Epiphone Excellente, or the Ephiphone IBG Hummingbird - Comparison
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- čas přidán 19. 08. 2023
- Several of you have asked me which one of these guitars would I buy if I could only buy one. It really depends on how you plan to use it, which I'll explain in the video more thoroughly.
#epiphoneexcellente #epiphoneinspiredbygibsonhummingbird #inspiredbygibson #epiphoneguitars
Always feel free to reach out directly to me, anytime:
asmallstone1977@gmail.com - Hudba
Just got my Excellente today. Had it plekd and setup by Sweetwater… plays so great. Also have the Inspired by Gibson J200. Both great guitars. Love the channel!
Hi Devan, I couldn’t be happier to hear that. Also, I’m pleased to hear you have the IBG 200. It’s great to hear that you like that guitar. I’m always wanting to get some thoughts on that one. The reviews I have seen have been 50/50. I may try to pick one up and review it in the near future. I’m very pleased to hear your take on the channel. I do try to bring content that is beneficial to those that happen by. Looking forward to hearing more from you, brother man 👍🏻
@@randysrhythm After playing the Excellente for many hours in my first night of ownership, it definitely stands above the IBG J200. It’s more resonant and dynamic. Your review is what swayed me to buy the Excellente and I couldn’t be happier with it. Thanks for the great videos… keep it going
What does the Plek work do? Is it worth it 300 extra bucks?
@DerComputerist Standard Plek Pro Setup Includes:
Scanning your fretboard into the machine and recording the measurements
Setting your truss rod and fine-tuning neck relief
Precision machining your frets for the best playing experience
Polishing your frets to a high shine
Installing your preferred brand and guage of strings
Setting the action to optimum height
Hope this helps
@@randysrhythm thank you very much for the detailed response, Randy. It’s very kind of you. I think I’ll ask for the Plek Pro work on my next guitar purchase from Sweetwater. 🙂
I love your videos, your sincerity and knowledge comes through loud and clear, you do us a service! Thank you.
What a kind thing to say, Ms Sununta. That really makes my day, ma’am. Thank you so much 👍🏻
IBG hummingbird looks better all around, but the excellente sounds significantly better through quality speakers.
Hi John, after having both all of this time, I am in complete agreement with you. The Excellente is fuller, deeper and the clarity is just killer. I love both of them and they each have a place with me, but I think you’re spot on, brother man 👍🏻
Excellente all the way
Epiphone is making some really nice guitars! Thanks Randy! An IBG Hummingbird has about the sweetest sound I've ever heard from a guitar...just hold
one in your hand and strum it! I haven't played an Excellente but I bet it's amazing. When you hold a IBG Epiphone in your hands, you know you're
holding a quality instrument! Also, shout out to Sweetwater! They really put some effort into taking care of their customers!
Hi Tom, great to hear from you, sir! I agree, it’s quite a special guitar. The Excellente has more volume, but the IBG Hummingbird has a special place with me, just as it does with you, brother man 👍🏻
Thank you for this fine demo Randy. My new favorite guitar = The Excellente!! I've just got a IBG J-45. Hoping they will pair well together. Yin/Yang etc.
Hi Betty, they will certainly pair well together. As you know, I own both and haven’t looked back! You are most welcome, ma’am 👍🏻. Great to see you on the channel and always my pleasure 👍🏻
Thanks for this one Randy! Was looking for this EXACT comparison between the two…. Both are beautiful the way you play em and make ‘em sound my friend, thanks always, from SoCal
You are most welcome, brother man 52 and I appreciate the kind words 👍🏻
wonderful playing! beautiful guitar and beautiful sound!
Great job !! thanks for sharing! have a great day
Thank you, Tak 👍🏻
Always an absolute pleasure to hear your thoughts on this matter. You are very talented at conveying your thoughts and getting a point across that makes you understand and appreciate these beautiful instruments at a deeper level. Thank you.
Much appreciate the kind words, Cato. Haven’t heard from you in a while, so very glad to see you back, brother man 👍🏻
Excellente is my preference for sure!
