(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I was somewhat nervous about buying this guitar sight unseen. I've seen a lot of guitars that look great in the photos but real world examples have streaked wood, multi-piece bodies, over sanded, misshapen edges, etc. I was suprized to find that this guitar was actually even better than shown. All edges are perfectly consistently shaped. The neck/body angle is perfect, allowing for the optimum bridge and pickup heights. The wood is flawless and very straight grained. It has the correct style neck/body joint and the correct headstock angle. It's absolutely beautiful. The neck feels a little chunky compared to later model Vs, but correct for a 59. The finish is absolutely superb. It's leveled and polished perfectly, not the slightest dull spot or inclusion anywhere.After a thorough setup and new strings, it plays as well as guitars costing two or three times as much money.I was also very impressed that this guitar comes with a historically accurate 58 style V case. It's very sturdy and it looks awesome.Now here's the good part about this whole ordeal. I had bee eyeballing this guitar for quite a while and on the day I was going to order it from another online retailer, I accidentally stumbled onto the zZounds website. I live in California which taxes the daylights out of everything and the other retailer would have charged me nearly $90 in sales tax and also another $60 for shipping and handling. Ordering from zZounds would save me $150. Not bad.....but it gets better. With thier interest-free 4 payment plan, I needed only coff up $230 at first then let them take $225 a month for the next three months. Awesome. Instead of $1050 I only paid $230. What did I do with the money I saved? Ordered the matching Korina Explorer.

Musical Background:

Musical Style:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I just got mine in today-after a good setup and new strings, it was ready to play. The reason I purchased the guitar had nothing to do with J.B.-I bought it because it has a real maple cap, CTS pots, good tuners (holding tune for me), natural finish, a nice case and Epiphone's premier pickup-the Probucker. These pickups are the best Epiphone pups I have heard-clear on clean and crunchy on drive-I will replace them with either Pearly Gates or Saturday night specials-they are not for my taste but it doesn't mean they are bad pups-just a little twangy on the high end for me. If you buy, do yourself a favor. The placement of the strap button by the neck makes this guitar unbalanced and neck heavy-I tried numerous straps and the neck dived every time I let go. I took out my Gibson Explorer and measured the placement of the strap button on the back near the neck and body joint-it's 3/4" from the joint. I moved the strap button to the back and now it balances perfectly-it doesn't move when released.

Musical Background:

Musical Style:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

Epiphone did an excellent job with quality control on this guitar. I've yet to find a single issue with it, aside from needing new strings and a full and proper set up upon arrival. It's simply beautiful, well-balanced, hangs beautifully, and plays and sounds like a dream when set up. The controls are smooth, quiet, and predictable, the tuners are flat out superb, and the pickups are clear and articulate. The guitar is remarkably responsive, stays in tune, and seamlessly shifts from clean jazzy/bluesy tones to snarling, biting rock tones, with the twist of a volume control. The signed portfolio and custom case are nice touches, although I parked the case aside in lieu of an SKB, for ease of hauling. I didn't know what I'd get when ordering this guitar online, sight unseen, but this is an excellent instrument, in every way. I'm very impressed overall. I'd hoped it would be a reasonably decent guitar, but really had no way of knowing how good it actually is. It's a very well-made, solid, beautiful guitar, and, aside from that, it's ridiculously cool!

Musical Background:

Musical Style:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I bought this and absolutely love it!! I have 2 Gibson Flying V's and this sounds nearly as well especially for the price. The case and case candy is marvelous! You get 2 JB signatures too!

Musical Background:

Musical Style:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

My Amos arrived a couple of hours ago with two day shipping. All I can say is WOW! This is the V I've always wanted at a price I can afford. I am really impressed with the newer Epi's, especially these Artist Sigs (I also have a Johnny A and it's wonderful). The body/neck are solid Korina with no laminates. Strings through the body like a Tele but this beauty is like a Tele on steroids. I tend to 'upgrade' import guitars bits and pieces but this is the second Epi I've bought that's going to be left 'as is' stock. The pickups are clear and articulate, bridge is great, tuners and electrical items fine. The Blackwood neck is plenty slinky with a nice feel and that neck is a comfy handful. Fit and finish are really very good. Lowered the bridge and this beauty plays fast and loose. It's a keeper and should be highly regarded by V lovers, like me. Now I gotta go practice Born Under a Bad Sign and Crosscut Saw.

Musical Background:

Musical Style: