Chickenwings
Alnico 6/8
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
epiphone vs gibson.
zzzzzzzzz
epiphone vs gibson.
zzzzzzzzz
Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
- Thread starter astrozombie
- Start date
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
It's a discussion that will keep coming up as long as the two brands exist. Our grandchildren will probably be talking about it.
It's a discussion that will keep coming up as long as the two brands exist. Our grandchildren will probably be talking about it.
ItsaBass
New member
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
It's mainly the cheesier hardware platings and the plasticy finishes that make an Epi feel like an Epi. That said, the fretwork tends to be better than Gibson's IMO. At least they bother to crown the frets at the Epi factory.
It's mainly the cheesier hardware platings and the plasticy finishes that make an Epi feel like an Epi. That said, the fretwork tends to be better than Gibson's IMO. At least they bother to crown the frets at the Epi factory.
regan
New member
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
I have one of each (LP's), they're both decent guitars both the gibson does pip the epi not at the same ratio of cost though the Gibson was 3-4 times dearer and IMO is 30-40% better.
The gibson's neck is far more comfortable but this is a personal preference.
The gibson (circa 1996) has a one piece neck, one piece (I think mahogany body) 2 piece maple cap, and finish is superior
The Epi (2014) has a 3 piece neck at least six pieces make up the body, a maple veneer, and has a very good finish but lacks the attention to detail.( the control cavity is a disgrace)
This along with US labour costs is where I believe the major cost differential comes in
I do plan to refinish the epi and upgrade the hardware at some point, it will be interesting to see how close they can get
I have one of each (LP's), they're both decent guitars both the gibson does pip the epi not at the same ratio of cost though the Gibson was 3-4 times dearer and IMO is 30-40% better.
The gibson's neck is far more comfortable but this is a personal preference.
The gibson (circa 1996) has a one piece neck, one piece (I think mahogany body) 2 piece maple cap, and finish is superior
The Epi (2014) has a 3 piece neck at least six pieces make up the body, a maple veneer, and has a very good finish but lacks the attention to detail.( the control cavity is a disgrace)
This along with US labour costs is where I believe the major cost differential comes in
I do plan to refinish the epi and upgrade the hardware at some point, it will be interesting to see how close they can get
Drunken Bowling
New member
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
This is going to sound weird and maybe a little off-topic, but have you ever felt that you played better with cheaper gear? I noticed that when I got my first Gibson after playing Epiphones for years, it was like I was almost afraid to play it. I wasn't as aggressive, I didn't do as many bends and I generally started to really suck at playing after a while. With my Epiphone, I went for the throat, so to speak. I wasn't as afraid to play it. I'd play longer, too. Same with amps. I had a little Marshall Valvestate and a Peavey Blazer that I'd play through for hours.
If you don't mind me asking, what bridge pickup did you put in your Epiphone?
This is going to sound weird and maybe a little off-topic, but have you ever felt that you played better with cheaper gear? I noticed that when I got my first Gibson after playing Epiphones for years, it was like I was almost afraid to play it. I wasn't as aggressive, I didn't do as many bends and I generally started to really suck at playing after a while. With my Epiphone, I went for the throat, so to speak. I wasn't as afraid to play it. I'd play longer, too. Same with amps. I had a little Marshall Valvestate and a Peavey Blazer that I'd play through for hours.
If you don't mind me asking, what bridge pickup did you put in your Epiphone?
Wattage
High Voltologist
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
My last few Epi's have all been pretty darn good guitars but I'm not ready to give up my Gibsons just yet though I kept my Epi LP Trad Pro over the LPJ I had recently.
All the things stated so far come into play.I tend to guess though that the woods make the biggest difference. Even though they seem to be using better cuts on the higher level guitars most just don't have the same depth of sound acoustically that the equivalent Gibson normally has. There are always exceptions of course and time spent looking for a good Epi usually pays off pretty nicely from my experience.
My last few Epi's have all been pretty darn good guitars but I'm not ready to give up my Gibsons just yet though I kept my Epi LP Trad Pro over the LPJ I had recently.
All the things stated so far come into play.I tend to guess though that the woods make the biggest difference. Even though they seem to be using better cuts on the higher level guitars most just don't have the same depth of sound acoustically that the equivalent Gibson normally has. There are always exceptions of course and time spent looking for a good Epi usually pays off pretty nicely from my experience.
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Boogie Bill
New member
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
My take is similar to ItsABass'. Though I must admit, I haven't picked up an Epi in years.
I grew up with NCL finishes, so the poly finishes don't feel as nice, a HUGE difference. I discern big gaps in hardware, pickups, electronics, tuners, plating, frets--all in favor of Gibson. And maybe, the metric versus SAE specs have something to do with feel issues.
