Epiphone Sheraton

[leafsrock]

OK, before I say anything else, I'm a massive Oasis fan, and the guitar Noel Gallagher is most famous for using is an ordinary late-eighties Epiphone Sheraton. My first choice of guitar would have been the Epiphone Supernova, a Noel Gallagher custom model, but they stopped making it and they're now going for upwards of $1000 on eBay which is ludicrous in my opinion.

Anyway, I figured I'd pick up an Epiphone Sheraton for a cheaper price and get the same sound. But upon going to the local music store, I note with some dismay that Epiphone have done away with the frequensator tailpiece on the Sheraton II and replaced it with a fixed bridge.

My question, for anyone who knows about this kind of thing, is whether there's much of a difference between the original Sheraton and a Sheraton II aside from the tailpiece, and if not, is it possible to replace the fixed bridge with a Frequensator tailpiece like the one on Noel's guitar here? It's a bit ugly in some people's opinion, but I think it's kinda cool.

Also, at the same time I guess, does anyone know what the average price for an original Sheraton (pre-1997 makeover) would be, and are they difficult to find?

[EunosFD]

The Nick Valensi sig model Riviera had the Frequensator tailpiece on it:

[graphs]

That is a really nice looking guitar!

[leafsrock]

'Tis, but I'm not just looking for one with the tailpiece, I specifically want a Sheraton with a cherry red finish... And then if I have to change the tailpiece, then ya.

I've also just found out that the original Sheraton had mini humbuckers instead of the regular ones on the Sheraton II. Epiphone, why must you make my life so difficult?!

[JayFreddy]

I have a black 1991 Epiphone Sheraton II. It's a nice looking guitar.

However, the stock switch and pots were cheap and needed to be replaced. Also the stock tuners were lightweight pot metal, so I replaced those with Grovers, and the stock bridge was soft pot metal too... It started breaking strings, so I replaced the stock bridge with a Gotoh TOM.

After several attempts with different pickups the stock pickups are back in there, not because they're great, but because I tried Andersons, Gibsons PAFs, and BL's, and none of them did what I intended for that guitar, so I basically gave up and put the stockers back in...

My Sheraton is a decent guitar, but it's nowhere close to my Samick 650 (although I replaced all the same stuff on the Samick too... lol) I've owned several Gibby 335's over the years, and with the upgrades, my Samick 650 will hang with the big boys. The Sheraton II just doesn't have the resonance... Maybe it's the heavy urethane coat?

I also have a Samick 450, which is pared-down 335 type from Samick. The Sheraton is closer to the 450 in terms of fit and finish, while the 650 is in a whole other league.

I have noticed that the Sheraton II sounds much better with heavy strings, so I've got 11-56 roundwounds on her now, and it's a decent Blues guitar. The 650 sings with just 10-46, which is my preference for Progressive Fusion type stuff.

Anyway, just sharing my experience, FWIW.

[ghosttour]

Originally Posted by leafsrock

'Tis, but I'm not just looking for one with the tailpiece, I specifically want a Sheraton with a cherry red finish... And then if I have to change the tailpiece, then ya.

I've also just found out that the original Sheraton had mini humbuckers instead of the regular ones on the Sheraton II. Epiphone, why must you make my life so difficult?!

If you're looking for a cherry red Sheraton with a Frequensator and mini-hums, I think you're actually looking for a Riviera. Here's mine - a recent model I picked it up on eBay for about $600 shipped including case.

[EunosFD]

You most likely can add that specific tailpiece to a Sheraton (and just remove the stop tail & studs). Looks like Allparts makes/sells a Frequensator tailpiece:

http://www.allparts.com/store/tailpi...01,Product.asp

Would look great on this (it's a Riviera, but it's red):

[charlie chitlin]

Then you've got 2 big holes in the guitar!
A heads-up: some brands of strings aren't long enough to work with the Frequensator.

[casadyrocks]

I have a Jorma Riviera in red with a Bigbsy I'm thinking about selling....

[Telarkaster]

I've never seen a red Sheraton.

[chrispscott]

Originally Posted by leafsrock

OK, before I say anything else, I'm a massive Oasis fan, and the guitar Noel Gallagher is most famous for using is an ordinary late-eighties Epiphone Sheraton.

