Les Paul Junior Shootout - Gibson vs Epiphone - Back to Back Comparision

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  • Опубликовано: 11 июл 2024
  • Our love hate relationship with Gibson continues this week as we compare our expensive and badly scratched Les Paul Junior with the far cheaper Epiphone model. Do they sound and feel the same?... join us in guitar nerdsville as we compare them and try to find an answer!!
    To check out the individual reviews...
    Gibson Les Paul Junior review: • Gibson Les Paul Junior...
    Epiphone Les Paul Junior review: • Epiphone Les Paul Juni...
    If you don't like the talking or the playing on this video we've made it easy for you to skip along to the next chapter in case something more interesting is happening...
    0:00 big intro
    1:16 coming up...
    1:45 what are we up to today?
    3:15 the guitar specs and nerdy stuff
    8:40 plugging the guitars in
    9:55 back to back demo playing
    12:00 they sound pretty close - what would make a difference?
    14:18 nice necks
    15:15 Gibson smells
    16:00 about the QC
    17:10 they both sound great
    19:05 looking for an answer
    20:30 the scores are in!
    21:20 play out
    Signal Chain Info:
    Amp: Fender hand-wired Deluxe Reverb II - live into Protools via AKG414 & SM57
    Drive Pedals: Klon KTR / Crowther Hot Cake
    Looper: Boss RC3
    We run this channel to provide therapy for our gear addiction and for an excuse to buy more. Re-Launched during lockdown 2020/2021 we are experimenting with ideas to see what sticks, so any feedback you give is most welcome. Please like and subscribe if you would like to support the channel!
    #epiphone #inspiredbygibson #guitaraddict #theguitaristas #gibsonlespaul #lespaul #guitarreview #guitarshootout #p90 #lesliewest #mountain
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Комментарии • 592

  • @PaulMcCaffreyfmac
    @PaulMcCaffreyfmac 3 года назад +183

    It takes a man of a certain age to have Leslie West instead of Billy Joe Armstrong as his default Junior player

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  3 года назад +42

      🤣 imagine the fun I had trawling through the Green Day catalogue looking for inspiration... i must have spent a good 10 minutes on that bit of research! 🎸✌️

    • @PaulMcCaffreyfmac
      @PaulMcCaffreyfmac 3 года назад +3

      @@theguitaristas 🤣

    • @andrewgarcia3136
      @andrewgarcia3136 3 года назад +6

      it can be both

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  3 года назад +15

      You are absolutely right! This was just dad rock joke Andrew as sadly I’m far too old to fully appreciate Billy Jo’s contribution to punk rock. Cheers 🎸😎

    • @jst601
      @jst601 2 года назад +23

      Leslie West is a guitar player. BJ Armstrong plays the guitar....big difference.

  • @marcarcoria7672
    @marcarcoria7672 3 месяца назад +2

    Leslie West was always the quintessential junior player

  • @stepitup5409
    @stepitup5409 3 года назад +35

    Man! In the mid 70s I stood about 4 feet away from Leslie West while he and Felix played their hearts out!!

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  3 года назад +4

      Cheers stepitup… AWESOME!! 🙌🙌🎸😎✌️

    • @BoomTexan
      @BoomTexan 3 года назад +7

      How little could you hear afterwards?

  • @Eawahwah
    @Eawahwah 3 года назад +41

    Nice to hear some Leslie West and Mountain.

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  3 года назад +6

      Thanks Eawahwah it had to be done! ✌️🎸

    • @chrisghgh6478
      @chrisghgh6478 3 года назад +2

      rip :(

    • @brucereed4145
      @brucereed4145 3 года назад +1

      Exactly. When I got my first Junior (a Gibson USA) it had to be the first thing I played on it!

  • @Sc0teeBe318
    @Sc0teeBe318 2 года назад +21

    They sound way too close to justify the price difference. Even if I had the money to not care I still couldn't justify paying that much more to say I have a Gibson. Honestly in a live setting, no one would even notice what you're playing. As long as it sounds good to their ears that's all that matters. Most people at gigs are drunk and on their phones anyways. And people who are listening to music are usually listening on cellphones with crappy earphones and crappy mp3 recordings. They won't know if their favorite band is playing Epiphone or Gibson. You only have to worry about guitar nerds or purists who would make a fuss that you're using Epiphone instead of Gibson. If you're a intermediate to advanced player you would notice the feel is better with the Gibson but still, could you justify a $900 difference??? That is really a lot of money for something to feel a little better.

    • @sixstringcity3931
      @sixstringcity3931 2 года назад +2

      Well put.
      Jack Pearson was known to play Squier strats with the Allmans.

    • @pgroove163
      @pgroove163 Год назад +2

      u play & purchase what feels good for you that's what it's about.. the audience is irrelevant

    • @DirtyDirkDiggler
      @DirtyDirkDiggler 26 дней назад

      It’s about the FEEL of it, not the sound that makes for the real price difference. You can definitely tell a quality Gibson from an Epiphone when you pick one up.

  • @IlNeige
    @IlNeige 2 года назад +71

    It kills me that Epi only offers one finish for their Juniors. The T Burst looks nice, but I feel like plain black or white is a better match for the stripped down vibe.

    • @PantheonLincoln
      @PantheonLincoln 2 года назад +19

      It's the weird veneer they put on them that bugs me. They do it on the SGs as well.
      I'd rather they did a solid finish if they wanted to hide how many pieces the body is made from.

