Hi there Graham. I'm a retired guitarist, but in my retirement I've bought a few guitars to keep me company. These guys don't have to slog it round noisy pubs - they are just for my delectation. I bought the inspired by Gibson Epiphone J45 and the J200 - I figured I'd never be rich enough for the Gibson versions. I bought the J45 with a cutaway. Its a nice guitar - stays in tune. On both of them I had a luthier cut holes in the side to make battery compartments. I don't like having to stick my hand through the sound hole. Would be interested to hear your music.
I’ve had the epiphone slash j45 for 2years now, I stopped looking at guitars after I bought it. It’s my work horse. I did replace the plastic pins with wood and took off the scratch guard. Taking the scratch guard off it did wake it up tonally. And yeah I’ve got the trusty elixir strings on mine too.
@@stevenquinn2641 excellent. I’m actually just back from a gig in Edinburgh where I used it. I have changed out the original pickup for a Fishman Rare Earth which made a huge difference.
Hi Graeme, I’ve had mine about 6 months or so now and it just keeps getting better. Great review and I couldn’t agree more. I bought mine used for $450 USA, which almost made me feel guilty, as if I stole it 😂. Again, great review, brother man 👍🏻
That's great to hear Randy. I've made a change to the electronics since this video (changed to a Fishman Rare Earth) and gigged it heavily. I used it in a bar gig last night in fact. It's turning into a real workhorse. My Alvarez and Taylor are a little sweeter in tone, but the Epi feels and sounds very robust, prefect for the gigs I do.
Have one , gig with it regularly it's a great guitar, my local guitar tech put a new nut with wider string spacing because it's what I am used too , also put an LR Baggs anthem in it and did remove the huge pickguard , great video man enjoyed it 🇮🇪🤘
@@GraemeCampbellMusic I left it off dude , if I see a pick rash coming on I will probably put another one on it , might even put a clear one on because I like the look of it without it , haven't said that I have it off over a year and it's my main giging guitar ( acoustic solo gigs) and I do 80% strumming and it's holding up great no pick rash yet
Great review! I have a Gibson J45 standard and for the price of this IBG, definitely worth it! Try playing the excellente by epiphone. That will be my next purchase
I just bought an eipophone j-45 studio model….i love it. Not the liveliest sound in the world, but for $340 USD, worth every penny. Frankly, I’ll probably never be a good enough player to justify a different/higher end model guitar.
Good review of the Epi I by G J45. I bought one and the Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird ironically also from Guitar Guitar in Edinburgh. I subsequently replaced the very thick pick guard on the J45 with a genuine and much thinner Gibson one I managed to pick up on ebay, not sure it has made much difference to the sound but certainly looks better. Both great value guitars for the money and enough wood in them to keep you warm through the whole winter if it ever came to that.
Thanks for your demo. I bought one from Guitar Guitar this year and, like you, replaced strings with Elixir. Sounds, deep and full, just what I wanted. Look forward to watching your demo plugged in.
Thankyou. I didn’t do the stock plugged in video as my pickup had issues (there’s another vid). Nothing major just needed to re-sit the saddle properly as it wasn’t completely flat. However I just decided at that point that to put in a rare Earth pickup instead, which suits me better for the gigs I do. Very happy with the guitar though, it gets gigged multiple times a week.
Terrific review, Graeme. I’ve enjoyed mine for a few months now. I did replace the tuning machines, just to get a bit of improvement in stability. Interestingly, they are no longer making these, at least not in the Indonesia factory. So,who knows- maybe they’ll appreciate in value over time. Cheers
I’d heard they are now getting made at the Epiphone factory in China, so we’ll see how the new ones are. Mine has been ok tuning wise, weirdly when I switched from Dadarrio XS back to Elixir I stopped having tuning and intonation issues 🤷♂️. Might try some grovers in there eventually though.
Great review thanks. I have a Tanglewood winter leaf & I struggle playing barre chords as the action is high. In your next video could you film the guitar & show the action, there is a brief shot but difficult to see. Thanks 😊
Yes, I'll do an update as I've since removed the pickup and installed a Rare Earth soundhole pickup. If your Takamine is too high, it's definately worth taking into a guitar shop to get the saddle sanded down a bit.
Hey Brother, you should look in a 70's era Guild D25. You could easily pick up 50ish aged gem for the price of the Epiphone. Extremely undervalued in the vintage market. Sweet sweet warm sounds
I recently had a chance to compare an inspired by Gibson and a Gibson 1942 banner J-45. There was a difference besides price. I think the difference was in the midrange but but the Epiphone is close enough. Seems like a great strummer. I will be picking up the Epiphone soon
I have the ibg j45 and the hummingbird version, I like them both. The HBird has more overtones, not as mid focused, I like recording with them for different purposes. I played a j45 Gibson the other day, I don't think they sound better than the ibg j45 but they do sound different, the one thing I noticed is that it was seemingly much lighter and also a little bit of a looker aesthetically, more stunning than the ibg j45. For a third of the cost I'll stick with the ibg. :) surprisingly I thought the Gibson j35 sounded the best but it's very bare bones.
