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Late NGD as i got this a couple months ago, but wanted post it and see if any others owned this guitar. I also was curious about possibly swapping the tune-o-matic for a wood bridge and what that may do to the sound.
The basics are acquired this off of Reverb as I had always heard good things about it along with the "T" thinline version. Such a great looking guitar to my eyes as well. Its all original and appeared in pictures to be in great shape which was confirmed by the seller. I got lucky as it was only up on Reverb for a few hours when i saw it and was priced quite low, so i grabbed it.
To my inexperienced hands, its a fantastic neck. Chunky and round without being like a bat. I like the sound very much, but i think id like to try an Ebony or Rosewokd bridge if that might possibly warm it up a hair.
Any discussion about the benefits/tradeoffs of swapping bridges id love to hear.
Cheers!
Attachment 79915Last edited by DMgolf66; 03-10-2021 at 11:41 PM.
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03-09-2021 12:40 AM
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Congrats! There's been so much praise for the MIK successor, Emperor Regent. This one looks like a cut above, coming from the Golden Age of MIJ archtops. If it sounds better, too, it's a treasure. Nice L-5 -level appointments: teardrop fretboard end and bridge inlays. It has a laminated top I believe but is the outer ply maple or spruce?
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You've scored a great instrument. Congrats!
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Wow DM, thats a beauty.
I am growing very fond of the craftsmanship on these Japanese Guitars. My GB100 couldn't possibly be nicer. The Korean stuff is amazing too.
You did really good on this one. It is strikingly beautiful. It is probably solidly built and feels the part.
Thanks for sharing this beauty with us.
JD
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Just magnificent! You have made an exceptionally lucky purchase. And swapping the bridge saddle is certainly worth a try - it's completely reversible and not a lot of dough, I'd give it a shot. I've been known to swap back and forth just because I could. Congratulations, and play it in good health!
Last edited by citizenk74; 03-10-2021 at 12:38 PM. Reason: Typo
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This reminds me strongly of the Elitist Broadway I used to own. What a wonderful guitar, and I regret every day selling it. It literally was a guitar that needed absolutely nothing. This looks like them same level of quality.
Originally Posted by DMgolf66
Late NGD as i got this a couple months ago, but wanted post it and see if any others owned this guitar. I also was curious about possibly swapping the tune-o-matic for a wood bridge and what that may do to the sound.
The basics are acquired this off of Reverb as I had always heard good things about it along with the "T" thinline version. Such a great looking guitar to my eyes as well. Its all original and appeared in pictures to be in great shape which was confirmed by the seller. I got lucky as it was only up on Reverb for a few hours when i saw it and was priced quite low, so i grabbed it.
To my inexperienced hands, its a fantastic neck. Chunky and round without being like a bat. I like the sound very much, but i think id like to try an Ebony or Rosewokd bridge if that might possibly warm it up a hair.
Any discussion about the benefits/tradeoffs of swapping bridges id love to hear.
Cheers!
Attachment 79915
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Yes, with two set-in PUs this is actually closer to the Broadway than Emperor Regent. I like the un-exaggerated darkish burst color a lot.
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Joe, Originally Posted by Max405
Thanks, it feels very solid and well made. Like I mentioned, the neck is wonderful in fit, finish and feel. I regretted not buying one a year+ ago that had a couple mods, but I'm so glad now that I missed it and grabbed this one and for about 25% less.
I'm definitely gonna do that. Fellow forum member "Entrez" said in an old post that he swapped his out and it made a huge difference. My only issue/question is who would make one for me? I know Matt Cushman (i believe thats his name) did this work very well, but he retired, so im open to suggestions. ANother mentioned Stephen Holst. WIll have to do some digging. Originally Posted by citizenk74
Just magnificent! You have made an exceptionally lucky purchase. And swapping the bridge saddle is certainly worth a try - it's completely reversible and not a lot os dough, I'd give it a shot. I've been known to swap back and forth just because I could. Congratulations, and play it in good health!
I very much agree on the dark sunburst. Ever since I joined this site and decided to take up playing again I've wanted this guitar. I remember one of the first posts I read about "L-5 copies" and someone posted a few pics of the Emperor "F" and I thought right away (while knowing less than nothing about archtop guitars) it was the best looking guitar and finish color I'd seen. There was an actual L-5 recently listed on Reverb that has the same finish with black tone/volume knobs. I think this guitar actually looks better. Originally Posted by Gitterbug
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I imagine they are very similar, Lawson. The only thing that sounds different from what I read is the neck shape. I heard the Elitist had a thinner neck, but the Emperor has a very full and round neck. I remember I almost bought your Elitist a few years ago when you had it up. You were great the way you talked me through the guitar and sent pics, etc., but i just couldn't make it happen at the time. Did you ever hear from the buyer on how he dug it? Originally Posted by lawson-stone
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Can you do a headstock shot? It's the more "handwritten" looking "E" too, isn't it?
Love, love, love a dark burst that doesn't go black.
