Epiphone Emperor Regent - Why so little love?

**rsclosson** · 08-17-2014, 06:30 PM

I have noticed a lot of negativity on this forum regarding the Emperor Regent.

What prompted my search was the opportinity I had to play one this past week. I had trouble putting it down, it felt and sounded so nice.

It is a 1996 made by Peerless blonde. Excellent condition and nicely aged finish.

Based on what I read here, I did look inside and, sure enough, the neck block was indeed plywood, maybe a little disconcerting but I am not convinced that it is a deal breaker.

Had I not just gotten the Ibanez AFJ 91, I would have probably snagged it right up. Still thinking about it. Is there something wrong with me?

**GNAPPI** · 08-17-2014, 06:50 PM

Dunno about them, I played one recently for a bit and it felt REALLY heavy! That put me off immediately

**vinlander** · 08-17-2014, 07:20 PM

Mine is a 2003 Peerless heavily modified over the years that gets plenty of love; you can see it in my profile album.
It has the best neck I have ever played and a very low action with 14-56 flats.
The neck block being plywood is absolutely not a sign it is a bad guitar, I actually quite like its acoustic tone.
At 6.25 pounds (despite the heavier Tailpiece, the Floating TOM, the routed pickup and electronic) is not what I consider heavy for me.
Years of playing a Les Paul might have helped

**rsclosson** · 08-17-2014, 07:31 PM

I have played lighter guitars, but I have also played much heavier. This one was very alive and resonant but also had a very confidence inspiring solidness (is that a word?) that I love. The neck was smaller than I usually prefer but felt fantastic. Dead flat action that was very low but not a dead spot to be found.

The only thing I would consider changing is the pickup. However, the stock one isn't really bad.

**vinlander** · 08-17-2014, 07:55 PM

In my case as much as I like its acoustic tone, I was less excited by its electric tone.
It sounded more like a flat top and not the dark and fat Gibson like tone I dig.
Was too bright on top strings and woofy on the bass no matter what...
I like big strings and much tension and did not want to go smaller...
I did try some different floating pickups even a Bartolini 5J, but never was satisfied and decided to route a humbucker in the top.
Lately I changed for a single coil VV HCC and now I must say it gets even more plugged in play time !

**pubylakeg** · 08-18-2014, 07:47 AM

I actually came across this clip yesterday. I'd only ever seen this guy play a (real) D'Aquisto previously, so I was quite surprised to see him with an Epi. Unfortunately there's quite a lot of hot air from the guy commentating on the clip, but the music soundtrack seems well recorded. I'd maybe say that his tone here might demonstrate some of the differences between this and a higher spec instrument, particularly the sound of his 1st & 2nd strings.

**pubylakeg** · 08-18-2014, 02:18 PM

I actually had one of these Epi Regents, back in the 90's. If I had to describe it's acoustic tone, I'd compare it to shaking a bucket full of marbles. I returned it to the dealer. It was probably a dud.

My only intention in mentioning that is just to point out that certain guitars are built with more consideration to their acoustic properties.

**Chazmo** · 08-18-2014, 08:23 PM

Over the years, I have played several Emperor Regents and gotten what I thought was a great tone. The Korean versions at least, are built and play very well. The timing was never just right for me to buy one, but if I ran across a deal when I was in the market, I would get one.

It is interesting that there are always a lot of comments about guitars with floating pickups not sounding fat enough--not like an ES175 or and L-5CES for example. They never will. They are meant to have more of an acoustic tone. To some, that means more like a flattop. If one wants the L-5 sound on a budget, one can get an Epi Broadway. It is basically the same guitar as the Emperor Regent, but with set in pickups.

**rsclosson** · 08-18-2014, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by Chazmo

Over the years, I have played several Emperor Regents and gotten what I thought was a great tone. The Korean versions at least, are built and play very well. The timing was never just right for me to buy one, but if I ran across a deal when I was in the market, I would get one.

It is interesting that there are always a lot of comments about guitars with floating pickups not sounding fat enough--not like an ES175 or and L-5CES for example. They never will. They are meant to have more of an acoustic tone. To some, that means more like a flattop. If one wants the L-5 sound on a budget, one can get an Epi Broadway. It is basically the same guitar as the Emperor Regent, but with set in pickups.

True. However, if I got this, there is the option of dropping something in. And I do have one to cover the 175 sound and feel. This one feels great to play and could have great potential. I would love a broadway or 175, especially if it only had one pickup. I have always considered 2 pickups on a straight ahead jazz guitar a little silly. (Of course ymmv)

**rsclosson** · 08-22-2014, 04:54 PM

Finally tried it through one of my own amps (Roland Cube 30) and am of the opinion that I do not need to do a thing. Maybe it's a fluke, but this one really sounds nice.

**SamBooka** · 08-22-2014, 06:17 PM

I have an emp reg.. I have had to tweak it a little since I got it...

Epiphone Emperor Regent - Why so little love?-img_2598-jpg

I like it.. it was my first "decent" (read playable) archtop. But the moment I tried it it felt "Korean" I don't know how to explain it better than that. Quality was good (a 99 Peerless) and no issues other than a dead spot on the Db (mostly at the 11th fret). I later "upgraded" to an ES 165 (again.. slightly modded) and it just feels like a better guitar.. again.. can explain it other than maybe Thick Poly vs Nitro.

