I have the Gibson version and it's by far one of the best guitars I've ever had. I plan on keeping it forever and the reason I went with the Gibson is the nitro finish. It will age gracefully and, if you've ever dinged a poly finished guitar, it looks like a chip in a windshield. The stock pickups are great and I'm not swapping them. I put a compensated wraparound bridge on it and the intonation is spot on. Definitely a keeper
It would be a great idea, unfortunately we don’t own these so it’s beyond our ability. The guy from mythos pedals just put out a video on modding the epiphone though. That’s on my to watch list!
I went with a set of Wolfetone P90's. I chose the Hot pickup for the neck and the Hotter pickup for the bridge. If you want a really aggressive set, you can go with the Hotter in the neck and the Hottest in the bridge. Wolfe Macleod winds some really great pickups and they are not terribly expensive. You can also find specials on his site. I picked up my pair as "blemished" models at a substantial discount and couldnt' even find issues with the looks. I think Zach over at Mythos went with Lollars when he upgraded his Special. I wouldn't argue with him over those pickups. There are so many great choices these days, we are sooooo spoiled.
I own the epiphone model. To be honest, I actually prefer the color of the epiphone (understanding it’s not as authentic). I plan to upgrade pickups at some point but the stick ones are far from mediocre! I’ve considered getting the Gibson model but I don’t have any complaints on the epiphone honestly…might just leave my ego at the door and just enjoy a fantastic instrument without worrying about what’s on the headstock
I always wanted a Gibson 339 but my epiphone fills that void and is so much fun to play. Who cares about the name on the headstock. Well, honestly, I use too but I’ve gotten over it. Keep rocking the epi special. It’s a great guitar.
Check out some of the mods I did to my Epi. For not a lot of money, you can really make some big differences. I own Fenders, Gibsons, PRS, Epiphone, G&L. What's on the headstock doesn't matter. What come from the guitar, through the amp is all that matters to me.
There is a big difference in the openness and articulation in the Gibson. I'm not saying it justifies the big gap in price, but the difference is clearly there. Digging the new 2023 finish as well. Very much like the CS finishes in recent years.
Nice work fellas. To my ears the Gibson has more clarity. The Epi sounds great, just seems to be slightly lower fidelity. I played the Junior version of both side by side and there was a big difference !
Agreed. We have a relatively new Gibson SG Junior that I love. Might be interesting to see if there is an epi version out there. You got me thinking now.
If the playability is even close to being comparable, I'd probably go with the Epiphone and upgrade the pickups to something that exactly matches my individual taste. However, that Gibson logo on the headstock does look nice...
If I wanted the special as my main guitar I might go Gibson, but just to play around with I would say they are more than close to being comparable. Although the Gibson’s neck is definitely more baseball bat like if you like that.
Without a doubt, the biggest blunder for the Epi is the finish. I think the Harley Benton Special does a more convincing job at mimicking the Gibson TV Yellow.
I own a Fender and Gibson if only to have the credibility to say if any guitar has a typical tonewood and a build that has a good fit and a reasonable finish it will be as good if not noticeably better than a Gibson or Fender with good PU's from the numerous handmade jobbies from a good 100 or more builders. . I recommend everyone to buy both a U.S. made Fender and Gibson. BUT if you wish to have more guitars don't. Even these days you can get used old MIJ guitars for under $350.00 so you have a lot of room for a tech to tweak it and add some killer PU's.
There is no doubt I like the made in the USA logo on my guitars, but I like to try out new stuff at a lower price point too. Like you said, there is a lot of good stuff out there and often they don’t even need a pickup upgrade.
I don't know if it's my eyes "hearing" the difference based upon the logo on the headstock, but I'd swear that Gibson has just the *TINIEST* bit more low-end, and is just the *TINIEST* bit cleaner. It's **REALLY** close, though. And considering the Epiphone is $499, while the Gibson is $1799... Man... Do I *really* need that Gibson logo? I was leaning heavily towards the Gibson -- I had written off Epiphhone as the "cheap" division of Gibson, but now I'm less sure...
I felt the same way at one time, but I have a epi 339 that I love. We have had in this guitar, a sheraton II, greeny, and firebird and they have all been great. The price point lets you try out some of the models you wouldn't necessarily lay down Gibson money for at first.
