NGD: Epiphone IBG Slash J45

[BoneDigger]

I am a big Epiphone IBG fan. I already owned an IBG J200, an IBG Hummingbird, and an IBG LP 60s Classic. I was shopping for a J45 style guitar and it came down to the Eastman E10SS and this Epi. I played them side by side for maybe an hour at the local dealer. Ultimately, I decided that the Epi just sounded more like a J45 should sound (in my mind), plus it was $500 cheaper, so home it came. I really have been quite pleased with it so far! The neck does take some getting used to, but it's growing on me now. Below is a stock image but I'll take some real pics soon. The case is also quite nice!download.jpg

[Lillis]

Congrats and nice collection.

[rampix]

I love the tone and the neck carve on mine. I wasn’t too crazy about the Slash truss rod cover so here’s what it wears now.

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...1&d=1660695819

[BoneDigger]

I've actually ordered a new truss rod cover for mine too. I think it arrives tomorrow!

[rampix]

I did a couple of other things with mine not long after I got it. I removed the pickguard and the pickup. I glued an ebony shim to the saddle and set the action where I like it. It has a fairly thick finish and I figured both of those mods would enhance top movement and tone. I’m very happy with the result. I installed a StewMac endpin plug in place of the pickup jack.

I bought this to be my camping/travel guitar, but it turns out that I play it in regular rotation with my custom Martin and Yairi. It’s hard to believe it cost $899. I could be happy with it as my only guitar…if I had to.

[Glennwillow]

Congrats on your new guitar! Very cool!

- Glenn

[PTL]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

I am a big Epiphone IBG fan. I already owned an IBG J200, an IBG Hummingbird, and an IBG LP 60s Classic. I was shopping for a J45 style guitar and it came down to the Eastman E10SS and this Epi. I played them side by side for maybe an hour at the local dealer. Ultimately, I decided that the Epi just sounded more like a J45 should sound (in my mind), plus it was $500 cheaper, so home it came. I really have been quite pleased with it so far! The neck does take some getting used to, but it's growing on me now. Below is a stock image but I'll take some real pics soon. The case is also quite nice!Attachment 79202

On your slash unit, did you notice that the pickguard is a huge THICK affair? I got a Epi J45 for a friend and took the guard off and heard an improvement. Wondering if the Slash version is the same pickguard.

[BoneDigger]

Originally Posted by PTL

On your slash unit, did you notice that the pickguard is a huge THICK affair? I got a Epi J45 for a friend and took the guard off and heard an improvement. Wondering if the Slash version is the same pickguard.

It is a large and thick pick guard. Honestly though, it appears to be a really nicely made pick guard. I don't anticipate removing it or replacing it. This guitar has good tone and resonance just as it is, so I really don't think I will be modifying it significantly.

[BoneDigger]

Originally Posted by rampix

I did a couple of other things with mine not long after I got it. I removed the pickguard and the pickup. I glued an ebony shim to the saddle and set the action where I like it. It has a fairly thick finish and I figured both of those mods would enhance top movement and tone. I’m very happy with the result. I installed a StewMac endpin plug in place of the pickup jack.



I bought this to be my camping/travel guitar, but it turns out that I play it in regular rotation with my custom Martin and Yairi. It’s hard to believe it cost $899. I could be happy with it as my only guitar…if I had to.

It sounds like you have customized yours quite nicely! Honestly, aside from the truss rod cover, I'm very happy with it as is for now. It compliments the Hummingbird and J200 nicely!

[jricc]

Congrats on your Epi J45 BoneDigger! Enjoy!

[BoneDigger]

Here is a pic. I also included a pic of the new truss rod cover. It fit perfectly.

As you can see, I'm own or have owned plenty of guitars, including many in the Martin standard line (d15, D18, D28, HD28, D35, D18 GE) as well as some high end Taylor guitars. The J45 Slash is quite good, as are all of IBG guitars I own. 20220817_164017.jpg20220817_164022.jpg

[rampix]

That looks very nice BD! Nice collection.

[BoneDigger]

Originally Posted by rampix

That looks very nice BD! Nice collection.

Thanks! I'm really enjoying it!

[DBW]

Congratulations! I really like that color.