Epiphone all the way!! I had a Gibson J-15 for a year (solid walnut back and sides) and really liked it but the G-45 just is lacking something sound wise when I played one a while back and just listening in to your demo to my ears. I agree the Gibson G-45 has a better setup straight from Gibson but I'll save the extra 300 pounds and put that toward a proper setup by a good Luther for the Epiphone or set it up myself and use the extra 300 pounds towards a good acoustic preamp.
Gibson sounds smaller and narrower in frequency range - which can be great if it sits in a specific area of the mix. But as a solo player I'd prefer the sound of the Epiphone.
Epi sounds fuller when strumming with better bass response, Gibson a bit clearer when fingerpicking. Not easy to say what guitar sounds better, it maybe a matter of taste.
Awesome vid. No question for me: the Epi hand down. The Gibson just sounded like a toy in comparison. But BEN! Truly, you are a shadow of your former self, in all the very best ways. Remarkable transformation which must not have been easy at all. GOOD ON YOU! Cheers and thanks!
I prefer the Epi. The walnut back & sides of the Gibson just changed something tonally that I'm not a fan of. The Epi sounded more like a traditional J45 imo and I'm sure as it ages that will prove more & more true. At this spec the Epi might as well even be a Gibson and to my ears sounded no different to any $1500+ acoustic, even tho it costs well under that. Not too sure how Ben is even prefering the G45 tonally unless he might just have bias to the big brother which tbf most people do. The previous Generation series Gibson did was much more superior imo. Wish they wouldn't have discontinued them.
For those curious about build quality on the Epiphone, Driftwood Guitars did a review and cut one in half. He is a luthier with a lot of experience and he was super impressed with the Epiphone and said it was decidedly better to the G Series Gibson's after having fully inspected both. Personally, I own both a Epiphone IBG J45 and a Epiphone IBG Hummingbird. They are phenomenal guitars. The Hummingbird is my favorite. It is extremely boomy, full, and rich, even more so than my Martin D21 and my Seagull Artist CW QII (which I love also). The value in the Epiphone IBG series is insane.
Personally, I'd go a Mahogany or Rosewood body over Walnut any day. I was listening to the Gibson and asking myself - whats missing? The highs are tinny and the low end is missing. I think the Epi still has a little more in it with a nice setup and strings.
Totally agree with this, The gibson sounded thin and tinny to me, every time he played it I was put off by the highs being too high. The epiphone is the kind of sound i prefer.
Gibson for strumming, Epiphone for finger style. Interesting that you thought the Gibson had more low mids. From what I heard on the recording the Epiphone was more boomy, whereas the Gibson had a voice in middle-to-upper midrange. Both have sounds that will definitely fulfil many a purpose.
The Epiphone has a much more pronounced bottom end that tended towards "woofy" when hit hard...the Gibson was more articulate in the low end but a mid too mid heavy...it's a toss-up as to which was "better" they're very different animals to be sure...
The « woofiness » of the Epiphone might mostly come from wider frequency range combined with the fact that the microphone is placed right in front of the sound hole (the Gibson having another « port » for air to go through might diminish that effect as well) I’m pretty sure that a test recording at the 12th fret would get rid of the « woofiness » :)
Epiphone BG have really stepped up. Epiphone are making really nice guitars these days. I’ve already got a slope shoulder with my Texan so I don’t think I’d be going for the J 45. If I was new to the market and looking for a slope shoulder guitar, I think I would’ve chosen the J 45 over the Texan.
Different beasts.... the Gibson was not as full sounding, but I preferred it when Ben was finger picking.... there's an interesting and slightly scary video where Driftwood guitars cut the Gibson in half.... my money is on the Epiphone being built to a higher standard!
I've got to come down on the side of the Epi. It's got a nice level of scratch to it but I find the Gibson a bit too scratchy. The epi is a bit warmer too. I know which one I'd go for. That's only judging on sound though.
Pull back the shot so you can see the dB meter! Those of us who play in acoustic/no amplification settings could benefit from a realistic if imperfect loudness number.
I played the Epi for a couple months. It doesn't sound the same in this video as when you're actually playing it. It sounds good in many respects but for me it was missing projection. It sounded a bit soft. I like a stronger woody sound for acoustics. The D-28 is my go to guitar. I don't expect lesser guitars to sound the same but I like crisp articulate qualities in any all wood acoustic.