Hi Steve, I knew you’d say that. That’s a very special guitar, for sure. Thanks for the visit and the input. I hope you and yours are well, brother man 👍🏻
Your pre play was so lovely Randy !!! i like how you can hold the "stillness" between the notes and let the note before do its job and llet it echo a bit in the room and in the mind of your listeners !!! Its soooo amazing that you get so much feedback fromyour crowd for video ideas and for what they need from you :) This was an excellent video and explaining as usual !!!!
Ms Jazzy, it always puts a smile on my face when I hear from you 😁. I know how busy you are producing great music! Thank you so much for such a kind comment. Yes’m, we have some great folks on this channel and I wouldn’t trade them for anything, ma’am 👍🏻
Excellent vid, Randy! Have a great weekend. Best wishes. God bless.
Hi Happy, thank you very much, brother man, and the same to you 👍🏻
Another great comparison my brother.. I already have the IBG j45 and Hummingbird..Now I am ordering the excellente.cant wait.
Hi Raymond, that’s a decision you’ll never regret. That Excellente is one unbelievable guitar. Thanks for the kind words, brother man 👍🏻
Wonderful video of guitar comparison!! Such a very nice reviews my Dear friend Randy!!
Love and respect Kyle!! 😊🥁🇵🇭
Thank you my wee brother man 👍🏻
Excellent presentation! James
Very kind of you to say, James. Don’t be a stranger, brother man 👍🏻
Hello Randy! Thank you. If interested, I happen to own a James Taylor Signature Model by James Olson Guitars. Here is the link to hear and see it czcams.com/video/wHY937RoT8I/video.html
Thumbs up subbed Great video, I just got an epiphone j200,studio parlor, EC, love it, it's my first epiphone, those your playing sound Great 👍
Hi Justin, I’ve played the one you own and I liked it. These IBG Epiphones are very special guitars. If you get a chance to find the Indonesian made IBG, I highly recommend it. Appreciate the comment and the sub, brother man 👍🏻
Im a beginner guitar player and i just got my very first Hummingbird IBG. Im loving mine. Thank you for this review
Hi Ryan, pleased to hear you are dedicated to learning guitar and it’s a privilege to have you on the channel. You are most welcome, sir. Also, check out a few of the beginner fingerstyle videos that I’ve done. You may find them helpful, brother man 👍🏻
I prefer the Excelente by a large margin. Richer sounding. Probably my next guitar! ;)
Short scale is a bummer!
Hi Gilles, it most assuredly is a very rich sounding guitar. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment 👍🏻
Another great sound comparison man!:) I think they both sound great, similar, but I'd go with the Hummingbird!:) both so lovely
Hi Choey, the Hummingbird is certainly more mellow in tone, which I find very useful in many arrangements. Always appreciate hearing from you and the kind comments do not go unnoticed, brother man 👍🏻
Brother Randy! Another awesome comparison! It's like asking which one is your favorite child!!
Unfortunately, my sweet, sweet Excellente has some serious neck issues which I could not figure out and I've been setting up my own guitars, my son's guitars and friends guitars for years, so it's a true mystery!
The strings were ALL buzzing all the way up the neck for the most part, and it just stumped me so I brought it in to the shop I bought it from who I've used pretty much exclusively for over thirty years and have always been treated like a king!
They couldn't figure it out, but they hired a new luthier because they're swamped with work as our little lake side town has had twenty thousand new homes built over the past ten years!! I guess he did his best which, to be perfectly honest, wasn't what I would call acceptable as he had to replace the saddle with an almost full height new one and he set the neck at full relief!!
So, it has a real nice banana bend and the action starting around the twelfth fret is approaching cheese grater! When I took it out of the case to check it out at the counter, my buddy John, who's one of the "Connors" who own the shop and I both did a simultaneous chin drop and his eyes went the size of dinner plates and I'm guessing mine were as bog! It was that bad!
Before I could say anything he was all "oh no!, NOPE! He called the new guy out and I wondered off to check out the acoustics because as pissed and disgusted as I was, I didn't want to be around the guy until I cooled down, in Connors shop.
I didn't need to as it turned out, because John unloaded on the guy.
