• Almost Perfect

  
  As reviewed by Todd Lovett on 3/3/2011

  I'll start with some qualifications--I'm a 30 year player, and I own a '93 Gibson Nighthawk, 2 pickup model. My Gibson is my primary guitar among five others, and I had been considering another one when Epiphone decided to create the new reissue model. At a $399 price point, I thought I'd try the Epiphone first, and pre-ordered a Fireburst model. When it arrived, I unpacked it and inspected the guitar, and what a looker it is: just stunning attention to detail. The figured maple top is nicely matched, the paint graceful and even, and the clear finish is without flaws. I decided to do a direct comparison by playing my Gibson first so differences would stand out, and I placed the Epiphone and Gibson side by side for a visual check as well. This allowed me to notice some subtle differences between the two guitars in the body and the neck. The Epiphone body is very slightly thicker than the Gibson by 1/8 inch, which is not a big deal. However, there is a dramatic difference in the heel of the neck on the Epiphone. On a Gibson model, the heel comes almost down to the body and measures 1 7/16 inches from the fretboard to the bottom of the heel. On the Epiphone, the measurement is 1 3/16, leaving a rather large space between the heel and the body--this is disappointing. There are of course, other differences--tuners, input jack, headstock--but these are minor considerations. After playing the Gibson, I plugged in the Epiphone (test amp is a 1975 Musicman 210 HD120, all tube). First, the pickups and the wiring configuration are both superb, and sound wonderful, period. And there is a WIDE variety of sounds available which sound great clean, or flat-out overdriven. But what I did notice immediately was the rather high action on the guitar--way too high in fact, so I got out a hex wrench and went to work on the bridge saddle heights, adjusting downward until I could hear buzz, and then stepping back a half turn so the strings were as low as they were going to get. The result is the action is still too high, and cannot be lowered further without an adjustment to the neck. I suppose this is unavoidable at the price point on this instrument, but anyone planning to buy one should consider an extra $100 for a pro setup in their budget. For me, this is not optional--it has to be done if I'm going to actually play the guitar. The ebony fretboard feels very nice, and the frets are nicely filed and dressed--not quite as smooth as the GIbson, but not something that I would pay to make better, as it is too slight to be an issue. Overall, I am glad I bought this guitar. I expect it to give my Gibson some real competition after the neck is adjusted and the action is low enough for my tastes.

  22 of 22 people found this review helpful.
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• Epiphone nicehawk

  
  As reviewed by Keith on 3/10/2011

  The finish on the guitar was flawless and the maple top was beautiful. It is well balanced and plays effortlessly. The 5 way switch with coil splitting gives you a plethora of usable sounds. This along with the combination of quality tone woods give you great tone and sustain. The only slight complaint I have with this ax is the pup's. They don't sound that bad but if your used to high end pickups they will leave a little to be desired. For the price you can't expect the world though and they are very usable. Overall I'm very heppy and would suggest one to anyone in need of a great guitar that wont break the bank

  9 of 9 people found this review helpful.
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• Unbelievable guitar

  
  As reviewed by JC on 6/25/2011

  I ordered from Guitar Center the Honey Burst Epiphone Nighthawk. I've been playing for 40 years ( I must be old I guess). I have a number of other guitars including two 1960 Gibson Les Paul Specials. (I like the thiner necks vs the thick ones.) Everything about the nighthawk is great. The Flame top and apearance is is top notch. The feel and play on mine is equal to that of my gibson guitars. It has great tone (I should say tones because it has many different sounds) it also is very light in weight. I can't say enough good things about this guitar. The pricing goes without saying. In my opinon, you are not going to find a guitar nicer than this one at the $400 price range.

  4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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