I'm sitting here watching a comparison video as if I could afford a Gibson in the first place

@sdriza

Ай бұрын

oh, but anyone can afford one with the magic of guitar payment plans!

@JustHaroon56

27 күн бұрын

Same 💯 😂😂😂

It does come with a case..... I should bloody think so for 5 Grand.

@bgoumas

4 жыл бұрын

lol word, but god damn it does sound like it cost 5k

@WillieBeard

3 жыл бұрын

5 grand it should come with a car.

@outsidethepyramid

3 жыл бұрын

@@WillieBeard LOL When you buy the Gibson, you also pay for a car for the owners of Gibson.

@WillieBeard

3 жыл бұрын

@@outsidethepyramid Your original reply was good too...

@davidfox3374

3 жыл бұрын

I like epiphone but its getting its ass kicked here

I got the impression that this dude had made his mind up not to like the Epiphone whatever it sounded or played like. He didn't play it with the same gusto and it looked to me like he was trying to make sure it didn't get a fair shake here. Sure, there are bound to be tonal differences, but $4000 worth? No, this is just brand snobbery, pure & simple.

@TexasDog3

4 жыл бұрын

I could not agree more with you. You are absolutely correct!

@rcattz5755

4 жыл бұрын

Doesn't matter the Gibson blows the Epiphone away. I have played both and there is no comparison. No laminate guitar will sound anything like a solid wood guitar.

@-The-Darkside

4 жыл бұрын

@@rcattz5755 of course it sounds better brainiac, it's 5000 dollars more that doesn't mean the guy didn't even attempt to sell the epiphone, if you can't see the lack of effort he put in on one guitar compared to the other, maybe you aren't as smart as you think you are.

@matejkrajnc1797

4 жыл бұрын

I think that the Gibson is simply better. The sound says it all.

@edwardtaylor8971

4 жыл бұрын

I bloody love Epiphones but Gibson's will always be better. That doesn't matter though because despite being great Gibsons are waaaay too expensive and Epiphones are beautiful as they are and very good value

I've owned my EJ200ce for over a decade now and it's tough to beat it, especially at that price point! More expensive guitars have tried and failed. It plays and sounds great and you don't worry about leaving it on stage between sets and stepping outside and not watching it! I have played the Gibson in the shop and it is hands down a better sounding guitar, but not $4,700+ better. The law of diminishing returns certainly applies here.

@CHLee-rg5sr

3 жыл бұрын

The Aw of diminishing return surly allies here, for my playing skill, th dpi is plenty good

@ANGELICHUMANANGEL

2 жыл бұрын

HELLO MY FRIEND ✌️..SO GLAD YOU ARE IN THE SAME MINDSET AS ME WITH REGARD TO E.J.200 ACOUSTIC...THEY ARE FAB...IN MY OPINION THEY KNOCK ALL OTHER MAKES OUT OF THE PARK ESPECIALLY AT THE AFFORDABLE PRICE THEY RETAIL AT !!!!

@kurtinklern3262

Жыл бұрын

Exactly what other guitars have tried and failed?

@gearandoutdoorger.3935

7 ай бұрын

Me too. I love her so much

Don't you just love when they go out of their way to try and make the less expensive guitar sound like shit?

@malakagirley

4 жыл бұрын

i noticed that..

@gregoryb2999

4 жыл бұрын

Yep and I own both and I'll tell you it isn't as good sounding but it's close to my D15 AND HECK LOT CHEAPER. THE EPIPHONE is a nice sounding and looking guitar no shame no matter where you play and for what. He seems to miss and deaden and try to get vibration and flats out of it. Damn fine guitar for 500

@craigpate

4 жыл бұрын

Bryan Charles I have the Epiphone Ej200. Lovely guitar! What nut would I be searching for please ?

@FixingDisneyStarWars

3 жыл бұрын

The Epiphone never sounds as good as the Gibson brand new. But I have an EJ 200 that is 13 years old, and it sounds every bit as good as that Gibson. They're solid wood,. They just need time to age properly.

@kgot7436

3 жыл бұрын

My EJ sounds awesome. For a $500 acoustic it’s the best bang for your buck in my opinion.

My thoughts exactly. He definitely played the Gibson with more enthusiasm.

You can see in the video you're trying your hardest to make them sound totally different, at least make it a fair matchup.

I have an acoustic Epiphone J-200 that I bought about 25 years ago. It is physically beautiful, plays and sounds beautiful and still looks brand new. It is not “thick”. The sound is not “thin”. It is not all high-end. In fact, the bass component is dramatic. I am constantly amazed at how exciting it is to play. At its price, it is a miracle.

@taylorius

Жыл бұрын

I'm the same. I bought mine in about 1996 or so. Still in love with it, MASSIVE sound. I put thick D'Addario strings on there, and it crushes!

@jws6181

Жыл бұрын

@@taylorius what gauge strings did you use? thank you in advance...🎸🎶

Just watch the approach of the guy .the gibson he is obviously happy to play and his head is bobbing having fun .he plays the epiphone with contempt and plays it with no emotional content. That's the difference in sound.

@norgermish1

5 жыл бұрын

Big time agree, the first thing I noticed! I have an older EJ200 early '90's got kinda bored with it and stuck it in a closet for a few years like 5 or so. Just pulled it out, put some new strings on it and talk about a great sounding guitar with sustain and great low tones. Way better than what the guy in this video did. It is a really decent sounding guitar and when they age even better.