Anyway, I understand the "new guy" is the "former guy"! So, I asked John if maybe the bracing let go somewhere, and he just thought it would be best to send it back to Epiphone and let them deal with it.
Both John and I did quite a bit of digging and neither of us found anything to suggest these guitars have any issues with anything, let alone the neck, so it looks like an anomaly.
I'll let you know how it turns out as soon as I know, but either way, if they repair it, or replace it, I will NEVER sell or trade it. As you've clearly stated multiple times this is a firecracker of an awesome guitar!!
Take care brother, just off to take the missus to her hospital check up!!
Jack ~'()'~
Brother man Jack! Great to hear from you. That is one disappointing story. I’ve heard of a few of the Masterbilt guitars making it out in rough shape. I don’t know if it was QC that day, or something happened on the boat ride. Your story is the second one I’ve heard about, so not too many. At least your guy is taking care of you and that’s the most important thing. It’s great to hear from you and I really appreciate the kind words, my friend. I trust the family are well, as well as your good self, brother man 👍🏻
I have the IBG Hummingbird 12 string and also the Excellente. I like the 12 but love the Excellente, it just keeps getting better.
Hi Rich, the Excellente seems the same to me as well. It just keeps getting better, brother man 👍🏻
Great video comparison! Thanks.
Thanks, brother man 👍🏻
@@randysrhythmthank you for serving the people
@@johnwashburn3793 Thank you for saying that, John. I always hope that is what I’m doing. If there’s ever anything that you think I can do of value on here, please let me know.
great upload.
The Excellente does sound really good, but I'd be happy with the Hummingbird too.
Much appreciated, sir. I hold the same observation, brother man 👍🏻
Definetly the Excellente is much better, tone and looks!!!
The Excellente is so rich in sound, it simply shocks me every time I pick it up. The Hummingbird is a great guitar, but the longer I play both of them, it’s the richness and depth of the Excellente that is the most captivating. I tend to agree with you, brother man 👍🏻
Great insightful review. Epiphone really have upped their game lately. Those tones remind me of original older Gibsons. Woody and full of character.
Hi Marc, I really appreciate the kind words. I completely agree. At least they are now competing, brother man 👍🏻
a brilliant touching performance, you sound mesmerizing
Thank you 👍🏻
I've been trying to decide between these two. I just learned about the Excellente and I just love the aesthetics of it. I'm glad to see it's a great guitar as well. This is gonna be a tough choice. Thank you for putting this up for us to be able to see these two side by side!
You are most welcome, Mr J. Always appreciate hearing your thoughts and yes, it’s going to be a tough choice, brother man 👍🏻
Well,… found my next guitar lol. Great stuff Mr Randy.
😂😂 That made me laugh, Wade! Thank you, brother man 👍🏻
Love the sound of the Epiphone Excellente.
Oh Ms Kathy, it’s a charmer for sure! Thank you for your constant support, my good friend 👍🏻
Great video there Colonel , Both are Awesome guitars and to me it comes down to mahogany or rosewood. FOOT , either one will or should make you a Happy Camper !!
Hi Colonel, I couldn’t agree more with you. It’s interesting to me that the Excellente, being in the Rosewood family, is so loud. Brother man, that guitar is a beast! Always appreciate you, my friend 👍🏻
Hi Randy " They are both beautiful Guitars and I reckon if you can afford to purchase both of them then go for it. You won't be let down because some songs seem to come out and sound better on one than the other of those Guitars. Thanks again old mate for another great review and stay safe. Cheers from Australia 👍
I couldn’t agree more, Kevy. The variety is really the way to go, if you can do it. Always appreciate hearing your feedback, brother man 👍🏻. Hope you are staying cool over there. It’s miserable here in Texas at the moment.
Different tools, for different tasks. A hammer is no better or worse than a saw. I wouldn't try to pound nails with a saw, any sooner than I'd try to split a board with a hammer. In short, they're both uniquely awesome. Great video, Brother Man!
I couldn’t have said that any better, brother Paul! That’s exactly right. Thank you for the constant support. Now, go make us another quality video, brother man 👍🏻
After my very first kiss when I was a young girl, the boy said "Excellente". It was SO cringy, it always stuck in my head hahah! Beautiful guitars and nice playing! (Oh and I like your shirt!!)
