font (USA) I agree with the epi head stock hater they are ugly I got rid of 3 Epi's cuz of that, they just looked bad where Gibsons is simple & beautiful like Martins. I have yet to embrace a Taylor. I was raised in a 3 guitar co. world Fender,Gibson & Martin everything else is a wanna be.
Secret Chief
OceaniaMay 25th, 2012 05:51 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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I like the Epi headstock, aside from the extra string length it adds.
I suspect Gibson wants the Epis to be less able to be passed off as the real deal. Why else would they make the SGs 1/8" thicker and without deep beveling.
Twangmeister
Contributing Member
*****
E NC
Covering it all from A to BMay 26th, 2012 04:25 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Gibson made a copy of Epiphone's Casino back in the day--the ES-330. Doesn't look right with a Gibson headstock.
Grapeshot
Alexandria, VA
ShibbyMay 31st, 2012 04:09 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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The PRS imports actually say "SE" on the headstocks and PRS on the TRC, like Epiphones have "Gibson" on the TRCs. Yes, the headstock shape is the same as a USA PRS, but it is a separate line like Squier/Fender.
DPH
Massachusetts, USAJun 2nd, 2012 05:18 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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They keep the Epiphone line so that you will eventually pay up for a more expensive Gibson. I'm sure higher price Gibson sales and revenue would be lost if I could go by a "Gibson" Custom LP for $500.
Previous 20 Messages
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