Epiphone for me, cause it has nice amount of highs and lows and I admire that sunburst finish, and electronics are a nice bonus to have. It sounds better for strumming and I am more of a heavy handed strummer and I like the ring of open chords the most . I do not like plain look of Gibson (it is nice, but natural finish is not for me) but it sounds better for fingerpicking cause it projects more and has accentuated midrange.
This is the kind of content I want! Just started the video. My prediction is that for the money the Epiphone will win. After listening to the full video I was also torn a bit. I think the Gibson sounds more mature, but it also seems a bit thin and tinny. It just doesn't have the big dreadnaught umph. The Epiphone sounds a bit tighter but I believe the Epiphone will age better and sound closer to a J45 one day. I would probably go for the Epi J45 since I already have a J45 standard. I would love a good Epiphone to take on road trips and to play around the fire. Great comparison! Thanks for doing these videos!
Gibson sounded better imo. Kind of like new strings vs old strings. Both sounded good though. Best sounding guitar I have is my guild f40 jumbo. I also have a Taylor 614ce, martin d35, epiphone master built, seagull cedar got, and a takamini. Looking to get a Gibson SJ 200 but not sure if I want the studio or the standard. Which would you prefer?
I bought G45 studio (without 'player port') over a year ago, I sent it back, went to the guitar shop and bought Epi Hummingbird IbG and I'm happy. Apart from tiny tone (however I do appreciate brightness of higher tones) Gibson G45 was just cheap guitar for huge money. When I grabbed it was just not right, cheap fingerboard, no binding, ugly headstock. Now I have piece of art guitar, highest Epi (apart from US Epis) and I'm hEpi :)
The Gibson has a clarity and mid-focused sound that works well enough for finger picking but the Epiphone was all about those 'cowboy chords'. For my needs and preferences I'd have the Epi. Bonus... it looks nicer, too. Bonus #2... the Epiphone has a pickup.
Holy hell, the lows on that Epiphone... The Gibson sounds like a entry parlor compared to it in this aspect. But maybe from the player's perspective that hole provides enough sonic punch to keep it satisfying, and maybe Gibson plays better, and maybe you want a thinner sound. Acoustics are tricky... :D Thank you for the entertaining video though!
I heard a bit more of a warm bass bottom end on the Epi, but more articulation from the Gibson. So if I were going for a cowboy chord strumming machine, I’d grab the Epi; but if I were more into articulate picking styles, I ‘d go Gibson
I agree, the Gibson sounds better to my ear. The 300 price difference over 30 years of playing is negligible so that's the one I would buy. Tone and clarity are everything with an acoustic.
I own a Gibson and absolutely love it. That said, I’m hearing much more clarity in the Epiphone. The Gibson you’re playing lacks the good base tones I’m used to hearing from mine. Goes to show the label doesn’t mean everything
Epi for me. I actually got to play both the G 45 and the inspired by gibson J 45. the inspired by GibsonJ 45 just worked better for me. I really wasn’t connecting with the G 45. I even went around and compared the inspired by gibson‘s J 45 to a 1960s reissue J 45 by gibson. The J 45 definitely had a warmer fuller sound than the inspired by gibson. That being said the Epi is no pushover. After playing all those guitars, including a few, Yamaha‘s Martin’s and Taylor’s, I walked out with the Epiphone inspired by gibson J 45. If I had the money, I would’ve more than likely walked out with the gibson J 45. To me it’s better than the Epi version, but it’s not $2000 better in my humble opinion.
The thick finish, rosewood vs ebony and classic vs Grover tuners make the Epiphone a much darker guitar. In this video, that makes the G45 seem a little thin or bright. But I can tell you, I've played both and in the room, you aren't going to pick the epi. A little EQ and explanation would go a long way to make this a better video comparison. The Generation series guitars are really amazing.
Imo the Epiphone sounded better. Not sure if that extra sound hole on the top of the Gibby had anything to do with it. My guess is with a better setup , the Gibson would and could potentially sound better than the Epiphone, never thought I’d say this but there you have it. Excellent comparison and video, your playing ability tho could make a firefly sound amazing (no offense to Firefly fans out there, don’t get salty). Rock on dude 🤘
Did they both have the same strings installed? If those are the horrid stock Epiphone strings, it would explain the thinner sound. The Epiphone still sounded decent though!