@mitabekrijabejn

5 жыл бұрын

Spot on. This sneaky Merchant gave his best talkin/acting Job to justify 4000$ of Gibson's greedy disgrace. Now when we know that Gibson goes down as a Company, it's pretty clear why- those Guys were greedier than wallstreet banksters??!!! The Sound Quality vice, anyone who knows something more about Sound/Audio, will not buy this BS about "resonance-muted-Epiphone", BC those high "sparkle" Tone mostly depends of the Strings, Style of playing, Mic-position etc...No Wood will resonate too much above 1500- 2000 Hz, and those are the higher Tone "Harmonics" he actually emphasized and praised in Gibson Sound. The Resonance of Wood/Strings happens mostly below 1000 Hz, and the lower the more- so the Epiphone actually does helluva Job with so called "resonance". Put the brand new Strings and set the Pick-ups Controls and Equalization and strumming properly, and you will get as much "sparkling resonant Sound" as you ever wanted from the Epiphone.Nice try "Alamo music center", but I won't buy it.!! The Epiphone wins all the Way, it has even better electronics than overpriced Gibson- I almost forget to mention that Part. Read about "eSonic 2" pick-up System of Epiphone, if you don't know what it is- with One Mono Output from the Bridge-pickup, simultaneously with Stereo-Output from the Neck-pick-up, and additional Mic- your Tonal Possibilities are from the other World. And all of this for 11 times, or 4 Grands lower Price?!!!!? Get out of here, Apolo!!!!

@jameswilliford5478

5 жыл бұрын

I think the Gibson has a better feel, tone and look....but not $5,000 worth of difference to me personally.

@lgiorgos1

5 жыл бұрын

@@mitabekrijabejn There is big difference acoustically. I don't say that Gibson worth the money but it is better objectively I believe. The Gibson is only for rockstars and investors.

@srenlund7900

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, he doesnt give the Epi the same chance, playing it like he does. But thanks for the video anyway. And The gibson sounded nice

8:17 is the looks of a man whos pissed that his 5k guitar doesn't that much better than a $500 one.

If I was a 17 years old guy, joining in at a beach party chasing chicks, I would love to have the Epiphone in my hands, trying to convince that particular girl that this guitar was the actual guitar John Lennon played on when The Beatles recorded "Revolver"... :-D I'm 61 years old now. If it was me or the cheap guitar that made it I don't know, but that particular girl has been my companion and wife for most of my life. So big thanks to Ibanez and their "lawsuit" Gibson Dove replica, it did the job, and I still have both the guitar and my wife. AND a Gibson Hummingbird... And a Maton TE-1... And several high-end Taylors... And I still love my wife...

@SRVACE

5 жыл бұрын

Ditto & we've been married for 42 years

@jordanhunter7110

5 жыл бұрын

Sorry if this is random, but I FREAKING LOVE REVOLVER

@hotlov72

5 жыл бұрын

I love your wife too

@fickbasterd

5 жыл бұрын

same here

@charlesbolton8471

4 жыл бұрын

Maybe you could convince my wife of 25 years that it’s okay to have more than one high end guitar?

I love Gibson's but for the money you can't go wrong with the EJ200, for the price it's one of the best guitars you can buy

Noel Gallagher played Epi acoustic and electric guitars for quite a while and they sounded great.

@jaretos

3 жыл бұрын

In the 90's, when they used to make a better version of the EJ-200. And of course, aesthetically better, with the non cutaway version. I know they launched the "Inspired by Gibson line", but it's still not the same "jumbo" sound as the old EJ-200.

@benallmark9671

3 жыл бұрын

Because they are great

@benallmark9671

3 жыл бұрын

@@jaretos why can you not get the Epiphone J-200 new without the cutaway anymore ?

@jaretos

3 жыл бұрын

​@@benallmark9671 They don't manufacture the non cutaway EJ-200 anymore, they only manufacture the cutaway version. That's why they've launched the "Inspired by Gibson" line, to make up for us, for the people that can't afford a Gibson J-200 or for the ones who doesn't like the cutaway version.

Honestly the older epiphone model without the cutaway was a darn good guitar. I've had mine for a solid 5-6 years already and its been a faithful acoustic. The sound isn't really too different in my opinion, i use it to record acoustic covers and it sounds really good.

@lomemarsupial

Жыл бұрын

The korean models from the samick factory? Found a 1994 one of those and love it. Also had one before, korean ej200, really some boomier bass just by not having a cutaway. The 'SCE' solid tops where Epi was adding eSonic 2 pickups, with a cutaway, those play wonderful for acoustic electric atmosphere. Will say that acoustically the one you're likely referring to, korean made noncutaway, plays super fine without paying so much more in price for the 'Inspired by Gibson' re release of non cutaways.

@davidmulholland6054

9 ай бұрын

So is the cutaway version not as good?

My Epi sounded a bit dead right from the store. I immediately changed the strings to Elixir 11s (my gauge preference) and now it rings and sustains beautifully. It sounds just fine for me and while I would love a Gibson, there isn't any reason for me to pay 10 times the cost for one. I guess if I was a professional musician, I would be more inclined to do so, but for what I do with a guitar, the Epi is more than fine for me. I don't think you can go wrong with one. By the way, I bought the Epiphone hard case (about $100) and it's worth every cent. Very nice, tight fitting case.

I just want to say the epiphone EJ 200 has been my only acoustic for the past seven years, and I absolutely love this guitar. I have made and played some beautiful music with her, and despite what he says this instrument does inspire me to play and create. I know you can clearly hear that Gibson has a lot more sustain. I think my guitar sounds and plays great. That being said, I am currently shopping for an upgrade, somewhere in the $2000 range. Mainly because of the size not necessarily the playability, this guitar plays like a dream.

@AlamoMusic

3 жыл бұрын

You should check out these two guitars! Let us know what you think! www.alamomusic.com/furch-vintage-series-dreadnought-guitar-spruce-rosewood/ www.alamomusic.com/taylor-t5z-classic-koa-top-electric-acoustic-hybrid-guitar/

Why does he looks sad when playing the epiphone

@maraviyoso8473

3 жыл бұрын

Because he doesn't like it

I’m a singer-songwriter and the EJ-200 was my first acoustic guitar. As I’ve gotten a bit better over the years, I upgraded to a Takamine. Ended up selling it. The EJ-200 had more character! Now I also have a Martin Road Series D10. The solid wood definitely makes a big difference, but I still enjoy playing my EJ-200 too, and honestly if I were playing a gig I might take the Epiphone. The Martin satin finish is very thin and brittle, cracks easy.

@AlamoMusic

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! Its always interesting to hear different views and experiences!