I have a few MIK Ibanez intruments that are very well made guitars; they feel right and they sound great. Yet if I were blindfolded and one placed in my hands I would know instantly that it wasn't one of my Gibsons. I can certainly hear, see and feel a difference between my Artwood dread and my Martins. Is the difference worth it? To me, absolutely and emphatically YES!!
And while I'm a player, I have always approached music as a business rather than a hobby, so I have always kept an eye on investment potential. I don't see these MIC Epis appreciating or even holding much of their value. ALL of the Gibsons I've bought over the last 15 years have appreciated in value, some dramatically. Buy low, sell high.
Bottom line is not whether Gibson is "worth it"; it's that I know that I'M WORTH IT. I figured in out in my twenties that I was good, that I could make a living at being a musician, and I went out and did it. Not everyone chooses that, or is willing to make the sacrifices. Good guitars were plentiful back then, and I knew the difference. I bought the good stuff when I could affordably find it, and I earned it. Believe it.
I am very fortunate to own so many beautiful guitars, including fourteen Gibsons. They are wonderful musical instruments, as are my Martin acoustics and my G&Ls. I would not trade any of my Martin acoustics for a Yamaha or a Takamine, or one of my USA-made G&Ls for a Fender.
And I have never wanted to trade one of my Gibsons for an Epiphone.
Bill
My take is similar to ItsABass'. Though I must admit, I haven't picked up an Epi in years.
I grew up with NCL finishes, so the poly finishes don't feel as nice, a HUGE difference. I discern big gaps in hardware, pickups, electronics, tuners, plating, frets--all in favor of Gibson. And maybe, the metric versus SAE specs have something to do with feel issues.
I have a few MIK Ibanez intruments that are very well made guitars; they feel right and they sound great. Yet if I were blindfolded and one placed in my hands I would know instantly that it wasn't one of my Gibsons. I can certainly hear, see and feel a difference between my Artwood dread and my Martins. Is the difference worth it? To me, absolutely and emphatically YES!!
And while I'm a player, I have always approached music as a business rather than a hobby, so I have always kept an eye on investment potential. I don't see these MIC Epis appreciating or even holding much of their value. ALL of the Gibsons I've bought over the last 15 years have appreciated in value, some dramatically. Buy low, sell high.
Bottom line is not whether Gibson is "worth it"; it's that I know that I'M WORTH IT. I figured in out in my twenties that I was good, that I could make a living at being a musician, and I went out and did it. Not everyone chooses that, or is willing to make the sacrifices. Good guitars were plentiful back then, and I knew the difference. I bought the good stuff when I could affordably find it, and I earned it. Believe it.
I am very fortunate to own so many beautiful guitars, including fourteen Gibsons. They are wonderful musical instruments, as are my Martin acoustics and my G&Ls. I would not trade any of my Martin acoustics for a Yamaha or a Takamine, or one of my USA-made G&Ls for a Fender.
And I have never wanted to trade one of my Gibsons for an Epiphone.
Bill
astrozombie
KatyPerryologist
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
more than $2000. It it actually sounds about 2000 times better.
I don't get the backlash. my les paul is sublime. it was worth every penny.
and remember, I'm a young guy but I've had my hands around a couple of guitars, I'm sure some of you recall me talking about all sorts of models. None of them like my les paul, including other gibsons.
more than $2000. It it actually sounds about 2000 times better.
I don't get the backlash. my les paul is sublime. it was worth every penny.
and remember, I'm a young guy but I've had my hands around a couple of guitars, I'm sure some of you recall me talking about all sorts of models. None of them like my les paul, including other gibsons.
80's_Metal
Underglazed Hair Metalologist
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
I love them both.
If its an epi, slap an SH-6 in the bridge and play the hell out of it
If it's a Gibby, just play the hell out of it.
P.S. Of the 4 epi LP's I have owned, one was not very good, 2 were great, and one was spectacular.
P.S.S. the epi Explorer I still own is spectacular as well.
I love them both.
If its an epi, slap an SH-6 in the bridge and play the hell out of it
If it's a Gibby, just play the hell out of it.
P.S. Of the 4 epi LP's I have owned, one was not very good, 2 were great, and one was spectacular.
P.S.S. the epi Explorer I still own is spectacular as well.
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
Yep exactly..
at work and cant read whole thread, so if Im repeating, pls forgive.
The concept with Epi, is to provide "similar" models at budget prices and to release more "experimental " models that they wouldnt want to do under the Gibson name. Like the Wilshire..
