This, really, almost never happens.  Possibly because I am so used to new products being better, more inovative and (usually) cheaper than the iterations that came before.  Perhaps it's because I almost never buy actual "hardware" anymore.  For whatever reason I've become blase' to new acquirements.  So it was fairly gobsmacking a couple of days ago when I took delivery of a "new" Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Reissue and started inpsecting it and putting it through it's paces.
 
This cannot be a guitar that can be had for a mere $400 semolians street.  (Actually I got mine from a fellow in Nashville with both a case and a gig bag and all case candy for $300...it still had the plastic covers on it!!).  If you are interested in an axe that will cover most any base or genre...run, do not walk...to your computer or music emporium of choice and get one.  Below is a link to any and all stats and particulars.  This guitar truly does look, feel and play like a guitar costing many times more...it kicks the old 90s version Gibson put out's ass.  And then some. 
 
Yup...I'm smitten. (mine's the incredibly beautiful transparent black) no picture does it justice. 
 
Color me stunned.
 
http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Designer/Nighthawk-Custom-Reissue.aspx
 

You sure it's not just the 25.5" scale length?

That's certainly part of it. These are built in Indonesia and the fit and finish is just amazing.  Grovers...in tune...24/7.  PUPs sound nice as is.  For recording this just might replace my Parker Nightfly Mojo.  For live performance it's the new sheriff.

Hmmm, Their video link isnt working for me

Nice looking guit fiddle for $300

Nice catch, Ol Pal!

I love my Epiphones. Mae (my black Les Paul) was the first Les Paul that actually felt right. Even among the über expensive Gibsons and vintage ones, I'd never found one quite like that.

Nighthawks are nice little players indead. I have been really impressed with my Epi 335 as well.

Nice. Great value too. 

I like the DOT Cherry also. 

I love my Epi Sheraton II. Left handed. It's made in Korea. Got a Fender Bass made in Indonesia, I'm very happy with it. I'll be releasing my first recording of the SII in the songs forum soon. Consider this a pre-shameless-plug.

These overseas guitars are getting better all the ti-e-ime.

I went in to a small guitar shop last week whilst out getting my DL license. The guy was demoing this acoustic guitar for a lady. Man what a sound, I had to do a double take because it sounded like a Martin but looked nothing like one. I don't remember the name of it ... but it was $150 bucks. With electronics and built in tuner! The guy swore by them. I believe him, he's been there for 30 years, but gee ... $150 bucks? And he had a left handed one.

My wife said to me, "So what if the neck warps so bad you can't play it in a couple of years, just go buy a new one for a $150 bucks. You could buy 20 of those for the price of the Martin you want." Now, I like that kind of thinking! I used that thinking with a Korean made Fender acoustic I bought 20 + years ago. It sounds better now than it did when I bought it because the wood is aging ... still plays fine. I think I paid $250 IIRC?

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