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Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 11:59 am: | |
I wish I'd found this forum sooner. I could have used some feedback.
I just bought a brand new ep9 "Steve Vai Signature", after comparing it to several Martins, Gibsons, Taylors & Larivees (among others).
Its acoustic sound held up very well against most of them, but when it's plugged in, the Fishman "Aura" system on it sounds just incredible!
What really sold me on it was the playing "feel" of it. It has a nice low action & the string spacing just felt "right".
The final factor was a very fond memory & quality of a 2451nt (L6S copy) electric I owned years back. I still curse the day I sold it... the best instrument I've ever owned.
Has anyone else had a chance to play an ep9? What did you think? |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 12:23 pm: | |
Here's a pic, from the Ibanez website.
 |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 12:55 am: | |
Has NO ONE here played one of these beauties?
I've had it for a month now & I (and everyone in the band) love it even more!
Do yourself a favor... find one and try it... you'll see what I mean. |
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 11:34 am: | |
Jchester~ OK, it's been a few months since you scored that beautiful EP9. Kudos to Ibanez for making an acoustic/electric of that caliber.
Is the honeymoon still happenin'?
How about an updated review now that you've gotten to know her better?
Music 123 has a shippment coming in soon.
http://www.music123.com/Ibanez-EP9-----Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-i424756.music |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 5:01 pm: | |
SOMEONE FINALLY RESPONDED!!!
Thank you Tim!
In a word... YES! The best damned acoustic guitar I've ever played... bar none!
Been playing it with the band all summer, mostly at outdoor gigs & I play it on about 1/3 of the songs. (I play bass the rest of the time.)
Va. Beach has been stupid hot for most of the summer, like most of the East Coast. I was concerned because I was sweating like a pig, all over what appears to be a very light, porous finish. (It looked like someone had poured beer all over it!  ) To my great relief, she cleaned up beautifully. With a new set of Elixirs, (to replace the stock D'Addarios that had actually started to rust from all the sweat) she was like new again.
Everyone who picks it up is first amazed by its light weight and then by its sweet, rich tone. The weight savings haven't seemed to compromise its strength & durability or its sound at all.
The Aura system has also lived up to promise & beyond. I'm playing in a 3-piece band, doing a lot of classic acoustic rock material, both live & some recording. Either way it sounds like a much more expensive guitar, with a very expensive (Neumann, AKG, Telefunken, Schoeps, etc.) studio condenser mic, set at the perfect position in front of it! I don't use the conventional side of the preamp at all... only the Aura. I don't even have to EQ it much. It really sounds better flat!
Yes, you might say I'm still "Euphoric". 
btw... I got mine, with the h/s case, $100 cheaper than Music 123 (no case), from a local dealer. It was tagged that way, not "haggled". Maybe you can work their Seen it for less? policy. E-mail me if you need any info from my end.
John |
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 5:53 pm: | |
"SOMEONE FINALLY RESPONDED!!!"
John, your guitar is so friggin' beautiful, we were all speechless.
I'm not in the market for another acoustic, but if I was...that would be a strong contender.
How's the neck width and girth? It looks pretty thin like an electric. Maybe it's the vines making it look narrower than it really is. Darned vines can have that effect ya know! |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 8:19 pm: | |
The neck actually is pretty thin. Prob'ly pretty close to an "electric feel"... hence my comments in the first post.
I'd imagine that Mr. Vai would have insisted on it not being too far from his JEM.
That being said... the "Root Beer" stain is barely OK... but it sure beats the hell out of the "Monkey-Snot Green" stain on the EP7. I understand the desire to be "different" but jeez!
(btw... what ever happened to the EP8?)
It's unfortunate, but Stevie-boy aparently has lousy tastes for aesthetics in acoustic guitars. You can do stuff like that with electrics, but I think that's the primary objection most serious acoustic players have in taking this amazing instrument more seriously. (Especially in this price range!)
That said... NOW... if she was only a "BLONDE"! 
The stain on the Spruce top makes no difference (other than looks... IMHO = yuk) and could easily be deleted. I don't know what flamed or quilted Maple back & sides would do for tone... but she'd certainly be a good bit louder, clearer & a whole lot "purrrrrrrtier"... at least to me.
But I love her dearly! ...kinda like the homely girl that "rocked my world". She ain't really my type to look at... BUT SHE SURE CAN DANCE!
JC |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 8:33 pm: | |
Oh, and Tim... thank you for your, "so friggin' beautiful, we were all speechless" comment. Even though I have mixed feelings on aesthetics/cosmetics, she's a love.
I just thought that nobody gave a half a s**t.
