Members bransonb Posted February 19, 2007 Members Posted February 19, 2007 Have you seen Epiphone Masterbilts with "Used" stamped on the back of the headstock? They're popping up on eBay, The story seems to be they are refurbished. It's unclear who is refurbishing them or why. Anyone have knowledge or experience with these? Are they an OK buy?
Members Hudman Posted February 19, 2007 Members Posted February 19, 2007 Have you seen Epiphone Masterbilts with "Used" stamped on the back of the headstock? They're popping up on eBay, The story seems to be they are refurbished. It's unclear who is refurbishing them or why. Anyone have knowledge or experience with these? Are they an OK buy? They are factory seconds. I was told that only authorized Epiphone dealers can sell them. I bought one on Ebay. It had a small gap between the nut and the headstock veneer. That was the only flaw I could find and it took me 15 minutes to find it.
Members Cldplytkmn Posted February 19, 2007 Members Posted February 19, 2007 hud's right... i don't really understand why they went with "used" instead of "2nd" or "sec" or something more accurately describing the guitar...
Members Dave W. Posted February 19, 2007 Members Posted February 19, 2007 hud's right... i don't really understand why they went with "used" instead of "2nd" or "sec" or something more accurately describing the guitar... Have you ever read an English language consumer electronics manual published in China? Surprised it doesn't say: A guitar, that has history previously, renewed
Members guitarist21 Posted February 19, 2007 Members Posted February 19, 2007 Anyone around here will tell you that I am absolutely in love with Epi Masterbilts. The first one I saw was at a mom and pop store. "Pop" recommended it to me and talked about the discounted price because it was a factory second. Like Hudman, it took me forever to find what I could only describe as a minor finish flaw. I don't think the warranty is the same, though. Other than that, they tend to be awesome guitars. Ellen
Members Cldplytkmn Posted February 20, 2007 Members Posted February 20, 2007 Have you ever read an English language consumer electronics manual published in China? Surprised it doesn't say: A guitar, that has history previously, renewed haha... yes i've read some doosies... my drummer buddy played a small mini-tour in china last summer with a rock/pop outfit. They had a really cool opportunity to play at a shoe factory for all of the workers (about a thousand). When they got there, the people had made a HUGE banner for them. We're talking 10'x30'. it read "WELCOME PLEASE, HAPPY LUCKY AMERICAN JAZZ BAND" the pictures are priceless.
Members pgcorky Posted February 20, 2007 Members Posted February 20, 2007 haha... yes i've read some doosies... my drummer buddy played a small mini-tour in china last summer with a rock/pop outfit. They had a really cool opportunity to play at a shoe factory for all of the workers (about a thousand). When they got there, the people had made a HUGE banner for them. We're talking 10'x30'. it read "WELCOME PLEASE, HAPPY LUCKY AMERICAN JAZZ BAND" the pictures are priceless. Perhaps a little off the original topic, but consider taking a look at http://www.engrish.com/ for other interesting interpretations. Lucky, Happy, Corky
Members simplygoodmusic Posted February 20, 2007 Members Posted February 20, 2007 Its great to see epiphone applying tight quality control.
Members babablowfish Posted February 20, 2007 Members Posted February 20, 2007 Perhaps a little off the original topic, but consider taking a look at http://www.engrish.com/ for other interesting interpretations.Lucky, Happy, Corky And conversely go to: http://www.hanzismatter.com/ this site documents the unfortunate tattoos that westerners get using Asian characters incorrectly.
Members RKW Posted February 21, 2007 Members Posted February 21, 2007 My understanding is that the guitars in question are designated "used" (as opposed to 2nd) so that they are not covered under any type of warranty.
Members Berkleo Posted February 21, 2007 Members Posted February 21, 2007 Perhaps a little off the original topic, but consider taking a look at http://www.engrish.com/ for other interesting interpretations.Lucky, Happy, Corky Maybe off topic but totally worth the click. Oh the time we'll waste at work tomorrow on that site..... Please spend pleasant time.
Members J. Posted February 21, 2007 Members Posted February 21, 2007 Someone is selling a DR500M w/hsc on my local craigslist for $325. I'm thinking about it.
Members danzigdan Posted February 25, 2007 Members Posted February 25, 2007 Someone is selling a DR500M w/hsc on my local craigslist for $325. I'm thinking about it. That's a good deal. GO MAN, GO!
Members steve_man Posted February 25, 2007 Members Posted February 25, 2007 Have you seen Epiphone Masterbilts with "Used" stamped on the back of the headstock? They're popping up on eBay, The story seems to be they are refurbished. It's unclear who is refurbishing them or why. Anyone have knowledge or experience with these? Are they an OK buy? I bought a "USED" or factory 2nd Epi Les Paul, and never was happy with it. It looked fine. There were a couple of finish issues, but I never could get it to stay in tune very well. I've owned several Epiphones, and currently have a Les Paul that I bought new, and it is hands down better than the "2nd" I bought originally. I would seriously stay away from any factory 2nd guitar. I know the "dealers" try and tell you that there is only a problem with the finish, but I think there are other factors that get them thrown out of the regular production line. Spend a few extra dollars and get a new one. Plus, if you buy one off of ebay, and hate it...you're stuck with it. Buy it from Musicians Friend, and you have 45 days to test it out. You don't like it...you get your money back.
Members Tony Burns Posted February 25, 2007 Members Posted February 25, 2007 I believe they stamp , seconds as used - because they do not have any warrantly , and they can sell them for less money. kinda like B stock -
Members guitarcapo Posted February 25, 2007 Members Posted February 25, 2007 I think sometimes it's just stamped that way to get around "exclusive contracts" with particular stores with exclusive agreements to sell them, and to get out of warranty work. Nothing wrong with the guitars at all other than the stamp.
Members 2ifbyC Posted February 27, 2007 Members Posted February 27, 2007 I purchased a '2ND' Epi Dot w/Epi tremlo in a local pawn shop recently. I've yet to determine 'the flaw'. At $275 OTD with a near mint plush Gibson case, I'm a happy camper! The plastic lock pin is still in the lock.
Members Jon Hiller Posted February 27, 2007 Members Posted February 27, 2007 They are guitars that are resold to dealers, usually either a second or one that was damaged in shipment, through a company out of Nashville called MIRC. Any music dealer with an actual storefront can buy from MIRC. I don't know a lot about MIRC, but I know they have a real extensive repair shop including a dupont paint match system AND that they are the official Yamaha warranty repair center for guitars now, so they know what they are doing. That said, these guitars are NOT sold by Epiphone when they're stamped "used". MIRC sells all kinds of refurb and/or overstock/closed out models with the "used" stamp on them. If you watch, you can find great deals on them occasionally.
Members bransonb Posted February 27, 2007 Author Members Posted February 27, 2007 They are guitars that are resold to dealers, usually either a second or one that was damaged in shipment, through a company out of Nashville called MIRC. Any music dealer with an actual storefront can buy from MIRC. I don't know a lot about MIRC, but I know they have a real extensive repair shop including a dupont paint match system AND that they are the official Yamaha warranty repair center for guitars now, so they know what they are doing. That said, these guitars are NOT sold by Epiphone when they're stamped "used". MIRC sells all kinds of refurb and/or overstock/closed out models with the "used" stamp on them. If you watch, you can find great deals on them occasionally. That's great information, Jon. Thanks.
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