The Epi is my couch/travel/living room guitar .. love it.. plays great with Labella Nylon wounds. But having played it exclusively (and enjoying it) for a couple of weeks while on vacation when I got home and pick up the 165 it was like ... ahhhhh... Like sitting in a Bentley after you have spent two weeks driving a Lexus (lol.. exaggeration but you get the drift)

Mods I did were mount 500k Lin pots on the top.. (.018mf cap).. Vintage Vibe CCRider PU (what a nightmare to get that in and look pretty at the same time) and a 3 ply pick guard that I made before vacation. Also a stewmac ebony bridge and I made replacement forks for the TP so I could use a greater variety of strings (but I have had such good luck with Labellas that I probably wont need to wander for a few years yet)

If I do any more work on the guitar in the next couple of years it will be new tuners.. the orginals work well and are very light (I hate heavy tuners.. glad to be rid of the Big Grovers on my 165) but otherwise this is a finished product

If someone asked me if I would recommend this guitar? Yes..if they are looking for a 17in archie under 700$ or want something with an uncut top so they can put in the pickup of their choice (which is why I took it over an EPI zep regent) . If it were stolen I don't know if I would replace it as I have a couple others I can use but short of having some sort of Zen meltdown and selling most of my stuff I don't see any reason to get rid of it.

I have spoken.

**JoshGuitar** · 08-22-2014, 06:54 PM

I really like my Regent, but it's been said before and I'll say it again, it doesn't sound like a 175, it's a floater, and will sound more acoustic, I think that's why it's a little bit overlooked when you see the offerings from Ibanez and co for similar prices that seem a little closer to the sound of a 175.

**rsclosson** · 08-23-2014, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by JoshGuitar

I really like my Regent, but it's been said before and I'll say it again, it doesn't sound like a 175, it's a floater, and will sound more acoustic, I think that's why it's a little bit overlooked when you see the offerings from Ibanez and co for similar prices that seem a little closer to the sound of a 175.

I keep hearing that but so far I am able to get mine very 175ish with a little tweaking of my amp. And if I want, I can add in some nice woody overtones. It is really more versatile than I imagined.

**vinlander** · 08-23-2014, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by rsclosson

I keep hearing that but so far I am able to get mine very 175ish with a little tweaking of my amp. And if I want, I can add in some nice woody overtones. It is really more versatile than I imagined.

If it plays well and is comfortable to you, it sounds like a good enough reason to get or keep that guitar to me

**rsclosson** · 11-28-2014, 04:03 PM

I just ordered a gold Finger tailpiece and a set of Grover Imperial style buttons for my Emperor. These are mostly cosmetic improvements, but for less than $100.00 it think it will be worth it. I might get a little better tone or performance from the tailpiece but it won't really matter.

The Emperor is my number one Jazz guitar and I think it has earned a little pampering. Pictures will follow when I am finished.

**SamBooka** · 11-28-2014, 05:28 PM

I dont want to plant anything in your head. You might notice a difference with the tailpiece. What I have noticed on that guitar is that the tuners are pretty light compared to grovers. You *might* notice the extra weight and change in tone. I went from heavy grover to lighter kluson's on my 165 and noticed the difference (and like the difference)

**drbhrb** · 11-28-2014, 08:03 PM

I played one for many years with a KA floater and a heavier d'angelico tailpiece. Sounds fantastic.

**DC Ron** · 12-15-2014, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by rsclosson

I just ordered a gold Finger tailpiece and a set of Grover Imperial style buttons for my Emperor. These are mostly cosmetic improvements, but for less than $100.00 it think it will be worth it. I might get a little better tone or performance from the tailpiece but it won't really matter.

The Emperor is my number one Jazz guitar and I think it has earned a little pampering. Pictures will follow when I am finished.

Wow, that looks great. If you don't mind...where did you get a finger tailpiece and imperial style tuners for less than $100? That's a great deal and a no brainer...

**rsclosson** · 12-15-2014, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by DC Ron

Wow, that looks great. If you don't mind...where did you get a finger tailpiece and imperial style tuners for less than $100? That's a great deal and a no brainer...

I have a dealers account with WD. I'm not a builder but have been a longtime tinkerer. I got it wholesale.

**Herbie** · 12-16-2014, 06:51 PM

Emperor Regent Natural (~1997) was my first archtop.
It was perfect – except the pickup. I had it about seven years and had about five different pu's in it. Some of them had great results with the guitar, some not so good. Depending from the amp too.
Then I realised that the scale of the Regent is Fender scale but my other guitars are Les Pauls. That's why my fingers didn't go where I wanted to. Especially during the gigs.
I sold it and stepped forward to ES165 (LP scale, BJB pickup).
Aftewr I tried last summer an ES175 1PU 1959 Reissue VOS I had no choice but to sell hhe ES165 – but that is totally another story.
I spent many great years with Regent, no hard feelings. A good player can make it sing.
But not my scale and the Gibson Custom Shop makes better guitars.

**Sleeko** · 12-15-2021, 04:16 PM

I purchased a ‘98 blond. It was my first archtop. I kept it until 2002 when I traded it in for my 2002 L4 CES. I wish I had kept that one as I enjoyed it.
A few years ago I stumbled upon a 1994 Antique Sunburst model that I don’t think was ever played. Not letting this one go as the feel and tone is unique compared to my other archtop guitars. It’s quite beautiful and sounds great. Big too!

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**Gitterbug** · 12-15-2021, 04:42 PM

I've said it before and say it again that my -99 blonde ER - my first archtop after 25 years of not playing - is the last guitar to leave the house. Everything else is original except the PU, still not quite there. I bought a Shadow AZ but didn't have the heart/guts to make the necessary wider opening to the pickguard. I firmly believe the tone has gotten better with the years. The ideal role is in swing, with a great electric/acoustic comping mix and more electric volume for solos. For a 17" archtop, this guitar is not particularly feedback-prone. The Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin is much worse.