Yo SheppardB! Me and Ricki Lee Jones and a host of other recording artists disagree with your sweeping statement about Epiphone. I have news for you. Guitars are (usually) made out of wood. They are like fingerprints, snowflakes, individuals. Not only are there some truly lovely old vintage Epiphones, but some of the newer models, both by the Koreans, and by Americans, are very good guitars. I use a Casino reissue and a slightly tricked out Epi Les Paul Custom, along with a Tele. Going back to my first Gibson Hollow body (sunburst, no center block, 1 P-90, mid position), I just prefer a hollow body to have single coil pickups for the stuff I play. Enjoy the new axe. I expect with the American ones, you probably don't have to change out the pups and wiring, but with the Korean ones, I do.- Richie