Epi es175,Dot,Artcore:Which are considered better

BobD · #1 08-09-2010, 02:17 PM

Looking at getting either a Dot, Epi ES175 , one of the Artcore's or possibly a Squire CV tele. If the Tele's are anything like the CV Strat's then I know it will play well. So I'm strongly considering one.

The Dot,175 and Artcore AS73 or AK80 are more of a question for me. Are they all pretty much the same as far as build quality and electronics? I lean a little towards the Dot/AS73 just because they look a little more comfortable to play but the 175's are kinda cool in that I could play them unplugged and get more sound out of them than the dot/as73.

Any opinions or experiences with these guitars?

mr. beaumont · #2 08-09-2010, 02:35 PM

Bob, these guitars are all over the map--really hard to compare.

Of the ones you mentioned, the 175 is the most traditional "jazz" guitar. If that's your flavor, then go for it.

They're all decent quality, asian made, budget guitars that are pretty consistent from the factory...you gotta decide what suits you better.

paynow · #3 08-09-2010, 02:56 PM

I have an Artcore AS73 which I got because it was affordable. It's essentially a Gibson ES-335 knockoff. I like it but eventually want something fatter sounding which would be an arch top with a fatter body. As far as how comfortable it is, I find it to be a bit heavy/bulky but that's no big deal for me because I always play sitting down.

It's a good quality instrument and serves it's purpose in so far as it's serviceable for the types of gigs I do. If I can find a $10,000 gig, then I'll go buy a $3,000 guitar. Like Mr. Beaumont said these are Asian, budget instruments.

What I didn't like when I got it from Musician's Friend was that it came with nickel wounds, I think D'Addario's with .10 on the top. I changed these to D'Addario light chromes. I didn't have to make any adjustments and it sounds fine. That's just me; I don't play jazz with nickel wounds. Some do and that's cool also.

BobD · #4 08-09-2010, 03:14 PM

So as a beginner, I pretty much can't go wrong with any of these?

mr. beaumont · #5 08-09-2010, 03:16 PM

what's your overall goal? what kind of music will you be playing?

paynow · #6 08-09-2010, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobD

So as a beginner, I pretty much can't go wrong with any of these?

I'm a big believer in the idea that beginners don't need to be laying out thousands for equipment so in that sense I don't think you can go wrong with it.

Can you go wrong with it in another way? Are you buying it online? At a store where you can actually sit down and play it before buying it? If the answer is the former I would go with the latter. Then you'll know if it works for you.

derek · #7 08-09-2010, 03:58 PM

Hmm, from a strat copy, to a 335 copy, to a 175 copy? That is some pretty wide territory. As Mr. B suggests, what kind of music are you shooting for? It is not that you can't play jazz on a strat, it is a bit harder to get at a traditional tone with one.

The 335 clones are probably the most versatile guitars ever made. I am a fan of the Epi Dot for the quality/features/value it represents. However, that is why there is such a wide range of instrument made, each to his own. Happy hunting.

BobD · #8 08-09-2010, 05:22 PM

Thanks for all the good feedback guys. In answer to the question about my over all goal, I think I'd really like to learn chord melody playing and blues. Right now I'm just playing classical on my classical guitar. Tryong to get thru Segraras and Shearer Vol 2.

mongrel · #9 08-09-2010, 05:38 PM

I've played the Artcores and then bought a used Epi Joe Pass. I recently bought a used Dot and found that I like it better than the Artcores and the JP. I've not gotten my hands on the Epi ES 175 but assume its similar to the JP but with a Florentine cutaway (which I prefer). After playing lots of Dots, I found a 1999 Samick made one in natural that had better pickups and switches than the rest. Its neck is sort of slim and fast and reminds me of my '62 ES 355 that just sits in its case.

Big Ron · #10 08-09-2010, 05:50 PM

I have two Epi's a Broadway and a EJ 200 CN (?) I think. I have found both of them to be well made solid and beautiful guitars. One I bought off of eBay, the other I ordered new from Guitar Center. I wanted a Jazz box and I wanted a big acoustic standard with pickups. I am happy with both purchases. They are quite similar but have completely different sounds.

I second the motion of playing whatever you are considering in a store before purchasing.

Big Ron

RoyaleT · #11 08-09-2010, 05:54 PM

I have the Epi dot, love the feel of it in my lap and the neck is sweet. Swapped out the pups with Seymore Duncans, but that was personal taste. The originals were pretty nice, and upgraded the tuners and the switch had to be replaced. Very versatile, and I may sell my Strat(HSS) and just go to the Epi for Blues and Rock. The original neck pickup was a nice Jazz tone.

BobD · #12 08-10-2010, 05:03 PM

Another question on the Dot. Are the older made in Korea better than how they are made today. And where are they made today? China? India?

RoyaleT · #13 08-10-2010, 08:24 PM

Older ones were made in Korea, many at the Samick factory. Gibson has since built a manufacturing facility for the Epi line in China and the new ones are produced there. I missed the chance to pick up a Korean a while ago, very nice build and better electronics I thought.