Epiphone Masterbilt Hummingbird VS Gibson Hummingbird
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- čas přidán 29. 12. 2020
- Today compare two Hummingbird models… one from Gibson and one from Epiphone. Do you think the new Epiphone Masterbilt Hummingbird can compete with the Gibson version? Leave a comment.
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To my ears the Gibson sounded more balanced with deeper lows when picking. However, when strummed it was the Epiphone that made me feel like I was hearing the sound on Stones acoustic tracks. Mellower, not as crisp. And for me that’s what I’d want a Hummingbird to do.
In Anderton's comparison they wondered if the strings were the main sonic difference. Putting the same strings on both would be most fair.
They are using Gibson strings on the Epis in the factory.
They could be the same strings but if one is unplayed and fresh while the other maybe much older and played ALOT you are gonna have very different tone from the two. Imagine putting some Elixer Nano's on the Hummingbird vs Gibson with Gibson strings...it would be huge..
To my ears the epiphone sounds slightly warmer and almost boomy. While the gibson sounds more articulated and crisp..
Agreed. I actually prefer the sound of the Epiphone.
@@WoodworkerDan same
I think with a better set of strings, the epiphone can sound closer to the Gibson
As I put in my own comment, @@MrCocuphy, that was my problem with my side-by-side comparison. I could tell that the Epiphone had been more frequently played because the strings were dead. It interfered with my angle on it.
the volume of the epiphone is lower as the gibson. I just have recorded the sound to my audio recorder and put the to same volume. Now they are almost indistinquishible each others. Its less than 2 percent sound difference. I prefer the epi mostly, but
would also accept the gibson sound.
"Sounds good for the money" is the guitarists equivalent of "but she has a great personality "
hahaha " but she is really nice....a great girl" been hearing that my whole life...hilarious
That was a good one 🤣
Women and guitars. I’m not in their class often times. It’s life. Lol.
"nice eyes"
@@martinkleinman2522 dangerous curves!
I bought a Masterbilt EF500 Rosewood/Cedar many years ago, and it is absolutely fabulous.
I hear an immediate difference... The Gibson does have clearer, defined highs..
But ..the Epi still sounds solid. If the Epi felt to me as good as it sounds.. and the money was in my wallet.. I'd walk out with the Epi..
exactly But as you said the volume tone projection NO COMPARISON
No I'd say there is quite a comparison when you compare the price....one is 1000 the other is 4000.
Respectfully tho I'm not looking for a fight ...just sayn .
And if that Gibson is not brand new and has been broken in....well then even more so
@@imannonymous7707 i love the Stones!! NO COMPARISON!!
@Michael Enos, the Masterbilt/Inspired by Gibson Epiphones feel and look as nice as the Gibson for sure. They are both very stunning Hummingbirds. The Gibson feels slightly lighter (?) and more responsive right off the bat. The Epiphone comes alive once you play it a lot, but it needs to wake up. The top grain on the Gibson is more pronounced. The Epiphone sounds warmer to me - more pleasant sounding. They both sound woody but the Epiphone has a modern sound and the Gibson sounds vintage. You can't go wrong with either one. I have both. The best bang for the buck for Gibson fans today are the Inspired by Gibson guitars.
nice review guys. thanks! i think two totally different sounds which is so crazy cause they look alike you want to stack them against each other. you would almost think they were made outta different tone woods or had different strings! this review really backs up the advice find the guitar that works for you.
Gibson had more resonance, clarity and a bit more volume. Having said that, the Epiphone version sounds quite good
Bullshit you probably own a Gibson that’s why you say that I played both and there is literally no difference
And I am here trying to overcome GAS, @@MultiDreamer1979. That endorsement is messing with my resolve.
@@MultiDreamer1979 there’s a big difference sir...relax. I don’t own a Gibson but to my ears the tone of the Gibson is far better
Ignore the mean comments. To my ears, they sounded the same tho. I literally just blindfolded listened and at the end from 03.34 I honestly thought he played only the epiphone to show how good it is. They I re-watched the video and realised he was playing them both. tha just shows how good the epiphone is. However, upon closer listen, not from speakers, but my quite good headphones, I could clearly sense the gibson has a bit more....just a better sound to my ears. But, just take 2 expensive guitars, and they will sound different too. Or take two people and blindfold them and have them a listen or go at them and they would IMO definitely not know 100% which is which. I doubt anyone would stake their life on the line blindfolded and guessing. The Masterbuild is just so awesome. Seemed better than my Takamine TAN-15C and thats a 1600$ guitar all solid wood goodness. and to the haters in this section, you dont need to own a gibson to say a gibson is better. Not everything is biased. Not everyone is a fanboy. I like iPhones, but own several android phones etc....
