A Brief History of the Epiphone Crestwood Custom | PlayJason

In an attempt to break out of my usual wheelhouse of gear reviews, I'm introducing a new series called 'A Brief History of (insert guitar, amp, or pedal).' For this inaugural episode, we're delving into the history of my favorite Epiphone guitar, the Crestwood Custom. Let me know your thoughts with a comment down below. Thanks again!
#epiphone #radiohead #foofighters

[@nisebelle]

Yooooo I've been seeing these guitars pop up here and there, but I didn't know a single thing about them! And low key that bat wing headstock may be my favorite headstock design of all time haha. Thanks so much for the brief history and please keep this series going!

[@JasonTMays]

I'm pinning this comment because you are amazing and I really appreciate our friendship! hope you're doing well and we need to catch up. But yea! This guitar is awesome! I need to thank Ryan and Emily for showing me the way.

[@dthedudek]

Great idea for a series! I look forward to more :)

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you!!! I definitely got a few other ideas in the works.

[@tonyevans9999]

I had one of the reissue Wilshires a few years back, they were everywhere here in Australian punk/pub bands in the early 80's, and earlier in the hands of Radio Birdman's Denis Tek who notably wielded a 3 pickup Crestwood deluxe. Such a distinctive sound and look so cool with the batwing headstock I think

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you!!!! I agree! I want a Crestwood deluxe soooo freaking bad. But they are very distinct.

[@GitShiddy]

Every time I pick one of these up I think "This is cool...should I?" and inevitably I don't. Partly because I don't need one, partly the thicc ass lacquer. But I would rock one. Always appreciate an actual Epiphone design after decades of cheap licensed Gibsons (not a sleight, just a refreshing sight).

[@JasonTMays]

I agree! I love Epiphones original designs and I'd love to see more of them implemented in the line up.

[@mooseymoose]

Definitely do some short history vids! I also heartily approve of guests, maybe showcase some local talent? It's a big city as I recall, LOL! Gotta be some builders of things out there too. Working Class Open Mic night? I used to play those things back in the days of yore. Gotta be something out there music related that isn't mediated by commodification. Right?

[@JasonTMays]

I'd love to do that! I'd love to have local talent on. But given that wCm is a bigger platform I'd love to put more local talent on there. But I'd love to get more builders on there too! As the name implies, I just want the working class on there.

[@13aphomet]

That's a cool guitar for sure. 🤘🏼

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you! I agree.

[@MrStevegillette]

First timer to your channel. Great video, very well researched and fun to watch!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you!!! I definitely put a bit of work in with this one. :)

[@JESSEALLEN77]

This is a good video and stuff. Always cool to see Epiphone get a little love. I got an Epiphone Les Paul 20 years ago and still play it all the time.

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you my friend, I love championing the underdogs. Epiphone makes great guitars!

[@astridlenore]

I love the brief history idea, I learned so much from this video. For such an iconic guitar there's a surprising dearth of information out there. Thank you for showing us they still sound as good as they look!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you, Astrid! I really really appreciate the kindness and I cant wait to work on the next episode in the series. :)

[@deztruct0823]

I'd like to see you do more videos on some of your favorite gear in general, good to see more stuff from you!

[@JasonTMays]

Definitely plan on doing more of these! I've got a few pieces of gear in mind for the next go around.

[@Bcpowell]

history of the starcaster? I want that squire one!!!

[@JasonTMays]

DUDE!!!! I've got starcaster and I think that's going to be the sequel to this, so thank you! I'll have to make sure I give you a shout out for the idea.

[@PedalChainsAddiction]

Really fabulous video. I enjoyed the heck out of the brief history topic. More, please!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you! Im glad folks are enjoying this! Filming the next episode in this series tomorrow!

