More than a "fatal flaw" I would call this a "minor inconvenience that only occurs on the rare occasion when I need to fiddle with the tone control while playing", maybe it's because I have very slim fingers but I never considered this a problem
Yeah as an SG owner I was surprised that this was the fatal flaw. That being said, I would prefer the pickup switch up on the horn like some Ernie balls have. This guitar still looks killer in white.
I find it hard to believe one would still be in the way, if you were to route it through the strap. All SGs have a similar layout. This really seems like more of a way to generate views than anything else.
@@solomonsanchez79 All you'd have to do is get one and make a video with a right angle cable. The height of the cable isn't the issue. It's the space between the input jack and the tone knob. Anything you plug in is going to hinder your ability to reach the controls.
First of all, a reissue is not going to be a replication. If you want a '58 Epiphone, you have to find one and buy it. Sorry, that's life. Reissues are meant to be slightly tweaked and updated. Second of all... "Completely different design"? What are you talking about? Do you really think that relocating the cable jack to the side would be a bigger departure from the original models than the tweaks and updates they've already made? That's asinine.
The controls are different on the various years. Some (1958, 1963) had a crescent layout, while others like the 1959 and 1964, and this re-issue, had the controls in a diamond shape.
I bought one of these a couple weeks ago. I've got about 30 guitars, most of them over a grand or two in price. This is now my go-to guitar. Gigging 3-4 nights a week, this guitar is first in the lineup. Pros: the tones are killer. Full but chimey. It plays really well. Mine has low action, no buzz, and the frets are smooth. It looks cool. It's not my sexiest guitar, but it does look retro cool. It is fairly light weight. I don't mess with my trem or control knobs during shows. I just swing the arm back, and leave the knobs at 10. My only problem was the strap pin location. I moved it to the horn because the neck dive was atrocious. Now it's badass. Most importantly! I'm a Floridian, and the humidity and sweat have my strings rusting and breaking too often usually. My strings last about a show and that's it. I've used the Crestwood 5 shows in a row with the same strings. I think those plastic saddles are the answer. 9/10 for me, 9.5/10 after moving the strap pin
I have a 2012 Crestwood - the 1962 Reissue. You have a lot of good points and I appreciate your video (which didn't really outline the guitar's strengths) and opinions, but I think your conclusion was a bit harsh. I had the same objections when I first received my guitar, and more. A right angle connector and reattaching the bar through the third hole on the bar really helped me start to find the love. I replaced the pots with CTS as mine were problematic to say the least. When I got into a cover band in 2017 (mostly alternative and classic rock) this became my go-to guitar because I could use it to achieve all the tones I needed. This is the area you didn't cover in your video: Sustain all day long with beautiful mini-humbuckers that had drive. Chime and bite when you need it and could take the middle ground between PAF, P-90, Strat or Tele pickups. Lightweight enough to play the whole gig without fatigue. Access all the way up the neck. My 2012 has more of a slim-taper D (although a bit chunky for that description) making it fast enough for my needs. My verdict: If you can get past it's 1950s ergonomic flaws, this might be the most versatile workhorse in your collection.
I bypassed the tremolo by stringing it like a stopbar tailpiece, and I removed the trem arm. This increases string angle at the bridge (more downforce) so sustain increases dramatically. The bass strings become a lot more present, and the whole guitar vibrates more. Also the controls are much more accesible with the trem arm removed!
I agree about the control layout. It’s bad but not devastating to the experience. When I got mine I ordered some “chicken head” tone and volume knobs, which definitely opened up accessibility. I think if I wanted I could find even smaller knobs I bet. By doing this I don’t think it takes it off the “con” part of the list but it definitely helps.
This might sound weird but i actually love that trem there, its so large and sturdy i can kinda just rest part of my hand on it and have some fingers underneath it. I have really learned to love pulling up on it, not pushing down, along with any bends or even instead of a bend sometimes, and from there i have no problems getting to any knobs or switch.. on my stratocaster i was using before i never even used the bar, isn't even on the guitar... idk im not an expert or amazing guitar player but i love it :)
I played one and had the same impression about the term bar...it was in the way of my playing. Can you remove the term bar and just play without it? Thanks
I've owned one of these for 8 years now (the original "1962 reissue" run) and never had a problem with the control layout or the location of the trem arm. As others suggested, I've just always used the angled guitar cables - did you ever make the switch? Did the different cable solve the problem you were having?
I'm a jazz snob. I play vintage epiphones with floating pickups. But I play all kinds of other stuff for fun too, and I picked up a Crestwood in a guitar store and never looked back. I immediately wanted it. And in an "am I crazy" moment, I played, like, every other guitar in the store; all their Tele's Les Pauls, Strats etc. I LOVE this thing. It just makes me play like a teenager again. It's super musical, and kind of unique. Sounds great clean and screaming. And it's light. And it has a whammy...
i love this guitar and i’m not too worried about the knobs but i was a bit worried because it’s so lightweight whether the headstock just dips. with SGs i feel like you end up with more weight in the headstock than in the body and you end up supporting a lot of weight in your left hand rather than your shoulder. does anyone know if this is the case with the crestwood?
