Comparing a $99 Epiphone with a $5K VOS R9

[goby]

I played an R9 last week and I stilling having Jimmy Page dreams. Will probably never be able to justify buying one for a few years.

With that said, I grabbed my sons $99 Epiphone Les Paul Jr. and started playing. This neck is bigger than my LP Custom's neck. I'm 3 hours from the R9 (or any R9, for that matter) so I can't just compare.

So my really stupid question, is if this fine, Made in China "from the bones of those executed for not picking up their poop during the Olympics" neck about the same size as an R9?

Other than the body, neck, accessories, electronics, and weight, this guitar is very similar to the R9. If you know what I mean?

But seriously, I'm taking this guitar to work so that I can have a guitar there to strum. I won't see the R9 for a few weeks, and I was just wondering if the necks are the approximate size.

Thanks!!

[goby]

I just wanted everyone to know that the above post was not a joke... I really wanted to know if the large neck on the Epi was equal to the large neck of the 59. Obviously there is no comparision to quality. In fact, I've played the guitar for 10 minutes and its driving me crazy...

So please, are the necks similar?

And Epi fans, this is a horrific $99 Epi. It is not to be compared with your $400 or so Epi LP's which I've played at Guitar Center. It is crap, but it is better than nothing at work.

Thanks!

[jomo]

That's a tough question, I have played many of those Epiphones and the necks all feel different. I don't think it's a science on those. My Epiphone Slash Les Paul is a baseball bat compared to my Gibson Slash neck.
By the way, you are a funny futher mucker.

[goby]

Thanks!!! That is the answer I wanted..... (seriously)

If the necks are all different, then my post is worthless. I just wondered....

My first guitar was a G&L. it was probably a great guitar, but it was set up wrong. I had a few extra bucks, traded it in, and bought a used Gibson LP Custom. It's really the only electric guitar I've played, other than less expensive, but still quality, guitars of different makes at Guitar Center (Ibanez, Gretsch, Fender).

But this crapster is horrific. The tuners feel like they're going to break every time I try to put the thing in tune. Yuck!!! And I have to tune it after playing about 3 chords...

My advice to parents out there is if they are going to buy a guitar for their kid, don't buy a crappy guitar. When my 7 year old decides he wants a guitar, he's getting an Ibanez or a MIM Strat, or some other $300 guitar. Something that I can play and enjoy if he stops playing, and that is different from my Les Paul.

So can you play a barred F Chord? I can. HA!!!!

Actually thank goodness I can because I'm off to conquer my next major hurdle.... Playing and singing at the same time, with a song that has the Barred F Chord!!!! (actually Fm7, but just about the same difficulty factor) and a Bm.

Damn, I'm awesome!!!


Thanks again for the reply!

[Liam]

The trick I've found with neck size is to measure them. Not joking, it really helps with nailing down what feels big and what doesn't.

Historic R9 necks seem to vary much more than real vintage necks IMHO. Sounds like the Epi necks are much the same.

Liam

[R9.]

The cat's out of the bag, everybody. $5,000 R9s = $99 Epiphones.

Originally Posted by goby

So can you play a barred F Chord? I can. HA!!!!

We've heard so much about your legendary F chord. You have to show it to us. Post a video...something.

[goby]

Yes, my F Chord is legendary!!! And damn, does it excite me!!! And others... They all seem to roll their eyes in boredom when I play it, but I think they're just jealous. I'm going to grab my guitar right now and play it!!! There.... You should have heard it!!

BTW, I am formally requesting that you change your avatar. I can not handle the sight of Iris any longer!!! And take off the R9 link, too.... Oh crap, I had to press it... just like a junkie needing a fix.... I see you have 1754 hits on your link... I bet 1000 of those are mine.

I'm not afraid to admit it.... I love Iris!!! I mean, I wouldn't kick Colleen out of bed for eating crackers, but Iris..... I am truly in love!!!

So Tim, seriously, what's my next step in guitar progression? I think it's singing and playing (just for me and my sister, who promises not to laugh)... Any thoughts? Here's the song I'm trying to play and sing.....
YouTube - burning sky the jam paul weller cover

It was done as a request by a youtube buddy who also idolizes Paul Weller (formerly of The Jam).

I thought I'd never get the D to Bm down a few months ago, but now I've got it perfectly just like the video. I conquered Bm first, and I was stunned!!! But singing and playing is still a little tough. And I don't have a British accent, which makes it tough to sing because I've loved this song for 25 years and Paul has a very British accent like Clark on the video.

