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Agile or Epiphone?

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My Gibbie LP weighs 9.3 lbs. Man it's a heavy beast but I can get along with it playing 2 hours on stage in a row! Another 0.7 lbs could break the came's back...who knows..10 lbs....puhhhhhh.
 
ZMAN said:
This one would be a good fit. It is a 2005 built at Saien plant. One of the best. Probably China. He says it is a 2007 but is wrong. He gives the actual serial number.
Click to expand...

The 'I' at the start of the s/n indicates the factory code as Saien Korea.

The rest of the s/n indicates YYMMRRRR - Year-Month-Ranking #.

According to the s/n, then, this guitar was the 691st guitar built in May, 2005 in the Saien, Korea factory.

Frankenfretter said:
...Has anyone owned an Epi LP that they didn't like?
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I briefly had a black LP Standard made in December 2004 in the Gibson China factory (s/n starting with 'EE' as the factory code) that I bought used. Nicely finished enough, but the neck pickup sounded like it had a sock over it and the bridge pup had no bite. Rather than invest in new pickups, I flipped it for about a $50 profit.
 
Update: May have found THE one!

As of now, I'm going to have to wait until tax return time to get my LP, but I think I know what I want now:

http://www.epiphone.com/default.asp?ProductID=319&CollectionID=6

I'll probably have to drive up to Portland to try one out, since there's no Epi dealer nearby. These come with a choice of the Asymmetrical neck, or the 60's Profile. I'll have to play one of each to decide, but I don't think I like the truss rod cover on the asym. Just personal preference, and it's not really a deal breaker.

Has anyone tried one of these out yet? I'd sure like to know if they're as sweet as the ads make them sound.
 
Last edited:
Wow, those come with some great electronics and even have coil splitting. Some people might not want to pay that much for an Epi, but it sure looks like a keeper.

For less $, the Hagstrom Swede Tremar sure gets my eye. Too bad it only comes in black. I already have 3 black guitars, by coincidence!

ST_BLK.jpg
 
FrankenFretter said:
As of now, I'm going to have to wait until tax return time to get my LP, but I think I know what I want now:

http://www.epiphone.com/default.asp?ProductID=319&CollectionID=6

I'll probably have to drive up to Portland to try one out, since there's no Epi dealer nearby. These come with a choice of the Asymetrical neck, or the 60's Profile. I'll have to play one of each to decide, but I don't think I like the truss rod cover on the asym. Just personal preference, and it's not really a deal breaker.

Has anyone tried one of these out yet? I'd sure like to know if they're as sweet as the ads make them sound.
Click to expand...

Sean, do you want me to bring my LP when I (if) come down there to spend some time with one?

I think it would give you a pretty good idea of the Epiphone sound/feel.
 
NWBasser said:
Sean, do you want me to bring my LP when I (if) come down there to spend some time with one?

I think it would give you a pretty good idea of the Epiphone sound/feel.
Click to expand...

Of course, Jason. If it plays like the one you had before, I know I'll like it. I just hope I can find one of the Tributes that plays that nice. Yours has the 60s neck, yeah?
 
Tig said:
Wow, those come with some great electronics and even have coil splitting. Some people might not want to pay that much for an Epi, but it sure looks like a keeper.

For less $, the Hagstrom Swede Tremar sure gets my eye. Too bad it only comes in black. I already have 3 black guitars, by coincidence!

ST_BLK.jpg
Click to expand...

I like the Hagstroms. It's another one on the long list of must haves. That one is particularly tasty looking, Tig.
 
FrankenFretter said:
Of course, Jason. If it plays like the one you had before, I know I'll like it. I just hope I can find one of the Tributes that plays that nice. Yours has the 60s neck, yeah?
Click to expand...

Damned if I know what neck it has! It is comfy though.

The action's not as low as I would prefer and I'm thinking a bit of fretwork may in order at some point to get it there.

Then again, I love the sound of it and I seem to get around on it ok.

Hey, I'll bring my D4 and mic down too and we could record a bit of jamming.
 
NWBasser said:
Damned if I know what neck it has! It is comfy though.

The action's not as low as I would prefer and I'm thinking a bit of fretwork may in order at some point to get it there.

Then again, I love the sound of it and I seem to get around on it ok.

Hey, I'll bring my D4 and mic down too and we could record a bit of jamming.
Click to expand...

Well, okay, but...I don't know how many times I can stand to play Runnin' With the Devil...
 
All of the recent activity has revived this thread, so I'll add in my thoughts:

-I own an Agile AL-3100, and of the 4 electric guitars I've owned and the many more I've played, it's my favorite by a significant margin. That includes some playing on epi LP's, but not extended use/ownership.
-I personally think you get a lot more guitar for your $ with Agile, both in finish and features (e.g. ebony fretboard).
-The downsides are that the thing is very heavy and the resale value, as mentioned by wingsdad, would probably suck. People like to buy big-name stuff, so a lesser-known brand like Agile won't have the brand appeal.
-I would not have even looked in Agile if my luthier, who knows more about guitars than anyone I have ever met, had not personally recommended them. As far as I can tell, their only downside is the resale value.
-If I was doing the shopping, I think I'd look for a used MK/Agile/Hagstrom/Reverend/Epi or one of those Anthem ones that Spud talked about.

