Only Epiphones?

[strumbert]

Do you play an Epiphone because you can't afford a Gibson, or do you actually prefer playing epi's?

 

I'll admit, I would probably own at least one Gibson, if I had the cha-ching.

 

Tim

[bonzoboy]

I have found that dollar for dollar and pound for pound Epiphone is better value for the money than Gibson.Certainly Gibson can have better materials and build quality but I don't thing that the difference in the 2 brands is drastic enough to warrant the huge price difference.

 

A Gibson Trad Pro may be of higher quality etc than its Epi counterpart but it is certainly not 4 times better as the prices reflect.The finest Les Paul I've ever played was an Epi 1960 reissue,that guitar was head and shoulders in every way over the Gibson equivalent that was hung up just feet away from it.

 

I think that recently Epiphone has really narrowed the gap between it and Gibson and the difference in price is enough to make anyone pause and think about whether it is worth the price difference to pick Gibson over Epiphone.I have 6 Epiphones and no Gibsons-so far-and would only consider a Gibson now if used or if it had no Epi counterpart.

[strumbert]

Thanks! Good honest answer.If I bought a Gibson, it would most likely be a J200, or some variation of it. I just don't think the epi version is even in that league. Now if Masterbilt came out with a Jumbo, who knows???

[Morkolo]

I would have a Gibson Les Paul Traditional today if they decided to stand behind their gear for more than a year. And that wouldn't even be an issue if I didn't see all the quality control issues I've been seeing, so I guess I'll be sticking to Epiphone for anything with the "Les Paul" signature on it.

[bloozeguy]

I own a Masterbilt and there is not a Gibson equivalent to those. I am looking for a used Emperor II Joe Pass, and I don't think there's a Gibson equivalent there, either. Nor for the 'Kats. All things being equal, I'd probably prefer the Gibsons where the Epi model was a clone (superior woods, electronics, etc.); the Epiphones if they were Epis "own" model. The Masterbilt has its own sound and feel, very distinct from a Gibson--I suspect the same may be said for the JP et al. But, as you point out, all things aren't equal! BTW, am VEEERRRRRRRRY interested in checking out the Epi '61 SG! And, as I've said so many times before: BRING BACK THE BLUESMASTER!!!!!

[dhanners623]

I'm blessed to have a Gibson J-45 and an Epiphone IB'64 Texan (as well as other instruments) and I like them for different reasons, but the bottom line is they both have a sound and attributes I like. Aside from the name on the headstock, they are very different instruments. I'm not sure somebody should buy an Epiphone just because they can't afford a Gibson.

 

If the house were on fire and I could only choose one of the two to run in and save, it'd be the J-45. It is older (a '98) and has aged into a really fine-sounding guitar. Unplugged, I like its sound better than the IB'64 Texan, although the Epiphone is no slouch in the tone/volume categories and is improving as time goes by. If I'm grabbing a guitar to play on stage, I have to give the IB'64 Texan an edge because I really like the Sonic NanoFlex system and it does sound really good, in my opinion. The J-45 has a Fishman Matrix (active) in it and I've never been crazy about the sound but I've never gone to the trouble to replace it.

 

That said, as a guy who gigs out, there can still be a bias among some against Epiphones. These are people who believe you have to play a Martin or Gibson (or, God forbid, a Taylor) to be taken seriously as a performer. They view these brands as "pro" equipment and they don't consider Epiphone in that category. They are the type who may hold a vintage Epiphone in high regard, but they view a contemporary Epiphone as the poor man's Gibson. It is a mindset we have to try and change. My Epiphone is very dependable, plays and stays in tune (I've played several Martins I couldn't say that about), sounds great and has the Texan vibe.

 

As I've described here before, my big issue with the IB'64 Texan is the poly finish. And yeah, if I'd sprung for a "real" Texan, I could get the nitro finish. I do believe the finish makes a difference. I've had the poly finish sanded down and buffed back up to a vintage sheen and that really helped the sound.

[charlie brown]

I have both, Gibson and Epiphone. As acoustic's go, I use the Epi "Live"

more, now. Replacement costs, for the Gibson's would be a lot more "difficult,"

for me to manage, in my current (retired) situation. So, I play the Epi's.

