My first guitar was an Epiphone Les Paul. I put some Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Humbucker in it. When the guitar tech gave it back to me he said, "this sounds better than any Gibson in here. It just never stayed in tune lol
Gibson has always been about the way they are made. Always. Hand bound Standards are hundreds of $ more than a classic, despite the fact that they are 99% the same guitar. Epiphone in 2020+ is a vastly different company to what they were in 2000 or so. And I know this being a 2005 Epi Les Paul owner and a 2012 Gibson Les Paul. I just purchased an Epi Prophecy, and it BLOWS my Gibson out the water. Blows it!
Every player should have a guitar techy on tap. I have a great one. As sometimes if you are playing all the time, you don't have time to repair or set up your own guitars. They are worth having around...even if they are in the next suburb somewhere.
But, assuming it was the guitar's fault and not the strings you were using, that could probably be fixed with a set of better tuning machines. After you get new pups and tuning machines it could still be cheaper, plus you're not having to do that upfront; it's like a payment plan. :)
@@brunswicksquaremusic5905 To choose the High-End Epiphone over a Gibson Special, is not really choosing Epiphone over Gibson. If they could afford the Gibson that was the equivalent of a +$1000 Epiphone, they would buy the Gibson.
I work at Gibson. I thought your video was spot on. Not everyone needs a Gibson level guitar… Epiphone is made more consistent today than ever before. A historical fact that a lot of people forget is Epiphone was much more successful in the golden era (50’s and 60’s) than Gibson. The reason Gibson acquired Epiphone is because they were killing Gibson’s sales of L-4, Super 400’s, and yes… Les Pauls. They were leading the market in stand up bass and a huge threat to Fender and Gibson because of the Beatles.
In many cases. It is literally the same guitar. With Gibson you are paying for US labor, rent, and materials. With Epiphone you might be paying somewhere in Southeast Asia. It is literally just the cost of doing business. I might buy a Gibson just to pay an American worker. That is a value. Well... Maybe a PRS. But that's another story. A beginner who wants an Epi is getting a guitar with a longer tradition than Gibson. And it is today a Gibson guitar under a different mark.
@@KevinJDildonik nearly.. Gibson will use quality solid tone woods, Epiphone is laminated, Gibson hardware is better too. Epiphone manufacting is mostly automated whereas Gibsons are made by hand (they say). They may look the same but they are not. That said, there are plenty Epi's sounds as good as or better than Gibson. I swear by my Epiphone Sheraton II, I've been using Epihones for over 20yrs, was good enough for The Beatles and Oasis amongst others and those are the bands that got me playing!
@@MH-eh5qthmmm not sure I agree with the Epiphone having more automated processes. I have been to the Epiphone Gibson factory in Qingdao China and it is like a big wood shop with tonnes of human processes. But yes, the Epi does have lower cost components. At the end of the day though, both make excellent guitars for different segments of the market.
I own Gibson's, I own Epiphone's. I own Fender USA's, I own Fender MIM's. I play my Gibson's and Fender USA's, at home, or to record. I play my Epiphone's and Fender MIM's, when I play out locally. Why? 1. Most audiences can't tell the difference, tone wise. They came to drink, listen to music and dance. 2. Drunks and thieves are a disaster waiting to happen... it is not a question of "if", but rather... "when", because eventually one of those two things, will happen to your equipment. The same applies to my Amps and other equipment. Ask yourself, Do I want to replace a $500-$1000 piece of equipment, or a $2000-$5000 piece of equipment? Never play out with anything that you aren't prepared to lose.
All I can say is...... I had a very nice guitar collection. Nothing was an import. When it came time to retire, I sold enough of them to pay off my $25K mortgage ! Will you be able to say the same ? This is why I hate imports. They are a cancer to American Mfg's by lowering standards.
I bought an Epiphone Les Paul Standard Pro my Sophomore year in HS. I never felt self conscious about gigging it because it was my dream guitar in a more affordable format and played every bit as good as I would have liked it. The only time I felt hesitant to mention it was when I would talk to other guitar players who had a lot nicer set ups and were more talented than me. Almost a decade later, I have recently bought my first Gibson, but it was more for the sentimental value of finally buying a dream guitar rather than having anything lacking with my Epiphone Les Paul. I'm so thankful for the Epiphone option as it was the perfect guitar for where I was in life and what I could afford. I really don't see anything wrong with playing an Epiphone at any level as they are made so well and really have the characteristics of everything you may want in a guitar. Thought I'd share, I still have my Epiphone and I never plan on selling it.
Well said my brother also neck meets cutaway at a different place than 335'', says 335 custom shop pro owner (blueberry burst with coil splitters to chase the single coil sound down. Did I mention blueberry burst instead of everyday red.❤❤❤
@@drile00l80not the casino. The 335 and 339 are semi-hollow having the solid strip in the center for the pickups etc.etc. Not the Casino that model has no solid center block.
Great episode man. I’m in my 40’s. My Time Machine trip would be to go back in time and play the Squire strat my mom bought me when I was 13 that I played everyday, at every band “gig” my friends and I had until I was 19 and bought a USA fender strat and put the squire under my bed. Flash forward, mid 30s my mom died and helping my dad clean out the house I found the squire in my old closet. I took it home and played that guitar every day until my apartment got broken into and it got stolen. It’s not the brand, it’s the time of life that guitar was there for you.
So true. Guitars and other sentimental objects bring back memories if you make memories with them. Otherwise it’s just another thing. Enjoy what you have for what you have done with them. And if you can afford to buy something new that you’ve always wanted, then do so. But that shiny new thing won’t have value to you if you don’t use it to make new memories for you and you audience.
I'm 78 as of the 11th of Feb. In the '60s I played a USA made Sheraton and it was the equal of any American made Gibson or Guild back then....or today.
Same with me, I had an Epiphone lp when I was 15 (in d 90's) been playing with it almost everyday for hours. I will never sell it as I have all my memories on it
Buy the guitar you want and can afford. Don’t let anyone else convince you otherwise. Everyone is on their own journey and shouldn’t feel bad buying a cheaper or more expensive guitar. Be honest with yourself and you’ll save time and money in the long run.
Wrong it's because epiphone was restored back to high end guitars in 2020 and now no one wants Gibson anymore and sales are proving that it's become full circle when epiphone stomped Gibson into the dirt in the good o'l days now in 2024 epiphone is once again stomping Gibson into the dirt so Gibson fanboy get out of your fantasy world and into reality you GIBSON fanboys should have already known this was going to happen to Gibson once JC Curliegh Restored Epiphone back to where they should have always been in 2019/2020
@@ricardoortiz1746 Yep - and this is one of the reasons why Gibson is dying. They've become the Harley Davidson of Guitars: overly-expensive relics for cashed up, nostalgic Boomers. I say this as a Gibby owner and lover.
The Epiphone name has always been legendary to me. Growing up my dad's preferred guitar was his prized 1975 Epiphone Texan, the model Paul used to write and perform Yesterday. Because of this I always associate the Epiphone logo with guitars and my dad. My first guitar was in fact an Epiphone Dot! I got it for my 16th birthday back in 1997 (in the tobacco sunburst finish) and picked it out with my dad. It's body just called out to me and I still play it regularly to this day. I regret not putting the Gary Clark Epiphone Black and Blue 335 or the John Bonamassa "Amos" Epiphone Flying V on a credit card while they were available. Epiphone quality control has been consistently better than their more expensive brethren as well.
I've been playing guitar since I started checking out my older brother's Gibson ES125 when i was about 12. When I was in my twenties I worked at a music store and bought a 1967 Gibson ES330 Cherry red. It's sitting right beside me. My newest guitar is an Epiphone SG, also red. Love them both. The shorter scale length works with my small hands. I find with Strat style guitars that extra 3/4" makes a huge difference. I'm 69 now and still playing guitar regularly.
- There is a Gibson like that, it is the Gibson 330. - The Casino and 330 are fully hollowed, the 335, 345 and 355 are semi-hollowed. - Back to the future had a 345. I went to a store downtown, I wanted to try some PRS SEs. I have always been a Strat/SG guy. I liked the McCarty 594 but I did not like the rest of them. There was this Epi on the wall and I loved it. It sounded and felt great, not only "great for the money", actually a great guitar that you can practice, rehearse, record and go on stage with no worries.
I'm a HUGE advocate for mid range guitars! A lot of musicians fail to realize that "expensive doesn't always mean better" especially when you're only a couple of years into your musical journey. LTDs have been my favorites for the past 15 years, yeah they can get up in price but their 4-700 dollar price range has some AMAZING guitars and basses! Not only that but mods are also a fun way to get more out of your instrument and see how it actually works if you're willing to put in the time and effort to do them correctly.
You made me think back to my first days of play guitar. My first guitar was a knock off Strat from a department store, it sounded like garbage, but I played it, eventually traded it in for a Cort "Strat". Over the years, I always wanted a "Real" Fender, definalyt a real Gibson Les Paul. I turned my nose up at the Epiphone Les Paul back in the day. When I got the chance, I acutally bought a Gibson Les Paul Studio, got it for $1000, I thought I was a big deal for sure. Months later, life happens, money gets tight, and I end up having to sell my guitar. I love it, soley on the fact that it was a Gibson...I also had acquired a Gibson SG and a 30th Anniversay USA Strat...anyway, I found myself without a guitar for a while, and one day I ended up in a Guitar Center, and talking to the guy as I was looking a the Gibsons, he says "Try this" and hands me a Epiphone Les Paul Custom. He says "If you liked your Gibson Studio, you'll love this." So, I tried it, and I loved it. The GC Guy was like "A high end Epiphone is much better than a low end Gibson", and he wasn't wrong. I have since sold that Silverburst Epiphone Les Paul, and now have a Limited Edition Lemon Burst one, it's better than the Custom I had, and now I'm on my way to pick up a Limted Edition Epiphone ES-335, which is almost exactly the same as the new Dave Grohl DG-335, it just doen't have the Gibson Pickups, and at $700 is less than the DG, and far less than the Gibson. So, yes I would chose a high end Epiphone over a low end Gibson, everyday.
I’m 75 years old so I’ve been playing guitar for over 65 years; my buddy, who’s same age and I liked strats in the early 60’s because we had Hank Marvin (as our idol) who played strat in the Shadows and did a fantastic job of creating the British counterpart to the first American wave of guitar instrumentals. Because they were more affordable my first electric was a solid body Hofner Colorama with two humbuckers and controls identical to the violin bass of McCartney fame. But my buddy bought a USA built Epiphone Casino which was well suited to the blues he played in the pubs etc and became a favourite of mine at that time. Because of this video I think the import budget conscious Casino would be a no compromise choice. Nice video thanks.
My first electric bass was an Epiphone hollow body. I was playing jazz with an upright bass and my mentor ( my high school music director) let me play around with his and I fell in love with it. I have an Epi Les Paul and I love it.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure one of the only budget friendly Les Pauls that featured a Floyd Rose was the Epiphone Alex Lifeson signature from a couple years back. That guitar was hailed as one of the best Epiphones out there, due to all features on it, including a piezo, a neck cutaway to provide better fret access, and of course a Floyd Rose. Given that the guitar was under $800, that was one of best bang for your buck Epiphones on the market.
The Beatles' Casinos were made in Kalamazoo, the old Gibson factory, but you're right - there is no Gibson Casino, only the equivalent hollowbody 330. When it comes to the name on the headstock, I'm afraid I have to plead guilty when it comes to single coils: I always buy Fender, never Squier. But in the case of humbuckers, I own an Epiphone Les Paul that I have heavily modded, and, weirdly, I am not interested in ever upgrading to a Gibson. I also own a Casino, and because it resonates so well unplugged, I pick it up more than any of my other guitars. Hope you enjoy yours.
it's a weird example in the video. choosing between a 335 clone or an MIM Strat based on headstock label doesn't make any sense. Neither one are a particularly special or good instrument. You could tweak them sure. Pick that one that feels better in your hand. Honestly the US Strats generally aren't that special until you get up to the performer level. If the hollowbody Casino clone feels and sounds better for what you are playing, sell the Corona strat.
I bought a 2010 Squier Tele CV series new because it was so nice to play and the quality is superb and cost me $350 CDN. I had a Fender Tele in the 70's and sold it but always regretted it but this CV is great and I added a fishman piezo and now this guitar is a great gigging instrument. No complaints from me for Squier....
They key observation or salient point ..... you own an Epiphone and prefer it.....after you have "heavily modded" it meaning you've invested time, money and inconvenience to get the instrument into the shape and condition where it can sound well and play smoothly. I can't understand how Jackie Venson uses Epiphone except she may get some kind of a kickback or royalty from the company. It doesn't make sense.
The way I feel is the same way I feel about Harley Davidson. Yeah there’s guys putting miles on new bikes and using them daily, but the main buyers are white collar guys like doctors and lawyers. The working man can’t afford nice new models or old vintage models. Epiphone fills that need with quality instruments at reasonable prices(for now but they’re climbing). I have a Casino Coupe and I love it. I play it every day. ES-390s I’m sure are nice but I don’t have the money for one or the need for one since the Epi sounds and feels amazing to me.
This actually offends me 😂. I love Gibson and epiphones and own many of both. I also own a BMW Gs and a Yamaha. Harley is and always has been the very definition of American Trash. Harley is something only an idiot buys but again I love my Gibsons.
@@blakeusry124 Classic Americana lol I have a 99 sportster that’s taken me across the state many times and across the country. The thing sucks and keeps breaking down but I love it
@@jaysonguzman8009 , buy a better bike guy. 🤣 I’m 54 and been riding since I was 10 years old. I’ve never seen or rode a Harley that was comfortable, fun and didn’t break. My favorite memory is picking up a Harley guy on my 81 Yamaha enduro 125 at 14 years old on the side of the highway after he tried to race me and blew a rod. They’ve always been expensive Junk. I’ll never understand it and I’ve owned dozens of motorcycles. My father told me at 14 years old to never ride with a Harley guy because you’ll have them riding “bitch” and taking them home.