First kiss, eh? I guess that would stick in your head. Thank you so much for coming to see me, Ms Laurie. Yes’m, I actually said, when I pulled that shirt out of the closet, Ms Laurie will probably like this 😁👍🏻
@@randysrhythm hahaha!
Outstanding. And for me, I would get the Exellente. But the Hummingbird is also an outstanding guitar. It's all down to just what kind of sound are you looking for in your guitar.
I thought both had great sustain and volume, with nice, woody, tones. I love the warm sound mahogany brings to the table, but Ovencal has that in-between rosewood and mahogany sound (to my ears) that I like a little more.
Great video as usual my friend.
Hi David, thank you for your kind words. Yes sir, that Excellente is something to be reckoned with. The sustain on these custom shop guitars from Epiphone is mind blowing, to say the least. Much appreciate your insights, brother man 👍🏻
They are beautiful guitars both sonically and visually, I'm not surprised the price of them is going up, I would find it very difficult to pick one, I would definitely have to sit down and play both for a while and even then I would probably still try to keep the both of them 😂 anyway wonderful comparison video Randy very well done my friend, and I enjoyed that piece of Freight Train at the end it's a song I used to play years ago 🎸🎸👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Hi Trevor, I haven’t played that one in a long time, so a quickie was in order and glad you enjoyed it. I’m with you, I’d hate to be in a position to choose. Thanks so much for taking the time to listen and comment. You’re a great brother man 👍🏻
Nice comparison Randy. The Excellente is more brilliant and more defined to my ears. 👍
Yes sir, it is to my ear as well. I was really taken back by the sustain as well. It’s a keeper, for sure. Appreciate you taking the time the listen and comment, brother man and always great to hear from you 👍🏻
I have a beautiful black and brown dreadnought case sitting empty in my guitar room.
I need neither and I have plenty of mahogany. I actually like less bling (J 45) but theses sound great and, yes, the Excellente is special.
Hi John, I love empty cases, since I must fill them 😂. Always great to get your insights, brother man. I surely appreciate you 👍🏻
Great comparison, Randy. I took delivery of a IBG Hummingbird yesterday….cracking guitar….thanks for all your vids….👍🏴🎸🇺🇸. Ps, God Bless Texas, but I couldn’t handle 109, that’s for sure…..it’s 18 Celsius here…(64F) 😄
Thank you very much, Graham! I’m very pleased to hear that you now have the Hummingbird. I couldn’t agree more about your choice. It is cracking, for sure. It’s great to have you with us on the channel and I hope to see more of you, sir.
64 deg sounds like an eternity away 😂! We experience the 40+ C range every summer for a few weeks at least, sometimes longer. Once air conditioning showed up when I was around 13 or so years old, I was spoiled rotten 😂. Glad to have you here, brother man 👍🏻
Your comment made me laugh, right at the punchline. I remember stepping off a commercial airline in 1973 at USMC Cherry Point NC and had to catch my breath BC of the humidity; and Utah 108 degrees is like an oven.
@@danielkpulkrabek6735 Hi Daniel, my son (also a Daniel) was at SD for boot camp. I think you NC boys poke fun at them 😂. Yes sir, I should have stayed in Denver another week, till the cold front came through (upper 90’s) 😂. Appreciate you, brother man 👍🏻
I want to SD also randy, we always felt fear and sorrow for the guys at
P a r r i s I s l a n d. But believe you me it was plenty hard in SD.
Great reviews.....................
Thank you, brother man 👍🏻
Real nice comparison between these two beautiful guitars! Both are too flashy for my particular taste, I’ve always preferred more of a paired down, simple look on my guitars. The Martin D-18, or the Yamaha FG series come to mind. Or my Epiphone AJ-45, very simple and reserved looking! But if flash and bling are your thing, you can’t go wrong with either of these great sounding guitars! Thank you!