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Pretty! Congrats, HNGD
and play her in good health!
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Yes the Elitist Broadway has the modern Epiphone "fast" neck. It was really great, actually, I like that neck size. Not skinny, but a bit slimmer than the standard Gibson. I don't react much to different neck thicknesses (yet!) but I did like that neck. Never heard from the buyer as to whether he liked it. I think he re-sold. Originally Posted by DMgolf66
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Strange advice I'll give--wait on replacing the bridge saddle. Part of the charm of the L5 sound, to me, is that it's not exactly brighter than an ES175 but somehow clearer. The wood bridge takes you in the "thunk" direction. Thunk is a great tone, of course, but I don't buy L5 style guitars for thunk. I love my L5 because it sings. A singing tone is different from thunk. Both are great, I love both, but I don't want my L5 to thunk.
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Gorgeous finish too. Love it! Hey, don't you have a "thin line" version for sale?
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Actually it was another gentleman who had the Thinline version for sale which he sold recently i believe.
Btw, i "lost" NGD today. I need to step up my pictures by a ton. Sideways with sketchy lighting doesnt exactly bring the crowds!
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Perhaps, but that fine Epiphone could be upside down and it would still stand out in a crowd. I’ve always wanted one. Beautiful guitar DM! Originally Posted by DMgolf66
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From a visual standpoint, this instrument is as close to perfect as it gets. Everything is perfectly proportioned and that exquisite dark burst just ties everything together like The Dude's rug. The size, shape, and colors of the pick-guard, the way the Frequensator just draws the eye from the bottom to the top and the sheen of the strings draws the eye back down again. It's a perfect dynamic that is endlessly fascinating. This instrument is one of my personal Top Ten guitars of all time from a visual aspect. And I've played enough Epiphones to know it sounds as good as it looks. Once again, congratulations!
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Said much better than I could! Thank you for writing that. Originally Posted by citizenk74
From a visual standpoint, this instrument is as close to perfect as it gets. Everything is perfectly proportioned and that exquisite dark burst just ties everything together like The Dude's rug. The size, shape, and colors of the pick-guard, the way the Frequensator just draws the eye from the bottom to the top and the sheen of the strings draws the eye back down again. It's a perfect dynamic that is endlessly fascinating. This instrument is one of my personal Top Ten guitars of all time from a visual aspect. And I've played enough Epiphones to know it sounds as good as it looks. Once again, congratulations!
Not to disrespect Gibson in anyway, but they did make the L-5 in what they called (or the listing calls) "Tobacco Burst".
Gibson 1983 CES L-5 1983 Tobacco Sunburst | Pickaxes | Reverb
Not sour grapes that I don't own an L-5, but I think the Epiphone LOOKS better than this. I like the tone/volume controls in matted gold over the all black.
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Thanks, Lawson. I do understand what you mean. I actually have a Guild X-700 that has the more singing, woody, singing tone, so I thought I may try something different. As everyone says, the good news is its not a permanent change if I give it a try and shouldn't cost me and arm and a leg. Originally Posted by lawson-stone
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Wow, looks gorgeous. Have fun with it!
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What a beautiful guitar!
I have a blonde Epi Emperor F
It's my favourite guitar to play. The neck profile is perfect for me - it's chunky for sure - but I've found it very comfortable on even the longest gigs.
I've got HB sized Dearmond Dynasonics in mine, but the original humbuckers were very nice too.
I use an ebony bridge on mine but I like to hear more 'wood' in the sound. These don't really 'thunk' like an ES-175 for example... they have a bit more sustain and a deeper tone - I suspect the long scale accounts for that, perhaps the spruce top as opposed to maple, or the fact it's a big 17'' body. Personally I think the wood bridge was a big improvement. It still has plenty of sustain, it's just the less metalling 'ping' in the tone.
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Hi there - I am sorry to add to this thread but I have a guitar which looks identical to this - I believe it is 1986 though. Originally Posted by DMgolf66
I am looking to sell but have no idea of the value - could anybody here give me an idea of its ebay worth please?
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In eu I would start on 2500 euro. Not an expert though Originally Posted by Dfisound
Hi there - I am sorry to add to this thread but I have a guitar which looks identical to this - I believe it is 1986 though.
I am looking to sell but have no idea of the value - could anybody here give me an idea of its ebay worth please?
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These Epi Emperor F guitars are great. I sold mine a couple of years ago. I think 1800 Euro or thereabout. I expect with prices as of today for the "real" L5 models have gone up so much, that the more affordable Japanese models have gone up also. Gibson L5s have become more difficult to buy, so have these Japanese models like 70s Ibanez, Greco and also these Epi's.
This picture was taken when a sister came to visit my Epi on the right.
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Any particular reason you sold yours, HP? Originally Posted by hotpepper01
I just purchased one in mint "sat in the closet since the mid eighties" condition and am hoping its a keeper. Should arrive tomorrow...
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Used Conti 7-string Prototype archtop guitar
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