This is a great comparison but the only issue is someone who's in the market for an epiphone probably doesn't have the money to buy a great sounding tube amp or high end modeler
Not necessarily true...I have budget guitars that I bought, with the intent to mod. I just have a hard time justifying spending over a grand on something that I plan on changing. I also have nice tube amps and an unhealthy pedal collection.
I don’t know, I bought an epi 339 just because I wanted a small hollowbody but didn’t want to pay the full Gibson price. It’s a great guitar, in fact, I played it live today. The PRS MT-15 we used in the video is a really reasonably priced tube amp too. We aren’t into modelers that much, but have had a few inexpensive ones in that would get the job done for someone on a budget for sure. I felt the same way about the epi Firebird we had in. Not sure I would spend Gibson money on one as it wouldn’t be a go to guitar, but the epi was really sweet for the price.
I can detect a just a tad of quality in the Gibson tone over the Epiphone although they are VERY close. I do like that Gibson on the Headstock, That is Fine.
I like the Gibson logo too and agree that it sounds a bit better. Of course, the epiphone sounds good too. I think the current epiphones are a good choice if you want to explore a model without committing. Like the specials or firebirds. That said, I have an epi 339 I really like and often take with me.
Epiphone will always be Gibson’s older brother, and its history is perhaps the most interesting of any guitar brand”: Celebrating 150 years of Epiphone
Maybe on paper and Gibson may now be trying to reinvent the brand’s image however epiphone has been bastardized by decades of making some pretty awful guitars and outsourcing to foreign factories never sits rights with musicians who view their instruments and an emotional extension of themselves. If the company that makes your guitar is willing to farm production to the lowest bidder overseas it leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. Great instruments still but these two guitars do t really appeal to the same people I doubt few will have to choose between them.
@@geoffreycarter3981 yeah thanks because of Norlin who ruined epiphone and it was deliberately done..that all ends in mid 2019 with JC Curliegh he restored epiphone back to where they should have always been..and now Epiphone is bringing back the good o'l days of smacking Gibson around once again..
I will go for thebgibson definetely !!! Epi stumbles in the lower area 5th and 6th strings are muddy especially on high gain but also in the clean area difference in dynamic is noticeable🤘
I need to take my Epi and do a head to head because from what I'm getting out of my guitar after modest mods, there's no way it won't give the stock Gibson a run for its money. Might even sound a bit better.
I haven’t played guitar in about 25 years but after my wife passed I picked up a Epiphone 60’s Les Paul bourbon burst and was surprised how good it was and how much I enjoyed playing again so yesterday I decided to treat myself to a Gibson 60’s Les Paul and I drove 63 miles to our closest Guitar Center where hanging on the wall was the most beautiful Gibson Les Paul I’ve ever seen now remember I have cash in my pocket I played this beautiful Gibson Les Paul and decided that there was no way that Gibson was worth $3,000 🤦🏻♂️ no way !
There are a lot of great guitars out there that don’t cost $3,000. I’d have a hard time dropping that kind of money too! Sorry to hear about your wife’s passing. I’m sure nothing fills that void but it is nice you are finding some joy playing guitar again.
The difference between the two is mainly the price imo. Sure, the finish is nicer on the Gibson but the sound is comparable unless you’re splitting hairs. With the right amp and pedals you can pretty much dial in details. Good video!
a five thousand dollar guitarist sounds better with a hundred dollar guitar, than a hundred dollar guitarist will on a five thousand dollar guitar. "tone" is mainly in the hands. the last 2 decades i've played acoustics almost exclusively, 15 of those years *acoustic 12-string* at concert pitch, yeah. apart from some nasty tendonitis that means i can no longer play acoustic sets (or any string gauge higher than 10s on electric for that matter) i seem to have developed a solid "fingertone" that translates well to p90s and 'trons, and this *type* of electric guitar. the raw, responsive type. full disclosure, the 12 string is a beautiful maple and spruce Cole Clark (if you're an Australian guitarist you know) and the 6 string i got 7-ish years ago is a mahogany and cedar Japanese Takamine. so i had quality to work with, but at this point i can pick up a cheap starter Cort acoustic and get sounds out of it that outright startle the new, young proprietor of my local music store. 🤣
@@fistovuzi I’ve run into a couple cole Clark’s. Nice guitars for sure. I have also encountered many players that prove tone is in the fingers. Saw this local guy play machine gun by Hendrix on a danaelectro and a peavey backstage 20 once with no pedals. That was 20 years ago and I haven’t forgot that performance. Wish I had that kind of talent!