How does the walnut age over time? Are there comparable walnut guitars that are 5, 10, 20 years old that one can listen to for context. The Gibson sounded ‘green’, but I wonder how time might season it?
I like the Gibson G45 just a small bit more. I listened "blind" and the G45 has a very slight tonal advange in 'Finger Picking' style. Strumming is nearly identical in tone. My very first 'good' guitar was a Brand New 1964 Gibson J45 (in 1964) so I may have a slight prejudice. For the price difference (USD 400) I would choose the Epiphone.
For me, if I'm playing solo in an entirely acoustic situation it's the Gibson by a country mile. If there's somebody behind me hitting cymbals it's the Epi. Depends what you're going to do with it.
I think the Epiphone with the chords was a bit rounder. But when Ben was doing blues the Gibson cut through a bit more. I wouldn't say its 300 quid different though
Great demo, the EPI is great value and a great sounding guitar but for me the tonal clarity of the Gibson won me over. Most evident on the strumming rather than the picking.
I like the materials that the Epi is made of better, I thought that it gave it a better sound, and I’d actually pay more for the Epi if they didn’t use Polyurethane.
Very interesting. Different top woods and that "Player Port" on the Gibson makes this comparison decidedly apples v oranges. That said, despite me typically _not_ liking mahogany tops, I far preferred the Epiphone for strumming those big chords.For fingerpicking, I began leaning more towards the mid-forward articulation in the Gibson. I think the lack of lows in the Gibson is largely due to the Player Port. It's a very, very different guitar. The _REAL_ question is build quality. Fingerboard rolling and all that goes into playability can make a low-end Gibson less than an easy decision. Disclaimer: I own both a Gibson Les Paul Tribute and a Les Paul Tribute Special P-90. Comfort of fingerboard rolling and the evenness of neck carve differ noticeably from higher-end Les Pauls. My evaluation of sound and playability on acoustics is based on my 2001 Martin DR.
I pretty much agree. The Gibson sounds better to me; lighter and less woofy. For the money though, the Epi is still a nice guitar. I would be happy with either.
The Epiphone sounded fuller and warm, and looks amazing with the burst. The Gibson sounded a bit tinnier although could cut through in a mix better. But the Gibson looks very cheap imo for the amount of money you pay for it.
Personal preference for what sort of tone you like. Both are decent. Frankly, I'd keep looking for something else that would probably sound better to me around the same price range or lower.
Does it have a gig back or not. You said during the video only the Gibson has a gig bag but then at the end you said the epiphone was the better choice for gigging because it had a pick up and a gig bag. The link is broken to the site so I couldn’t check the advert.
That’s a shame you can always buy a cheap but good chinese acoustic guitar they are pretty good starts from 70$ I brought one costed me 130$ looks and plays good Kaysen k c7 41
@@CurrieNerd I respectfully disagree, saying no to a any guitar is like closing potential doors. I would atleast try one at a music store. Acoustic puts me in another state of mind I wouldn't normally be in if I was playing my eletric. Something about the simplistiy of just picking up and playing with only "acoustic" sounds will spark ideas if your stuck in a rut. It's not an "easy" thing to play well, but If it's not your cup of tea, then don't buy it. But they are so affordable and decent enough sub $200 acoustics that will be just fine!
I had always been a Gibson guy. While my 1963 LGO which I bought new was being rebuilt (cheap plastic bridge replaced with Brazilian rosewood) I bought a new Gibson J45. I really liked it so when Epi IBG J45 came out I bought one as my "campfire" guitar. The Gibson was no better than the Epi so I sold the Gibson and bought a Bougeois D Vintage which is the finest guitar that I have ever played. Check out Driftwood Guitar's reviews of the Epi J45 and Gibson G45. They cut them in half to see how they are built. The Epi is very well crafted, the Gibson is a piece of junk!
The Gibson sounded brighter to me, really clean. The Epiphone did sound good, but slightly flatter/dull in comparison. All relative though, both great guitars.
I thought the Gibson sounded better when he Played the blues but the Epiphone sounded better on the other demonstrations. I have an epiphone guitar on layaway the same model he demonstrated and this comparison makes me feel good about having it on layaway. For my money the epiphone plays well enough to do anything of the things I would do on a Gibson for a lot less money.
