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UNPLANNED DOWNTIME: 12th Oct 23:45
NGD - Epiphone Frontier USA
I've been looking for a nice maple or mahogany dread and after a day's testing at Coda, I'd narrowed it down to an Atkin Essential D and the Epiphone Frontier. I took the Atkin home but after a long maiden jam the squarish shoulders of the fat neck profile was causing pain in my hand. Coda were happy for me to exchange it, so back down I went and came home with this beauty...
Serendipity may have been at work here; in hindsight this guitar feels, looks and sounds much more suited to me than the Atkin.
The missus (who knows a bit about guitars) likes it, but was quite shocked how much I'd just spent on an Epiphone.
Even one of the guys at Coda was a bit surprised that they'd sold a few of these now with that name on the headstock
I love the fact that Epis are being handmade in the USA again, on the benches at Bozeman no less. And a fine job they're doing too; the craftsmanship is flawless. I suppose if they're going to charge so much for an Epiphone with the association most people have of the brand, it'd better be damn good!
It's very similar to a Dove in terms of specs, the main difference being a mahogany neck, traditional belly-up bridge, and of course the lariat and cactus engraved pickguard. In fact, the original Frontier, released in 1958, was the inspiration for the Dove which didn't appear until '62. I personally far prefer the aesthetics of the Frontier... and also the tone. Hard to describe but it has a 'creamier' growl, warm but crystal clear, and more dynamic range. It sounds luxurious yet true and honest. Strumming and vocal-accompaniment perfection but also shines with fingerpicking and bluegrass flatpicking.
I love large maple guitars and this is simply the best I've played. I'm going to find it hard to justify keeping my SJ-200, my choice strummer, when this sounds better whichever way you attack it whilst being more comfortable to play.
Action is perfect for me at 2.5mm/2.0mm and nothing to do at the nut. Intonation is perfect as can be. It came fitted with a Baggs Element VTC which I'll probably swap for an Anthem SL. I had thought about leaving it in and going down the IR route but I like to keep things as simple as possible and know where I am with the SL. That said, any available opportunity to mic this guitar up live will be duly taken.
I'm a happy man. Try one if you get the chance
Serendipity may have been at work here; in hindsight this guitar feels, looks and sounds much more suited to me than the Atkin.
The missus (who knows a bit about guitars) likes it, but was quite shocked how much I'd just spent on an Epiphone.
Even one of the guys at Coda was a bit surprised that they'd sold a few of these now with that name on the headstock
I love the fact that Epis are being handmade in the USA again, on the benches at Bozeman no less. And a fine job they're doing too; the craftsmanship is flawless. I suppose if they're going to charge so much for an Epiphone with the association most people have of the brand, it'd better be damn good! It's very similar to a Dove in terms of specs, the main difference being a mahogany neck, traditional belly-up bridge, and of course the lariat and cactus engraved pickguard. In fact, the original Frontier, released in 1958, was the inspiration for the Dove which didn't appear until '62. I personally far prefer the aesthetics of the Frontier... and also the tone. Hard to describe but it has a 'creamier' growl, warm but crystal clear, and more dynamic range. It sounds luxurious yet true and honest. Strumming and vocal-accompaniment perfection but also shines with fingerpicking and bluegrass flatpicking.
I love large maple guitars and this is simply the best I've played. I'm going to find it hard to justify keeping my SJ-200, my choice strummer, when this sounds better whichever way you attack it whilst being more comfortable to play.
Action is perfect for me at 2.5mm/2.0mm and nothing to do at the nut. Intonation is perfect as can be. It came fitted with a Baggs Element VTC which I'll probably swap for an Anthem SL. I had thought about leaving it in and going down the IR route but I like to keep things as simple as possible and know where I am with the SL. That said, any available opportunity to mic this guitar up live will be duly taken.
I'm a happy man. Try one if you get the chance
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Comments
just because you do, doesn't mean you should.
(I had to look up what a lariat was!
Fingers crossed you've found *the one*.
That's what I thought when I saw it, and knew I had to find one to try as it ticked all the boxes spec-wise. It'd look the part with a fringed leather jacket and Stetson, but I'm not quite country enough for that
I can't work out if that means you like a nib or not. Every Gibson I've had has had them. I love how they look and will enjoy them while I can; they'll be filed out of existence when it's eventually time for a refret.
I'll fess up, I didn't know what a lariat was either until I read the marketing blurb. It's a good word though, and I'll use it whenever the opportunity presents itself... which really isn't going to be too often
Well I've been through a fair few acoustics recently so we'll see
It's a double-edged sword
I'm very happy about the inlays. The side dot markers are fat and brown too, matching the neck. Makes it very pleasing on the eye when playing
Almost time for a string change since I've been playing it non-stop and EJ16's don't last long at all with my finger oils. Will try some Newtone Monels next as they last months and can suit a large maple box nicely once settled in.
just because you do, doesn't mean you should.
I wondered if you know if it is made in the same American Factory as Gibsons?
Possibly shipped the US for final inspection, setup etc
I would imagine, though, that all at the factory are capable of doing it all by themselves.
Glad about that.
Cheers
There's a more affordable Masterbilt Frontier that's made in Qingdao, apparently excellent for the money. Sounds great from the demos I've heard.
It's time for some string experimentation; the Newtone Monels haven't arrived yet so think I'll start with a set of DR Veritas (one of my go-to's for the SJ-200), or perhaps D'Addario Nickel Bronze.
With another guitar I was very happy with cryogenic strings. I want to say GHS brand but not sure. They were certainly different, anyway.
Got EJ16 on the OM-28 at the moment
DR Rares might suit this guitar well but I've got a few packs to get through yet; D'Add Nickel Bronze, Rotosound Jumbo Kings, Curt Mangan PB, DR Veritas and Newtone Monel. I'm hoping the Monels are the ticket as they last me ages so represent great value at £10 a pack.