bscott Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I have been thinking about this for a few days and am wondering what Gibson's strategy is here?? Just last year they trimed a ton of Gibson models and now they are amping up Epi models. Is this just profit?? Or might they be wanting to make the Gibson marque more exclusive?? It will be interesting to see comparisons between Gibson models and Epi of the same model. Will Epi build quality be that good?? Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShredAstaire Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I expect that Gibson has taken a financial hit like most companies this year. Something to do with the economy or something? They probably had to trim the fat in the USA and so to pick up the slack, they hire more at Epi... I could be wrong of course....just my initial thought... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluemoon Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 The products are meant for two very different consumers. My bet is that in a down economy they can push the Epis a lot easier, which is perhaps why they are increasing that line. I don't think the Epi build quality is bad, per se. It just isn't as high as a Gibson. They use cheaper woods and components, too, and don't have such strict build and QC standards. The Epis are made in China. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Bill Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 One thing I am finding odd is that that its been getting harder and harder to find a store that has certain Gibson accessories and parts in stock. Take a look at the major retailers like Sweetwater and GC, and you will see that common and popular items are out of stock and have been on back order for months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pohatu771 Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I think it's nice that they're adding more Epiphone models... we've had enough of the Les Pauls, it's time to try something new. If only they'd stop making Zakk Wylde signature guitars. The Inspired by 1964 Texan is a particularly welcome addition. I've been wanting a Texan, but with the very limited availability of the Elitist and McCartney models, I was going to end up with a Masterbilt AJ-500M. With the new Texan for $100 less, I'm going to have to try one out. I have the same feelings about the new "Inspired by" Lennon Casinos - the standard model is quite nice, but the Elitist and Lennon signature was nicer. With the Elitist on it's way to the disctoninued column (it's the only Elitist model still available, but not for long...) and the Lennon model actually priced higher than the Gibson ES-330, a slightly higher-quality version is very welcome. The Riviera P-93 (as much as I hate that name) is possibly the most exciting new Epiphone guitar in years... though it's not really "new" anymore. The way I see it, Gibson has had few years now to work out the bugs in their Chinese factory, allowing them to start producing higher-quality instruments and not have to deal with the Japanese factory anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichCI Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 The products are meant for two very different consumers. My bet is that in a down economy they can push the Epis a lot easier' date=' which is perhaps why they are increasing that line. I don't think the Epi build quality is bad, per se. It just isn't as high as a Gibson. They use cheaper woods and components, too, and don't have such strict build and QC standards. The Epis are made in China. [/quote'] I'm sure that's part of it but the other part is that most of us Gibson people tend to be a stodgy and reserved when it comes to our guitar (aside from those who bought the blue robot guitars). Gibson's core customers seem to want cherry flame top Les Pauls, red SGs and ES 335s and a couple of other designs while most anything new gets torn apart or just doesn't sell nearly as well as the meat and potatoes models. With Epiphone, they're priced nice for younger folks to afford a good quality instrument and those folks tend to be more adventurous so it makes sense to expand that brand over Gibson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djroge1 Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I think it's nice that they're adding more Epiphone models... we've had enough of the Les Pauls' date=' it's time to try something new. If only they'd stop making Zakk Wylde signature guitars. The Inspired by 1964 Texan is a particularly welcome addition. I've been wanting a Texan, but with the very limited availability of the Elitist and McCartney models, I was going to end up with a Masterbilt AJ-500M. With the new Texan for $100 less, I'm going to have to try one out. I have the same feelings about the new "Inspired by" Lennon Casinos - the standard model is quite nice, but the Elitist and Lennon signature was nicer. With the Elitist on it's way to the disctoninued column (it's the only Elitist model still available, but not for long...) and the Lennon model actually priced higher than the Gibson ES-330, a slightly higher-quality version is very welcome. The Riviera P-93 (as much as I hate that name) is possibly the most exciting new Epiphone guitar in years... though it's not really "new" anymore. The way I see it, Gibson has had few years now to work out the bugs in their Chinese factory, allowing them to start producing higher-quality instruments and not have to deal with the Japanese factory anymore.[/quote'] It's too bad about the Elitist models going away too. I got one of the last Elitist Dots and it plays and sounds better than most Gibson ES-335's I've played. If I had the money I'd buy an Elitist Casino before it's gone. I'd like to try out one of Epi's new '59 LP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluemoon Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I'm sure that's part of it but the other part is that most of us Gibson people tend to be a stodgy and reserved when it comes to our guitar (aside from those who bought the blue robot guitars). Gibson's core customers seem to want cherry flame top Les Pauls' date=' red SGs and ES 335s and a couple of other designs while most anything new gets torn apart or just doesn't sell nearly as well as the meat and potatoes models. With Epiphone, they're priced nice for younger folks to afford a good quality instrument and those folks tend to be more adventurous so it makes sense to expand that brand over Gibson.[/quote'] That makes sense. We don't like change! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackie Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Unless it's to go back to the late 50's and 60's era Gibsons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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