@@PJandtheBeard of course 20 years of acoustic has given me more shortcomings than advantages to my electric playing. i cant bend a string to save my life, i vibrato well with my fingers but cant use a "whammy bar" be it Floyd Rose or Bigsby, or whatever. i've been holding a pick wrong for 30 years so pinch harmonics are near impossible. i am much more an acoustic "strummer" than a "picker" and that instinct has led me recently to look into good electric guitars for "strummers". 2 words, *Gretsch Electromatic* even saying the words "affordable Gretsch" feels weird. until 6 months ago, i didn't know such a thing existed. now i own 2 with another on the way, lol.
I really loved the guitars comparison and also both players. 👏🏼👏🏼 The Gib is better of course but not so much that better. I own the Epi and I love the guitar. The playability, confort and the overall quality of the Epi is amazing. ❤
My bud a few months back got 1 of the newer epi ones. And I must say .. compared to 1 of the earlier ones I looked at back when they 1st came out ... the newer one is MUCH nicer & sounded pretty good !! I think Epi is now alligned themselves so close to Gibson products themselves especially with the new original design headstocks that smart folks would take the savings & buy the Epi version insted of the Gibson one. Great job as always guys !!
We’ve had an Epiphone Sheraton II, Firebird, 339, and now the Special in so far. We’ve been surprised by the quality of all of them. Epiphone is killing it lately.
I paid $359 for my "blemished" Epi about seven months ago, put a couple of hours into sorting out any and all issues with the neck for $0, installed a lightweight Faber nickel wrap around bridge with nickel bushings and studs for about $140, put together a new harness with better matched pots, PIO caps, etc. for $60, and a set of "blemished" Wolfetone P90's for $150. The total came to a little over $700. I have plenty of cases and gig bags so the last thing I need to do is buy another. For a little over $700, I'd put my Epi up against any $1800 Gibson Special. I can''t do anything about the yellow poly but I more than made up for any other shortcomings the Epi might have had versus the Gibson.
I’paid 400 euros the épi plus 300 euros lollar p90 : 750 euros . I paid the Gibson 1000’euros like New second hand. The New nitro finish is so thin, People who are not in the business sell guitars at good price because they are affraid when the nitro crack one year or two after buy it .
No discernible tonal difference in sound through the speakers on my phone. One interesting thing is the Epiphone appears to have a compensated bridge and the Gibson does not. I wonder how much difference that will make to how well each model intonates.
@@PJandtheBeard The theory is tuning issues on the G string due to the angle the string passes through the nut to the tuning peg. Mine stays in tune just fine. It's just the intonation at the 12th is a tiny bit out on the G string when the other 5 are well intonated. Honestly, it's not a big deal. I use it as a rhythm guitar anyway so I'm not playing much past the 12th fret on that guitar. I could fit a compensated bridge or one with independent saddles but really no need.
i recently fell head over heels for p90s, never played em before. been a bucker guy for decades. acoustic, mainly, and electrics with buckers. so i've been on a journey of p90s and 'trons lately. i heard the Epi LP Special was *really* good, but this is the first direct comparison with the Gibson i've seen yet. i'm Australian, AU$ the Epi is 1250$AU, the Gibson is 3550$AU. i'm getting an Epiphone! lol i never in my life would i be able to afford the Gibson. it WAS better, but over 2 grand better? no sir.
Not a $1300 difference there but the Gibson has slightly more articulation and clarity to my ears and the finish looks more translucent and authentic TV yellow. If it is going to be a GoTo guitar then maybe I’d go with the Gibson, but if not the Epi is 95% of the way there soundwise. The aesthetics of the finish and the headstock shape are purely judgement calls as to what suits you.