@GraemeCampbellMusic not a huge difference in the sound in all reality But I can tell the J45 is louder overall. The Hummingbird is just more sonically even and pleasing to my ear. But it's all preference, they're definitely very nice for the price point. And it sounds like you got a good one.
Have one of these from the first year Epiphone put them out, I believe 2020. It's built like a tank and has not only held up very well, but is also opening up tone wise as its aged. There's a very thin finish on these that I think is helping with the top sounding better over time. I don't know for certain. Also own a 2001 Gibson J-45. I love both guitars, but play the Epiphone a lot more these days. Just one of the best values on the market for under $1k USD and better than the G series and Studio built USA models Gibson is putting out. There is no substitute for solid Mahagony back and sides with a solid Sitka Spruce top.
I have felt in a minority of one regarding 'Epiphone Inspired by Gibson' guitars so today I went looking for a not so "WOW! These are ace at a fraction of the price" reviews. I was looking for a built-in double output electro acoustic to avoid having to get round not having a built-in double output electro acoustic guitar. An electro acoustic guitar of my choice is not a Gibson....but the EJ200SCE seemed like a good bet for what I was looking for based on the reviews on UA-cam so I bought one along with the appropriate Epiphone hard case. As for value for money it's not a bad guitar. Indeed I'd go further and say it offers good value for money....depending on what you are looking for. Mine has never left my home and remains on a wall bracket since the day it was delivered. As for a comparison to the Gibson that everybody tells me it is intended to emulate....it doesn't. The reviews I have so far seen about 'Epiphone Inspired by Gibson' have to have been compiled with a heavy bias. If you want a Gibson Les Paul, an SG, a Hummingbird, a J45 etc....I don't see a copy scratching your itch....It didn't scratch mine!
@@marksenior2941 I’ve had and EJ200 and while it was good it wasn’t the quality of guitar that this one is. I’ve been gigging the J45 heavily for over a year now and it’s developed into a solid workhorse, really opened up too. I’m sure the Gibson would be great, I would love one, but it should be for over 2k. This had earned its keep and certainly “scratched my itch “.
I have a Gibson j-45 and I have been trying the elixir of lights on it. The first through third are 13s forth through sixth are 12s.. Worth a try. The Epiphone does sound good. Is the scale length the same as Gibson?
Was it made in China or Indonesia? I’ve heard there’s a difference. I am really wanting one, but, I haven’t played any of them. Just wondered what your take was. Thanks.
@@triples4good This one was Indonesian made (in fact I’m just back from a gig where I used it). Still solid. I haven’t played any of the newer Chinese ones yet.
So, if the Texan is the Epiphone copy of a Gibson J45 then I’d like to if the Epiphone IBG J45 is a downmarket version of the Masterbilt Texan. FWIW, I’ve been playing my Masterbilt Texan for five years now and I’ve tried a few Gibson J45s at the big box store. In my view the Masterbilt sounds better. I haven’t tried the IBG J45 but my expectation is that it will be similar. From a sound regard the Gibson has a more resonant sound that the Epi. I’m chalking that up to the nitro finish on the Gibson versus the poly finish on the Indonesian Texan.
I've not played a Texan (I would love to) but I think the biggest difference would be the scale length, which is 24.75 on the J45 (both Gibson and Epi) and 25.5 on the Texan. I've just started using using 13s on my J45 which has made further improvements.
@@GraemeCampbellMusic the scale length would make a difference. The shorter scale means lower string tension. In turn, that means easier fretting. I guess my next trip to the big box store will involve pulling an IBG J45 off the wall and test driving it. Thanks for the interesting content! Cheers Sir!
I have a m/b texan, the big difference from j45 , is the Texan's longer scale length. 25.4". The neck is a different profile from the j45 too. *I have a 2008 gibson j45. I'm looking at a US epi texan, soon
I'm thorn between the Guild DS-240 (500$ less) and the Epiphone.. Yes the Guild isnt a full solid wood like the Epiphone but.. To play at home.. anyway thanks for the video.
It’s as if epiphone where told to stick a quarter inch floor tile on the top just to bring the guitar down a notch. I have never seen a guitar with a pick guard that is so thick. This appointment must inhibit the top’s resonance.
Actually I had one of these and took off the pick guard and It did not make any difference, it just looked better and maybe was a tad lighter. Dont waste your time its not worth the blisters. LOL.
I have the Epiphone J45 and I think it is an excellent guitar, but my question is if the 2 guitars weigh the same, because the Epiphone is very heavy, I don't have how to compare, since I don't have the Gibson, could you clarify this doubt. And if all solid body guitars are that heavy?