I went through the problem a few years back. The reissued Sheraton is a great guitar and I absolutely loved mine. The big difference with Noel's guitar and the modern Sheraton is that his has the mini-humbuckers on it which have a different tone than the full buckers. All that in addition to the tailpiece.

Personally I think Noel's current rig kicks ass which is a 335 into a Fender Blues Jr. The guy's got killer tone now.

[smsuryan]

i almost bought one of these a few years ago, but opted for the epiphone joe pass model...the pass had a sweeter tone, but the sheraton played better imo...i sold the pass, but i think if i had bought the sheraton i would still have it..theyre nice..didnt john lee hooker use them?

[getbent]

Gents. Be kind to each other. I have removed several less than friendly posts. Respect each other... all of you deserve that. Continue if you can be reasonable.. Leave the thread if you cannot....

[kelnet]

Originally Posted by leafsrock

'Tis, but I'm not just looking for one with the tailpiece, I specifically want a Sheraton with a cherry red finish... And then if I have to change the tailpiece, then ya.

I've also just found out that the original Sheraton had mini humbuckers instead of the regular ones on the Sheraton II. Epiphone, why must you make my life so difficult?!

The Sheraton may or may not be a good choice. There's a lot to consider.
However, a more pressing issue for you, leafsrock, is that you need to change the image in your signature.

[chromaken]

Originally Posted by charlie chitlin

Then you've got 2 big holes in the guitar!
A heads-up: some brands of strings aren't long enough to work with the Frequensator.

maybe he can use some of this wirey stuff, it looks long enough.

[leafsrock]

Originally Posted by kelnet

The Sheraton may or may not be a good choice. There's a lot to consider.
However, a more pressing issue for you, leafsrock, is that you need to change the image in your signature.

He's still a Leaf, he just happens to play for Vancouver. Better than Ottawa anyway.

So yeah, people, I realize I'm a guitar noob.

Ghosttour, the Riviera would also be excellent. I've had a look on Epiphone's website though, and aside from a signature model that someone posted above, they don't seem to make it anymore. They seem to hate me. $600 seems like an excellent price, do you know if they're fairly easy to find?

[leafsrock]

Originally Posted by chrispscott

I went through the problem a few years back. The reissued Sheraton is a great guitar and I absolutely loved mine. The big difference with Noel's guitar and the modern Sheraton is that his has the mini-humbuckers on it which have a different tone than the full buckers. All that in addition to the tailpiece.

Personally I think Noel's current rig kicks ass which is a 335 into a Fender Blues Jr. The guy's got killer tone now.

The Blues Junior is a great-sounding amp, that's what I have actually. He probably has other effects in his rig as well, but I thought his guitar sound was awesome on the Don't Believe the Truth tour, probably his best yet.

[ghosttour]

Hey Leaf,

If you keep an eye out on eBay you should be able to find one of the regular run Rivieras - they pop up fairly often. I had a late 90s version with full-size humbuckers that I later sold; the one I have now is a more recent version - I think both were Korean though I'm not sure.

There's also the Elite/Elitist series Rivieras, which are more pricey. The Jorma sig model with gold hardware and Bigsby is another more high-end version of the Riviera.

On the other end of the spectrum are the 70s-era Rivieras with a bolt-on neck. I've only played one of these and found it to be lackluster in tone and playability, but then I've only played the one. I'm pretty sure you can find a recent model Riviera for under $800 if you keep an eye out. Mine benefited greatly from upgraded tuners and a new bone nut.

[J. Hayes]

I've modified mine quite a bit........ It still has the stock pickups which sound great IMHO but, I've dropped the bottom tone and volume control which used to be for the bridge pickup in favor of having the top controls as master volume and tone. However, it still looks the same with all four knobs but the old tone control is now a coil tap which works on both pickups and the old bottom volume control is now a phase switch when both pickups are on.........

You mentioned changing the tailpiece, I've also done that except I like string benders so I opted for a two lever Bigsby Palm Pedal device hooked to the 2nd and 3rd strings for raising them a whole tone each. When you do change the tailpiece, remember that the Sheraton ground wire is hooked to the old stud tailpiece so you have to install a new ground wire.

