Item Reviews for:
Subject
Epiphone dot
Brian Rocha from Sacramento California
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
I've had this guitar for many years in the Natural color, and just got another in Cherry and the quality is very good. Not perfect but almost. Way more than you would expect for the price. This guitar has been very dependable for me.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
Very reliable I have had no problems in the few years I have had it. No issues at all.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
Epiphone makes the best semi hollow body guitar in this price range. They sound and look almost as good as the original ones by Gibson. Unless you have them side by side you just about can not tell the difference,and for sure most the audience at a show would not be able to tell the difference. They look and fill like the $2500 versions by Gibson. The sound is just as nice.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
The guitars weight is distributed perfect. The neck is just right. Very fast to move around on the fret-board. The controls are easy to get to. It feels great in the hand and not to heavy at all on your neck and shoulders while wearing it with a strap. It just feels great for the size of a Dot. I love it.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
The sound is warm. It can be Bright and Snappy or Dark and Smooth with a few tweaks to the knobs of the guitar or your amp. You can get just about any sound you want with this ax.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
The finish on both of mine are very nice. Beautiful to say the least. Very minor imperfections that you really have to look for to see. No one would ever notice. Almost perfect and way better than you would ever to expect from a guitar in the price range.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
Action out of the box was perfect for me. Low but not to low. No buzz at all.
Subject
Upgraded mine
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
The build quality of the body and neck are great. Everybody knows what you get when you buy an Epiphone, a guitar that needs new parts. Put them in and you won't be sorry.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
A guitar is only as reliable as your treatment of it.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
As it comes from the factory, it's an Epiphone. All the usual things that implies apply. Cheap pickups and pots, plastic nut, so and so forth. But what you do get is a guitar that is very upgradable, for a great price.
I completely rebuilt mine. A 59 in the neck a Pearly Gates in the bridge, a Ghost system piezo in a new bridge with a new tail piece. All new pots and wiring. And a graphite nut. It's now the coolest Epiphone you ever seen.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
Now that it's all set up to my needs and wants, it plays amazingly well.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
Stock tone was horrible. Built it to my tastes and its awesome.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
I got the natural finish and put zebra pickups in it replaced all the hardware with black chrome hardware and it looks amazing. I also put the quick switch for the piezo where the input jack was and moved that to the side where it would be on a paul.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
Terrible out of the box, but aren't they all? I've never bought one guitar that didn't need a setup to be what I personally wanted it to be.
Subject
A great guitar for most any style. Awesome for jazz, blues and classic rock.
Paul Roberts from Kansas City
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
Seems pretty solid. I'm sure this guitar will last for decades with proper care.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
Only had it a month, but it seems quite well built.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
While a noob to guitars, I have been playing music for over 40 years and I find this guitar very easy to play.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
Again, nice fluid feel.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
Dark and smooth. I can actually get really close to that 70's Pat Metheny sound when he still played a Gibson with a Roland JC120 amp and various delays. And of course it is all over that John Scofield jazz/funk sound!
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
Cherry looks amazing. Originally was going to go with the vintage sunburst till I saw a Gibson 335 in cherry and blew me away!
Action
How was the action out of the box?
Buttery. I use "Elixer" (blue package) strings and it feels awesome.
Subject
great guitar!
donald huey from south fulton, tn, usa
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
love it, love it, love it!
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
only had it for about a month.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
this is a great guitar. the only problem i had is that there is a blemish on the back of the guitar. it's a lighter color in an area about the size of a golf ball but, that's ok with me. it's not visible from the front and it adds a little character. if God forbid, it is stolen, i'll be able to tell it from any other guitar. it's like a signature.
Your general opinion of this product.
I have played for 29 years. I have a Japan made Fender Strat, as well. The DOT is gorgous, plays well and sounds great. I, like some of the others, am already having toggle switch problems. The treble does not want to work. I may try to get it replaced with a Gibson switch, like someone else recommened in their review.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
i lovie it.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
smooth and mellow.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
good except for the small blemish on the back that i have already described.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
it's great. i'm gonna get it setup just to start off right but am in no hurry.
Subject
Rich Classic Sound and Performance
Mark from Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
I was very impressed with the craftsmanship. Even the case is better than most - a perfect fit and well padded.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
I had just purchased it a few weeks ago but have used it at three gigs so far. holing up very well but not much data to share at this point...