Thanks for such a thorough and honest review. The fatal flaw doesn’t deter me from wanting to buy one as much as I thought it might. I have a habit of playing with tone and pickup switches a lot when jamming. Perhaps this guitar will encourage me to pick a tonal setting when I start to jam and just concentrate on playing instead of fiddling w controls.
I guess it is what it is if they got it wrong the first time. It should have the setup of the wildkat and a side output jack with toggle switch on upper bout. What's your opinion on epiphone rereleasing a et-270? Think it'll ever happen?
Very good point, if you're a player who is constantly rolling off the volume and tone for a combination of sounds as you're playing your set then it gets in the way. Big shame because the Epiphones have become incredible guitars in their own right over the years. My son plays an Epiphone Wiltshire alongside his Gibson Les Paul for different songs when it's needed and it basically very similar to the Crestwood, BUT the layout of the Wiltshire (Frank Iero Model) is a lot more practical for tone changes. If you play with the controls flat out (as a lot do) then the only thing that would be obscured would be the selector switch, but you have a very valid point.
I don't fiddle with the controls too much when I'm playing. But even for someone like me, I found it annoying to the point that I didn't want to play it.
Umm…set your tones and rock! I just ordered this guitar today and I can’t wait till it comes in! The “fatal flaw” isn’t much of a problem for me because I play blues and rock, I don’t play like Tom Morrello. I personally liked your playing, it was nice to see someone with a lot of subscribers that is real and isn’t all fancy on guitar. But you’re still great. Half the time when I watch guitar videos, I end up feeling like $hit because I’m not nearly as good as the person I’m watching. But you actually made me feel like I could start my own UA-cam channel. That’s a whole new level of Gear Acquisition Syndrome!!! 😂 Thanks for the video!
Greetings! You could try a cord with a 90 degree angle plug, which would clear up a few obstacles, just like someone else suggested in the comments. I have a 1957 Epiphone Olympic model that shares the same body style but has a different headstock that is angled, similarly like a Telecaster or Stratocaster. It originally only had one pickup and one set of volume and tone knobs. I am in the process of rebuilding it now, but when it was working before I took it apart, it played and sounded great. I haven’t decided whether to fully restore the Olympic, or to add some custom features, but it will play again in the near future. Thank you for posting this video! Please have an excellent and awesome day! 🙂
@@guitarmovies I always get open box deals, save a few bucks here and there. Being musicians friend/guitar center they might not even consider it open box. I bought a "new les paul jr" from GC when it came in it was in an aftermarket cheapo bag and scratched up pretty bad. i immediately asked for refund, which they complied with. lol. they consider shop wear still as new. i consider new , as new in box.
Their make other big mistake. The ground cable is conected in the bridge, but their put "graph tech" sadles, then the ground lift dont work and the guitar have a constant "hum" noise.
Hey man, first time viewer. I owned a 1963 Epiphone Crestwood Custom back in the late 80s. Liked it OK but not crazy about ir. Both the first reissue in 2014 or so and loved it. had to sell. bought another one a few years ago and love it also. never noticed the problem you described. It is a great sounding and playing guitar and records well, lightweight, easy to get around. it's a keeper and a solid A+ for me.
Anyone know what strings/ size come on the Crestwood Custom? Love my Crestwood. I wouldn’t change anything. I got it interested in one because many cool features like the pickguard the Kalamazoo headstock design, the wood tailpiece. When I played it, I was sold on a mini Humbuckers and short design. Captain Kirk Douglas of The Roots has a 50s vintage one that Prince borrowed, and then slammed it on stage while performing on the Jimmy Fallon show. Google the story if you haven’t heard it yet, Captain Kirk tells the story and all of the heartbreaking details. My only fatal flaw is I don’t know what strings to put back on it and the ones I have now are dead lol.
@@freddiebowers1125 So cool. I don't have a Crestwood yet, but considering one. My favorite now is a PRS S2 Standard, got it for $500 pristine and it is a sweet candy playing it. Keep rocking!
@@saby5075 Yeah, I did put D’Addario nickel wound 11s. They been just fine, very pleased with them. That’s what I use on my Gretsch. Might consider 10s on the Gretsch next go around. The Crestwood is possibly my favorite guitar! Thanks for your input 🙏
@@saby5075 yeah, you did good on that guitar for sure! Love PBS almost bought the PE 20 Custom but I went back and they sold it and didn’t have another one. Not long after that I bought the Crestwood.
I had the Wilshire, same layout and trem. It's fatal flaw was not enough break angle over the bridge. It was too easy to pop strings out of the rollers on hard bends. The trem design required more neck set angle, at least another degree or two. Fortunately I'm both a luthier and machinist. I put the guitar up on a milling machine and milled a pocket under the tailpiece to lower it about 3/32" to get that good break angle. At the same time, this allowed me to lower the bridge to get the action down where I like it. It plays great now.
