2000s Epiphone John Lee Hooker '64 Sheraton Sunburst

A great player from Epiphone!

Around the early 2000s, Epiphone had been producing a range of John Lee Hooker models. A limited number of examples received the 'boogie man' moniker on the pickguard, with subsequent examples retaining the same high level of build quality minus the pickguard moniker. This example appears to date to post 2001, and have quite an interesting build history. The body and neck were made in Japan at the Terada factory with final assembly taking place at Gibson Nashville. Composed of a laminated maple semi-hollow body with a mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard, these particular examples were finished in nitrocellulose lacquer and as a result feel a lot more premium in hand than many other Epiphone models at this time. There is no f-hole label, nor much evidence there was one in the first place, possibly making this example an overrun.

Over the years this example has had a range of modifications with attempts to restore it back closer to factory specifications. A stoptail was previously installed with the holes and studs still in the body. This example now features a trapeze setup closer to original spec. There was an exposed bit of screw where the tailpiece attaches the body, but has now been brought back and not sticking out. The top had been routed larger to accomodate P90 pickups, which have now been returned to Gibson mini humbuckers typical of these models. Strap pins have been replaced and moved, with one horn showing a hole from a previous pin. A non-original truss rod cover has been fitted. It appears to have been rewired with high quality CTS pots and Sprague Orange Drop Capacitors. Tuners have been replaced with gold Grover locking equivalents.

Cosmetic condition is good showing light signs of play wear in the form of minor scratches, dings, and pick marks throughout the entire instrument. As outlined, this example shows noticeable modifications, most notably routing of the pickup holes which impact overall cosmetic presentation. Hardware is fully functional and plays with a low action.