Coronet USA Review 🎸 Can America Make Epiphone Great Again? 😁🇺🇸
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ค. 2024
- Having recently vowed never again to spend £1500 on an Epiphone, the new USA made '59 Coronet has me reaching for my credit card in a nitro-cellulose fuelled frenzy. I know it's wrong but it feels so right... join me as I struggle with my conscience & review this American Beauty! 🤤
Time Stamps
00:00 intro & coming up
01:02 your votes were counted
04:11 what's happening today
07:23 history & inspiration
11:18 notable players
13:10 specs start here
13:26 neck profile & measurements
14:36 what does it weigh?
15:00 tailbridge, fingerboard & frets
16:21 nut & tuners
17:45 pickup reading
18:11 under the hood
22:29 today's rig
23:23 let's play something
25:40 volume & tone controls
27:10 comparing it to the import
29:31 let's play a little bit more
30:14 what do we think?
31:30 let's talk about epiphone prices...
37:30 differences between usa & import
40:04 it's too expensive but I love it
44:15 play out jam
Signal Chain Info:
TC Polytune
Soul Food / RAT
Boss DD3 / Boss RC5 Looper
Amps: Fender Princeton Reverb '65 Tweed 1 x 12
Mics AKG C414 & SM57
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 into Protools
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I will get hate for this comment but that is ok. I live and work in Oklahoma, USA. I worked for 18 years in a manufacturing plant, 4 years on the production floor and 14 years in the quality department. The made in America tag means nothing, quality depends on the person making the product and the resources the company gives the employee to make the product. The company and the employees both have to have pride in their work to make the end product better than others in the market, if it is about getting products out the door then where it is made means nothing at all.
I'm a teacher in Oklahoma USA! I agree 100% A lot of US companies think slapping the "Made in the USA" sticker on something is all they need to do anymore to justify a huge price tag. That may have been the case decades ago, but the rest of the world has caught up. Great guitars are made in a lot of places.
GO HUSKERS
I do not agree with such a generalised comment. I could write a thesis on this but would probably be wasting my breath. However I will point out a few things such as Brand equity and country of origin ( case in point would be Swiss watches just to prove a point). The second would be pride in your country and jobs at home rather than abroad. Third would be heritage. Means nothing to you fine!
Corporate America has betrayed you and every other caring conscientious hard working person.
I'd rather buy a product from the company that originally designed it instead of a copy with a slightly different headstock
Took me a while to figure out what Gibson are doing. They are restoring Epiphone to their rightful position as another Gibson brand like it was in the sixties. Doing a good marketing job too.
My favorite part of all of your videos is seeing you truly enjoy new guitars. You do a great job of conveying the real guitar addict enthusiasm we all know. Thanks for the finding the hole comment...lol.
😆👍
Having voted for the Coronet I'm now feeling strangely sorry for the Fazely 😁
IKR. We are a fickle lot.
Please review the Fazely next.
Bought a epiphone creastwood last year great guitar
Ditto. I love mine too.
What a diverse group of guitar lovers. What a great video. Very cool. I loved the voting thing. Feels so interactive.
Great episode, been looking forward to watching it all day and have done so in a South London pub with a couple of pints, sad fucker that I am. I’m desperate for a double cut, single P90 junior style guitar and this fits the bill perfectly, it looks and sounds the absolute bollocks and a serious contender to the SG Jnr. I love the slab rather than curved body, just like the Mosrite MK2 up against the earlier hideous German carve MK1’s. I’ll own one, one day, but it won’t be bought at the current price - single pickup, no bridge, minimal electronics. Hell, I got a 2nd hand 2015 Gibson Jnr DC and even after changing everything on it including proper Gibson P90’s it’s cost less.
An hour well spent Colin, thanks.