To me the sound was night and day different. I just bought a SJ 200 from Alamo music and it should arrive next week. This is my second one. The first one I bought from guitar center was used and the finish started checking after two months. Guitar center took it back and gave me every single penny back. It played and sounded beautiful and I wanted another one and can’t wait to see and play my new guitar..

@martinhasson4942

5 жыл бұрын

💰🌑 NIGHT 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰 🌕 DAY ( I PLAY AT NIGHT ) 🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

Based on this chap's performance one is left to conclude that the Epiphone induces narcolepsy!

Excellent comparison. You just told me what I needed to know.

Along withe the already-noted extreme difference in playing dynamics used by the demonstrator, there's an interesting historical point he either skipped or is unaware of (probably the latter) - in 1955 Gibson STOPPED using scalloped bracing in the J-200 to reduce production cost. So except for more recent models, and rare/expensive early models most classic recordings and live use of J-200's has been by performers who preferred the strong midrange/punch of it as a rhythm instrument, as opposed to the typical bluegrass use of Martin dreadnaughts - which even when not scalloped were, until the 70's, lightly braced and known for heavy bass. The J-200 has been a favorite of singers who want an impressive looking rhythm guitar with good midrange cut and limited bass response. The point here is that the traditional J-200 was not normally a lead instrument, a fingerpicker's instrument and so on, so much of the demonstration music was well played but atypical of the instrument's use - like demoing an ES-175D by playing metal. It was used for rhythm and filled the midrange with a very focused, tight frequency range. And the Epi version sounds typical of every J-200 I've played EXCEPT the 1930's/40's models and a few new ones - which are not typical of the vast majority of J-200's ever made. If I wanted a strong rhythm presence without booming bass notes I'd select the Epi. OTOH if I wanted to try to use a J-200 in a bluegrass setting the new one would be worth a shot. Nice comparison that proved only that the demonstrator really doesn't know much about the instrument and it's traditional market. I should state that I played in rock, country-rock country and bluegrass bands from 1970 - 2015 (when I had to retire for health reasons) and have been doing tech work since the 1970's. I venture to guess I've replaced more bridges on J-200's in my life than he's played.

@gloverp3

3 жыл бұрын

Spot on dude... on stage or on a record the Gibson would muddy up a mix and would have to be EQ'ed to tame the boom, the Epiphone less so.

@DavyDave1313

3 жыл бұрын

TLDR lmao

@SaintsPurgatory

2 жыл бұрын

@@DavyDave1313 no shit... continuity wise I cannot figure out wtf this guy retired from...lmao According to Jim Sliff and I quote "I should state that I played in rock, country-rock country and bluegrass bands from 1970 - 2015 (when I had to retire for health reasons) and have been doing tech work since the 1970's. I venture to guess I've replaced more bridges on J-200's in my life than he's played." Also to direct quote Jim Sliff "...in 1955 Gibson STOPPED using scalloped bracing in the J-200 to reduce production cost." From Gibson's website I would like to denote exactly what it says in their own specifications: "Bracing Traditional hand scalloped X-bracing" Notice the word scalloped? @Jim Sliff if you think Gibson does not know what it is talking about then go argue with them. www.gibson.com/en-US/Guitar/ACCFZN743/SJ-200-Original/Antique-Natural So maybe someone does not know what the f they're talking about.

@davemakarchuk5127

2 жыл бұрын

Obviously there's a certain amount of subjectivity in sound preferences, but price point aside, if your ears prefer the sound of the Epiphone over Gibson, you should probably keep it your little secret. If you have to EQ it for recording purposes, then spend the time learning how to do it or hire someone who can. The final product will be better for it.

@downtownbillyandthenewjivefive

Жыл бұрын

@@SaintsPurgatory My Epiphone EJ-200SCE also has scalloped braces. It's less than ten years old.

I have the EJ Epiphone 200 and love it. I do some recording with it and my mandolin and am always struck at how good it sounds! The large soundbox produces a mellow tone. The dual pickup configuration allows for a lot of experimentation, as well, in adjusting the tone.

Nice job, thanks but, you should have played both guitars before talking about them. Establishing differences for your audience without having them first listen to their independent sounds creates an initial psychological bias.

Hi Chris, Again I thank you for the comparison and never fail to learn and enjoy what you are putting out to us. A warm, "thank you!"

The Gibson outshines the Epiphone in all of the strumming demos, but I thought the Epiphone sounded just as good as the Gibson in the Finger Picking demo. Hearing this, I think the Epiphone would be a much better DEAL for most people. Thanks again Chris!

Honestly, I find these comparisons quite pointless. If I spend over 5 grand for a guitar it better sound better than one that cost me just 500 bucks. However, also honestly I did not hear a 5 grand difference. I sold my Gibson SG Standard and was able to buy an Epiphone SG, Les Paul and Sheraton II, and they play and sound just great, and then recently acquired the EJ-200 and I love it, it sounds just fine, and with the pickup, I can get some really good sounds, and honestly, when you're playing in a bar or noisy club, you think the audience would notice such a difference, and why would I risk having an expensive instrument with a bunch of drunk idiots in the room?

@edytrejo164

5 жыл бұрын

Feliks Gailitis I'm totally agree with you feliks,nobody of these drunk people can notice rhe diference.in the other hand,if I can afford an expensive one,great I'll get a gibson if I can't,I'll take epiphone wich is a good one too.regards from mexico my friend.

@bogart5131

5 жыл бұрын

thats why his demo is incomplete cause he didnt even plug in...... how do we know how good the electronic system is, unless its plug in....... if you just love playing acoustically or just in a room, not in a band.....i would rather buy f310 yamaha......

@brettpenza5149

4 жыл бұрын

@@bogart5131 Great point. I have the Epiphone. Set it up with incredibly close action and it feels and sounds great. Besides, if you're playing out you're going through a PA anyway. Obviously, the Gibson should sound better, but for us blue collars, get the Epiphone, then go and buy a house, send your kids to college and take the wife out on the town with the leftover funds.

