Epiphone SST Studio

This guitar is no longer manufactured since late 2012. I bought one of the last copies on stock to replace a Takamine EGS 330SC which did not suit me. This is the last variation economic Gibson Chet Atkins SST, produced between 1987 and 2006. It reproduces the main features and appearance.
This guitar is a hybrid between a solidbody electric and electro-folk. From the perspective construction, it is quite similar to a Les Paul: mahogany body cavities but with full, flat table reported in spruce, set neck mahogany with rosewood key reported. The profile of the neck and the radius of the key are identical to those of a Les Paul Standard, except that the handle is in the plane of the table and the junction sleeve / table is at 14 on a box as folk. The frets are typical of folk. The table has exactly the same dimensions to that of a classical guitar, but with only 5cm thick. The body is larger than a Les Paul, but the weight is substantially identical. There is a cutout on the back of the box at the top, like a Strat. The bridge is typical of folk Gibson says "reverse belly", and the tune is a typical folk (25.5 "), so longer than electric. The sound is made by a piezo sensor under the bridge. The preamp is located on the upper bearing, like most folks electro, but the jack is placed on the lower strap, like a Les Paul.
In comparison with Takamine, the handle is very different than the Takamine is narrower at the nut and its profile is closer to V, while that of the Epiphone is closer to C. The Takamine is a Dreadnaught, it is much larger, but lighter.
There have been several changes in the placement of the following preamp models. Gibson original and first version of the Epiphone lived electronics and battery in a cavity inside the box under a protective plate to the rear. Controls were only on the upper bearing. The downside was that you had to unscrew the plate to change the battery. The latest version is from this point of view the best: it is a classic preamp with built-in battery, fully accessible on the splint. More to the rear plate. It has three adjustment potentiometers: 1 volume and 2 tone.

UTILIZATION

The guitar was delivered with strings of rather poor quality, medium tension, and was set with an action rather high. I changed the strings for 11/52 D'Addario and sanded the underside of the bridge to reduce the action. The G string and spun the action a little higher than my Les Paul used to attack stronger rhythm without curling, but the goal is reached: the feeling of the game are very similar to the Les Paul. Having learned on a classical guitar, neck and V of the strings too tight Takamine bothered me a lot. Comfort game is similar to a Les Paul, that is not as good as on a Strat, but infinitely better than a folk. It is a real pleasure.

SOUNDS

Not connected, it sounds like an electric, ie very little, and this is a huge advantage when we train home at night in an apartment. Connected, I must say I was very surprised it sounds incredibly well, even with the tone pots in neutral. The sound is both round, warm and clear treble. This is much better than the Takamine that sounded very metallic but these too low and can not be corrected properly with the tone control. So to play plugged in, this guitar is absolutely excellent. In contrast, the typical sound of a piezo, a little artificial. Nothing to do with the sound of folk music recorded in the studio with a condenser microphone.
This guitar is well suited to picking game (normal, a model developed by Chet Atkins). The strings are spaced perfectly, and the table is close to the strings, so we just rely with the little finger of the right hand. It sounds great when you play with your fingers. No need to ring tab bass, a bit like a classic. For playing rhythm with a pick, it will also, but beware: it often touches the table, which can damage the varnish (sometimes seen with Gibson SST old wooden table exposed by the blows of pick) . I recommend installing a skid plate adhesive (gloss black, we do not see hardly any).

OVERALL OPINION

I use this guitar for 3 months and I love it. I could do without. I was looking forward to finding one after tried by chance. To try it is to adopt. Hybridization electric / folk is a total success. Gibson Chet Atkins and did a remarkable job. I think it better than Godin A6 steel rope, though much more expensive. It's a shame it stopped. There has to see during the original Gibson to understand that it has not finished making followers.

This is an electro-acoustic scratches, but has the distinction of not having a sounding board. Basically it sounds only when plugged into an amp rather convenient to pass feedback and other worries repeat config / concert. Nice little trick, you just connect a headset directly!

It is equipped with a piezo Shadow NanoFlex, just under the bridge saddle as well as a preamp Shadow SST (powered by 9V battery). At settings it's pretty simple: volume, bass, treble and small switch headphone / amp.

Round level, there are 21 boxes for the big E string and 24 frets to the small rope.

UTILIZATION

Regarding the use of this guitar is really nice: it is light, very compact (and yes not sounding!) And I find the handle comfortable (after it is a matter of taste! ).

It has easy access to ultra sharp, the shape of the body really allows us all.

More shiny paint does not stick, all slides impec '!

SOUNDS

So I tested the guitar with a headphone, a small guitar amp (Roland Cube) and plugged directly into a sound card connected to Logic 9 (for effects etc ...) and I must say the sound is quite classy!

For cons, the first uses of the object, the big E string was almost inaudible, so I pulled all the strings and repositioned the piezo correctly then put new strings. And then all magic sounds great!

At the sound is very close to a traditional electro-acoustic guitar, I must say I am quite impressed with the result!

OVERALL OPINION

I ogled this guitar for quite some time and read a lot of test electro-acoustic guitar at a reasonable price, and it caught my attention with its original design.

I managed to snag me one via this site, and I must not be disappointed with this model. The violin is more than adequate for a guitar of this price (300 € new I think).

The sound is (in my opinion) very correct to use that I (and a few personal records rehearsing with guitar Plugge the PA).

The only little less that I find, is the fact of having to replace the piezo to sound good to be a lack of attention from Epiphone!

Beyond that, I would do this choice without hesitation!