Most people do not realize that Epiphone was not always Gibson's budget brand. The company was founded by Anastasios Stathopoulos, a Greek immigrant from the Ottoman Empire (now Turkey). He had made fiddles and lutes since 1873 and emigrated to New York in 1903, where he continued to make traditional instruments, including mandolins. After his death in 1915 his son Epaminondas took over, named the company "The House of Stathopoulo" and later changed it to "The Epiphone Banjo Company" when the company began making banjos after the First World War, combining his nickname "Epi" with "phone" from the Greek word for "sound". In the late 20s, when archtop guitars were becoming popular, Epiphone introduced their Recording series of guitars and then the Masterbilt line, which competed head-to-head with Gibson in the 30s and 40s. Unfortunately, Epi died in 1943, leaving his less capable brothers in charge of the company. THey were unable to keep up with changing tastes, quality suffered, the company fell into hard times, and in 1957 Gibson expressed interest in Epiphone's line of upright basses and were offered the entire company instead, including the remaining stock of guitars and guitar parts. Gibson sold off this inventory, assembling the parts into guitars. After this they began producing budget models of Gibson guitars under the Epiphone name, and that's how we got to where we are today. I have a 1946 Epiphone Triumph which beats the socks off of any Gibson L-7 I have ever played.
Back in 2001, I bought an Epiphone "335" that was made in Korea (by Samick I believe). This model was above the Epiphone "DOT" as it had gold hardware and 490T pickups.The salesman at Guitar Center told me it was just as good as the Gibson ES 335,and it has the Gibson logo on the truss rod cover. I swapped out the neck pickup for the Gibson "Wes Montgomery" Custom 57 pickup which cost half as much as the guitar! I still have it and you can hear it on all of my songs on my UA-cam channel. I've played the $4000 ES 335 and I can't tell the difference in sound or feel.
I’m a huge Beatles guy, but aside from that I genuinely love my Casino, and find that it’s “that guitar” I just keep coming back to no matter what else I play
My first guitar ever was a 1998 Epiphone Les Paul Custom, and I still love it. Do I love it more than my Gibsons, Fenders, or PRS’s? No. But it is filled with nostalgia and fun to play, and still sounds fantastic. So I will always be one of my favorites.
Agree. I had a 97 Epi LP Custom in Tobacco burst that was one of the best playing guitars ever. I could never find a Gibson LP I liked that played as nice. I finally did however, and at a bargain price used. Then, and only then, did I get rid of the Epi. And, I really had a hard time letting it go. Those older Korean Epis are sweet and I would definitely take one of the MIJ ones in a heartbeat!
I have the Epiphone Wilshire Phantom-O-Matic that is my go to and prized guitar. It’s Frank Iero of MCR’s signature model. It has a varitone switch, I swapped the pickups from the stock to a 59/JB combo. It rips. Everyone who plays it immediately falls in love with the tone, the weight, the feel. They don’t make it anymore and I will always hold on to it for dear life
I was loaned, then inherited, a 1969 ES-330TD from my grandmother. If something happened to it I would spend my all my guitar purchase energy on finding another. When I go into music stores I'll play the thin line archtops if they have one and I still haven't found a non-Gibson that plays like mine. Mike was 100% correct; as a fully hollow it has feedback problems. Fortunately, my music is the Joe Pass/Tal Farlow sound so I don't need to crank it up.
I occasionally still gig with my first ever guitar, a 96' epi les paul made in korea, still plays fantastic. I may need to add a casino to the collection now.
My favorite guitar of all of the guitars I own is a Epiphone Les Paul custom from 96. It is perfect. I don’t own any real expensive guitars so I wouldn’t be able to compare them that way but this Epiphone is a great guitar
Your friend said it all. It's the whole enchilada. No one should have a crappy guitar but everyone should have a decent guitar that's set-up well. A $4000 guitar won't make me sound better but a good guitarist can still sound great on a budget brand. Can we stop giving backhanded compliments to the budget brands? It's the player that makes the difference. And no one is doing side by side comparisons while you are entertaining yourself and or others.
I spent a while thinking whether I could hang an Epiphone around my neck because I seriously desired the Billy Jo Armstrong LP Junior. In the end the heart won and I bought the bright white Junior and boy am I glad I did. Out of the box is was almost perfect and I find myself going straight to it for most rehearsals. It plays and sounds awesome so I’m no longer a badge snob and I will consider all guitars on merit and not the name on the headstock.
I have a Casino (natural finish) and I love it! I slapped a Bigsby and a set of light D'Addario flatwounds on it just for the hell of it. It's currently got a few problems -- the truss rod won't adjust properly and one of the volume pots is stuck at full volume -- but when you put P90s in a hollow body guitar you get something unique, tone-wise. Clean or dirty, it sounds fantastic, and when you really crank up the dirt, the hollow body gives it something extra that you don't get out of a solid body guitar. Good choice!
Casino Question. Is the unfinished Worn Casino neck the same size and shape as the one with the gloss finish? I like the neck shape of the gloss finish neck, but haven't played the unfinished version. If I could return to the past and change something about gear, I would tell myself about pedals and that overdriving a Fender Vibro Champ is not breaking it. I would have kept my little amp and enjoyed playing it with effects pedals. I didn't know they existed to make rock sounds on little amps. I just thought that I didn't have a good enough amp to make great lead sounds. The first electric guitar that I bought was a Stratocaster. GREAT decision. Then I bought a gigantic Peavey amp and a 4 12 cabinet. I loved it, but only performed with it a few times. A single powerful 1 12 would have done the job. Life would have been easier with a 1 12.
i started out with the epiphone les paul special ii back in 2013 (now the E-1 special ii). after going thru a few s and t-types throughout the years and retiring the les paul, i came back full circle and got the sg special with p-90s in pelham blue. far too many sleep on epiphone because of the brand and recent QC mishaps, but i'd say that the epiphone of now is so much better than what i had 11 years ago.
Don't know anything about Epiphones but I love your channel. You are one of the most thoughtful and articulate guitar reviewers on UA-cam. I love how you address all the nagging gear questions and biases that so many of us have struggled with. Thank you and please keep up the great work.
I played a Dot in a band and I WAY preferred it over the band´s Fender Strat. My son in law came to visit a few years ago and decided he needed an electric guitar to play while staying so we went downtown and bought an Epiphone Casinao. When he went home he left it with me. (He´s that kind of a guy) It rocks!
The casino is a hollowbody which means no center block. A semi-hollowbody has a solid center block in it to address feedback issues that high powered amps would have with hollowbody guitars. In other words, an es-335 is a semi hollowbody guitar with humbucker pickups traditionally while a casino is a hollowbody and traditionally with P-90 style single coil pickups. Personally I love the sound and weight of a casino. It is a great sounding guitar for blues music with a clean sound and reverb. If you give it a slight crunch then be aware you’re going to get feedback.
Was waiting for someone to mention this. I have a ‘92 Epi Joe Pass Emperor II (MIK) and love it. It is also a hollowbody. And it has one fantastic neck profile and great ‘57 PAFs (well, the Epi version). Fit and finish perfect. A comparable vintage Gibson L-175 in similar condition would be over $10K, this was well under $1K on Reverb.
I used to have a 1953 Gibson, Les Paul Custom. Nothing has compared to that guitar. I later bought a brand new 2006 Gibson Les Paul special and it played really nice. I've owned a 1974 Gibson SG and a 1983 Fender American Stratocaster. All of my American guitars have been better than all the China, Korean and Japanese guitars that I've owned. But I'm not some logo snob as I've played some really kickass Epiphone's, Squire's and LTD's. When it comes to tone woods, that only applies to acoustic instruments because the pickups are the heart of any guitar. If someone has a great fretboard, nut, bridge saddles and good tuners with proper action and perfect intonation it's going to play like butter. It doesn't matter who originally made it. But knock off guitars usually require some added money to get them perfect. But today the best USA guitars are the older ones. So if you're wanting a Gibson or an American Fender buy something older than 2009. That's my opinion. But if you're going to buy an Epiphone do your homework as a lot of the fretboard woods are truly shit these days. Rosewood fretboard Epiphones will run almost as high as a quality used Gibson.
Same I've drawn the line at 2008 Gibson recently (Gibson High end custom shop way pricy but current xlnt) got a Holt LTD stoopid quality vs my Customshop ESP wonderful go2 takes due diligence but worth it👍 Add I've a PRS custom24 SE FR korean faultless butter like ESP LTD go figure 😄
@@lfader My best friend has a LTD strat with a Floyd Rose. He burred it in closet under the stairs in his basement for 6 or seven years under a bunch of stuff. He pulled it out a few weeks ago and the strings were rusty as all get out, but the damn thing was still in tune after all those years of siting in his basement. Jumbo frets and not a single fret buzz. not to mention the unbelievable low action that it has. He bought it used with a 212 Crate Amp for $150.00 about 10 years ago. Lucky ass. hahaha
@@thebluesrockers Honestly not surprised. I keep my place open and I'm a stone's throw from the ocean so tuning can be an issue on my Gibsons not as much on my Floyd's that are locked down but the LTD I keep out of the case always it's a go to and I don't even fine tune it once a month maybe that the XJ frets are so cool splitting harmonics is an ease and actually you get spoiled jumping XJ's The bang for your buck on LTD ESP and PRS SE is unbelievable 🙏🙏🙏 Have to have my Gibsons && Jackson & charvel's but the build quality Ltd macassar Ebony fretboard binding it's Not even a headstock hang up because they don't change the ergo on the headstock if you got a logo problem well I'm sorry I'll keep my thousands they can have the logo 🤣👍
@@lfader My 53 Les Paul Custom was probably one of the first 500 ever made. I never needed to adjust my truss rod in the five years that I owned it. I played gigs out doors in the fall when it was around 50 F. The body and wiring was original but the tuners were the old school Grovers that were engraved with the Grover name. Not raised lettering like they've been making for the last 35 years. The pickups, and bridge were Schaller. Brass bridge saddles. The wiring was original cloth covered and had the original bumblebee caps. Ebony fretboard was heads and tails above the quality they've been making for the past 50 years. I was so stupid back then. I sold it for beer and weed money. I had no idea how much better the Kalamazoo MI made guitars were compared to the TN factory. But the best guitar I've felt since then has been my friends LTD. hahaha A guitar snob I am not, I am a quality lover though and that LTD is a mind blowing player. Peace.. Joe
I just realized that I've had an experience like yours with the Gibson ES-335. I had a friend at a music store who showed off his recently acquired PRS. This was over 30 years ago, so I've forgotten the model -- but he let me borrow it. It played better than I had thought possible, which was wondrous at the time. Now I realize that much of what I experienced was the exhilaration of playing a guitar with a good setup! Back then, a good setup was hard enough even to know about that I had never had one. I loved playing so much that I just soldiered on. Nowadays, I'm a halfway decent guitar tech who can do his own setups, complete with fret jobs, and have several well-adjusted guitars. Do any play as well as that old PRS? I'm not sure that's a worthy goal any more, because my memory is old enough to be suspect now, and if I'm enjoying the guitar RIGHT NOW, that old axe doesn't matter! Now obviously, your situation was far different from mine, and maybe you HAD had experience with well set up guitars before playing that 335 -- but think back, because maybe a difference in setup played a key role in your experience, as I'm now sure it did in my own.
For most gigs, which are usually crowded party bars, I always take my Epiphones or other budget guitars. Who wants their expensive high end guitar damaged or ripped off? I did upgrade my Epi LP's with high end Gibson pickups, as well as had the frets polished and had a professional setup done, including the nut slots checked and cut if needed, which they usually need coming right from the factory. They sound close enough to a high end Gibson LP that no one in a club would notice the slight differences.
I'm 68, learning to play late after yearning to play forever. I mostly play acoustic, but a few years ago, I stumbled on to an Epiphone Special-II for $45. I snapped it up, and learned about electric setup and played it a lot. Last year, I added a $450 cherry red Epiphone ES-339 to my electric arsenal. I'm happy to have both of them, and doubt I'd happier to have spent 10 times as much on 2 Gibsons. 😊
Hi I'm 67 and my dad got me a Gibson ES125t as my first guitar in 1969 and I've been playing off and on all this time. Now I also have a Epi LP Custom and a Epi A style mandolin and a Yamaha 6 string acoustic. I love 'em all. Sounds like you are already hooked. Rock on !
Here's the specs on the 2021 epiphone modern figured Sg that's been recently discontinued and on sale what's left....very high end build Electronics hardware all high end and once they are gone they will go way up in value on the used market....The SG Modern Figured from Epiphone's Inspired by Gibson™ Collection has the classic SG™ body profile made from mahogany and a maple cap with an AAA-figured maple veneer. Powered by a pair of Epiphone's ProBucker™ humbucker™ pickups with coil-splitting, phase switching, and a treble bleed circuit for a multitude of tones. It also features an ebony fingerboard, asymmetrical SlimTaper™ neck profile with contoured heel, world-class Grover® Locking Rotomatic® 18:1 ratio tuners, and a Graph Tech NuBone™ nut.Body Style SG Body Shape SG Body Material Mahogany Top 3/4" Maple with AAA Flame Maple Veneer Body Finish GlossProfile Asymmetrical Slim Taper Scale Length 628.65 mm / 24.75 in Fingerboard Material Ebony Fingerboard Radius 304.8 mm / 12 in Fret Count 24 Frets Medium Jumbo Nut Material Graph Tech® Nut Width 43.0 mm / 1.692 in Inlays Trapezoid Joint Glued in, Set NeckFinish Nickel Bridge LockTone Tune-O-Matic Tailpiece LockTone Stop Bar Tuning Machines Grover locking Rotomatic; 18:1 Truss Rod Adjustable Control Knobs Clear Top Hats with Ridge Switch Tip Black Strap Buttons 2 - bottom and shoulder Pickup Covers NickelNeck Pickup ProBucker 2™ humbucker w/coil-splitting Bridge Pickup ProBucker-3™ humbucker w/coil-splitting Controls 2 Volume (2 Push/Pull coil-splits); 2 Tone (1 Push/Pull Phase) Pickup Selector 3-way Epiphone toggle Output Jack Epiphone Heavy Duty 1/4"
Epiphone all day long over Gibson no Les Paul and Epiphone Gibson wouldn't have the Les Paul solid body guitar today JC Curliegh Restored Epiphone back to where they should have always been in 2019 and that was the beginning of Gibson downfall no one wants Gibson anymore they want the legendary Epiphone Gibson boys need to get over it its not going to ever change..
