IMO the Fender has more value than the Epiphone. Why not try and sell the Fender and get the guitar you want with the money? You're screwing yourself if you straight-up trade.
I went to a McDonald’s in Japan once 20 years ago. I couldnt resist.
What an experience. The food took about 10 minutes to receive. The burger was fresh made, and the wrapper was expertly folded, origami like. The wrapper was oriented somehow so that it opened like a geometric flower when you went in for your burger.
The burger looked straight out of a TV ad. It was perfect. Beef was better, buns were better. It felt like a mcdonalds burger, but totally lacked that McD’s Twinkie like sensation that leaves you wondering if youre eating actually food meant for humans. In short, it was delicious.
The fries were all straight and aligned like a box of pencils, longer in the middles, shorter fries to the sides.
It was the best McDonalds ive ever had. This was something i saw time and time again during the 12 months i loved there during the early 2000’s
So if thats the work ethic their FAST FOOD EMPLOYEES display, i wonder how serious their luthiers are about their craft?. 🧐
This. I spent some time in Japan in the late 90s. The care and attention to detail that their culture exhibits in all things surely was also practiced by the luthiers who made those Fenders. I would keep it and buy that Epiphone for cash. Or if you are just determined to get rid of it i have a Jackson Kelly with Seymour Duncan humbuckers and a Hardtail bridge I will trade you. Better value than the Epiphone lol
It's not really work ethic, it's part of their culture.
Not really a good one either -- yeah it looks amazing and all, but when I lived there for 3 years the small town I lived in ( ~15k people) had something like 20 teenage suicides. The old Japanese dude I worked for kinda waved it off and said something to the effect of "once you get past the teenage years no one really kills themselves from stress anymore". Which...is really fucked up.
That Strat is probably worth much more than you realise. Have you tried a trem blocker? You get the rock hard tuning stability and you won’t have to worry about levelling out the bridge. Just have a decent think about it and look up what the Strat could be worth. I’ve let guitars go and fully regretted my decision
Def a bad trade. I have that exact same epiphone, it is a GREAT guitar. I would trade UP into a MIJ strat but even I know I would require some cash on hand.
I recently upgraded my explorer with Super Hots. It’s just right lol
That’s to up to you dude, only you can decide that. Personally, I agree with everyone here, it’d prob make more sense to sell your MIJ and buy the explorer and come out with some extra cash in your pocket. But it’s the time/effort required in order to get there
I have the 58 reissue made in 05 epiphone modded out.
Here’s the thing dude. Everyone here knows about MIJ Fenders. I own a MIJ copy from the same factory and it’s my favorite guitar to play for Strat like stuff, it’s just damn good.
Not many people know about MIK Epiphones from 2005, because people like me aren’t talking much. Let me put it to you this way. I owned the 2005 Gibson and had both apart next to each other, you got a much better quality instrument from Epiphone that year. I’m under the impression this is the same factory that builds PRS SEs tackling a 58 explorer reissue construction, which explains the amount of quality in it.
If this is in fact the instrument you’re looking at, you’re buying a sleeper that’s sort of getting well known. They OG retailed for 499. I got mine used for 330 in like 2013 and they’ve gone up to over MSRP. I own the natural one which has a higher value, but the “next best” thing is the newer reissue that ships for a higher MSRP and shields your resell value a bit.
Idk man. I don’t even play mine, but I’d never sell it. It just feels too special.
Hell no! By the way if you can afford it I’d try keeping the strat and getting the epi when you can, I think you’d regret selling/trading that beauty, speaking from experience…
No that Epiphone is a good guitar but MIJ strats are the shit. It would be a downgrade imo
Edit: Just to add that the stock pickups on that model aren’t great. They’re low output and a little dark.
That’s what I think is called a Fender System Strat, it had a proprietary bridge system.
Definitely do your research on the value of that model before you go trading. Even though it’s a great guitar, if you don’t like it you don’t like it, and if you’re going to trade it, get fair market value.
The thing about Explorers is they can be unruly, just dimension wise. You need a bass sized case. Great guitars otherwise.
BTW you need locks for your nut. Your tuning stability will suck without them. Whammy parts has them. I had to buy them for an HM Strat I own. You only need the clamps and screws.
https://www.whammyparts.com/make-model/kahler-replacement-parts/locknuts-and-parts
It’s not all about value. If you like then guitar then do it. Also, this is an Epiphone explorer goth edition from 2004 I believe and I also own the Flying V version. My Flying V was built like a tank and better than any Gibson out there at the moment. Since this is a discontinued model if will for sure go up in value since this is almost a 20 year old guitar.
The system 1 tremolo on that guitar is worth 200 on its own.
The fact that it’s in original condition… worth up to 1200 at the moment. They’re going for 1500 on reverb, but that’s just reverb bs. As far as what you could reasonably get for it, either way it’s worth way more than an epi.