I definitely like the sound of the Epiphone better. I have a less Paul so I’m not gonna spend a ton of money on another one so I’ll just get the Epiphone.
That is how I look at it too. I wouldn’t play some guitars that much and with Epiphone making killer stuff I can try them out without the huge investment. I love my epi 339.
They sound similar enough to make me not wanting to waste money on the Gibson. I'm not a big fan of the P-90 sound, so I wouldn't use it for much anyway. (But you kinda HAVE to have a P-90 guitar in your arsenal as well, right...)
We have another Gibson vs Epiphone coming out soon with the Greeny models. I interested to hear your thoughts on that one when it comes out. Maybe next Saturday.
Your own fingers would make the bit of difference you are looking for here. Other than that these babies are identical. ❤Nice. I just like looking down seeing the GIBSON. Lol 😅
We thought the Epiphone was really good considering. Especially if you want that special thing, but not as a main player. Good way to dip your toe in without a big financial commitment. You’re correct though, the Gibson is better overall.
Face it fellas, the Epi killed the Gibby.....period. (and by the way, fancy names mean nothing, use a J.Rocket silver Archer, as it beat the original KLON!
Wouldn’t say it killed it, but it didn’t get killed either. We have a couple different Klon clones in the room including the archer select. They are all good. Neither of us have ever played a real one so there is still some mystery there. Of course, neither of us have a Klon style pedal on our boards either.
@@PJandtheBeard My choice for the best Klon is the Decibelics Golden Horse. Guillem is a very talented man, slaving away in Spain to keep up with demand. He matches everyone to the Klon's he owns because, not unlike PAF's, not all original Klon's are identical. Anyway, he even goes so far as to send you a picture of the Klon he uses as a guide while building your Golden Horse. And they are not crazy expensive.
I have the Gibson version and it's by far one of the best guitars I've ever had. I plan on keeping it forever and the reason I went with the Gibson is the nitro finish. It will age gracefully and, if you've ever dinged a poly finished guitar, it looks like a chip in a windshield. The stock pickups are great and I'm not swapping them. I put a compensated wraparound bridge on it and the intonation is spot on. Definitely a keeper
I definitely like the nitro finish on the gibson. It will look great when it ages for sure.
Would be great to take the Gibson pu's and put them in the Epiphone and vice versa ! Would tell me a lot .
It would be a great idea, unfortunately we don’t own these so it’s beyond our ability. The guy from mythos pedals just put out a video on modding the epiphone though. That’s on my to watch list!
I went with a set of Wolfetone P90's. I chose the Hot pickup for the neck and the Hotter pickup for the bridge. If you want a really aggressive set, you can go with the Hotter in the neck and the Hottest in the bridge. Wolfe Macleod winds some really great pickups and they are not terribly expensive. You can also find specials on his site. I picked up my pair as "blemished" models at a substantial discount and couldnt' even find issues with the looks. I think Zach over at Mythos went with Lollars when he upgraded his Special. I wouldn't argue with him over those pickups. There are so many great choices these days, we are sooooo spoiled.
Thank you guys for the compartion!
You’re welcome. Appreciate it!
I own the epiphone model. To be honest, I actually prefer the color of the epiphone (understanding it’s not as authentic). I plan to upgrade pickups at some point but the stick ones are far from mediocre! I’ve considered getting the Gibson model but I don’t have any complaints on the epiphone honestly…might just leave my ego at the door and just enjoy a fantastic instrument without worrying about what’s on the headstock
I always wanted a Gibson 339 but my epiphone fills that void and is so much fun to play. Who cares about the name on the headstock. Well, honestly, I use too but I’ve gotten over it. Keep rocking the epi special. It’s a great guitar.
Check out some of the mods I did to my Epi. For not a lot of money, you can really make some big differences. I own Fenders, Gibsons, PRS, Epiphone, G&L. What's on the headstock doesn't matter. What come from the guitar, through the amp is all that matters to me.
TY for the great sound comparison. The Gibson just has a better, fuller sound.
Thanks for watching!
There is a big difference in the openness and articulation in the Gibson. I'm not saying it justifies the big gap in price, but the difference is clearly there. Digging the new 2023 finish as well. Very much like the CS finishes in recent years.