My first real (ie not a cheap walmart guitar) was a cherry red Epiphone SG. As someone that grew up playing Guitar Hero 2 on a red SG controller and who's favorite guitarist was Tony Iommi who uses a SG, it was easily one of the best birthday gifts I ever got. Still have that thing too.
It's worth noting the Epiphones played by The Beatles were US made guitars, not Chinese replicas. To your larger point however... I would be happy to own any model in the Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop" range. They seem like really high quality instruments.
Branding is ultimately overrated in this golden age of cheap guitars unless you are concerned with resale value, collector's value, or how you will be perceived when playing live or just as relevant, money is of no concern. There's no shortage of Squires and Epiphones that for significantly less or equal cost, you can get a much better instrument if you know which "brand-x" guitars to buy. I have at least 30 guitars ATM and only 5 or 6 are name brand, but I also have a background in engineering and numerous technical trades, *so $70 or $700, I'm going to extensively hack and modify everything.* I play at a globally elite level, *so nobody gives a shit what I'm playing lol.*
I had a regular Casino, I preferred the Worn, same.color too. My daughter has the Worn. The Regular Casino sounds a little better than the USA model. It is also more vintage accurate too. The USA model is so unnecessary. Adjusting the pole pieces on the Casino Worn will make a massive difference and transform it into something special.
6:11 I’m guilty of this. My dream guitar is the Epiphone Riviera Noel Gallagher played at the height of Oasis’ popularity. 25 years later, I went on a hunt and got one after about a year. A 1983, MIJ, not the re-issue. And those are nice, too. But yes, I feel looks do matter.
When I was first getting into playing guitar back in high school my friend had an Epiphone Les Paul Special II and that was such a cool guitar for me at the time, I recently got an Epiphone Les Paul Studio almost 15 years later, rekindled that vibe with even more controls. Love it
The epiphone Quindoa facility is completely American owned and operated Scott Lewis is the facility manager along with American and Asian luthiers at the facility..so this Chinese made crap doesn't apply with Epiphone
@@Leychen if you can find a good price on a used one SOME of them are AMAZING guitars. i bought mine for $2200 a few years ago, 2015 limited run Traditional with '59 reissue pickups, AA Flame top in a gorgeous ocean blue with the cream binding, 8.3 lbs with no weight relief. its a freaking ringer, loudest guitar ive ever owned unplugged. BUT i knew the guy personally that was selling it and got an incredible deal. thats pretty rare now, and ive played ALOT of expensive gibsons that werent very good guitars and were super heavy and sounded dead. it really is just luck of the draw with the gibson QC. i would NEVER buy a new gibson. too expensive
Epiphone ruled over Gibson in the 1930's..40's..50:s..60's into the early 70's that's when Norlin ruined epiphone and deliberately..well in 2019 JC Curliegh put a end to that and restored Epiphone back to where they should have always been epiphone was never ever meant to be a budget brand in the first place and they weren't until Norlin ruined them when they took over Gibson..now the glory days of epiphone is back and once again smacking Gibson around just like they did in the good o'l days..and it's wonderful Gibson in reality could never match to epiphone history and its history with les Paul himself Les Paul and Epiphone are the sole reason why the Gibson solid body les Paul guitar even exist today..thats a historical fact so when you play a epiphone les Paul your really playing the real deal and the brand where it all began thats also a historical fact..so Gibson boys all you're lying about epiphone isn't working your bs ended with the Gibson lawsuit miserable failures..THE END
I love your video, especially you playing your old Epiphone . Congrats on your Casino purchase. The guitarist in our band plays an Epiphone like the one you sold, but black. I played a 1982 Fender USA Precision Elite for many years, but a friend offered to sell me his MusicMan Ball Family Reserve, probably worth $2,500 today, a limited-edition semi custom. After playing the MusicMan, I realized how truck-like the chunky heavy P bass is, and the Ball Family Reserve is like a sports car, so the MusicMan has been my baby and my playing improved substantially. Intrigued by the five string bass and having some spare cash, I ordered a Squier Affinity Jazz Bass V off Amazon, sunburst, $299.95, just $20 more than the four string at $279.95. I figured if playing a V was not to my taste I did not break the bank. The bass is gorgeous with flawless finish, but fret edges were sharp and the cheap ceramic pickups were less than desired. My friend, Luthier/Tech Bryce Pettijohn took the bass and smoothed the fret edges and set up the bass. I installed Wilkinson Alnico V pickups, Ernie Ball Super Slinkys, a Switchcraft jack, copper-taped the cavities, and replaced the black pick guard with a tortoise-shell one, less than $10 from Ebay. I love playing the five string after the learning curve, so the initial idea was to upgrade to a Fender MIM Player Jazz V, Sire Marcus Miller, or Sadowsky Metro Express, but after playing the MIM Jazz Bass, my Affinity plays just as well and sounds amazing. I put aside my brand snobbery and will let my playing define me, not what instrument I choose. I use the Squier about 80 percent of the time as the V is so much fun to play.
I've been playing for years. I went to college/university for modern music - guitar performance. I have played lots of guitars. I bought a Gibson Les Paul. I use heavy strings .12-.60 in Eflat @ A432hz. The neck felt like it was going to break. It is no longer with me. Currently, I use Epiphone, Ibanez, fender, Taylor, and squire. The best guitar I have is the one I made. Seriously, the best thing is learn to make everything for me. I found that (even though I'm not finished with it yet) is the neck through with a 5 piece neck through with your choice of timber for the body. When I flick the guitar it vibrates throught the guitar. I learned this trick from a guy that was making acoustic guitars that were nearing 5 figures. He said he could always figure out which guitars was going to sound the best when you would flick it and the entire guitar would resonate.
Shit I play a first act I got at a pawn shop for $25. I’ve done a lot of work to it. It plays pretty nice. Well it did anyway. I recently hacked it all up and slapped a Floyd rose in it. Haven’t got it dialed in quite yet. Point is, expensive doesn’t mean good. Cheap doesn’t mean bad.
I have an old US made Epiphone Casino that a friend of mine gave me. It’s a true hollow body. So, you can never really play it in a small room with an amp. Another friend of mine who is professional musician took it to his luthier to have it worked over for me. He had to take his Les Paul in as well. When they were both ready he played it at his shop and called me and asked if he could borrow it for a recording session. He has used it 3 more times since then. I go with the nickel wound D’addario EXL110-3d or he wound third ones. I have a guild starfire that has a nice sound and a telecaster. But, I really barely ever play them. I have played a 335 and thought about buying one… But, I took my casino in and played it side by side and just couldn’t justify spending the money on it. Also, Gabe is a freaking legend! Good dude and his videos are awesome! He nails Jerry tones better than just about anyone out there.
I'm a just "unboxed" beginner, so take this for what it is worth. But that is a smoking hot guitar. I love it. Incredible finish and color... at least to me. Thanks for sharing. Really, Really cool. 👴 I know you will chuckle but I am considering a Jim Dandy. There ya go!
Here's the specs on a 2021 Epiphone custom koa Les Paul with a real koa top..its been recently discontinued...its all high end premium electronics hardware and build....Les Paul Custom Bound All-Mahogany Body w/ Koa Top 24.75" Scale Rolled Mahogany Neck w/ Ebony Fretboard & Pearloid Inlays Dual ProBucker Humbucker Pickups Era-Appropriate Wiring & CTS Potentiometers Fixed Bridge, Graph Tech NuBone Nut '60s Style Kalamazoo Headstock & Grover Rotomatic 18:1 TunersThe new Epiphone Koa-topped mahogany body Les Paul Custom is part of Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Collection and honors the 1950s classic designed by Mr. Les Paul himself in 1954 as the “tuxedo” version of his groundbreaking solid body masterpiece! Featuring the traditional Custom bound all-mahogany body, 60s SlimTaper™ neck profile, ebony fingerboard with block inlays, gold Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece, a pair of critically acclaimed Epiphone ProBucker™ humbuckers, and Custom split-diamond inlay on the headstock. This Epiphone Inspired by Gibson model also has the 60s style Kalamazoo headstock, rolled neck for a comfortable feel, Graph Tech® NuBone® nut, era-appropriate wiring, and CTS® pots.BODY Body Type: Solidbody Body Shape: Les Paul Custom Body Material: Mahogany Top Material: Koa Body Finish: Gloss Color: Natural NECK Neck Material: Mahogany Neck Shape: Slim Taper Neck Joint: Set Neck Radius: 12" Fingerboard Material: Ebony Fingerboard Inlay: Pearloid Blocks Number of Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo Scale Length: 24.75" Nut Width: 1.693" Nut Material: Graph Tech NuBone HARDWARE Bridge/Tailpiece: Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece Tuners: Kidney-style Tuners ELECTRONICS Neck Pickup: Pro Bucker 2 Humbucker Bridge Pickup: Pro Bucker 3 Humbucker Controls: 2 x volume, 2 x tone Switching: 3-way toggle pickup switch
I prefer Epiphone over Gibson any day, all day. The Gibson price and headstock angle really creep me out. And I love getting great tones out of an inexpensive guitar and make other players wonder "Why the heck did I spend so much extra money on a Fendson Gibber when I could have gotten 2 or 3 Epiphones with different pickup options and an amp." Yet another great video Mike !!!
Hmm, trying speaking to some luthiers about that “creepy” headstock angle, you might be surprised! It’s not there for looks or style, it actually does have an effect!
@@MattMorgans Yes, but, it's a visual thing that I have no desire to get past. And it would be just my luck to break that unsightly headstock. So I would have no desire to play it. Besides, that would be a guitar that would be available for someone would actually like it and play it rather than being stashed away never to be played.
This coming from the guy who said he was done with Les Pauls because he didn't like his Tribute? The equivalent of calling a Challenger slow because you bought a 6 cylinder model...
I have multiple Gibson guitars, acoustic and electric. Some are vintage, some I purchased new. That to say… a masterbilt Epiphone Frontier has become my number 1 acoustic… the past year and a half it has continued to impress me. I used to really worry about the name on the headstock, but as I’ve gotten older I guess I have wised up haha Sound, Feel and Playability are what I am worried about
I was in the same boat about 6 months ago, dreaming of a Metallic Cherry Red Gibson ES355 and looking for a budget version as a starting point. Long story short a friend of a friend offered me a second hand Epiphone Dot dirt cheap so I grabbed it thinking it would do for the time being Since actually picking it up I've totally fallen in love with it, the tone & the pitch is beautiful and I can't see myself ever wanting or needing to replace it. Ngl I do find the Strat a bit more comfortable for rhythm sections and thrashing, but the Epiphone Dot is my daily go to for melody and solo practice
Ive owned epiphones and ive owned gibson (singular). And if theyre both set up correctly the difference is minimal. But the head stock is so much better on the gibson 😂.
My go to is a sheraton ii love the headstock. On the casino they cut out and make the middle of the head stock seem too thin and less pleasing to the eyes
Specs of the 2021 epiphone custom koa Les Paul..as you see very high end unfortunately this model has been recently discontinued and on sale what's left of them..... It's so easy to research it's called a computer.....A Les Paul Custom With a Koa Top Epiphone presents the Les Paul™ Custom in Koa. Featuring a mahogany neck with a SlimTaper™ profile, a mahogany body, ebony fretboard, a gorgeous natural koa top, and critically acclaimed ProBucker™ humbucker™ pickups, along with Les Paul Custom style gold hardware, Grover® Rotomatic® 18:1 tuners, CTS® potentiometers, a fully bound body, neck, and headstock, Graph Tech® nut, and pearloid inlaysBODY NECK HARDWARE ELECTRONICS MISCELLANEOUS Body Style Les Paul Body Shape Les Paul Body Material Mahogany Top Koa Binding Multi-ply Top and Back Body Finish GlossProfile Slim Taper Scale Length 628.65 mm / 24.75 in Fingerboard Material Ebony Fingerboard Radius 304.8 mm / 12 in Fret Count 22 Frets Medium Jumbo Nut Material Graph Tech Nut Width 43.0 mm / 1.692 in Inlays Custom Blocks Joint Glued in, Set NeckNeck Pickup ProBucker 2 Bridge Pickup ProBucker 3 Controls 2 Volume, 2 Tone, CTS Potentiometers Pickup Selector 3-way Toggle Output Jack 1/4"Finish Gold Bridge Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic Tailpiece Epiphone LockTone Stop Bar Tuning Machines Grover Rotomatic 18:1 Pickguard 5-Ply, Black Truss Rod 2-way Adjustable Truss Rod Cover 2-ply "Les Paul Custom" Control Knobs Black Speed Knobs Switch Tip Cream Switch washer Black; Rhythm/Treble in Gold hot stamp Jack Plate Cover Gold Control Covers Black Strap Buttons 2 - bottom and shoulder Mounting Rings Black Pickup Covers Gold
@@trevor4533 to shut people like you up start telling the friggin truth about epiphone and stop lying all people have to do is research your garbage to see your lying..