Man, love the design of this guitar. Hate to agree with you! I do like how the Tamio Okuda Coronet elitists model fixes those issues. The toggle switch feels like were a Tele should be and the knobs are arrange in a diamond shape.
Only way to solve the problem is to play that guitar more and more. With time your hands and reflexes will automatically adjust to it. Trust me, cause I play a strat upside down which I myself have converted into a left handed one. At first, my hand going over the knobs felt somewhat strange. With time, now staying away from knobs comes naturally and same for adjusting them while playing. Whammy bar problem never arises with me cause no knobs were at the bottom to interfere with it 😁.
I picked up a "de-pickuped" reissue Wilshire 2nd hand a few years ago and redid the electronics MY way, cutting a new pickguard, and installing a pair of Duncan P-Rails. Much like the Crestwood reissue, though for slightly different reasons, I also found the layout of the controls awkward and difficult to use, and the control knobs ugly as sin. Instead of the toggle switch and dual volume/tone controls, I installed what one might call a Telecaster set of electronics: 3-position knife switch and master volume and tone. I added 3-position mini-toggles to enable each of the 3 distinct voices available in the P-Rail, one switch for each pickup. I place the volume knob where I could reach it, for "pinky swells", and installed a bi-directional tone control (a different rolloff in each direction from the mid-point). It's now a much better instrument. i.imgur.com/UJ1oJq7.jpg
I can't believe in 2021 a guitar player never heard of an 90 degree 1/4 inch input jack "(angled jack before)" sacrilegious. The guitar is for players like me who thinks it's perfect. Every guitar cannot be the same.
@@guitarmovies one of those pancake plugs that were super common in the 60-70’s would allow the bar to swing all the way back, as far as the knob placement, unless you have your strap like the early Beetles 90% of them are practically unreachable, I glued a plastic bone to it so I could reach the volume knob on my Les Paul Custom.
I played one of these at work today and u kibda hated it. It sounds pretty good but it was super uncomfortable for me to play. I don't know anything about the history but on the surface it seems to be having an identity crisis. I don't enjoy the beck at all. The profile is not too great for me and it soooooo sticky
I love mine! I have the 50th anniversary (1962 reissue) from 2012 that came with a retro styled gray hard shell case and 50 year anniversary booklet. The only difference is the head stock on mine is the other Epiphone style. I am sure they play the same. Fun guitars! I love that Gibson doesn't make these. It makes them extra cool.
Personally, these new epiphones don’t really do it for me. The new Epiphone Les Pauls look delightful though, and the Prophecy series for the SG’s, Flying V’s and Explorers look FANTASTIC!! I would dig it if you reviewed one, since you’ve already done a V and an SG, doing an explorer would be sweet!! Maybe i’m biased though, I do love my explorers.
It's not the first guitar that's had that problem. I have a Rivolta Combinata XVII that is sort of the same, maybe not that bad. When I saw the title of your video I thought I knew what the flaw was because I heard of another flaw someone complained of when the anniversary edition was out a few years ago. The owner complained that because of the vibrato design there wasn't enough of a downward pitch behind the bridge and so strings were frequently popping out of their saddles if you picked too vigorously. That of course is not a unique problem either, because Fender Jazzmasters and Jaguars with threaded barrel saddles were famous for this. This could be easily fixed though, by switching the bridge out to a cheap Fender Mustang bridge or a more expensive Staytrem or Mastery bridge. If this is indeed a problem with the Crestwood I don't know what the solution would be.
Real men don't use tone knobs. Also: they make right angle cord jacks. I get it though. I've frankly never particularly liked the Gibson 4-knob layout on anything. My favorite SG is an old red Prophecy with one volume, one tone, and push-pull coil splitting. Still more tones than I'll likely ever use and much easier to navigate on the fly.
I mean, how often are you changing tone , volume etc? I basically never use any of those controls while actually playing. Unless you’re Tom Morello using a kill switch and playing the guitar like a Dj I really don’t see how this is even an issue. Definitely not a fatal flaw
Those guitar have always been more of a garage grunge band kind of guitar mor of turn everything on ten and go from there also get a right angle jack and then it wouldn’t be in the way of the trek arm (all of the above is my opinion)
Hate those fret markers. I have a 2014 Wilshire but unfortunately it doesn’t have the mini humbuckers. It has coil splitting humbuckers. It does have the bat wing head stock though, which I prefer the look of rather than the 3x3 head. It’s my number 2 guitar after my Jaguar hh. (Not the Kurt Cobain model)
I don’t know if I want the white one or red one I’m so conflicted ): and the neck joint scares me cause it looks like it would break easily, love the video mate!
Used to own the same guitar, when they did a limited run 8 years ago, the neck was more a flat D, and it's totally true - selector and knobs are completely blocked. That's one I wanted to like and keep, but no, it had to go.