Cheers man, it was great to spend an hour in the boozer with you! 😁👍🍺
That US Coronet is a stunner. Nice video as always Colin, thanks. This current crop in charge of Gibson doing a good job to undo the historical crime of almost destroying a great American brand, Epiphone, but yes, some of the pricing is laughable. I got a Riviera with the mini HBs for about 500 quid. Good price, brilliant guitar. Seems to be their signature guitars where the prices are mad, like the Joe Bonamassa, Dave Grohl and Mustaine ones
It’s not hypocritical to admit a mistake. It’s growth.
Welcome back. Nice video as always. Like the USA Coronet. 🙂
Cols the only man i trust when it comes to a throughly proper review
Super and honest review. I believe a guitar or any item purchased is an individual persuit. I went to Thomann Wednesday to look at the Guild Polara and was going to buy it. It was out of stock and was now only available by request. I bought a Harley Benton DC 600 VI Vintage (3 Humbucker SG style) for 183 Euros instead. I bought it to modify, but it's so good that I only put new tuners on it. I have a great sounding and great playing guitar for 250 Euros. It's all individual my friend. Whatever makes you happy, do it. No judgement from me. I think in today's market, that or any guitar will be another couple hundred bucks more in short time. Buy what your heart tells you to buy. Life is too short for a bank account. Thanks for the great review. I'm glad you bought it and NO, you are not a hypocrite. Follow your passion. Live the dream ♫ 🎸
Given the emotional connection you have with this gutar it's a sensible purchase. I didn't need my Les Paul Studio either, but I wanted one, since so many of my guitar heroes play Les Pauls.
A review full of Col’s innuendos!! And why not…nothing wrong with having fun. Nice guitar. Cheers mate
Love this video Colin - thanks again for a brilliant way to enjoy a cuppa and a biccy. Now, I know it's still controversial, but I think this will save a bit of face for Epiphone under their Gibson masters. They've really ignored the brand heritage for far too long and I hope the Coronet is just the first of a whole line of original Epi's made in the USA. Guitarists like heritage but they also like variety so it hits the mark on both counts. Yes, I know it's still a lot of cash but when you compare it to other offerings from established American, Japanese and European builders (and even Chinese builders like Eastman) then it's appropriate and justifiable. The IBG and IBGC stuff has it's place for those that want fully endorsed Gibson products on a budget, but Epiphone is more than that so Gibson should be celebrating the brand's American roots and I for one applaud that.
The other thing worth noting is they have move the strap button to the top horn. I think this is a good move as the guitar should balance better on a strap.
That is a beautiful, stunningly simple, sonically gorgeous, Coronet!! 👍💯
I really love this channel
Not sure if it sounds better, I'd almost certainly fail the blind test, but damn...that's a real premium piece of timber! That ribbon mahogany looks incredible, bet it dances like crazy in the light 🥰
Thanks for this Col. Had no idea Gibson had made a USA reissue of the Coronet. Great to have you back!
another brilliant video and review, mate. Thanks for all you do.
For information, it's not the nitro that you smell, but the impregnated odor of the glue used to coat the case (typical vanilla scent of Canada made cases).
Oooh is that an actual fact?… and it seeps into the guitar and can last for quite a long time?? My Les Paul still smells sweet after many months…
How do explain the same smell when the guitar comes with a gig bag?
Possibly but glue out gases pretty quickly compared to nitro which continues to dry for years.
Gibson bought Epiphone 57 iirc!
I think the more massive body on the US model would make a bit of difference
Wow, stunning colour on this one. Cheers for the video, as always. Nothing like kicking back and enjoying a nice review with a pint!
I just wanted to buy a T-Shirt 😂 Great review. Thank you Colin.
Yep my pick got it 😂
Was wanting a review on it. Thanks!
Looking GOOD! Thanks for the review!
Thanks for giving your viewers what we want! 🙏🏻
Top stuff as always mate
Welcome back Colin! Another great review. I'd happily buy a USA Epiphone if there was no Gibson version. BUT it would have to beat my Eastman sb55dc/v, which I don't think will happen anytime soon. Rock on to all the Guitaristas out there.