@@MultiDreamer1979 Exactly, they only made the micro louder on the Gibson!
I played both of these guitars side by side just a few days ago. The reality is that they both sound good, but there are differences in tone. Both have high quality tone, but the Gibson has more punch and clarity. For my needs (home recording) the Epi had more of what I wanted, which was warmth. I already own a D18GE so if I want punch, I have plenty of that. I purchased the Epi and couldn't be happier! The Gibson was over $3,000 and the Epi less than $800. There SHOULD be a difference in tone with the Epi being one third the cost of the Gibson.
Main differences:
1) Gibson has scalloped bracing, Epi is straight braced no scallops.
2) Gibson is finished with lacquer. Epi is finished in poly.
The Gibby will sound more lush. The Epi still sounds great though (I own one).
Kinda true but not exactly, Epi has machine scalloped braces. They call it quarter sawn spruce. Just looking into mine, they have some scallloping. Epi is indeed finished in a non gloss poly.
Yes , the Gibson H Bird has the superior tone, etc. I bought one in the 1960 s and still have it. However, if street busking, biker bars , etc is your game, the Epi will do just fine and you won’t lose sleep over any lost investment! Nice to see Gibson stepping up their products big time after their management change.
700 quid is a lot of money for some...and I wouldn't busk with it either...
Great review! Aspire to get the gibson is a great point. I also think for a gigging musician, who writes and records on a particularly recognizable instrument, like a Hummingbird or a J45. It's necessary to have the ability to buy a high quality yet affordable backup like a masterbilt, that you could travel with or bring to any venue, without worrying as much about theft or damage.
No comparison needed. i can only afford the Epiphone 😆
Epic comment..😅😂
My Cherry-burst Hummingbird (purchased @ MV) is one of my favorite guitars. I have an old Masterbuilt dread (AJ, slope shoulder) and it IS impressive for the money.
Great demonstration. Thank you.
The Gibson sounded slightly more "hi-fi."
There's more detail to the attack.
I love the warmth of the Epiphone. I have to say, for my taste, I preferred the Epiphone.
I've been playing an Alvarez Yairi, with a cedar top, and I just love that woodier, mellow dynamic.
I' m a Spanish guitar player, but I use to play with a pick and fingers technique, wich gauge strings woul be appropriate if a bought a Epiphone Hummingbird? Thank you!
I read a comment on another video for an Epiphone AJ 220, the guy could seriously play and someone asked for his thoughts on the epi Vs the j45, his answer was simply "the Epiphone is more than enough guitar for me" I'd love to own a j45 but is it really going to make me play better ?
Is the Masterbilt the same as the new Inspired By Gibson line? Branding has been variable.
One of my guitars, when I was in college was a 1968 Gibson Hummingbird (wish I still had it). Flash forward 50 years. Disabilities & a nasty car wreck caused me to stop playing for 18 years, until about a year & a half ago. I found an inexpensive Epiphone FT-100, so I thought, what the heck, I may as well try to play again. I bought it, gave it some love & worked on the string height. Now, it's the way I like the action. It has a marvelously warm & rich sound. I adopted the simplest method I could think of & I started playing again. My left hand has no where near the strength it used to have. It took two hands to put on a capo! Anyway, that's one Epi & this past Father's Day, my son bought me an Epi Hummer w/pickup. BTW, the amount I paid for the Gibson Hummer in 1968, is practically the same amount as the cost for the new Epi Hummer! The cost of the new Gibson Hummingbird is literally 10 times the price of the Epi Hummer. Very disappointing. The Epi Hummer sounds great when plugged in, but without being plugged in, I prefer the sound I get from the less expensive FT-100 over the Hummer. I am disappointed in that the Epi Hummer has such a tinny sound, when I was expecting it to have a similar sound as my other Epi, at least !! FYI, I got my first guitar in 1962 & I've had quite a few guitars throughout the years.
