Finally I own an Epiphone

[Lunatic]

After years of fiddling with various electrics - both dodgy Strat copies, and more recently a seriously bad LP copy, I've finally brought home a LP Studio Chameleon, something I've been paying off for the past few weeks.

Having been more focused on playing bass, I've never really been able to justify spending a lot on an electric....

All I can think of saying is "Wow" - what a difference, especially from the copy I've been playing. The tonal variation with the studio is miles apart from that of the copy, and the sustain is killer compared to the copy.

I have an old Marshall Valvestate VS30R that I've never really liked, and playing the copy through it has been a challenge - I don't think I've ever been able to get a sound out of it that I really liked.
Plugging in the studio almost made me feel like I was using a completely different amp. The things I'd play with the copy that would make me sound like the days of being music lessons now actually sound pretty cool. The amp still leaves a bit to be desired, but having a half decent guitar makes a pretty big difference!

The studio itself came out of the box looking pretty good. The electrics so far are clean, and generally noise free. Not getting any buzz. The intonation is fine on a few strings, and off in a couple. I've got some new strings to stick on, so I'll fix that when I restring it.
Other than a tune up, out of the box, I thought it was pretty well setup. The action is pretty good, and it's nice to have an axe that can actually make a clean sound after about the 15th fret.

The only bug bear has been the thickness of the screws used in the strap holders. The strap locks I've always used (and the only decent ones I could buy from the dealer) use a thinner screw that would literally pull right out of the holes. Of the various guitars I've gone through, I've never had this problem before. I suspect I might need to improvise a bit.

It looks good (at least if you're into the whole chameleon thing), seems to play pretty good, and is miles apart from anything I've ever owned before.

I think before I worry about upgrading parts, I might actually have to relearn how to play. This baby is a lot more sensitive, and I think I need to invest some serious time into seeing what sounds I can get out of it...
...And maybe a blues driver...

[The_Sentry]

Lunatic...

That's my favorite Epi Studio!!! Can't wait to see the pics!

[Lunatic]

Yup.. they be comin' soon... Just need to find a way to capture all of its colors.

[The_Sentry]

Originally Posted by Lunatic

Yup.. they be comin' soon... Just need to find a way to capture all of its colors.

Hmmm....good point.

We may need to see a youtube vid for this one!!

[klohiq]

Originally Posted by Lunatic

The only bug bear has been the thickness of the screws used in the strap holders. The strap locks I've always used (and the only decent ones I could buy from the dealer) use a thinner screw that would literally pull right out of the holes. Of the various guitars I've gone through, I've never had this problem before. I suspect I might need to improvise a bit.

A lot of members use a bit of wood glue and a toothpick. I used just wood glue and it's seemed to hold up so far - going on 7 years now without ripping out. *knock on wood*

[Lunatic]

Originally Posted by klohiq

A lot of members use a bit of wood glue and a toothpick. I used just wood glue and it's seemed to hold up so far - going on 7 years now without ripping out. *knock on wood*

I was thinking about that actually. Something I really need to do when I can be distracted for a day or so while it dries

Sneaking suspicion that I'll go that way.

[Lunatic]

Originally Posted by The_Sentry

Hmmm....good point.

We may need to see a youtube vid for this one!!

If only I had a camera that could do video :P

I took some stills before, and it just wanted to be a nice metallic green. For the entire time it was in the shop, it insisted on being purple. Hoping at some point I might see some blue. It might have the name Les Paul on it, but I think this one is definitely a lady

On that.. does any one know what grade of stings these things come out of the factory with? I normally use .10s, but these feel a fair bit heavier than that. Not that the factory strings are staying on.. have a nice new set of Slinkys sitting here waiting for me to put on, but the factory strings still have some life in them, and I'm curious.

[USP45Tim]

Congrats, bro!

[The_Sentry]

Originally Posted by Lunatic

If only I had a camera that could do video :P

I took some stills before, and it just wanted to be a nice metallic green. For the entire time it was in the shop, it insisted on being purple. Hoping at some point I might see some blue. It might have the name Les Paul on it, but I think this one is definitely a lady

On that.. does any one know what grade of stings these things come out of the factory with? I normally use .10s, but these feel a fair bit heavier than that. Not that the factory strings are staying on.. have a nice new set of Slinkys sitting here waiting for me to put on, but the factory strings still have some life in them, and I'm curious.