    • @hunkydorian
      @hunkydorian 2 года назад +4

      NOT BLACK !! NOT BLACK !! HOLY JESUS CHRIST NOT BLACK !!

    • @pinkiewerewolf
      @pinkiewerewolf 2 года назад +7

      Personally, I'd like a satin finish. I know satin finish doesn't protect against dings as well as a poly finish but I still love the look and feel of the satin.

    • @JesusLordOfLords455
      @JesusLordOfLords455 2 года назад +3

      @@pinkiewerewolf agreed! A fully blacked out epi junior!

    • @pinkiewerewolf
      @pinkiewerewolf 2 года назад

      @GnosticBlast Yes! I have a blacked out PRS Vela and it looks and feels amazingly good. It plays well too.

  • @doctorskull8197
    @doctorskull8197 2 года назад +8

    Thank you for this awesome video! Both instruments are great in their own way. The audience will never tell the difference!

  • @adamjolin
    @adamjolin 6 месяцев назад +2

    Merry Christmas Colin! Thank you for a year of great guitars, humor, playing, and fun! Cheers to the new year!

  • @nigelwallis9223
    @nigelwallis9223 10 месяцев назад +8

    Love your work, honest unbiased and not one self absorbed note in the whole video, unlike many other guitar reviews out there. Keep up the good work 👍

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  10 месяцев назад +1

      Cheers Nigel that's really appreciated! 😊🙏

  • @pinkiewerewolf
    @pinkiewerewolf 2 года назад +6

    That intro! The quintessential Gibson Les Paul Jr tune. I loved it.

  • @Robert_Bubba_Baker
    @Robert_Bubba_Baker 3 года назад +8

    Thank you for the honesty. I had me epiphone plus top pro model with lollar imperials with two pots changes and orange drop capacitors installed. Then we did a comparison with a 2015 les paul standard. The epiphone took the 🏆. I also own some high end gibsons too. There is a difference in feel which I agree with but I view them as an investment as well.

  • @lamontprospect9974
    @lamontprospect9974 3 года назад +4

    LOVE your Intro!!!

  • @jamesallen1164
    @jamesallen1164 2 года назад +7

    I found an epiphone les Paul jr.in a pawn shop a few years ago that needed some bridge work and a new nut . it was evident they had no clue what they had and let me have it for 75 bucks ! I put a bone nut and a bridge off an old les Paul that was totally trashed from a fire and man I love that guitar , so much I went out and bought another brand new one that has a flat finish on the body and neck . love both of them and they sound great especially for the price . amazing little guitars with a big boy sound !

  • @philodonoghue3062
    @philodonoghue3062 Год назад +8

    Best, most knowledgeable and honest comparison review I’ve found online including website / blogs. Some of which diss the Epi Jr - which is completely at odds with my experience. Thanks for vindicating my recent purchase off Trademe (the Kiwi e-Bay). It’s the ultimate stripped down electric guitar - slab of wood with another long piece with frets and a bunch of strings stretched out with one pickup and just two knobs, one volume, one tone. The ultimate learner guitar and will do for the garage band of mates till you can con a pub or some such to pay you! If you only have one electric guitar - and a 10 Watt bedroom practice and busking amp - this is it.

  • @henryhunter5026
    @henryhunter5026 3 года назад +42

    I hope that people realise how much work you must have put into making this excellent comparison video, I think that you’ve done an amazing job. I think that I’ve mentioned before that I own a couple of the old Epiphone 57 Reissue guitars which are a previous Epiphone version of the Gibson LP Junior . These were, in my opinion , very well built guitars let down by terrible pickups but once these were replaced there’s not much to complain about. The only thing I think might put me off buying the current Epi LP Junior is the D shape neck profile but that’s just me, I do prefer the C shape but I’m sure that there are plenty who have the completely opposite opinion or don’t care. Now to the big question Gibson or Epiphone? My answer is that it’s down to individual taste and/or the size of your bank balance as both guitars sound great.

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  3 года назад +1

      Thanks Henry 👍😎 I suppose we could say that the gap between Epiphone and Gibson has closed somewhat recently? We’re definitely spoilt for choice these days and seems every budget and taste has great options! 🎸🎸

    • @bobbyhaynie4797
      @bobbyhaynie4797 Месяц назад

      Just sand the back of the neck down to fit your hand I always do t to al I'll of mine

  • @johnmurray3346
    @johnmurray3346 2 года назад +6

    I have the Gibson, it has beautiful ‘real’ woodgrain, an amazing dark rosewood fretboard, plays amazing and rings out acoustically better than any of my other guitars.

  • @shaserv
    @shaserv 2 года назад +7

    I like this guy. Your better then some of the others at explaining things. And your a great player. Old school. Thanks.

  • @leatherdardoretromovil6779
    @leatherdardoretromovil6779 2 года назад +5

    I bought a Gibson sg junior (1 year ago) call the shop and said : guys looks like a 200 usd guitar not a 1250 guitar ,I am sending it back today! ,that was my last gibson ,today I ordered epiphone Les Paul Junior ,maybe ill change the pickup ,but maybe not..😎 thanks for the great reviews!!!

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад +2

      Nice one.... I reckon you'll be fine with the stock P90 on that one it's a beast. Cheers for comment and support!

  • @migueldemaria3830
    @migueldemaria3830 Год назад

    thanks, this is very well done and enjoyable to watch. You're getting a great tone out of both.