JC |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Friday, September 29, 2006 - 4:14 pm: | |
I finally took a picture of MY ep-9
JC |
Brentm
Username: Brentm
Registered: 03-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, October 05, 2006 - 9:36 pm: | |
I just played one at GC. Great guitar! I don't like the matte finish, but not a big deal.
How does it wear? |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Friday, October 06, 2006 - 12:47 am: | |
"Matte", I don't mind. I'm just not very fond of the color.
The finish is MUCH tougher than it looks & feels.
As far as "wear", as I said above:
"I was sweating like a pig, all over what appears to be a very light, porous finish. (It looked like someone had poured beer all over it! ) To my great relief, she cleaned up beautifully.
plus... not even any pick scratches yet, and I play her pretty hard. (well, not like... Michael Hedges hard) 
Yes... I'm still in love... and so is everyone that picks it up! |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Friday, November 10, 2006 - 9:52 am: | |
I got ANOTHER ONE!
I picked up a used EP9 yesterday, on eBay, for for another member of the band. It has some scratch marks on its top but should be functional & ultimately fixable. For $538.50, he cant go wrong.
 |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Friday, November 10, 2006 - 9:55 am: | |
Here's a closer view
 |
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, November 11, 2006 - 12:22 am: | |
Any idea how those pick scratches could be fixed?
I have tiny scratches/chips on my bass that has a similar thin finish and color. |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, November 11, 2006 - 5:53 pm: | |
I'll have to see it in person first. May just try to match the stain or may just find a pickguard to cover & protect it.
I don't know what the original owner was using for a pick... I've been playing mine regularly & "dynamically", with a medium plastic pick, but it doesn't have ANY sign of marks from it.
He HAD to be using a stone or metal pick or something.
...or maybe Richie Havens owned it. |
Bobzilla
Username: Bobzilla
Registered: 02-2005
| | Posted on Monday, November 13, 2006 - 12:12 pm: | |
Put a pick guard over those scratches, I almost went for this one and then I forgot about the auction with 3 hrs. left. |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Monday, November 13, 2006 - 1:00 pm: | |
That's what we're leaning toward, Bob.
I'm sorry you missed it... but I'm glad I didn't have to get into a bidding war with you. My buddy really wanted it, after playing mine.
John |
Jmaysen
Username: Jmaysen
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 - 11:06 am: | |
Hey guys,
I'm the seller of the scratched one.
If anyone is interested, I have an other one that I was about to put up. Here are pics
<img><img>
Asking price for local sale is 799. |
Jmaysen
Username: Jmaysen
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 - 11:08 am: | |
Image here, sorry about that
http://img.clubphoto.com/jerboa/185960960/512/null/image.jpg
and here
http://img.clubphoto.com/jerboa/185960583/512/null/image.jpg
to see them in high rez, swap out the /512/ for /hi/ in the url. |
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 - 10:26 am: | |
Jmaysen~ Another nice one! Is that a flamenco adhesive pick guard you've got on it? Looks great. |
Jmaysen
Username: Jmaysen
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 - 11:22 am: | |
Ya, after seen what someone did to the other one I sold to Jchester, I figured this might be a good idea. Just in case. It can be removed, it's not a very agressive sticker. |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 - 11:18 pm: | |
GOOD IDEA! Where did ya find that? I wanna get one for mine! |
Jeffsailor
Username: Jeffsailor
Registered: 01-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, November 16, 2006 - 11:15 am: | |
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=1802666&mpre=ht tp%3A//cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D330050044014 |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Friday, November 17, 2006 - 9:39 am: | |
Thanks for the link Jeff, but...
"GuitarBras require a glossy finish to adhere properly, Will not work with Satin Finishes." EP9s are satin finished.
RATZ!!! It was even CHEAP with FREE SHIPPING! I already had my finger on the BIN trigger.
Oh well... nice thought. |
Hilander8
Username: Hilander8
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Friday, November 17, 2006 - 2:10 pm: | |
What is the s/n of the EP9 with the marks on it?
I may be the Moron that did it!
If I remember right, the s/n ended with 0012.
The marks were made by the fingernail of my little finger. |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Monday, November 20, 2006 - 11:10 am: | |
I'll let you know the s/n when/if it ever gets here.