Maybe they'll eventually release a stopbar version of the white one :) Maybe it's just me but that's the first Crestwood I've ever seen - owned by Captain Kirk, played and set aflight by Prince doing an epic version of Bambi on Fallon. That would solve half of the issues :)
I love the total look of this guitar. It seems like it would be a lot of fun adjusting playing style to accommodate for the layout in order to get what I want to get out of it. 😁 🎸🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
Oh my... I had much interest in this guitar but... You're right with the fatal flaw. I'm not even the kind of player who's reaching constantly the controls, but even not being that, I find it a terrible mistake in its design. Am I too crazy if I think that this guitar could have the controls in the opposite side of the body, like the left hand models have?
Try, it will change your mind even more if you say controls is not something you are tickling constantly while playing. They are amazing for the price.
It's funny a month ago you said this guitar didn't interest you yet you coughed up the big bucks and bought it after admitting you don't like the trem system in another video previewing these !? You are a funny little guy, I think im going to subscribe as you may turn out to be entertaining.
Barely a scratch, nothing fatal here. You do know you can get 90 degree ended cables, you can shorten the trem arm by using the other hole, put some smaller knobs or chicken heads on. Jeez Luiz guy.
More than a "fatal flaw" I would call this a "minor inconvenience that only occurs on the rare occasion when I need to fiddle with the tone control while playing", maybe it's because I have very slim fingers but I never considered this a problem
You just need an angled jack plug......just like if you use a Casino or SG!!!!!
Yeah as an SG owner I was surprised that this was the fatal flaw. That being said, I would prefer the pickup switch up on the horn like some Ernie balls have. This guitar still looks killer in white.
There might be a solution for your "Vol control" problem : Get an angled instrument cable .
I have one. It's still in the way.
This was the first thing I thought of when I skipped ahead to 6:10.
I find it hard to believe one would still be in the way, if you were to route it through the strap. All SGs have a similar layout. This really seems like more of a way to generate views than anything else.
@@solomonsanchez79 All you'd have to do is get one and make a video with a right angle cable. The height of the cable isn't the issue. It's the space between the input jack and the tone knob. Anything you plug in is going to hinder your ability to reach the controls.
Frank Zappa used that style of vibrato arm on his Roxy SG. He seemed to find it ok. It is even more cramped.
A bit frustrating but hardly fatal...
I knew never using knobs would pay off someday.
Agreed!
Me too, I never use them. I have a boost pedal and only go from loud to louder.😁
Hmm you’re right, Maybe they should reissue this 60 year old guitar with a completely different design.
😂😂
First of all, a reissue is not going to be a replication. If you want a '58 Epiphone, you have to find one and buy it. Sorry, that's life. Reissues are meant to be slightly tweaked and updated. Second of all... "Completely different design"? What are you talking about? Do you really think that relocating the cable jack to the side would be a bigger departure from the original models than the tweaks and updates they've already made? That's asinine.
I mean to be fair, that's what they do with everything else. It'd be interesting if they made a version with slight changes
@@rjminar1980 Aww, did I strike a nerve? Grow up chump.
The controls are different on the various years. Some (1958, 1963) had a crescent layout, while others like the 1959 and 1964, and this re-issue, had the controls in a diamond shape.
I bought one of these a couple weeks ago. I've got about 30 guitars, most of them over a grand or two in price. This is now my go-to guitar. Gigging 3-4 nights a week, this guitar is first in the lineup.
Pros: the tones are killer. Full but chimey.
It plays really well. Mine has low action, no buzz, and the frets are smooth.
It looks cool. It's not my sexiest guitar, but it does look retro cool.
It is fairly light weight.
I don't mess with my trem or control knobs during shows. I just swing the arm back, and leave the knobs at 10. My only problem was the strap pin location. I moved it to the horn because the neck dive was atrocious. Now it's badass.
Most importantly! I'm a Floridian, and the humidity and sweat have my strings rusting and breaking too often usually. My strings last about a show and that's it. I've used the Crestwood 5 shows in a row with the same strings. I think those plastic saddles are the answer. 9/10 for me, 9.5/10 after moving the strap pin
Outjerked again!!
Lol....so carefully placed in the garbage bin. 😂 You love this guitar!
Exactly what I was thinking.😅
If an inconvenient trem system is considered a fatal flaw then I hate to see how much more hair you'd lose trying to string a Floyd Rose
I have a Floyd Rose guitar. Love it.
Does it stay in tune? I had the original in the 70's and that was the only problem, keeping it in tune.
No problem for me as I never use tone controls....they always sound like you've put a blanket over the speaker.
I have a 2012 Crestwood - the 1962 Reissue. You have a lot of good points and I appreciate your video (which didn't really outline the guitar's strengths) and opinions, but I think your conclusion was a bit harsh.
I had the same objections when I first received my guitar, and more. A right angle connector and reattaching the bar through the third hole on the bar really helped me start to find the love. I replaced the pots with CTS as mine were problematic to say the least.