  • @bristolfashion4421
    @bristolfashion4421 2 года назад +1

    Love these videos you do, chap! Straightforward, loads of detail, loads of playing, loads of info. Thanks. I picked up a B stock Epiphone Les Paul junior ''57 reissue' from Peter Cooks Guitar World back in 2014 - lovely guitar 'cept for the rather disappointing 'P100' which I replaced with a proper single-coil P90 - see hh's comment also. My fave 'vintage' guitar !

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад

      Cheers man good to hear from you, the support is appreciated!... Another awesome Epiphone Les Paul Junior review coming this Friday so stick around! :)

  • @randallyoung9411
    @randallyoung9411 2 года назад

    Excellent review, entertaining and very fair. Well done.

  • @perthmike7
    @perthmike7 2 года назад +2

    Great review and comparison, thanks for doing this 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

  • @johndaugherty4127
    @johndaugherty4127 Год назад +1

    They are doing incredible things with machining these days. You are a treasure of useful git knowledge. Thank you for sharing it. Fantastic picker to boot!

  • @danielhorsley2259
    @danielhorsley2259 2 года назад +3

    Great channel man!! Popped up in my feed and I’ve gone down the rabbit hole lol. Excellent work!🤘

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад +1

      Cheers Daniel glad you found us! 👍😎🎸

  • @kolchaknightstalker8290
    @kolchaknightstalker8290 Год назад +1

    Colin, just to give you an idea as to how much fun your channel is, I’m in the market to buy an SG. I’ve never owned one. I LOVE my Epiphone Les Paul Pro plus top with Gibson burstbuckers. I’ve had it for several years now. It’s absolutely brilliant.
    But, I’m not going to lie….I grew up watching my hero, Steve Howe if Yes fame, Steve Hackett of Genesis, Alex Lifeson of Rush, and scores of other guitar heroes playing Gibson. The siren song is loud!
    But, back to my comment about your channel, here I’ve watched every single episode you’ve done on SG’s, loved them so much that now I’m watching your other episodes that don’t help me in my quest at all! Your show is addictive! 😂😂😂
    I love your channel. You’re a solid guy. Thank you for your down to earth honesty and advice!

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  Год назад

      Cheers man thanks for watching and supporting! 😎👍

  • @danielrentel9747
    @danielrentel9747 2 года назад +1

    I'm really enjoying your videos!

  • @duaneanderson6393
    @duaneanderson6393 2 года назад

    I enjoy your posts. your perspectives are very interesting. Thank you.

  • @davidcudlip6587
    @davidcudlip6587 2 года назад +5

    Bidding on a 2020 Epi Jr. right now. I usually yank out and replace the pickups and wiring guts on all my guitars, but your Epiphone sounds damn fine as is. Kudos for the Leslie West riffs. I miss that guy.

  • @Edward1312
    @Edward1312 3 года назад +21

    If you are playing live 99% of the audience wont know or care about the difference so long as it sounds good and the guitarists can actual play well. For someone to pay that much extra its about the ego trip to that other 1% but then you have a much higher risk of the Gibson getting stolen in that environment because of its value! No reason why in the studio with a pickup change or and effects boxes you couldnt get them sounding exactly the same.

  • @Earthstein
    @Earthstein 7 месяцев назад

    Head-stock and body finish. Means a lot to me in my advanced age. I take pleasure in listening and watching you on your channel. I wish you many fine years more.

  • @edgesrockandroll
    @edgesrockandroll 9 месяцев назад

    Great video, I'm picking up a used Epi LPJ today and your video was the perfect review to help me with that decision since I already own a Gibson Special.... Thanks, mate!

  • @brucereed4145
    @brucereed4145 3 года назад +1

    Well done. Hard to keep my eye off the gear in the background!!

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  3 года назад

      Cheers Bruce... ah yes we do love our gear eh?! 😎👍🎸

  • @jodylowe8476
    @jodylowe8476 2 года назад +3

    This was great and timely. I am looking at the epi and your review makes me feel good about my decision. I prefer cheaper guitars anyway as i suck.

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад +2

      Hey we all suck Jody! 😆👍 but don't worry this little beauty will make you want to play more so you will be a killer player in no time! 😎🎸

  • @ChanoQlo
    @ChanoQlo 2 года назад

    really good content, loving these Junior videos. Saludos

  • @barbdwyer7001
    @barbdwyer7001 Год назад +2

    There's an old saying...
    "You get what you pay for!"
    Sure, you can spend a lot of
    money to "mod out" an Epi
    with genuine Gibson parts, but
    on resale it's still an Epi to the
    prospective buyer. BTW... I'm
    quite happy with my 2022
    Ebony Junior... it's flawless.😊

  • @carpagevid
    @carpagevid Год назад +1

    Great Video an comparison!!! thanks!

  • @buzzburb1
    @buzzburb1 2 года назад +5

    Glad to see the gibson has Orange drop capacitors unlike the Epiphone, most expensive Orange drops I can find online are £1.60p, only £898.40 to go then, great review by the way, as always!

    • @SionynJones
      @SionynJones 2 года назад

      There's no difference they are both film capacitors.

    • @SD_UK
      @SD_UK 2 года назад

      @@SionynJones Was this posted on National 'Miss the point of the joke day'?