You must have some serious claws!!! |
Jmaysen
Username: Jmaysen
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Monday, November 20, 2006 - 2:03 pm: | |
the number was in the 80's I think.... 85? maybe? I can't rememeber, Jchester will let us know when he gets it. |
Jmaysen
Username: Jmaysen
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Monday, November 20, 2006 - 2:05 pm: | |
Also, that type of pickguard is not what is one the EP9, the guitar bra I think holds by static charge, where as the one that's on the ep9 is a tru flamenco pickguard with a gentle adhesive. I think Grover makes 'em. |
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 20, 2006 - 4:26 pm: | |
I use over-the-counter Saran Wrap on my Yamaha APX9 classical. No problems adhering to a satin or glossy finish...and best of all, no claw marks. |
Hilander8
Username: Hilander8
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Monday, November 20, 2006 - 6:24 pm: | |
At a campfire, really yodellin', bangin' it like it was my old Ibanez Dove! (also drunk)(Me, not the Dove).
Sorry. Didn't think it would be a problem at the time.
Took it back, Steve's Music(they're GREAT!).
They gave me another one, which I stuck a clear plastic guard on. ($4.99 for 2 at Steve's)
Haven't put a mark on this one.
I adore the box. Best flattop I have ever played!
No doubt about it. |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 3:53 pm: | |
I adore the box. Best flattop I have ever played! No doubt about it.
Amen, Hi8.
Maybe you should consider a dedicated Drunken campfire guitar. ...something indestructable, like an old Yamaha! |
Hilander8
Username: Hilander8
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 5:13 pm: | |
like an old Yamaha!
I usually play the Dove at those events. It is the DCG. But I had just got the EP and wanted to show it off. I really wasn't that rough on it, but when I play, I tend to rub my pinky in that area. The finish really is quite fragile. Ibanez says that's what makes it special. The stick on guard solves the problem. One other thing. Both cases I've had stink like a skunk. Anyone else have this pblm?
Also J.C., Yamahas aren't indestructable, it's just that nobody gives a s*#t. } |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 11:38 pm: | |
It arrived this afternoon!!! ...and it was still in tune!!!
...and the winning serial number is... 0084!
Evidently abused by a different moron.
Nope... no skunky cases here. (but my smeller sux)
I'd take care of that Dove too. It's appreciating quite nicely.
My whole point was to use a guitar that you DON'T give a $#!+ about (hence the Yamamama reference). |
Hilander8
Username: Hilander8
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 22, 2006 - 11:59 pm: | |
Evidently abused by a different moron.
Evidently. Hard to believe there's two of us, and we spell our middle name the same!
I'm sure mine was 0012. The nicks in the surface are almost identical, but I don't remember all the other bruising around the flaked off finish.
It's an Ibanez Dove, not a Gibson. (I wish!)
Sorry I missed the point on the Yammy, but our heads were in the same space.
Congrats on another EP.
When I have more time, I'd like to ask you some questions about the electronics. Good sounding, but I'm finding them a bit of an ••• pain regarding the tuner and batteries. |
Jmaysen
Username: Jmaysen
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, November 23, 2006 - 12:27 pm: | |
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220052662236
Here's number 85!
This one is minty mint. i don't think I'll be getting anymore anytime soon, so bid on! |
Hilander8
Username: Hilander8
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 12:26 pm: | |
Found my first bill of sale on the damaged EP9, and it was 0082. The damage looked almost identical.
My new one is 0091. I haven't had any finish problems or electronics problems with it. |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 10:13 pm: | |
Hmmmmm... 0082 & 0084 had the same problem in the same area? ...AND your dealer actually swapped it out for you?
How much you wanna bet, that 0083 had the same problem? ...Hmmmmmm
Mine's been ZERO problems, with no pickguard, and I really don't baby it.
BTW... the guy I bought it for slapped a cheap tortoise pickguard on it & loves it. He loves it & plays it so much that his playing is improving... a LOT!
How about your ***pain tuner & battery problems?
JC |
Pete
Username: Pete
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, February 08, 2007 - 6:30 pm: | |
I had an EP9 , looked at 3. All had problems . I loved the way it played and love the onboard Aura system , but at $1150 street (Price I paid at GC) it should be perfect and it looked like it was made by beginner luthiers it had so many defects.
Here's my guitar and experience.
http://www.ibanez.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5336&PN=1
http://www.ibanez.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5308&PN=1 |
Johns
Username: Johns
Registered: 02-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 09, 2007 - 11:40 am: | |
Pete:
Sorry to hear about your problems with the EP9s.
Are you the same Pete that's looking for a 2622 EQ? |
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 09, 2007 - 2:22 pm: | |
I just played one today at GC in Langhorne and was not impressed with it. I think it should be in the $400.00 range. |
Pete
Username: Pete
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Friday, February 09, 2007 - 5:58 pm: | |
Johns says Pete:
Sorry to hear about your problems with the EP9s.
Are you the same Pete that's looking for a 2622 EQ?
--------------------
Yes that's me. I'd like to find a mint one if you know where I might.