Totally agree!
Great side by side with same amp settings. It's the only way to do a fair comparison. Thanks.
Thanks, appreciate it.
Nice work fellas. To my ears the Gibson has more clarity. The Epi sounds great, just seems to be slightly lower fidelity. I played the Junior version of both side by side and there was a big difference !
Agreed. We have a relatively new Gibson SG Junior that I love. Might be interesting to see if there is an epi version out there. You got me thinking now.
Agree. The closest quality in clean tone seemed to be the neck pickup. The Epi wasn't objectionable, just not as precise sounding.
If the playability is even close to being comparable, I'd probably go with the Epiphone and upgrade the pickups to something that exactly matches my individual taste. However, that Gibson logo on the headstock does look nice...
If I wanted the special as my main guitar I might go Gibson, but just to play around with I would say they are more than close to being comparable. Although the Gibson’s neck is definitely more baseball bat like if you like that.
To be honest.. Ive played both, and own the Gibson, but the Epiphone p90s don't need to be upgraded, really. They actually sound great too.
@@jmo1366Are your frets also flat as rail road ties?
@skytwelker5151 not that Ive noticed.. I got lucky w mine. It plays great, and stays in tune really well etc..
@@jmo1366 thanks for sharing. From what we have seen from the new epiphones we have in I’m not sure it is just luck. They have been really good.
Only one is reaaally TV yellow. The other is more "mustard".. but still killer nonetheless..
Without a doubt, the biggest blunder for the Epi is the finish. I think the Harley Benton Special does a more convincing job at mimicking the Gibson TV Yellow.
The Gibson version in Deep Purple ❤
I own a Fender and Gibson if only to have the credibility to say if any guitar has a typical tonewood and a build that has a good fit and a reasonable finish it will be as good if not noticeably better than a Gibson or Fender with good PU's from the numerous handmade jobbies from a good 100 or more builders. . I recommend everyone to buy both a U.S. made Fender and Gibson. BUT if you wish to have more guitars don't. Even these days you can get used old MIJ guitars for under $350.00 so you have a lot of room for a tech to tweak it and add some killer PU's.
There is no doubt I like the made in the USA logo on my guitars, but I like to try out new stuff at a lower price point too. Like you said, there is a lot of good stuff out there and often they don’t even need a pickup upgrade.
I bought the Epi model last October and was using it with an Orange Crush 12. Just got a Marshall DSL1CR and the guitar really likes the Marshall.
Sounds like a great match!
I don't know if it's my eyes "hearing" the difference based upon the logo on the headstock, but I'd swear that Gibson has just the *TINIEST* bit more low-end, and is just the *TINIEST* bit cleaner. It's **REALLY** close, though. And considering the Epiphone is $499, while the Gibson is $1799... Man... Do I *really* need that Gibson logo? I was leaning heavily towards the Gibson -- I had written off Epiphhone as the "cheap" division of Gibson, but now I'm less sure...
I felt the same way at one time, but I have a epi 339 that I love. We have had in this guitar, a sheraton II, greeny, and firebird and they have all been great. The price point lets you try out some of the models you wouldn't necessarily lay down Gibson money for at first.
This is a great comparison but the only issue is someone who's in the market for an epiphone probably doesn't have the money to buy a great sounding tube amp or high end modeler
Not necessarily true...I have budget guitars that I bought, with the intent to mod. I just have a hard time justifying spending over a grand on something that I plan on changing. I also have nice tube amps and an unhealthy pedal collection.
I don’t know, I bought an epi 339 just because I wanted a small hollowbody but didn’t want to pay the full Gibson price. It’s a great guitar, in fact, I played it live today. The PRS MT-15 we used in the video is a really reasonably priced tube amp too. We aren’t into modelers that much, but have had a few inexpensive ones in that would get the job done for someone on a budget for sure. I felt the same way about the epi Firebird we had in. Not sure I would spend Gibson money on one as it wouldn’t be a go to guitar, but the epi was really sweet for the price.
I agree.. listen to it, seems the Gibson neck pickup is clearer
For sure!
I can detect a just a tad of quality in the Gibson tone over the Epiphone although they are VERY close. I do like that Gibson on the Headstock, That is Fine.