    • @buzzburb1
      @buzzburb1 7 месяцев назад

      never !! so how can all the reviewers and Gibson constantly claim that Orange drop capacitors are something special , I`m an electrical engineer and let me tell you there not most expensive is $5,00, where does the extortionate pricing come from , and I own a Gibson LP Standard and its great@@SionynJones

    • @buzzburb1
      @buzzburb1 7 месяцев назад

      obviously you don`t do irony or satire , maybe you`re american with a small a @@SD_UK

  • @robertevans2143
    @robertevans2143 3 года назад +7

    Thanks for doing the comparison. I would take the Epiphone. (actually I just ordered one). The Gibson is just not worth the extra $$. And also because of my bad experience with the Gibson Les Paul. Really like your playing and nice to see someone not shredding. Mississippi Queen, (don't know if I spelled that right..lol) excellent song choice!!

  • @michaelanderson4747
    @michaelanderson4747 3 года назад +10

    Man, why cant they make that Epiphone in the same color as the other Gibson LP Jr model? The Vintage Tobacco Burst? Id buy it in a second. Not a fan of the darker brown

    • @paulgalilejevs4674
      @paulgalilejevs4674 3 года назад

      I have a epiphone les paul junior, it's white in color, usually the first guitar I pick up

  • @thatpeterboy
    @thatpeterboy 3 года назад +4

    Really enjoyed this comparison, very informative and honest thanks very much indeed, i will check out an epiphone i think :)

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  3 года назад +1

      Thanks Pete... hard to go wrong with the Epiphone! :)

  • @jamesschrader8193
    @jamesschrader8193 Год назад

    Hello Colin, I think your video is entertaining I never miss a show. Thank you for sharing.

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  Год назад +1

      Thanks James that’s appreciated! 😎👍

  • @alfreGr
    @alfreGr 2 года назад

    Thank you for such an in-depth analysis!

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад +1

      You're welcome thanks for the comment and support it's appreciated! 😎👍

  • @che2335
    @che2335 3 года назад +2

    Thanks for the mountain of a jam from the mountain of a man RIP Leslie.

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  3 года назад +3

      Cheers that was a pleasure to learn and play... King Leslie! 🙌🙌

  • @michaelchiasson9088
    @michaelchiasson9088 2 года назад +2

    Loved your review, found you by accident but will subscribe now. Anyway, that Epi is one fine looking guitar! I’d take that in a heartbeat. Got myself an Epi inspired by Gibson ES339 and it is flawless! Also I am renting a new Epi Explorer, less than 1/2 the price of it Gibson cousin and it is great, probably going to keep it.

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад +1

      Cheers Michael glad you found us! 😎👍🎸

  • @todds.6012
    @todds.6012 2 года назад +3

    I own 3 Gibson guitars and I love them all. SG Classic in cherry finish with P90's. SG Tribute in silverburst finish with mini humbuckers. Les Paul DC in blue with one P90. All 3 are very well made and I look forward to getting a SG junior soon. Great video and I enjoy watching you talk about your guitars.

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад

      Cheers Todd 😎👍

    • @davidharding200
      @davidharding200 2 года назад +1

      I am happy for you.. I don’t doubt what you say. But I wonder if you are a person who doesn’t look for or particularly notice these things. From the relatively small of new Gibson’s I’ve looked at they’ve all been flawed in for and finish from a moderate to significant degree so the fact that you have 3 which you have no issues with surprises me. If you’re not one to pick up those things then that’s great; but means you can enjoy the Gibson without remorse.

    • @biohazard8295
      @biohazard8295 Год назад

      @@davidharding200 i'd rather buy an imperfect guitar that plays and feels good than a perfect guitar with cheap wood and parts

    • @theuserthatishere
      @theuserthatishere 7 месяцев назад

      or what about a guitar that has it all?

  • @ark8876
    @ark8876 2 года назад

    Exactly what @matty two hats said. Great intro and outro!

  • @chrismunsonmusic3432
    @chrismunsonmusic3432 2 года назад +19

    I can say I have seen the gibson qc lately as shotty at best. I ordered a 2020 es335 studio, a $2200 guitar. I received it with the roughest binding: to the point that it cut my hand the first run I made up the neck. I promptly returned it and bought a 2002 es 333. But my epiphone casino was like playing butter. I've never had any issues with epiphone.

  • @4gotin1
    @4gotin1 2 года назад +1

    I’m sitting home today waiting for my epiphone LPJ to be delivered. I’ve had gibsons and epiphones. The thing about this GREAT review/comparison that really struck a chord w me was that in the back of my mind while playing the Gibson I’ll always be thinking about how much it cost. I could never get past that w my Les Pauls. The one Gibson I’ll always play and keep is my hummingbird pro, but I’m expecting this new epiphone to check all the boxes and fill the void completely. Thanks!

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад +1

      Cheers man, I hope it does let us know how you get on with it!

  • @jasoncolley4102
    @jasoncolley4102 3 года назад +3

    Cool 😎 video mate, I’ve always wanted a Gibson Les Paul Junior since I started listening 👂 to the New York Dolls and Johnny Thunders etc, could never afford a Gibson so when Epiphone brought this new 2020 inspired by Gibson I got the Les Paul Junior straight away, I wish they did mine in TV 📺 Yellow but never mind I love ❤️ it, the only other epiphone I was waiting to buy was one of those 57 reissues but those beauties are going up in price year by year, any how I love 💗 your channel bro 😎 keep on Rockin in the free world 🌎🎸🎸🤟🤟🤟

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  3 года назад

      Cheers Jason 👍 we need more Johnny Thunders on this channel!! 😎🎸✌️

  • @LGuitarB
    @LGuitarB 2 года назад +1

    Very sensible assessment!