Whats the best strings for the hummingbird? In your opinion
I decided to listen without watching, so I didn't know which was which by sight. To my surprise, they sounded so similar that I didn't know which was which.
When the heck are Epiphone going to offer the l00 and Lg2 or even an L1 12 fret masterbilt??
I was hoping to hear their opinions concerning the guitar's playability, which is something they rarely mention.
Good demo, both sound good and great. I will stick with my Martin D-28. Thanks Paul and Quinton.
good for the price, since i have martin, i need that epi for variation
Does the Epiphone inspired by Gibson hummingbird have scalloped x bracing
j200 inspired epi vs j200 gibson please.
Fantastic demo! 👍
Love helplessly hoping by the way. Great choice to play
love the Epiphone, think it's boomy, warm, and just a little bit less crisp than Gibson but then again not much difference. For the price - it's probably the best I've heard.
Apparently the Epiphone Hummingbirds have some variance, as mine is, as you say, 'boomy', as well as endlessly sustaining. It is also so crisp I cannot imagine how it, or, indeed, any guitar, could be more crisp - and I have spent much of my long life playing for a living.
I would have paid thousands for my Epiphone Hummingbird, when my wife found it at Guitar Center, but, they only asked me for $369!
Both sound great, and surprisingly different. One comment says the Epi sounds similar to K Richards Hummingbird, I agree, I wonder if that's due to the 60's nylon saddle on the early birds?
The Hummingbird featured here is definitely louder, classier, and more articulate, better for finger style.
But Quinton, you stopped short of strumming these two beauties, surely their greatest strengths?
Also, from the video demos I've seen from customers, it seems that the Epiphones kind of open up a bit days after playing it too, but results may vary of course
All acoustic guitars do.
The EPHI sounds beautiful, the Gibson sounds Fantastic but ill prefer the Ephi for recording purposes
I thought the Gibson was a little brighter as as far as tone is concerned. Brighter in appearance is concerned as well. I have both a Gibson and Epiphone hummingbirds and I love both of them.
I'm a huge Gibson fan. I have not been a big Epiphone fan. In fact, I always suggest people go with Yamaha on the value end. Masterbuilt series has also been hit and miss, I was a fan of the AJ-500m built in early 2000s but not much sense. However, I can't believe I'm saying this but that all solid wood "Inspired by Gibson" Epiphone Hummingbird sounds better to me than the Gibson Hummingbird. It's all subjective I know, but here's the thing.. I'm hearing the rich sustain I'd expect of an all solid acoustic on both of them. However, the Epiphone has a more balanced warm sustain tone... The Gibson a bit louder, brash and clangs a bit more. Both sound great, one cost a bit over $2000 more. Would love to hear a comparison of these new Inspired By all solid Epiphones to Gibson Montana's value line like the J-45 Studio or Hummingbird Studio, different materials I know but we'd be close in price.
The gib does sound way bright, borderline 'brittle'. Bet it'd record well through a ribbon mic though. The epi sounds much more mellow, very low mid forward and very 'woody'. Quite remarkable the difference. I'd argue that neither sounds balanced. If I had to pick, I'm going for the epi
I think the Epiphone is really pretty, especially all the stripes on the back and the color variation in the fretboard.
Too bad idk anything about guitars.
Both sound wonderful to me. Nothing at all shabby about the Epi. Honestly....think I like the sound and looks a little better on the Epi. If $$ were no object.........I'd buy them both ! ! !
Both sound great, I would say the Gibson was a little more high def. That is why we own more than one guitar.I must be over 15. Makes me want one for sure.
Both sounded great!! The Gibson had a bit more balanced sound (to my ears, at least), but at over 3x the price of the Epiphone, you would expect it to be so.
The Gibson sounds much better, but i do prefer the look of the classic tulip tuners on the Epiphone.
Did I hear you say that these Inspired by Gibsons are better than the Epiphone Masterbilt ? I feel like I heard that but can’t seem to find it in the video.