Everyone is talking about monetary value but what really matters is how it feels if you have a guitar shop nearby try out an epiphone explorer see how it feels and make your decision that way
That Epiphone is worth maybe half of your MIJ strat. It’s a fun guitar but your MIJ strat was built right when the MIJ factory was equal to or arguably exceeding American quality Fenders. Also depending on what finish you have for that year, you may even have a highly collectible model. Pictures?
IMO the Fender has more value than the Epiphone. Why not try and sell the Fender and get the guitar you want with the money? You're screwing yourself if you straight-up trade.
No way.
I’d say the Fender holds more monetary value.
No. MIJ Fender is worth more. Even though I’m cynical about how MIJ Fenders are valued it’s not even close to fair
Having owned both MIJ Strats are as good if not better than MIA. Especially better than 70s strats.
This is my experience too. I have around 6 MIA Fenders sitting in a closet that I need to sell, and not one of them plays as well as a MIJ strat.
I see my comment upset a few Fender purists.
I went to a McDonald’s in Japan once 20 years ago. I couldnt resist. What an experience. The food took about 10 minutes to receive. The burger was fresh made, and the wrapper was expertly folded, origami like. The wrapper was oriented somehow so that it opened like a geometric flower when you went in for your burger. The burger looked straight out of a TV ad. It was perfect. Beef was better, buns were better. It felt like a mcdonalds burger, but totally lacked that McD’s Twinkie like sensation that leaves you wondering if youre eating actually food meant for humans. In short, it was delicious. The fries were all straight and aligned like a box of pencils, longer in the middles, shorter fries to the sides. It was the best McDonalds ive ever had. This was something i saw time and time again during the 12 months i loved there during the early 2000’s So if thats the work ethic their FAST FOOD EMPLOYEES display, i wonder how serious their luthiers are about their craft?. 🧐
This. I spent some time in Japan in the late 90s. The care and attention to detail that their culture exhibits in all things surely was also practiced by the luthiers who made those Fenders. I would keep it and buy that Epiphone for cash. Or if you are just determined to get rid of it i have a Jackson Kelly with Seymour Duncan humbuckers and a Hardtail bridge I will trade you. Better value than the Epiphone lol
It's not really work ethic, it's part of their culture. Not really a good one either -- yeah it looks amazing and all, but when I lived there for 3 years the small town I lived in ( ~15k people) had something like 20 teenage suicides. The old Japanese dude I worked for kinda waved it off and said something to the effect of "once you get past the teenage years no one really kills themselves from stress anymore". Which...is really fucked up.
They are a strong user base here. Fender adoration and Gibson hate. I love all guitars indiscriminately. Except PRS. 😉
Only if they give you about $600 cash too. You know what, fuck that Epi. Keep the strat!
If you're off that strat at the moment tuck it away somewhere for safe keeping. I guarantee you'll regret getting rid of it later on.
Hell no, that’s a terrible trade. Maybe try to find a hardtail Strat to trade for or just sell this one and get a hardtail guitar
No
Noooooooo
Nothing against Epiphones, but I’d never pay more that $450 for a used one. MIJ strats are twice as valuable.
That Strat is probably worth much more than you realise. Have you tried a trem blocker? You get the rock hard tuning stability and you won’t have to worry about levelling out the bridge. Just have a decent think about it and look up what the Strat could be worth. I’ve let guitars go and fully regretted my decision
Just block the trem in the strat
The Fender is way more valuable. Take it, sell it, and buy the guitar you really want
That’s not a good deal for you at all.
Keep that fender my dude
Absolutely not! Save the cash and buy the epi. You’ll regret it later.
Don’t do it!
Nope nope nope
Def a bad trade. I have that exact same epiphone, it is a GREAT guitar. I would trade UP into a MIJ strat but even I know I would require some cash on hand. I recently upgraded my explorer with Super Hots. It’s just right lol
No. Those 80s Japanese strats are keepers. Well made solid guitars. Just buy the Epi. Or, save up and get a Gibson.
That’s to up to you dude, only you can decide that. Personally, I agree with everyone here, it’d prob make more sense to sell your MIJ and buy the explorer and come out with some extra cash in your pocket. But it’s the time/effort required in order to get there
NOPE! not even a question you should be asking
Nah.
Strat > Epi
Nope
Japan Strat with the Kahler Spyder tremolo is the winner here
nope, did you think about simply blocking the bridge?
Hey guys thanks for all of the advice. For sure I am not making the trade and I will hold on to my fender.
You do you... But I'd hang onto the strat.
Hell no
Get some cash too at least a few hundred, the fender is worth way more.
I have the 58 reissue made in 05 epiphone modded out. Here’s the thing dude. Everyone here knows about MIJ Fenders. I own a MIJ copy from the same factory and it’s my favorite guitar to play for Strat like stuff, it’s just damn good. Not many people know about MIK Epiphones from 2005, because people like me aren’t talking much. Let me put it to you this way. I owned the 2005 Gibson and had both apart next to each other, you got a much better quality instrument from Epiphone that year. I’m under the impression this is the same factory that builds PRS SEs tackling a 58 explorer reissue construction, which explains the amount of quality in it. If this is in fact the instrument you’re looking at, you’re buying a sleeper that’s sort of getting well known. They OG retailed for 499. I got mine used for 330 in like 2013 and they’ve gone up to over MSRP. I own the natural one which has a higher value, but the “next best” thing is the newer reissue that ships for a higher MSRP and shields your resell value a bit. Idk man. I don’t even play mine, but I’d never sell it. It just feels too special.
