How many of you think some Epi's shouldn't be modded?

[hugo6969]

Hi boys,

I've always been afraid to mod my guitars. I've always thought that it ruins their value.
How do you know when a guitar isn't really going to be any kind of a collector's item? I mean can you imagine the angst at knowing you ruined an original Gibson 59 Les Paul, not ruined but hurt the value?
So, I'm just curious as to what you guys think when it comes to modding your Epi's? Are any of them worth anything years later? Now don't go throwing your picks at me, I'm not trying to be a Gibson snob. All the guys I hang with are though. They tell me that Epi's are a poor man's Gibson and that they don't even compare to Epi's.
So, I'm asking the Epi experts here that question. Say, for example is it any big deal to take an Epi LP Zakk Wylde and do whatever you want to it?

[The_Sentry]

Originally Posted by hugo6969

Hi boys,

I've always been afraid to mod my guitars. I've always thought that it ruins their value.
How do you know when a guitar isn't really going to be any kind of a collector's item? I mean can you imagine the angst at knowing you ruined an original Gibson 59 Les Paul, not ruined but hurt the value?
So, I'm just curious as to what you guys think when it comes to modding your Epi's? Are any of them worth anything years later? Now don't go throwing your picks at me, I'm not trying to be a Gibson snob. All the guys I hang with are though. They tell me that Epi's are a poor man's Gibson and that they don't even compare to Epi's.
So, I'm asking the Epi experts here that question. Say, for example is it any big deal to take an Epi LP Zakk Wylde and do whatever you want to it?

Good question...

The best answer I can give?

One of the reasons I got into my epi's was for the specific purpose of doing mods...since I didn't want to experiment on my Gibson guitar like that.

I actually believe that with many consumers who can actually AFFORD Gibsons, they are instead choosing Epiphones because they'd rather have a budget left over to tailor the guitar to their personal tastes. This is becoming even more popular since so many guitars are ordered sight unseen....

And to beg the question: If you're going to pay 3000 dollars or more for a marquee brand guitar, shouldn't it be set up perfectly? Shouldn't it sound perfect? If it isn't, then what's the point of spending that much money in the first place? If you have to set it up yourself, and you're not going to be certain about how you will like the sound of it once it's plugged into your amplifier, wouldn't it be a prudent thing to have some money left over for altering the guitar later?

So IMHO it's part of the attraction, even for more advanced players.

For some? they get a cheap, usable guitar and call it a day. For others? It's a platform for building a signature model.

I'm actually more surprised by people who haven't modded their Epiphone guitars at all. (that, and I really think Gibson is stupid, and I mean really, really, REALLY stupid when it comes to marketing these...they could easily see an increase in overall Epiphone revenue if they had an aftermarket products line...)

[lp_junkie]

most players don't care about collectors so value isn't an issue, if your guitar doesn't do what you want it to why get stuck with what the factory included, make it your own.

Epis unless they are a rare example are not likely to ever be collectibles, so there is not much risk in modifying them. Cork sniffers are only interested in driving up prices on used Gibsons to justify taking a second mortgage out on a guitar that cost $269.00 50 years ago.

[StrangerNY]

I've got 5 Epis at this point. I've done pretty extensive mods on one of them (LP Standard got new pickups and a full re-wiring job), but a couple of them are older MIK ones and I don't think I'd want to do any serious mods on those. I have done some light cosmetic mods on the MIK LP Custom - pickup rings, switch ring, knobs - but I'm pretty sure I'll leave the wiring and pickups intact because they actually sound pretty good.

I just got an LP Special, and that's such a nice guitar I'm not going to do anything to it outside of putting strap locks on it so it doesn't crash and burn if I decide to get nutty on stage.

- D

[LEFTY LES]

I buy my guitars to play. I dont care about the value of them. They mean a lot to me so thats whats improtant to me. If you feel like modding your guitars, if you dont than dont. IMO guitars are meant to be played and should be bought for that reason.

[hugo6969]

Ok, another reason I asked was I have a Zakk Wylde Lp Camo and I'd like to take the
emg's out of it and maybe put them in another guitar. Also, i hate the gold hardware and would like to change that as well. Now, you may ask "well why would you buy a sign model and then tear it apart?" I only paid 700 for it so...it doesn't have that much into it and I'd like to get into modding but right now I don't wanna invest any money cause I'm saving up for a LP (thanks for the GAS, boys!!). Thanks for all the opinions cause it puts it all in perspective. Thanks, you guys are great!!