No guts to the Epiphone - very hollow / scooped. Much preferred the Gibson although not necessarily loving it. Much fuller, especially in the mid range. During the finger picking section, bass notes really had nothing on the Epiphone - quite flabby, but the Gibson projected nicely. Have just spent a long time trying to record a guitar that sounded like that Epi - bit of a nightmare to get that tone right, especially in a mix
The Epiphone Slash J45 sounds better than the IBG J45 and is very close to the same price as the G45. The Slash model also has a hardshell case and the LR Baggs pickup on it, which I think sounds better than the Fishman.
Worth mentioning that the previous version of the G45 was a better guitar with a pick-up, hard case and with no player port. I'd pick up one sooner than the newer G series with the player port.
I feel like that epic outro music was from the editor because the video was under 10 minutes! Doesn’t happen all that often here! But I actually usually appreciate the Andertons banter and personality.
Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about, but I would compare the Gibson to coffee the way I have it, black with no sugar. The Epiphone was like coffee with cream and sugar. My vote goes to the Epiphone. What I would like to hear is the comparison between the Epiphone IBG J-45 and the Epiphone Standard.
For the most part, the Epiphone held it's own with the Gibson..UNTIL you got to the Blues playing and the Gibson was smoking HOT on that and so was the playing! Nice video! The Gibson sure is the ugliest Gibson I've ever seen, and I think they've quit making that model.
Ben was better sounding than both of those guitars. So so good. Love hearing. The Epiphone is prettier, the Gibson sounded a bit better. The trick is playing like Ben.
funny is when i use headphone to listen i prefer epiphone sound little bit fuller, gibson little bit clear, but when i use speaker repeat the video and listen again , epiphone still sound fuller, bigger, but gibson sounds little bit more mid range , high still clear, but not too bright, and sightly warmer when i use headphone to listen, then i prefer gibson, mean you need to try the guitar and listen in person ,trust your own ears ,see which one you like.
Where is the Epiphone made? It actually sounds "warmer" than the Gibson. I have an Epiphone 335 that was made in Korea in 2001. I replaced the neck pickup with a Gibson 57 and it sounds better than a Gibson!
Epiphone all the way!! I had a Gibson J-15 for a year (solid walnut back and sides) and really liked it but the G-45 just is lacking something sound wise when I played one a while back and just listening in to your demo to my ears. I agree the Gibson G-45 has a better setup straight from Gibson but I'll save the extra 300 pounds and put that toward a proper setup by a good Luther for the Epiphone or set it up myself and use the extra 300 pounds towards a good acoustic preamp.
Gibson sounds smaller and narrower in frequency range - which can be great if it sits in a specific area of the mix. But as a solo player I'd prefer the sound of the Epiphone.
Epi sounds fuller when strumming with better bass response, Gibson a bit clearer when fingerpicking. Not easy to say what guitar sounds better, it maybe a matter of taste.
Just what I thought. Ma3 me Pete the epiphone, but you could tell it needed a set up...definitely some fret buzz
Awesome vid. No question for me: the Epi hand down. The Gibson just sounded like a toy in comparison. But BEN! Truly, you are a shadow of your former self, in all the very best ways. Remarkable transformation which must not have been easy at all. GOOD ON YOU! Cheers and thanks!
Gibson was a bit snappier, but for £300 plus a pickup and the burst finish, I think I would go for the Epiphone.
Yup, that's what I'm hearing, too. I prefer the sound of the Epi, TBH.
The epiphone all day long... A lot more fuller sound.. Better bass.
Gibson is to tinny.
Nice review and good playing. 👏👏
I prefer the Epi. The walnut back & sides of the Gibson just changed something tonally that I'm not a fan of. The Epi sounded more like a traditional J45 imo and I'm sure as it ages that will prove more & more true. At this spec the Epi might as well even be a Gibson and to my ears sounded no different to any $1500+ acoustic, even tho it costs well under that. Not too sure how Ben is even prefering the G45 tonally unless he might just have bias to the big brother which tbf most people do. The previous Generation series Gibson did was much more superior imo. Wish they wouldn't have discontinued them.
Would love if you guys would start using the same strings for the comparisons.
Love your style of playing.
For those curious about build quality on the Epiphone, Driftwood Guitars did a review and cut one in half. He is a luthier with a lot of experience and he was super impressed with the Epiphone and said it was decidedly better to the G Series Gibson's after having fully inspected both. Personally, I own both a Epiphone IBG J45 and a Epiphone IBG Hummingbird. They are phenomenal guitars. The Hummingbird is my favorite. It is extremely boomy, full, and rich, even more so than my Martin D21 and my Seagull Artist CW QII (which I love also). The value in the Epiphone IBG series is insane.