  • @scottclark7592
    @scottclark7592 3 года назад +5

    I have the cheapest P90 les paul from epiphone-pulled front pickup out to junior it-and to be honest it is as good as anything-other than a vintage jr. It sits next to a 6k gibson and gets played as much. The heart of the Jr is a cheap lightweight guitar with a simple pickup-brand really isnt a issue with this combo.

  • @Boosty_Boost
    @Boosty_Boost 3 года назад +1

    oh my god.. for a second i thought you where faking it and playing a backing track xD haha! Very well done on the intro!!

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  3 года назад +1

      😂 No fakery here dude!... although it does mean I have to put in some hours practicing - but that’s no bad thing I definitely need it! 😎👍🎸

    • @Boosty_Boost
      @Boosty_Boost 3 года назад

      @@theguitaristas and its worth it! :p its fun and it sounds great :D 🤘🏼🎸

  • @leatherdardoretromovil6779
    @leatherdardoretromovil6779 2 года назад +2

    Thanks again men for the amazing review! I got today my epiphone , sounds really good unplugged, I didn’t plugged , being playing it unplugged for 2 hs , to explore the acoustic possibility’s , the poly finish is the weakest point for me , but if you have some wood skills would take an afternoon to remove the poly and refinish it in Nitro , and 20 usd aprox of materials

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад +1

      Nice one glad you like it! but be careful if you decide to try and remove the poly finish it will be very thick and messy... probably take a week and lots of paint remover!

    • @hunkydorian
      @hunkydorian 2 года назад

      @@theguitaristas I think that this guy knows what he's doing.

    • @tonyferrante1426
      @tonyferrante1426 Год назад

      My 90s America Stratocaster has pretty much the same type of finish

  • @jvin248
    @jvin248 3 года назад +3

    Certainly do a "part 2" video where you swap the pickups and the pots 'n caps. Measure pickup heights before starting. Play baseline, swap pickups, play, swap pots 'n caps, play, then swap everything back to original condition and play. It will be interesting to see how the brightness follows which set of parts. My expectation is the volume pots, Epiphone uses 500kohm and Gibson often uses 300kohm, plus the 20% pot factory build variation around the nominal target. We'll all get to learn a little bit about it regardless. If you're not fond of the component swaps, then get a buddy to do those parts and you do the playing.

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  3 года назад +1

      Thanks for comment!... it would certainly be an interesting experiment eh? 👍😎

  • @kostasmarinakis1459
    @kostasmarinakis1459 2 года назад

    Wonderful video! Thank you so much

  • @anotherstart1
    @anotherstart1 2 года назад +1

    Love your Videos Brother! The woods/finish and electronics all play a role in it sounding brighter. What Epiphone says is Mahogany would never make it into the USA factory. I’ve built these guitars and yes the QC on lower end models is sketchy. There source of woods in Asia is horrendous. If you stripped it it would be knotted as why there’s veneers on both sides. That’s why the Gibson’s $900 more.

  • @tomthumb4325
    @tomthumb4325 3 года назад +2

    Great demo

  • @kolchaknightstalker8290
    @kolchaknightstalker8290 4 месяца назад +2

    I just ordered my birthday present-a2024 Gibson LP Junior. Tobacco burst. I’m excited!

    • @teleguy5699
      @teleguy5699 2 месяца назад +1

      How you like it? Buying one today. Lefty. Not easy to find.

    • @kolchaknightstalker8290
      @kolchaknightstalker8290 2 месяца назад

      @@teleguy5699 amazing! I enjoy it more than my expensive Standard! It’s mean, growls, is light, comfortable! And it smells like a Gibby!

    • @teleguy5699
      @teleguy5699 Месяц назад

      @@kolchaknightstalker8290 You're right on all counts. 👍Love it.

  • @justanothernobodysopiniono7811
    @justanothernobodysopiniono7811 2 года назад +1

    Great review, I always wanted buy the Epiphone, but now I'm gunna buy the Epiphone. Thanks for the no nonsense, no hype, laid back review.

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад

      Cheers man... your opinion is very much appreciated! 😀👍

  • @ronboff3461
    @ronboff3461 Год назад

    i play an Epi Casino i bought in 1994.....natural with a slightly figured top.....it works! what more can you ask? excellent job and fair assessment. imo

  • @BadFox38
    @BadFox38 Год назад +3

    I used to be such a snob about the name on the headstock. Luckily, I came to the realization that as long as the guitar plays and feels well, it doesn’t matter. I also like the idea of a cheaper or more affordable guitar because you’re not as paranoid about dinging it, and if it gets lost or stolen, you’re not out that much. So many professional musicians are using Epiphones without any endorsement. They’re great guitars. I think the most shocking to me was Janick Gers of Iron Maiden using an Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty. I’m also a bit sad that we’re still QC issues with Gibson. Meanwhile, companies like PRS, ESP and Fender are spot-on. Really makes you wonder what’s going on in Nashville.

    • @petersaccoccio1664
      @petersaccoccio1664 10 месяцев назад +3

      I had a fender thin line semi hollow. It was about $1,200. I took it to a gig in a really crowded bar , we were set up to play right at the entrance. I had it sitting on a guitar stand and quickly realized not a good idea. Crowds were coming in and out and all I thought about was someone knocking it over, or stealing it. That night I understood why you don’t necessary want your most expensive gear in certain places .

  • @tuna22lm
    @tuna22lm 10 месяцев назад

    Cool video ,thanks for that comparison.