@theo9952

4 жыл бұрын

Electric guitars are a very different matter and it is quite often very difficult to distinguish the sound of a well-made moderately priced guitar, from a much more expensive one. With acoustics played acoustically only, the superior quality of the expensive instrument sticks out. Plugged in, might yield a fine electro-acoustic sound of a cheaper guitar though. I totally agree about the risk of using expensive guitars when playing in bars. I too, prefer to take a Seagull S6, instead of my much more pricey Westerly built Guild JF-55.

@14141818

4 жыл бұрын

la Gibson est une très bonne guitare mais les prix toujours exagéré

I have the Epi. I played it right along with the Gibson in the store and, although my ears aren't great, there was not much discernable difference that day between the two. I got the Epi on sale for $449 and continue to play the heck out of it. I sprung for a nice fitted Epi hard shell case ($110) that fits it like a glove. Someday I will spring for a nice artisan acoustic of some kind, both for the sound and simply for the beauty. However, right now, for the money, the Epi wins hands down. I'm not hating on Gibson by any means, their guitars are great, and I admit I'm pining for one; but for me, the Epi was the clear winner.

another Gibson snob. Go figure. I'll take an Epi any day. Three or four hundred in wood and parts does not equate to 4500 bucks.

@hotlov72

5 жыл бұрын

No the but the Gibson is still better, because its easier to play and get the sound from

@SlowmanX

4 жыл бұрын

I'm a Gibson snob, but I will admit I have an epiphone futura that is really great, and a few other gems as well

@ramrocker1004

4 жыл бұрын

Bought an Aria a couple of months ago. Solid Spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Even cheaper than the Epi yet it has that same resonance and even more treble than the Gibson. My first guitar is a Stafford and everyone thinks it sounds great but Aria sounds better.

@jacobishere5189

4 жыл бұрын

@@hotlov72 A more expensive guitar doesn't give easier playability. It ALL depends on the user's enthusiasm in playing.

Good review on the different specs. Thanks!

Great review, marvelous explanation! 👌🏼

People having money to buy Gibson: Gibson definitely sounds better. People only having money to buy Epiphone: The difference is not significant. Non-musician people: the Epiphone looks cute

@ostelaymetaule

5 жыл бұрын

Engineers: "show me the spectrogram!"

@outdoorexpeditions.p

5 жыл бұрын

that's true. jajaja

@breauxtide6217

4 жыл бұрын

True

@brettpenza5149

4 жыл бұрын

Sadly, the ones who can easily afford the Gibson probably should be playing the Epiphone.

All Gibson acoustics are way, way overpriced.

@maraviyoso8473

3 жыл бұрын

The "Gibson" name, by itself, adds price, period.

@DavyDave1313

3 жыл бұрын

It’s all about name brand reputation

Obviously the gibson will be better but watching and listening this video from my iphone, honestly the difference is almost invisible.

@MetalMayhem1978

4 жыл бұрын

Pfffft wow! Your ears need cleaning out . Yeah the Epi sounds good but that Gibson sounds amazing. Big difference in sound. I don’t agree with the price though

@ryanbuzzard9979

4 жыл бұрын

Thats cuz you probably dont know shit about music or guitars...and he literally said at the end "if you're listening on your iphone and not with headphones you probably wont notice a difference...post 1970 epis can smd

@nolanski7170

4 жыл бұрын

Ryan Buzzard That’s some peak elitism, bud. All of the best blues players from the seminal era played the shittiest guitars they could get right out of the Sears mail order catalog. Shitty, thin sounding guitars have come to define the sound of delta blues and whole ass other genres of music.

Just heard the EJ-200ce on a cruise. Sounds great and no worries about humidity and other weather conditions.

Do the drop test and see which plays best! I have the Epi and it sounds and plays great 😊 My friend has the Gibson J200 I defy a layman to tell me the difference! You didn’t mention the Epi has two pups and stereo option. If you want a big guitar sound and your not a snob go for the Epi! The Gib is lovely but not 4K,s worth.

Many thanks for great footage and sharing your experience. The difference in sound is pretty obvious, but I suppose you also play a little different on each of these guitars. Purposely or not.

Yeah! Totally played differently slowered the tempo to make the Epi sound less interesting. We know it's going to be inferior to the gibson but were looking for a realistic comparrison . Sorry I didn't feel you gave that.

I have both. The only difference is price. Learned a long time ago that guitars are made of wood,not dollars. The only reason people buy expensive is to go to jam sessions and tell people how much it costs.

There wasn’t a $4500 difference in sound tho.

@elbik95

5 жыл бұрын

There never is, most of the times in the guitar world things get "better" (totally subjective) non-linearly, you get like 5% better for every 200$ you spend, around the 1000$ mark that gap shrinks and shrinks, and when you go over the 3000$ line you basically start paying for luxury and personal preference...

@TheLakeman2

5 жыл бұрын

TRUE

@DearArianaMusic

5 жыл бұрын

That's not really how it works. A huge part of what your paying for is American craftsmanship with extremely high-end materials, while the Epiphone is made overseas with very cheap materials, and definitely not handcrafted. The Gibson will feel better, play better, and sound better. It will also improve with age, and wear very nicely, while the thick poly finish on the Epiphone will be more likely to chip. That's not to say the Epiphone is a piece of junk, it's perfectly suitable for a young guitar player, or someone who just can't afford a high-end guitar. With a decent setup, the Epi will get someone through a few years of good use.