Eastman for the win I reckon 👍
As usual, a very entertaining video. Your biggest strength, apart from the fact that you admit that it might be "all in the head", which of course it is, is that you're very relatable and self-deprecating. Ultimately, rationalizing one guitar over another is just that and what really matters is that you get a kick out of whatever guitar you choose. Musically, there isn't all that much difference between one electric guitar and another one (at least among solid and semi-hollow guitars) and most of them will do whatever job you need or want them to. Yeah, the USA one is probably a bit more of a turn on, but that's really all it is.
😊🙏
My 69 SG has the same nitro and wood aroma it had when my brother bought it in the early 70s. 😎
Colin we had them both out in the shop today and honestly, we couldn’t tell the difference bar the grand for the sweet paint job and different pickgaurd, the latter of course which can be changed for pennies. My budget version was only £240 ex display. I’m going against my usual train of thought here, but it’s the budget all the way
Nice balance review and comparison. Love your informative channel...
Great video, love the Coronet!
Just started the video, looking forward to your review.
Love the how the guitar sounds, love the wittering.
I knew it!!!! ❤❤❤ I tried one even though I’m a lefty in the Gibson Garage .. loved the quirky look and feel
Another great video. Thank you.
Gotta love the smell of nitro in the vid...............Intresting vid. Thanks.
For those wondering, the "Dwight" imprint noted around 12:00 refers to Sunny "Dwight" Shields music store in East St. Louis, IL. At the time, St. Louis and East St. Louis were such big music towns that Sunny Shields Music Inc. was able to get their own imprinted guitar with a tremolo from the busy factory.
Cheers for the info! 😁👍
Nah you're good.... it's essentially a Gibson junior isn't it, so it's priced as one. ... which is fine, I suppose. Although as you say the street price for a Jr is a little less but these will be around the same soon. It's right to the top of the 'cool wall' anyway, so worth every penny. 😂
I used to own to MIJ Epiphone Elitist Les Pauls. They turned me to LPs. Eventually moved to Gibsons. Still have and love a 2010 R7 Gold Top that I’ll keep till I die.
Another great film ! Pretty sweet Epiphone !!
Your the best man great video
Most Excellent review Colin........Alabama
Your “meanderings” are almost my favorite parts of your reviews.
I agree Col, if a piece of kit floats the boat and you can afford it who gives a shit about price. Just enjoy the snot out of it.
Very interesting. Liked the vote idea and to be honest the import sounded thin and wispy by comparison. I might have been tempted to change the pickup over but i wouldn't want to give you any mad ideas. 😂 how guitars interact with us will vary from person to person but that's all part of the creative process it's where we get taken on our musical journey. Keep up the good work. ❤
The bellend adjuster haha!
If a P90 is too low it will sound mushy and the hum will be very loud.
Jack up the P90 in the import Coronet to no more than 3mm from the strings and it will come alive, I promise.
More output, more midrange bite, and the hum will be quieter in comparison.
My Coronet sounds massive now.
The other difference is the pickup output. The import has an Epiphone P90 Pro that measures 8.7k IIRC so it will be darker. the USA is less than 8k so it will have more treble.
nice one mt loved the vid m.
The ultimate reason to get a 1500 quid Epi is : "I want one". I happen to owe both Chinese Wilshire and Coronet. Both of great value, great playability. Since I am not a collector but a player, I have never considered a 3x the price 'original'
And probably never will. For a simple reason : "I don't want one" :) . Cheers, peace
Exactly
I’m with you on that nitro smell. It’s intoxicating.
Being old enough to remember when Epi was a front line brand, and follow it into a lower tier, I have a hard time wrapping my head around their new price structure. I hope they don’t totally abandon their lower cost guitars, because for a lot of people who can’t afford a lot of money, it’s a great product for a reasonable sum.
Nice one. Recently bought a second hand Shecter Silver Mount. Hands down the best guitar I’ve ever played. Quality is unbelievable for £800
Your new USA Coronet is luvvly jubbly, and sounds great Col 👍🏻 Imo the best guitar you've bought in a while. It just has that old school cool vibe to it 😎
Got one today Lovin it so far. Haven't had a chance to Rock it through my rig yet but soon.