Personally, I'd go a Mahogany or Rosewood body over Walnut any day. I was listening to the Gibson and asking myself - whats missing? The highs are tinny and the low end is missing. I think the Epi still has a little more in it with a nice setup and strings.
Beatles ❤️ loved them, and they had the cash for Gibsons or were given all different brands to try by the guitar manufacturers
Totally agree with this, The gibson sounded thin and tinny to me, every time he played it I was put off by the highs being too high. The epiphone is the kind of sound i prefer.
Gibson for strumming, Epiphone for finger style. Interesting that you thought the Gibson had more low mids. From what I heard on the recording the Epiphone was more boomy, whereas the Gibson had a voice in middle-to-upper midrange.
Both have sounds that will definitely fulfil many a purpose.
The Epiphone has a much more pronounced bottom end that tended towards "woofy" when hit hard...the Gibson was more articulate in the low end but a mid too mid heavy...it's a toss-up as to which was "better" they're very different animals to be sure...
The « woofiness » of the Epiphone might mostly come from wider frequency range combined with the fact that the microphone is placed right in front of the sound hole (the Gibson having another « port » for air to go through might diminish that effect as well)
I’m pretty sure that a test recording at the 12th fret would get rid of the « woofiness » :)
Man this guy can play an acoustic like no other.... The video nobody asked for but glad it happened!
Epiphone BG have really stepped up. Epiphone are making really nice guitars these days. I’ve already got a slope shoulder with my Texan so I don’t think I’d be going for the J 45. If I was new to the market and looking for a slope shoulder guitar, I think I would’ve chosen the J 45 over the Texan.
Different beasts.... the Gibson was not as full sounding, but I preferred it when Ben was finger picking.... there's an interesting and slightly scary video where Driftwood guitars cut the Gibson in half.... my money is on the Epiphone being built to a higher standard!
Yeah they’re not the same type of guitars. The gibson sounds good in the high ends , epiphones a more all rounder
I would go for the Epi, and use some of the money saved to buy a decent case for it.
Interesting video. Thank you.
I've got to come down on the side of the Epi. It's got a nice level of scratch to it but I find the Gibson a bit too scratchy. The epi is a bit warmer too. I know which one I'd go for. That's only judging on sound though.
Pull back the shot so you can see the dB meter! Those of us who play in acoustic/no amplification settings could benefit from a realistic if imperfect loudness number.
I played the Epi for a couple months. It doesn't sound the same in this video as when you're actually playing it. It sounds good in many respects but for me it was missing projection. It sounded a bit soft. I like a stronger woody sound for acoustics. The D-28 is my go to guitar. I don't expect lesser guitars to sound the same but I like crisp articulate qualities in any all wood acoustic.
The blues riff was awesome! Killer playing. 😎
Epiphone for me, cause it has nice amount of highs and lows and I admire that sunburst finish, and electronics are a nice bonus to have. It sounds better for strumming and I am more of a heavy handed strummer and I like the ring of open chords the most . I do not like plain look of Gibson (it is nice, but natural finish is not for me) but it sounds better for fingerpicking cause it projects more and has accentuated midrange.
This is the kind of content I want! Just started the video. My prediction is that for the money the Epiphone will win.
After listening to the full video I was also torn a bit. I think the Gibson sounds more mature, but it also seems a bit thin and tinny. It just doesn't have the big dreadnaught umph. The Epiphone sounds a bit tighter but I believe the Epiphone will age better and sound closer to a J45 one day.
I would probably go for the Epi J45 since I already have a J45 standard. I would love a good Epiphone to take on road trips and to play around the fire.
Great comparison! Thanks for doing these videos!
A ToneRite treatment on that Epiphone will make it a beast.
I think the Epiphone will
Develop with a bit of
Playing & setup 👍 gets
My vote🎸
Solid review work and damn fine playing!
Gibson sounded better imo. Kind of like new strings vs old strings. Both sounded good though. Best sounding guitar I have is my guild f40 jumbo. I also have a Taylor 614ce, martin d35, epiphone master built, seagull cedar got, and a takamini. Looking to get a Gibson SJ 200 but not sure if I want the studio or the standard. Which would you prefer?