When I started playing guitar in public, in 1959 in a three piece band, most players I knew at that time played archtop guitars. I had a Gibson ES-225T with a single P-90 that I bought from an Air Force buddy. I played that guitar for over 15 years in local bands. I had only seen two Telecasters at that time. I gave that Guitar to my son in 2022. I played guitar with a local friend for a few years recently and I played a Telecaster with a 4 way switch and a Neck Humbucker, very versatile guitar.
All my guitars are epiphone and Squier.... I have a classic vibe strat and telecaster... Epiphone SG400 Les Paull traditional pro and dot... I used to own all gibson and fender... Definitely happy with what I got... Great channel. I've been following you for about a year now
Your profile pic only the real folks know where that comes from. One of the most underrated iconic records of all time, the precursor to all "Black Metal". You better escape, you've got to escape You cannot escape. Something tells me that Glenn Fricker ain't a fan of that record.
@@MaxFury_Official I dunno...something tells me that Glenn would be a fan of Mercyful Fate, or AT LEAST the brilliant guitar duo of Shermann & Denner. (one of the best of all time)
I always love the look and sound of a Les Paul and being a cabinet maker. I was going to build my own. Unfortunately, once I saw how much work they are to build. I decided to buy an Epiphone LPfor$630. Then I bought an Epiphone nighthawk re-issue for $430 which is like a Strat configuration with humbuckers on both the bridge and the neck pickups but with tone pots that split the pick ups. both of these guitars are great sounding but the nighthawk has a great neck and it’s more fun to play. If I were to buy these guitars with Gibson‘s name on them, you’re looking for at least $4000. There’s no way I could afford that and I’m just a guy who plays along with jam tracks at home. So these guitars are good enough for me and maybe one day I’ll get a 335 Eppie as well. That’s a very versatile guitar. Enjoyed your review. Thanks for the comparisons. Regards, Gerry.
I remember my first guitar in high school in the mid 60's... a Sears Silvertone single cutaway hollow body thin line. I taught myself to play it and wound up in Beatles cover bands in high school and college. I repainted it candy apple red and still have it today. It will always have great memories for me.
I put my 1990 modified Strat in to have it professionally set up. While it was away, I dragged out my 2010 Epi Dot. It had literally been under the bed for 12 years. I only ever bought it because it was heavily discounted (store going out of business) and I loved the look and color. Within the first two days of buying it, I began to question it's Chinese heritage and under the bed it went. When I pulled it out of the gig bag late last year, I was surprised to see the chrome on the stop piece had turned to crap, but I tuned it up and played it until my Strat came back. The funny thing was, I actually love the feel of the Dot neck. It's really smooth and the fret ends are pretty good too. Sure the original strings blacken my fingers and badly need replacing, but the stock pickups sound ok for what I do with a guitar. The Strat is amazing, but I still really like the color and style of that damned Dot, so I've bought replacement parts to replace the crappy chrome including steel inserts for the stop piece and bridge, rather than stay with the original pot metal ones. a new set of 9's and next week, it's off to the expert to perform his magic and he'll also suggest any other improvements he deems necessary. So in my long winded reply to Mike, yeah. I became quickly disillusioned by the country of origin, but having actually played the Epi for awhile, I've kind of developed a new perspective and I'm sure with a bit of work, it'll be a very good addition to my little guitar family.
Yep. That's happening too. I really only got it out to use while my Strat was getting a professional set-up, but found I actually liked it. Oh. By the way, where I live, string's aren't $5 a set. The ones I bought for the Epi cost around $18, but that's ok 🙂@@brendancleary9490
Epiphone all day long over Gibson as a matter of fact since JC Curliegh Restored Epiphone back to high end in 2019/2020 Gibson sales has been very poor even with the professional guitarist epiphone is once again stomping Gibson into the dirt just like they did in the good o'l days
@@MoeVanprick Epiphone is also older than Gibson and they bought out Epiphone, because they were outselling Gibson. I have Epiphone ES-335 Pro and a Gibson ES-335 and I like playing the Epiphone more, because 1, if I dent it, I won't cost an arm and leg to repair. Second, it didn't cost more than my mortgage payment, and they're not hard to replace or repair and they often sound better than gibson. Back to back in a blindfold comparison, I couldnt' tell the Gibson from the Epiphone right away, it took about 5 minutes of playing to finally pick it out and its partly because like the Gibson model, the Epiphones ES-335 Pro also has square inlays instead of dots, which would have given it away.
I bought an Epiphone Dot some ten years ago. I put on a Tusq nut on it (for esthetic reasons mostly) and a Bigsby (for fun), and it's been my go-to guitar for almost everything. I don't see any reasons why I should change pickups, tuners or anything else on it. I sanded down the back of the neck a bit, since I don't like that glossy feel, but otherwise the guitar was and is still perfect.
My go to brand is Epiphone, having owned a few Les Pauls and an ES-339 Pro. My current main guitar is an Epi LP Classic Worn(Violet Purpleburst), modded with a Super Distortion and Super 2 pair. I also have a Squier Sonic Strat I am modding for an easy to travel with songwriting guitar. Not easy to carry a Les Paul everywhere. I like the economy brands for a mod platform, like many people. Loved the Back to the Future references. The Johnny B. Goode scene is why I first picked up a guitar, and actually why I even became a musician. Definitely an 80s kid/90s teen through and through.
The epiphone Quindoa facility is American owned and operated American and Asian luthiers at the facility the facility manager is Scott Lewis and only Epiphones are made there some of you really need to research first before you open your mouth
Hey Gibson fanboys look who uses the Same veneer as epiphone ITS GIBSON 😄😅🤣😂 Gibson's semi-hollowbodies like the ES-335 and ES-339 have tops and backs constructed of layers (either 3 or 4) of maple veneer. My understanding is that the veneers are assembled in successive cross-grain layers with the top layer having its grain longitudinal to the length of the guitar. The tops and backs are approximately 1/4" in thickness after layup.
I loved this video. I would love to share my journey. I am Peruvian, took up guitar in the late 2000s. Here in Peru, Gibsons are for the rich, higher range Epiphones are for professionals or some people who can afford them. Most beginning musicians start off with very cheap knock-offs. I first layed my fingers on an Epiphone in my first gig ever, when a friend of a cousin of mine lent us his Epiphone les paul studio (worn brown). The touch was wonderful for my clumsy fingers, the sound was clearer than anything I'd played back then and the looks of it... Stunning. That's when I fell in love with les pauls. My 1st Epiphone was an Epi Les Paul 100 (bolt-on neck). Then, in a total leap of faith, I purchased a japanese Les Paul (not an Epi) from a guitar tech in another city which I modded the hell out of, changed inlays, pickups, etc. I was so lucky that when I received it, it was my dream guitar and is still, to this day, my number 1. Later on, as I aged and saved up, I have been able to afford higher end instruments. I have tried a few Gibsons, but while they are lovely, I could never really justify the expense. However I have gone on to buy an Epi les paul in every city I've lived lol. I moved to a bigger city, got a better job as a teacher and my first treat after I was made a full-time member of staff was a 2010's Korean made Epiphone les paul studio (red wine), broken and repaired headstock, comfortable, quite adequate guitar, love it to bits. Later, I moved to a northern city in Peru (by the sea, lovely people, delicious food), and bought an old Epi LP standard (blue/green burst finish) from a giging musician going through difficulties during the pandemic. Moved back to the capital (Lima) again, and found the guitar I had covetted since I was in my early 20s, a cherryburst Korean Epiphone Les Paul standard. Tried it, fell in love with it and is now by my side. It's been a fun journey and this video has brought memories of dreams, hard work, hardship, but all along happiness. That is what Epiphone means to me. Epiphone is life. Much love from Peru, mate.
A couple Christmases ago, my wife gifted me an Epi SG Modern in trans black. I oogled at one in a guitar store and mentioned how much I adored the trans black finish. It’s a spectacular guitar all the way around, sounds fabulous (I play a punk rock Sex Pistols kind of thing). Compares just as good as the ‘79 335 I’d been using for 30 years. Love it! Great video BTW‼️
my first electric guitar was an epiphone les paul, this beautiful golden sunburst with a brownish edge to it. the way it felt in my hands and played was enough to let me know it was my guitar. didn't even compare to the squier strat i got a few weeks after. i still have it to this day, dings and cracks and all
This is not true. I know many well known musicians that when not being sponsored pick the cheapest copy of what they are used to. The reasons are two parts .. first, they guitars are lighter and the second is that tone comes from th pickups, strings and fingertips.. the wood is sustain but that is really not an issue for most songs. I've used all the high end gear when it was given to me. I only care a little when it's my own money. Keyboards are different and acoustic guitars are really different although sales pitch is the only difference in quality between most of the big names and small names. Yairi blows away any machine made Taylor but Taylor out prices Yairi my three times. Do t listen with your wallet and fears. Listen with your ears. You might be surprised.
I have a '91 DOT I was lucky to get 2nd hand for $200. It's currently 75% done in modding it with a seymore duncan on the bridge and coil splitting it. I added grover tuners too. I have a Squire 60's custom shop tele as my backup and I love it. There is a Squire Jazz bass under my couch too. The only Fender I owned I wired in a lace bridge sensor and a seven selection before donating it to my old band mates studio.
I have a Riviera that I love. Got it because I wanted a semi hollow and I wanted a guitar with minihumbuckers, plus trapezoid inlays are class. Only cheap thing about are the knobs, still need to replace those.
I play a Sheraton with 11 guage, often with flat wound strings, always a wound 'g', whether flat or round wound. It's my only guitar. I've had it set up for me and everyone who plays it or hears the tone ask me where I got it, what is it? I've played several Gibson 335's and they don't come close for feel and playability. I do like the 335 Gibson tone - that distinctive 'bark' sound, but it can also be a bit fizzy as well. The Sheraton is distinctively darker, more 'caramel' in tone. I teach high school and run ensembles - both rock / contemporary and jazz. Its just so versatile. I'll always play a Sheraton.
My first guitar was an Epiphone Les Paul. I put some Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Humbucker in it. When the guitar tech gave it back to me he said, "this sounds better than any Gibson in here. It just never stayed in tune lol
Funny in a tragic kinda way...Thanks for sharing.
Gibson has always been about the way they are made. Always. Hand bound Standards are hundreds of $ more than a classic, despite the fact that they are 99% the same guitar.
Epiphone in 2020+ is a vastly different company to what they were in 2000 or so. And I know this being a 2005 Epi Les Paul owner and a 2012 Gibson Les Paul.
I just purchased an Epi Prophecy, and it BLOWS my Gibson out the water. Blows it!
Every player should have a guitar techy on tap. I have a great one. As sometimes if you are playing all the time, you don't have time to repair or set up your own guitars. They are worth having around...even if they are in the next suburb somewhere.
@@brianmorris8045Nah, I would rather do my own guitars, unless its a real repair work like broken neck or something.
But, assuming it was the guitar's fault and not the strings you were using, that could probably be fixed with a set of better tuning machines. After you get new pups and tuning machines it could still be cheaper, plus you're not having to do that upfront; it's like a payment plan. :)
Let me answer it for you, it’s because most people can’t afford Gibson…
Thats why people buy $1199 Epiphones when $899 Gibsons exist?
The only correct response
@@brunswicksquaremusic5905 To choose the High-End Epiphone over a Gibson Special, is not really choosing Epiphone over Gibson. If they could afford the Gibson that was the equivalent of a +$1000 Epiphone, they would buy the Gibson.
Wow. The comments here 😂. If you'd pay more for a *Gibson? 🍭
I have zero shame of my love for Epis. I don't care what her headstock looks like, she's beautiful to me.
I work at Gibson. I thought your video was spot on. Not everyone needs a Gibson level guitar… Epiphone is made more consistent today than ever before. A historical fact that a lot of people forget is Epiphone was much more successful in the golden era (50’s and 60’s) than Gibson. The reason Gibson acquired Epiphone is because they were killing Gibson’s sales of L-4, Super 400’s, and yes… Les Pauls. They were leading the market in stand up bass and a huge threat to Fender and Gibson because of the Beatles.
In many cases. It is literally the same guitar. With Gibson you are paying for US labor, rent, and materials. With Epiphone you might be paying somewhere in Southeast Asia. It is literally just the cost of doing business. I might buy a Gibson just to pay an American worker. That is a value. Well... Maybe a PRS. But that's another story. A beginner who wants an Epi is getting a guitar with a longer tradition than Gibson. And it is today a Gibson guitar under a different mark.
Exactly
@@KevinJDildonik nearly.. Gibson will use quality solid tone woods, Epiphone is laminated, Gibson hardware is better too. Epiphone manufacting is mostly automated whereas Gibsons are made by hand (they say). They may look the same but they are not. That said, there are plenty Epi's sounds as good as or better than Gibson. I swear by my Epiphone Sheraton II, I've been using Epihones for over 20yrs, was good enough for The Beatles and Oasis amongst others and those are the bands that got me playing!
@@MH-eh5qt Tonewood doesn’t exist for electric guitars. it’s just wood.
@@MH-eh5qthmmm not sure I agree with the Epiphone having more automated processes. I have been to the Epiphone Gibson factory in Qingdao China and it is like a big wood shop with tonnes of human processes.
But yes, the Epi does have lower cost components.
At the end of the day though, both make excellent guitars for different segments of the market.
I own Gibson's, I own Epiphone's. I own Fender USA's, I own Fender MIM's. I play my Gibson's and Fender USA's, at home, or to record. I play my Epiphone's and Fender MIM's, when I play out locally. Why? 1. Most audiences can't tell the difference, tone wise. They came to drink, listen to music and dance. 2. Drunks and thieves are a disaster waiting to happen... it is not a question of "if", but rather... "when", because eventually one of those two things, will happen to your equipment. The same applies to my Amps and other equipment. Ask yourself, Do I want to replace a $500-$1000 piece of equipment, or a $2000-$5000 piece of equipment? Never play out with anything that you aren't prepared to lose.
