Sounds nice to me ! They should say it’s an all solid wood guitar , on the description it makes you think it’s laminate back and sides but it’s definitely solid mahogany .
No shop that sells Gibson's will tell you that the imitation is just as good, there is abouth a 3000 dollar price difference. I think this one sounds great, good enough for everyone who doesn't care what the headstock says...
Yea I appreciate your enthusiasm for the for the well priced Epiphone, but no, not even close. Thing is they aren’t supposed to be close. This is a nice guitar for the price point.
Ive seen professional musicians play these live and they sound great. Most people aren't going to take their $3k to $5k Gibson guitars out on the road. I have a Gibson LP and Epi LP and I love then both.
I have never seen any guitar downplayed like this one in any of your guys videos. I know you will disagree but your vibe is negative and one has to wonder why. These new epiphones are great and a lot of Gibsons do not sound good at all everyone knows it.
They forgot to mention that it is all solid wood. And they got the designation wrong, this is not part of the Masterbuilt line. This is in the Inspired by Gibson line. It goes to show how much they researched the guitar before making this video. Baconator my ass...
Guitar snobs impressed by price . They would praise a plate of sh*t if it cost $500 over a freshly cooked meal costing $20. This was not a proper review it was a criticism.
Masterbilt is a fine guitar made of all wood. I picked up one the other day on a whim, damn solid Maple back and sides solid Sitka spruce top. All appointments were top notch. It sounds amazing!!!
It would be awesome to see you guys compare the new Epiphone Masterbilts to the entry level Gibson G45 given that they’re at a very similar price point.
Here goes a hot take.... I have a Gibson Hummingbird Martin HD-28 Taylor 414 redwood Guild Om150 This exact epiphone I just purchased a little over a month ago. I only have 2 complaints. The fishman pickup is not the greatest to my ear. Then again I am used to LR Baggs Anthem blended. The only and I mean only other complaint I have with this guitar is the minor fret buzzing it has when strumming hard. Both issues are easily fixed. This guitar unplugged sounds just as good as a Gibson. Would recommend for anyone looking to buy. Its def worth saving the extra 2k.
I mean, Quinton makes all guitars sound great. But at the same time, Epiphone has been doing a great job lately with their new models. Also, you guys are awesome.
Great comparison. Really demonstrated some of the differences. The Gibson is brighter and louder. Is it worth thousands more than the Epi? Not in a million years. Not to me anyway.
I love Hummingbirds, but could never afford the original Gibson. I preordered one of these. After one day, sent it back and ordered a Gibson G45 Studio. Much happier now.
@@tonydardi332 I should have. I got caught up in the "bling" of the Hummingbird, but the G45 is just a better guitar. Better made. Comes with a hard case.
@@kevcroston5793 What was it that you didn’t like about the Epiphone? How did it sound? Did it sound like a solid wood guitar or was it more like a laminate? You’d probably have to find a guitar store that has a few of them and pick out the good one. My guess is the quality control overseas is poor. That’s just a guess. You may have ordered a “dud” if you know what I mean lol.
@@tonydardi332 It had a lot of small finishing issues. Poorly cut binding, finish drips. QC issues. And like a lot of people have said, it sounded a little "dark" and "choked". Maybe the poly finish is too thick? It was also a very glossy finish for being "vintage". The thicker neck is also not appreciably thicker than the typical Epiphone D taper. I like a thicker neck. It was alright, but not for the price. If it was $200 less, it would have been worth it. But for $200 more, I got a real (better) Gibson (nitrocellulose finish) with a hard case.
Acoustic letter: does the Gibson hummingbird have a piezo under bridge pickup? If not it will for sure sound better acoustically than the Epiphone due to the sound deadening piezo under bridge pickup on the Inspired by. Try taking it out and swap the saddle for a higher bone saddle to compansate for the height loss from the piezo pickup. I am telling you that the comparison will be very interesting. I did this to my Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-200, and but in brass bridge pins. The guitar is a whole different instrument.
I’m pretty sure that’s the new “Inspired by Gibson” line, and not the Masterbilt series. They didn’t make a Hummingbird Masterbilt this past year...only a Texan, Frontier, Excellente, and a AJ-45ME. They DID however, use Hummingbird Masterbilt “boxes” for shipping. Here’s a much better blindfold comparison ruclips.net/video/FqoROeuBiAw/видео.html
Hi David , thank you for thé déplantation, I was wondering the same thing ? Is this an inspired by Gibson , or a masterbilt one ?? It is very confusing . To me we are talking about the inspired by … one . I sent to a shop near Paris , France a month ago. They had the bird and J45 in stock and was very disapointed both by the finish and the sound… and they were so heavy too.
I have the j45 and hummingbird IBG and also the masterbuilt excellente and I couldn't be happier and I've owned Martin's and Taylor's and to me these guitars are every bit as good as those although I have never owned a Gibson acoustic Sunday I will buy a j45
I hate when people say “for the money…” it’s a. $1,000 guitar. It is a really good guitar period. The Gibsons are exceptional guitars that cost 4 times as much and the Epis shouldn’t be compared to those because it diminishes them in a way that’s unnecessary and unfair.