When I got into a cover band in 2017 (mostly alternative and classic rock) this became my go-to guitar because I could use it to achieve all the tones I needed. This is the area you didn't cover in your video: Sustain all day long with beautiful mini-humbuckers that had drive. Chime and bite when you need it and could take the middle ground between PAF, P-90, Strat or Tele pickups. Lightweight enough to play the whole gig without fatigue. Access all the way up the neck. My 2012 has more of a slim-taper D (although a bit chunky for that description) making it fast enough for my needs.
My verdict: If you can get past it's 1950s ergonomic flaws, this might be the most versatile workhorse in your collection.
I bypassed the tremolo by stringing it like a stopbar tailpiece, and I removed the trem arm.
This increases string angle at the bridge (more downforce) so sustain increases dramatically. The bass strings become a lot more present, and the whole guitar vibrates more.
Also the controls are much more accesible with the trem arm removed!
Now that’s what I’m talking about. , sure the bigsby looking arm is cool but I’m with you. The tail piece is still on though eh ?
@@benallmark9671 yeah, tailpiece is still on. The increased sustain is night and day!
I agree about the control layout. It’s bad but not devastating to the experience. When I got mine I ordered some “chicken head” tone and volume knobs, which definitely opened up accessibility. I think if I wanted I could find even smaller knobs I bet. By doing this I don’t think it takes it off the “con” part of the list but it definitely helps.
It may seem the controls are frustrating, sure. But... wouldn't be a Crestwood with the controls any other way. You could always return the guitar?
This guitar really has a great tone-pallet. So many unique yet usable sounds.
The control layout is just like an SG. It's not my favorite either but it's not huge deal.
I have no problems accessing the tone and volume knobs on my Crestwood Custom.
Well a 90 degree 1/4 " jack would help..... thanks for the video.
This might sound weird but i actually love that trem there, its so large and sturdy i can kinda just rest part of my hand on it and have some fingers underneath it. I have really learned to love pulling up on it, not pushing down, along with any bends or even instead of a bend sometimes, and from there i have no problems getting to any knobs or switch.. on my stratocaster i was using before i never even used the bar, isn't even on the guitar... idk im not an expert or amazing guitar player but i love it :)
That’s the great thing about guitars. One man’s No is another man’s yes. It’s a great guitar for a lot of people, and it sounds awesome.
@6:28 why not just use a 90° angle input guitar cable?
I don't mess with the controls just crank it all the way and set it on the bridge. Use a volume pedal and a DeArmond wah.
I played one and had the same impression about the term bar...it was in the way of my playing. Can you remove the term bar and just play without it? Thanks
I've owned one of these for 8 years now (the original "1962 reissue" run) and never had a problem with the control layout or the location of the trem arm. As others suggested, I've just always used the angled guitar cables - did you ever make the switch? Did the different cable solve the problem you were having?
I'm a jazz snob. I play vintage epiphones with floating pickups. But I play all kinds of other stuff for fun too, and I picked up a Crestwood in a guitar store and never looked back. I immediately wanted it. And in an "am I crazy" moment, I played, like, every other guitar in the store; all their Tele's Les Pauls, Strats etc. I LOVE this thing. It just makes me play like a teenager again. It's super musical, and kind of unique. Sounds great clean and screaming. And it's light. And it has a whammy...
Is the body all mahogany or multi-piece with veneers?
Where is that trash cam located? Same control layout as a Bigsby equipped SG. Maybe there is one of those in the trash can there too...
i love this guitar and i’m not too worried about the knobs but i was a bit worried because it’s so lightweight whether the headstock just dips. with SGs i feel like you end up with more weight in the headstock than in the body and you end up supporting a lot of weight in your left hand rather than your shoulder. does anyone know if this is the case with the crestwood?
No the Crestwood is great, best guitar I ever owned
It is a bit neck divey but not as bad as sg. Get a wider strap and you wont even feel it
I love my Crestwood, but the neck definitely does dip like an SG. Not QUITE as much, but it is definitely there.
I love that output. I always imagine a guitar cord poking out the top and pulled between the strap and body. Love it
Thanks for such a thorough and honest review. The fatal flaw doesn’t deter me from wanting to buy one as much as I thought it might. I have a habit of playing with tone and pickup switches a lot when jamming. Perhaps this guitar will encourage me to pick a tonal setting when I start to jam and just concentrate on playing instead of fiddling w controls.
I guess it is what it is if they got it wrong the first time. It should have the setup of the wildkat and a side output jack with toggle switch on upper bout. What's your opinion on epiphone rereleasing a et-270? Think it'll ever happen?
I'm in favor of the releasing more models for sure. It's fun, and nostalgia sells.
