Item Reviews for:
Subject
Pretty good for the price
Lee Doughty from Port Townsed, WA
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
Well made. Too soon for me to know about dependable.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
?
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
The guitar looks beautiful. It's big and a bit heavy for a hollow body. Neck is laid out for good action. Sound is nearly as good as my old Washburn but is not quite as mellow as I expected (might be my amp though).
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
Not quite as mellow as I hoped.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
Looks beautiful.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
Very good
Subject
my new ES175
Loretta Rehder from Palmdale, California, USA
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
this guitar seems to be very well made. I trust it will be dependable with time. i have been playing a joe pass ephiphone emporer for years and it has been totally dependable so am assured this will be as well.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
I have not had it long enough to know how it will stand up over time but am confident that it will do good as have been happy with my other ephiphone.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
This guitar appears to be a great value for the price. I owned a Gibson ES175 and played it six nights a week professionally when on the road playing the Lounge and Club circuit across the U>S> and Canada. Unfortunately, my guitar was stolen and I could not afford to replace it. I am very impressed with this new guitar as it is almost like having my old friend back.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
This guitar feels and plays so close to the Gibson ES175 that I had stolen from me that when I close my eyes I can barely feel a difference.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
I love this guitar's lovely tones. I can get the exact tones I want.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
This guitar has a beautiful, lustrous finish.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
Right out of the box the action was set perfect for me.
Subject
Great Re-issue
Mike J from Vienna WV USA
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
I played a Gibson a few years ago and this reissue is by far will be considered a classic.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
I've only had this guitar for a few weeks and I can't set it down.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
The action, feel, look and sound of this instrument is great, for the money you can't get a better guitar
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
Playing heavy leads, to smooth jazz, to country, the feel is great. The controls once you get used to them are easy to change and set while playing.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
The pickup in my rating would come in at 95%, there's always room for improvement.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
The finish on this guitar is great. I've looked at other guitars and this by far is one of the best looking insturments I've ever owned.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
The action is true, clean and smooth.
Subject
Action, Action, Action!!! Another Awesome Epiphone!
Tom Boudrot from Boston
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
So far I have had no problems and the look and feel are fabulous. Controls are even and consistent and the finish is beautiful. Action is to die for.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
Too soon to tell but my other Epi has withstood the test so far. This ES-175 seems solid, but not heavy.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
This is my second Epi from AMS and I am extremely pleased with both companies. The recent price drop to $399 was irresistable. Shipped to me in TWO DAYS! I got an Epi Nighthawk months ago and was happy with it, but this ES-175 blows me away with the price and quality! I am older now and I appreciate that this Epi is SO 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?
I can't stop playing it! I have only stopped to write this review. Seriously. Sound and Action are the two things most important to me and the action is amazing for a guitar of this price. The Slim Taper neck and low action make this my go to git from now on. Plus, I can play it unplugged. I prefer narrow, slim necks and this does it for me!
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
I have yet to play and experiment with the tones enough to give a detailed review but in the many hours I have already played this guitar I like what I have come up with. Good tones for Blues and Jazz, even Country. I don't gig out anymore so feedback is not an issue, but may well be for those not used to a hollow body. Of course feedback ROCKS in the right doses, Right?
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
Looks beautiful. After my other Epi experience (blemishes) I was prepared for minor finish flaws but can find nothing wrong. Stunning.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
The BEST PART of the guitar! I am BLOWN AWAY by the ease of playing on this guitar!!! The action is low and one word comes to mind: BUTTER. Smooth, silky playing - and I haven't even swapped out the crappy strings Epi always seems to use. Can't wait. Set-up was perfect - in fact I may even RAISE the strings a bit! The slim taper neck is perfect. It allows me to reach strings from any weird angle. I like to try crazy chordings sometimes.
Subject
Outstanding quality at a great price! You will be pleasantly surprised.
JPB from Bangor Pa, USA
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
I got this guitar from the AMS scratch and dent bin. After searching for the "scratch or dent", I finally found an almost imperceptible flaw in the finish which a little polish took care of. At $500 this Guitar is a real value. At the scratch and dent price, all I can say is thank you AMS.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
Only had it for a few weeks. Time will tell after I bang it about a bit.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
This guitar is just plain fun to play! Tremendous tonal range. This guitar will work well for Jazz, Blues, Rockabilly and if you can control the feedback even heavy rock.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
No complaints at all. The fretwork and neck approach the quality of my Gibson ES 137. Chordstyle players will find playability better than necessary for such an inexpensive instrument.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
The amp you play it through makes all the difference. Through a 22 watt tube Deluxe reverb, it's gorgeous. Different but still cool through a Fender 25R solid state. Amazing clean deep tones from a 200w Acoustic solid state bass amp! Watch for feedback!
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
Classy Vintage finish. F holes are a bit large, but do not detract from a very pretty guitar.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
Some fret buzz on the low strings. Easily tweaked up a bit. Still plenty fast! Intonation out a bit on the G (What else is new?) The rest were spot on. Took maybe 10 minutes to balance.
Subject
A Great Great Player
D. Emswiler from Houston
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
Great quality. The Tone controls are a little "fast" in their response -- many of you audiophiles will know what I mean.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
Stands up to my beatings for three months, thus far. I use a hard case; it matters. By the way, the very well made Jay Turser 136, which is a nice copy of the "shape" of th e175, but smaller by an inch or two all the way around, with slightly different neck factors, is worth mentioning. I thought I had a 175 with the Turser, but when I received this Epi 175, limited edition, I realized I got much closer to the Gibson's I have messed with, but never owned, in my past.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
Very nice player. Indonesian made guitars, I predict, will have a reputation for low action, well made guitars. This Epi 175 and a Fender Squier Affinity, also made in Indonesia, are two great examples.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
This guitar is so playable. This goes along with my thoughts on the action. Just how comfortable and classic this guitar is, cannot be over emphasized. No, not a Gibson, nor a high end Yamaha or Ibanez. But it is a very close replica -- a limited edition, too -- of the Gibson 175. I DO ADMIT, I wish they offered a "natural" body, in addition to sunburst.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
Nice and dark, when you pull back on the treble, like Pat Matheney. For rock, I keep it up and I use the bridge pickup. That tone, with distortion, is a little different than a 335, more like a John Lennon Revolution sound vs. ... whatever. But the clean sound (I send it through a 212 and a 410) is simply OUT OF THIS WORLD. So, so difficult to put down.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
I admit, I wish the F-holes were not the size of ditches. I have low cost $400 Douglas guitar that is extremely well made with binding (this does not have binding) inside the F-holes, and a more professional "cut." But I have also learned, some folks like the "wider" F-holes, I like the more stylish Spanish style. But nice guitar ... very nice.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
This is the big selling point with many guitarists. If the action is low and easy to play, well YOU know. It's just so enjoyable to jam. I admit, I like slow, but I also like to "sweep." Yes, sweeping is very, very easy on this guitar because the action is just so pristine.
Subject
Best Value for the Money
adonati49@charter.net from Whitinsville, MA
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
For the money, it's great
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
Seems reliable, only had it 1 month.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
This is a great Jazz Box. Great sound and workmenship.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
Warm and friendly to my technique.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
Excellent
Action
How was the action out of the box?
Only Minor tweeks needed.
Subject
Great Guitar, Great Price
M Hunter from Media Pa 19063 USA
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
Yes it seems well made only time will tell, seems dependable also
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
Have not had it a month yet, but seems it will stand up quite nicely
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
This a great playing and greating sounding guitar for its price
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
everything feels good about this guitar, I really like this one
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
The pickup can dial in everything from dark and smooth to hot and edgy, all you need to do is use your tone and volume knobs and experiment
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
perfect no marks or anything
Action
How was the action out of the box?
great pick it up tune it and play it
Subject
This was a replacement for my Gibson ES175
R. Hagelstein from Republic, WA 99166
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
The overall quality is quite good.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
I've only owned it two weeks, so am not able to judge reliability.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
This guitar was to replace my Gibson ES175 that had it's neck broken by the Grandchildren. While it's not the Gibson, it plays well.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
The guitar feels just like the Gibson. It's not a heavy guitar that would tire you out on the bandstand.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
The ES175 has always been noted for it's wonderful tone. There's not another guitar, that I've owned, that has that sound. It's dark, but rich, with nice sustain.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
The finish was very nice, with only one small flaw.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
It's harmonics needed adjusting, but that isn't too difficult with the Gibson style bridge.
Subject
Epi ES-175 Review Part #1 10/07/2009
Kris from Morris, Illinois USA
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
Same as above.
Reliability
How has it stood up over time?
People seem to really be happy with it's quality, especially for the price. I've read a review or two that states there is a Gibson Custom Shop label on the backs of these guitars which hopefully tells me that Gibson keeps a close hand on and watch on these regarding quality.
Overall
Your general opinion of this product.
Just ordered, don't have an opinion yet. Based on all the reviews I have read this product is excellent. Hope it turns out to be true. After I have received and played for awhile I will post review #2.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
Again, rave reviews from all the reviews that I have read.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
Claims have been made that it is a bit brighter than the Gibson ES-175. Some claim to replace these pick-ups with Gibson 57's and so on. I don't care about that. Some claim the sound is incredible and keep the stock pick-ups just the way they are. I like it a little bit more bright anyway. Will go over in part #2.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
Looks great on the internet. Never have seen the sides or back. My guess is that they will probably be natural wood grain. Not a problem.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
I've read very few reviews that claim the action was a bit high out of the box. Also read where these were great right out of the box. I'm sure that high action could probably happen every so often. We'll see how it is right out of the box. Will report in review #2.