Ummm I’ve done a whole lot of research after I watched this video for the first time and they are not different enough in “ingredients” as you call it to make a difference. they many times sounds the same, I’m kinda upset about this because I realize that I would rather watch other videos without having the hosts in Gibson’s pockets.I sat down the other day and witnessed for myself a live comparison between a Gibson hummingbird and the new inspired by Gibson hummingbird. Now I’ve been playing by ear for 25 years mind you and I couldn’t not tell a single sonic difference between the two, it was astonishing how almost identical they were. I found out for myself that both have hand scalloped bracing, both are solid wood construction mahogany back and sides with Sitka spruce tops, both are real mother of pearl on the neck, both are solid necks. The only difference is the pickup which can be changed, the tuners are epiphone deluxe tuners as where the Gibson has Gibson deluxe...big whoop, the finish on the Gibson is nitro as where the finish on the inspired by is some other type of lacquer which all lacquer checks and breathes over time, not just nitro. My father is a master painter of over 35 years and he sprays nitro finish on cabinets all the time, it’s easy to spray, don’t know why Gibson is charging such a premium for nitro anyway cuz it’s not as hard of an application as they say it is. I’m just saying but I mean of course Gibson wants the Gibson hummingbird to seem more superior to it’s epiphone counterpart so they can keep charging the premium 4000 price tag which it’s truly not worth. I could keep going with this but I believe you get the point of what I’m trying to say here, don’t be sellout snobs of the industry cuz it puts a little extra money in your pockets...
Well Bruce , I assume that the main difference is that US workers are ont paid the same as the Indonesians … and this is a good thing. I’d rather save up my money and buy the real bird, made by American hands. For a frenchy like me , I am buying a piece of American dream. Also , are you sure they are the same in wood quality ? Always wondered… Don’t get me wrong I am not defending Gibson but we all Know that labor in south east Asia is cheap. That’ s why sadly we don’t build or make anything in Europe.
@@philippelastours7860 as far as I know, these are masterbilt guitars mean that it’s all solid wood and very nice wood at that and made by one luthier start to finish, mostly done by hand.
Ok Bruce , thanks for your answer. I believed they were mostly cnc built, which cannot be that bad either… I’ll try to have a go on one of them next Time in a different shop. Take care and stay safe Bruce.
If you ever get one in, do a review of an Epi Texan. I once owned the original Texan back in the 60's and traded it in for a 1969 Martin D18. I would love to see what you folks think of the reissued Epi Texan.
The other factor is the guitar owners playing skills which can be a huge factor in the musical results. I know some musicians that can play a off the wall banger and play it righteously. I think that as you said esthetics have a place place for cork sniffers. Its all good. Its all about the joy of guitars at whatever level you are in it for. Lets have fun!
Just an FYI for potential buyers ... the side and back are actually solid maple on these, not mahogany. Same spec as a J200 but with a different body shape. They sound great.
This was probably the worst guitar comparison on the internet. There was no information here except what we already know. What type of neck, fingerboard does it have, how is the action on this guitar, does it need a setup?
I thought he said they were going to play them side-by-side? Well, for $799.00 it's sound peaches really. Run that through your recording stuff, and you will get a pretty fine sounding tune.
Honestly, 800$ for a solid wood guitar is a very good price. There's way too much elitism going on in the guitar community. Hendrix or Clapton could take a cheap ass chinese guitar and play it so well no one would even give a damn. It's always those elitists who act like a guitar needs to say Gibson or Taylor too be even considered a good or professional guitar. Even though 99% of sound comes from your skill.
If you have the ability to go “under the hood” and re-scallop the braces, like I do, this Epiphone is every bit as good as the Gibson “version” for $3K cheaper. But, you will void the warranty by messing with the braces.
Epi make some good stuff for the money asPaul says, but based upon experience, for me, their QC always leaves me disappointed, and has done. This has always been the case imo. Doesn't sound bad at all. Great playing from the mighty Q. as always.
I received the J 200 version for Xmas. Returned it the next day. Sounded like any number of low/mid level guitars that I’ve had over the years. Solid back and sides and beautiful no doubt, but stiff without projection. The tone was flat and shallow, which is to say that it had no bass for a jumbo. Very very disappointed. Love your channel guys and you did a very respectful job of diplomacy in this video. Buy an Eastman if the Gibsons aren’t in the budget. Buy an Orangewood if the Eastmans aren’t in the budget. 😀
I've owned a genuine Gibson J-200 and while it was an impressive build, quite gorgeous, the sound was very quiet, especially for a Jumbo, but quiet even compared to some smaller builds. I"m not saying there aren't J-200s that loud, just that each individual guitar needs to be judged on its own merits because they vary sometimes widely.
I totally agree. I ordered one when they first came out. In shipping, the silica packets busted and scratched up the finish but honestly I was glad bc I had reason to send it back. It just didn't sound that great. I own several Gibsons and Masterbilts and it was the worst of any of em. That being said, I also had a SJ200 standard that just didn't do it either. Doesn't come close to a J45. Gorgeous, but not nearly the sound you'd expect out of something that size.
Yep, but these guys are brand fanboys. I've owned a Gibson J45 and a J200 and sold both of them in less than a year. Not bad guitars at all, but nowhere near worth what I paid for them. Right now my favorite player is a made in Mexico, Martin Road Series Special. It runs circles around my old J45 and for less than half the price.
Listening to this again, you know if he was just gonna do an acoustic jam on RUclips and sing over that guitar, honestly I’d never think any different if he played that one or the Gibson, if I was playing I might notice, but RUclips music fans aren’t gonna notice
There is actually some Epiphone Texans made in USA too.. but they are around 3k.. not the same thing as this.. thou I would get a Gibson instead I guess.. ;) or this..
Having played both, they sound different from each other. Its purposely built that way to not take away business from the Gibson line. However what the masterbuilt is what Japanese Hummingbird copies where in the 1970s, all the looks of a hummingbird, quality built, but none of the tone. What makes the Epiphone better than those Japanese copies, is that its made of all solid wood. Itll take time to break in the sound. Unlike the laminate Japanese copies of the 70's, the Epiphone will only sound better in time. Hate to break it to the commentors on the comment thread, this is not a Hummingbird at 1/3 the price. Its just a quality guitar, built to price, with an inferior pickguard graphics. Does it still sound great? Absolutely! But it doesn't sound like a hummingbird
Can I ask you a question?!? I’ve been playing for 22 years and honestly shoot me straight, not opinionated but are the Gibson’s honestly by what they are made with and all really and truly worth 4,000 dollars?!? I mean I think not, there is not even 4,000 dollars worth of materials there..