Very good point, if you're a player who is constantly rolling off the volume and tone for a combination of sounds as you're playing your set then it gets in the way. Big shame because the Epiphones have become incredible guitars in their own right over the years. My son plays an Epiphone Wiltshire alongside his Gibson Les Paul for different songs when it's needed and it basically very similar to the Crestwood, BUT the layout of the Wiltshire (Frank Iero Model) is a lot more practical for tone changes. If you play with the controls flat out (as a lot do) then the only thing that would be obscured would be the selector switch, but you have a very valid point.
I don't fiddle with the controls too much when I'm playing. But even for someone like me, I found it annoying to the point that I didn't want to play it.
A perfect Jack White Guitar: Create struggle intentionally to force yourself to work really hard.
Playing an easy guitar is a big enough struggle for me.
Umm…set your tones and rock! I just ordered this guitar today and I can’t wait till it comes in! The “fatal flaw” isn’t much of a problem for me because I play blues and rock, I don’t play like Tom Morrello. I personally liked your playing, it was nice to see someone with a lot of subscribers that is real and isn’t all fancy on guitar. But you’re still great. Half the time when I watch guitar videos, I end up feeling like $hit because I’m not nearly as good as the person I’m watching. But you actually made me feel like I could start my own UA-cam channel. That’s a whole new level of Gear Acquisition Syndrome!!! 😂 Thanks for the video!
Greetings!
You could try a cord with a 90 degree angle plug, which would clear up a few obstacles, just like someone else suggested in the comments. I have a 1957 Epiphone Olympic model that shares the same body style but has a different headstock that is angled, similarly like a Telecaster or Stratocaster. It originally only had one pickup and one set of volume and tone knobs. I am in the process of rebuilding it now, but when it was working before I took it apart, it played and sounded great. I haven’t decided whether to fully restore the Olympic, or to add some custom features, but it will play again in the near future.
Thank you for posting this video! Please have an excellent and awesome day! 🙂
Send it back . Let me know where you ordered it, so i can get an open box deal. I have other guitars with their idiosyncrasies.
Sent back today. Musicians Friend.
@@guitarmovies I always get open box deals, save a few bucks here and there. Being musicians friend/guitar center they might not even consider it open box. I bought a "new les paul jr" from GC when it came in it was in an aftermarket cheapo bag and scratched up pretty bad. i immediately asked for refund, which they complied with. lol. they consider shop wear still as new. i consider new , as new in box.
The control lay out on the 66' wishires are much better and is basically the same guitar with a different headstock.
Their make other big mistake. The ground cable is conected in the bridge, but their put "graph tech" sadles, then the ground lift dont work and the guitar have a constant "hum" noise.
Why don't you just get a 90-degree curve jack? Isn't that the purpose of it?
Maybe try using a right angle cable to plug into the guitar.
Hey man, first time viewer. I owned a 1963 Epiphone Crestwood Custom back in the late 80s. Liked it OK but not crazy about ir. Both the first reissue in 2014 or so and loved it. had to sell. bought another one a few years ago and love it also. never noticed the problem you described. It is a great sounding and playing guitar and records well, lightweight, easy to get around. it's a keeper and a solid A+ for me.
It's a great guitar. Most of the video is me talking about how much I like it. And it sounds awesome. I can see why a lot of people like it.
The way you put your guitar inside a thrash bin made me think you were about to cover it with a blanket and give it a warm cup of cocoa.
Anyone know what strings/ size come on the Crestwood Custom? Love my Crestwood. I wouldn’t change anything. I got it interested in one because many cool features like the pickguard the Kalamazoo headstock design, the wood tailpiece. When I played it, I was sold on a mini Humbuckers and short design. Captain Kirk Douglas of The Roots has a 50s vintage one that Prince borrowed, and then slammed it on stage while performing on the Jimmy Fallon show. Google the story if you haven’t heard it yet, Captain Kirk tells the story and all of the heartbreaking details. My only fatal flaw is I don’t know what strings to put back on it and the ones I have now are dead lol.
10-46..don't know the brand , but, coming from China, I bet a D'addario, Ernie Ball or so, would just make it similar if not better.
@@freddiebowers1125 So cool. I don't have a Crestwood yet, but considering one. My favorite now is a PRS S2 Standard, got it for $500 pristine and it is a sweet candy playing it. Keep rocking!
@@saby5075 Yeah, I did put D’Addario nickel wound 11s. They been just fine, very pleased with them. That’s what I use on my Gretsch. Might consider 10s on the Gretsch next go around. The Crestwood is possibly my favorite guitar! Thanks for your input 🙏
@@saby5075 yeah, you did good on that guitar for sure! Love PBS almost bought the PE 20 Custom but I went back and they sold it and didn’t have another one. Not long after that I bought the Crestwood.
Place it very carefully into the bin and shut the lid very gently !
Shoulda did a Pete Townshend first and then take the 3-pointer with it into the bin... 😁
Yeah. Lame AF...
