• Excellent Guitar

  
  As reviewed by Nick on 12/28/2010

  This axe is awesome! After checking out multiple hollowbodies, I narrowed down my choices between this and the Gretsch G5120 which sells for the same price. The main things that sold me on this guitar that differ from the Gretsch are the Bigsby wire arm, the roller bridge, and the pickups. The wire arm is more useful than the standard flat one because you can hold it while picking. The roller bridge keeps the strings in perfect tune. (Seriously... I can't get this thing to go OUT of tune! It holds a tune better than my strat w/ locking tuners!!) The series/parallel pickup switching is also a great bonus, offering a limitless array of tone. And the thin profile neck allows you play a little faster, surprisingly. I'm not usually a fan of Epiphone, but this isn't just another Gibson copy. This guitar is unique to the brand and they really nailed it on this one. It does not feel as inexpensive as it is, and I would even go as far to say that this is better than many of the Gibson hollowbodies I checked out. My only issue with it: good luck finding a case that fits with the wire arm because I can't find one anywhere in retail stores or on the internet. I have a thick acoustic gig bag that works just fine, but thumbs down on Epiphone for not making a matching case for this. Even still, that's only a minor setback... just get a nice gig bag and don't throw it around. Overall, this guitar is AMAZING... Amazing value, craftsmanship, features, playability, and tone!

  14 of 14 people found this review helpful.
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• Epi Swingster a Hit

  
  As reviewed by Joe on 3/8/2011

  I like the Swingster! I just purchased it from Guitar Center and it arrived yesterday in immaculate condition. I really like what Epiphone is doing right now with their electronics which are much better than their older humbuckers which had a tendency toward muddiness. These don't. Pros: Setup up great right out of the box Sounds much better than my Gretsch G5120 - pickups are much more sensitive. Bass / treble response very good. Plays every bit as good as my Gretsch (if not better) Well made from quality materials. Has a good feel. Serial/Parallel tone switches a plus, if you're into that kind of thing. I mostly was looking for an authentic archtop sound. This little gal has it! Cons: Made in Indonesia if that bothers you (doesn't concern me) No case Clear pick guard included but not assembled. Conclusion: I would not hesitate to buy this guitar online. The Epiphone Swingster is worth the money in my opinion. Much better guitar than other guitars in its class. As a matter of fact, I have played higher end Gretschs that impressed me less. Clear pick guard included but not assembled.

  3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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• It's a swing and a hit!

  
  As reviewed by Scott on 5/12/2011

  By far the best $700 guitar you will ever find. I mean ANYWHERE. I scoured the internet for a good used hallow body. What a joke. The guitars you can find for the price range will not be as nice and I do mean "other brands" that supposedly mean value just because of the name. Well I'd rather have a top of the line custom shop ax from Epiphone than some middle of the road or budget model from another maker. This thing has HISTORY. I already ordered my ax when I discovered a picture of a 1958 Emperor in a vintage guitar book I've had for years. In '58 Gibson reissued the Emperor under the Epiphone line because it was so bad ass. When it was first introduced in 1935 it was the best of the best and held it's own with all the "Top Brands". Well I say Epi is back at the top and they did it without overcharging their customers. Oh yeah, my book says that when Gibson released the Emperor in 1958 it sold for $550.Mine only cost $150 more. Not bad for 50 years inflation.

  2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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