@pplareppl

5 жыл бұрын

Say you buy a camera lens, if you want to go a lens with one extra F stop you gonna spend few 4 digits of price so it’s the same with other hobbies

@thegamergodcontrollord5061

5 жыл бұрын

I am still playing my Charvel 625C acoustic guitar that I bought in 1994 just to have an acoustic guitar that I could play sitting on the floor with my kindergarten students. It's now 25 years old and has aged well. It's the envy of all my guitar playing friends who can't believe how well a Korean assembly line guitar can feel and sound. I think I got real LUCKY. Not EVERY Charvel 625C sounds and feels THIS good. I'm sure there is a wide inconsistency from the assembly line, but this one - maybe a happy accident - got everything right. I had a luthier level the frets when I first got it and it made huge difference. I have since bought and played a Godin MultiAC (because I wanted to run it through a Roland guitar synth) and a Wilcox Atlantis - neither of which have sound holes. Perhaps I'm comparing apples and lobsters. Oh - The Charvel, as nice as it is otherwise, has no real "projection" when played unplugged. @@DearArianaMusic

I have the Epiphone EJ-200 and love it. The tone is beautiful. I record with it and am always struck at how great it sounds. The top is solid spruce and the sound box is large, which gives it a more resonate tone than other guitars. Whether the Gibson is better, I cannot say, since I have not played it. The video suggests the tonal difference is subtle and probably due to the back being laminate. The other major real difference between the two is the cost of American labor which results in a higher price tag for the Gibson and the Gibson name, for which you pay a premium price as well. Apart from that, both guitars are jumbo size, and some may find that it is too large to play comfortably. The J-200 was developed in the '30s before electronics to give it a volume boost, which is no longer necessary with pickups. However, the electronics on the EJ-200 version offer lots of possibilities where you can mix the two pickups (bridge and neck) for different effects. No guitar is perfect, but the EJ-200 is one of the best on the market these days in its price category. I can't imagine ever selling my EJ-200!

@greenharvestproductions6743

4 жыл бұрын

Amen brother been playing 450 + years in the Epiphone for sounds great and I have both guitars and I playing with same passion this guy is just a complete salesman that doesn't give a rat's ass about anything just to try to make a self that's why he's there sitting on his fat ass making up excuses to cut down the Epiphone the Epiphone sounds good I have different guitars all the way from Gibson 2 Epiphone to Ibanez I have pf10 guitar pf5 I haven't to this day I bought them in the early 90s sound better than most guitars that cost a bunch of money I have expensive guitars not so expensive guitars violins and many other instruments I have hundreds and thousands of dollars in instruments make electric guitars since I can remember started painting at the age of 8 years old here I am 60 going on 61 this guy does not make the guitar Justice cuz he does not play with the same passion

The gibson is fantastic. This video proves that epiphone makes great guitars.

@theo9952

4 жыл бұрын

Good, even excellent for the price, is one thing and high end is another, as fas as my experience goes.

@blissvanweers5885

4 жыл бұрын

Am I the only one who thinks the Epiphone sounded better ( in this recording) then the Gibson ?

@kokoro1155

4 жыл бұрын

@@blissvanweers5885 i prefer the Epiphone, it's more cheap and have a awesome sound, in my country this gibson would cost the price of a new car.

@williambebeau1506

4 жыл бұрын

Epiphone has made a number of great bang for your buck guitars over the years. I personally own an Epiphone Dove Pro, real solid guitar on its own, but plugged in with the Fishman Sonitone pickups in it, the particular pick-up system actually lends itself to the guitar super well, creating quite a phenomenal sound, really allowing it to be on par with, or in some cases, even outplay a number of substantially more costly guitars. But regardless, I feel it's worth mentioning that I did nearly pull the trigger on the Epiphone ej-200sce, when I was in that particular decision making process in buying a new guitar. A real contender between the two no doubt.

Lol he is playing the Gibson harder and with more enthusiasm I don’t own expensive acoustic guitars, but I do own expensive electrics and yes they sound better than cheap ones but it’s not a day and night difference to be honest Unless you are a real pro musician, meaning that you make a good living 100% out of music just buy mid priced instruments $1,000 to $1,500 is a perfect spot for quality and value

I've been enjoying watching your content for 3 weeks straight. I might have to drive 3 hours west and buy a guitar from you. I picked up the guitar after many years and decided it's time to be a better player. I recently bought a Godin 5th Ave but I want a good acoustic guitar to play also. This jumbo epi might be the one that fits my criteria. Please keep the videos coming as they are an excellent distraction to the happenings of our world. Mike - Houston, TX

@AlamoMusic

4 жыл бұрын

We are so glad we can brighten up your day with our videos Mike and we’re looking forward to when you make the trip on down! We are currently open by appointment or curbside pick up due to Covid so give us a call beforehand. (:

I just bought my first 2 guitars ever today. I got the EJ-200 for me and an Ibanez for my daughter. I am very excited about learning to play on the Epiphone and learning something new with my daughter.

I own the epiphone ej 200 sce , it sounds fantastic, i have been gigin for a long time as well as recording , this guy just slammed the epiphone by playing it dull And really underestimated the guitar because he intended to do it , to praise the gibson …. Dont be so fake man , dont give false reviews to people

I’ve had an Epi ej-200 for years and it sounds amazing. I’ve upgraded various things and have got it to “glow”.

@AlamoMusic

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

Excellent demo.

As we all know, the price difference isn’t purely for (superior, more complex) tone. It’s also the name on the headstock, the country of manufacture, the hard shell case and the all solid wood construction. It’s worth it if people pay for it, which they do.

I appreciate a well made video like this. Well done. Hands down, Gibson wins the tone, but if I only had the Epi, and I was in my living room playing it, I would love it. Sounds great. Only when they are side by side can you really hear the difference. I can afford the Gibson, but I don’t want to afford it. I play for me, privately. I am not playing for an audience, ever. So I will take the $500 Epi, enjoy the hell out of it, and buy a Fender Telecaster MIM, Strat, MIM, and a Gibson Traditional LP, take the rest of my $3000 and go on a scuba trip. Thanks!

The points that you really notice about the Gibson are things like the harmonics and overall brightness of the Gibson. If I were a professional musician and recording I would have to choose the Gibson because of that. The brightness of a Gibson is noticeable over the Epiphone but for your every day guitar that you are taking out and playing in bars with lots of drunk people the Epiphone is just fine. You are definitely getting a really good guitar with the Epiphone and you don't have to worry about getting dings and scratches the Gibson sounds fantastic but if you don't have that kind of money the Epiphone is just fine and they will last a lifetime even with the abuse of gigging.

Wow. Why did you even bother making this video? It's so absurdly biased that it's completely uninformative.

