Pic of the Cadillac Litter

Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Posts: 27

Could I ask how the Korean 1980 Model is different than the USA one? How can you beat black and gold, with the alluring Cadillac shape??[im

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Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 2:02 am

That's a Carlino stock photo right?

Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Posts: 27

Yup. And identical to my Korean, as far as I can see. Dean, unlike most other major manufacturers doesn't seem to provide the visual clues that you have moved up or downscale. Same Fine Grovers, Trussrod cover, Inlay, Bridge, Stoptail, Binding...What the heck is the difference in USA Models?

Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Posts: 1127 Location: New Jersey

Quality, play a korean model then try a USA model, if you can't feel the difference then get the korean. Plus USA you get better woods, better paint job, ebony board, USA craftsmanship. The korean caddy is still a great guitar but doesn't touch a USA model.

Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Posts: 27

Interesting note on Korean vs. USA. So far, I've only been able to compare to my Gibson Les Pauls, and aside from flame-tops and conventionally classic looks, I'd say the Cadillac seems to be the better guitar tone-wise FOR ME. Would like to snag a Czek models to compare as well...but I'm still in the dark about pickups in the Korean, whether they've changed in newer models than mine, AND what USA models offer pickup-wise...

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

The easy giveaway between USA and Korean is the single screw truss rod cover on the USA vs. the 3 screw cover on the Koreans... Also the nuts are not the same. There is a difference between the Chinese Grovers and the US ones as well... They look very similar but are not the same quality. After that it comes down to fretboard, fret dressing (how the ends look) and finally after that it comes down to material choices and feel. They may look similar but they aren't when you play them side by side.

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 10:28 pm

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

The easy giveaway between USA and Korean is the single screw truss rod cover on the USA vs. the 3 screw cover on the Koreans... Also the nuts are not the same. There is a difference between the Chinese Grovers and the US ones as well... They look very similar but are not the same quality. After that it comes down to fretboard, fret dressing (how the ends look) and finally after that it comes down to material choices and feel. They may look similar but they aren't when you play them side by side.

Don't forget the Korean Imports have Binding on the end of the Fretboard...............................USA's don't (with the exception of 1 Custom Ordered that way)

Joined: 13 Feb 2004 Posts: 5595 Location: phoenix az.

i had one with 2 pickups it was a beast just felt to small on my big ass!

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 10589 Location: Canada

wstoll wrote:

Don't forget the Korean Imports have Binding on the end of the Fretboard........

That's the easiest way to tell, specially in photos.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 10200 Location: New Jersey USA

Here is the real deal. If you played the two guitars side by side, you would definately feel the difference. It would be like comparing an Epi Les Paul to a Gibson R9, for example. If you cant tell the difference, or if you dont care, get the import. Its as simple as that. Me? I get wood when I play a quality USA made guitar with a slick ebony board, real multiply binding, and most importantly... that super sexy USA Time Capsule V-neck. And this one has a thin and sharp V carve that is to die for.

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 10589 Location: Canada

The sharp V carve is my fave, and I always ask for it.