In case you were wondering, and I know you were, here is the great Paul with his acoustic singing a song that I will be trying next, but the chords are a little tougher...

YouTube - Paul Weller Hung Up Acoustic MTV

Well time to get off the board and practice. I still haven't named my guitar yet. I like Lily, but I'm not sure yet.

Thanks again for everything.

Anthony

Originally Posted by R9.

The cat's out of the bag, everybody. $5,000 R9s = $99 Epiphones.


We've heard so much about your legendary F chord. You have to show it to us. Post a video...something.

[R9.]

Damn, goby...I didn't hear you play that F chord, but I felt it half way across the continent. That's some powerful stuff!

You like the R9, eh? Give me an email address and I can send you pictures...
I've got around 2,000 pics of her on my computer. Obsessed, you say? Why, yes I am.

What's your next step? If that's a serious question, singing and playing is definitely a step in the right direction. I'm not a singer, never tried to be one and never pretended to be one. It's definitely a good route for you to take, though. That song in the video you posted has very simple guitar; so, I'd say look for more songs along those lines where you don't have to concentrate on the guitar part. Have you considered taking lessons?

[goby]

I took the liberty of talking to my psychiatrist about your obsession with Iris. Seein's that I've got the problem, he said he'll give you a discount on a telephone consultation, and then we can go 50/50 and buy the meds in bulk from Costco.

Yep, I love Iris, and I'm not afraid to admit it!!!!! Please don't temp me with pictures... In case you had any evil thoughts, I just put your email address in my "straight to trash folder" list.

I've thought about lessons, but I don't want to learn classic rock. I really want to learn metal and punk. The very few teachers here are into 70's classic rock. I don't want to play Foghat.... I live in a very rural area. I did have one friend who went off to college and in 5 minutes he showed me so much. It was amazing!!! So yes, lessons are what I intend to do in the near future. Somewhere.....

Oh, my "what's the next step" questions was a indeed a serious question. I'm always serious. Now that I mastered the F Chord (did I tell you already?) I'm kinda bored with the guitar. Not much else to learn. I think I'll take up the tuba next week.

That song I posted is so fun to sing. And yes, it is pretty easy. I'm willing to put in the time to practice, though.

Instead of strumming, I'm at working, maybe earning enough to put a R9 on layaway.... Who knows????

Thanks again, Tim!!!


Anthony


Anthony

Originally Posted by R9.

Damn, goby...I didn't hear you play that F chord, but I felt it half way across the continent. That's some powerful stuff!

You like the R9, eh? Give me an email address and I can send you pictures...
I've got around 2,000 pics of her on my computer. Obsessed, you say? Why, yes I am.

What's your next step? If that's a serious question, singing and playing is definitely a step in the right direction. I'm not a singer, never tried to be one and never pretended to be one. It's definitely a good route for you to take, though. That song in the video you posted has very simple guitar; so, I'd say look for more songs along those lines where you don't have to concentrate on the guitar part. Have you considered taking lessons?

[jomo]

Dude, I enjoyed it. I felt like I was in a pub having a pint. Do you have an accent or were you faking? Your coming along really good. I've been playing off and on forever and your better than me. Keep it up bro. I've got a youtube video posted too, it's under "sixstringjomo", I'm singing Simple man.

[goby]

Hey Jomo,

I don't do Skynard.... Sorry... they're old...

So I watched you video, not knowing you were going to torture me with Skynard... and I couldn't stop!!! Damn, you're good!!!! I loved the song (first time I ever heard it), loved your singing, and loved the whole thing!!!! Truly, you are now my new inspiration!!!!

I loved the arpeggios (right?) and the way you did them effortlessly. I loved the passion in your voice. I loved the strumming. Truly.... that's what I want to be able to do...

BTW, just in case you think that the pint has gone to my head, or that I'm being condescending or a jerk, no.... I'm really serious. I really want to be able to do what you do and to play and sing like that. Great Job!!!

But if you tell me you've only played for 8 months like me, I will begin crying......

Post more videos, dude.... Do you take requests??

Have a great day!!!


Anthony


PS.... I'm a little slow.... now I get the "pint" and "accent" thing.... And I'm sorry to say, that was not me who sang that song. It was a youtube buddy who took my request for the song. He's does great Paul Weller covers, and really nails Paul Weller's sound. Check out the real Paul Weller in the link above to compare... His name is Clark, and he really sounds like that...

I suck.... But I suck much less than I did just a few months ago!!! Thanks to people like you!!!