The struggle is real.
This is me. Had a Gibson hummingbird stolen at a gig so now I only take my epiphones and more recently a Prs se ce 24 Standard to gigs
All I can say is...... I had a very nice guitar collection. Nothing was an import. When it came time to retire, I sold enough of them to pay off my $25K mortgage ! Will you be able to say the same ? This is why I hate imports.
They are a cancer to American Mfg's by lowering standards.
@@tonevicar-fr5ghcalm down buddy, American made will always be American made.
Psst, you don't ever need to use an apostrophe when referring to Gibsons, Fenders and Epiphones. Hope that helps!
I bought an Epiphone Les Paul Standard Pro my Sophomore year in HS. I never felt self conscious about gigging it because it was my dream guitar in a more affordable format and played every bit as good as I would have liked it. The only time I felt hesitant to mention it was when I would talk to other guitar players who had a lot nicer set ups and were more talented than me. Almost a decade later, I have recently bought my first Gibson, but it was more for the sentimental value of finally buying a dream guitar rather than having anything lacking with my Epiphone Les Paul. I'm so thankful for the Epiphone option as it was the perfect guitar for where I was in life and what I could afford. I really don't see anything wrong with playing an Epiphone at any level as they are made so well and really have the characteristics of everything you may want in a guitar. Thought I'd share, I still have my Epiphone and I never plan on selling it.
Love my casino. Btw, it’s not a semi hollow, it’s fully hollow.
Is it? I thought it had the slab through the middle.
No,fully hollow. I own several epiphones and the casino is definitely full hollow.
Well said my brother also neck meets cutaway at a different place than 335'', says 335 custom shop pro owner (blueberry burst with coil splitters to chase the single coil sound down. Did I mention blueberry burst instead of everyday red.❤❤❤
@@drile00l80not the casino. The 335 and 339 are semi-hollow having the solid strip in the center for the pickups etc.etc. Not the Casino that model has no solid center block.
@@shanevanc please mind your commas, i fucking took 20 minutes to fucking figure out wtf you're on about
Great episode man. I’m in my 40’s. My Time Machine trip would be to go back in time and play the Squire strat my mom bought me when I was 13 that I played everyday, at every band “gig” my friends and I had until I was 19 and bought a USA fender strat and put the squire under my bed. Flash forward, mid 30s my mom died and helping my dad clean out the house I found the squire in my old closet. I took it home and played that guitar every day until my apartment got broken into and it got stolen. It’s not the brand, it’s the time of life that guitar was there for you.
So true. Guitars and other sentimental objects bring back memories if you make memories with them. Otherwise it’s just another thing. Enjoy what you have for what you have done with them. And if you can afford to buy something new that you’ve always wanted, then do so. But that shiny new thing won’t have value to you if you don’t use it to make new memories for you and you audience.
Im the same age and had the.same guitar my grandmother bought me in 1994. Red and white.
I'm 78 as of the 11th of Feb. In the '60s I played a USA made Sheraton and it was the equal of any American made Gibson or Guild back then....or today.
Squier
Same with me, I had an Epiphone lp when I was 15 (in d 90's) been playing with it almost everyday for hours. I will never sell it as I have all my memories on it
Buy the guitar you want and can afford. Don’t let anyone else convince you otherwise. Everyone is on their own journey and shouldn’t feel bad buying a cheaper or more expensive guitar. Be honest with yourself and you’ll save time and money in the long run.
Isn’t it obvious? Guitar players choose Epiphone because guitar players have no money!
Correct. Gibsons are for doctors, lawyers and business men. I love my Epi Les Paul, it’s heavy as hell!
Wrong it's because epiphone was restored back to high end guitars in 2020 and now no one wants Gibson anymore and sales are proving that it's become full circle when epiphone stomped Gibson into the dirt in the good o'l days now in 2024 epiphone is once again stomping Gibson into the dirt so Gibson fanboy get out of your fantasy world and into reality you GIBSON fanboys should have already known this was going to happen to Gibson once JC Curliegh Restored Epiphone back to where they should have always been in 2019/2020
@@ricardoortiz1746 Yep - and this is one of the reasons why Gibson is dying. They've become the Harley Davidson of Guitars: overly-expensive relics for cashed up, nostalgic Boomers. I say this as a Gibby owner and lover.
@@ricardoortiz1746no it because quality sucks... Unfortunately
I mean....that's why I bought the Epi IBG J45 instead of the Gibson Southern Jumbo.
The Epiphone name has always been legendary to me. Growing up my dad's preferred guitar was his prized 1975 Epiphone Texan, the model Paul used to write and perform Yesterday. Because of this I always associate the Epiphone logo with guitars and my dad.
My first guitar was in fact an Epiphone Dot! I got it for my 16th birthday back in 1997 (in the tobacco sunburst finish) and picked it out with my dad. It's body just called out to me and I still play it regularly to this day. I regret not putting the Gary Clark Epiphone Black and Blue 335 or the John Bonamassa "Amos" Epiphone Flying V on a credit card while they were available.
Epiphone quality control has been consistently better than their more expensive brethren as well.
I've been playing guitar since I started checking out my older brother's Gibson ES125 when i was about 12. When I was in my twenties I worked at a music store and bought a 1967 Gibson ES330 Cherry red. It's sitting right beside me. My newest guitar is an Epiphone SG, also red. Love them both. The shorter scale length works with my small hands. I find with Strat style guitars that extra 3/4" makes a huge difference. I'm 69 now and still playing guitar regularly.
Yeah I wish Epiphone would make their version of a Gibson ES125. Cause those Gibson ES125's are my most favorite guitars of all time.
They did it was White Fang George Thorogood ES125 TDC.@@watcherzero000
Oh man ES 330 is a dream guitar for me
Epiphone signature models are some of the best guitars I’ve played. Love my Emily Wolfe Sheraton
Back in the late 90s the Noel Gallagher Epi LP were pretty cool. 400 quid at the time.
The DOT Epiphone is an amazing guitar, and it also was sold for 400 usd.
I have an epi Matt Heafy Origins 7, and an epi Billie Joe Armstrong Les Paul Jr. Wouldn't trade either of them for a modern day gibson equivalent.
The Emily Wolfe Sheraton is incredible
good for the money, best you've ever played?
- There is a Gibson like that, it is the Gibson 330.
- The Casino and 330 are fully hollowed, the 335, 345 and 355 are semi-hollowed.
- Back to the future had a 345.
I went to a store downtown, I wanted to try some PRS SEs. I have always been a Strat/SG guy. I liked the McCarty 594 but I did not like the rest of them. There was this Epi on the wall and I loved it. It sounded and felt great, not only "great for the money", actually a great guitar that you can practice, rehearse, record and go on stage with no worries.
Fun fact the guitar in back to the future wouldn’t be made until 1958. The movie took place in 1955……
and the casino neck is way more sunken down
I'm a HUGE advocate for mid range guitars! A lot of musicians fail to realize that "expensive doesn't always mean better" especially when you're only a couple of years into your musical journey. LTDs have been my favorites for the past 15 years, yeah they can get up in price but their 4-700 dollar price range has some AMAZING guitars and basses! Not only that but mods are also a fun way to get more out of your instrument and see how it actually works if you're willing to put in the time and effort to do them correctly.
You made me think back to my first days of play guitar. My first guitar was a knock off Strat from a department store, it sounded like garbage, but I played it, eventually traded it in for a Cort "Strat". Over the years, I always wanted a "Real" Fender, definalyt a real Gibson Les Paul. I turned my nose up at the Epiphone Les Paul back in the day. When I got the chance, I acutally bought a Gibson Les Paul Studio, got it for $1000, I thought I was a big deal for sure. Months later, life happens, money gets tight, and I end up having to sell my guitar. I love it, soley on the fact that it was a Gibson...I also had acquired a Gibson SG and a 30th Anniversay USA Strat...anyway, I found myself without a guitar for a while, and one day I ended up in a Guitar Center, and talking to the guy as I was looking a the Gibsons, he says "Try this" and hands me a Epiphone Les Paul Custom. He says "If you liked your Gibson Studio, you'll love this." So, I tried it, and I loved it. The GC Guy was like "A high end Epiphone is much better than a low end Gibson", and he wasn't wrong. I have since sold that Silverburst Epiphone Les Paul, and now have a Limited Edition Lemon Burst one, it's better than the Custom I had, and now I'm on my way to pick up a Limted Edition Epiphone ES-335, which is almost exactly the same as the new Dave Grohl DG-335, it just doen't have the Gibson Pickups, and at $700 is less than the DG, and far less than the Gibson. So, yes I would chose a high end Epiphone over a low end Gibson, everyday.
Playing Get Back on a Casino is as good as it gets
I've had my cherry red Epiphone dot since 2009. My first electric guitar. Still playing it.
I've had a 100 dollar Epiphone LP Jr with a P90 since 2006 and it sounds amazing to this day. No issues at all.
I have that same guitar. It's definitely a weapon. I love that you can also play it acoustically because it's hollow.
I’m 75 years old so I’ve been playing guitar for over 65 years; my buddy, who’s same age and I liked strats in the early 60’s because we had Hank Marvin (as our idol) who played strat in the Shadows and did a fantastic job of creating the British counterpart to the first American wave of guitar instrumentals. Because they were more affordable my first electric was a solid body Hofner Colorama with two humbuckers and controls identical to the violin bass of McCartney fame. But my buddy bought a USA built Epiphone Casino which was well suited to the blues he played in the pubs etc and became a favourite of mine at that time. Because of this video
I think the import budget conscious Casino would be a no compromise choice. Nice video thanks.
My first electric bass was an Epiphone hollow body. I was playing jazz with an upright bass and my mentor ( my high school music director) let me play around with his and I fell in love with it. I have an Epi Les Paul and I love it.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure one of the only budget friendly Les Pauls that featured a Floyd Rose was the Epiphone Alex Lifeson signature from a couple years back. That guitar was hailed as one of the best Epiphones out there, due to all features on it, including a piezo, a neck cutaway to provide better fret access, and of course a Floyd Rose. Given that the guitar was under $800, that was one of best bang for your buck Epiphones on the market.
Is it still 800
There was a Epiphone Pro/FX that has a floyd rose. I have one
The Beatles' Casinos were made in Kalamazoo, the old Gibson factory, but you're right - there is no Gibson Casino, only the equivalent hollowbody 330. When it comes to the name on the headstock, I'm afraid I have to plead guilty when it comes to single coils: I always buy Fender, never Squier. But in the case of humbuckers, I own an Epiphone Les Paul that I have heavily modded, and, weirdly, I am not interested in ever upgrading to a Gibson. I also own a Casino, and because it resonates so well unplugged, I pick it up more than any of my other guitars. Hope you enjoy yours.
it's a weird example in the video. choosing between a 335 clone or an MIM Strat based on headstock label doesn't make any sense. Neither one are a particularly special or good instrument. You could tweak them sure. Pick that one that feels better in your hand. Honestly the US Strats generally aren't that special until you get up to the performer level. If the hollowbody Casino clone feels and sounds better for what you are playing, sell the Corona strat.
I bought a 2010 Squier Tele CV series new because it was so nice to play and the quality is superb and cost me $350 CDN. I had a Fender Tele in the 70's and sold it but always regretted it but this CV is great and I added a fishman piezo and now this guitar is a great gigging instrument. No complaints from me for Squier....
They key observation or salient point ..... you own an Epiphone and prefer it.....after you have "heavily modded" it meaning you've invested time, money and inconvenience to get the instrument into the shape and condition where it can sound well and play smoothly. I can't understand how Jackie Venson uses Epiphone except she may get some kind of a kickback or royalty from the company. It doesn't make sense.
Casinos have P90s, they are single coil pickups too. Big fat midrange on them and more clarity than a humbucker.
You should try P90s. Kind of a cross between a single coil & a Humbucker. Not as thin sounding as a Fender single coil.
The way I feel is the same way I feel about Harley Davidson.
Yeah there’s guys putting miles on new bikes and using them daily, but the main buyers are white collar guys like doctors and lawyers.
The working man can’t afford nice new models or old vintage models. Epiphone fills that need with quality instruments at reasonable prices(for now but they’re climbing). I have a Casino Coupe and I love it. I play it every day. ES-390s I’m sure are nice but I don’t have the money for one or the need for one since the Epi sounds and feels amazing to me.
You either by American or you buy Asian. Are you Asian?
This actually offends me 😂. I love Gibson and epiphones and own many of both. I also own a BMW Gs and a Yamaha. Harley is and always has been the very definition of American Trash. Harley is something only an idiot buys but again I love my Gibsons.
@@blakeusry124 Classic Americana lol I have a 99 sportster that’s taken me across the state many times and across the country. The thing sucks and keeps breaking down but I love it
@@jaysonguzman8009 , buy a better bike guy. 🤣 I’m 54 and been riding since I was 10 years old. I’ve never seen or rode a Harley that was comfortable, fun and didn’t break. My favorite memory is picking up a Harley guy on my 81 Yamaha enduro 125 at 14 years old on the side of the highway after he tried to race me and blew a rod. They’ve always been expensive Junk. I’ll never understand it and I’ve owned dozens of motorcycles. My father told me at 14 years old to never ride with a Harley guy because you’ll have them riding “bitch” and taking them home.