Can you tell which side I'm on? Regardless, good luck in your hunt. I doubt you'll come out of it with a bad guitar.
 
ok, for what it's worth...

after playing several guitars as a rank newbie still [and being blessed to do it] i am developing an ear and a notion for what i believe to be quality and what i don't.

i love my washie acoustics for their personalities and their individual tones. also, playing acoustic keeps me from being sloppy with my fretting and barre-ing.

i can tell you honestly, that now, the majority of what i practice is on the 'dark side' [aka electrics, unplugged, during commercials, or plugged with headphones so as not to interrupt the household]

and the two guitars on which i feel Nirvana are my ASAT i acquired from Wingsdad and my LP ultra that i acquired from Rocket. and i can also honestly tell you that i play them for different reasons.

the neck/frets are thinner/closer together on the LP so i practice for my accuracy... love the sound of those pups; the ASAT is like a dream in the action, the sound, and the playing, in a whole different venue.
so i'm biased.

play everything, pick what sings to you.
 
Childbride said:
ok, for what it's worth...

after playing several guitars as a rank newbie still [and being blessed to do it] i am developing an ear and a notion for what i believe to be quality and what i don't.

i love my washie acoustics for their personalities and their individual tones. also, playing acoustic keeps me from being sloppy with my fretting and barre-ing.

i can tell you honestly, that now, the majority of what i practice is on the 'dark side' [aka electrics, unplugged, during commercials, or plugged with headphones so as not to interrupt the household]

and the two guitars on which i feel Nirvana are my ASAT i acquired from Wingsdad and my LP ultra that i acquired from Rocket. and i can also honestly tell you that i play them for different reasons.

the neck/frets are thinner/closer together on the LP so i practice for my accuracy... love the sound of those pups; the ASAT is like a dream in the action, the sound, and the playing, in a whole different venue.
so i'm biased.

play everything, pick what sings to you.
Click to expand...
?

Isn't this thread about Epiphone and Agile LP copies?
 
Childbride said:
and the two guitars on which i feel Nirvana are my ASAT i acquired from Wingsdad and my LP ultra that i acquired from Rocket. and i can also honestly tell you that i play them for different reasons.
Click to expand...

Do we need to start running our posts by you Eric to make sure they have enough thread content?
 
luvmyshiner said:
Do we need to start running our posts by you Eric to make sure they have enough thread content?
Click to expand...
Sure! I'll be happy to review all potential posts!

Just a little confused, that's all; I miss stuff sometimes. Hope there are no hard feelings.
 
No hard feelings brother. I just tend to get a little defensive where my lovely child bride is concerned. Especially when I feel she's trying to give legitimate input to a conversation.

P.S. you really don't want to review all my potential posts. That's SVL's job and he hates it.
 
Just a quick comparison, as this thread has evolved since July.
A "real" Les Paul (Epi Tribute) will run around $800 w/ a hsc.
Nice guitar, rosewood fretboard, plain top, series/parallel switching,
Epiphone lifetime warranty.
For a bit more cash, you might pick up a nice Gibby LP Studio, tho.

An Agile AL-3000 will get you an ebony fretboard, flamed maple top, abalone inlays,fancier body binding, and comes w/ a hsc for around $470.
So, the Agile woud be a bit flashier in the looks department, but not a Gibson product, the Epi is a Gibson product, but not as fancy, and you might pick up a real Gibson Les Paul for a few dollars more than the Epiphone.

Now toss in the Hagstrom and Michael Kelly models, plus a few others (I might mention ESP), and the decision is easy...............


right?..................:poke



(Epi's will hold their resale value better than Agile, and Gibson should be even better, if that helps.)
 
oldguy said:
Just a quick comparison, as this thread has evolved since July.
A "real" Les Paul (Epi Tribute) will run around $800 w/ a hsc.
Nice guitar, rosewood fretboard, plain top, series/parallel switching,
Epiphone lifetime warranty.
For a bit more cash, you might pick up a nice Gibby LP Studio, tho.

An Agile AL-3000 will get you an ebony fretboard, flamed maple top, abalone inlays,fancier body binding, and comes w/ a hsc for around $470.
So, the Agile woud be a bit flashier in the looks department, but not a Gibson product, the Epi is a Gibson product, but not as fancy, and you might pick up a real Gibson Les Paul for a few dollars more than the Epiphone.

Now toss in the Hagstrom and Michael Kelly models, plus a few others (I might mention ESP), and the decision is easy...............


right?..................:poke



(Epi's will hold their resale value better than Agile, and Gibson should be even better, if that helps.)
Click to expand...

The LP Studios, while great guitars and genuine Gibsons, do not have the binding which is one of the things I've always liked about LPs. I know, it's a superficial thing, and doesn't affect the sound or playability, but that's just me. Someday I hope to own a "real" Les Paul, but it will most likely be an LP Standard.

