Epiphone Sheraton II Electric Guitar Value Guide

The 1986-2000 South Korean Epiphone Sheraton II is a highly sought-after semi-hollow body guitar, famously dubbed an 'out-did 335' by blues legend John Lee Hooker. This era is prized by collectors for its superior build quality and the transition to a fixed stopbar tailpiece, making it a staple of blues and rock history.

What affects the value of Epiphone Sheraton II Electric Guitar?

• The condition of the gold plating on the hardware, which is prone to tarnishing over time.
• Structural integrity of the five-piece maple/walnut neck and the rosewood fretboard.
• Originality of the electronics and the presence of the authentic ebony finish.
• Market demand for Korean-made models, which often command a premium over later production runs.

How to Identify Epiphone Sheraton II Electric Guitar?

• Look for the distinctive 'tree of life' headstock inlay paired with gold-plated hardware.
• Verify the neck features the signature block-and-triangle inlays made of Mother of Pearl and Abalone.
• Check the internal label or serial number to confirm South Korean origin between 1986 and 2000.
• Confirm the presence of a fixed stopbar tailpiece rather than the Frequensator tailpiece found on earlier models.

History of Epiphone Sheraton II Electric Guitar

First introduced in 1958 as an upgrade to the Riviera, the Sheraton became an icon of blues and rock. The Sheraton II version moved to a fixed stopbar tailpiece, gaining fame as the primary instrument for legendary bluesman John Lee Hooker, who famously called it an out-did 335.