Nice review and comparison!! If both were quite similar sound, Gibson sales would decrease vitally. It must not happen definitely. Even in case of the same company, it must not happen normally. But both are great in each price range.

The Gibson obviously sounds better because it's wood is higher grade. Also people who say he was purposely trying to downplay the epi is absurd. There is some subjectivity that comes down to it too, though I won't pretend either that the epiphone sounds as good or better. The Gibson is clearly more resonant and crisp, and you should be able to hear that by the sounds that are coming out of the instrument, not his style of playing. I know the Epi might be sentimental to some people and that's fine.. but I'd prefer to be honest here, the Gibson is better.

First of all, thank you for a great review. As a psychologist though, we always have that inner thing with our preferences. Definitely, the Gibson is a better instrument. But, I see you played the Gibson a bit STORNGER that the EPI, making the Gibson sounds fuller. We have to come to terms wirth ourselves and be realistic. Yes, the Gibson may sound somewhat better, but is it worth the price? And, in the end. everything rests in the hand of the player. Just my respecful comments and thank you again!

@truthof7382

5 жыл бұрын

Juan Carlos Lopez You are too kind Juan, he’s just an elitist douche.

@dockirkman8231

5 жыл бұрын

That's crap from you both, the epi is harder to play he is using more finger pressure at both ends and is the reason he seems so more fliud with gibo

@bungfinger5307

5 жыл бұрын

@@dockirkman8231 you have no clue how this particular epi plays and they all vary. this could play like you say but you have no fact-based proof and speaking from your ass. i expect your response will be a blanket statement of how ALL epis play and again you have no fact-based proof because you haven't played ALL epis. what you DO have is opinion and it is worth just as much as everyone else's on any forum open to opinion

@ericklein5927

5 жыл бұрын

@@dockirkman8231 a person can always take their guitar to a reputable luthier like I did with my Epiphone j-200. I'm 57 and it plays perfect ..he lowered the strings to where I needed it to play comfortably and that's all he had to do.. end of story. While in the store I played some Gibson jumbo and a few other gibbys... and yes it did sound better ..but not 4000 better.

@user-mp9xu9of8k

5 жыл бұрын

@@dockirkman8231 lol bullshit, this epi has great action right out of the box.

Yeah... listen guy, I bought an epiphone for 250$, changed the nut, bridge and pins too bone. The guitare sounds really good. It may not project as much as I want it too but for 250$ nothing can beat this guitar for the price I had it for. I went to a store and tried the real Gibson, I noticed a slight difference but not a 4000$ difference. My 26 year old self been playing for 15 years.

it doesnt sound $4,500.00 better, it sounds warmer to me. Upgrade the nut,saddle, string pegs and maybe new tuners. I bet it will sound alot closer to the gibson as well.

Wow, the better instrument was more inspiring to play - what a mystery! Why does everyone assume that the price tag rather than the guitar informed his playing? Insecurity? Jealousy? The only mistake was to even compare these two guitars. They have two very different places in the market.

I actually own the Epi EJ-500. It's what I learned on. The review about the guitar is accurate. It does not project (unplugged) as well as a premium guitar its size should project and it's for the reasons he listed. But tonally it sounds fantastic and similar to the Gibson. It didn't cost anything near $500 when I bought it. That must be the MSRP price. To help with projection you can use bluegrass strings (light-medium) instead of light strings so you get more bass. That said, he totally dogged it and played sloppy when he played on the Epiphone vs when he played on the Gibson. He was brushing strings with his thumb, missing hammer-ons, playing slower...It could be the more rigid feel or loss of focus playing the same songs twice, but I doubt it. It's a fantastic guitar for the price. It's very pretty. I'll never get rid of it. Glad I bought it.

Great playing and great video. People seem to miss the point of the video. The point is to show that even tho it looks like the Gibson it is miles away from it. Which is what Epiphone is trying to sell. I had an Epi years ago and sold it because it just didn't sound right. Like most people I figured, hey its an Gibson owned company how bad can it be? Well you video shows the difference. Well done.

There is a difference in the richness and tone between the two but I definitely agree with one poster who said it’s not a 5k difference! Also, I disagree with those accusing this guy of bias in favor of the Gibson . Listen to what he says at the end of the video, he’s not putting down the Epiphone, he says it’s a great sound and well made guitar for the money. He’s right, you get what you pay for. Getting the Sheraton II Pro next week. I love Epiphone. 🎸

Thanks for the comparison. However, these guitars are of equal quality, they just have different markets and price points. As an ex-Quality man, I would say that there is no point in comparing these 2 guitars. Comparisons can only realistically be done with near identical products. In fact, just today, I bought the Washburn J40SCE, which is near identical to the EPI and it has scalloped bracing. Also €500 and a fine guitar and would make a more realistic comparison to the EJ200.

I picked up the EJ-200SCE model, which is the solid top with dual pickups,(bridge and neck), and aside from having to do some fretwork, it is amazing! Tuners are great and stable enough to keep in tune for around two days before it needs tuning again, which is amazing for stock tuners. The eSonic2 preamp/tuner has issues though. Crap battery life, some days the tuner doesn't work, and some days there is hum out of the one output jack. But luckily, there are two in which I can just use the neck pickup if needed. I'll probably swap this out, and put in the preamp used in the Gibson. However, overall, this is a great sounding, feeling, and best bang for your buck guitar at $700.

If Jimi Hendrix was playing it, I wouldn't care which one he played.

@loucifer323

4 жыл бұрын

Jimi couldn't play acoustic to save his life he wasn't really a good guitar player he needed feedback and fuzz boxes to play

@philthompson9403

4 жыл бұрын

@@loucifer323 yeah because little wing, castles made of sand and bold as love use heavy fuzz. Muppet

That Epi is a grab and go, where as that Gibson is a treasure that stays in the vault, so buy both.

@riconaka

3 жыл бұрын

Well said sir!

