So what's the verdict re. current Epiphone Broadways?

[Gitterbug]

According to the Epi website, the Broadway re-issued in 2023 is still there, now in wine red and burst. Some vendors seem to offer new Broadways for substantially less, in natural. At some point not long ago, the choice was between that and black. I'm confused. Given all the moaning and yearning after Gibson-sanctioned archtops, I would have expected more attention to and some hands-on commentary about these guitars by now. Have I missed something? The question of the manufacturing country has been dealt with extensively in another fresh Epi thread. Let's see if there's something to say about the guitar itself this time.

[AllanAllen]

I haven’t played the 2023. Mine is an earlier version. I can’t see myself parting with it, ever.

I would never bring a $5,000 guitar to a $100 gig.

[Gitterbug]

I would never bring a $5,000 guitar to a $100 gig.[/QUOTE]

Reminds me of an experience some 10 years ago. A monthly jam at a local restaurant, hosted by the band I was with at the time. I suddenly see a profusely drunk guy and girlfriend waving at me with my guitar. "Isch thisch youw geetar?" The last time I took my Benedetto Bravo to an open-house situation. No such gigs anymore, just pensioners' clubs and old-age homes. Those audiences are happy with lesser instruments - especially if they look happy, like my turquoise Epiphone Casino Coupe of blue Ibby AFJ-91.

[D.G.]

I would never bring a $5,000 guitar to a $100 gig.

I always bring a $5k guitar to gigs, regardless of pay

Edit:
Sorry to the OP for the thread drift, I have no experience with the new Epi Broadway.

[lawson-stone]

I have a 90's era Broadway and it's a beast. I love playing it, and frankly if I could find a really nice Elitist Broadway, I might sell off my L5ces to buy it. Epiphone archtops are really nice, IMO.

[alpop]

Again, no first hand experience, but if you haven't seen this video, it may give you an idea about the sound etc.

[Cunamara]

Dang, that's nice.

[alpop]

Dang, that's nice.

Very tempting for the price!

[Jx30510]

Epiphone are making really excellent guitars these days. I find they're coming back to the early 90's Korean quality
I tried one of the very new ES335 with the new headstock, it was as good as any Gibson I had, minus the nitro finish (which I prefer for feel and looks, but in my opinion doesn't make a good guitar a better guitar..).
It even had the Gibson style pickgard mounting system, with the ajustable nut. I hadn't noticed that on the on-line pictures. Very nice detail (I like details )

[blkjazz]

[QUOTE=D.G.;1331758]I always bring a $5k guitar to gigs, regardless of pay

Me too. I bought my guitars to play, not to sit at home and look at.

Apologies for being off topic.