@@tree267 it's all in good fun
I had the Wilshire, same layout and trem. It's fatal flaw was not enough break angle over the bridge. It was too easy to pop strings out of the rollers on hard bends. The trem design required more neck set angle, at least another degree or two. Fortunately I'm both a luthier and machinist. I put the guitar up on a milling machine and milled a pocket under the tailpiece to lower it about 3/32" to get that good break angle. At the same time, this allowed me to lower the bridge to get the action down where I like it.
It plays great now.
I have an SG with a maestro. Same control layout. Not. An. Issue. You get used to it in about 30 seconds.
Man, love the design of this guitar. Hate to agree with you! I do like how the Tamio Okuda Coronet elitists model fixes those issues. The toggle switch feels like were a Tele should be and the knobs are arrange in a diamond shape.
cant you just use an angled cable??
Maybe get an angled Jack ?
Only way to solve the problem is to play that guitar more and more. With time your hands and reflexes will automatically adjust to it. Trust me, cause I play a strat upside down which I myself have converted into a left handed one. At first, my hand going over the knobs felt somewhat strange. With time, now staying away from knobs comes naturally and same for adjusting them while playing. Whammy bar problem never arises with me cause no knobs were at the bottom to interfere with it 😁.
You’re 2020 Jimi Hendrix!
@@guitarmovies 😂 Thanks!! But I can only wish that was true 😁.
True, but I wouldn't want to work that hard to connect with a $400 guitar.
@@Matt-1d me neither
Vintage Crestwood is exactly the same. They're not a 400$ guitar. Big names used them over the years. MC5??
I picked up a "de-pickuped" reissue Wilshire 2nd hand a few years ago and redid the electronics MY way, cutting a new pickguard, and installing a pair of Duncan P-Rails. Much like the Crestwood reissue, though for slightly different reasons, I also found the layout of the controls awkward and difficult to use, and the control knobs ugly as sin. Instead of the toggle switch and dual volume/tone controls, I installed what one might call a Telecaster set of electronics: 3-position knife switch and master volume and tone. I added 3-position mini-toggles to enable each of the 3 distinct voices available in the P-Rail, one switch for each pickup. I place the volume knob where I could reach it, for "pinky swells", and installed a bi-directional tone control (a different rolloff in each direction from the mid-point). It's now a much better instrument. i.imgur.com/UJ1oJq7.jpg
That looks awesome!!
@@guitarmovies Thanks. It has gobs of tonal flexibility. The color is actually stock. I only changed the electronics and pickguard.
I can't believe in 2021 a guitar player never heard of an 90 degree 1/4 inch input jack "(angled jack before)" sacrilegious.
The guitar is for players like me who thinks it's perfect.
Every guitar cannot be the same.
😂😂
What about a right angle in put jack? Problem solved.
Too bad no one makes a right angle plug...
Too bad that doesn't solve the problem. Thanks for playing, though.
@@guitarmovies one of those pancake plugs that were super common in the 60-70’s would allow the bar to swing all the way back, as far as the knob placement, unless you have your strap like the early Beetles 90% of them are practically unreachable, I glued a plastic bone to it so I could reach the volume knob on my Les Paul Custom.
Bro can u tell me where u love so I can grab all the guitars your throw away
1600 Pennsylvania Ave
I played one of these at work today and u kibda hated it. It sounds pretty good but it was super uncomfortable for me to play. I don't know anything about the history but on the surface it seems to be having an identity crisis. I don't enjoy the beck at all. The profile is not too great for me and it soooooo sticky
Get a right angle cable and grow up it’s a 60+ year design you want ergonomics look elsewhere.
You seem smart
@@guitarmovies is that your idea of a cutting comeback?
Just get a 90° cable?
maybe thoses jimi hendrix signature jack cables help you?
Might be interesting to try chopping off the trem arm, ala Dave Gilmore?
I love mine! I have the 50th anniversary (1962 reissue) from 2012 that came with a retro styled gray hard shell case and 50 year anniversary booklet. The only difference is the head stock on mine is the other Epiphone style. I am sure they play the same. Fun guitars! I love that Gibson doesn't make these. It makes them extra cool.
They sound awesome. I know I made a jokey intro about it, but it's a great guitar.
@@guitarmovies I really enjoyed the video and the opening thing was good humor.
Personally, these new epiphones don’t really do it for me. The new Epiphone Les Pauls look delightful though, and the Prophecy series for the SG’s, Flying V’s and Explorers look FANTASTIC!! I would dig it if you reviewed one, since you’ve already done a V and an SG, doing an explorer would be sweet!! Maybe i’m biased though, I do love my explorers.
The Prophecy line looks so good. I’d love to try one.
the flaws are non rock n roll first world prima donna problems, the rest of the guitar rocks....
