[jpenta]

So whats up with these redburstish tbirds? I don't see any burst other than the regular tobacco/vintage listed for either gibson or epiphone? But recently i have noticed several new gibson and epi tbirds in this cool red, i don't really want a new bass right now, but these are sexy as crap!!! So is this just a random happening in using different amounts of dyes?, or a secret color i'm not allowed to know of? http://www.auctiva.com/hostedimages/...0,0,0&format=0 this one is a little bit less red than the ones i am thinking of, but close.

[mrbass]

Yeah, I noticed that. I just put it down as a variation in paints... but could be a different body wood giving a different hue? That one is an EPi right?

[jpenta]

yes, that one is an epi from ebay

[anyfour]

If I am correct, the Epi's are basswood with a mahogany veneer. I think the color variation is just that. I dont think its "red", but rather more red in the photos, or color variations in the wood that make it look such. I`m sure Epi would make note if they changed it to red burst.

[jpenta]

Well, epi says they are alder, and its not just a photo or lighting issue, because i have seen a few in person like that.

[donnervogel]

The Epi sunburst fin has always been more redish than the Gibson one which leans toward tobacco burst though it is officially not. Epi uses poly, Gibson uses nitro, Epi paints an alder body, Gibson a maho one, Epi uses fewer steps than Gibson to save costs etc. On first look, the Epi sunburst always looks more striking with bolder colors, it is only upon closer inspection that you begin to appreciate the depth (and orange peel!) of the Gibson luster where the Epi fin looks less sophisticated and detailed.

Uwe

[anyfour]

Well, that makes sense, then. THey must have changed the body wood this year. In the 2007 cat, they listed them as basswood. But if they do not have the veneer on them, which is a darker wood tone, the "red" will be much more pronounced.

[donnervogel]

All official statements of Epi regarding the woods they employ must be regarded with great suspicion. They use limba or nato and call it mahogany (but it is never Gibson quality, not even on the Elitist models), they misleadingly refer to thin veneers as body wood and change between alder, faux mahogany and basswood at will. That is not to put them down here. They quite rightly assume that your standard Epi customer doesn't give a hoot about what wood is used as long as the bass looks good, sounds good and is affordable. Most Epi bass models achieve that.

Uwe

[anyfour]

Agreed. Most Epi customers dont, or cant hear the nuances made by different woods. I own a goth T-bird, LP Special bass, and Ripper single pup model. All 3 look, sound, and play good. Best bang for the buck out there in basses, in my opinion.

Truth be told, my T-bird sounds better than my 76 Gibson ripper...well, it did before I loaded the ripper with 2 EMG HBs. :-) It could never play as well, though. The playability of the Gibsons is far superior.

[Dave W]

Originally Posted by donnervogel

All official statements of Epi regarding the woods they employ must be regarded with great suspicion. They use limba or nato and call it mahogany (but it is never Gibson quality, not even on the Elitist models), they misleadingly refer to thin veneers as body wood and change between alder, faux mahogany and basswood at will...

I think you must mean lauan or nato. Limba = korina, and it's at least as expensive as genuine mahogany.