[@bassnsax]

These new Epiphone releases sound not just LEGIT but also DOPE and/or BADASS! Normally, I'm not one for bright orange or too much of the surf-y colors...but that limited edition Crestwood has completely changed my mind! LOVE the oval inlays, and as quirky as it looks...it works for me :D And it sounds even better! Great video, Jason! I look forward to this series of videos!!!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you!!! Yea, the Crestwood in particular, this and the late 60s version has changed my mind and has become one of my favorites. And thanks! I’m filming the next one relatively soon and it’s on one of my favorite guitars. But I appreciate the support thanks again! 🙏🏾

[@Azoteac]

The history and lineage of the Crestwood is really interesting. It not only started as an early Kalamazoo Era design just after they were merged with Gibson, but has been re-designed, reinvented, and relabeled on and off since its inception. The history of the Crestwood runs parallel and at times intersects with that of the Coronet, Olympic, and Wilshire models depending on the year and production run they came from. You missed my favorite: the 70s ET-290 Crestwood made in Japan by Matsumoku (who also made Aria guitars). The Matsumoku ET series guitars were (I believe) all bolt on neck versions that shared the non-symmetrical body style (that I'll call the Wilshire shape, as that's how I know it best) with different pickups and bridges. They're a bit funky and... not as high quality as the earlier models, but they're interesting guitars and can still be found for non-insane prices. There were also non Crest/shire ET guitars- famously Kurt Cobain played an ET-270 which was just a rebadged Aria design. There was also a Korean made Coronet reissue in the 90s that had a bolt on batwing neck, the Wilshire body, and a shrunken Crestwood style symmetrical pickguard. They seemed to be more geared towards modern higher gain applications and had an OBL (Bill Lawrence) blade single coil in the neck and blade humbucker in the bridge. They came in cool metallic finishes. In the 2010s we got the Worn Wilshire, Wilshire Pro, and Frank Iero's signature Phant-O-Matic (which I believe was based on an ET series Crestwood). That orange Crestwood is spec'd pretty close to the more premium version of the 2010s Worn Wilshire reissues that came with the Tremotone vibrato. I had a 2010s Wilshire Pro for several years and it's one of the few guitars I regret having sold. I think I swapped every part that would come off multiple times in pursuit of fine-tuning it to whatever sound I was chasing at the time. I might have to pick up one of these new reissues to see how it stacks up!

[@JasonTMays]

My apologies, I definitely wanted to include the 70s era MIJ Crestwood. but I figured I'd keep it closer to the Crestwood custom and since the deluxe was similar enough just those two. This guitar has so much history and admittedly I was a bit daunted about doing any kind of brief history video. The new reissues are pretty decent, Definitely worth checking out! I love the 150th anniversary. I'm stoked about the follow up episode that we're going to do on working class music. But, I'll definitely have to get my hands on a coronet.

[@Azoteac]

@@JasonTMaysAll good, better to not draw attention to the ETs. Let's keep those affordable for a little longer. It's definitely a weirdly long-lived design for how obscure it seems to be. Glad Epiphone are giving it more love for the anniversary. I'll be looking forward to that follow up video. I always enjoy seeing a guitar get the WCM treatment. The 90s Coronet is definitely the most out of left field of all the reissues. I'd love to see Epiphone do their version of Fender's Paranormal/Alternate Reality series and bring back the metallic purple Nu Metal Coronet.

[@landonbailey]

those look cool! I'll have to check one out some day

[@JasonTMays]

Dude!!!! It’s totally worth it. I’m stoked for your tele.

[@petaks01]

Great video, love the tour of the models history

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you! I definitely plan on doing more of these.

[@DMARrecords]

I always thought this guitar was like a Moserite or a Univox Hi-Flier, but "normalized" / less weird.

[@JasonTMays]

You know! I didn't think of it that way...but you may be right. :)

[@lunamatic9775]

It's nice to see Epiphone releasing something unique to it's own history. Thanks for the video!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you!!! 🙏🏾 and I agree! I think they’d do well with adding more guitars from their original Epiphone catalog.