[LEFTY LES]

Their your guitars hugo of you want to have a bon fire run around naked and roast marshmallows do it. Just make sure you invite me to the torching

[Akahito]

Hoo boy, "only" $700 eh? Well, it's less than $2000 fo sho, but still at $700 you already have a lot of choice so you don't have to stick with models that don't have what you want.

Mod it if you want. Zakk Wyldes aren't going to be collectors items very likely, but it will diminish its resale value UNLESS you put the original parts back in if/when you decide to sell it.

[hugo6969]

Akahito, ya I kinda figure that if a model comes out in Gibson and an Epi that, in my mind, the Gibson would be the collectors item, not the Epi version. When I said "only 700", I meant it's not a 2,000 dollar guitar that I'm messing with. I don't want anyone thinking that $700 is not big deal to me because that's a lot of money. You're right, I better keep any parts I remove. Thanks.
Lefty Les, that sounds like quite the party. lol

[LEFTY LES]

Dont think any Epiphone Les Pauls are ever going to be worth much more than you paid for them. Thats just the way it is. Gibsons hold their value, Epi's don't. My advise just play them until they fall apart and be happy with your guitars

[klohiq]

Even 80s and 90s gibsons (and gibby is the brand that holds and increases it's value the best out of all the guitar manufacturers) are usually not worth what people paid for them...those gibsons built in the 80s are nearing 30 years old...I wouldn't worry about your new epi...

[Jody]

Originally Posted by hugo6969

Ok, another reason I asked was I have a Zakk Wylde Lp Camo and I'd like to take the
emg's out of it and maybe put them in another guitar. Also, i hate the gold hardware and would like to change that as well. Now, you may ask "well why would you buy a sign model and then tear it apart?" I only paid 700 for it so...it doesn't have that much into it and I'd like to get into modding but right now I don't wanna invest any money cause I'm saving up for a LP (thanks for the GAS, boys!!). Thanks for all the opinions cause it puts it all in perspective. Thanks, you guys are great!!

are those the EMG HZ's in it?

[General Disarray]

All guitars should be modded - nothing is precious with me!

[Alex Moody]

Originally Posted by hugo6969

Hi boys,

I've always been afraid to mod my guitars. I've always thought that it ruins their value.
How do you know when a guitar isn't really going to be any kind of a collector's item? I mean can you imagine the angst at knowing you ruined an original Gibson 59 Les Paul, not ruined but hurt the value?
So, I'm just curious as to what you guys think when it comes to modding your Epi's? Are any of them worth anything years later? Now don't go throwing your picks at me, I'm not trying to be a Gibson snob. All the guys I hang with are though. They tell me that Epi's are a poor man's Gibson and that they don't even compare to Epi's.
So, I'm asking the Epi experts here that question. Say, for example is it any big deal to take an Epi LP Zakk Wylde and do whatever you want to it?

Well i'm pretty sure mine won't ever be worth much,so i'd have no issues with modding it as much as i like.The ZW one....i would really say the same.The Gibson version might end up collectable one day,but i very much doubt it with the epi.I really tend to play all my guitars,so i don't entertain the idea of their cash worth.

[Jody]

I thought you buy guitars to play them,NOTfor a bank investment....If you have to sell/or pawn yer guitar,you have other things to worry about.JMHO

[General Disarray]

Originally Posted by jodymauk

i thought you buy guitars to play them,notfor a bank investment....if you have to sell/or pawn yer guitar,you have other things to worry about.jmho

+1

[GrouchyDog]

Originally Posted by jodymauk

I thought you buy guitars to play them,NOTfor a bank investment....If you have to sell/or pawn yer guitar,you have other things to worry about.JMHO

+1, it's like buying a car or motorcycle that's too pretty/valueable/whatever to drive/ride. I wouldn't really want a guitar that I'd be afraid of scratching or modding.

Of course if one of you offered me an R8 or R9 I'd learn to live with the fear...

[Shadow3121]

Originally Posted by The_Sentry

Good question...

The best answer I can give?

One of the reasons I got into my epi's was for the specific purpose of doing mods...since I didn't want to experiment on my Gibson guitar like that.

I actually believe that with many consumers who can actually AFFORD Gibsons, they are instead choosing Epiphones because they'd rather have a budget left over to tailor the guitar to their personal tastes. This is becoming even more popular since so many guitars are ordered sight unseen....

And to beg the question: If you're going to pay 3000 dollars or more for a marquee brand guitar, shouldn't it be set up perfectly? Shouldn't it sound perfect? If it isn't, then what's the point of spending that much money in the first place? If you have to set it up yourself, and you're not going to be certain about how you will like the sound of it once it's plugged into your amplifier, wouldn't it be a prudent thing to have some money left over for altering the guitar later?

