View Full Version : My first Acoustic
SpeckledJim
12-04-2005, 05:21 PM
ok guys tommorow im going into to town looking for an acoustic because i really need one and have never had one. Ive been looking at a 1970 Epiphone 6730E that i saw from the web page of a local guitar shop, its in good condish and ive heard good things that old epiphones that are actually from japan are very good.Can anyone verify this, has anyone played an old epiphone acoustic? it's goin for £350 so i cant afford not to be wise.
Bytor1975
12-04-2005, 05:45 PM
To give you the short version, Epis were made in New York from 1904-1953, Philadelphia, PA from 1954-57. They were bought by Gibson and production was moved to Kalamazoo from 1958-69, then Japan from 1970-1983.
Those go for about 160.00 GBP's over here ($275.00 USD) The 6730's were made in Japan in 1970 and 1971 in the Matsumoku-Kougyou factory,which also made Aria and Greco guitars. The original price was $99.50
http://www.tundramusic.com/images/110052_FF.jpg
SpeckledJim
12-04-2005, 05:50 PM
do you know anything about the build or manufacture of these guitars, when i go in tommorrow ill see anyway when i play it what kind of guitar it is but im just trying to get a second opinion here
Bytor1975
12-04-2005, 05:53 PM
I've been looking at one of the new Epiphone Masterbuilts lately myself, the EF-500M. I want an affordable guitar that will fit on my lap easily on the couch. This has caught my eye, I might go after one of these after my next Strat:
http://www.bf-music.com/photo/ef-500m01.jpghttp://www.bf-music.com/photo/ef-500m02.jpg
http://www.bf-music.com/photo/ef-500m05.jpghttp://www.bf-music.com/photo/ef-500m03.jpg
http://www.bf-music.com/photo/ef-500m04.jpg
Bytor1975
12-04-2005, 05:58 PM
Never have come across one Jim. Not much info on them, as you have probably found out. Not even a review on Harmony-Central... as if that could really be trusted though. He he he...
rezamozaffarinia
12-04-2005, 06:08 PM
Well i have'nt tried that epi but , i've been searching for an Epi. Blues master , for a coulple years now:sad: . i've heard the japan made epis are fantastic, good luck tomorrow and , let us know.
Bytor1975
12-04-2005, 06:14 PM
Nothing But the Blues keyed me in on the Blues Master, but I have had little luck finding one of those Reza. Heck, he also keyed me in on the Masterbuilt above, as he used to own one. That Nothing But the Blues is almost a pretty swell guy.
If he could only find a girl to make an honest man out of him.
Justpickin
12-04-2005, 06:23 PM
If he could only find a girl to make an honest man out of him.
Well in that picture of the "Mods", he has the best girl of all...one that doesn't nag..... :smoke:
also...that Epi does look nice
Bytor1975
12-04-2005, 06:29 PM
Yes, but one rough move from Erik and she'll be in the garbage with last years deflated Easter Bunny!
I'm intersested in trying out the Masterbuilt line. That guitar is $599 new, and has a swanky Hygrometer built into the case! LOL!
Well i have'nt tried that epi but , i've been searching for an Epi. Blues master , for a coulple years now:sad: . i've heard the japan made epis are fantastic, good luck tomorrow and , let us know.
Damn Ive been looking for a Bluesmaster too thanks in part to NTBT, hmm are we sure he doesnt work for Epiphone?
Cat
Bytor1975
12-04-2005, 06:52 PM
If NBTB worked for anyone, it would be a little company up in Nazareth, PA that builds guitars. Besides, if he were working for Epi I would have been beating down his door wanting answers from my last dismal Epi purchase! LOL!
do you know anything about the build or manufacture of these guitars, when i go in tommorrow ill see anyway when i play it what kind of guitar it is but im just trying to get a second opinion here
Jim,
FWIW, I used to own two of these - a 6 and a 12 string. My memories of these early 70s Epis are not happy ones. Although they were made form solid timbers, I don't remember them sounding particularly nice. They seemed pretty well made, although the cheapest models [eg. the Texan,etc] of those early Japanese Epiphones have bolt-on necks and no heel. I think all of them suffered from the typical Japanese over thick, glossy lacquer too. Worst of all, most of them had tone-murdering adjustable bridges - adjusted by two slotted thumb screws, with the bridge sitting in a metal channel... made them sound tinny IMHO. I think the top end models escaped these tender mercies, and are quite nice.
I don't recognise that model number... I thought they were all designated "FT" for flat-top, then 120, 130 140 and so on, up the range.
That said, they were not bad value - back in the day, but if thats one in the photo following your initial post - then that looks like a Texan. If so, I think £200/250 is closer to the mark than the price you quoted.
All IMHO.....
Is it up at Jimmy Moon's by any chance?
I've been looking at one of the new Epiphone Masterbuilts lately myself, the EF-500M. I want an affordable guitar that will fit on my lap easily on the couch. This has caught my eye, I might go after one of these after my next Strat:
http://www.bf-music.com/photo/ef-500m01.jpghttp://www.bf-music.com/photo/ef-500m02.jpg
http://www.bf-music.com/photo/ef-500m05.jpghttp://www.bf-music.com/photo/ef-500m03.jpg
http://www.bf-music.com/photo/ef-500m04.jpg
Have to say that is one hot looking guitar.