[@steverolfeca]

My dad ran a local music store and teaching business when I was a kid (mid 60's to late 80's), so I got to try a LOT of instruments. Back in the day, I loved Epiphone necks. They felt so slinky to me... Nice video, BTW.

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you! I'm working on getting a vintage Epiphone on the show to do a review! I've played a couple and I agree the necks are nice.

[@powbarabajagal2435]

I love these, thank you for the brief history. I’d love to see a history of the Gretsch corvette or cvt. I wish Gretsch would do a nice new reissue of this model, it’s overdue for a revisit. Especially a one pickup HiLoTron classic version

[@JasonTMays]

Great suggestion! I hope Gretsch would as well! It’s overdue indeed.

[@Crumbrush]

I definitely want one of these!!!! Great video!

[@JasonTMays]

Dude!!! GET ONE!!!! These are awesome.

[@brendonjwarren]

coool video brilliant guitar and playing mate!!

[@JasonTMays]

Thanks bud! :D

[@Ochoduckie]

The history video format is rad and this channel’s a cool complement to the WCM channel. Do a starcaster next please n thanks!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you!!!! I was hoping that this would be a cool complement to wCm. But, yea Im definitely doing a starcaster episode next.

[@stanstep3]

Thanks for the great video-I didn’t even know these existed!

[@JasonTMays]

You're welcome and I'm glad to be the one to introduce you to these wonderful guitars!

[@iancartagena1746]

this is such a good video jason

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you my friend. :)

[@dmitch1983]

I'm here because of 60 cycle hum!

[@JasonTMays]

I owe Ryan another Taco cause he is amazing for this!

[@blacklabelsociety1972]

Great video

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you! :D

[@Fxstdeuce05]

Good video. Love the crestwoods.

[@JasonTMays]

Crestwood's are definitely my favorite Epiphones.

[@michaelcorrick8977]

I dig these history of instruments vids 👍🔥🔥

[@JasonTMays]

Thanks I'll do more of them.

[@justineverett7396]

Good video!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you! :)

[@ianstu7]

Love it! I've always thought these guitars were sexy looking. Actually, the Joe Satriani Ibanez signature model reminds me of these, probably because of the super smooth looking bodies. Speaking of which, it'd be cool to hear a history about Ibanez RGs!

[@JasonTMays]

Dude!!! I felt the same way! I love the look of these so much. Some of my favorite guitars. And that would be pretty awesome! I'm adding the RGs to the list. thats gonna be quite the episode.

[@zakk2209]

these are sick great video

[@JasonTMays]

thank you!

[@thirteenthnile3536]

Another vote for more of these.

[@JasonTMays]

Bet!!! I'll get on it.

[@neil2903]

Great video dude🤘

[@themiddlepickup6558]

Well done!!!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you!

[@JohnR242]

Great channel !!

[@JasonTMays]

Thanks. :)

[@gocardsandstuffshatteredle2406]

Awesome video!!!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you!

[@jhref]

New sub here. Nailed the Optimistic tone.

[@JasonTMays]

Aye!!!!! Thank you! Definitely trying to keep the optimism.

[@beargonefission6160]

Cool guitar!

[@0b11000100]

You did a thing!

[@JasonTMays]

The thing was done! :)

[@DrChompChomp]

Ryan said to say this is a good video but you already know I'm down with the Epiphone Wilshires/Olumpics/Crestwoods, my dude.

[@JasonTMays]

Bruhhhh! I know! lol.

[@inakidb]

3:08 outstandig play, hope some day have the time and compromise to play the guitar

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you!!!!! and one day you shall!!

[@chadmorral1326]

This is a good channel.

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you!!! :)

[@matthewflaws4089]

This is a good video!!!

[@JasonTMays]

Thanks! 😊

[@chrisshaw2754]

Wilshires were back in production in the early 2000s. I have a 2005 and its a great cheap guitar.