Nice one! 😁👍
That Nitro Drug Black Market is very under the radar! Good on you for calling attention to it, in your subtle way ;)
I am no authority on electrics.
My acoustic, the last one of
countless I owned, is a 1948
Gibson Southernn Jumbo.
In the 25 years I've played it
I often dreamt it was lost, stolen or simply vanished and
woke up crying, then saw it in
my bedroom and relaxed. It is
not just the look,feel or tone,it
has a soul no import will ever
have. Quoting dr.Frankenstein:
"It's alive! It's alive!"
I hope that ending jam is on steal my licks! No hypocracy in my opinion. They are a little pricey. At $1300 Id be buying one. At its price I'm waiting for reverb but it's beautiful.
Yes Tuning keys are better on the import. I may be one of the few, But I actually like the front jack on a guitar. So +2 for the import. But +3 for the American Better neck. Comes with a case and made in America. Another great video.
I LOVE the knobs
I'm so glad that you reviewed this! It's funny that I watched your Scratch video again yesterday, then you posted the Coronet video today. I was pissed when they announced this model! I had just bought my Ebony Junior and don't have room for another guitar payment. Currently paying on three. I completely agree with you about the Inspired by Gibson and Custom line. I am fortunate that I can now afford USA made guitars. I'd rather pay $1600 for a Les Paul Junior or SG Special than buy the Chinese made guitars, despite the upgrades. Thanks for sharing!
This will make a great companion to the junior and hopefully by the time you’ve saved up the prices will have dropped 👍👍
I've played two USA Epi Casinos. The Eastman T64/v is just a much better guitar. If I felt the urge for an expensive single P90 double cut, I'd go with the SB55DC/v all day every day over this.
If you did, you would not be disappointed.
I agree, l wanted a Jr...but wound up buying the SC..
The DCs nice too mate.
I have an Eastman too - stunningly good. To produce a guitar that good tells me there are some seriously skilled people focussed on quality in that factory. Where it's made in the world doesn't dictate how good/bad a guitar can be.
@@chrisbailiss7309 Unfortunately even with Eastman it's hit and miss. Recently bought my third Eastman (second hand), a T59v, and it's quite underwhelming to be honest. While the other two are flawless, this one has a poor fret job, several flaws in the binding, glue on the top around the neck joint. It also sounds really dark and doesn't stay in tune very well.
Another great morning with Colin. Guitars, and a few nibbles. What more could you want ? Maybe a Blood Mary to wash down the nibs.
As always Thanks Guitaristas !
Ah Well Col, in words of the Stones, ‘You Can’t alwasys get what you want’. It was the Guild I was looking forward to but this was a cracking vlog as usual.
l love it too. Wish I never got ride of my LP Jr.
I like the guitar and epiphone is my favorite guitars, but that price is just a bit to much. I'll be interested in seeing if they come down in price and and if they hold the value, I'm not sure they will. Great to get a new full video, best way to start a Friday. Cheers
I bought a new Epiphone Les Paul Custom loaded with gibson pickups ect... I paid £1089.00, which is outstanding for what you are actually getting... A great case included too.
I won’t care what you paid for the epiphone guitars. I just enjoy your true unfiltered criticism no matter what the price is!! There are loads of channel who don’t tell the truth.. mainly they are sponsored channel or stores making these videos. Keep up the good work ❤
Cheers man that’s appreciated! 😁👍
Sometimes, it’s not how perfect or otherwise the guitar is, or how expensive, it’s more how much affection one has for it, and enjoys playing music on it. Maybe added to that is the pride of ownership when it’s hanging on the wall, but an instrument is always equally a tool and a sculpture, and if it’s fun to play then the price becomes justified, but I’m grateful there are cheap guitars out there for those who like me are limited in what is feasible. It is always fun to see all these new guitars pop up on your ‘show’ and either drool or become sniffy. It’s like guitar addiction by proxy.