It depends. But honestly, no. The Dove may be worth its money considering all the pearls it has. But aside from that, Gibsons are partially so expensive because of all the famous musicians that played them. I doubt that even made in the usa makes them cost 4000. They are however hand made, but I've also heard that nowadays they aren't. Ask youself an honest question. If Hendrix or Clapton were to play an Epiphone Hummingbird, do you think it would sound bad? Do you really think anyone would even notice? I highly doubt it. There is baerly any sound difference between the Epi Hummingbird and Gibson.
These guys are a Gibson dealer and in Montana, Bozeman (where Gibson builds acoustics). No Gibson dealer is going to say the Epiphone sounds as good. I have the inspired by Gibson Hummingbird and it is very good. The Gibson is not $3000 better by any measure. Another video to check out would be Andertons blindfold comparison. It convinced me to get the Epiphone.
G 45 is a great option at $999 as well. Kind for depends what you want. You can pick up a Martin D 16 RGT used for about $1300 as well if you want a solid Rosewood dread. I also heard Laravee D 40's are incredible value at around $1,500.
Have you figured out what body shape/size you like? What playability things (neck scale & profile, nut width) work for you, and what tone/sound you are looking for? Will you be singing while playing? Not everyone needs a dreadnought. There may be great guitars lightly used that will fit your budget. For example I found a fantastic Martin CEO-7 in this price range (Adirondack top mahogany back & sides, short scale and slope shoulder 00 body (Think Gibson L-00). But it took some looking and negotiations with my wife and the seller.
@@texhaines9957 well I'm a solid beginner but enjoy playing b just at home ... I have a Washburn d10!I bought 20 ago but never followed through with till now and a few cheap electrics .. I just keep my eye out for that grow old guitar that's got that look 👀 As the other guy said I have a friend who keeps recommending a Taylor dream or the 200 series .. I figure by Easter show rooms will be in full swing and I can test drive some that I see
I have one of the new masterbilt excellente and a Gibson Hummingbird and my general impression was that the masterbilt is a tad overbraced but it on a sound level has "the sound", but lacking an original I have nothing to compare it to. I love the guitar tho! Comparing the masterbilt hummingbirds what I found is they seemed overbraced too but they sound like hummingbirds! that's really cool and if all you're after then you get 95% of the sound you're looking for for a lot less. what it was lacking was the "magic". It wasn't inspirational, it felt like just a generic guitar that sounded like a hummingbird. I found that the sj200 was the big winner given the price disparity and the one I played was very alive but all of my experience is anecdotal.
I think it comes down to this, is an LR Baggs pickup ($150/value), hard case ($150/value) a Nitro finish, American craftsmanship and that Gibson logo on the headstock worth the extra $2600? The answer to that should be No for most players. Functionally, tonally, you're about 85% there with these Inspired by Gibson models and for playing live, unless you're getting your guitars free from Gibson on promotion deal, no one wants to take a $3700 guitar to bar to play... Will also say this, these Indonesian made Inspired by Gibson guitars are much better quality than what I feel C.F. Martin is doing in Mexico. Taylor builds guitars in Mexico on par with their USA product. Different specs, different price points, but their build quality is consistent... Not so with Martin for some reason. These Gibson all-solid wood Epiphone's are very consistent, you're getting Grover tuners and a fretboard that's PLEKed at the factory too.
@@Rgdonaire_07 I would say compared to my other guitars which are at least double the price of one of these. The humming bird is good value for the price. But it isn't a Gibson - it is a bit silly to compare it to one. However, for the price the sound is sufficient to justify it. It is a solidly built guitar - not light. It came with light gauge Gibson strings I think which are over double the price of the Daddario strings I use. I think the strings used might make a difference to the sound. I have found it good for playing sixties rhythm type songs, Mamas and the poppers, type jangly stuff. For picking I find it not really useful as folk guitar. it doesn't project that well. Although its worth experimenting say tuning it down a step and putting a capo on first fret gives a different feel for projected sound. After having it a few months I would say it will take time to break in to get sound nice but I do not think you are getting more than what you will pay for. the sound quality in my opinion is about what I'd expect for the price...
These "Inspired by Gibson" guitars, seem to have the same build and quality as Epiphone's Masterbilt collection, maybe even the same materials, is this fair to say? Seems as though these are basically Masterbilts created to looks like some of Gibsons most iconic models. I've even seen some call these guitars by the Masterbilt name...Masterbilt J-45, Masterbilt Hummingbird etc... Also, if I am correct, these are not the first guitars inspired by Gibson, just the first to be called "Inspired by Gibson", right? For quite some time now, Epiphone has had the J-200 Studio, J-45 Studio, Hummingbird Studio, and Dove Studio in their line up. So, what's the difference here? I'd imagine just better materials maybe? Built to the same standards their Masterbilt collection is built to?
Answered my own question as far as Masterbilt vs "Inspired By". You can clearly see inside each sound hole, these guitars are labeled as Masterbilt Humming Bird, Masterbilt J-45 etc... So, these are extensions of their Masterbilt line.
I think you are selling the epiphone short by comparing it to a fast food hamburger. I get your analogy but I think you could have had a better comparison.
Dude you sound like a politician. But... but... but... dont review it if you dont like it. You dont make sense. Epiphone, Japanese made are great guitars especially my PR 745
@@PeterSz73 For example, the Godin line of guitars (made in Quebec, Canada), like the Seagull S6, also Taylor makes some guitars in that price range which, I feel, are better guitars, the Martin DX1AE is a better guitar (IMO) even though it has HPL back and sides. Eastman makes better options in that price range.... The Epiphone in this video might be a good one, but, as I said, my experiences with Epiphone over the years has not been good...