There is another comparison on You Tube that shows the same difference in sound. The Gibson has "more sound" and a wider range of sound than the Epiphone - this is the case in both comparisons. But I also noticed a difference in the way he plays these two guitars. I have an Epi EJ 200 myself, and I'm content with the instrument, though a Gibson would have been something, if it would be worth all the money.

Great video. The Gibson sounds significantly better but I still love my Epi EJ. Thanks for the comparison!

Should blow in his ear and hold something on the other side, and watch for movement. I own an EJ 200 Epi without cut away and as far as resonance, I'm not sure he knows how to spell it. I can set mine down after playing and the sound is faint but still going on. But I do play it a lot (broke in) well. Mine has no electrics so I play with a pick. I looked at a Martin For 4200 then put it back and grabbed the used EJ 200, have had no regrets what so ever. My friend told me once, play what you like best. I do! Love it.

SJ200 speaks to my heart. It's the best sounding acoustic guitar I ever heard.

I've seen comparisons between two identical models, cutaway and non cutaway and had the same results as your comparison. I would be interested if you compared with an epiphone non-cutaway, to make a more fair comparison.

Wow, he obviously hate the Epiphone. That's all I really learned from this video.

@TheCustomEverythingChannel

5 жыл бұрын

drb0813 same here I wonder how much he got paid to down the epiphone

@michaelmetal71

5 жыл бұрын

he’s not putting down the epiphone,it’s like i said in my comment chris is used to playing higher end guitars 🎸 and once you get used to playing higher end guitars it’s hard to be objectionable about lower end guitars,that epiphone is not junk it’s just not up to snuff with the Gibson,many more people can afford the epiphone than the Gibson,like me i have expensive taste i play Taylor and Martin guitars so anything less than that wouldn’t be up to my standards,my Martin DX-12 was at least $500 and my Taylor was $1200 so it would be hard for me to play anything under $500 and be happy 😆 so it’s not chris is fault

@freddysnip6257

4 жыл бұрын

@@michaelmetal71 I have a Martin D35 and an Epiphone EJ 200 CE, yes the Martin is better in sound and construction maybe, but the Epiphone is a pretty darn good guitar and does sound like a guitar with a higher price tag than expected. Call me grazy, but I had a Gibson J200 for a few weeks, but was dissapointed with the volume and projection while playing with others, the Martin does a great job however! But I love that Epiphone as much, and yes it does sound different from the Gibson, but I think it is not a lesser quality in sound, just different, and certainly not worth over 5 grand!

holy shit what a review!

Is it just me? I hardly noticed any difference at all in the sound of the Gibson and the Epiphone. What I did notice . . with MY years of playing and listening to others play, was the effort put in by the guy demonstrating them.

Chris did you have to be easier with the Epi so you wouldn't over drive/overplay it? Thanx Chris I appreciate your work.

Are you a professional musician that makes a living playing? invest in a Gibson. Are you an amateur player that enjoys playing at home or simply starting to play? invest in an Epiphone. Practice makes the sound as well as quality. Yes the Gibson is a higher quality guitar, but let's not put down the Epiphone. Many "cheap" guitars as quite good!

@franktrumble1529

4 жыл бұрын

Your comments are totally correct. Yes the Gibson is a fantastic guitar! But are you going to take it to parties? Are you going to take it outside and play it? Are you going to carry it around with you and your vehicle so you can play it anytime at will? Probably not, not if you're smart. And we have to remember that Epiphone is a Gibson company. I love the Gibson Hummingbird. If I were out to buy an investment guitar, that's what I would buy. I have an Epiphone hummingbird. No, it's not as good as a Gibson, but I like it just fine, it goes a lot of places with me. It has collected it's dings. The pickguard on the Epiphone is printed, the Gibby is engraved, hopefully I've used the right word there. And there are many more things I could point out. My Epi Hummer is my buddy. So, if you're a pro musician or looking for an investment, go get the Gibby, but for the real world, get the Epiphone. If it gets screwed up at a party or something, go to your local music store and get another one. Unless you got a whole lot more money than I do you wouldn't be able to do that with the Gibson. But please don't run down the Epiphone because it isn't supposed to be the same.

@mrpie501

4 жыл бұрын

If you're going to "invest" in one of these guitars then the Gibson would be sound choice.

@timpeachey9394

4 жыл бұрын

Noel Gallagher wrote an entire album on an ej200.

I like the epiphone from the point of view of being able to try out the jumbo without committing huge amounts of $ initially - after all if you decide you really like the style/sound etc then you can always save up and get the Gibson version later - if not then it's not 5 grand down the drain so as to speak. I've always played Dreadnaughts previously but I do like the Jumbo sound of the epi I've got and may go for the Gibson down the track.

@AlamoMusic

4 жыл бұрын

Well said!

Nice comparison and review. Obviously if money is no object buy the Gibson. Also, would be nice to know how old the Gibby is, what strings it has, and the set-up. Most people with a 5K musical instruction will spare no expense on those items. As for the Epi, it looks brand new, no set-up, and basic factory included strings. I'm pretty sure with some extra love, and years, the Epi will improve. Still, you get what you pay for and the value seems very good for the lower cost option.

I like this model and have checked in stores many of the epiphones. . . and they vary WIDELY in sound tone and output. I'd say only about 1 in 6 is really worth thinking about. So take your time and check them out in the store.

Yes my epiphone ej200 is better than gibson sj200, i just upgrade the stock nut&saddle into bone, stock pick up into LRbaggs, stock strings into Elixir, stock pins into taylor pins and its blown me away!

Siento que Epiphone está un poco más balanceada y que Gibson tiene más resonancia que Epiphone , Pero a la vez si no sabes tocar bien como el de vídeo , va a sonar algo mal. Ambas son buenas , recuerden que guitarra no hace guitarrista

I don't ever buy new guitars. That being said, the difference between those two guitars, beyond the fact that the construction, materials, workmanship, and tone are all vastly superior on the Gibson, after five or ten years the Gibson will be worth 2-3x the $2500-3000 you paid for a used J200, while the EJ200 will be worth maybe $300. That might not mean anything now, but it will when you've been playing for a while, and might want to pass it on to your kids. Keep telling yourself they're the same, though. Whatever floats your boat.

Trust me, you can really tell the difference AS SOON as you play the Gibson next to the epiphone. I'm very lucky and have owned a Gibson J45 for years and it is worth the $$$ to me because I get so much pleasure from it, however i never take it out of the house! When i need to take a guitar to a mates house or gig , i use an epiphone EJ200. Fantastic live playing guitar, especially for the price.

Chris My wife said this weekend she loes the sound of the sj-200. more . Even better than the martin thanks for making it possible. Lehmann

I feel the cutaway is a factor in the sound too.

I have a gibson hummingbird pro that I bought used from guitar center for $1700 and it sounds every bit as good as the j200. The secondary market for gibsons has alot of gems and you're usually paying 1/2 the price. That's a big reason why gibson is having the financial issues its having in my opinion. Why would you pay $2000 for a new guitar that you can get for $1000 and with exception of ding or scratch is in pretty good condition. Not to mention the neck is usually already broken in and the guitar is set up better than it was from the factory.

I have the Epiphone and have played both. Yes the Gibson feels nicer and sounds better with more bass and definition, and so it should given the price and materials. That said, the Epiphone, it a brilliant guitar for the money, honestly I don’t know how they make it so cheap. When I went to buy it, I intended to get an Epi all solid master built, the EJ200 played and sounded much better imo. Of course if money was no object I would go buy the Gibson, I would probably be too scared to take it out of the house though.

I bought an Epiphone EJ-200CE with the e-sonic2 pick up system. It has an nanomag pickup at the neck, and a Nanoflex pick up at the bridge. The sound range difference plugged in beats the Gibson pick up, hands down. I played both extensively before buying. The playability, and sound was negotiable. It was no where near worth a $4800 difference. I choose the Epiphone over the Gibson due to the electronics, and price. Of course the Gibson sounded better in this video! He sells guitars, his commission is larger on a $5000 guitar than a $500 dollar guitar. Did you notice how softly he played the Epiphone vs the Gibson? This dude is straight up full of it! Yeah the Gibson sounded better unplugged, but once plugged in, the versatility of the TWO pickups vs one smashed Gibson! Moral of the story, Gibson's prices have steadily gone up, while their quality has steadily gone done. I preferred the Epiphone over the Gibson. The Epiphone has a beautiful voice, and I love it! The Gibson has a beautiful voice as well. It just isn't good enough to justify the price. It comes with a case? I bought my Epiphone, a case, and two amps, you can plug into two amps at once. I also bought 3 addition sets of strings, a capo, and other stuff. I had enough left over to take the wife out for dinner, and a movie. That took her bitching about me buying another guitar down to a minimum! And I still had plenty of money left over! The question you must ask, are you buying a guitar, or a name?

I'm not sure this is a useful comparison for a guitar shopper. If you're looking for a sub-US$500 guitar, you are probably not also considering a US$5,000-plus guitar. I think it's already understood that the latter has a fuller and richer sound.

@bogart5131

5 жыл бұрын

bro dnt just depend on the acoustic sound..... also consider the electronic system, unless these guitar doesnt have elec system then just buy chip guitar like f310...... proven and tested with excellent sound acoustically or plug in.....

@computergeeeeeeek02

5 жыл бұрын

some people are just trying to figure out why there’s such a big price difference, they’re supposed to be similar yet $5000 different in price.

Chris - Compare a Seagull Entourage Mini-Jumbo against that Gibson & I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. My Seagull has a pressure tested Cedar top & Wild Cherry laminate back and sides. And it is perfect. Tusq nut and saddle. Frets are perfect. I did shave the saddle for lower action, but I do that to every acoustic I own, & I have Martin’s, Yamaha’s, Recording King. The Seagull cost me $400. Try it - you’ll like it. Made in North America too (Canada).

@dinkaboutit4228

5 жыл бұрын

You're Seagull also won't start disintegrating into its component parts the moment something touches it the way a modern day Gibson will.

@3cardmonty602

5 жыл бұрын

Dinka Boutit Love my Seagull - I think they’re the best buy for the money in an Acoustic right now. We are living in a period of very well made inexpensive guitars if you search hard enough.

The sound hole on the Epi is smaller in diameter, which effects the tone volume. Also you played the Gibson more aggressively. Not a fair comparison.

What type of mic is that? I am totally blanking I know I've seen them before just can't remember the brand or model :/

Comparing the two is crazy. The Epiphone is made differently. Different bracing thicker wood. I do own the EJ200 and it sounds great! Wanna give it a richer tone and get it sounding closer to a J200, play it with pure nickle strings.

I like the epi. Its snappier. And that cutaway is kinda cool. If I had more money than I knew what to do with would I get the Gibson? Sure.

As already stated he plays the Gibson like he loves it and doesn't want to play the epiphone but I can play guitar and yes I can hear the difference but do I hear a 5000 dollar difference he'll no that buys a lot of groceries and beer some steaks and more beer my next guitfiddle will be the epiphone ej200ce word up

Just a shout out for the Sales Engrs at Alamo. In particular Abundio. Guy will go to any lengths to assist you. He's great at his job Chris.

While I would disagree that the epi doesn't sound good, I think it sounds good for what you're paying. There is no comparison to the J. I had one and they are so playable and beautiful sounding. Cant wait till I can afford one again.

if you play in a pub, a pint spilled over the Epiphone hurts a lot less than a pint spilled over the Gibson

I have the epiphone that looks like the Gibson he's playing. It sounds really good for a laminate guitar. I use it for open tunings cuz i like the big bass sound it has

You just wanna discredit the epiphone guitar , I've seen other videos of the epiphone sj200 that sound better than this video , epiphone has nothing to compete with the Gibson guitars .. I've been to guitar center and play Gibson acoustic guitar and epiphone acoustic guitar , i didn't hear that much of a difference between them

I like the resonant guitars, too, only if I have the enough money. So, the all-solid guitar type take the priority over the jumbo style guitars; this is my decision making process; give up jumbo style and go for the all-solid draugnaght type guitar. Thank you Chris.