The Epiphone sounds a little darker and solid. The Gibson has that ring and clarity. Whichever you choose you can’t go wrong. (Budget would decide)
Anybody can explain me why the price difference is big when the tone quality is not that obvious from this video?I was able to try one Epi hummingbird in a shop ; the guy plugged it in, and the tone I got was good. Thought of getting one, but when unplugged, I found myself playing a guitar that was not reaching quality standards I was used to...So I gave up, possibly more because of string wear than anything else ; seems I'd be more on the side of getting a studio Gibson J-45 though (I had tried the Epi Masterbuilt version too)...They had one for quite cheap
I guess there must be some variance as my Epiphone Hummingbird has warm, yet sizzling sound. that is anything but dark. My Epiphone Hummingbird feels like a breezy June night.
Can you do a comparison between the 1970's Ibanez Concord and Gisbson Hummingbird?
The Epi had that rollie pollie Martin-esq quality to it both nice. But both different enuff to really need one of each😜
Gibson sounds clearer with better note separation. Broader spectrum of sound. The Epi doesn’t sound bad though....especially for the price and the look.
Can someone tell me what the difference is between the Epiphone masterbuilt hummingbird and the Epiphone hummingbird pro?
The Gibson just has "it". The Epiphone is a great sounding guitar, would love to own it and happily play it for the rest of my life. The Gibson is just more gooder.
I think the difference in sound between the two is somewhat a matter of volume, with the Gibson being louder. I am a long time Gibson fan, and have a J-45 that I am extremely happy with. I will agree that there is somewhat more attention to construction details on a Gibson. I own the Epiphone IBG hummingbird and am also extremely happy with it. It is beautiful to look at, and sounds and plays great. Since I already have several guitars with “Gibson” on the headstock I would have a hard time justifying paying $3,200 more for a Gibson Hummingbird.
Very good comparison especially with that microphone.
Love these comparisons, Gibson all the way!!!
What is the difference between this master built and the hummingbird pro model by epiphone
The masterbuilt has massiv back and sides vs laminated for the hummingbird pro. Plus the pickup is different.
Honestly The Epi when strummened would be what I'd want...and I have the Gibson Hummingbird. Geez I paid $1200 for it now the price is crazy.
I actually prefer the Epiphone in looks and sound. It has a darker top and really great looking tuners. It also has a bit darker more hollow sound, plus it's about 1/5 of the price. $800 vs $3800. The Gibson is great, but quite a bit overpriced in my opinion. The Epiphone on the other hand is a steal! YMMV.
I'd like to agree because I want it to be better but in this video the Gibson blew it out of the water. But 3000 grand difference? Nah. I wonder if high quality strings would help?
@@johnscruggs4572 3000 grand would be about a 3 million dollar difference...
@@johnscruggs4572 You'll probably notice an even bigger difference when it's plugged in. The Gibson's electronics will be far better, the Epi's second rate. I could be wrong, though!
I came here just to see what other people had to say. If I had no money to spend on a decent guitar, i would check the arket to see what there was in my price range. Today, imports are so much better that they were in the early 60's, I have always purchased high end guitars. I can hear and feel a huge difference between them and the low cost copies. They might be a bang for the buck, but i like the craftsmanship in a more costly acoutic instrument. I think they are all over priced. I've had many people over the years make ridicuolous comments to me that they could not hear the difference between my Collings and their $100.00 Fender acoustic. I have always told them that if they couldn't hear any difference they were deaf and should see a audiologist very soon. What most of them really meant was that their playing sucked and in no way could they justify spending that much on a guitar..
True
I agree but I would say that it's a good idea to consider the used market. I paid £1,200 on Gumtree 4 years ago for a 2001 cherry Gibson Hummingbird that I was going to sell as soon as I'd had it set up, as I knew it was under-priced. It had hardly been played and had been sat in its case, under a bed, for years. But once my luthier had set it up I fell in love with it and gig with it all the time, now. I wouldn't part with it and don't feel as though I'm taking such a big risk with it by playing in bars or wherever because of the price I paid (only a few hundred more than an Epiphone masterbilt). That wouldn't be the case if I'd paid almost three times as much (which is what Gibson Hummingbirds are now - I'd be terrified of taking it out of the case at that price. www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Gibson-Hummingbird-Original-Heritage-Cherry-Sunburst/39DL?origin=product-ads&gclid=CjwKCAiA9bmABhBbEiwASb35V1H3jx_EY_lKeUDpr41AsoKjmdmxa-EuANsCV56h_RlEg1oxKdN9eRoCEo8QAvD_BwE)
The Epiphone sounds like neck pickup where as the Gibson is on the bridge pickup.
I just paid close to 3k for a Gibson J45 a week ago love the tone but this week I played an epiphone Gibson inspired hummingbird and the sound is very close make no mistake about it epiphone makes a quality guitar and is the best bang for your buck out there for 799! Well done
However... the Epiphone does sound pretty good...at least it looks like a Gibson which was my main complaint over the former Epiphone versions
I'm a suckered for the pickguard!
The Gibson sounds brighter, but the Epiphone sounds good too. I am not sure it sounds 3 x the price better though. Anyhow, I would aspire to the Gibson, but would not be terribly disappointed if I ended up with the Epiphone. A great comparison video - I subscribed.
I was prepared to like the Gibson, but to my ear the Epiphone is warmer and is a better fit for the style of music that I play. I wanted to like the Gibson better. I love the fact that they are made in Montana, and if I ever go back to playing gigs I like the idea of having the name of an American made company on the peghead, but I really like the sound of the Epiphone.
"higher quality materials"... what exactly are you referring to?
The tonal woods, the hardware, etc. The inside bracing wood. I own that model hummingbird. But then you'd expect the spec to be higher on the Gibson.
really likes this all solid wood epis,, you can scallop em,, sand em,,make em sound like heaven..
hello to Paul and Quinton - please tell me the name of your band - want to listen - PLEASE !!! .........thanks alot - Jay
It would have been more interesting to hear the Epi next to the “original” model Hummingbird that it is modeled after and not the “modern” model. I did like the mellower sound of the Epiphone, nonetheless and wonder which strings were used on each.
There is a distinct difference in sound quality but is the Gibson four or five times the price better? I have that Epiphone Humming bird and have to say it is ideal for strumming out sixties pop. It is good for the price but it isn't a Gibson.
The GIBSON sounds good for the money ;-))
I wish more people would understand that these master builts are GREAT for their price point. People will go buy a cheap Martin just because of the name and have a low quality guitar. But HeY iTs A mArTiN
- A Martin lover
the sound difference is small in my opinion, i actually like the warmer deeper tone of the epiphone, lets be honest we all know you are paying high for brand. Epiphone make great guitars and so do Gibson.
What I listened to the closest was the finger picking part of the demo. In that area I preferred the Epiphone.
I've wanted a Hummingbird for years and years so bad that I couldn't stand it! Lol so when the time finally came and I had the money to buy my Hummingbird... I actually bought a Martin D-35 instead. 😆 Hummingbirds are amazing guitars though and I'll eventually own one. I did have a Hummingbird Artist which was a incredible guitar!! Not quite the same as a Standard Model but still it was a amazing guitar.
No use. I understand that. A 35 is not dissimilar to the warm sustain of a Hummingbird. I've had both at the same time, I kept the Hummingbird, less boomy, more lovable.
@@maxwellfan55 yah know there's some times I'll be playing and I'll just be in complete ahhhh on how great the 35 sounds.. and then you're exactly right there's times I'll think man this may have a little to much bottom.. lol I can say for certain I'm definitely missing that "Gibson Mahogany Tone" I've recently found myself searching sites like Ebay and Reverb etc.. looking for a Gibson Southern Jumbo which might be interested in a trade. Haha!! (I'd also consider a AJ, or obviously a Hummingbird) 😁 hey, thanks for sharing your experiences with me and Happy New Year!! 👊✌️
@@NoUseForAName0626 Happy New Year likewise.
For me there's still nothing like a GOOD Gibson acoustic. My Martin was actually an HD35, fantastic guitar but produced a base sound I eventually decided too muddy for flat-picking. That said, I would still recommend the HD35 above any other in the D series, having owned various models, including a 41. This in no way a criticism of these amazing guitars that served me well for years.
I too was looking for a Southern Jumbo. Fortunately I found an even better Hummingbird TV to replace the one I already had, so I part exchanged it without regret. It's a dream Hummingbird with an incredible smooth driving sustain and awesome build quality. They do vary very much from one to one. You might also consider a Gibson J45 if you're looking spruce/mahogany. Some of these are incredible. Well balanced, versatile, and more comfortable than Martin dreads IMO.
Sounds like you get what you pay for!
Yup. The Gibson sounds way fuller but at a price.
The differences by sound at least is so minimal buy what y’all want and be happy with it.
Maybe the Gibson at home or for genuine stage acts, and the Epiphony for bars, restaurants, many pubs and so forth, if the pick-up is good enough ('fancy pick-up' or fancy pickguard on the Gibson Paul?), as it is difficult to get a truly better sound in many working conditions...
Anybody wrote Angie on a Masterbuilt Epiphone ? It'd be very interesting to hear someone who owns them two to tell us which one he will keep or use...This particular Epiphany Hummingbird is good. What about how it feels in player's hands vs Gibson's ?
Epiphone sounds darker, deeper. I like that. Gibson crisper, brighter. I'll take the Epi please. Nice playing and comparison, thank you.
After you start to play the Gibson increse in volume at the the end of the video. I DO NOT ear these ON EPIPHONE ....BUT I LIKE EPI....AFTER TWO YEARS COULD BE A SURPRISE Is All solid do not forget
Well shoot…they sound very similar to my ear, Gibson may have more sound projection but tone wise you’d be splitting hairs imho.
I wonder about the way each is setup & string gauge…that would have an effect on the individual string tone, not sure about the tuners. I have the (Epiphone Inspired by Gibson) model, which I’m assuming is the same as your comparing here & at first was not impressed… (bought online) without playing & probably wouldn’t have if I played it first…BUT, after removing the under saddle pickup, replacing the saddle with a new bone one, touching up the nut slots, that were pretty good by the way & playing it somewhat every day (about 1 year)it is coming into its own & I’m really starting to realize what a nice guitar it is and I’m sure it will keep getting better as time goes by. This was a very good video in my view, short & to the point. Thanks
I agree with these guys. The Gibson is clearly more resonant and bright. And if money is not part of the equation then I’m going Gibson all the way. I have the inspired by j200. And it is a great guitar and I wouldn’t hesitate to take it to any gig and record with it but it you handed me a Gibson j200 I’m playing the Gibson. The epiphones are also like a quarter of the price so there should be a difference. Also full disclosure the fishman pickup that comes in these is trash. I swapped it for an lr baggs anthem.
Yep, I bought my daughter a new guitar in a shop a few years ago when she was learning (should've followed my own advice and bought used) but it was a £299 Crafter that sounded very nice acoustically. Plugged in it was totally useless, the electronics were very second rate. It didn't really matter as she wouldn't be gigging with it at that age but still, it proves that you get what you pay for.
I wouldn’t want the 4k guitar because any time you take it somewhere, people ask “hey, can I play your guitar?” I can hand them a 400 epi but I’d feel pretty protective about a 4k Gibby!
1:44 - misaligned row of tuning keys on the right side of the Gibson headstock!
The Gibson is brighter but Im digging the Epiphone for sounding more like a Martin D18.
I thought the Gibson had perhaps more detail in the middle, but not sure I’d say £1,000 more? This epiphone series sounds and looks like a very decent guitar!
The Gibson costs 2,500 Pounds more.
The Masterbilt line has been produced in Indonesia, hand crafted by expert luthiers, for 10+ years... wonderful guitars. Now I see the Hummingbird's and other models, DR-500MCE, are no longer listed on Epiphone website - Discontinued? And "current stock" is suddenly being Made In China?
The Epiphone has a very nice sound and nice balance, but the Gibson feel uplifting to me. There's just something special there.
You know what I like about Gibson? The fact that they're willing to make Epiphone versions of their classic models like the Hummingbird, Dove, and others. Not all of us can afford $4,000 guitars. However, you can get a similar looking guitar with a great sound in the Epiphone line. I have 2 Epiphone guitars and have been totally pleased with how well they play and sound. With the Hummingbird, you can get an Epiphone Hummingbird Studio for $349, Epiphone Hummingbird Masterbilt for $849, or a Gibson Hummingbird for about $3,999 so there is something for everyone. Even in the Gibson line they have some more affordable versions of the Hummingbird now. One of my favorite Hummingbirds is the new Gibson Hummingbird in the Faded series.
Does Epiphone have a cedar top? There is the difference of the sound, Gibson has a sitka top and very medium for me, the sound is kind of irritating, cedar is softer and darker and seems to have a more vintage sound.
To my ears, this is one of the rare examples when the expensive guitar actually destroys the other in sound. Usually in these head to head comparisons the price to sound ratio is hard to justify. Again two completely different price points here. Better sound is completely subjective, and this is just one person’s opinion. I happen to really like my Guild D55 but also love all kinds of other makes and models. Absolutely no disrespect to the Epi.
Agreed, the sound difference is phenomenal and outright obvious.
Totally agree. My ears aren't great and the difference is obvious even on my cheap computer speakers.
I think that the Gibby’s projection is much greater, with much more noticeable overtones, but they aren’t so complex that it becomes too much compared to the fundamental (I think Taylor’s V-class bracing almost sounds like a chorus pedal, but that’s just my opinion).
Gah I want to believe that these Epi's can sound really good. But in this particular video the Gibson blew it out of the water sound wise. Think strings can make up alot of the difference?
The Gibson sounded too bright to me...
Nice review, beautiful guitars, appearance wise you can barely see a difference however the Gibson does have a more booming sound on the low end and and a crispier ring almost like a bell on the higher tones to my ears anyway, which I probably would never notice unless they were played side by side if that makes sense.
Oddly enough the Epiphone sounds closer to a 68 hummingbird
Don't just look at guitar videos and judge it. Go to a store and try it for yourselves. The strings, the player, the recording device used can make a huge difference when judging a guitar. If you don't believe me, you can watch different videos on the same guitar model and none of them would sound the same. So, its better if you yourself go out there and choose for yourself.
But the Toyota Camry will last longer & have fewer quality (higher maintenance) problems & expenses than the the Mercedes... Just sayin' ;)
I have the epiphone and like it
Orangewood is a great example of why I may never spend a fortune on guitars that are part quality part brand name.
Just a question fellers: Gibson uses plastic inlays as position markers on their fretboards ("Mother of Toilet Seat"), except maybe on their very high prized special builds. On this here Epi they are mother of pearl, according to the specs, aren't they? Ain't that a funny difference? Or am I totally wrong?
And the Epi has bone nut and saddle, the Gibson Tusq. Strange.
I have done side-by-side comparisons between cherry finished Hummingbird guitars. My ability to appreciate how close they were was dampened by the fact that the Epiphone model had dead strings compared with the Gibson model. It sounds as though these two have new sets of strings. Listening to them one after the other, I can hear the difference but not by much.
The 1st time I did that side-by-side comparison was in 2005, before the Gibson version had exceeded $2,000 before taxes. If the outsource issue didn't hang around my neck like an albatross, I would think the Epiphone was a better value for your dollar. If I ever got one, it would be because I decided to ignore where it was manufactured. Made in USA should not have to break your wallet.
Listened to this in my car. There is definitely a difference. The Gibson just pulls you in like a dream
The only difference you talked about was the price, tuners and the tone woods of the Gibson. What about the epiphone? The neck wood looked different.
One should note how although people are trashing Gibson about their product lines in the electric guitar space, Gibson is absolutely top notch in their acoustic offerings. I wonder why is that the case?
Based on your demonstration, I'd say yes, the Epi can compete. I'm actually a little surprised. I've been thinking about buying another Gibson H-bird (I've owned several Gibsons, including H-Bird, Dove, J 45, J 35, J 200, J 150). I've been ready to pull the trigger on another Gibson H-bird (since I no longer have the old one), but this Epiphone sounds close. From this video, the Gibson sounds a bit brighter -- which isn't what I'm really looking for. My old H-Bird was a bit mellower, with very good balance - without too many lows, but great mids and highs. This is what I'm still looking for (since I have other acoustics that cover the louder, brighter low ends). It's a hard decision, even though the price point is close to a $3K difference! But, when you're as fanatical as I am, sometimes I'm willing to shoot the wad. The crazy thing is that I bought my 2006 H-Bird for $1900. They've nearly double in price in the last 15 years. Yet, you can always get your money back on a Gibson in terms of resale. No sure where I'm going yet.
I'd like the players views on playability, ie fret it, agree the ends rough. Etc.
Is it the same strings? And new once? Epiphone sound like old strings
I have always told people who say they want to buy a guitar to buy the best guitar they can afford. To my ear and in my mind, Epiphone ranks low in the $1000 price point. Just my opinion, though. I'm sure others will disagree and that's okay!