  • @glenkepic3208
    @glenkepic3208 Год назад

    Nice shoot out vid !!!
    I ordered an Epi Jr in '20 and had to wait months for it.
    At one point, i got cold feet and called SW to cancel
    "Its on it's way."
    "GREAT!!!" No regrets. It's on a stand now and Rox !
    Epi Firebird,,,,didn't want to wait until Jan (one estimate), so ordered one from another seller.
    Maybe i should have just refused it since it was banging around in the outer box.
    Actually was awesome for about 2 months. Last weekend, it up and died (faint Br pup, Neck pup ok then nothing).
    Brought it to a shop this morning.
    Hoping it's just the output jack,,,,prob more serious.
    This was basically a 65th BD present to me from family. Maybe i'll chime in next week for an update.
    Play on !!

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  Год назад

      Cheers Glen... still got to get myself a firebird! 🔥

  • @jasonlerandeau8611
    @jasonlerandeau8611 2 года назад +1

    Great review, good analogy between the 2 Jr's. But, even with the flaws I like the Gibson, just something about the tone without the pedals, or electronics that keeps me coming back. And, like you said, not a damn thing wrong with the Epi.....

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад

      Cheers Jason, yes there's just something about those Gibsons that keeps us coming back! It's that smell I think, I reckon they must put some kind of 'charm drug' in that nitro! :)

  • @lawrencestark8983
    @lawrencestark8983 2 года назад +1

    I would rather have a Epiphone. To me I like the sound its more crisp, great video throughly enjoyed it, thank you

  • @ARFthegodking
    @ARFthegodking 2 года назад +3

    I watched this video and it gave me the itch. I went to my favorite guitar store and tried a couple Gibsons. I liked the burst finish the best, but the black one had a slightly chunkier neck and a lighter body. The guitar feels like it was made for me and sounds amazing.
    Unfortunately, they didn't have any Epi Jrs to try. The feel and smell of my new guitar make it very difficult put down. The finish has a few imperfections, but they are in inconspicuous places.
    I think perhaps one of the things about Gibsons is something a lot of people say about Martins: each one is differend, some are ok and some are phenomenal.

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад

      Cheers Adam, sorry sounds like watching this video was expensive! 😂... so did you buy the black one?

    • @ARFthegodking
      @ARFthegodking 2 года назад +2

      @@theguitaristas I did get the black one. It was expensive, but it is also the most awesome guitar I've ever played.

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад +1

      @@ARFthegodking Nice one Adam!.... yes it's a brilliant guitar and in the scheme of things these days it's not a particularly expensive guitar so you did the right thing if it makes you feel good... and that smell!!

  • @nathankettle357
    @nathankettle357 2 года назад

    Best real deal channel on YT. I will sub. Cheers

  • @brianf9615
    @brianf9615 3 года назад +1

    They both sound great!

  • @arnolddealiii4259
    @arnolddealiii4259 2 года назад +1

    It sounded to me that blindfolded you can’t tell a difference. But it looked like the Gibson has a slight advantage on playability, as your playing bit looked effortless on the Gibson. Excellent demo as always!

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад +1

      Cheers Arnold, I prefer the neck on Gibson which is probably why 🤔

    • @jordanpratt3821
      @jordanpratt3821 Год назад +1

      Yeah the sound is the main thing, but not everything. Doesn't matter how good it sounds if it's hard to play,and you don't want to play it.

    • @arnolddealiii4259
      @arnolddealiii4259 Год назад

      @@jordanpratt3821 very true. I found that usually Epiphones need a nice level crown and polish. I’m not saying that’s a fix all but my $600 Epiphone Sheraton with some used Seymour Duncan pickups and a set of decent pots goes a long way compared to buying a Gibson ES-330 which runs around $3000 to $5000. I have less than $800 tied up into my Epiphone and I don’t have to keep an eye on it all night at gigs! 😎

  • @jimmyhartman573
    @jimmyhartman573 2 года назад +4

    oddly i had ordered a ebony jr. from Gibson and the paint wasnt even applied on certain spots , the front was a mass of swirls . . it was promptly sent back . . . . i am now today ordering the Epiphone version based on your reviews. . . ABSOLUTELY MY FAVORITE REVIEW CHANNEL . . LOVE THE DETAIL AND SARCASM . . . I need to also mention the Gibson (not plekked) had uneven frets, and undressed fret ends and an arrid dry fingerboard . . they claim to plek all models , i find this to be untrue ! i am no longer impressed with Headstock envy (this was a 2021 model in ebony)

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад

      Interesting to hear that Jimmy... glad you were able to return yours! Epiphone will do the job nicely anyway. Thanks so much for the kind words and support its really appreciated! :)

  • @standingbadger
    @standingbadger 2 года назад

    A very fair comparison in spite of your experience with Peach and Gibson. Thanks mate!

  • @larrybuss677
    @larrybuss677 3 года назад +2

    Great intro. Leslie made Jrs. Famous.

  • @blacklabmatters
    @blacklabmatters Год назад

    Excellent comparison.

  • @AICD1999
    @AICD1999 2 года назад +5

    I found similar issues with my Gibson Jr compared to my Epiphone Jr. Fret edges were horrible on my Gibson. swapped the Gibson bridge for a Badass too but thats preference. My Gibson had PCB mounted pots and such. I trashed that and vintage wired it. Anyway a $1300 new US instrument shouldnt need any fret work. I purchased mine used with the original HSC for less then half that so I was willing to make it right myself.