Yea I agree, I bought a Harley Benton too, from Thomaan.. its awesome. Oh wait what? Harley Davidson? Oops, wrong planet
Most people do not realize that Epiphone was not always Gibson's budget brand. The company was founded by Anastasios Stathopoulos, a Greek immigrant from the Ottoman Empire (now Turkey). He had made fiddles and lutes since 1873 and emigrated to New York in 1903, where he continued to make traditional instruments, including mandolins. After his death in 1915 his son Epaminondas took over, named the company "The House of Stathopoulo" and later changed it to "The Epiphone Banjo Company" when the company began making banjos after the First World War, combining his nickname "Epi" with "phone" from the Greek word for "sound". In the late 20s, when archtop guitars were becoming popular, Epiphone introduced their Recording series of guitars and then the Masterbilt line, which competed head-to-head with Gibson in the 30s and 40s. Unfortunately, Epi died in 1943, leaving his less capable brothers in charge of the company. THey were unable to keep up with changing tastes, quality suffered, the company fell into hard times, and in 1957 Gibson expressed interest in Epiphone's line of upright basses and were offered the entire company instead, including the remaining stock of guitars and guitar parts. Gibson sold off this inventory, assembling the parts into guitars. After this they began producing budget models of Gibson guitars under the Epiphone name, and that's how we got to where we are today. I have a 1946 Epiphone Triumph which beats the socks off of any Gibson L-7 I have ever played.
Back in 2001, I bought an Epiphone "335" that was made in Korea (by Samick I believe). This model was above the Epiphone "DOT" as it had gold hardware and 490T pickups.The salesman at Guitar Center told me it was just as good as the Gibson ES 335,and it has the Gibson logo on the truss rod cover. I swapped out the neck pickup for the Gibson "Wes Montgomery" Custom 57 pickup which cost half as much as the guitar! I still have it and you can hear it on all of my songs on my UA-cam channel. I've played the $4000 ES 335 and I can't tell the difference in sound or feel.
I’m a huge Beatles guy, but aside from that I genuinely love my Casino, and find that it’s “that guitar” I just keep coming back to no matter what else I play
My first guitar ever was a 1998 Epiphone Les Paul Custom, and I still love it. Do I love it more than my Gibsons, Fenders, or PRS’s? No. But it is filled with nostalgia and fun to play, and still sounds fantastic. So I will always be one of my favorites.
Agree. I had a 97 Epi LP Custom in Tobacco burst that was one of the best playing guitars ever. I could never find a Gibson LP I liked that played as nice. I finally did however, and at a bargain price used. Then, and only then, did I get rid of the Epi. And, I really had a hard time letting it go. Those older Korean Epis are sweet and I would definitely take one of the MIJ ones in a heartbeat!
I have the Epiphone Wilshire Phantom-O-Matic that is my go to and prized guitar. It’s Frank Iero of MCR’s signature model. It has a varitone switch, I swapped the pickups from the stock to a 59/JB combo. It rips. Everyone who plays it immediately falls in love with the tone, the weight, the feel. They don’t make it anymore and I will always hold on to it for dear life
Got the same one: green with racing stripes. More tonal variations than any other guitar I own! And plays wonderful.
Who's your Daddy Gibson? We all know the truth Now!! its Epiphone and Les Paul!!!
I was loaned, then inherited, a 1969 ES-330TD from my grandmother. If something happened to it I would spend my all my guitar purchase energy on finding another. When I go into music stores I'll play the thin line archtops if they have one and I still haven't found a non-Gibson that plays like mine. Mike was 100% correct; as a fully hollow it has feedback problems. Fortunately, my music is the Joe Pass/Tal Farlow sound so I don't need to crank it up.
I occasionally still gig with my first ever guitar, a 96' epi les paul made in korea, still plays fantastic. I may need to add a casino to the collection now.
I too still have my '96 Korean Les Paul and it still plays and sounds great...plus it's in a beautiful deep wine/purple burst
The Korean made ones were far superior to most of the Chinese ones out there today.
My favorite guitar of all of the guitars I own is a Epiphone Les Paul custom from 96. It is perfect. I don’t own any real expensive guitars so I wouldn’t be able to compare them that way but this Epiphone is a great guitar
Your friend said it all. It's the whole enchilada. No one should have a crappy guitar but everyone should have a decent guitar that's set-up well. A $4000 guitar won't make me sound better but a good guitarist can still sound great on a budget brand. Can we stop giving backhanded compliments to the budget brands? It's the player that makes the difference. And no one is doing side by side comparisons while you are entertaining yourself and or others.
I spent a while thinking whether I could hang an Epiphone around my neck because I seriously desired the Billy Jo Armstrong LP Junior. In the end the heart won and I bought the bright white Junior and boy am I glad I did. Out of the box is was almost perfect and I find myself going straight to it for most rehearsals. It plays and sounds awesome so I’m no longer a badge snob and I will consider all guitars on merit and not the name on the headstock.
I have a Casino (natural finish) and I love it! I slapped a Bigsby and a set of light D'Addario flatwounds on it just for the hell of it. It's currently got a few problems -- the truss rod won't adjust properly and one of the volume pots is stuck at full volume -- but when you put P90s in a hollow body guitar you get something unique, tone-wise. Clean or dirty, it sounds fantastic, and when you really crank up the dirt, the hollow body gives it something extra that you don't get out of a solid body guitar. Good choice!
Casino Question. Is the unfinished Worn Casino neck the same size and shape as the one with the gloss finish? I like the neck shape of the gloss finish neck, but haven't played the unfinished version.
If I could return to the past and change something about gear, I would tell myself about pedals and that overdriving a Fender Vibro Champ is not breaking it. I would have kept my little amp and enjoyed playing it with effects pedals. I didn't know they existed to make rock sounds on little amps. I just thought that I didn't have a good enough amp to make great lead sounds.
The first electric guitar that I bought was a Stratocaster. GREAT decision. Then I bought a gigantic Peavey amp and a 4 12 cabinet. I loved it, but only performed with it a few times. A single powerful 1 12 would have done the job. Life would have been easier with a 1 12.
i started out with the epiphone les paul special ii back in 2013 (now the E-1 special ii). after going thru a few s and t-types throughout the years and retiring the les paul, i came back full circle and got the sg special with p-90s in pelham blue.
far too many sleep on epiphone because of the brand and recent QC mishaps, but i'd say that the epiphone of now is so much better than what i had 11 years ago.
Don't know anything about Epiphones but I love your channel. You are one of the most thoughtful and articulate guitar reviewers on UA-cam. I love how you address all the nagging gear questions and biases that so many of us have struggled with. Thank you and please keep up the great work.
Jack White playing a $100 Airline? Where can I get one of THOSE!
His was made for Montgomery Wards back the the 60s or 70s. They were cheap back then. Since he used one prices have cnanged a little bit.
I played a Dot in a band and I WAY preferred it over the band´s Fender Strat.
My son in law came to visit a few years ago and decided he needed an electric guitar to play while staying so we went downtown and bought an Epiphone Casinao. When he went home he left it with me. (He´s that kind of a guy) It rocks!
Hey! How did your friend set up the microphones to record this session!! It's sooo creative! i can see mic and bass-traps!!
The casino is a hollowbody which means no center block. A semi-hollowbody has a solid center block in it to address feedback issues that high powered amps would have with hollowbody guitars.
In other words, an es-335 is a semi hollowbody guitar with humbucker pickups traditionally while a casino is a hollowbody and traditionally with P-90 style single coil pickups.
Personally I love the sound and weight of a casino. It is a great sounding guitar for blues music with a clean sound and reverb. If you give it a slight crunch then be aware you’re going to get feedback.
Was waiting for someone to mention this. I have a ‘92 Epi Joe Pass Emperor II (MIK) and love it. It is also a hollowbody. And it has one fantastic neck profile and great ‘57 PAFs (well, the Epi version). Fit and finish perfect. A comparable vintage Gibson L-175 in similar condition would be over $10K, this was well under $1K on Reverb.
I’ve got my pre-order in for the Epiphone DG-335 signature. I can’t wait!
I used to have a 1953 Gibson, Les Paul Custom. Nothing has compared to that guitar. I later bought a brand new 2006 Gibson Les Paul special and it played really nice. I've owned a 1974 Gibson SG and a 1983 Fender American Stratocaster. All of my American guitars have been better than all the China, Korean and Japanese guitars that I've owned. But I'm not some logo snob as I've played some really kickass Epiphone's, Squire's and LTD's. When it comes to tone woods, that only applies to acoustic instruments because the pickups are the heart of any guitar. If someone has a great fretboard, nut, bridge saddles and good tuners with proper action and perfect intonation it's going to play like butter. It doesn't matter who originally made it. But knock off guitars usually require some added money to get them perfect. But today the best USA guitars are the older ones. So if you're wanting a Gibson or an American Fender buy something older than 2009. That's my opinion.
But if you're going to buy an Epiphone do your homework as a lot of the fretboard woods are truly shit these days. Rosewood fretboard Epiphones will run almost as high as a quality used Gibson.
Same I've drawn the line at 2008 Gibson recently (Gibson High end custom shop way pricy but current xlnt) got a Holt LTD stoopid quality vs my Customshop ESP wonderful go2 takes due diligence but worth it👍
Add I've a PRS custom24 SE FR korean faultless butter like ESP LTD go figure 😄
@@lfader My best friend has a LTD strat with a Floyd Rose. He burred it in closet under the stairs in his basement for 6 or seven years under a bunch of stuff. He pulled it out a few weeks ago and the strings were rusty as all get out, but the damn thing was still in tune after all those years of siting in his basement. Jumbo frets and not a single fret buzz. not to mention the unbelievable low action that it has.
He bought it used with a 212 Crate Amp for $150.00 about 10 years ago. Lucky ass. hahaha
@@thebluesrockers god i wish that were me
@@thebluesrockers Honestly not surprised. I keep my place open and I'm a stone's throw from the ocean so tuning can be an issue on my Gibsons not as much on my Floyd's that are locked down but the LTD I keep out of the case always it's a go to and I don't even fine tune it once a month maybe that the XJ frets are so cool splitting harmonics is an ease and actually you get spoiled jumping XJ's The bang for your buck on LTD ESP and PRS SE is unbelievable 🙏🙏🙏
Have to have my Gibsons && Jackson & charvel's but the build quality Ltd macassar Ebony fretboard binding it's Not even a headstock hang up because they don't change the ergo on the headstock if you got a logo problem well I'm sorry I'll keep my thousands they can have the logo 🤣👍
@@lfader My 53 Les Paul Custom was probably one of the first 500 ever made. I never needed to adjust my truss rod in the five years that I owned it. I played gigs out doors in the fall when it was around 50 F. The body and wiring was original but the tuners were the old school Grovers that were engraved with the Grover name. Not raised lettering like they've been making for the last 35 years. The pickups, and bridge were Schaller. Brass bridge saddles. The wiring was original cloth covered and had the original bumblebee caps. Ebony fretboard was heads and tails above the quality they've been making for the past 50 years. I was so stupid back then. I sold it for beer and weed money. I had no idea how much better the Kalamazoo MI made guitars were compared to the TN factory.
But the best guitar I've felt since then has been my friends LTD. hahaha A guitar snob I am not, I am a quality lover though and that LTD is a mind blowing player. Peace.. Joe
I just realized that I've had an experience like yours with the Gibson ES-335. I had a friend at a music store who showed off his recently acquired PRS. This was over 30 years ago, so I've forgotten the model -- but he let me borrow it. It played better than I had thought possible, which was wondrous at the time. Now I realize that much of what I experienced was the exhilaration of playing a guitar with a good setup! Back then, a good setup was hard enough even to know about that I had never had one. I loved playing so much that I just soldiered on. Nowadays, I'm a halfway decent guitar tech who can do his own setups, complete with fret jobs, and have several well-adjusted guitars. Do any play as well as that old PRS? I'm not sure that's a worthy goal any more, because my memory is old enough to be suspect now, and if I'm enjoying the guitar RIGHT NOW, that old axe doesn't matter! Now obviously, your situation was far different from mine, and maybe you HAD had experience with well set up guitars before playing that 335 -- but think back, because maybe a difference in setup played a key role in your experience, as I'm now sure it did in my own.
For most gigs, which are usually crowded party bars, I always take my Epiphones or other budget guitars. Who wants their expensive high end guitar damaged or ripped off? I did upgrade my Epi LP's with high end Gibson pickups, as well as had the frets polished and had a professional setup done, including the nut slots checked and cut if needed, which they usually need coming right from the factory. They sound close enough to a high end Gibson LP that no one in a club would notice the slight differences.
Agreed.
No one in the crowd(especially drunks in a bar lol) give a rats ass what gear you have. So long as it sounds good, its good!
I'm 68, learning to play late after yearning to play forever. I mostly play acoustic, but a few years ago, I stumbled on to an Epiphone Special-II for $45. I snapped it up, and learned about electric setup and played it a lot. Last year, I added a $450 cherry red Epiphone ES-339 to my electric arsenal. I'm happy to have both of them, and doubt I'd happier to have spent 10 times as much on 2 Gibsons. 😊
Hi I'm 67 and my dad got me a Gibson ES125t as my first guitar in 1969 and I've been playing off and on all this time. Now I also have a Epi LP Custom and a Epi A style mandolin and a Yamaha 6 string acoustic. I love 'em all. Sounds like you are already hooked. Rock on !
When you get some money get a Gibson.
@@joeking433 Why? I have the same Epiphone es339 and it pkays and sounds great.
@@paxchristi2014 You don't want that Chinese crap, trust me.
@@joeking433 Could you please buy me a Gibson Les Paul jr 🙏
I will play the dog shit out of it.