I like the Gibson logo too and agree that it sounds a bit better. Of course, the epiphone sounds good too. I think the current epiphones are a good choice if you want to explore a model without committing. Like the specials or firebirds. That said, I have an epi 339 I really like and often take with me.
Epiphone will always be Gibson’s older brother, and its history is perhaps the most interesting of any guitar brand”: Celebrating 150 years of Epiphone
Maybe on paper and Gibson may now be trying to reinvent the brand’s image however epiphone has been bastardized by decades of making some pretty awful guitars and outsourcing to foreign factories never sits rights with musicians who view their instruments and an emotional extension of themselves. If the company that makes your guitar is willing to farm production to the lowest bidder overseas it leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. Great instruments still but these two guitars do t really appeal to the same people I doubt few will have to choose between them.
@@geoffreycarter3981 yeah thanks because of Norlin who ruined epiphone and it was deliberately done..that all ends in mid 2019 with JC Curliegh he restored epiphone back to where they should have always been..and now Epiphone is bringing back the good o'l days of smacking Gibson around once again..
I will go for thebgibson definetely !!! Epi stumbles in the lower area 5th and 6th strings are muddy especially on high gain but also in the clean area difference in dynamic is noticeable🤘
There is no doubt the Gibson is a better, but the epi is a nice price point if you just want to dip your toes into a special.
I need to take my Epi and do a head to head because from what I'm getting out of my guitar after modest mods, there's no way it won't give the stock Gibson a run for its money. Might even sound a bit better.
I haven’t played guitar in about 25 years but after my wife passed I picked up a Epiphone 60’s Les Paul bourbon burst and was surprised how good it was and how much I enjoyed playing again so yesterday I decided to treat myself to a Gibson 60’s Les Paul and I drove 63 miles to our closest Guitar Center where hanging on the wall was the most beautiful Gibson Les Paul I’ve ever seen now remember I have cash in my pocket I played this beautiful Gibson Les Paul and decided that there was no way that Gibson was worth $3,000 🤦🏻♂️ no way !
There are a lot of great guitars out there that don’t cost $3,000. I’d have a hard time dropping that kind of money too! Sorry to hear about your wife’s passing. I’m sure nothing fills that void but it is nice you are finding some joy playing guitar again.
Neck pick up on Gibson much better, both sound great, but I would buy the Gibson for many reasons.
I don’t disagree at all. Although I did buy an Epiphone 339 and I don’t think I would trade it for a Gibson.
The difference between the two is mainly the price imo. Sure, the finish is nicer on the Gibson but the sound is comparable unless you’re splitting hairs. With the right amp and pedals you can pretty much dial in details. Good video!
Thanks! Totally agree. We can save a lot of money and have a great guitar if we can set our snobbery aside at times! lol
a five thousand dollar guitarist sounds better with a hundred dollar guitar, than a hundred dollar guitarist will on a five thousand dollar guitar.
"tone" is mainly in the hands. the last 2 decades i've played acoustics almost exclusively, 15 of those years *acoustic 12-string* at concert pitch, yeah. apart from some nasty tendonitis that means i can no longer play acoustic sets (or any string gauge higher than 10s on electric for that matter) i seem to have developed a solid "fingertone" that translates well to p90s and 'trons, and this *type* of electric guitar. the raw, responsive type.
full disclosure, the 12 string is a beautiful maple and spruce Cole Clark (if you're an Australian guitarist you know) and the 6 string i got 7-ish years ago is a mahogany and cedar Japanese Takamine. so i had quality to work with, but at this point i can pick up a cheap starter Cort acoustic and get sounds out of it that outright startle the new, young proprietor of my local music store. 🤣
@@fistovuzi I’ve run into a couple cole Clark’s. Nice guitars for sure. I have also encountered many players that prove tone is in the fingers. Saw this local guy play machine gun by Hendrix on a danaelectro and a peavey backstage 20 once with no pedals. That was 20 years ago and I haven’t forgot that performance. Wish I had that kind of talent!