Cat
TexMexMike
12-04-2005, 08:48 PM
I too really like the Epi Masterbilt series of guitars. Reasonably priced, appear to be well made and INMHOP sound great! :smoke:
nothin but the blues
12-05-2005, 01:19 AM
Ok for the record I don't work for Epiphone :lol:
These Masterbilts (yeah, thats actually how the spell it :lol: ) are wonderful guitars for the money. They are certainly at the top of they're price range. They are built incredibly well, and sound very nice.
The Blues Masters come up every now and again. I saw one a few months back in the $300.00 range. I'll keep you all posted if I find another :thumbsup:
As for the original question, unfortunetely I don't have much exposure to the older Epiphones. :o
SpeckledJim
12-05-2005, 06:09 PM
well, i tried it out, it wasnt in jimmy's place brew, it was in strungoutguitars, you should check their web page they have some old gibsons in there and yesterday they just got in a vintage fender bassman head 50W and 2x15 cabinet is what they said, it looks fantastic but anyway about the acoustic. Well i tried and i liked it, so i put a deposit on it, looks like it will be mine. Its not like the texan and it sounds exactly like the one brew describes.
Jossy
12-05-2005, 06:37 PM
I've been looking at one of the new Epiphone Masterbuilts lately myself, the EF-500M. I want an affordable guitar that will fit on my lap easily on the couch. This has caught my eye, I might go after one of these after my next Strat:
http://www.bf-music.com/photo/ef-500m01.jpghttp://www.bf-music.com/photo/ef-500m02.jpg
http://www.bf-music.com/photo/ef-500m05.jpghttp://www.bf-music.com/photo/ef-500m03.jpg
http://www.bf-music.com/photo/ef-500m04.jpg
My, very nice finish.
Saludos.
well, i tried it out, it wasnt in jimmy's place brew, it was in strungoutguitars, you should check their web page they have some old gibsons in there and yesterday they just got in a vintage fender bassman head 50W and 2x15 cabinet is what they said, it looks fantastic but anyway about the acoustic. Well i tried and i liked it, so i put a deposit on it, looks like it will be mine. Its not like the texan and it sounds exactly like the one brew describes.
I know of the place, Jim.... run by 2 young ladies, yeah? A friend of mne over on the south side, put me on to them a while back. Some good gear in there...
Excellent news that the Epi was a good 'un... let us have some pix when you pick it up.
SpeckledJim
12-06-2005, 11:15 AM
will do, it will be due tomorrow.
any sign of the Epi, yet, Jim?
SpeckledJim
12-07-2005, 07:27 PM
oh yeah i got it now, been playin it all day, it just have a lovely character to its tone. There is an element of tin but its subtle and i like it. It seems to play blues songs the best. i have pics but i cant find my little adapter to get them on here. i'll find it tomorrow and post them on up. It is in absolutely amazing condition for a 1970, not a scratch on the body at all.
Jossy
12-07-2005, 08:42 PM
Excelent! Congratulations, and yes, pics please. :thumbsup:
Saludos.
SpeckledJim
12-08-2005, 05:39 PM
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y182/SpeckledJim/Picture080.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y182/SpeckledJim/Picture083.jpg[IMG]
SpeckledJim
12-08-2005, 05:40 PM
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y182/SpeckledJim/Picture082.jpg
Jossy
12-08-2005, 06:27 PM
Nice looking instrument. :)
Saludos.
SpeckledJim
12-08-2005, 06:45 PM
yeah, ill need to change the strings on it though, they make my fingers all black.
rezamozaffarinia
12-08-2005, 08:06 PM
congrats on the new acoustic jim, nice looking guitar:thumbsup:
TexMexMike
12-08-2005, 08:23 PM
Great looking guitar! The top looks real nice. The binding is terrific!
Someday you may think about replacing the bridge. The adjustable 70's bridge was a tone killer. I know it sounds great now, but would be even better when replaced.
Just my 2 cents. :smoke:
romdos
12-09-2005, 11:18 AM
My second bass, purchased in about 72, was a new Epi.... it was cool, but I did eventualy regret selling that Gibson Kalamazoo bass..... stupid people trick I suppose.... hindsight is indeed 20/20
Grumpy Old Fool
12-09-2005, 12:05 PM
Nice Memories seeing that Jim.
I had exactly the same Guitar as my First "Proper" Acoustic back in the late 60's. 1969 to be exact, purchased from Cassmusic Eastbourne. God How Time Flies!!!!
Enjoy.
Rob :thumbsup:
SpeckledJim
12-09-2005, 12:39 PM
i have thought about the bridge, i dont know if id want to replace that because it would damage the resale value probably. I think i have to keep it all original.
TexMexMike
12-09-2005, 02:31 PM
I am not sure. With the 70's Gibson, it actually helps the value. Either way...You have a nice guitar there!!!
romdos
12-09-2005, 02:50 PM
i have thought about the bridge, i dont know if id want to replace that because it would damage the resale value probably. I think i have to keep it all original.
Owning several "older" instunments, I've been working with a top notch luthier over the past few years to keep them in shape... his take, is "Make the guitar playable" meaning mod it when necessary, but keep all the original parts so if you do sell, the next owner can return it to original... in the vintage market, there are two types of buyers, those who play, and those who like to hang them on the wall and look at them.... based on his advice, I tend to make all my instruments playable.... I've been enjoying my old Guild F-30 lately.... an absolutely beautiful acoustic... solid spruce top, mahogany sides and back, going on 39 years old now... the old girl need a lot of TLC to keep her going, but it is worth the expense.... and when the mood strikes, I pick her and play her..... :rock:
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