  • @danceswithbadgers
    @danceswithbadgers Год назад +1

    They do sound remarkably similar, making the premium for the Gibson hard to justify IMO. I've had a Junior reissue since 1988, one of the 1986 - 1992 run with Tunomatic bridges. If memory serves - it was a long time ago, and I'm old now - I replaced the Grover- style tuning pegs with actual Grover (i.e. good) ones. It's my favourite guitar, even though I have a Standard from 1996. I'd certainly contemplate a Junior from a manufacturer other than Gibson as there are several good quality options. There is, however, still a cachet with the Gibson name. I'd probably go with a luthier - made Junior if not a Gibson and then you're back up to Gibson prices again, but with better quality than Gibson currently seem capable of. At Gibson's prices, hit and miss quality simply isn't good enough.

  • @user-sz3bw4wp8j
    @user-sz3bw4wp8j Год назад

    Such a good video sir.

  • @aperezdeal
    @aperezdeal 5 месяцев назад

    I like to revisit this video now and again. I’ve gone Gibson, Eastman in both single and double cut (the double cut to me was something special) and the Epiphone. The epiphone is what remains. As to the chunk of the neck I find it depends on how aggressive they were with the sand paper. I had a Billie Joe Epi that was really rather chunky but it varies. Cheers.

  • @northernmonkey8652
    @northernmonkey8652 2 года назад

    Really great review , just pulled the trigger on an epiphone 👍

  • @birdman316
    @birdman316 Год назад

    great pair of singles mate!
    man im here to say thanks again for saving me from making a horrible mistake...i came close to selling my peavey rockmaster(single pup guitar)...came with a humbucker but i popped in a h/b sized p90...guitarmadness calls it a p94...
    ill sell something else instead of my very kool and now kinda getting harder to find rockmaster!

  • @alinchitown7556
    @alinchitown7556 2 года назад

    Colin as usual great review, the difference between the 2 is the Gibson on the head stock is Gibson plain and simple you are paying for the name. That being said Epiphone makes fine guitars I have various of both Les Paul models the Gibby's are for collecting and playing at home, the Epi's for playing out.

  • @nicoleehrhardt2533
    @nicoleehrhardt2533 Год назад

    Thank you so much! I Just got a Junior Epiphone and I'm really Happy with it. And of course: Good Idea to Play a lick from the Most famous Junior Player Leslie West. I saw him in Frankfurt, Mid Eighties on the Music Fair endorsing Di Marzio Pick- Ups. High as a Kite, playing brilliant

  • @randyhayes1001
    @randyhayes1001 5 месяцев назад +1

    My son bought the Gibson and I bought the Epiphone jr and the quality of the Epiphone was much better and the Epiphone has a better sound due to pickup is hotter. The only difference is the neck felt more rounded and finished. But in the Vox the Jr was a beast. Definitely not worth 1100 bucks more.

  • @ctwarmuth
    @ctwarmuth Год назад

    loved this!

  • @johnrathbun2943
    @johnrathbun2943 10 месяцев назад +1

    I can hear the difference between Epiphone and Gibson. The Gibson has a more fuller sound. You can most definitely hear the bass in the Gibson. And I contribute that to the pickups. But you can change the pickup in the Epiphone and still have money to put down on a nice Amp. So the price difference is not justified.

  • @2WAL-
    @2WAL- 3 года назад +2

    That was brilliant!!!

  • @bomber5242
    @bomber5242 8 месяцев назад +1

    Great video . I just purchased a used Epiphone Les Paul Jr. for $70 . It's in very good shape . Only a few scratches and dings . The only thing I don't like is that it has a single humbucking pickup . I prefer the cleaner sound of a p90 pickup . Have you ever done a comparison of humbucking vs. p90 on this model ? I am considering retrofitting a p90 onto this guitar , but there might not be much of a noticeable sound difference for the amount work involved .
    I've seen a few of your videos and thoroughly enjoyed them . Hope you continue making these informative videos . Your playing skill is awesome !!!

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  8 месяцев назад +1

      Cheers man thanks for the kind words and support! 😁👍 Maybe get a humbucker sized P90 and give that a try so it's totally reversible? I think you'll like the difference so worth a shot!

  • @tommurphy3188
    @tommurphy3188 2 года назад +9

    Agreed totally, I’ve owned both of these and the epiphone is awesome on its own. Until you play the Gibson…the American version feels a certain way, the finish breathes better, the weight feels better, and the Gibson is so acoustically loud!
    Gibson says they put cts pots on the epi, I call bs. My epiphone didn’t start making noise until the volume pot hit 2.5
    But if I’d never played the Gibson I would t of known or cared.

  • @michaelbovio3796
    @michaelbovio3796 2 года назад

    I bought a Gibson vintage sunburst Jr a month ago. It is flawless and fabulous. No paint issues, the body is perfect, no scratches, and it stays in tune for a week before I put the tuner on it. Sound and tone are great. I can’t find one thing to complain about. I’ve been playing since 1966, and have owned 100 plus guitars in the course of my life but certainly I don’t have that many now, but I know what to look for, and I’m giving this guitar the highest accolades possible. I bought it on line from ZZounds, so it went straight from Gibson here in Nashville to the distributor, which means it wasn’t played or handled by anyone else.

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад +1

      Thanks Michael, I do love this junior now but it was definitely manhandled on the journey between factory and me! 😆👍

    • @michaelbovio3796
      @michaelbovio3796 2 года назад

      I’ve had better luck buying on line. I just came from a prominent store here in the Nashville area. There’s a beautiful EVH White and Black striped from VH1 hanging there. As I got up to it, the pick guard was demolished. Scratched terribly. Something needs to change in the stores. By the way, I just discovered your page and am loving it!