Wow. I like the pickup plate. Well done Gibson
I have bought an Epiphone, my first electric guitar, non bass. I have friends that bought Epiphones. The only complaints/comments that I have heard, including mine was about the electronics, they are cheaper and do not last. I never had a complaint about the quality of the wood working. My Epiphone SG is still in my playing mix, after I put in the Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded humbuckers and new Pots and resistors. I call it my red Growler.
Great tone
Nice review and lovely guitar. Chinese labour costs are between 25-40% of US equivalent depending on the industry. Given roughly comparable raw materials and parts costs this largely explains the difference in retail price of the 2 guitars. However, where US Gibson models win out hands down is on their future value retention. Whether this will apply to new, vintage nearly-correct Epiphones, who knows?
Hi Colin. No, you're not a hypocrite. You've bought an original Epi model, not a Gibson copy. And made in the USA to boot. It's a great guitar.
My only experience of Epiphones are with their amazing inspired by Gibson acoustic guitars and their even better original Epi Excelente.
I bought a 1942 banner antique VOS J45 recently after seeing the reviews. I went to the Garage in London and played seven Gibson J45's and each one was as dull as dishwater, no volume, resonance or harmonic overtones. The Epi banner model l went home with was/is sensational, has the J45 thud, bright tops, plenty of bottom end and has fantastic overtones. Saved me £2000, l just wanted a J45 and was prepared to buy a Gibson.
As for the Epi Excellente it is an absolute dream of a guitar. Great tone woods, ebony fingerboard and tailpiece, bone pegs, bridge and nut and every inlay is mother of pearl and there's a lot of it. Gold plated Gibson tuners too. The guitar looks and sounds amazing. If it had Gibson on the headstock it would cost £5-6000.
But it's strange, l could not buy a Epi Les Paul, Standard or 335.
They have to be Gibson.
Go figure.
Great review as always. I'm looking forward to the LP Maybach review, l was tempted but went the Gibson route on my Goldtop, black beauty, LP special and 335.
Cheers mate!
I purchased the white Coronet with the tremolo bar about 2 years ago, I love this guitar, bikini headstock awesomeness!
Great video max.personally,I loved going into bricks and mortar shops,but sadly,there are none left where I live in the UK,except for a small market stall, but doesn’t stock much of what I would want,except strings…so,I have also turned to using the online/internet for getting the majority of my equipment.Sadly, because most people are turning to shopping online,the shops in the towns are closing down,leaving them like ghost towns…
Vigilante Carlstroem from the Hives plays an original Coronet. There is a cool rig rundown on Premier Guitar showing it. He beats the hell out if it. Anyway, great video once again and keep uo the awesome content! Cheers from Ontario, Canada
Didn’t one of the fine gentlemen of Dumpy’s Rusty Nuts :) play one in the early 80’s?
The keys would have been different if it were a copy but I think it's a redo not a resurrection. If so the new gear is probably superior in quality. It should be anyway. Most new gear is.
Great work, I’m a big Steve Marriott fan myself…. I came across a New guitar design by Shergold called a Telstar, cheap as chips and worth looking at for a future review
Aloha Colin! Those are nice guitars. Joe Bonamasa said the SG has a solid wood body probably 2 piece unlike his Amos V. The Amos V had Korina a veneer. But any Epiphone came out then and after increased in price. They make them nice with better features. Again the price. Mahalo Colin.
Great video Col, I went to the Gibson garage in April on my birthday and had a great day. I did only buy a t shirt this time, but I’m sure I’ll be back there 😂
Cheers Phil... £69 for a T Shirt is a pretty decent present all the same! 😆👍
Hey, the headstock is'nt broken! Hallelujah! We guitaristas are all hypocrits sometimes bro. P. S. I like theEpi cases much better than Gibson's new ones. Just sayin... Great demo.
What a fantastic video have a wonderful weekend Colin also my favorite year is 2010 2011 2014 also 2016 to be honest ❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Thanks man, I find that as years pass by each one gets better and better so you have much to look forward to! 😁👍
nice one, sound good I like it .