Historically Epiphone made much better guitars than Gibson before Gibson bought them out in a hostile take over...Epiphone were superior to Gibson before the buyout...it's why Gibson bought them out in the first place, they then downgraded materials / wood for the Epiphone range to make a poor mans Gibson. It should be Gibson Inspired by Epiphone...now Gibson realise they can't get away with asking £4k ...different World now so they bring up the quality of the Epiphone for the market share.
I have this guitar and the Gibson j50 1950s original . The Epiphone is 10 times better than that Gibson. I paid $2000.00 more for that Gibson. I wish I just got thsr Epi instead . This video is rather misleading in comparing the epi to a fast good restaurant..the guitar is gorgeous sounds full and loud. Plays like butter .
I had to laugh at the different approach when playing each. I wish you had done an equal approach, but then again one was viewed as a Wendy's the other as chopped prime. Honestly, I can't hear much difference side by side here at home with my two.
Great guitars but.......but nothing they're just as good as a U.S.A. made Gibson, they certainly play and sound as good, the big difference for me is the shameful way Gibson as a company has behaved through history.......including their purchase of Epiphone (who made superior guitars to Gibson) and then the way they limited Epiphone so they couldn't produce a better guitar and compete any more, only now for some reason Gibson are allowing Epiphone to shine a little, it's for this reason I'll never buy a Gibson but I would be tempted to buy an Epiphone.
No…we don’t want or need your validation. We simply want you to review the guitar you’re playing. OF COURSE the Gibson will be better than the Epiphone. There’s an enormous price difference. As is the case with a Martin road series and an HD28. Review the instrument for the price point/level that it is. You spoke more about what the guitar is not rather than what the guitar actually is.
As B/S goes these guys just don't cut it. Hope Gibson are paying you well for compromising your integrity ? mind you they are American, the country that has seen fit to allow the carrying of arms. How many school shootings does it take, before the penny drops ? Anyway, I digress. I have on 3 separate occasions gone into three different music shops in 3 different cities and asked to play a selection of guitars from a variety of price points....BLINDFOLDED and simply the top end guitars, usually from the big names just don't stand out. On two occasions it was the retailer who put in a high end guitar to see the result, both examples were from Gibson and were $5000 + models against $5-700 models. I preferred guitars from the lower price point in all three tests. One retailer, not impolitely highlighted possible limitations of my ear and playing...... a very fair point. So I suggested they try with the blindfold on, and yes they had to admit they could not identify the high end offerings. Just remember when you next see Americans with all their toys and living the American dream.... you are paying for sweetly for it.
if you're going to make a review as depressing as that, don't do it. Apart from the lack of enthusiasm when reviewing, it carries with it the wrong information because it is not a masterbilt, but one inspired by gibson, and also the lack of information when it fails to mention that the instrument and this entire line are all solid. Of course, there is a big difference between the epiphone and the gibson, but knowing that this is a fantastic line of instruments due to its low cost and the configuration of a pro guitar, I think this review should be more dedicated. I repeat if you're going to do shit like that, don't do it. I'm unsubscribing from the channel.
Oh my Americans using burgers as a way of describing guitars. Sorry chaps..this is a bad review. The skill is to get people interested in both guitars without putting one or the other down. That's my opinion...for the money is a term you seem to use..
Sounds nice to me ! They should say it’s an all solid wood guitar , on the description it makes you think it’s laminate back and sides but it’s definitely solid mahogany .
No shop that sells Gibson's will tell you that the imitation is just as good, there is abouth a 3000 dollar price difference.
I think this one sounds great, good enough for everyone who doesn't care what the headstock says...
Epiphone & Gibson are night & day difference.
Yea I appreciate your enthusiasm for the for the well priced Epiphone, but no, not even close. Thing is they aren’t supposed to be close. This is a nice guitar for the price point.
Quite right. They seem to push the Gibson on most of these vids.
Ive seen professional musicians play these live and they sound great. Most people aren't going to take their $3k to $5k Gibson guitars out on the road. I have a Gibson LP and Epi LP and I love then both.
Damn right. too many drunk assholes that like to get up on stage during break.
I have never seen any guitar downplayed like this one in any of your guys videos. I know you will disagree but your vibe is negative and one has to wonder why. These new epiphones are great and a lot of Gibsons do not sound good at all everyone knows it.
They forgot to mention that it is all solid wood. And they got the designation wrong, this is not part of the Masterbuilt line. This is in the Inspired by Gibson line. It goes to show how much they researched the guitar before making this video. Baconator my ass...
They make it sound like “technically it’s a guitar but.....”If it were made in America it would be at $1000 plus guitar
I felt the exact same way
The fact they spent 4m30 explaining whatever and 30 sec off playing explains alot 😂
Guitar snobs impressed by price . They would praise a plate of sh*t if it cost $500 over a freshly cooked meal costing $20. This was not a proper review it was a criticism.
Masterbilt is a fine guitar made of all wood. I picked up one the other day on a whim, damn solid Maple back and sides solid Sitka spruce top.
All appointments were top notch. It sounds amazing!!!
It would be awesome to see you guys compare the new Epiphone Masterbilts to the entry level Gibson G45 given that they’re at a very similar price point.
Good idea, I’d like to see that also
For you what's better?
Here goes a hot take....
I have a Gibson Hummingbird
Martin HD-28
Taylor 414 redwood
Guild Om150
This exact epiphone I just purchased a little over a month ago. I only have 2 complaints. The fishman pickup is not the greatest to my ear. Then again I am used to LR Baggs Anthem blended. The only and I mean only other complaint I have with this guitar is the minor fret buzzing it has when strumming hard. Both issues are easily fixed. This guitar unplugged sounds just as good as a Gibson. Would recommend for anyone looking to buy. Its def worth saving the extra 2k.
Great burger analogy!
how is this hummingbird compared to the non-masterbilt epiphone hummingbird?
I mean, Quinton makes all guitars sound great. But at the same time, Epiphone has been doing a great job lately with their new models. Also, you guys are awesome.