Thanks ❤️
Here's the specs on the 2021 epiphone modern figured Sg that's been recently discontinued and on sale what's left....very high end build Electronics hardware all high end and once they are gone they will go way up in value on the used market....The SG Modern Figured from Epiphone's Inspired by Gibson™ Collection has the classic SG™ body profile made from mahogany and a maple cap with an AAA-figured maple veneer. Powered by a pair of Epiphone's ProBucker™ humbucker™ pickups with coil-splitting, phase switching, and a treble bleed circuit for a multitude of tones. It also features an ebony fingerboard, asymmetrical SlimTaper™ neck profile with contoured heel, world-class Grover® Locking Rotomatic® 18:1 ratio tuners, and a Graph Tech NuBone™ nut.Body Style
SG
Body Shape
SG
Body Material
Mahogany
Top
3/4" Maple with AAA Flame Maple Veneer
Body Finish
GlossProfile
Asymmetrical Slim Taper
Scale Length
628.65 mm / 24.75 in
Fingerboard Material
Ebony
Fingerboard Radius
304.8 mm / 12 in
Fret Count
24
Frets
Medium Jumbo
Nut Material
Graph Tech®
Nut Width
43.0 mm / 1.692 in
Inlays
Trapezoid
Joint
Glued in, Set NeckFinish
Nickel
Bridge
LockTone Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece
LockTone Stop Bar
Tuning Machines
Grover locking Rotomatic; 18:1
Truss Rod
Adjustable
Control Knobs
Clear Top Hats with Ridge
Switch Tip
Black
Strap Buttons
2 - bottom and shoulder
Pickup Covers
NickelNeck Pickup
ProBucker 2™ humbucker w/coil-splitting
Bridge Pickup
ProBucker-3™ humbucker w/coil-splitting
Controls
2 Volume (2 Push/Pull coil-splits); 2 Tone (1 Push/Pull Phase)
Pickup Selector
3-way Epiphone toggle
Output Jack
Epiphone Heavy Duty 1/4"
Epiphone all day long over Gibson no Les Paul and Epiphone Gibson wouldn't have the Les Paul solid body guitar today JC Curliegh Restored Epiphone back to where they should have always been in 2019 and that was the beginning of Gibson downfall no one wants Gibson anymore they want the legendary Epiphone Gibson boys need to get over it its not going to ever change..
My first real (ie not a cheap walmart guitar) was a cherry red Epiphone SG. As someone that grew up playing Guitar Hero 2 on a red SG controller and who's favorite guitarist was Tony Iommi who uses a SG, it was easily one of the best birthday gifts I ever got. Still have that thing too.
If epiphone guitars are enough for the Beatles they are enough for me!
It's worth noting the Epiphones played by The Beatles were US made guitars, not Chinese replicas. To your larger point however... I would be happy to own any model in the Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop" range. They seem like really high quality instruments.
Branding is ultimately overrated in this golden age of cheap guitars unless you are concerned with resale value, collector's value, or how you will be perceived when playing live or just as relevant, money is of no concern. There's no shortage of Squires and Epiphones that for significantly less or equal cost, you can get a much better instrument if you know which "brand-x" guitars to buy.
I have at least 30 guitars ATM and only 5 or 6 are name brand, but I also have a background in engineering and numerous technical trades, *so $70 or $700, I'm going to extensively hack and modify everything.*
I play at a globally elite level, *so nobody gives a shit what I'm playing lol.*
I had a regular Casino, I preferred the Worn, same.color too. My daughter has the Worn. The Regular Casino sounds a little better than the USA model. It is also more vintage accurate too. The USA model is so unnecessary. Adjusting the pole pieces on the Casino Worn will make a massive difference and transform it into something special.
The LOG...
Les Paul and Epiphone hit the first note of a musical revolution.
Epiphone
6:11 I’m guilty of this. My dream guitar is the Epiphone Riviera Noel Gallagher played at the height of Oasis’ popularity. 25 years later, I went on a hunt and got one after about a year. A 1983, MIJ, not the re-issue. And those are nice, too. But yes, I feel looks do matter.
When I was first getting into playing guitar back in high school my friend had an Epiphone Les Paul Special II and that was such a cool guitar for me at the time, I recently got an Epiphone Les Paul Studio almost 15 years later, rekindled that vibe with even more controls. Love it
The epiphone Quindoa facility is completely American owned and operated Scott Lewis is the facility manager along with American and Asian luthiers at the facility..so this Chinese made crap doesn't apply with Epiphone
1) people cant afford gibsons
What a stupid comment
I could afford a Gibson but there's no point in buying one since there's better guitars in that price range.
@@Leychen if you can find a good price on a used one SOME of them are AMAZING guitars. i bought mine for $2200 a few years ago, 2015 limited run Traditional with '59 reissue pickups, AA Flame top in a gorgeous ocean blue with the cream binding, 8.3 lbs with no weight relief. its a freaking ringer, loudest guitar ive ever owned unplugged. BUT i knew the guy personally that was selling it and got an incredible deal. thats pretty rare now, and ive played ALOT of expensive gibsons that werent very good guitars and were super heavy and sounded dead. it really is just luck of the draw with the gibson QC. i would NEVER buy a new gibson. too expensive
Telecasters quench your thirst better. Not only that that but they taste better too
2) France
Epiphone ruled over Gibson in the 1930's..40's..50:s..60's into the early 70's that's when Norlin ruined epiphone and deliberately..well in 2019 JC Curliegh put a end to that and restored Epiphone back to where they should have always been epiphone was never ever meant to be a budget brand in the first place and they weren't until Norlin ruined them when they took over Gibson..now the glory days of epiphone is back and once again smacking Gibson around just like they did in the good o'l days..and it's wonderful Gibson in reality could never match to epiphone history and its history with les Paul himself Les Paul and Epiphone are the sole reason why the Gibson solid body les Paul guitar even exist today..thats a historical fact so when you play a epiphone les Paul your really playing the real deal and the brand where it all began thats also a historical fact..so Gibson boys all you're lying about epiphone isn't working your bs ended with the Gibson lawsuit miserable failures..THE END
Show me a picture of Les Paul playing an epiphone
@@daveoconnor6306 Google it yourself no one is you're servant
Hey Mike, You asked which Epi guitar we got? I recently got an Epiphone Wildkat. Sounds great to me.
I love your video, especially you playing your old Epiphone . Congrats on your Casino purchase. The guitarist in our band plays an Epiphone like the one you sold, but black. I played a 1982 Fender USA Precision Elite for many years, but a friend offered to sell me his MusicMan Ball Family Reserve, probably worth $2,500 today, a limited-edition semi custom. After playing the MusicMan, I realized how truck-like the chunky heavy P bass is, and the Ball Family Reserve is like a sports car, so the MusicMan has been my baby and my playing improved substantially. Intrigued by the five string bass and having some spare cash, I ordered a Squier Affinity Jazz Bass V off Amazon, sunburst, $299.95, just $20 more than the four string at $279.95. I figured if playing a V was not to my taste I did not break the bank. The bass is gorgeous with flawless finish, but fret edges were sharp and the cheap ceramic pickups were less than desired. My friend, Luthier/Tech Bryce Pettijohn took the bass and smoothed the fret edges and set up the bass. I installed Wilkinson Alnico V pickups, Ernie Ball Super Slinkys, a Switchcraft jack, copper-taped the cavities, and replaced the black pick guard with a tortoise-shell one, less than $10 from Ebay. I love playing the five string after the learning curve, so the initial idea was to upgrade to a Fender MIM Player Jazz V, Sire Marcus Miller, or Sadowsky Metro Express, but after playing the MIM Jazz Bass, my Affinity plays just as well and sounds amazing. I put aside my brand snobbery and will let my playing define me, not what instrument I choose. I use the Squier about 80 percent of the time as the V is so much fun to play.
I've been playing for years. I went to college/university for modern music - guitar performance. I have played lots of guitars. I bought a Gibson Les Paul. I use heavy strings .12-.60 in Eflat @ A432hz. The neck felt like it was going to break. It is no longer with me. Currently, I use Epiphone, Ibanez, fender, Taylor, and squire. The best guitar I have is the one I made. Seriously, the best thing is learn to make everything for me. I found that (even though I'm not finished with it yet) is the neck through with a 5 piece neck through with your choice of timber for the body. When I flick the guitar it vibrates throught the guitar. I learned this trick from a guy that was making acoustic guitars that were nearing 5 figures. He said he could always figure out which guitars was going to sound the best when you would flick it and the entire guitar would resonate.
You werent man enough to handle the big girls. You had to go back to the begginer section of guitars.😹
Shit I play a first act I got at a pawn shop for $25. I’ve done a lot of work to it. It plays pretty nice. Well it did anyway. I recently hacked it all up and slapped a Floyd rose in it. Haven’t got it dialed in quite yet.
Point is, expensive doesn’t mean good. Cheap doesn’t mean bad.
Because Gibson Is FUCKING EXPENSIVE!
I have an old US made Epiphone Casino that a friend of mine gave me. It’s a true hollow body. So, you can never really play it in a small room with an amp. Another friend of mine who is professional musician took it to his luthier to have it worked over for me. He had to take his Les Paul in as well. When they were both ready he played it at his shop and called me and asked if he could borrow it for a recording session. He has used it 3 more times since then. I go with the nickel wound D’addario EXL110-3d or he wound third ones. I have a guild starfire that has a nice sound and a telecaster. But, I really barely ever play them. I have played a 335 and thought about buying one… But, I took my casino in and played it side by side and just couldn’t justify spending the money on it. Also, Gabe is a freaking legend! Good dude and his videos are awesome! He nails Jerry tones better than just about anyone out there.
I'm a just "unboxed" beginner, so take this for what it is worth. But that is a smoking hot guitar. I love it. Incredible finish and color... at least to me. Thanks for sharing. Really, Really cool. 👴 I know you will chuckle but I am considering a Jim Dandy. There ya go!
Here's the specs on a 2021 Epiphone custom koa Les Paul with a real koa top..its been recently discontinued...its all high end premium electronics hardware and build....Les Paul Custom Bound All-Mahogany Body w/ Koa Top
24.75" Scale Rolled Mahogany Neck w/ Ebony Fretboard & Pearloid Inlays
Dual ProBucker Humbucker Pickups
Era-Appropriate Wiring & CTS Potentiometers
Fixed Bridge, Graph Tech NuBone Nut
'60s Style Kalamazoo Headstock & Grover Rotomatic 18:1 TunersThe new Epiphone Koa-topped mahogany body Les Paul Custom is part of Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Collection and honors the 1950s classic designed by Mr. Les Paul himself in 1954 as the “tuxedo” version of his groundbreaking solid body masterpiece!
Featuring the traditional Custom bound all-mahogany body, 60s SlimTaper™ neck profile, ebony fingerboard with block inlays, gold Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece, a pair of critically acclaimed Epiphone ProBucker™ humbuckers, and Custom split-diamond inlay on the headstock.
This Epiphone Inspired by Gibson model also has the 60s style Kalamazoo headstock, rolled neck for a comfortable feel, Graph Tech® NuBone® nut, era-appropriate wiring, and CTS® pots.BODY
Body Type: Solidbody
Body Shape: Les Paul Custom
Body Material: Mahogany
Top Material: Koa
Body Finish: Gloss
Color: Natural
NECK
Neck Material: Mahogany
Neck Shape: Slim Taper
Neck Joint: Set Neck
Radius: 12"
Fingerboard Material: Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay: Pearloid Blocks
Number of Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length: 24.75"
Nut Width: 1.693"
Nut Material: Graph Tech NuBone
HARDWARE
Bridge/Tailpiece: Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece
Tuners: Kidney-style Tuners
ELECTRONICS
Neck Pickup: Pro Bucker 2 Humbucker
Bridge Pickup: Pro Bucker 3 Humbucker
Controls: 2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching: 3-way toggle pickup switch
I prefer Epiphone over Gibson any day, all day. The Gibson price and headstock angle really creep me out. And I love getting great tones out of an inexpensive guitar and make other players wonder "Why the heck did I spend so much extra money on a Fendson Gibber when I could have gotten 2 or 3 Epiphones with different pickup options and an amp."
Yet another great video Mike !!!
When you get a job save up and buy yourself a Gibson. You'll be glad you did.
@@joeking433 Sorry, but that headstock angle just gives me the creeps. I'm not kidding. That will leave one more Gibson for you. :)
Hmm, trying speaking to some luthiers about that “creepy” headstock angle, you might be surprised! It’s not there for looks or style, it actually does have an effect!
@@MattMorgans Yes, but, it's a visual thing that I have no desire to get past. And it would be just my luck to break that unsightly headstock. So I would have no desire to play it. Besides, that would be a guitar that would be available for someone would actually like it and play it rather than being stashed away never to be played.
Fair comment, each to their own. It doesn’t matter what name is on the headstock, just as long as you enjoy playing it!
This coming from the guy who said he was done with Les Pauls because he didn't like his Tribute?
The equivalent of calling a Challenger slow because you bought a 6 cylinder model...
I have multiple Gibson guitars, acoustic and electric. Some are vintage, some I purchased new.
That to say… a masterbilt Epiphone Frontier has become my number 1 acoustic… the past year and a half it has continued to impress me.
I used to really worry about the name on the headstock, but as I’ve gotten older I guess I have wised up haha Sound, Feel and Playability are what I am worried about
I was in the same boat about 6 months ago, dreaming of a Metallic Cherry Red Gibson ES355 and looking for a budget version as a starting point.
Long story short a friend of a friend offered me a second hand Epiphone Dot dirt cheap so I grabbed it thinking it would do for the time being
Since actually picking it up I've totally fallen in love with it, the tone & the pitch is beautiful and I can't see myself ever wanting or needing to replace it.
Ngl I do find the Strat a bit more comfortable for rhythm sections and thrashing, but the Epiphone Dot is my daily go to for melody and solo practice
Ive owned epiphones and ive owned gibson (singular). And if theyre both set up correctly the difference is minimal. But the head stock is so much better on the gibson 😂.
I believe some of newer epiphones have the book headstock thing
Agreed. I’ve always hated the clipped ears of the epi headstock. I do like the new headstock that is close to gibson’s.
Yeah but Gibson headstocks are not worth it... Generally...
Imo.... Probably?
My go to is a sheraton ii love the headstock. On the casino they cut out and make the middle of the head stock seem too thin and less pleasing to the eyes
I don't play headstock. I play guitar.