They're .010's, but on some of the Epi's they might feel a wee bit stiffer than that...

[TWANG]

when you intonate.. detune a bit.. you can strip screws leaving all the string tension on.
intonate with the old strings first.. less to do when the new ones are on, and easier on them with the detuning to adjust.

if you do that every time you intonate, you really save on screw thread wear.

wood glue is ok, even alone, but even with cheapo elmers a hardwood toothpick is a better way to go. glue melts with friction, wood will grip much better.

I have a lp studio.. sunburst.. and it's way great in my book.
also, I was a bassplayer for many years..
and when you finally break down and get yourself a toob amp.. yer gonna have another satisfying day!

congrats!

[Lunatic]

Twang.. man that looks classy. Suits that particular burst well.

Thanks for the intonation tips - and tips on the hole filing.

Was talking to some guys at the music store about a decent tube amp - biggest issue is that my current place might as well be made out of paper, with neighbors really close each side who are generally quiet, so I try to keep it down a bit.
I suspect my average volume wouldn't even warm a tube up :P I also have to spent a fair bit of time using cans, which really sucks with the little Marshall, as the overdrive channel is a little too overdriven in it. Very fuzzy, but seriously limiting if I'm playing something that just needs a bit of gentle distortion... and by this I mean, it's too dirty for even most Metallica songs!

My thought was to try something like a Blues driver or something through the clean channel, and see if I can get a more crisp sound, and a bit more control out of it.

[The_Sentry]

Originally Posted by Lunatic

Twang.. man that looks classy. Suits that particular burst well.

Thanks for the intonation tips - and tips on the hole filing.

Was talking to some guys at the music store about a decent tube amp - biggest issue is that my current place might as well be made out of paper, with neighbors really close each side who are generally quiet, so I try to keep it down a bit.
I suspect my average volume wouldn't even warm a tube up :P I also have to spent a fair bit of time using cans, which really sucks with the little Marshall, as the overdrive channel is a little too overdriven in it. Very fuzzy, but seriously limiting if I'm playing something that just needs a bit of gentle distortion... and by this I mean, it's too dirty for even most Metallica songs!

My thought was to try something like a Blues driver or something through the clean channel, and see if I can get a more crisp sound, and a bit more control out of it.

Hmm....

I have a Marshall TSL 122 for gigs....and I've got a Microcube for the house. It's typically on either the Classic or the Black Panel settings....

[gofguitarKP]

Originally Posted by TWANG

when you intonate.. detune a bit.. you can strip screws leaving all the string tension on.
intonate with the old strings first.. less to do when the new ones are on, and easier on them with the detuning to adjust.

if you do that every time you intonate, you really save on screw thread wear.

wood glue is ok, even alone, but even with cheapo elmers a hardwood toothpick is a better way to go. glue melts with friction, wood will grip much better.

I have a lp studio.. sunburst.. and it's way great in my book.
also, I was a bassplayer for many years..
and when you finally break down and get yourself a toob amp.. yer gonna have another satisfying day!

congrats!

Yeahhhh she is mine's sister...witha a Bigsby!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank god I found you!!!! Go studio sunbursts!!!!!

[The_Sentry]

Found some Youtubish of the Chameleons since pics don't do these guitars justice at all...

YouTube - Epiphone Les Paul Chameleon Green Blue

YouTube - Epiphone Les Paul Chameleon Green Blue

YouTube - Epiphone Les Paul Chameleon Bronze Salmon

YouTube - Epiphone Les Paul Chameleon Bronze Salmon

Which one did you get, OP?

[lifele55]

Nice LP/Amp combo Twang..

[Lunatic]

Originally Posted by The_Sentry

Which one did you get, OP?

Green Blue - though she likes to be more green purple for me, which is cool. Waiting on her to show me her blue side. It's a trip when you look at the back of the neck, especially if you're moving....

[VictorLazarus]

I've got a LP Studio Chameleon (silver / lime) sweet.

MVL.

[Lunatic]

Sweet - gotta love how unique they are.

Mine's now comfortable on the couch (laying flat of course) while the glue dries in the strap holder holes. With a bit of luck it'll be dry by tomorrow so I can stick the strap locks on, and get back into it.

[The_Sentry]

It really is a nice looking guitar, Lunatic.

(I wish Epi would do another run of these....sigh...)