Reques review yang merk Sigma hummigbird juga om❤
Great comparison. Really demonstrated some of the differences. The Gibson is brighter and louder. Is it worth thousands more than the Epi? Not in a million years. Not to me anyway.
Wow. It actually sounds really good!
I love Hummingbirds, but could never afford the original Gibson. I preordered one of these. After one day, sent it back and ordered a Gibson G45 Studio. Much happier now.
Why didn’t you just buy the Gibson in the first place lol?
@@tonydardi332 I should have. I got caught up in the "bling" of the Hummingbird, but the G45 is just a better guitar. Better made. Comes with a hard case.
@@kevcroston5793 What was it that you didn’t like about the Epiphone? How did it sound? Did it sound like a solid wood guitar or was it more like a laminate? You’d probably have to find a guitar store that has a few of them and pick out the good one. My guess is the quality control overseas is poor. That’s just a guess. You may have ordered a “dud” if you know what I mean lol.
@@tonydardi332 It had a lot of small finishing issues. Poorly cut binding, finish drips. QC issues. And like a lot of people have said, it sounded a little "dark" and "choked". Maybe the poly finish is too thick? It was also a very glossy finish for being "vintage". The thicker neck is also not appreciably thicker than the typical Epiphone D taper. I like a thicker neck. It was alright, but not for the price. If it was $200 less, it would have been worth it. But for $200 more, I got a real (better) Gibson (nitrocellulose finish) with a hard case.
Maybe they'll be worth it on the used market? Cheaper and a chance for the wood to "open up".
Acoustic letter: does the Gibson hummingbird have a piezo under bridge pickup? If not it will for sure sound better acoustically than the Epiphone due to the sound deadening piezo under bridge pickup on the Inspired by. Try taking it out and swap the saddle for a higher bone saddle to compansate for the height loss from the piezo pickup. I am telling you that the comparison will be very interesting. I did this to my Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-200, and but in brass bridge pins. The guitar is a whole different instrument.
At about 1:55 they seemed to imply the Epi was not all solid wood, which is wrong. I'm pretty sure they both know better.
a good a/b test would (wood?) be vs. a mahogany Eastman dreadnought or Yamaha. This one sounds pretty good, I have to say.
This sounds similar but a bit better than the two 1970s Gibson Hummingbirds I had.
I will be glad to buy one from Indonesia.
Sounds damn good.
A step above the Gibson copies from a few years ago.. and sounds even better than Masterbuilts I have liked.
Well this is made in the us
@@norwegiansniper9713 I'm pretty sure the masterbilts are still made in china
You are both wrong. Indonesia..!!!
I play one Epiphone and not too fussy about them. I should have mentioned that the Epiphone I was talking about was way back.
Is this the same as the inspired by gibson hummingbird??
I'm tellin you, the epiphone masterbuilts are so phenomenal, my 74 gibson j55 is barely pullin in front
I’m pretty sure that’s the new “Inspired by Gibson” line, and not the Masterbilt series. They didn’t make a Hummingbird Masterbilt this past year...only a Texan, Frontier, Excellente, and a AJ-45ME. They DID however, use Hummingbird Masterbilt “boxes” for shipping.
Here’s a much better blindfold comparison
ruclips.net/video/FqoROeuBiAw/видео.html
You are right sir
Hi David , thank you for thé déplantation, I was wondering the same thing ? Is this an inspired by Gibson , or a masterbilt one ?? It is very confusing . To me we are talking about the inspired by … one . I sent to a shop near Paris , France a month ago. They had the bird and J45 in stock and was very disapointed both by the finish and the sound… and they were so heavy too.
Sorry, wrong typing. I meant : thank you for the explanation.
I have the j45 and hummingbird IBG and also the masterbuilt excellente and I couldn't be happier and I've owned Martin's and Taylor's and to me these guitars are every bit as good as those although I have never owned a Gibson acoustic Sunday I will buy a j45
Hello My Friends
Could you give me the 2 measurements of the width of the shoulders and the bottom of the guitar?
Kind regards
👩Anna👩
I know the ale works quite well. I play bozeman pretty often. Are you saying this guitar is a baconator though?
Paul keeps it real here in the comparison.
I got the AJ-500 rvs... love it
What strings did you use on the hummingbird
I would love a demo of the hummingbird studio rosewood.
Is It suitable for finger style and solo?
I hate when people say “for the money…” it’s a. $1,000 guitar. It is a really good guitar period. The Gibsons are exceptional guitars that cost 4 times as much and the Epis shouldn’t be compared to those because it diminishes them in a way that’s unnecessary and unfair.
Solid top, laminated back and sides?
The Epiphone featured here is an all solid wood guitar.
Ummm I’ve done a whole lot of research after I watched this video for the first time and they are not different enough in “ingredients” as you call it to make a difference. they many times sounds the same, I’m kinda upset about this because I realize that I would rather watch other videos without having the hosts in Gibson’s pockets.I sat down the other day and witnessed for myself a live comparison between a Gibson hummingbird and the new inspired by Gibson hummingbird. Now I’ve been playing by ear for 25 years mind you and I couldn’t not tell a single sonic difference between the two, it was astonishing how almost identical they were. I found out for myself that both have hand scalloped bracing, both are solid wood construction mahogany back and sides with Sitka spruce tops, both are real mother of pearl on the neck, both are solid necks. The only difference is the pickup which can be changed, the tuners are epiphone deluxe tuners as where the Gibson has Gibson deluxe...big whoop, the finish on the Gibson is nitro as where the finish on the inspired by is some other type of lacquer which all lacquer checks and breathes over time, not just nitro. My father is a master painter of over 35 years and he sprays nitro finish on cabinets all the time, it’s easy to spray, don’t know why Gibson is charging such a premium for nitro anyway cuz it’s not as hard of an application as they say it is. I’m just saying but I mean of course Gibson wants the Gibson hummingbird to seem more superior to it’s epiphone counterpart so they can keep charging the premium 4000 price tag which it’s truly not worth. I could keep going with this but I believe you get the point of what I’m trying to say here, don’t be sellout snobs of the industry cuz it puts a little extra money in your pockets...