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
I was looking for a guitar with a larger body and lighter than my vintage solid-body electric for classic rock and jazz-style playing. This one is perfect!
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
It's a little heavier that I expected but that's because of the solid block of wood under the pickups. Still, it's very comfortable by comparasin to the heavy solid body I was using previously. Neck feels very comfortable to me. Controls are accessible, though I don't usually make many changes during performance. Because the electronics are passive I don't find the level of control very significant.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
The tone I would say is typical of what you'd expect from humbucking pickups. Rich and smooth - pretty thick, especially the neck pickup. It'll scream, though, with the bridge pickup. I find it sounds best with my vintage tube amp.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
The vintage sunburst model I purchased is beautiful and blem free.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
The "factory" setup was good. I tweaked it a little after replacing the strings.
Subject
this Dot's amazing!!!
Johnny Rotten from Maine, U.S.
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
constructed very well
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
great, may need oiling from time to time, but besides that, wonderful.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
Fantastic
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
its fast. Controls are a bit of a reach, but manageable.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
whatever sound you acquire it is there.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
best thing about the guitar!! I have the natural finish and would recommend to everyone!!
Action
How was the action out of the box?
besides needing new strings, Stellar
Subject
Great for the price
Gibson Boy from Bozeman, MT
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
The finish is very nice in general.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
The action out of the box was higher than I like it. I put on new strings and lowered the action. I figured I'd have to do the frets but that wasn't necessary. The truss rod was also pretty good, just a small tweak.
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
Seems to be well made, only time will tells.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
When I got it the E on the pickguard pretty much fell off. All the pots needed to be tightened as did the input jack. Couple minutes of tightening, not a big deal.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
Having worked for Gibson for several years I am well aquainted with Gibson's quality. Although the guitar I received had a couple of little scapes and a small ding (which probably happened during all the handling from China to the US) the finish was really nice. I also found some dirt in the laquer in the back of the neck (this would have never passed Gibson's quality inspections) But its not in view and really doesn't bother me.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
I have a strat so this takes some getting used to. I've owed a Gibson Les Paul, a Gibson SG but that was many years ago. I've also owed a epi les paul a couple of Ibenezs and this guitar beats them hands down.
Subject
no better guitar for the price, or even twice the price
Tom Stidham from Tampa, Fl., USA
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
EXTREMELY well crafted and every bit as dependable as its Gibby counterpart, only for a fraction of the cost
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
I've only had it a week, butI'm betting it'll hold up just as well as my Ricks or Fenders
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
This axe ROCKS
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
Neck's fat, but I love it, just tskes some getting used to
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
I might replace the pickups at some point, but considering the price, the stock PU's sound mighty good.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
Finish is an absolute dream...BEAUTIFUL cherry
Action
How was the action out of the box?
A little high, but easy to fix
Subject
Wonderful
gerbear24k from Kissimmee, Fl
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
Only had it for 2 1/2 hours
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
I just received it and I love this box
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
OVERALL:
this is my step-up from a squier telecaster and I just had no idea how good a guitar could sound. It has added the sound I've needed to keep the juice flowing; keep the lessons regular, practice regular, and eyes closed and sheer enjoyment of the music that "I" make just a delight. The guitar produces warm, rich sounds. Very easy to hold, fret width is nice, action is nice, easy to tune to your own tastes. Absoultely silent pickups, high-quality instrument for the(or any) price. It'll keep me in the game a long, long time. DK, Roseville, CA
QUALITY:
I have only my Squier Telecaster to comapre it to....and ther is NO comparison. Its high-quality workmanship. tight, responsive, mellow sound but can melt off a face if the need arises.
FEATURES:
Noiseless pickups, easy to tune. Action is superb.
EASE OF USE:
Wonderful
VALUE:
superb...though Ibenez is coming on strong
SOUND:
Very nic
Your general opinion of this product.
WOW! This thing will ring forever
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
Feels good and very playable
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
I have owned Gibsons and just took a chance with this, WOW did I turn into a winner.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
Shines like a new silver dollar.[do they still make them?]
Action
How was the action out of the box?