The Epis dont use the same grade of wood, dif hardware and one of the biggest things is the finish. The thick finish vs the nitro. So they will sound different, but not always bad... I have an Epi that came stock with Gibson pups and it sounds incredible..
As said, if they were made the same, they would be priced the same.. And would def cut into Gibsons market share. Im pretty sure thats why they axed the Elite series
Yep exactly..
at work and cant read whole thread, so if Im repeating, pls forgive.
The concept with Epi, is to provide "similar" models at budget prices and to release more "experimental " models that they wouldnt want to do under the Gibson name. Like the Wilshire..
The Epis dont use the same grade of wood, dif hardware and one of the biggest things is the finish. The thick finish vs the nitro. So they will sound different, but not always bad... I have an Epi that came stock with Gibson pups and it sounds incredible..
As said, if they were made the same, they would be priced the same.. And would def cut into Gibsons market share. Im pretty sure thats why they axed the Elite series
Dahla
New member
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
Thing is, some Epiphones actually cost more than some Gibsons, like the LPJ when they came out in 2013. At least in my country.
So just considering price, I could get the first LPJ cheaper in 2013 than a new Epiphone MKH in 2016...
Sooo, is the Epiphone better made than LPJ then?
(Gibson prices have gone waaaay up too though. But price/quality is not always a good measure).
Thing is, some Epiphones actually cost more than some Gibsons, like the LPJ when they came out in 2013. At least in my country.
So just considering price, I could get the first LPJ cheaper in 2013 than a new Epiphone MKH in 2016...
Sooo, is the Epiphone better made than LPJ then?
(Gibson prices have gone waaaay up too though. But price/quality is not always a good measure).
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
Don't assume every guitar with the Gibson logo is a premium instrument. Their low-end guitars are not made with all of the same materials & labor as their mid-price and high-end guitars. They know players are impressed with the Gibson name and buy anything with it, and that they'll also sell a lot more of their cheap models than they will of the ones that cost much more.
Thing is, some Epiphones actually cost more than some Gibsons, like the LPJ when they came out in 2013. At least in my country.
So just considering price, I could get the first LPJ cheaper in 2013 than a new Epiphone MKH in 2016...
Sooo, is the Epiphone better made than LPJ then?
(Gibson prices have gone waaaay up too though. But price/quality is not always a good measure).
Don't assume every guitar with the Gibson logo is a premium instrument. Their low-end guitars are not made with all of the same materials & labor as their mid-price and high-end guitars. They know players are impressed with the Gibson name and buy anything with it, and that they'll also sell a lot more of their cheap models than they will of the ones that cost much more.
Rand-O-Monium
New member
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
I hear ya!
My Epis are def keepers(esp the Explorer!),but my LPC just slays about anything!
Def room & a place in the stable for both!
I hear ya!
My Epis are def keepers(esp the Explorer!),but my LPC just slays about anything!
Def room & a place in the stable for both!
plasticscouse
New member
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
I'll add my 2 pence worth
I have a 2004 (October) Epi Lp standard trans blue from new. I've also bought a 2016 Gibson LP studio faded last year. And i have a 2014 59 es 345. I use these generally as some sort of comparison if that's possible.
All 3 feel different, neck shapes, fret heights binding/ no binding.There's also the the poly/nitro/whatever the faded has that's not shiny. I have no preference in finish in that regard and suggesting one is better that the other just feel different. the inside of the epiphone has had a payer of clear finish on it while the gibsons are bear.
The Epiphone has a thinner neck general slim taper D it says on the website, it does have a proper thickness maple cap on it with the pretty flamyness a veneer.
I think the Epi generally have standard shapes where gibson can possibly get a bit more tailored on the specs depending n the model (1959 nech rounded 50s 60s taper etc)
Also different woods will be used in different factories with different climates and work ethics with the Epiphone being a fully mass produced in number far exceeding the Gibsons. With Epiphones also being based on metric while Gibson on the inferior Imperial system.
Where they're made isn't a factor as I'm in the UK so they are both foreign imports.
when bought the Epiphone I had problem with a sharp Bridge saddle (fixed with a set up) and developed buzzing in the TOM bridge (I now hate the ABR style bridge with retaining spring I can never seem to stop those Buzzes). Neither of my Gibsons so far have developed any of those issues.
I have "upgraded my Epiphone Bridge obviously, the "mudbucker" as someone called them here to 59s (with A4 magnets now based on opinions from another very recent post)
and the tone "switches" not pots uses. I did 50s wiring t help solve the problem. The pots did get changed as they original gave up the ghost after repeated soldering attempts. Still the alpha pots though Nothing much original remains on it, really because of 11 years of wear and tear and tone searching than anything truly thinking any component was inferior. The Gibsons only needed tweaks by myself with a screwdriver to set up to my style.