Specs of the 2021 epiphone custom koa Les Paul..as you see very high end unfortunately this model has been recently discontinued and on sale what's left of them..... It's so easy to research it's called a computer.....A Les Paul Custom With a Koa Top
Epiphone presents the Les Paul™ Custom in Koa. Featuring a mahogany neck with a SlimTaper™ profile, a mahogany body, ebony fretboard, a gorgeous natural koa top, and critically acclaimed ProBucker™ humbucker™ pickups, along with Les Paul Custom style gold hardware, Grover® Rotomatic® 18:1 tuners, CTS® potentiometers, a fully bound body, neck, and headstock, Graph Tech® nut, and pearloid inlaysBODY
NECK
HARDWARE
ELECTRONICS
MISCELLANEOUS
Body Style
Les Paul
Body Shape
Les Paul
Body Material
Mahogany
Top
Koa
Binding
Multi-ply Top and Back
Body Finish
GlossProfile
Slim Taper
Scale Length
628.65 mm / 24.75 in
Fingerboard Material
Ebony
Fingerboard Radius
304.8 mm / 12 in
Fret Count
22
Frets
Medium Jumbo
Nut Material
Graph Tech
Nut Width
43.0 mm / 1.692 in
Inlays
Custom Blocks
Joint
Glued in, Set NeckNeck Pickup
ProBucker 2
Bridge Pickup
ProBucker 3
Controls
2 Volume, 2 Tone, CTS Potentiometers
Pickup Selector
3-way Toggle
Output Jack
1/4"Finish
Gold
Bridge
Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece
Epiphone LockTone Stop Bar
Tuning Machines
Grover Rotomatic 18:1
Pickguard
5-Ply, Black
Truss Rod
2-way Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover
2-ply "Les Paul Custom"
Control Knobs
Black Speed Knobs
Switch Tip
Cream
Switch washer
Black; Rhythm/Treble in Gold hot stamp
Jack Plate Cover
Gold
Control Covers
Black
Strap Buttons
2 - bottom and shoulder
Mounting Rings
Black
Pickup Covers
Gold
...Why do you copy and paste this trash on every single Epiphone video? Bro seek help 🤣
@@trevor4533 to shut people like you up start telling the friggin truth about epiphone and stop lying all people have to do is research your garbage to see your lying..
@@trevor4533 and it's not trash ITS FACTS what comes out of your mouths is trash
@@FrankBuyers...guitarista-iu3zg it’s unrelated to the video.
It’s trash. Get off the internet and go back on your meds…
@@FrankBuyers...guitarista-iu3zg Yeah, unsolicited "facts" that have nothing to do with any video you ever comment it on 🥴
Epiphone Casino is godlike.
When I started playing guitar in public, in 1959 in a three piece band, most players I knew at that time played archtop guitars. I had a Gibson ES-225T with a single P-90 that I bought from an Air Force buddy. I played that guitar for over 15 years in local bands. I had only seen two Telecasters at that time. I gave that Guitar to my son in 2022. I played guitar with a local friend for a few years recently and I played a Telecaster with a 4 way switch and a Neck Humbucker, very versatile guitar.
All my guitars are epiphone and Squier.... I have a classic vibe strat and telecaster... Epiphone SG400 Les Paull traditional pro and dot... I used to own all gibson and fender... Definitely happy with what I got... Great channel. I've been following you for about a year now
This is who actually owns Gibson and epiphone.....
Gibson’s new primary owner and lender, the private equity firm KKR & Co.
The casino is an epiphone brand not Gibson..
5:39 "Good tone?"
Glenn Fricker has entered the chat
Your profile pic only the real folks know where that comes from. One of the most underrated iconic records of all time, the precursor to all "Black Metal". You better escape, you've got to escape
You cannot escape. Something tells me that Glenn Fricker ain't a fan of that record.
@@MaxFury_Official I dunno...something tells me that Glenn would be a fan of Mercyful Fate, or AT LEAST the brilliant guitar duo of Shermann & Denner. (one of the best of all time)
I always love the look and sound of a Les Paul and being a cabinet maker. I was going to build my own. Unfortunately, once I saw how much work they are to build. I decided to buy an Epiphone LPfor$630. Then I bought an Epiphone nighthawk re-issue for $430 which is like a Strat configuration with humbuckers on both the bridge and the neck pickups but with tone pots that split the pick ups. both of these guitars are great sounding but the nighthawk has a great neck and it’s more fun to play. If I were to buy these guitars with Gibson‘s name on them, you’re looking for at least $4000. There’s no way I could afford that and I’m just a guy who plays along with jam tracks at home. So these guitars are good enough for me and maybe one day I’ll get a 335 Eppie as well. That’s a very versatile guitar. Enjoyed your review. Thanks for the comparisons. Regards, Gerry.
I remember my first guitar in high school in the mid 60's... a Sears Silvertone single cutaway hollow body thin line. I taught myself to play it and wound up in Beatles cover bands in high school and college. I repainted it candy apple red and still have it today. It will always have great memories for me.
I put my 1990 modified Strat in to have it professionally set up. While it was away, I dragged out my 2010 Epi Dot. It had literally been under the bed for 12 years. I only ever bought it because it was heavily discounted (store going out of business) and I loved the look and color. Within the first two days of buying it, I began to question it's Chinese heritage and under the bed it went. When I pulled it out of the gig bag late last year, I was surprised to see the chrome on the stop piece had turned to crap, but I tuned it up and played it until my Strat came back. The funny thing was, I actually love the feel of the Dot neck. It's really smooth and the fret ends are pretty good too. Sure the original strings blacken my fingers and badly need replacing, but the stock pickups sound ok for what I do with a guitar. The Strat is amazing, but I still really like the color and style of that damned Dot, so I've bought replacement parts to replace the crappy chrome including steel inserts for the stop piece and bridge, rather than stay with the original pot metal ones. a new set of 9's and next week, it's off to the expert to perform his magic and he'll also suggest any other improvements he deems necessary.
So in my long winded reply to Mike, yeah. I became quickly disillusioned by the country of origin, but having actually played the Epi for awhile, I've kind of developed a new perspective and I'm sure with a bit of work, it'll be a very good addition to my little guitar family.
Dude just change the strings lol. $5 and 5-10 minutes and it'll play sooo much better.
Yep. That's happening too. I really only got it out to use while my Strat was getting a professional set-up, but found I actually liked it. Oh. By the way, where I live, string's aren't $5 a set. The ones I bought for the Epi cost around $18, but that's ok 🙂@@brendancleary9490
I've been a musician over 50 years. Never have I ever seen a time when musicians preferred Eppies over Gibbies.
John Lee Hooker?
I'm a guitar player and I choose Gibson over Epiphone.
Epiphone all day long over Gibson as a matter of fact since JC Curliegh Restored Epiphone back to high end in 2019/2020 Gibson sales has been very poor even with the professional guitarist epiphone is once again stomping Gibson into the dirt just like they did in the good o'l days
@@MoeVanprick Epiphone is also older than Gibson and they bought out Epiphone, because they were outselling Gibson. I have Epiphone ES-335 Pro and a Gibson ES-335 and I like playing the Epiphone more, because 1, if I dent it, I won't cost an arm and leg to repair. Second, it didn't cost more than my mortgage payment, and they're not hard to replace or repair and they often sound better than gibson. Back to back in a blindfold comparison, I couldnt' tell the Gibson from the Epiphone right away, it took about 5 minutes of playing to finally pick it out and its partly because like the Gibson model, the Epiphones ES-335 Pro also has square inlays instead of dots, which would have given it away.
I bought an Epiphone Dot some ten years ago. I put on a Tusq nut on it (for esthetic reasons mostly) and a Bigsby (for fun), and it's been my go-to guitar for almost everything. I don't see any reasons why I should change pickups, tuners or anything else on it. I sanded down the back of the neck a bit, since I don't like that glossy feel, but otherwise the guitar was and is still perfect.
My go to brand is Epiphone, having owned a few Les Pauls and an ES-339 Pro. My current main guitar is an Epi LP Classic Worn(Violet Purpleburst), modded with a Super Distortion and Super 2 pair. I also have a Squier Sonic Strat I am modding for an easy to travel with songwriting guitar. Not easy to carry a Les Paul everywhere. I like the economy brands for a mod platform, like many people. Loved the Back to the Future references. The Johnny B. Goode scene is why I first picked up a guitar, and actually why I even became a musician. Definitely an 80s kid/90s teen through and through.
The epiphone Quindoa facility is American owned and operated American and Asian luthiers at the facility the facility manager is Scott Lewis and only Epiphones are made there some of you really need to research first before you open your mouth
I will always be an Epiphone guy.
Me too
Why?
Hey Gibson fanboys look who uses the Same veneer as epiphone ITS GIBSON 😄😅🤣😂
Gibson's semi-hollowbodies like the ES-335 and ES-339 have tops and backs constructed of layers (either 3 or 4) of maple veneer. My understanding is that the veneers are assembled in successive cross-grain layers with the top layer having its grain longitudinal to the length of the guitar. The tops and backs are approximately 1/4" in thickness after layup.
I loved this video. I would love to share my journey.
I am Peruvian, took up guitar in the late 2000s. Here in Peru, Gibsons are for the rich, higher range Epiphones are for professionals or some people who can afford them. Most beginning musicians start off with very cheap knock-offs.
I first layed my fingers on an Epiphone in my first gig ever, when a friend of a cousin of mine lent us his Epiphone les paul studio (worn brown). The touch was wonderful for my clumsy fingers, the sound was clearer than anything I'd played back then and the looks of it... Stunning. That's when I fell in love with les pauls.
My 1st Epiphone was an Epi Les Paul 100 (bolt-on neck). Then, in a total leap of faith, I purchased a japanese Les Paul (not an Epi) from a guitar tech in another city which I modded the hell out of, changed inlays, pickups, etc. I was so lucky that when I received it, it was my dream guitar and is still, to this day, my number 1.
Later on, as I aged and saved up, I have been able to afford higher end instruments. I have tried a few Gibsons, but while they are lovely, I could never really justify the expense. However I have gone on to buy an Epi les paul in every city I've lived lol. I moved to a bigger city, got a better job as a teacher and my first treat after I was made a full-time member of staff was a 2010's Korean made Epiphone les paul studio (red wine), broken and repaired headstock, comfortable, quite adequate guitar, love it to bits. Later, I moved to a northern city in Peru (by the sea, lovely people, delicious food), and bought an old Epi LP standard (blue/green burst finish) from a giging musician going through difficulties during the pandemic. Moved back to the capital (Lima) again, and found the guitar I had covetted since I was in my early 20s, a cherryburst Korean Epiphone Les Paul standard. Tried it, fell in love with it and is now by my side.
It's been a fun journey and this video has brought memories of dreams, hard work, hardship, but all along happiness. That is what Epiphone means to me. Epiphone is life.
Much love from Peru, mate.
What type of guitar is the background on your wall?
That's a resonator
@@viniciuseduardobomfim Thank you I appreciate that!
A lot here are putting there foot in there mouths about epiphone I suggest you research epiphone before you open your mouth
Indeed they are the Gibson fanboys are notorious for this foot 🦶 in 👄 and Everytime they open it
The best guitars are made in japan....................
Can you name some Japanese brands or guitars? Please i just want to know. Thanks
@JohanDubrau your kidding me......
@@Martin-fb3ic haha sorry man (like exept Yamaha and like the obvius i new)
Gibson isn't even slightly close to Epiphone history not even slightly
A couple Christmases ago, my wife gifted me an Epi SG Modern in trans black. I oogled at one in a guitar store and mentioned how much I adored the trans black finish. It’s a spectacular guitar all the way around, sounds fabulous (I play a punk rock Sex Pistols kind of thing). Compares just as good as the ‘79 335 I’d been using for 30 years. Love it! Great video BTW‼️
my first electric guitar was an epiphone les paul, this beautiful golden sunburst with a brownish edge to it. the way it felt in my hands and played was enough to let me know it was my guitar. didn't even compare to the squier strat i got a few weeks after. i still have it to this day, dings and cracks and all
Musicians choose Gibson over Epiphone as they choose Fender over Squier. Cheers.
This is not true. I know many well known musicians that when not being sponsored pick the cheapest copy of what they are used to. The reasons are two parts .. first, they guitars are lighter and the second is that tone comes from th pickups, strings and fingertips.. the wood is sustain but that is really not an issue for most songs.
I've used all the high end gear when it was given to me. I only care a little when it's my own money.
Keyboards are different and acoustic guitars are really different although sales pitch is the only difference in quality between most of the big names and small names.
Yairi blows away any machine made Taylor but Taylor out prices Yairi my three times.
Do t listen with your wallet and fears. Listen with your ears. You might be surprised.
My first electrical guitar was a Special II model.Tons of fun. Full black one, really loved that one!
I have a '91 DOT I was lucky to get 2nd hand for $200. It's currently 75% done in modding it with a seymore duncan on the bridge and coil splitting it. I added grover tuners too. I have a Squire 60's custom shop tele as my backup and I love it. There is a Squire Jazz bass under my couch too. The only Fender I owned I wired in a lace bridge sensor and a seven selection before donating it to my old band mates studio.
I have a Riviera that I love. Got it because I wanted a semi hollow and I wanted a guitar with minihumbuckers, plus trapezoid inlays are class. Only cheap thing about are the knobs, still need to replace those.
I play a Sheraton with 11 guage, often with flat wound strings, always a wound 'g', whether flat or round wound.
It's my only guitar. I've had it set up for me and everyone who plays it or hears the tone ask me where I got it, what is it?
I've played several Gibson 335's and they don't come close for feel and playability. I do like the 335 Gibson tone - that distinctive 'bark' sound, but it can also be a bit fizzy as well. The Sheraton is distinctively darker, more 'caramel' in tone. I teach high school and run ensembles - both rock / contemporary and jazz. Its just so versatile. I'll always play a Sheraton.