I bought G45 studio (without 'player port') over a year ago, I sent it back, went to the guitar shop and bought Epi Hummingbird IbG and I'm happy. Apart from tiny tone (however I do appreciate brightness of higher tones) Gibson G45 was just cheap guitar for huge money. When I grabbed it was just not right, cheap fingerboard, no binding, ugly headstock. Now I have piece of art guitar, highest Epi (apart from US Epis) and I'm hEpi :)
The Gibson has a clarity and mid-focused sound that works well enough for finger picking but the Epiphone was all about those 'cowboy chords'. For my needs and preferences I'd have the Epi. Bonus... it looks nicer, too. Bonus #2... the Epiphone has a pickup.
Holy hell, the lows on that Epiphone... The Gibson sounds like a entry parlor compared to it in this aspect.
But maybe from the player's perspective that hole provides enough sonic punch to keep it satisfying, and maybe Gibson plays better, and maybe you want a thinner sound.
Acoustics are tricky... :D
Thank you for the entertaining video though!
Without actually being able to pick up and FEEL how the guitars play in my hands, it is impossible to make a worthwhile, meaningful comparison.
I heard a bit more of a warm bass bottom end on the Epi, but more articulation from the Gibson. So if I were going for a cowboy chord strumming machine, I’d grab the Epi; but if I were more into articulate picking styles, I ‘d go Gibson
I agree, the Gibson sounds better to my ear. The 300 price difference over 30 years of playing is negligible so that's the one I would buy. Tone and clarity are everything with an acoustic.
I own a Gibson and absolutely love it. That said, I’m hearing much more clarity in the Epiphone. The Gibson you’re playing lacks the good base tones I’m used to hearing from mine. Goes to show the label doesn’t mean everything
The Gibson articulates more clear. However the tonal difference comes really down to personal preferation. Both are good.
As a home player I wouldn’t spend the extra 300. Quid for the Gibson , the tobacco burst on the epi looks great as well
Epi for me. I actually got to play both the G 45 and the inspired by gibson J 45. the inspired by GibsonJ 45 just worked better for me. I really wasn’t connecting with the G 45. I even went around and compared the inspired by gibson‘s J 45 to a 1960s reissue J 45 by gibson. The J 45 definitely had a warmer fuller sound than the inspired by gibson. That being said the Epi is no pushover. After playing all those guitars, including a few, Yamaha‘s Martin’s and Taylor’s, I walked out with the Epiphone inspired by gibson J 45. If I had the money, I would’ve more than likely walked out with the gibson J 45. To me it’s better than the Epi version, but it’s not $2000 better in my humble opinion.
The thick finish, rosewood vs ebony and classic vs Grover tuners make the Epiphone a much darker guitar. In this video, that makes the G45 seem a little thin or bright. But I can tell you, I've played both and in the room, you aren't going to pick the epi. A little EQ and explanation would go a long way to make this a better video comparison. The Generation series guitars are really amazing.
Imo the Epiphone sounded better. Not sure if that extra sound hole on the top of the Gibby had anything to do with it. My guess is with a better setup , the Gibson would and could potentially sound better than the Epiphone, never thought I’d say this but there you have it. Excellent comparison and video, your playing ability tho could make a firefly sound amazing (no offense to Firefly fans out there, don’t get salty). Rock on dude 🤘
Did they both have the same strings installed? If those are the horrid stock Epiphone strings, it would explain the thinner sound. The Epiphone still sounded decent though!
Played the epiphone today not bad I might buy one with the cutaway to bring to bars
How does the walnut age over time? Are there comparable walnut guitars that are 5, 10, 20 years old that one can listen to for context. The Gibson sounded ‘green’, but I wonder how time might season it?
The side port makes the Gibson a bit tinny in comparison. Epi sounds authentically J45y.
I like the Gibson G45 just a small bit more. I listened "blind" and the G45 has a very slight tonal advange in 'Finger Picking' style. Strumming is nearly identical in tone. My very first 'good' guitar was a Brand New 1964 Gibson J45 (in 1964) so I may have a slight prejudice. For the price difference (USD 400) I would choose the Epiphone.
The Epiphone all day, it has the slope shoulders sound
For me, if I'm playing solo in an entirely acoustic situation it's the Gibson by a country mile. If there's somebody behind me hitting cymbals it's the Epi. Depends what you're going to do with it.