No one in the audience knows the difference, or cares, I assure you. LOL

 

CB

[bloozeguy]

I'm blessed to have a Gibson J-45 and an Epiphone IB'64 Texan (as well as other instruments) and I like them for different reasons, but the bottom line is they both have a sound and attributes I like. Aside from the name on the headstock, they are very different instruments. I'm not sure somebody should buy an Epiphone just because they can't afford a Gibson.

 

If the house were on fire and I could only choose one of the two to run in and save, it'd be the J-45. It is older (a '98) and has aged into a really fine-sounding guitar. Unplugged, I like its sound better than the IB'64 Texan, although the Epiphone is no slouch in the tone/volume categories and is improving as time goes by. If I'm grabbing a guitar to play on stage, I have to give the IB'64 Texan an edge because I really like the Sonic NanoFlex system and it does sound really good, in my opinion. The J-45 has a Fishman Matrix (active) in it and I've never been crazy about the sound but I've never gone to the trouble to replace it.

 

That said, as a guy who gigs out, there can still be a bias among some against Epiphones. These are people who believe you have to play a Martin or Gibson (or, God forbid, a Taylor) to be taken seriously as a performer. They view this brands as "pro" equipment and they don't consider Epiphone that highly. They are the type who view a contemporary Epiphone as the poor man's Gibson, and it is a mindset we have to try and change. (If you play a vintage Epiphone, you're cool, though....)

 

As I've described here before, my big issue with the IB'64 Texan is the poly finish. And yeah, if I'd sprung for a "real" Texan, I could get the nitro finish. I do believe the finish makes a difference. I've had the poly finish sanded down and buffed back up to a vintage sheen and that really helped the sound.

Those who *really* know, though, will appreciate a good Epi for what it is. At a farmers' market gig in DC this weekend, a PRS "guy" expressed a geat deal of surprise at seeing my Masterbilt, and shock when I told him I got it new in '07, and the model was now discontinued. Another guy at an open mic a couple weeks ago who plays a boutique-brand OM21 clone (Collings) expressed amazement at the volume and tone I was getting with my cannon of a 12-fretter.

[charlie brown]

Exactly! There's nothing wrong, with a good Epi, Masterbilt, or otherwise.

Great sounding guitars, are great sounding guitars, no matter the builder.

I only meant, that because the Epi I use (The IB Texan) sounds so good,

that there's no appreciable loss of quality in tone (if ANY???), so...no

one that's listening, cares. I suppose, there's always a few "snobs"

in every situation, but I don't bother with them, anyway. (Smile)

 

CB

[bloozeguy]

Exactly! There's nothing wrong, with a good Epi, Masterbilt, or otherwise.

Great sounding guitars, are great sounding guitas, no matter the builder.

I only meant, that because the Epi I use (The IB Texan) sounds so good,

that there's no appreciable loss of quality in tone (if ANY???), so...no

one that's listening, cares. I suppose, there's always a few "snobs"

in every situation, but I don't bother with them, anyway. (Smile)

 

CB

Meanwhile, have you noticed that there are a few more "name" acts recently using Epi equipment? Just recently I've heard (and was blown away by) Gary Clark Jr. I was impressed to see (in Epi's own ad) that he uses a Casino, among others; and I recently saw Eels using a Valensi Riv on Letterman. I'm sure there are plenty others, and these pages sometimes include "Epi sightings." So, is it just that I'm paying more attention since I got mine, or is Epiphone getting more "run" among such bands these days?

[RobinTheHood]

As far as acoustics go, Epiphone is good enough for me. I just plink around on acoustic guitars for the fun of it, mostly.

 

Basses, on the other hand, are another story. If Gibson had made a Mark Bass to go along with their guitars, I would own one...probably two. As much as I love the styling and feel of the EBM (Epiphone's Mark equivalent), the electronics dont cut the mustard. Gibson & Epiphone dont have much else that I like as far as basses.

 

I've been considering buying an acoustic bass soon. I dont care for the Epiphones and Gibson doesnt make one as far as I know. I've been considering a really nice Ibanez 5-string.

[Morkolo]

As far as acoustics go, Epiphone is good enough for me. I just plink around on acoustic guitars for the fun of it, mostly.