@@PJandtheBeard of course 20 years of acoustic has given me more shortcomings than advantages to my electric playing. i cant bend a string to save my life, i vibrato well with my fingers but cant use a "whammy bar" be it Floyd Rose or Bigsby, or whatever. i've been holding a pick wrong for 30 years so pinch harmonics are near impossible.
i am much more an acoustic "strummer" than a "picker" and that instinct has led me recently to look into good electric guitars for "strummers".
2 words, *Gretsch Electromatic*
even saying the words "affordable Gretsch" feels weird. until 6 months ago, i didn't know such a thing existed. now i own 2 with another on the way, lol.
@@fistovuzi I’d like to pick up a nice gretsch someday. I have a really cheap one and love the pickups in it.
I really loved the guitars comparison and also both players. 👏🏼👏🏼
The Gib is better of course but not so much that better.
I own the Epi and I love the guitar. The playability, confort and the overall quality of the Epi is amazing. ❤
Thanks. Appreciate it! Definitely agree on the epi!
Great Review Guys.
Thanks!
My bud a few months back got 1 of the newer epi ones. And I must say .. compared to 1 of the earlier ones I looked at back when they 1st came out ... the newer one is MUCH nicer & sounded pretty good !!
I think Epi is now alligned themselves so close to Gibson products themselves especially with the new original design headstocks that smart folks would take the savings & buy the Epi version insted of the Gibson one.
Great job as always guys !!
We’ve had an Epiphone Sheraton II, Firebird, 339, and now the Special in so far. We’ve been surprised by the quality of all of them. Epiphone is killing it lately.
They sounded very different. Epi $500 + case and pickups = $900 - - Gibson all in $1800
Big price difference!
I paid $359 for my "blemished" Epi about seven months ago, put a couple of hours into sorting out any and all issues with the neck for $0, installed a lightweight Faber nickel wrap around bridge with nickel bushings and studs for about $140, put together a new harness with better matched pots, PIO caps, etc. for $60, and a set of "blemished" Wolfetone P90's for $150. The total came to a little over $700. I have plenty of cases and gig bags so the last thing I need to do is buy another. For a little over $700, I'd put my Epi up against any $1800 Gibson Special. I can''t do anything about the yellow poly but I more than made up for any other shortcomings the Epi might have had versus the Gibson.
I’paid 400 euros the épi plus 300 euros lollar p90 : 750 euros . I paid the Gibson 1000’euros like New second hand. The New nitro finish is so thin, People who are not in the business sell guitars at good price because they are affraid when the nitro crack one year or two after buy it .
That's what I call a good comparaison 1:56 , no ego,no talk.
Thanks. Glad you liked it.
The Gibson has slightly more low end on the bridge and more clarity on the neck - both of those could be remedied with a pickup/electronics swap.
Without a doubt!
No discernible tonal difference in sound through the speakers on my phone.
One interesting thing is the Epiphone appears to have a compensated bridge and the Gibson does not. I wonder how much difference that will make to how well each model intonates.
Good question. We didn’t notice any issues with the ones we had.
@@PJandtheBeard I just got a TV Yellow Gibson. All the strings intonate pretty much spot on at the 12th, except the G which is a tiny bit sharp.
@@talkychris what’s with the G string on Gibson’s!
@@PJandtheBeard The theory is tuning issues on the G string due to the angle the string passes through the nut to the tuning peg.
Mine stays in tune just fine. It's just the intonation at the 12th is a tiny bit out on the G string when the other 5 are well intonated. Honestly, it's not a big deal. I use it as a rhythm guitar anyway so I'm not playing much past the 12th fret on that guitar.
I could fit a compensated bridge or one with independent saddles but really no need.
Think I prefer the Epi bridge and Gibson front pickup
Makes sense to me.
i recently fell head over heels for p90s, never played em before. been a bucker guy for decades. acoustic, mainly, and electrics with buckers. so i've been on a journey of p90s and 'trons lately.
i heard the Epi LP Special was *really* good, but this is the first direct comparison with the Gibson i've seen yet. i'm Australian, AU$ the Epi is 1250$AU, the Gibson is 3550$AU.
i'm getting an Epiphone! lol
i never in my life would i be able to afford the Gibson. it WAS better, but over 2 grand better? no sir.
