Epiphone Negative series

[Hellbat]

So Long & McQuade started selling this limited series of epiphones called the Negative series. They are white with black hardware and have maple neck/fingerboards.

The SG and Les Paul have shiny black trap inlays and the V and Explorer have black dots. Pricing on the SG is advertised at $399 CAD, the LP is $580 and the V & Explorer are $630. I'm kind of digging the Explorer or the LP as possible Xmas presents to myself. Anyone know anything as far as where these are made, what kind of general quality the epiphones are and such?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[Ben...]

Yeah I saw those in the flyer, the Xplorer is really nice and the LP isn't too bad either. I was contemplating buying an explorer after Christmas is done with.

[Flatpicker]

I think most of the Epi's are made at the QuingDao, China facility that Gibson bought.

Hope I spelled that right.

Not to derail you, but for the money, I'd probably go for an Agile.
MIK and because they are an off name, they can have a better value per $.

[Jason1212]

That V looks pretty cool. Are these Canadian only?

[Hellbat]

I'm not 100% sure but they might be a limited run for L&M only. I couldn't find anything on epiphones website regarding them directly.

I kind of just want a cheapie guitar to test pickups on. If I get one a set of P-Rails and a bunch of switches and/or push pull pots will be going in to it.

[RacerX]

Again, no link, can you OPs please include a link?

[Hellbat]

I didn't want to post a link in case it appeared I was violating the board sponsor rights.

Here is a link to the flyer. Just nuke this response if its a no-no Toejam...

http://www.long-mcquade.com/imgs/xmas%20flyer%202009_final.pdf

[RacerX]

Cool, thanks. I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! (Epi noticed Jackson's success with the DK2M, etc)

[RemCarr]

those are cool as hell...may have to snag an LP and an explorer, very sharp!

[HoddiDarko]

Pretty nice... Still, nothing I would buy. Only available in canada btw I think.

[m2pmd70]

They should'be used block inlays on all of 'em IMO. They look cool, but for that price they're pbly crap.

[T@rgetDrone]

Agreed. Blocks don't work for me on those models. I'm staying far away for a while. Had in my hands and seen way too many new and slightly used Epi's with neck issues. They seem to crack like eggs in a blender, especially at the nut area. If I bite on another Epi it will be an older MIK model. Or, maybe they will eventually sort out the neck issues.

If I WERE to bite on any of those, it would definitely be the Explorer. But not at that price. I would be well on my way to getting a real Gibby Explorer, used and minus the maple board.

[BRADSTANG]

they shoulda had white headstocks, and block inlays on the vee imho.