It's pretty easy to do. Just drill a hole in the rear of the guitar next to the strap peg which is slanted toward the controls. Then push a wire through the hole and solder one end to a ground of one of the pots or to the old ground wire. Then, the end thats sticking out of the rear of the guitar, if it's plastic wrapped, peel that back and twist the bare wire around a bit to make it fatter. then just lay it down against the wood so that the tailpiece will touch it when you install it. This way you'll be grounded with no hums or buzzes to worry about...........Have fun.....JH in Va.

[scrapyardblue]

The new Sheraton II's are some of the smoothest playing guitars I've seen. Supposedly, an upgrade to 57 Classic pups and new electronics, no simple task, and you've got yourself every bit as much guitar as the 335 for around a grand.

[superbadj]

besides cosmetics (fretboard inlays, headstock, gold hardware, etc.), are the Sheraton IIs much different from the Dots?

Just curious. Big price difference (dots are $400, Sheratons are about $700). Cherry dots are available everywhere.

I have a Casino, and would like to have a Sheraton or Dot, and cherry would likely be my choice as well (though the 'burst coloring on some Sheratons is quite nice...much nicer than the Dot 'burst for some reason).

[Deaf Eddie]

Try to find an older Epiphone John Lee Hooker signature model Sheraton (NOT the Sheraton II) if you want the minis and the frequensator - WONDERFUL guitar. The Sheraton IIs all have the stop-bar.

[telecster]

I've got a mid 80's Natural Sheraton II Epiphone by Gibson. Replaced the tuners (Grovers), stop bar and bridge for cosmetic reasons. I also replaced the pots, pickup switch and jack. I was surprised at the sound improvement. I believe the new Gotoh bridge and stop bar added to the improved sound. Guitar, case and mods I was still at about $500 for a sweet guitar.

[charlie chitlin]

Originally Posted by chromaken

maybe he can use some of this wirey stuff, it looks long enough.

That guy looks like 5 miles of bad road.

[J. Hayes]

here's a shot of my Sheraton w/ the Bigsby Palm Pedal. The details of the special wiring are in my previous post!............JH in Va.

[Post Toastie]

Originally Posted by charlie chitlin

That guy looks like 5 miles of bad road.

Is that guy Chet???

[loopy reed]

Try out a guitar with a Frequensator first if you can - they don't seem to make much of a difference. One thing they do is ring like crazy when you stop a chord. Most folks put some felt or something under it to deaden the ring, but then that takes away a significant amount of the resonance you get with the ringy strings while you're playing.

I gotta agree with everybody recommending a Riviera over a Sheraton. I have a 90's Korean Riviera with the full-size humbuckers. Right now it's all stock, and it's a great guitar. The neck seems to be narrower than a Sheraton, a bit rounder as well.

Good luck with your search.

[J. Hayes]

to choose. I love the P-90 vibe in mine! Having an entirely hollow body did present a few feedback problems but as you can see by the photo, I shoved some dark grey foam rubber in the F-holes and the problem was solved. I also like the fact that my Casino is quite a bit lighter than my Sheraton.....JH in Va............

[smsuryan]

Originally Posted by J. Hayes

here's a shot of my Sheraton w/ the Bigsby Palm Pedal. The details of the special wiring are in my previous post!............JH in Va.

i love the color of that...

[superbadj]

Originally Posted by J. Hayes

here's a shot of my Sheraton w/ the Bigsby Palm Pedal. The details of the special wiring are in my previous post!............JH in Va.

yeah, I really like the darker 'bursts they're putting on these.

[Telarkaster]

Originally Posted by superbadj

yeah, I really like the darker 'bursts they're putting on these.

If I'm not mistaken, J Hayes's burst is an older model. All the new bursts I see are more yellow-black. I too much prefer the older darker bursts than the yellow.

[J. Hayes]

six or seven years and I bought it used from a blues player, I believe it's a '92 model........JH in Va.

[J. Hayes]

Sorry, double post......JH

[charlie chitlin]

Originally Posted by Post Toastie

Is that guy Chet???

It's me.
Chromaken pulled it from my band's website.
Definitely had me laughing

[Post Toastie]

Wow Charlie that amp looks like 5 miles of bad road!!! Then What does Chet look Like???

[emswim18]

i actually own a red sheraton. i have never seen another one (expect obviously noel's). I have no information about mine and have only recently decided that i should look into it and find more information. but anyway, they do exist!