Thank you, Ed. Very kind of you to say. Most of my guitars fit into the “no frills” category as well. What drove me get the Excellente was the historical significance of the guitar. Of course after I got it, it blew me away with its sound quality. The IBG Hummingbird was purchased because of the sound and price point. They could have used dots and no pickguard and I’d love it just as much. In fact, I’ll probably pull the pickguard on that one. Very much appreciate your take on these and the feedback on the upload 👍🏻
Of course the beauty of them are stunning however I like the look of the masterbuilt ep hummingbird better. The Excellante is gaudy and the white on the headstock is ugly too. Having said that, I like sustain and a deep voice and of course clarity.
@@danielkpulkrabek6735 Yes sir, the Excellente is a tank with the most beautiful sound coming out of it 👍🏻
Randy, everything the Excellante has with the inlays of the Masterbuilt EP Hummingbird would be the perfect guitar.
I ended up with a Yamaha FGX5 and love it. Since then I have played a Excellente and can easily overlook the flashy look for the sound it produces.
Awesome 👍😊
Thank you 👍🏻
NO COMPARISON RANDY!!!! THE EXCELLENTE ALL DAY , PERIOID!!!!!
Hi Eddy, thank you sir! That Excellente is one killer guitar. Always appreciate you, brother man 👍🏻
Yep, that excellente sounds like my guitar, but I'm thinking about getting the hummingbird IBG also 🤔. Actually I wish I could buy every guitar you preview 😅. But I can't. Thank you Randy 😊
I can’t afford them either, brother Bruce. I’m simply irresponsible 😂. You are most welcome, my friend 👍🏻
@@randysrhythm 🤣😂
Randy, I own two Epiphone’s from the Masterbilt factory in Indonesia. The first is the Epiphone Texan Masterbilt and the second is the Epiphone Frontier. Shoot. You inspired me to check em’ out and boy howdy you were dead on about the craftsmanship out there in that factory. They play like a dream, and make me think of ranches, horses, and the beautiful geography of our dear country.
As for this video, the Execellente by a country mile. God bless!
Hey James, I actually got to play a USA made Frontier in Denver last week. It blew my mind. I’m sure the Masterbilt is a worthy alternative, based on my experiences with those guitars. Yes sir, they are both great guitars, but there’s something extra special about the sound from the Excellente. Always appreciate the insights, brother man and thank you for the support 👍🏻
Nice review again Randy. Thanks mate. Any further info on the chinese ibg guitars? Would love a hummingbird, but a bit hesitant now. Still waiting on an LL16 yammie review. 😊
Hi Mark, the only thing I’d say about the IBG lineup is that everyone should do their best to pick one up with a factory code 23. You can still find them out there. I need to look at that LL16. Always appreciate you, brother man 👍🏻
RANDY, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE EXCELLENTE IN EVERY WAY, BUT I DO NOT LIKE THE HUGE CLOUD ON THE HEADSTOCK.
Hi Eddy, I wish they had done one of two things with that. Either make it all one MOP piece, or downsized it considerably. It is rather large, brother man 👍🏻
They both sound pretty close. They sound great! But I like the look of the Hummingbird IBG much better. That would be the Guitar for me 💗💗
Hi Gary, I admit that the Hummingbird is in my hands at least 4 times a week. Such a sweet tone that guitar has. Always appreciate your input, brother man 👍🏻
The EP Hummingbird really rings nicely at the 7:35 mark, where as the Excellante has a better lower end.
Hi Daniel, great observation. I really appreciate the feedback, brother man 👍🏻
Update brother man Randy just ordered my excellante but I won't see it until April 24😂 they're on Serious backorder but good things are worth waiting for. They actually had one in a different store but it was a demo model hanging on the wall.. I know that some guitar centers don't humidify there guitar rooms very well. Learn my lesson last year had to return a guitar and ended up going with Sweetwater the guitar I purchased from guitar center Tucson had fret burn and a hump behind the bridge😢 pointed out to me by my luthier when getting ready to do a set up.. returned it the day I bought it LOL within an hour.lesson learned
Hi Raymond, hopefully that wait time communicates just how much care they put into making those things. They just don’t make that many, for such a large corporation. I think it’ll be worth the wait. That’ll give you something to look forward to, brother man 👍🏻
I agree about GC. Seems to be run by kids these days.
Man I really lucked up. I ordered one 3 days ago and got it the very next day.