Think you hit the nail on the head, difference is in the build quality.👍🥃Respect to you Ben.
That gibson sounds like my taylor 114. It has more bottom end than the epi it sounds like. The epi seemed brighter. Could be the strings?
I think the Epiphone with the chords was a bit rounder. But when Ben was doing blues the Gibson cut through a bit more. I wouldn't say its 300 quid different though
Great demo, the EPI is great value and a great sounding guitar but for me the tonal clarity of the Gibson won me over. Most evident on the strumming rather than the picking.
Is there a major difference between 2021 and 2018 models of PRS SE Custom 24?
Pass on both....just purchased a Martin 000-28 Modern Deluxe.
Sure would like to see shoot out of several of the more popular acoustic amps.
Could you do a Gibson G-Bird vs Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird?
Both are Pretty Awesome touching on Both sides of The Tone Spectrum 👍👍🎶🎶🎸Always A Good Demo.
Did some Gibson sound escape through the player port? Not reaching the mic?
I like the materials that the Epi is made of better, I thought that it gave it a better sound, and I’d actually pay more for the Epi if they didn’t use Polyurethane.
Very interesting. Different top woods and that "Player Port" on the Gibson makes this comparison decidedly apples v oranges. That said, despite me typically _not_ liking mahogany tops, I far preferred the Epiphone for strumming those big chords.For fingerpicking, I began leaning more towards the mid-forward articulation in the Gibson. I think the lack of lows in the Gibson is largely due to the Player Port. It's a very, very different guitar. The _REAL_ question is build quality. Fingerboard rolling and all that goes into playability can make a low-end Gibson less than an easy decision. Disclaimer: I own both a Gibson Les Paul Tribute and a Les Paul Tribute Special P-90. Comfort of fingerboard rolling and the evenness of neck carve differ noticeably from higher-end Les Pauls. My evaluation of sound and playability on acoustics is based on my 2001 Martin DR.
I pretty much agree. The Gibson sounds better to me; lighter and less woofy. For the money though, the Epi is still a nice guitar. I would be happy with either.
Why do I think you're a major Blues fan? That was some nice Blues picking!
The Epiphone sounded fuller and warm, and looks amazing with the burst. The Gibson sounded a bit tinnier although could cut through in a mix better. But the Gibson looks very cheap imo for the amount of money you pay for it.
Both great sounding guitars but I like the Epiphone got the more old traditional sound but not better just my personal taste of sound
The Epiphone Wins "Hands Down" It has a Much Warmer Sound 🌿
Personal preference for what sort of tone you like. Both are decent. Frankly, I'd keep looking for something else that would probably sound better to me around the same price range or lower.
Does it have a gig back or not. You said during the video only the Gibson has a gig bag but then at the end you said the epiphone was the better choice for gigging because it had a pick up and a gig bag.
The link is broken to the site so I couldn’t check the advert.
Hi, the Epiphone does not come with a gig bag, sorry for any confusion :D
I wonder which one will hold its second hand value the best ??
they sound different, not better or worst than the other one. Thanks for the video.
As a guitarist I’m ashamed I don’t own an acoustic guitar
That’s a shame you can always buy a cheap but good chinese acoustic guitar they are pretty good starts from 70$ I brought one costed me 130$ looks and plays good
Kaysen k c7 41
Glad I started on an acoustic for 2 years, it truly will make you a better player, you can't mask your imperfections on an acoustic!
Don't be.. they're not for everyone.
@@CurrieNerd I respectfully disagree, saying no to a any guitar is like closing potential doors. I would atleast try one at a music store. Acoustic puts me in another state of mind I wouldn't normally be in if I was playing my eletric. Something about the simplistiy of just picking up and playing with only "acoustic" sounds will spark ideas if your stuck in a rut. It's not an "easy" thing to play well, but If it's not your cup of tea, then don't buy it. But they are so affordable and decent enough sub $200 acoustics that will be just fine!
@@jmabs5096 Yes, but that's nothing to do with encouraging someone to not be ashamed of not having one.
Actually finding the high notes on the Gibson a bit “tinny”. The episode was a tiny bit dull but overall just based on tone I think I’m epi
I had always been a Gibson guy. While my 1963 LGO which I bought new was being rebuilt (cheap plastic bridge replaced with Brazilian rosewood) I bought a new Gibson J45. I really liked it so when Epi IBG J45 came out I bought one as my "campfire" guitar.