So IMHO it's part of the attraction, even for more advanced players.

For some? they get a cheap, usable guitar and call it a day. For others? It's a platform for building a signature model.

I'm actually more surprised by people who haven't modded their Epiphone guitars at all. (that, and I really think Gibson is stupid, and I mean really, really, REALLY stupid when it comes to marketing these...they could easily see an increase in overall Epiphone revenue if they had an aftermarket products line...)

This is exactly what I did with mine. I bought it and played it out of the box to get a feel for what upgrades made a difference. I changed almost everything on it and now it feels like "mine". I have the piece of mind knowing that all the work was done by me...

Now if I had a Gibby, I probably would be less inclined to mod it because at the price tag they come with, it should be perfect from the get go...

[mike newport]

Mod ALL of 'em with Gibson LP style hdstks...M...oh yeah, & killer p-ups...a good fret job would be good too.

[hugo6969]

Well, the reason I ask is cause some people want to leave their guitar collection to their kids or nieces and nephews when they die. It's comforting to know that they may be worth some cash later in case one of them is ever in financial distress. I wasn't worried about their value for me, otherwise I'd never buy an Epi at all.
I'm going to start modding all my epi's, why not, after all they're not Gibsons???
Jody, ya the ZW sig epi has EMG hz's in it. I want to take 'em out and put them in my SG Goth.

[The_Sentry]

Originally Posted by hugo6969

Well, the reason I ask is cause some people want to leave their guitar collection to their kids or nieces and nephews when they die. It's comforting to know that they may be worth some cash later in case one of them is ever in financial distress. I wasn't worried about their value for me, otherwise I'd never buy an Epi at all.
I'm going to start modding all my epi's, why not, after all they're not Gibsons???
Jody, ya the ZW sig epi has EMG hz's in it. I want to take 'em out and put them in my SG Goth.

Eh, nice sentiment on the part of some people, but who knows what people's kids will be into?

So hell yeah, mod those gee-tars out! (BTW....this is more of a personal preference thing, but I think the Seymour Duncan blackouts are better active pups than the EMG's, and they use the same connector cables...)

[River]

I would shy away from modding the $2k-$3k Casinos, except maybe the electronics if they were substandard (and to my knowledge they aren't). I have no knowledge of how well they hold their value compared to a Gibson, but my guess is they do pretty well.

[hugo6969]

Sentry, thanks for the tip on the Seymour Duncan blackouts, never heard of them. I'll look into that now. Thanks.

[The_Sentry]

Originally Posted by River

I would shy away from modding the $2k-$3k Casinos, except maybe the electronics if they were substandard (and to my knowledge they aren't). I have no knowledge of how well they hold their value compared to a Gibson, but my guess is they do pretty well.

Archtops are kind of an exception once you get past the Dot IMHO. Sure, pots and electronics aside, archtops are such a PITA to mod in the first place it's sort of difficult to really tell "just what's in there". It's not like you can just pop a backplate and peer in.

As for the Casino, and the other Epi archtops? I have a sneaky suspicion that if you were looking for one of those "investment" guitars, that would be the guitar to get...especially archtops based off the original Epiphone models (I would even state that the LE Wilshire they ran recently will probably go up in value in a couple of years...)

I'll admit I bag on Epiphone a bit over their clones, but I can't say too many bad things at all about their archtops and hollow body guitars. (Other than I wish they would stop MD'ing models. )

[hbunter]

Don't most if not all guitars get moded at some point? SO who cares if EPI's get moded? Fenders, Gibsons, G&L and so on...all get moded

[Grand Pappy]

IMHO, Epi guitars provide a perfect substrate for modificaton.
The base cost for new, or used is fairly inexpensive and they are plentiful, in US of A at least.
I, like some the other forum members above, purchased my Epi specifically for doing extensive mods to it.

[R.L.]

Mod it, keep the parts enjoy!

[WillieG]

Decrease the value of an Epi? In my opinion evey new Epi should be modded. Put in a pickup or two you fancy, change that bridge and perhaps the nut.

I also must deeply recommend replacing the stock tuners with Grover Vintage ones. Looks better and stays in tune forever. I mean it, my guitar is exposed to pretty major temperature changes when I take it to rehearsal, but despite that and me hammering and bending strings pretty hard I'm amazed with how well the thing stays in tune.

Could not be bothered about the guitar's value, it's a cheap guitar! There is no way an Epi increases in value over time, not a chinese one anyway.

I'm saving for a Gibby but I'm definately keeping this baby as well.