I really am attracted to the Agiles, they're great looking, and from all that I've heard here and elsewhere, they're great players. They're not completely out of the running, but this Epi LP really has me at the moment. It's got the Gibson USA '57 Classic pickups, series/parallel wiring, coil cuts (which are often mistakenly referred to as "coil taps"), deep set neck...and so forth. It's a healthy chunk of change for an Epi LP, but still not a bad bang-for-buck deal.

Who knows, with my tax return AND my company bonus both coming in about the same time period, maybe I'll get one of each. And a Jet City amph...
:what
 
I agree with you FF: If you go for the Epi, you will be basically getting a Gibson LP, with a little thinner maple cap, Gibson 57s, (no upgrade needed), good quality hardware, and a hardshell case. I basically have the same thing with my Elitist LP Custom, with the exception of the 490/498 pickups, and it is an amazing guitar. I paid 900 US on a MF blowout sale. I cannot compare it to an Agile because I have never owned or played one, but the Agiles get good reviews.
If the Epi you were looking at was a Standard, it would probably be a toss up at that price range, but if you are going for the Tribute I think you will be much happier.
 
Hi All,

I guess this thread is kind of old... just wondering if the OP finally made his purchase. If not, here is my two cents:

I have an Agile AL-3100 that I bought last 11/09 for $389 based on all the rave reviews from the LP forums and HC user reviews. I was expecting an Epi-level quality which I've seen up-close and personal many times at local Guitar Centers. What I received was something definitely a "notch" higher in terms of quality. The fit and finish are gorgeous, the fret work was smooth, and my biggest surprise was the sound. The pickups definitely delivered that classic LP sound that we all know and love. There are two downsides to this guitar:

1. Weight - it is heavy! (some might say it helps your tone... I think it breaks my back/shoulder)
2. Resale - this is a non-issue for me. I don't buy and sell guitars. I buy and play.

I could definitely afford something more expensive, but I'm always on the lookout for "good value" guitars, and I've found that most Korean-made guitars are incredible values nowadays.

I am not discouraging you from buying anything else and I am sure the Epi's are great guitars in their own right. I just wanted to chime in and give a +1 for the Agiles. :)

Here are some pics of mine:

_IGP4283_resize.JPG

_IGP4288_resize.JPG
 
iohanr said:
Hi All,

I guess this thread is kind of old... just wondering if the OP finally made his purchase. If not, here is my two cents:

I have an Agile AL-3100 that I bought last 11/09 for $389 based on all the rave reviews from the LP forums and HC user reviews. I was expecting an Epi-level quality which I've seen up-close and personal many times at local Guitar Centers. What I received was something definitely a "notch" higher in terms of quality. The fit and finish are gorgeous, the fret work was smooth, and my biggest surprise was the sound. The pickups definitely delivered that classic LP sound that we all know and love. There are two downsides to this guitar:

1. Weight - it is heavy! (some might say it helps your tone... I think it breaks my back/shoulder)
2. Resale - this is a non-issue for me. I don't buy and sell guitars. I buy and play.

I could definitely afford something more expensive, but I'm always on the lookout for "good value" guitars, and I've found that most Korean-made guitars are incredible values nowadays.

I am not discouraging you from buying anything else and I am sure the Epi's are great guitars in their own right. I just wanted to chime in and give a +1 for the Agiles. :)
Click to expand...

I do have a great deal of faith in the stuff that Rondo carries. Even the low-end SXs often turn out to be high quality for the price. I know that there are more than a few guys here who love their Agile LPs, and although they still remain a contender, I am still leaning toward the Tribute LP. I've never played an Agile, but I have played a couple Epi LP Standards, both owned by my brother. I love the way they play, and the sound is absolutely what I would expect to hear from a Les Paul. And that's a good thing. The lifetime warranty also has to figure into the equation.

Thanks for your input, it's good to hear all sides. Even if I don't buy an Agile this time around, I still want a gold top somewhere down the line, and I would definitely lean more toward the Agiles for that one.
 
For reference in case anyone else is still trying to decide between the two. This is the Agile I mentioned in and earlier post. It has a 2-piece mahogany body, a mahogany neck, and a full 3/4" carved maple cap on the body...just like a real Les Paul. The other features speak well of the guitar also. Comes with a H/S case for $650.00:
al3000m2ts1.jpg


http://www.rondomusic.com/al3000m2ts.html
 
iohanr
I have an Agile LP as well and the thing that keeps me from playing it at gigs is that it is so heavy. If Rondo ever does a lighter chambered LP then I'll be all over it. My LP is awesome too. It plays great and is well crafted.
 
Spudman said:
I have an Agile LP as well and the thing that keeps me from playing it at gigs is that it is so heavy.... My LP is awesome too. It plays great and is well crafted.
Click to expand...
Heavy guitars really don't bother me because (1) I'm a big guy, (2) I don't gig, and (3) I play sitting down probably 95% of the time. The reputation for being well-built, playing well & sounding great are what attracts me to the Agile LP's....as well as the very reasonable prices! I've got a serious lech on these days for one of these:

http://www.rondomusic.com/al3100boundblkgoldhw.html
 

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