I had seen that when it was released. Read up on it, watched videos, etc. Thought about it a lot. Thought it would scratch the LP Custom and the LP Junior itch with one guitar. So, I ordered one. Biggest piece of crap I ever played. It was like it was an unfinished guitar. Felt really, really, bad. Tried bonding with it for two weeks, then finally sent it packing.
ive never had a problem with Epiphones.
have several now -- these two are quite good
the explorer is a kit build-- with Epi "57's".......
Ive never had to send an Epiphone back -- or received one new out of the box with major issues........ cant say that for Gibson.... not bashing just being honest
played Gibson and Epiphone Thunderbirds back to back for a couple hours at sam ash music in Clearwater FL. ....... came home with the Epi (and to be clear I went to BUY the Gibson......liked the Epi better)
no sense in buying champagne when you prefer the taste of beer I reckon