Epiphone es 295

[Ryan]

Hi all, just wondering if any of you own, or have previously owned, an epiphone es 295? If so, what is your opinion of it? I own one but seem to have a lot of tuning problems (going out of tune very quickly when its being played). Does anyone else have similar problems?
Cheers
Ryan

[JimN]

Let me guess... you're using 10-46?

Or perhaps lighter than that?

A guitar with a floating bridge (the ES-295 is essentially just a cosmetic variant of the ES-175) needs heavier strings in order to properly anchor the bridge base, tension the neck and stress the guitar body, plus, in the specific case of the ES-295, make the Bigsby operate within its proper tension range..

I would not recommend anything lighter than 12-52 for such a guitar. It'll stay in tune with those.

[Ryan]

Hi Jim, Thanks for that, i'll try heavier strings see if that does it, I do use 10's so will try 12's
Cheers
Ryan

[AlanH]

Hi Ryan,

Yes I have one, and I use 12's. There are no problems with staying in tune.

Cheers,
Alan H

[Ryan]

Hi Alan, Thanks for that, will try 12's
Cheers
Ryan

[RUSSET]

For all you Epiphone enthusiasts, check out some new Ltd.run editons for 2014. The ES339 P90 (Slightly smaller body than an ES335) with tunamatic bridge & 2 x P90s. Also the Casino Coupe with same size body as the ES339 with the full Casino tailpiece & 2 x P90s with chromed covers. I believe they are retailing at an RRP of £299, so good value for money.

Tony.

[Mikey]

I've just ordered one of these Casino Coupes from Andertons, in vintage sunburst and with a free gig bag.
I recently sold a Casino and, of course, deeply regretted it so this a second chance.
I'm still £100 up after buying this so happy days!

[RUSSET]

What a coincidence, Mike. I also have just bought an Epi Casino Coupe from Andertons. I haven't had a Semi-acoustic since I sold my Epi Sheraton about 10 years ago. It makes such a change from my usual Fender style guitars. I do have an Epi Les Paul Standard which I put some nice Wilkinson Vintage style pickups in. The quaity versus price value in that one is tremendous, so I already knew that many Epi models are a real good buy.
I have bought the Casino Coupe in 'Natural' finish to make a nice change from my usual Sunburst. I am impressed with the great tone & playability. It is so nice to have a lightweight guitar for my old shoulders. And the free gig-bag is a great bonus, & good quality too. At close inspection the paintwork is a little untidy on the sides of the 'f' holes, but nothing so bad that it bothers me. It's to play, not to hang on a wall as a display.
Of course, you don't even need an amp to practise at home, as it is quite loud unplugged due to the hollow body. The Epi Alnico P90 pickups give it a bright tone, but the bass is also very strong, so it's a good all-rounder.
It's one of those guitars that you keep having to grab & have a quick play, rather than leave in a case or rack.
Enjoy your new guitar when it arrives.

Tony.

[Mikey]

Thanks for the review, Tony, very helpful. I look forward to it arriving.
I don't know what possesed me to sell my old 14 year old Casino! I also have an Epi LesPaul Plus Top Pro but I'm not "bonding" with it like I hoped I would.
Still have the MIM HM Signature Strat and Burns D6 to console me

[RUSSET]

I've had a bad case of compulsive GBS (Guitar Buying Syndrome) over the last 10 years or so. Don't ask how many, because I'd rather not say. However, I still have my Fender Japan HM Signature Strat & my Anniversary Burns Marvin, so the loyalty to Shads music will always be there. I now have the two Epiphones & some Squier Classic Vibes & a few others, but I tend not to get into buying the really expensive versions, as at these prices I get to sample many different types, without an enormous outlay on just one or two. Having just recently quit the band I was gigging with regularly, playing '60s covers, it was quite useful to have the selection to choose from for different pop styles.
I'm sure you will like the Casino Coupe. It may need a few personal adjustments/set-up, but you will be really happy with it, I'm sure.

Tony.