Epiphone reintroduces the Century

[hesson11]

Perhaps based on the popularity of James Bay, Epiphone is reintroducing the old Century. Seems to be something of a classic, and I'd love to have a chance to try one when they hit dealers, supposedly in July. The only thing that doesn't sound so great (to me) is the "Rounded C shape" neck and the 1.65" nut (as opposed to the more typical 1.68"). I prefer more of a D shape and a wider nut, but who knows? (Apologies if this has been mentioned before; I did a search and found nothing.)
-Bob

http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Ele...y-Archtop.aspx

http://www.epiphone.com/News/Feature...NAMM-2016.aspx

[blue]

Can't let Godin have all the fun!

Looks beautiful!

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by hesson11

...Epiphone is reintroducing the old Century...The only thing that doesn't sound so great (to me) is the "Rounded C shape" neck and the 1.65" nut (as opposed to the more typical 1.68"). I prefer more of a D shape and a wider nut, but who knows?

Don't know if you've ever played any gennie Kalamazoo Epis, Bob - I have, and plenty of them - but that's the way they were made back in 1966, the model year this guitar is seeking to replicate, and frankly I find it a point in their favor that they're bringing them back with as much historical accuracy as possible; if you're after a wider D-shape neck with P-90's, go for a new MIC Casino/Casino Coupe/Wildcat with what they label their "Slim Taper" neck - I think you'll find it to be anything but...

FYI, unless something changes between now and NAMM the Century is the only one of the new Epiphone archtop reissue series we're going to get in the North American market; a quick look at the Thomann UK website shows an honest-to-Dave-Rawlings Olympic (why they don't market at least this one over here is beyond me), Zenith, two versions of the DeLuxe (f-hole and round-hole, the latter based on an ultra-rare variation from the mid/late-30's), and an early-60's ES-175 (BTW this one has the Slim-Taper neck, all others boast the historic Epiphone "C"). In terms of market position they appear to be aimed at D'Angelico - the New York archtop wars begin once again - and from what I can ascertain from the Euro pricing they're somewhat less expensive model-for-model; while IMO they're no competition for the all-carved offerings from Loar and Eastman they do offer the unique Epi vibe - something I can appreciate as a lifelong archtop player and a New York boy (I was born four blocks from the old 14th Street factory) - and I think the powers-that-be are not only missing the chance to expand their market to a more mature (and affluent) demographic, but doing themselves a disservice in the process...

[David Eastwood]

I could be seriously tempted by one of these. What a sweet little guitar.

[hesson11]

Thanks again for your always-valuable info, Steve. I'm still evaluating various directions and the Century stuck me as a (possibly) thinner-bodied variation on the Godin 5th Avenue, although with a different nut width. Just thought it was interesting and a nice nod to earlier days.
-Bob

[muscmp]

cool guitar! reminds me more of my es125t than a 335 or a casino.

play music!

[jpjr50]

It is because of James Bay this guitar has come back out.

James mentions this in a recent interview on YouTube.

He says it's not a signature guitar but just re-release at 1966 spec of the two guitar he owns.

Here is the interview and he plays his a little.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DQJSkYl5rY

[eugeneoh531]

Can't wait to try one out!!

[The Old Gaffer]

Originally Posted by muscmp

cool guitar! reminds me more of my es125t than a 335 or a casino.

play music!

If I am not mistaken, the Epiphone Century was made from 1939 - 1957, first with an Epiphone Master pickup and later with the NY pickup. When Gibson acquired Epiphone and moved production to the Kalamazoo plant, the Century E422T was fitted with a P-90 pickup and was identical to the Gibson ES-125T, except for the headstock.

[jpjr50]

Originally Posted by The Old Gaffer

If I am not mistaken, the Epiphone Century was made from 1939 - 1957, first with an Epiphone Master pickup and later with the NY pickup. When Gibson acquired Epiphone and moved production to the Kalamazoo plant, the Century E422T was fitted with a P-90 pickup and was identical to the Gibson ES-125T, except for the headstock.

My son is a huge James Bay fan (17 years old) and owns a 1963 Gibson ES 125T. The Century and the Gibson are just about identical (colors and headstock only difference). My son is saving for the Century now.

[Blaker55]

That Century looks very much like the Epi that my father bought me when I was about 10 years old, around 65 or 66. I started taking lessons then broke some fingers and then barely did anything with it since. The difference I see is that the single pickup on mine is very thin and has a plastic cover so none of the pickups are exposed.

About 7 or 8 years ago, my Seattle daughter and her guitar playing husband were visiting and he discovered that I had that and he showed great interest in it because it was a hollow body electric and it was old. So I said he could have it as long as he didn't sell or trade it and what the hell, I wasn't going to start playing guitar again in my 50's..... right. I now have 4 guitars and am enjoying them greatly.

2 years ago we took it to a luthier at Emerald City guitars in Seattle and had him go through it with new strings, resetting the adjustable bridge, setting the action and whatever else he thought it needed. It also had a buzz on the B or E string. The thing turned out great and plays nice. My son in law loves it. It's in rotation with his Seagull S6, Strat and SG.

I'm not really sure that it is a Century but it looks quite similar with the thin hollow body, single pickup and yellow sunburst. I'm happy he likes it and maybe it will go to my grandson (their kid) someday.

[mr. beaumont]

Originally Posted by blue

Can't let Godin have all the fun!

Looks beautiful!

I thought so too, but it looks like this will be the shallow body version.

Bummer.