Everything's going to be ok
solution....use a cable with a right angle connector...I realize that gets expensive but that should help
It's not the first guitar that's had that problem. I have a Rivolta Combinata XVII that is sort of the same, maybe not that bad. When I saw the title of your video I thought I knew what the flaw was because I heard of another flaw someone complained of when the anniversary edition was out a few years ago. The owner complained that because of the vibrato design there wasn't enough of a downward pitch behind the bridge and so strings were frequently popping out of their saddles if you picked too vigorously. That of course is not a unique problem either, because Fender Jazzmasters and Jaguars with threaded barrel saddles were famous for this. This could be easily fixed though, by switching the bridge out to a cheap Fender Mustang bridge or a more expensive Staytrem or Mastery bridge. If this is indeed a problem with the Crestwood I don't know what the solution would be.
Angled jack plug and time to get used to it. It’s a cool looking authentic Epiphone! At $600.00 it’s a bargain!
I demand every guitar I play have a volume knob about an inch below the bridge pickup, no higher, no lower.
Reverse psychology is a powerful skill. Subscribed.
Real men don't use tone knobs. Also: they make right angle cord jacks.
I get it though. I've frankly never particularly liked the Gibson 4-knob layout on anything. My favorite SG is an old red Prophecy with one volume, one tone, and push-pull coil splitting. Still more tones than I'll likely ever use and much easier to navigate on the fly.
I mean, how often are you changing tone , volume etc?
I basically never use any of those controls while actually playing.
Unless you’re Tom Morello using a kill switch and playing the guitar like a Dj I really don’t see how this is even an issue. Definitely not a fatal flaw
Those guitar have always been more of a garage grunge band kind of guitar mor of turn everything on ten and go from there also get a right angle jack and then it wouldn’t be in the way of the trek arm (all of the above is my opinion)
Hate those fret markers. I have a 2014 Wilshire but unfortunately it doesn’t have the mini humbuckers. It has coil splitting humbuckers. It does have the bat wing head stock though, which I prefer the look of rather than the 3x3 head. It’s my number 2 guitar after my Jaguar hh. (Not the Kurt Cobain model)
felt bad for the poor lil Guy been thrown in the Garbage
Epiphones will always deserve infinite times better
especially this cool SG Styled
That layout would drive me nuts, but mini humbuckers are total sleepers. Oh, and reverb and delay should be mandatory in a review.
Love the mini humbuckers
Angled jack plug no brainer……what are you thinking?
i bought this guitar and it rocks, don't let this video dissuade you if you think you like it
90 degree jack would work… wouldn’t it?
those angled -L shaped cables would help with the flaw
The argument that the tremolo arm interferes with the grip on the potentiometers can be used on almost any guitar with a tremolo. So why here?
i like how carefully and gingerly he placed it in the trash
Me too
I don’t know if I want the white one or red one I’m so conflicted ): and the neck joint scares me cause it looks like it would break easily, love the video mate!
Did u get one 😄😄😄
Every bigsby guitar I've played had that issue in no a fan
Used to own the same guitar, when they did a limited run 8 years ago, the neck was more a flat D, and it's totally true - selector and knobs are completely blocked. That's one I wanted to like and keep, but no, it had to go.
Love your videos bud!!!
I like the cutaway
i'm about to trade my squire thinline tele for one of these, I have a strat of higher quality and anything I want my tele to do the strat does better.
First view, first comment. Life is coming up Milhouse
You win!
@@guitarmovies I guess that means I own everything.
I'm the king now.
(dabs)
Maybe they'll eventually release a stopbar version of the white one :) Maybe it's just me but that's the first Crestwood I've ever seen - owned by Captain Kirk, played and set aflight by Prince doing an epic version of Bambi on Fallon.
That would solve half of the issues :)
I love the total look of this guitar. It seems like it would be a lot of fun adjusting playing style to accommodate for the layout in order to get what I want to get out of it. 😁 🎸🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
I agree, but the Tremotone design is wonderful. Kkkk
The clean tones resemble a Fender Jaguar to me.
Take the Term arm off.... Arghhh just click bait!
OMG are you ok?!!
Try the wilshire instead. Fixes all the problems
Oh my... I had much interest in this guitar but... You're right with the fatal flaw.
I'm not even the kind of player who's reaching constantly the controls, but even not being that, I find it a terrible mistake in its design.
Am I too crazy if I think that this guitar could have the controls in the opposite side of the body, like the left hand models have?
Try, it will change your mind even more if you say controls is not something you are tickling constantly while playing. They are amazing for the price.
Really...the output jack and control layout kill the guitar for you? Improvise, adapt and overcome. No sniveling allowed.
😂😂
It's funny a month ago you said this guitar didn't interest you yet you coughed up the big bucks and bought it after admitting you don't like the trem system in another video previewing these !?
You are a funny little guy, I think im going to subscribe as you may turn out to be entertaining.
No thanks
Thanks for the review. I was looking at this guitar... Not anymore. :)
It’s a great guitar. Just not for me.
Dime the tone and volume and let that fucker fly!
Barely a scratch, nothing fatal here. You do know you can get 90 degree ended cables, you can shorten the trem arm by using the other hole, put some smaller knobs or chicken heads on. Jeez Luiz guy.
If you don’t use the tremolo just take the bar off. It’s one screw.