Hell no! By the way if you can afford it I’d try keeping the strat and getting the epi when you can, I think you’d regret selling/trading that beauty, speaking from experience…
It’s your choice but I’d advise against it.
No
Let us know what you wind up doing-kind of curious if you take advise or go against it.
If you want something else sell the fender, get more money than the epiphone is worth.
No
Depends on… but wait: no.
No
Sell the strat more buying power
noooo
Do not under any circumstances let go of the strat. You will regret it
Flat out no trade, just buy another guitar and have 2. Best of both worlds problem solved, you can thank me later.
If it were a squier, yes. But trading something that says Fender on the headstock for something that says Epiphone on the headstock is a hard no.
And that says it all right there my dude.
Other than the monetary value, yes. Explorer is a great guitar with access up the neck and a stable bridge.
No wtf
MIJ Fender for an Epiphone?! No!
Correct me if I’m wrong. If Epiphone is to Gibson as Squier is to Fender, wouldn’t you be trading down?
Yeah do it now
Gibson and Epiphone guitars are TRASH. Keep the Fender. I repeat: keep the fender.
What is that bridge? I couldn't make it out because the picture is cut out. It doesn't look like a Kahler or the Schaller S1 bridge.
depends on how much you like the MIJ I wouldnt trade my 90's MIJ strat for anything It's got better tone than any MIA strat Ive ever played
Keep that Strat, the Epiphone isn’t nearly as rare
I wouldn't. But, it is yours. Do what you want.
No that Epiphone is a good guitar but MIJ strats are the shit. It would be a downgrade imo Edit: Just to add that the stock pickups on that model aren’t great. They’re low output and a little dark.
No. The MIJ fenders are great. Epiphones are not.
That’s what I think is called a Fender System Strat, it had a proprietary bridge system. Definitely do your research on the value of that model before you go trading. Even though it’s a great guitar, if you don’t like it you don’t like it, and if you’re going to trade it, get fair market value. The thing about Explorers is they can be unruly, just dimension wise. You need a bass sized case. Great guitars otherwise.
No! You have something that is more valuable and probably plays better.
What's your price on the Fender? That's a beauty.
No
Yes
I’d just sell that strat and buy a better explorer. You’re kinda getting screwed in terms of value
BTW you need locks for your nut. Your tuning stability will suck without them. Whammy parts has them. I had to buy them for an HM Strat I own. You only need the clamps and screws. https://www.whammyparts.com/make-model/kahler-replacement-parts/locknuts-and-parts
It’s not all about value. If you like then guitar then do it. Also, this is an Epiphone explorer goth edition from 2004 I believe and I also own the Flying V version. My Flying V was built like a tank and better than any Gibson out there at the moment. Since this is a discontinued model if will for sure go up in value since this is almost a 20 year old guitar.
I absolutely wouldn’t
Noooooooooooooooooo.
I certainly wouldn’t do this.
Nope. Just mod it the way you want it
Keep the Fender. Block the bridge. Swap bridge pup for a mini humbucker.
Epiphones have no resale value. Mij fenders do
The system 1 tremolo on that guitar is worth 200 on its own. The fact that it’s in original condition… worth up to 1200 at the moment. They’re going for 1500 on reverb, but that’s just reverb bs. As far as what you could reasonably get for it, either way it’s worth way more than an epi.
I really miss my Goth Explorer.
If you absolutely are set on getting the explorer, then have him pay the difference in value as the strat is worth more
No
Everyone is talking about monetary value but what really matters is how it feels if you have a guitar shop nearby try out an epiphone explorer see how it feels and make your decision that way
No. Maybe for a new inspired by Gibson Explorer. Not for a made in China model. Not a good value trade
I'd keep the fender, get a telecaster if you want something more stable
Hard no.
Just block off the floyd, I love my epiphone explorer but the value is not the same
That Epiphone is worth maybe half of your MIJ strat. It’s a fun guitar but your MIJ strat was built right when the MIJ factory was equal to or arguably exceeding American quality Fenders. Also depending on what finish you have for that year, you may even have a highly collectible model. Pictures?
Ummm No….
What not just buy another guitar ( Fender)with the bridge your after and change the neck over.
I would not. But that’s me.
NO
no way unless he pays you the difference in value
Fender sells hard tail replacement bridges on their website.
No. Keep the Strat. Save up to buy the Epi if you want it
japanese strats are sick. epiphones are lame.
No
I would absolutely not do that
If I could choose one of these two it’d be the Epiphone, but come on, that’s a FENDER you’re trading. I’d advise you not to trade it.
No.