Epiphone Limited Edition James Bay 1966 Century Outfit Electric Guitar (with Case)
An accurate recreation of Grammy nominee James Bay's iconic Epiphone Century archtop, this limited edition model is built to 1966 specifications.
Overall User Ratings (based on 3 ratings)
Submitted November 28, 2017 by Bluessman Sammy Guy in Pocono Mtns, PA
"I FOUND THE SOUND!!!"
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After searching for 50 years I found 'THE SOUND'. I play blues for a living and have gone through literally 100's of guitars until I took a chance on this one. It's IT! Search is over. Crystal clear cleans, bell like tones and very acoustic sounding...until you hit overdrive and this thing sings. The tonal range is superb. from country twang to George Thorogood blues to Clapton-esque tone, this thing nails it.
Sound
Crisp, clear acoustic to down and dirty blues, this thing has it all. Couldn't be more thrilled.
Features
One upgraded P-90, one volume and one tone, couldn't be more simple than that. But even a slight movement to either volume or tone changes its sound making this really versatile for a wide range of applications.
Ease of Use
Actions is a bit high, but I'll adjust it. The strings feel a bit like cable wire, but I don't think I'll change them to something lighter, I'll just get used to the heavier gauge since the sound is so perfect as is.
Quality
A few sharp edges on some frets, but a little bit of filing will solve that. Other than that, the fit and finish are about as perfect as can be. I have been sadly disappointed in other name brand guitar manufacturers (beginning with 'G' ) lately but this Epiphone is stunning in both fit and finish. Well done, and a keeper for sure.
Value
Price is about right. The other version of the Century 1966 is about $150.00 less. But this comes with a case, and an upgraded pickup and nut, and some case candy, so there really isn't much difference in price between the lesser cost (if you buy a case) and this one. So, the value is great!
Manufacturer Support
Never used it.
The Wow Factor
The wow factor? I've been playing for 50 years. It takes a lot to 'wow' me anymore. Usually my 'wow' is when I get a guitar and it really sucks, I say 'wow'. But this one...WOW. fantastic. Makes me fall in love with a guitar all over again.
Musical Background:
50 years guitar, keys, drums, violin, bass, professional Blues player for decades.
Musical Style:
Blues and rock.
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Submitted December 12, 2018 by ERIC S in Charleston, WV
"This guitar is a surprise package, sounds great, and is an incredible deal!"
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I have been looking for a new hollow body electric for a long while now, and finally decided to take a chance on this James Bay version of the 1966 Epiphone Century. I was expecting to receive a pretty good guitar, given the description of the enhancements over the standard 1966 Century model, but was completely blown away by how good a guitar it actually is. To start with, the gloss finish is very deep and clear and looks like a million bucks, and the fit and finish are very precise, too. I am mostly an acoustic player, and this guitar feels very "correct" to me ergonomically. Regarding the playability of this guitar-the action was pretty high when I got it, but I adjusted the bridge down and it now plays great, with no buzzes The neck is a little narrower than I expected, but it plays well. Regarding the sound, it sounds great both plugged in and unplugged. That was the most surprising part. If you strum it unplugged, it has a very full and woody sound, and actually has quite a bit of the "Gibson Growl", very akin to what I hear in my old early 1960's Gibson B-25! Plugged in, the upgraded pickup sounds incredible, and I'd guess especially so for the genres of music that I enjoy playing- folk, blues, old country, and 90's alternative.One more thing, for what it's worth-this guitar sounds so good to me, for what I want out of a guitar, that I'm going to end up selling about four other guitars that it will completely replace. For comparison, I used to own a 1998 Gibson ES-135, and I like this guitar way better. It really is a surprise package, and I'd highly recommend it!
Musical Background:
Been playing for 30 years. Would consider myself a moderately skilled amateur.
Musical Style:
Folk (which covers a lot of ground), blues, "old" country (from Hank Sr. through Johnny Cash), and some 90's alternative.
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Submitted August 10, 2019 by Joe B in Hatfield, MA
"Pretty cool..."
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Guitar is really quite nice,though there were a few cosmetic things that prob should not have passed QC,plus the case outer covering was unglued and a little torn by handle right out of sealed factory box . Epiphone has not responded to 2 seperate inquiries about case(which I feel they should replace),so no more purchases of a new Epi for me... zZounds is great,however.
Musical Background:
Working Musician
Musical Style:
Various
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