Action was great, but covered in dust
Subject
Dot
Slash from LA, CA, US
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
This guitar is sweet as h*ll.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
Feels solid. Controls feel a little far away, but manageable.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
Both bright and snappy and dark and smooth. I do have to say the first seemed slightly richer in tone, but after pup adjustment the other has qualities of its own that make it stand out. Both have great tone.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
Unbelievably good for the price. Cherry.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
Not great, but not bad. Had to change the strings anyway, and lowered the action slightly. First one needed broken in, but second is great.
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
First one had crooked tuners... also shipping damage (small nick). Second one had no such issues.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
Haven't had it long enough...
Subject
One of the best i,ve ever had.
Kevin Nelson from Anniston,Alabama,U.S.
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
very dependable.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
over time its been in good shape nothing happend to it.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
To me its a real good guitar for a begginer even a semi-pro.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
it has a smooth neck and its heavy but thats good for a guitar.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
its bright and snappy and dark and smooth.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
it look beautiful the vintage sunburst is my favorite.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
It was amazing and it looks more beautiful right when u take it out.
Subject
Sweet Player
Phil from Plymouth, Mn
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
Well made. No quality concerns. Tuners a nice and tight and responsive. No slop. No rattles or loose screws.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
Only had it a short time. Can't see now where there will be surprises down the road in reliability.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
Overall I am blown away by the quality and playability of this guitar. It looks so sweet and sexy you just can't walk by it with wanting to pick it up and play a while. I've read all about those that need to change out the PUs first thing. I disagree. Sometime maybe, but not now. It isn't muddy. The tone rings out nice. Well defined and clear. I love this guitar. I will never say it's 'just an Epiphone'. No apologies here. This axe stands tall with anything I've ever played.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
I went to another retailer looking to try out an inexpensive Tele. I played quite a few and HATED the terrible, sharp fret ends. Scratched my hands. The all felt so cheap. Finally gave up and was heading out when a Casino caught my eye. Picked it up and fell in love with the way it felt in my hands. I loved the meaty neck and the way the joint fit the body. Fatter than a Fender neck. Played several Epi's including the Casino, Dot, and Les Paul. The Dot beat every Fender I picked up, even an American Strat. I have a G&L Legacy at home aside from a few others and this instantly became my #1. The frets needed polishing. Bendings strings gave a scratchy sound and feel. When I changed the strings, I spent an hour polishing the frets till they shined and took care of the scratch problem. That is the only thing it needed for playability. Of course they would have been fine with some playing, but I like to tinker a bit.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
Everything I need. Playing through a clean channel, I get nice bright lead tones and pretty nice Clapton 'Woman' tone for some sweet blues. Rhythm is clean and clear.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
Stain and finish is beautiful. One spot I can see where the stain ran in under the tape onto the binding. Otherwise the the finish is like glass. Front, back, neck, and headstock, all mirror like. The grain is nice and defined and shows through the finish just right.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
Action was spot on out of the box. I didn't need to adjust anything to start getting aquainted. I have changed strings to a little heavier Ernie Ball Slinkys and may do a little adjusting, but nothing that HAS to be done right away.
Subject
This is the one!
Camurai from Maine
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
This is a high-quality instrument. I've played guitars costing 8 times as much that didn't feel as good as this one. Buy one before Epiphone comes to their senses and charge what it's worth!
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
It's immediately apparent that the quality of the components on this guitar are high, and it is an instrument that is made to last. Everything is solid, and there are no rattles, buzzes or loose components anywhere.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
I've owned a lot of guitars in my day, and currently own an Epi Les Paul Studio, $2,000 Mollenhauer Strat copy and a Washburn D10S acoustic but this one immediately became my baby. Sweet tower of tone! Nothing else I've played since 1986 has even come close.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
The Dot is fairly light on the shoulder when compared with a solid body electric. The neck is extremely fast, and has a substantial feel to it without feeling too big for my hands. All of the controls are smooth and responsive.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
The tone is very warm, and the guitar is very responsive to both the controls, and to pick attack. Roll the tone knobs off and it becomes thick and creamy. Roll them on and it really sings. Dig in on the strings and it gets mean fast. This is definitely a tweakers' guitar. All of the controls make meaningful changes to the tone.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
I prefer the looks of the Deluxe Flametop, but only just barely. Mine came with a couple of minor defects under the clear, but you wouldn't even notice them unless I pointed them out.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
Action was perfect box stock. Even the intonation needed almost no adjustment! Bravo Epiphone!
Subject
Epiphone Dot - truly a winner.