The Gibson was no better than the Epi so I sold the Gibson and bought a Bougeois D Vintage which is the finest guitar that I have ever played.
Check out Driftwood Guitar's reviews of the Epi J45 and Gibson G45.
They cut them in half to see how they are built.
The Epi is very well crafted, the Gibson is a piece of junk!
The Gibson sounded brighter to me, really clean. The Epiphone did sound good, but slightly flatter/dull in comparison. All relative though, both great guitars.
For some reason I've been under impression that G-Writer sounds better than G-45, what do you think?
I don't care, Ben. Just keep playing. I only watch these videos for the skills being demonstrated.
I thought the Gibson sounded better when he Played the blues but the Epiphone sounded better on the other demonstrations. I have an epiphone guitar on layaway the same model he demonstrated and this comparison makes me feel good about having it on layaway. For my money the epiphone plays well enough to do anything of the things I would do on a Gibson for a lot less money.
No guts to the Epiphone - very hollow / scooped. Much preferred the Gibson although not necessarily loving it. Much fuller, especially in the mid range. During the finger picking section, bass notes really had nothing on the Epiphone - quite flabby, but the Gibson projected nicely. Have just spent a long time trying to record a guitar that sounded like that Epi - bit of a nightmare to get that tone right, especially in a mix
I’d love to see this same video but with:
Martin
Taylor
PRS
🤟😎🍻🔥🔥🔥
The Epiphone Slash J45 sounds better than the IBG J45 and is very close to the same price as the G45. The Slash model also has a hardshell case and the LR Baggs pickup on it, which I think sounds better than the Fishman.
Epiphone all day long... bigger and Fuller sounding, suprising... I would have thought the Gibson would have sounded better
Both sound very good , Epiphone looks better and cost less , Would go with the one that fit my hands best.
The player port means you’re never gonna lose a pick for ages.
Great playing as always, epiphone is better, more plenty.
Worth mentioning that the previous version of the G45 was a better guitar with a pick-up, hard case and with no player port. I'd pick up one sooner than the newer G series with the player port.
I feel like that epic outro music was from the editor because the video was under 10 minutes! Doesn’t happen all that often here! But I actually usually appreciate the Andertons banter and personality.
The epiphone anyday, no question
Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about, but I would compare the Gibson to coffee the way I have it, black with no sugar. The Epiphone was like coffee with cream and sugar. My vote goes to the Epiphone. What I would like to hear is the comparison between the Epiphone IBG J-45 and the Epiphone Standard.
Ben? Is that you?! Almost unrecognisable 😮
I thought Ben said the Epiphone did NOT have a gig bag! I prefer the tone of the Gibson.... Better balance for me
For the most part, the Epiphone held it's own with the Gibson..UNTIL you got to the Blues playing and the Gibson was smoking HOT on that and so was the playing! Nice video!
The Gibson sure is the ugliest Gibson I've ever seen, and I think they've quit making that model.
Ben was better sounding than both of those guitars. So so good. Love hearing.
The Epiphone is prettier, the Gibson sounded a bit better.
The trick is playing like Ben.
At home, at a barbecue, on vacation Epifon. For musicians, Gibon, pure sound.
Like the Epi. The Gib sounds to shrill.
Resale and or trade in. I know which guitar I would purchase.
I'm going with the Epiphone.
Gibson has more of a mid-hump than the epi. Both sound awesome, but that's the big difference I hear.
funny is when i use headphone to listen i prefer epiphone sound little bit fuller, gibson little bit clear, but when i use speaker repeat the video and listen again , epiphone still sound fuller, bigger, but gibson sounds little bit more mid range , high still clear, but not too bright, and sightly warmer when i use headphone to listen, then i prefer gibson, mean you need to try the guitar and listen in person ,trust your own ears ,see which one you like.
I like Epiphone more
This is a bit like comparing oranges and apples. Nice playing though. Thanks.
I’ll have a Martin please
Both guitars sound good in Bens hands. It would be the epi for me as it looks good and the Gibson looks cheap
Where is the Epiphone made? It actually sounds "warmer" than the Gibson. I have an Epiphone 335 that was made in Korea in 2001. I replaced the neck pickup with a Gibson 57 and it sounds better than a Gibson!
Eli sounds better to my ear! Better value for money in my opinion
Epiphone sounds so good