@brooksphillips2234 Congratulations on that one 👍🏻
Nice video Randy, I like Epiphones
Hey Oz, always puts a smile on my face when I see you, my friend. Thanks for watching and the kind words, brother man 👍🏻
@@randysrhythm That is great Randy, I enjoy your playing and videos. Its a new style I enjoy. Just cause I play metal doesn't mean I don't enjoy acoustic guitar. I really dig it. Its inspiring to try other styles. Have a great week brother
That is a beautiful guitar! Sweetwater Tx?
Hi James, I wish they were that close 😂. No sir, it’s a music store in Indiana. Thank you, and I couldn’t agree more that the Excellente is beautiful. I can’t believe that the Indonesian custom shop put out such a cosmetically beautiful and great sounding guitar. I am even more surprised that Gibson suggested and approved it, brother man 👍🏻
Great review! What gauge strings did you use on your Excellente? Thank you.
Thank you! I’m using Martin Retro 12’s.
Hello Randy. Thanks for doing this review, I enjoyed it. I have a Gibson Heritage dreadnaught acoustic that I purchased in 1971 which was unfortunately caught in a flood many years ago and became seriously warped. I have been trying to replace it for years and was thinking of buying the Excellente since it reminds me of the Heritage in size and tone. Just wondering if you've ever played a Heritage and if you have any thoughts on how it compares with the Excellente. Thanks.
Hi John, I really hate to hear about the flood. That has to be devastating, so sorry for the loss there. I haven’t played the Heritage before. However, the Excellente plays like a Gibson and sounds incredible. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
You are most welcome for the video. I’ve been meaning to do this for a while now, but just now got around to it and I am really pleased you found it helpful. I am always looking for feedback to better the channel, so this is helpful, brother man 👍🏻
Keep doing what you're doing Randy. Thanks for your reply.@@randysrhythm
The Excellente sounds like it really opened up, its so loud and resonante, my god.
Btw, i really like your recorded sound, what mic are you using?
Thank you sir! That mic is just killer. The Excellente has really opened up, so you couldn’t be more right. The mic is a sE Electronics X1 S. I ordered it from Sweetwater. As always, thanks for your insights, brother man 👍🏻
What about the. J 45. Better or worse. Your. Thought.
Hi John, I did a comparison video of the 45 and the Hummingbird, if you’re interested:
czcams.com/video/8zdcBr3fhUs/video.htmlfeature=shared
The IBG 45 is another tool, in my opinion. I don’t think it’s as well built as the Excellente or the Hummingbird, but tonally it is a little cannon. The Excellente is clear and concise and the Hummingbird just has that Hummingbird sweetness to the ear. The 45 is a bit darker in sound, but I find it very useful in some applications. I hope this helps, brother man 👍🏻
Hello Randy!
Hi Ms Kathy!
How come your guitars are not in a case? I never put my carter guitar in a case.
Well ma’am, I am playing them 😂. You might want to consider the humidipacks. It just keeps the woods at the right moisture level. Of course I’m speaking about putting them back in the case at the end of the day. If they see humidity swings too much, they will eventually crack, or the belly could swell. Either condition just ruins them. I learned this the hard way and it cost me around $2,500.00. A lot of people don’t do it and seem to suffer no consequences. But, if you own some pricey guitars, then it just isn’t worth the risk. You could be in a climate that the humidity is pretty stable. I live so far away from a climate like that, it isn’t even funny 😂
I liked more the excellente. Expecialliy the bass tones ring in my ears better. More over tones. In the hummingbird on the other side the bass tones are somehow muddier.
Boy...they both sound good. I believe it's the guy playing though. But thay first onensire has a nice ring to it!
Hi Ms Brooke, yes’m, that Excellente has some interesting bell qualities to it. You give me way too much credit. I’m just a wore out old noodler, ma’am 👍🏻
@randysrhythm you should give yourself more credit, Randy.
Excellente is the best sounding acoustic Epiphone from the Masterbilt and Inspired by Gibson series. It’s has a very loud open sound, defined and clear.
Hi Felip, it is a great sounding guitar for sure. Appreciate the input, brother man 👍🏻