NGD...Almost

**raylinds** · 07-21-2024, 09:55 AM

I posted in the Getting Started forum that I am getting back into Jazz after about a year away. I had a Peerless GigMaster that I sold (dumb!). I have been playing on a strat, which is pretty good, but I am longing for that dark, warm sound of a good Gibson style archtop. I think that will further the renewed motivation that I have. I've had (or still have) a number of Epiphones over the last five years and found them to be well constructed and sound great once I upgraded the electronics.
About a week ago I bought a 2023 reissue Epiphone Broadway that is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow. I can't remember the last time I was so anxious to get delivery of a piece of gear! In fact, I couldn't wait to start a NGD post!
One of the reasons I was so interested in this particular one was because it had been Plek'd by Sweetwater, which is the ultimate setup for a guitar. I've played plek'd guitars and they play like buttah!
Plek Your New Guitar | Sweetwater

Here are some pictures from the Reverb posting:
NGD...Almost-f4pifdbzjffhv8ubdvak-jpg

It has a nice but subtle grain fogure.

I've got a set of TI .012 Swings waiting and have already ordered a set of Fralin Pure PAF (7.5k and 8k) and a wiring harness with oil in paper caps.

I will report back once it arrives.

Cheers, Ray

**vinnyv1k** · 07-21-2024, 10:39 AM

Note that the bridge is bottomed out. I hope the neck angle is OK.
Hope you love it and the action is just set extremely low.

**mr. beaumont** · 07-21-2024, 10:48 AM

I can see the posts peeking out, but also shadow under the thumb wheel...I hope it's just set up for really low action and not truly bottomed out just to be playable.

**raylinds** · 07-21-2024, 11:16 AM

The listing indicates it is set up for very low action, which is the main reason to get the Plek'd setup.

**Jimmy blue note** · 07-21-2024, 11:53 AM

Well that's a slight cause for cautious concern, there should be allowance both ways for seasonal changes. On the plus side, there's room there to take wood off the bottom of the saddle if needed. Just be aware that by all indications, this particular guitar was built with neck angle below the mean.
Test it thoroughly and be mindful with the seasonal shifts that archtops can experience. And good luck!

**raylinds** · 07-21-2024, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by Jimmy blue note

Well that's a slight cause for cautious concern, there should be allowance both ways for seasonal changes. On the plus side, there's room there to take wood off the bottom of the saddle if needed. Just be aware that by all indications, this particular guitar was built with neck angle below the mean.
Test it thoroughly and be mindful with the seasonal shifts that archtops can experience. And good luck!

Thanks.

**ThatRhythmMan** · 07-21-2024, 12:28 PM

It looks like there is space under the wheels to adjust down still. Interestingly it also looks like a pretty low profile bridge to begin with.

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**jazzshrink** · 07-21-2024, 06:48 PM

At the risk of killing your NG buzz, I would make sure the neck set, bridge and everything in between is to your liking (or can be easily fixed) before you think of replacing pickups, wiring, etc.

**raylinds** · 07-21-2024, 07:54 PM

I appreciate everybody's concern, but it is pretty obvious from this shot that the bridge is not bottomed out. The action is set extremely low, but there is still plenty of adjustment.

NGD...Almost-xahuzd0mvz9male4s28b-jpg

**raylinds** · 07-21-2024, 07:57 PM

This photo shows that the neck set is pretty normal.

NGD...Almost-vtxosbcjkpw5khptfnbv-jpg

**rolijen** · 07-21-2024, 08:05 PM

Congrats (in advance)! I love Broadways and have owned many. They sound good stock but can be improved (as you well know) with a few basic upgrades. I hope it’s everything you’re looking for!

**Sleeko** · 07-21-2024, 08:40 PM

Purty!

**raylinds** · 07-22-2024, 04:22 PM

The Broadway has landed! The first order of business was to change from the light gauge roundwounds (I am pretty sure they are .010s) to TI Swing .012s.

I am happy to report that there is a good 1/8" gap between the bridge and the mount with the action as low as I would ever want it. No buzzing or other noises. The fretboard feels great but sighting down the neck revealed a slight bow (to be expected going to a significantly heavier string). I am going to give it a good 24-48 hours to settle into the strings and new environment, and may give a slight tweak to the truss rod. I have been setting up guitars for over 30 years, so feel very comfortable doing it.

After playing with it for a few hours, I am very happy- it feels and sounds great. I think I could probably live with the electronics but am hoping the Fralins and upgraded harness give it a little more magic.

The workmanship is extremely impressive- a very close inspection could not find any flaws

**mr. beaumont** · 07-22-2024, 04:28 PM

Nice! I think those are great guitars. Play the hell out of it.

**rolijen** · 07-22-2024, 05:36 PM

A Broadway is a beautiful thing. Enjoy!

**DawgBone** · 07-22-2024, 05:46 PM

Is it a five piece neck like the Sheraton Pro?

I had one of those that I should've bigby'ed to kill the neck dive but at the time that was more than half what I paid for the guitar. Was the lowest, most buzz free action I've ever come across. It was so low I actually had to raise it to do any blues style playing on it.

Congrats on a nice axe!!!

**raylinds** · 07-22-2024, 05:55 PM

Originally Posted by DawgBone

Is it a five piece neck like the Sheraton Pro?

I had one of those that I should've bigby'ed to kill the neck dive but at the time that was more than half what I paid for the guitar. Was the lowest, most buzz free action I've ever come across. It was so low I actually had to raise it to do any blues style playing on it.

Congrats on a nice axe!!!

From what I have read it is a three piece neck, but the Epi website doesn't specify.