Love it. It's a cool guitar. Made in the Gibson USA factory just like the originals were. If I didn't already have the great (IMO) import version, I'd be tempted.
This was a really interesting video for me Col I’m an epiphone fan I’ve agreed with your assumption on the recent epiphone prices they’re too high.
My 339 pro with p90s in is still my favourite guitar to this day and I own more expensive ones.
For what it’s worth my opinion is if you’re gonna start dropping over a grand on an epiphone buy an original or get a Japanese made one.
The re releases of casino from America and Japan on the used market I believe are great guitars and wouldn’t cost much more than this or some of those recent china signatures.
Rarely but I’ve seen some original epiphone coronet go for 3-4 grand we might be past those days and I appreciate that is a lot of money but if you can do it I think that’s the way to go on this particular model.
Great vid geez
I'm definitely not personally in the market for this guitar, but I can't blame you for picking it up. I own the import version and I'm now realizing that what I'd really love is sort of a combination of both. I don't mind the polyurethane finish, and I outright prefer the flat compensated bridge, dogear P90, symmetrical pick guard, and knobs, but I would absolutely love those slab sides. Rosewood is always a big plus for me as well, not for any sort of feel or sound, but I just think it looks better. I imagine laurel will darken over time like everything else, but it does start out a tad orange-y for my liking.
The nitro finish alone adds a big value.
I prefere some wheed ☺️
@@gernotboesser6901thats what you need to be smoking to think it's worth it 🤣
Great video mate!!
Beautiful guitar... it'd wanna be for that money...
The little black Coronet wasn't outdone, maybe a set of shims it'll have that top end sparkle.
I didn't mind what you'd show us Col, but l luv gd p90s... dunno what theyre asking for these in Australia, but ld be yakkin to the bank manager!!
Thanks mate!
These Coronets are just plain cool. To me they seem more Fenderish than Gibsonesque. I’m always bothered by how Gibson is constantly screwing up obvious specs when they do historical remakes or tribute-style guitars. They even do it on some high dollar LP reissue models. If they’re going to do it, just do it CORRECTLY.
1600 pounds is much for an Epiphone, but at least it's one of their own models, not a Gibson knock-off. I personally would still look for a used Gibson for that kind of money. All my electric guitars, except my first one, I bought used for that matter.
My Gibson LP Jr DC custom shop has that same look/feel on the edge of the fingerboard. No idea why that is but it feels amazing to me actually.
The duality of life, I won't, I won't, I did. 😊
Yes that keeps happening! 😂👍
Make sure you shim the import pickup. It's a night and day difference. Also, there's no shielding for the pickup so shield the cavity and it'll calm down any noise.
It seems sold out everywhere online which perhaps tells its own story regarding whether it is 'too expensive'.
She's a beauty. All you need, really. Very classy.
another check in from oklahoma..i got the import version in black for 380 something brand new in 2021. ive been drooling over the 60’s originals for years but yea at $6700 that aint happenin on this workin guitarman budget.
I took it outta thebox tuned it up and went to rocking playing country rock n blues at a house gig at this lake marina bar not far from here for a couple years. It can be super hot n muggy down there on the floating stage and i really didnt want to risk taking one my gibsons. As a sideman w this band ive had alot of fun goofin around with diff guitars and rigs..the coronet is great fun.. super stable, lightweight and i guess if it went for a swim in the lake id prolly get out my snorkel haha
i play a good amount of slide with this bunch and the neck really feels pretty good. been kickin around some mods to the electronics and ive found that to be pretty typical with most the lower line epi stuff. im going to relocate the output jack on the side.. its really in the way when you go for the vol n tone knobs. i bet the usa is nice but to me i doubt its 900$ MORE nice
❤ your playing style....and guitar is gigable
😊🙏
Thanks Colin. As for the pricing of Epiphone, technically being carpenters, they are a bubble or two off level. I have GAS. I don't own an Epiphone and have no desire to purchase a new one, which is what I enjoy. Thanks again!!