Well Bruce , I assume that the main difference is that US workers are ont paid the same as the Indonesians … and this is a good thing. I’d rather save up my money and buy the real bird, made by American hands. For a frenchy like me , I am buying a piece of American dream. Also , are you sure they are the same in wood quality ? Always wondered… Don’t get me wrong I am not defending Gibson but we all Know that labor in south east Asia is cheap. That’ s why sadly we don’t build or make anything in Europe.
@@philippelastours7860 as far as I know, these are masterbilt guitars mean that it’s all solid wood and very nice wood at that and made by one luthier start to finish, mostly done by hand.
Ok Bruce , thanks for your answer. I believed they were mostly cnc built, which cannot be that bad either… I’ll try to have a go on one of them next Time in a different shop. Take care and stay safe Bruce.
If you ever get one in, do a review of an Epi Texan. I once owned the original Texan back in the 60's and traded it in for a 1969 Martin D18. I would love to see what you folks think of the reissued Epi Texan.
The other factor is the guitar owners playing skills which can be a huge factor in the musical results. I know some musicians that can play a off the wall banger and play it righteously. I think that as you said esthetics have a place place for cork sniffers. Its all good. Its all about the joy of guitars at whatever level you are in it for. Lets have fun!
Crazy........just got a baconator the other day, it was delicious!
Just an FYI for potential buyers ... the side and back are actually solid maple on these, not mahogany. Same spec as a J200 but with a different body shape. They sound great.
Actually it is mahogany, according with epiphone specs. Doves use to have maple back and sides.
This was probably the worst guitar comparison on the internet.
There was no information here except what we already know. What type of neck, fingerboard does it have, how is the action on this guitar, does it need a setup?
Great sound!
I've heard people say that it sounds dampened due to thick finishes on the wood? Can someone comment on that? Obviously it's not nitro.
Dare I say for certain engagements the baconator beats the gourmet burger? Not sure that holds true for the Epi/Gibby challenge?
I thought he said they were going to play them side-by-side? Well, for $799.00 it's sound peaches really. Run that through your recording stuff, and you will get a pretty fine sounding tune.
Honestly, 800$ for a solid wood guitar is a very good price. There's way too much elitism going on in the guitar community. Hendrix or Clapton could take a cheap ass chinese guitar and play it so well no one would even give a damn. It's always those elitists who act like a guitar needs to say Gibson or Taylor too be even considered a good or professional guitar. Even though 99% of sound comes from your skill.
I'm really looking forward to the Masterbilt Vs Gibson video!!
ruclips.net/video/FqoROeuBiAw/видео.html
Why no 1960s hummingbird review yet?
The guy on the left was really getting me down on the epiphone. Then the guy on the right saved it with the baconator analogy.
If you have the ability to go “under the hood” and re-scallop the braces, like I do, this Epiphone is every bit as good as the Gibson “version” for $3K cheaper. But, you will void the warranty by messing with the braces.
Aren't masterbilts scalloped? What tools do you use?
I should have mentioned that the Epiphone I was talking about was way back.
Epi make some good stuff for the money asPaul says, but based upon experience, for me, their QC always leaves me disappointed, and has done. This has always been the case imo. Doesn't sound bad at all. Great playing from the mighty Q. as always.
I have a few 2020 models and I had no QC issues what so ever ! My Epy les paul custom is by far the best sounding Les Paul I ever own!
I received the J 200 version for Xmas. Returned it the next day. Sounded like any number of low/mid level guitars that I’ve had over the years. Solid back and sides and beautiful no doubt, but stiff without projection. The tone was flat and shallow, which is to say that it had no bass for a jumbo. Very very disappointed. Love your channel guys and you did a very respectful job of diplomacy in this video. Buy an Eastman if the Gibsons aren’t in the budget. Buy an Orangewood if the Eastmans aren’t in the budget. 😀
maybe sigma sj200 sounds better than epi j200
I've owned a genuine Gibson J-200 and while it was an impressive build, quite gorgeous, the sound was very quiet, especially for a Jumbo, but quiet even compared to some smaller builds. I"m not saying there aren't J-200s that loud, just that each individual guitar needs to be judged on its own merits because they vary sometimes widely.
I totally agree. I ordered one when they first came out. In shipping, the silica packets busted and scratched up the finish but honestly I was glad bc I had reason to send it back. It just didn't sound that great. I own several Gibsons and Masterbilts and it was the worst of any of em. That being said, I also had a SJ200 standard that just didn't do it either. Doesn't come close to a J45. Gorgeous, but not nearly the sound you'd expect out of something that size.
Yep, but these guys are brand fanboys. I've owned a Gibson J45 and a J200 and sold both of them in less than a year. Not bad guitars at all, but nowhere near worth what I paid for them. Right now my favorite player is a made in Mexico, Martin Road Series Special. It runs circles around my old J45 and for less than half the price.
Listening to this again, you know if he was just gonna do an acoustic jam on RUclips and sing over that guitar, honestly I’d never think any different if he played that one or the Gibson, if I was playing I might notice, but RUclips music fans aren’t gonna notice
Nice t-shirt Paul. I thought the Epiphone Texan is built in Montana. Sounds good. Nice demo, but I'm not trading my Gibson J45. Thanks Quinton.
There is actually some Epiphone Texans made in USA too.. but they are around 3k.. not the same thing as this.. thou I would get a Gibson instead I guess.. ;) or this..