 

Basses, on the other hand, are another story. If Gibson had made a Mark Bass to go along with their guitars, I would own one...probably two. As much as I love the styling and feel of the EBM (Epiphone's Mark equivalent), the electronics dont cut the mustard. Gibson & Epiphone dont have much else that I like as far as basses.

 

I've been considering buying an acoustic bass soon. I dont care for the Epiphones and Gibson doesnt make one as far as I know. I've been considering a really nice Ibanez 5-string.

 

I'd like to see Gibson/Epiphone come out with a classic design like the SG or Ripper body and put an active preamp in it with sweepable mids. But make it so that it's an active passive set up so you can run the bass without the high fidelity preamp. That and make them 34" scale with a Bad *** II bridge and graphite support rods running straight up to the headstock.... that would get a lot of attention.

[brannon67]

Personally I play both, Epiphone and Gibson. I have 2 Gibsons, a J45, and a Hummingbird artist, and I have 2 Epiphone Masterbilts I play. For gigging, I would say I play the Masterbilts more. Why? I just like them, they are quality made, sound great, and the price point is great.

[Red 333]

"Only a Gibson is Good Enough." But an Epiphone is mighty fine, too.

 

 

 

I guess you could say that I like both.

 

Red 333

[RobinTheHood]

I'd like to see Gibson/Epiphone come out with a classic design like the SG or Ripper body and put an active preamp in it with sweepable mids. But make it so that it's an active passive set up so you can run the bass without the high fidelity preamp. That and make them 34" scale with a Bad *** II bridge and graphite support rods running straight up to the headstock.... that would get a lot of attention.

A passive/active switch would be nice. I'm pretty much over active pickups. All of my basses have them. I've been playing my guitarist's Fender P-bass lately because I like how it sounds. It plays terribly though. It needs a good setup and some fret work.

 

I guess, for me it doesnt matter what the brand is; Epiphone, Gibson, Fender, whatever. It has to play good and sound good, especially in a live setting.

[dhanners623]

"Only a Gibson is Good Enough." But an Epiphone is mighty fine, too.

 

I guess you could say that I like both.

 

Red 333

 

I'd say you have a thing for slope-shoulder guitars....

 

Great-looking collection. I'm betting there ain't a dud in the bunch.

[strumbert]

"Only a Gibson is Good Enough." But an Epiphone is mighty fine, too.

 

 

 

I guess you could say that I like both.

 

Red 333

Hey Red, can i be your buddy?

[charlie brown]

Lovely, as always, Red. I hope you have a good in-home humidifier! (And, alarm system!)

 

CB

[Red 333]

Lovely, as always, Red. I hope you have a good in-home humidifier! (And, alarm system!)

 

CB

 

I have both!

 

Thanks, CB. Still love the back of your Texan. Fine looking piece of mahogany, that.

 

Red 333

[Red 333]

I'd say you have a thing for slope-shoulder guitars....

 

Great-looking collection. I'm betting there ain't a dud in the bunch.

 

The biggest dud is the player (me!).

 

Good to see you posting again. Hope all has been well.

 

Red 333

[charlie brown]

I have both!

 

Thanks, CB. Still love the back of your Texan. Fine looking piece of mahogany, that.

 

Red 333

 

 

Thanks, Red...I like it, a lot, too. One of the better "reasonably priced" guitar

purchases, I've made...recently, anyway. ;>)

 

CB

[Jesse G]

I have an Epi LP from around 2000 or so that I prefer to many Gibson LP's I've tried.

 

 

I think Epiphone Masterbilts sound better than many more expensive Gibson acoustics, too.

[GeorgeE]

If I could afford a Gibson, then I'd buy two Epiphones.

[Red 333]

If I could afford a Gibson, then I'd buy two Epiphones.

 

You could easily buy four Masterbilts or eight (or more) regular ones for the price of the modest J-45 Standard!

 

Red 333

[Dodger11]

"Only a Gibson is Good Enough." But an Epiphone is mighty fine, too.

 

 

 

I guess you could say that I like both.

 

Red 333

 

that is some collection Red - beautiful guitars...can i ask what kind of music you play on them (any youtubes?) and if you have a favourite (or is that like choosing your favourite child?!!)?