  • @paulcowart3174
    @paulcowart3174 3 года назад

    Very cool demo's and got me thinking about the thickness of the mahagoney bodies and the difference it might give the SG Jr as to LP Jr....I think or assume the LP is a bit thicker but could be wrong so if so the standard LP and SG then Thanks if you think it's worth the do Good stuff 👍 glad I found the channel

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  3 года назад

      Thanks Paul really appreciate your support! You’re right the LP body is definitely thicker and I think this is why SG has its own distinctive voice... more clarity perhaps? Also makes it a lot lighter and easier to chuck around on stage! 🤘I love SGs... most comfortable and playable guitars ever for my money. Cheers 👍🎸✌️

  • @corneliuscrewe677
    @corneliuscrewe677 2 года назад +2

    I’ve got a player’s grade original ‘55 Junior that was stripped and spray painted industrial blue that I bought from a coworker who kept it in his locker at work to play on his breaks. I’ve since refinished it, and while it’s old and could use a fret job, it’s the stuff. Most of the modern Gibson versions I’ve tried don’t come close. Interestingly, the one Epi I tried actually caught my fancy far more than the Gibsons, despite it’s obviously smaller neck. I just gelled with it better.

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад +1

      I’d love to see that... and hear it I bet it sounds awesome!! If you can check out the new Billie Joe Armstrong signature one I reviewed a few weeks back... it’s white and has got the fat neck we love and all for £439. I think perhaps these Epiphone’s are manufactured more in the spirit of the originals... cheap student guitars... and capture the vibe better? They are certainly more enjoyable to play knowing that they haven’t cost the earth! Cheers man, thanks for comment 😎👍

    • @corneliuscrewe677
      @corneliuscrewe677 2 года назад

      @@theguitaristas Sorry, I never got notification of your comment. Yeah, I’ve been intrigued by the Billie Joe model, I’d love to see how it compares with the ‘55, which is the fat end of a baseball bat😆😆 Mine has an amazingly comfortable soft V. Don’t know if it came hat way, or if that’s the shape the neck ended up with after getting sanded down, but I love it.
      I think Epi’s in general have really raised the bar and are delivering guitars with the spirit and the playability of the favorite old Gibsons. I picked up a Koa topped Les Paul Custom a few months ago and one of the Guitar Center Inverness Green 335’s, they are an amazing bang for the buck. They aren’t perfect, both needed a little bit of fret work. Nothing major, just a little buzziness on the 335 and a loose fret on the Custom, but they play and sound fantastic. A few tweaks here and there, they are getting just as much play time as my favorite old Gibsons. Really impressed.

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад

      @@corneliuscrewe677 😎👍👍

  • @dougbrown5530
    @dougbrown5530 Месяц назад +1

    Great LPJ vid! I have the same Epiphone "inspired by Gibson" LPJ. However mine has the smooth wrap around bridge, not the intonated one on yours. This maybe because mine is left handed and they didn't have a LH intonated bridge in stock? The smooth bridge is identical LH and RH, just on at a different angle. All the LH Epi LPJs I've seen since I bought mine have the smooth bridge, which I prefer.
    Have you considered doing a pedal vid? I stopped and started this one to see what you were using!
    Doug

  • @jogo2000
    @jogo2000 Год назад

    Beautiful playing there in your demos.

  • @sKraat528
    @sKraat528 2 года назад +1

    YES Leslie West, proof that you can get amazing sounds from a les paul junior. even on his regular les pauls, pretty sure Mr. West ONLY ever used the bridge pickup...

    • @jordanpratt3821
      @jordanpratt3821 Год назад

      They only have bridge pickups.

    • @sKraat528
      @sKraat528 Год назад

      @@jordanpratt3821 LPJ only has bridge but standard etc have both..

  • @he11bent6
    @he11bent6 2 месяца назад

    Aaaaaannndd now I’m going to order that Epiphone. Thank you, sir!!

  • @richardmcpike
    @richardmcpike 3 года назад +4

    Another excellent review 👍

  • @jordanpratt3821
    @jordanpratt3821 Год назад

    Yeah I'm with you on the andertons guys.I have a Gibson that is almost 20 yearn old and the smell is still very strong when playing it.

  • @HightownPirates
    @HightownPirates 2 года назад

    I just picked up and Epihone for £70, used but hardly a mark on it...sounds absolutely mega, love it.

  • @BooBoo-mv9if
    @BooBoo-mv9if 8 месяцев назад

    Love the intro!!!!!!!! West was and is the man !!

  • @DaisyHollowBooks
    @DaisyHollowBooks 2 года назад +3

    I’d be happy to have the Epiphone and your chops…

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  2 года назад

      Thanks Joseph that very kind and much appreciated! 😎🎸👍

  • @goss1961
    @goss1961 3 года назад +7

    My Epiphone Inspired By Junior is one of my favorite guitars ever and probably would be the one I grabbed in a house fire.
    Thanks for making me feel even more content...and smug...about having the Epiphone instead of the Gibson.
    My Epi's neck is huge. Perhaps they vary somewhat...

    • @theguitaristas
      @theguitaristas  3 года назад

      Cheers Goss! I do wonder if they vary from batch to batch... maybe someone on here knows?

    • @benallmark9671
      @benallmark9671 2 года назад

      Mines huge too. I was taken back when he stated the opposite.