Having played both, they sound different from each other. Its purposely built that way to not take away business from the Gibson line. However what the masterbuilt is what Japanese Hummingbird copies where in the 1970s, all the looks of a hummingbird, quality built, but none of the tone. What makes the Epiphone better than those Japanese copies, is that its made of all solid wood. Itll take time to break in the sound. Unlike the laminate Japanese copies of the 70's, the Epiphone will only sound better in time.
Hate to break it to the commentors on the comment thread, this is not a Hummingbird at 1/3 the price. Its just a quality guitar, built to price, with an inferior pickguard graphics. Does it still sound great? Absolutely! But it doesn't sound like a hummingbird
please use a regular pick
Can I ask you a question?!? I’ve been playing for 22 years and honestly shoot me straight, not opinionated but are the Gibson’s honestly by what they are made with and all really and truly worth 4,000 dollars?!? I mean I think not, there is not even 4,000 dollars worth of materials there..
It depends. But honestly, no. The Dove may be worth its money considering all the pearls it has. But aside from that, Gibsons are partially so expensive because of all the famous musicians that played them. I doubt that even made in the usa makes them cost 4000. They are however hand made, but I've also heard that nowadays they aren't. Ask youself an honest question. If Hendrix or Clapton were to play an Epiphone Hummingbird, do you think it would sound bad? Do you really think anyone would even notice? I highly doubt it.
There is baerly any sound difference between the Epi Hummingbird and Gibson.
Exactly, I’m so glad someone finally made some sense. I agree 100%
These guys are a Gibson dealer and in Montana, Bozeman (where Gibson builds acoustics). No Gibson dealer is going to say the Epiphone sounds as good. I have the inspired by Gibson Hummingbird and it is very good. The Gibson is not $3000 better by any measure. Another video to check out would be Andertons blindfold comparison. It convinced me to get the Epiphone.
@@thomaskrueger1728 I recently picked up a masterbilt inspired by Gibson hummingbird and I am blown away by how nice it is!
Epi 's ....good bang for the buck for sure. :-)
I need a top quality guitar just for myself I'm nothing special .. 700-1500 $ Been scouting Taylor's But this looks soo pretty
Get a Yamaha red label or a taylor American Dream series
Get a used J-45 you’ll never regret.
G 45 is a great option at $999 as well. Kind for depends what you want. You can pick up a Martin D 16 RGT used for about $1300 as well if you want a solid Rosewood dread. I also heard Laravee D 40's are incredible value at around $1,500.
Have you figured out what body shape/size you like? What playability things (neck scale & profile, nut width) work for you, and what tone/sound you are looking for? Will you be singing while playing? Not everyone needs a dreadnought. There may be great guitars lightly used that will fit your budget. For example I found a fantastic Martin CEO-7 in this price range (Adirondack top mahogany back & sides, short scale and slope shoulder 00 body (Think Gibson L-00). But it took some looking and negotiations with my wife and the seller.
@@texhaines9957 well I'm a solid beginner but enjoy playing b just at home ... I have a Washburn d10!I bought 20 ago but never followed through with till now and a few cheap electrics .. I just keep my eye out for that grow old guitar that's got that look 👀 As the other guy said I have a friend who keeps recommending a Taylor dream or the 200 series .. I figure by Easter show rooms will be in full swing and I can test drive some that I see
I have one of the new masterbilt excellente and a Gibson Hummingbird and my general impression was that the masterbilt is a tad overbraced but it on a sound level has "the sound", but lacking an original I have nothing to compare it to. I love the guitar tho! Comparing the masterbilt hummingbirds what I found is they seemed overbraced too but they sound like hummingbirds! that's really cool and if all you're after then you get 95% of the sound you're looking for for a lot less. what it was lacking was the "magic". It wasn't inspirational, it felt like just a generic guitar that sounded like a hummingbird. I found that the sj200 was the big winner given the price disparity and the one I played was very alive but all of my experience is anecdotal.
The question should not be "is it as good as the Gibson?"..IT SHOULD BE..."Can I play this onstage and produce a professional sound?"
How many people would notice the difference?
Thank
I think it comes down to this, is an LR Baggs pickup ($150/value), hard case ($150/value) a Nitro finish, American craftsmanship and that Gibson logo on the headstock worth the extra $2600? The answer to that should be No for most players. Functionally, tonally, you're about 85% there with these Inspired by Gibson models and for playing live, unless you're getting your guitars free from Gibson on promotion deal, no one wants to take a $3700 guitar to bar to play... Will also say this, these Indonesian made Inspired by Gibson guitars are much better quality than what I feel C.F. Martin is doing in Mexico. Taylor builds guitars in Mexico on par with their USA product. Different specs, different price points, but their build quality is consistent... Not so with Martin for some reason. These Gibson all-solid wood Epiphone's are very consistent, you're getting Grover tuners and a fretboard that's PLEKed at the factory too.
I got one of them.
Are you happy with it? I’m eyeing one.
@@Rgdonaire_07 I would say compared to my other guitars which are at least double the price of one of these. The humming bird is good value for the price. But it isn't a Gibson - it is a bit silly to compare it to one. However, for the price the sound is sufficient to justify it. It is a solidly built guitar - not light. It came with light gauge Gibson strings I think which are over double the price of the Daddario strings I use. I think the strings used might make a difference to the sound. I have found it good for playing sixties rhythm type songs, Mamas and the poppers, type jangly stuff. For picking I find it not really useful as folk guitar. it doesn't project that well. Although its worth experimenting say tuning it down a step and putting a capo on first fret gives a different feel for projected sound. After having it a few months I would say it will take time to break in to get sound nice but I do not think you are getting more than what you will pay for. the sound quality in my opinion is about what I'd expect for the price...
Clearly some bias toward Martin, only say that because of the "non-mention" of the really impressive specs for the guitar
I have the new Epiphone hummingbird and it’s every bit as good as the gibson model at 1/4 the price. Save your money 💰.