There is a lot to like about the epiphone. We have had several different ephiphones in lately and they have all been really good.
Not a $1300 difference there but the Gibson has slightly more articulation and clarity to my ears and the finish looks more translucent and authentic TV yellow. If it is going to be a GoTo guitar then maybe I’d go with the Gibson, but if not the Epi is 95% of the way there soundwise. The aesthetics of the finish and the headstock shape are purely judgement calls as to what suits you.
I definitely like the sound of the Epiphone better. I have a less Paul so I’m not gonna spend a ton of money on another one so I’ll just get the Epiphone.
That is how I look at it too. I wouldn’t play some guitars that much and with Epiphone making killer stuff I can try them out without the huge investment. I love my epi 339.
Yeah...you can buy Gibson pickups for the epiphone for about 300 bucks ,and your all in....
Can't argue with that.
They sound similar enough to make me not wanting to waste money on the Gibson. I'm not a big fan of the P-90 sound, so I wouldn't use it for much anyway. (But you kinda HAVE to have a P-90 guitar in your arsenal as well, right...)
This is exactly what I like about the so many of the epiphones right now!
The Gibson pickups were just a bit better. I'll bet the fret works is better too.
For sure, but the epiphones we have had in lately are surprisingly good.
now compare the LP special USA to a custom shop 57 LP special and see if they have difference in sound.
I feel like we might have trouble getting our hands on one of those! It would be fun though.
Gracias❤ merci beaucoup
Anytime! Thanks
You change yhe p90s on the epi and still be quids in. And plus you shouldn't have the neck snapping fear
close, but the Gibson seems to have a little more output, maybe less bright. i wouldn't pay for the Gibson, for sure, given the minor differences.
The finish is definitely cool on the Gibson, but the epiphone checks many of the boxes that count.
GIBSON IS KICKIN ASS!
We have another Gibson vs Epiphone coming out soon with the Greeny models. I interested to hear your thoughts on that one when it comes out. Maybe next Saturday.
Your own fingers would make the bit of difference you are looking for here. Other than that these babies are identical. ❤Nice. I just like looking down seeing the GIBSON. Lol 😅
I would be lying if I said I didn’t like seeing the Gibson logo more myself.
epiphone pups are a little too muddy
I played both, I bought the Gibson because there was no comparison. Gibson wins hands down, save your $ buy the real deal, Gibson.
We thought the Epiphone was really good considering. Especially if you want that special thing, but not as a main player. Good way to dip your toe in without a big financial commitment. You’re correct though, the Gibson is better overall.
Only the player will tell the difference. The crowd will not. Lol
So true with most of this stuff! Of course, if the player likes one over the other better, for whatever reason, it may inspire him/her to play better.
I don't hear a $1300 difference.
It’s easier to hear when you look at the headstocks closely! ;)
Dude on the left looks like a 60 yr old Derek Trucks
60?! Come on… I’m only 50 and I had the beard first. lol
@@PJandtheBeard A very youthful and good-looking 60 yeard old, I should say!
Face it fellas, the Epi killed the Gibby.....period. (and by the way, fancy names mean nothing, use a J.Rocket silver Archer, as it beat the original KLON!
Wouldn’t say it killed it, but it didn’t get killed either. We have a couple different Klon clones in the room including the archer select. They are all good. Neither of us have ever played a real one so there is still some mystery there. Of course, neither of us have a Klon style pedal on our boards either.
@@PJandtheBeard My choice for the best Klon is the Decibelics Golden Horse. Guillem is a very talented man, slaving away in Spain to keep up with demand. He matches everyone to the Klon's he owns because, not unlike PAF's, not all original Klon's are identical. Anyway, he even goes so far as to send you a picture of the Klon he uses as a guide while building your Golden Horse. And they are not crazy expensive.
@@Spupilup that sounds cool. We will have to check him out.
Wow ...why buy Gibson when Epiphone is so good?
Might come down to just the finish, neck shape, or headstock snobbery... :)
These guys are clowns
Thanks man! Glad we could bring some happiness to your day.
They are some hell of nice clowns then.
@@Bullittblthanks man… we do our best. Lol
The Epiphone sounds just as good.
The neck profile is definitely different but it plays great too!