Pulled The Agile Trigger

[Superlizard]

So I'm stickin' to Agiles for LP-land.

So what are you finding to be the main quality differences between the 2500 and 3100?  I remember you not really liking the 2500 when you first got it.

The main thing is the fretwork/fretboard - the 2500 has high frets around the 20-22 fret range... when I bend in the upper registers it frets out (the 3100 fretwork/fretboard is t!ts).

Don't know what the nut is made of but seems plastic.

Otherwise it's a player.

The other thing is purely personal choice - I don't think Paul-ish guitars should do maple necks; they should be mahog.
As well, not a huge rosewood fretboard fan.

If I were to guess based on what I've read of Epi, I'd put the 2500 range at the Epiphone level of quality and QC... which is
ironic considering Epi manu's in China; yet you're paying more for Epi than Agile (mostly manu in Korea).

That said, I will be getting a 3000 series goldtop P90 to give those custom (not stock) P90s Jeff wound a good home.

In fact I will be getting more than that (eventually) LOL:

- 3000 series Goldtop P90s  (hidden link cuz not in stock http://www.rondomusic.com/al3000goldp90left.html)
- 3000 series Goldtop PAFs
- 3000 series White with gold hardware (if they have it)
- 3000 series Honeyburst (if they have it)

BTW, here's the model comparison chart:

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

 

[jalane]

Cool, You must really be digging them if they've replaced the pic of your Firebird build in your sig 

 

[Superlizard]

Cool, You must really be digging them if they've replaced the pic of your Firebird build in your sig 

I dig the 3100; very much so.  The 2500 not really.  LOL

 

[GoDrex]

http://www.rondomusic.com/product3215.html

seems too good to be true. I'd go for that one since I don't think it would need any upgrades.

 

[Superlizard]

This image pretty much sums up things (Gibson Jimmy Page Les Paul):

 

[Superlizard]

http://www.rondomusic.com/product3215.html

seems too good to be true. I'd go for that one since I don't think it would need any upgrades.

The 3000M is their top of the line (well, barring the 4000 which I think is only done in natural finish) and has
a 3/4" maple cap + 1/16" flame/quilt on top of that.

Regular 3000, 3100 etc flametops/quilts have just the 1/16" top; everything else is mahogany.  With the
ebony fretboard, they're near-exact to a Les Paul Custom (at least the solid colors, and at least the old-style Customs) in wood config.

 

[bigguspickus]

Gibson already makes a Floyd -equipped LP called the Axcess.

 

[DangerousR6]

I dunno, an LP with a Floyd has just never looked right to me.  :dontknow:

Maybe I'm just too narrow-minded...

No, that's just being racist.

:icon_jokercolor:

I agree - no Floyds on Pauls.  But I guess Schon really pushed for 'em, so they're here to stay.

I guess I'm racist then, cause I don't really dig the Floyd on a Lester. Accept for one I built in the LP builder.... :dontknow:

 

[Superlizard]

Gibson already makes a Floyd -equipped LP called the Axcess.

So you're saying we should plunk down $3,499.00 for a Gibson?   :icon_scratch:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gibson-Custom-Les-Paul-Axcess-Standard-Electric-Guitar-?sku=531000&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=234004068

C'mon man - don't insult our intelligence.  Yet another ripoff from the King-Daddy of Guitar Ripoffs.  F**k Gibson.  :laughing11:

 

[DangerousR6]

So I'm stickin' to Agiles for LP-land.

So what are you finding to be the main quality differences between the 2500 and 3100?  I remember you not really liking the 2500 when you first got it.

The main thing is the fretwork/fretboard - the 2500 has high frets around the 20-22 fret range... when I bend in the upper registers it frets out (the 3100 fretwork/fretboard is t!ts).

Don't know what the nut is made of but seems plastic.

Otherwise it's a player.

The other thing is purely personal choice - I don't think Paul-ish guitars should do maple necks; they should be mahog.
As well, not a huge rosewood fretboard fan.

If I were to guess based on what I've read of Epi, I'd put the 2500 range at the Epiphone level of quality and QC... which is
ironic considering Epi manu's in China; yet you're paying more for Epi than Agile (mostly manu in Korea).