[@JasonTMays]

I didn't know that. I've heard great things about the Wilshires.

[@matthewdobsson8341]

This is a good video. I subscribed.

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you for the sub! And Im glad you enjoyed this. :)

[@ZackKnight]

Who throws a borrowed guitar??? Oh. Prince. Enjoyed this video. Could use a few more Trek refs.

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you! I definitely plan on putting more trek references. :)

[@Big-A-Russel]

This is a good video 😁🎸

[@JasonTMays]

Thanks. :)

[@justmehere6094]

fine video

[@JasonTMays]

:)

[@MadRango]

Great!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you :)

[@jyates2008]

Good channel

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you. :D

[@robinbetournay]

Good video ✌️❤️

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you!

[@Sean_Plays_Guitar]

This is a good video!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you! 🙏🏾

[@60CycleHumcast]

@@JasonTMays you might be getting a few comments like this for the next week lol ;-)

[@JasonTMays]

@@60CycleHumcast ohhhh!!!! I was wondering what happened. lol

[@Sean_Plays_Guitar]

@@JasonTMays Ryan sent me but I stayed for great guitar playing and good times 😎

[@JasonTMays]

@@Sean_Plays_Guitar You are about to make me blush! thank you! I love Ryan!

[@jameslonglove]

Good video

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you. :)

[@JohnKelly2]

This is a good video

[@JasonTMays]

Thanks. :)

[@maeyer]

It's a good video!!!!!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you!!!

[@zdunne]

Saw one of the guitarists of the band Lucifer play one of these

[@JasonTMays]

I need to check out that band, cause you're the second person today that's mentioned a band by that name. So, I hope it's the same band.

[@lexuscent]

its a good video!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you! 😊

[@mykhedelic6471]

Not true, Prince improved every guitar he ever played. 💜

[@JasonTMays]

I mean…you get an argument from me on that one. lol.

[@mykhedelic6471]

@@JasonTMays Nonsense, he took that guitar's last breath, beheading it was showing mercy.

[@JasonTMays]

@@mykhedelic6471 lmao. I

[@MashaT22]

60 Cycle Hum rules.

[@JasonTMays]

I agree!!! Ryan and Steve are the best!

[@LnUxngnr]

Interesting

[@JasonTMays]

:)

[@jakeevans8423]

👍👍👍

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you :)

[@RalphPacheco2]

This is a good vt

[@JasonTMays]

Awe!!!! Thanks :D

[@randomcrap7682]

video good.

[@JasonTMays]

Thanks. :)

[@Mr1stlevel]

MAING ASS VIDEO BRO

[@JasonTMays]

Thanks dude!

[@deno7837]

Great video! Now I have GAS…

[@JasonTMays]

Sorry, not sorry...but in the best way possible. lol

[@TH3_FURY]

This is a good video ! ✨ (--)- - - - - -💥

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you!!!! :D

[@dannyboi1044]

STELLAR VIDEO

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you! :)

[@rustyshackleford4768]

great video

[@JasonTMays]

:D

[@MrFolkpunkkid]

Great video!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you!!! :)

[@jacklarsen6441]

great video!

[@JasonTMays]

:)

[@marcosamateus]

This is a good video!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you. :)

[@atalanoskembruah4279]

Good video

[@JasonTMays]

Thanks.

[@ndeli55]

This is a good video

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you. :)

[@jeremiahgjg3313]

Great video

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you! :D

[@uvulapie]

This is a good video.

[@JasonTMays]

:)

[@oldmanrocker227]

this is a good video

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you. :)

[@terryt-rexhanke746]

Great video!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you. :)

[@The..Butterfly..Effect]

this is a good video

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you. :)

[@studowling]

This is a good video.

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you!!! :)

[@holtbandmusic]

This is a good video.

[@JasonTMays]

:D

[@user-nf9eh5mk4h]

This is a good video.

[@JasonTMays]

Thanks. :)