These "Inspired by Gibson" guitars, seem to have the same build and quality as Epiphone's Masterbilt collection, maybe even the same materials, is this fair to say? Seems as though these are basically Masterbilts created to looks like some of Gibsons most iconic models. I've even seen some call these guitars by the Masterbilt name...Masterbilt J-45, Masterbilt Hummingbird etc... Also, if I am correct, these are not the first guitars inspired by Gibson, just the first to be called "Inspired by Gibson", right? For quite some time now, Epiphone has had the J-200 Studio, J-45 Studio, Hummingbird Studio, and Dove Studio in their line up. So, what's the difference here? I'd imagine just better materials maybe? Built to the same standards their Masterbilt collection is built to?
Answered my own question as far as Masterbilt vs "Inspired By". You can clearly see inside each sound hole, these guitars are labeled as Masterbilt Humming Bird, Masterbilt J-45 etc... So, these are extensions of their Masterbilt line.
That makes me want to run right out and buy an Epiphone. You really sold me on it. Hooked me in good 😜😉
A 5 minute video...and we "Look how it sounds" for ONE minute.
Epiphone Baconator.
You want fries with that?
I think you are selling the epiphone short by comparing it to a fast food hamburger. I get your analogy but I think you could have had a better comparison.
Dude you sound like a politician. But... but... but... dont review it if you dont like it. You dont make sense. Epiphone, Japanese made are great guitars especially my PR 745
I have almost always been hugely disappointed by Epiphones. There are much better guitars out there in that price range, in my opinion....
All solid wood guitars for less than 800 is a short list to begin with but I'd like to learn what are those better ones you have in mind.
@@PeterSz73 For example, the Godin line of guitars (made in Quebec, Canada), like the Seagull S6, also Taylor makes some guitars in that price range which, I feel, are better guitars, the Martin DX1AE is a better guitar (IMO) even though it has HPL back and sides. Eastman makes better options in that price range.... The Epiphone in this video might be a good one, but, as I said, my experiences with Epiphone over the years has not been good...
Historically Epiphone made much better guitars than Gibson before Gibson bought them out in a hostile take over...Epiphone were superior to Gibson before the buyout...it's why Gibson bought them out in the first place, they then downgraded materials / wood for the Epiphone range to make a poor mans Gibson. It should be Gibson Inspired by Epiphone...now Gibson realise they can't get away with asking £4k ...different World now so they bring up the quality of the Epiphone for the market share.
The guy in the acoustic letter shirt really hates the epiphone hummingbird. its so obvious! lol
I have this guitar and the Gibson j50 1950s original . The Epiphone is 10 times better than that Gibson. I paid $2000.00 more for that Gibson. I wish I just got thsr Epi instead . This video is rather misleading in comparing the epi to a fast good restaurant..the guitar is gorgeous sounds full and loud. Plays like butter .
What strings woukd you put on the hummingbird? Thanks
@@garethconey9603 I use ddadrio medium
It's not a masterbilt. It from the inspired by gibson line.
I had to laugh at the different approach when playing each. I wish you had done an equal approach, but then again one was viewed as a Wendy's the other as chopped prime. Honestly, I can't hear much difference side by side here at home with my two.
Great guitars but.......but nothing they're just as good as a U.S.A. made Gibson, they certainly play and sound as good, the big difference for me is the shameful way Gibson as a company has behaved through history.......including their purchase of Epiphone (who made superior guitars to Gibson) and then the way they limited Epiphone so they couldn't produce a better guitar and compete any more, only now for some reason Gibson are allowing Epiphone to shine a little, it's for this reason I'll never buy a Gibson but I would be tempted to buy an Epiphone.
No…we don’t want or need your validation. We simply want you to review the guitar you’re playing. OF COURSE the Gibson will be better than the Epiphone. There’s an enormous price difference. As is the case with a Martin road series and an HD28. Review the instrument for the price point/level that it is. You spoke more about what the guitar is not rather than what the guitar actually is.
As B/S goes these guys just don't cut it. Hope Gibson are paying you well for compromising your integrity ? mind you they are American, the country that has seen fit to allow the carrying of arms. How many school shootings does it take, before the penny drops ? Anyway, I digress. I have on 3 separate occasions gone into three different music shops in 3 different cities and asked to play a selection of guitars from a variety of price points....BLINDFOLDED and simply the top end guitars, usually from the big names just don't stand out. On two occasions it was the retailer who put in a high end guitar to see the result, both examples were from Gibson and were $5000 + models against $5-700 models. I preferred guitars from the lower price point in all three tests. One retailer, not impolitely highlighted possible limitations of my ear and playing...... a very fair point. So I suggested they try with the blindfold on, and yes they had to admit they could not identify the high end offerings. Just remember when you next see Americans with all their toys and living the American dream.... you are paying for sweetly for it.
So epiphone sucks?
Don't even know the difference between Master built, and "Inspired by Gibson." Not ready to be recorded.
if you're going to make a review as depressing as that, don't do it. Apart from the lack of enthusiasm when reviewing, it carries with it the wrong information because it is not a masterbilt, but one inspired by gibson, and also the lack of information when it fails to mention that the instrument and this entire line are all solid. Of course, there is a big difference between the epiphone and the gibson, but knowing that this is a fantastic line of instruments due to its low cost and the configuration of a pro guitar, I think this review should be more dedicated. I repeat if you're going to do shit like that, don't do it. I'm unsubscribing from the channel.
You coming this guitar to Wendy's?? Smh
They look like Gibsons, but thy definitely do not sound like Gibsons. Buy a Yamaha.
Go eat a veggie burger
There's no such thing as a masterbilt hummingbird
Sorry, I can't stand a guitar where the woods don't match, at any price.
This is not a review...its a put down.
Oh my Americans using burgers as a way of describing guitars. Sorry chaps..this is a bad review. The skill is to get people interested in both guitars without putting one or the other down. That's my opinion...for the money is a term you seem to use..