Ed-Peters from Fayetteville, North Carolina
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
I
would say quality, is as good as my Les- Paul, and my Tele.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
only have the guitar a week, but if handled properly, it will
last a lifetime.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
right out the box guitar look is awesome, finsh, grain of the
wood, overall quality, showroom quality.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
neck is smooth, slightly thicker than my Les-Paul, action is
good, guitar is good weight, controls easy to get to, no sharp
edges, fast and smooth.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
you can go from bright and snappy, to warm thick blues, and
everything in between
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
I am a carpenter by trade I purchased the natual, only my opinion, you can only appreciate the maple in natural, the
finish is truly, outstanding, bravo- Epiphone- truly great.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
action right out the box was ok, guitar was in tune, im going
to change the strings, personally I like Ernie Ball slinkys,
I hear the Rock- n - Roll strings are pretty good.
Subject
The Epiphone Dot: A Noob's Opinion
Hero from New York
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
It appears well made and solid in body. The electronics may well hold up but the soldering was poor all around.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
Upon receipt the input jack and volume pot were loose. The moment I touched the jack it slipped into the body. When I tried to tighten the pot something snapped, rendering the neck pickup silent. Google helped figure out how to remove the volume pot and upon inspection a poorly soldered red wire had broken loose. Faced with either risking a drop of solder or a potentially lengthy return and worse off replacement I soldered. It worked perfectly and brightened the neck pickup considerably in the process. The jack took a bit longer to fish out but I did and it's fine.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
For my first electric guitar I believe I made the right decision. Initially I couldn't decide between this instrument and a similarly priced Ibanez but being a beginner I opted for potential versatility. It was love at first sight. Being a fairly large man over six feet tall this guitar looks proportionately sized as opposed to the comparatively tiny competition. The only flaw on this beauty is covered below.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
Having large palms but average fingers I find the neck pretty comfortable for both chords and notes. The frets are raised enough to feel while playing but not so much that they become an obstacle when sliding. The knobs are a bit out of the way while playing but my noobiness is likely to blame. I can barely breathe and play at the same time so reaching for knobs is out of the question.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
Through my mini amp it's a fairly versatile guitar. Played clean it falls a tiny bit flat but that could be the amp. The limited effects I can apply all sound pretty good. Unplugged it's loud enough to hear over my singing and pretty enough to hold it's own for a short acoustic song though it wouldn't replace one.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
The finish is nearly flawless. The f holes had a sticky sort of film on them that rubbed off and under the pick guard, which I removed for aesthetic purposes, there were some very small marks. Unless you're inspecting every inch of the finish with a jeweler's glass it's wonderful.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
Having nothing to compare this to but a seven year old beat up Esteban acoustic I'd say the Dot wins cramped hands down. Out of the box I found the action comfortable enough to play for hours of grueling finger exercises and song practice. My weak, untrained digits have no complaints.
Subject
Well worth it
Ben from Kansas
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
I would say that this product is pretty well a darn good guitar. Nice materials, decent pickups, clean frets and quality craftmanship.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
Everything seems pretty well made and it looks like it will last as long as I take care of it.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
It's a great guitar and totally worth every penny.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
Being a Strat player I thought that I might have trouble getting used to the scale length and neck shape but it really has a comfortable feel to it. The body can be a little awkward when at certain heights with the strap but that's an easy fix.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
The tone is pretty warm but you can get some decent treble sounds out of it by utilizing the tone controls, that's what they are there for after all. Pickups are not really super hot but they definitely put out more than single coils.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
It looked pretty good. It wasn't the most amazing finish but there aren't any bubble or fish eyes or scratches. Mine is the natural maple and it looks good on stage so that is good enough for me.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
Out of the box was ok but I tweaked it to my personal preferences. No factory, whether it be in the United States or China or wherever, can set the action for everyone.
Subject
Wonderful guitar
BigV1957 from Braddock.Pa USA
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
Fantastic
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
To Soon to tell but, the way in which I hope to take care of it it will probably withstand the test of time...
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
This guitar is so impressive. I would never have expected such seemingly painstaking attention to detail.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
Very nice
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
The new pickups are as mellow and bluesy
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
Paint jobs would rival everything in its price range. Looks and sounds far better than most...
Action
How was the action out of the box?
Had tech refine the minute little problems and it plays like you would expect this guitar to play...