That said, I will be getting a 3000 series goldtop P90 to give those custom (not stock) P90s Jeff wound a good home.

In fact I will be getting more than that (eventually) LOL:

- 3000 series Goldtop P90s  (hidden link cuz not in stock http://www.rondomusic.com/al3000goldp90left.html)
- 3000 series Goldtop PAFs
- 3000 series White with gold hardware (if they have it)
- 3000 series Honeyburst (if they have it)

BTW, here's the model comparison chart:

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

Not a huge fan of rosewood boards either but I do like the maple necks and fretboards, especially on black......

 

[Superlizard]

Hey guys, this Gibson could be yours for the low low price of only $33,059.00 !  (yes, that's 5 figures)

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Archtop/Gibson-Custom/Citation.aspx

And yes, certainly that must be a fossilized Wooly Mammoth p*n*s nut...

:laughing11:  :laughing11:  :laughing11:  :laughing11:  :laughing11:

 

[DangerousR6]

Hey guys, this Gibson could be yours for the only $33,059.00 !  (yes, that's 5 figures)

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Archtop/Gibson-Custom/Citation.aspx

And yes, certainly that must be a Wooly Mammoth p*n*s nut...

:laughing11:  :laughing11:  :laughing11:  :laughing11:  :laughing11:

If it had a Floyd I'd buy it.... :laughing7:

 

[Superlizard]

If it had a Floyd I'd buy it.... :laughing7:

That'll cost ya extra.   :icon_jokercolor:

 

[DangerousR6]

If it had a Floyd I'd buy it.... :laughing7:

That'll cost ya extra.   :icon_jokercolor:

For sure, an extra grand at least.... :doh:

 

[Superlizard]

If it had a Floyd I'd buy it.... :laughing7:

That'll cost ya extra.   :icon_jokercolor:

For sure, an extra grand at least.... :doh:

We'll even throw in a pick for ya.  :icon_biggrin:

 

[bigguspickus]

Gibson already makes a Floyd -equipped LP called the Axcess.

So you're saying we should plunk down $3,499.00 for a Gibson?

$3,499.00 + free shipping! Start saving your pennies. :glasses10:

 

[Superlizard]

Gibson already makes a Floyd -equipped LP called the Axcess.

So you're saying we should plunk down $3,499.00 for a Gibson?

$3,499.00 + free shipping! Start saving your pennies. :glasses10:

For $3,499.00 I could have exactly 8.75 Agile LPs that play, look and sound the same.

8.75 .......

 

[Cagey]

For $3,499.00 I could have exactly 8.75 Agile LPs that play, look and sound the same.

8.75 .......

Amazing, isn't it?

I understand we have higher labor costs here, not to mention a number of other costs of doing business that the Koreans don't have. But, that still doesn't explain the disparity. All the materials and components are the same, the construction is the same. So... what if we add $50/hr to the cost of building Gibson's offering? How many hours do we want to assign to the creation of a Les Paul? 15? I suspect that's high, but let's use it. Then, we'll say the Korean's labor burden is $5/hr all up, and Gibson's is $55/hr. At that rate, the Gibson should cost $750 more than the Agile, or $1,150. So... what's this $3,500 sell price?

It's interesting to note that another manufacturer of fine instruments that turns out equal or better products right here in the US is Carvin. They can make carved-top instruments with figured/exotic woods and superfine finishes with top-notch hardware for between $1,000 and $1,400. Also in that price range, if you own a screwdriver and know which end to use where, is Warmoth. Hmm...

Gibson has been screwing people for years. Their thralls just don't want to admit it.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying Gibson doesn't make a fine instrument because they do. There's every reason in the world to love a Gibson Les Paul. But, they charge 3 times as much as they should for it. 8 to 10 times as much if you include imports. There's just no way to justify it.

It'll catch up with them.

 

[Death by Uberschall]

Your paying for the prestige when buying a Gibson.

Toyota, Lexus. Same cars (yes they are), one is just considered to be "high end" with better components and craftsmanship which brings the higher price tag.

 

[jay4321]

Those Agiles are a good value, but the steal on their page is right here:

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

A little iffy with the abalone inlays but otherwise that's really nice.