Mine was stolen 15 years back.  |
Pete
Username: Pete
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Friday, February 09, 2007 - 6:04 pm: | |
Ibanezfreak1960 ... I don't know that I'd go that far , but I agree . Every one of them I looked at was very poor quality build.
1 of them was almost unplayable it buzzed so badly all over the fret board.
The fact of it is , Ibanez can and should be building these to a much higher standard. The links I posted show numerous photos of mine before returning it ... I wanted to like this guitar badly , but could not come to terms with all the defects and poor workmanship.
The sum of it's parts should be fantastic , but give the job of building these to a new inexperienced crew and you have a bunch of high quality parts that just don't produce.
I sent my concerns to Ibanez via Email who have yet to respond. |
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 09, 2007 - 11:22 pm: | |
Pete If I offered this for 400 I would decline! |
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 8:47 am: | |
All I can say is I played it and did not like the way it felt. The frets felt cheap and the construction was not very good. For 1150.00 there are much better choices out there even in the Ibanez catalog. You could spend less and surpass the quality. I thought the earlier Vai acoustics were better. Vine or no vine I wouldn't buy it. |
Jeffsailor
Username: Jeffsailor
Registered: 01-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 9:33 am: | |
Freak,
I couldn't agree more. I played that same EP9 that you're describing and wasn't impressed at all. I own a 7, but was never thrilled with the shape of the body on that guitar, with the upper bought being way too large. They did a nice job designing the ep9, but they missed the mark on quality, especially at that price range. Of course, that is only one example. Maybe that one just happens to be a lemon.
If you want to spend that kind of money on an Ibanez, try the AEF100. It has the same Aura system and is (IMO) a much better guitar for about $200 less (street price). I personally love the smaller AEF body style. And if you really want to save a few bucks and still get a nice Ibanez acoustic, I recommend the AEL50. You can land one for about 350 US new on fleabay. I think its a fantastic guitar for the price (and it has a vine). I'm still in the market for the 12 string version which isn't available in the states.
BTW Freak, did you get a chance to play the Ovation Collector's Koa at GC? They dropped the price a few weeks ago and I've been avoiding the place ever since because I have a feeling I won't walk out of there without it
js |
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 9:41 am: | |
Yes I played that yesterday and fell in love with it. That would be a much better choice for the price. |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, February 11, 2007 - 2:29 pm: | |
Mine was an earlier one (bought in early May 06). I haven't seen ANY of these issues, as described here lately.
Guess I got lucky & got mine before demand & production #s got ramped up.
Ovation, Jeff? You must be kidding. |
Hrhoades
Username: Hrhoades
Registered: 7-2007
| | Posted on Monday, July 30, 2007 - 12:05 am: | |
Anybody know anything about a Steve Vai Euphoria, Model EP5NA? It looks just like a EP9 but has a slotted peg head, nylon strings, and a Classical bridge. |
Hrhoades
Username: Hrhoades
Registered: 7-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2007 - 6:09 pm: | |
Here's a pic of a guitAr like mine  |
Artfield
Username: Artfield
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2007 - 7:16 pm: | |
Nice photo, but i'm sure this guitar is especially made for Steve. Never saw this model in a catalog.
Where did you got this Part number(Model EP5NA)from ? |
Hrhoades
Username: Hrhoades
Registered: 7-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2007 - 8:31 pm: | |
On the label inside the guitar. The complete number reads EP5NA-RYL. Again there is no serial number. Comparing mine to to one in the picture(I'm certain they're not the same guitar) - the one pictured has a bolder grain pattern on the upper bout and inside the cutout, the vine inlay on mine has an amber stem with more whitish/silver leaves. I'm thinking these were some NAMM prototypes that never made it into the catalog/production. I've got an email into Ibanez but I'm not too hopeful I'll get an answer. A Google search came up with this photo only. Strange!! |
Chazmo
Username: Chazmo
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2007 - 8:39 pm: | |
That's very cool, Hrhoades. Nice picture of Mr. Vai. So, hey, the slotted peghead seems like a natural fit for a guitar of this size, and the colorful vine is wicked cool. You should post a picture of yours. EP5, eh?? Do you have a serial number? Maybe it pre-dates the EP9. |
Hrhoades
Username: Hrhoades
Registered: 7-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, August 09, 2007 - 12:54 pm: | |
I'll post a couple of pictures as soon as I can. As I stated earlier, the guitar has no serial number on the label, just the model number typed on. I can't figure out what kind of wood the body is made of either - the top back and sides are all the same. I've looked around a bit on the inside of the guitar and have no found a serial number yet. The photo is from some website of Vai's. |