I will probably never touch my Gibsons, unless Gibson releases BB1 & 2 quick connect pickups, I do like that idea of the quick connect. I would never really consider my Epiphone inferior to My Gibson LP bast on cost alone just different beasts. I would NEVER sell my Epiphone. I wouldn't say the same about my gibsons although I have no intention to sell just never say never for them.
I'll add my 2 pence worth
I have a 2004 (October) Epi Lp standard trans blue from new. I've also bought a 2016 Gibson LP studio faded last year. And i have a 2014 59 es 345. I use these generally as some sort of comparison if that's possible.
All 3 feel different, neck shapes, fret heights binding/ no binding.There's also the the poly/nitro/whatever the faded has that's not shiny. I have no preference in finish in that regard and suggesting one is better that the other just feel different. the inside of the epiphone has had a payer of clear finish on it while the gibsons are bear.
The Epiphone has a thinner neck general slim taper D it says on the website, it does have a proper thickness maple cap on it with the pretty flamyness a veneer.
I think the Epi generally have standard shapes where gibson can possibly get a bit more tailored on the specs depending n the model (1959 nech rounded 50s 60s taper etc)
Also different woods will be used in different factories with different climates and work ethics with the Epiphone being a fully mass produced in number far exceeding the Gibsons. With Epiphones also being based on metric while Gibson on the inferior Imperial system.
Where they're made isn't a factor as I'm in the UK so they are both foreign imports.
when bought the Epiphone I had problem with a sharp Bridge saddle (fixed with a set up) and developed buzzing in the TOM bridge (I now hate the ABR style bridge with retaining spring I can never seem to stop those Buzzes). Neither of my Gibsons so far have developed any of those issues.
I have "upgraded my Epiphone Bridge obviously, the "mudbucker" as someone called them here to 59s (with A4 magnets now based on opinions from another very recent post)
and the tone "switches" not pots uses. I did 50s wiring t help solve the problem. The pots did get changed as they original gave up the ghost after repeated soldering attempts. Still the alpha pots though Nothing much original remains on it, really because of 11 years of wear and tear and tone searching than anything truly thinking any component was inferior. The Gibsons only needed tweaks by myself with a screwdriver to set up to my style.
I will probably never touch my Gibsons, unless Gibson releases BB1 & 2 quick connect pickups, I do like that idea of the quick connect. I would never really consider my Epiphone inferior to My Gibson LP bast on cost alone just different beasts. I would NEVER sell my Epiphone. I wouldn't say the same about my gibsons although I have no intention to sell just never say never for them.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
The current Epi LP Std's are made with better workmanship & parts, especially the Probucker PU's. I don't think you would have had to replace as much as you did with one of those. They're a decent guitar for $499.
The current Epi LP Std's are made with better workmanship & parts, especially the Probucker PU's. I don't think you would have had to replace as much as you did with one of those. They're a decent guitar for $499.
F
Funkfingers
Guest
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
The Epiphone Wilshire dates back to 1959. If you like, compare its specifications with those of the Gibson SG/Les Paul.
The Epiphone Wilshire dates back to 1959. If you like, compare its specifications with those of the Gibson SG/Les Paul.
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
You can get the connectors and install them on the pickups yourself. It sucks (especially with aging eyes) but it can be done. The pin contacts are meant to be crimped on so technically, you need a special tool, but it can be done by soldering (which sucks even worse than crimping). You are across the pond but the part numbers for the connectors and housings should be the same. Let me know if you want the part numbers. I've swapped out a couple pickups now. I'm tempted to just rip the board out and wire it the good old way which I'm very capable of doing. And I may still do so. But, despite what a pita it is to attach those pins to the pickup wires, it is still faster than desoldering and soldering in new pups. You can also buy pre-made adapters on ebay.
You can get the connectors and install them on the pickups yourself. It sucks (especially with aging eyes) but it can be done. The pin contacts are meant to be crimped on so technically, you need a special tool, but it can be done by soldering (which sucks even worse than crimping). You are across the pond but the part numbers for the connectors and housings should be the same. Let me know if you want the part numbers. I've swapped out a couple pickups now. I'm tempted to just rip the board out and wire it the good old way which I'm very capable of doing. And I may still do so. But, despite what a pita it is to attach those pins to the pickup wires, it is still faster than desoldering and soldering in new pups. You can also buy pre-made adapters on ebay.
Myaccount876
Amira-Maker
Re: Gibson Vs Epiphone: Why doesn't epiphone sound or feel the same?
People should just shut up and play sometimes.
People should just shut up and play sometimes.
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