That's a shame. Mine has really opened up now, after lots of gigging. I've got 13s on it too which made a huge difference. Sorry yours didn't work out.
Hi there Graham. I'm a retired guitarist, but in my retirement I've bought a few guitars to keep me company. These guys don't have to slog it round noisy pubs - they are just for my delectation. I bought the inspired by Gibson Epiphone J45 and the J200 - I figured I'd never be rich enough for the Gibson versions. I bought the J45 with a cutaway. Its a nice guitar - stays in tune. On both of them I had a luthier cut holes in the side to make battery compartments. I don't like having to stick my hand through the sound hole. Would be interested to hear your music.
I’ve had the epiphone slash j45 for 2years now, I stopped looking at guitars after I bought it. It’s my work horse. I did replace the plastic pins with wood and took off the scratch guard. Taking the scratch guard off it did wake it up tonally. And yeah I’ve got the trusty elixir strings on mine too.
I bought mine late 2023 to play in acoustic sessions. £500 new. The retailer seemed to think it was a Masterbilt. It does everything well.
Really good review Graeme. I’ve been eyeing up this guitar and will probably check it out in the same Edinburgh shop. Cheers
@@stevenquinn2641 excellent. I’m actually just back from a gig in Edinburgh where I used it. I have changed out the original pickup for a Fishman Rare Earth which made a huge difference.
Hi Graeme, I’ve had mine about 6 months or so now and it just keeps getting better. Great review and I couldn’t agree more. I bought mine used for $450 USA, which almost made me feel guilty, as if I stole it 😂. Again, great review, brother man 👍🏻
That's great to hear Randy. I've made a change to the electronics since this video (changed to a Fishman Rare Earth) and gigged it heavily. I used it in a bar gig last night in fact. It's turning into a real workhorse. My Alvarez and Taylor are a little sweeter in tone, but the Epi feels and sounds very robust, prefect for the gigs I do.
Always been a fan of these guitars. Great bang for the buck!! Cheers Graeme!!
Thanks for watching Ben, really appreciate it
I really like the look the look, shape and sound of this guitar.
That's a fantastic sounding guitar mate - Nice score!
Sounds come across really rich and full 😎👌
Thanks Steve. I’ve been gigging it since and put in a Fishman Rare Earth. Such a comfortable guitar to play too.
Have one , gig with it regularly it's a great guitar, my local guitar tech put a new nut with wider string spacing because it's what I am used too , also put an LR Baggs anthem in it and did remove the huge pickguard , great video man enjoyed it 🇮🇪🤘
Thankyou. I’ve got a Rare Earth humbucker in it now. Sounds much better. Did you replace the pick guard or leave it off?
@@GraemeCampbellMusic I left it off dude , if I see a pick rash coming on I will probably put another one on it , might even put a clear one on because I like the look of it without it , haven't said that I have it off over a year and it's my main giging guitar ( acoustic solo gigs) and I do 80% strumming and it's holding up great no pick rash yet
Great review! I have a Gibson J45 standard and for the price of this IBG, definitely worth it! Try playing the excellente by epiphone. That will be my next purchase
I just bought an eipophone j-45 studio model….i love it. Not the liveliest sound in the world, but for $340 USD, worth every penny.
Frankly, I’ll probably never be a good enough player to justify a different/higher end model guitar.
Good review of the Epi I by G J45. I bought one and the Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird ironically also from Guitar Guitar in Edinburgh. I subsequently replaced the very thick pick guard on the J45 with a genuine and much thinner Gibson one I managed to pick up on ebay, not sure it has made much difference to the sound but certainly looks better. Both great value guitars for the money and enough wood in them to keep you warm through the whole winter if it ever came to that.
That's a good idea to replace the pick guard for a thinner one 😮😮
Thanks for your demo. I bought one from Guitar Guitar this year and, like you, replaced strings with Elixir. Sounds, deep and full, just what I wanted. Look forward to watching your demo plugged in.
Thankyou. I didn’t do the stock plugged in video as my pickup had issues (there’s another vid). Nothing major just needed to re-sit the saddle properly as it wasn’t completely flat. However I just decided at that point that to put in a rare Earth pickup instead, which suits me better for the gigs I do. Very happy with the guitar though, it gets gigged multiple times a week.
Definitely considering one sometime in my future. Gibsons are out of my range for sure.
It's definitely worth trying one out if you can.
Terrific review, Graeme. I’ve enjoyed mine for a few months now. I did replace the tuning machines, just to get a bit of improvement in stability. Interestingly, they are no longer making these, at least not in the Indonesia factory. So,who knows- maybe they’ll appreciate in value over time. Cheers
I’d heard they are now getting made at the Epiphone factory in China, so we’ll see how the new ones are. Mine has been ok tuning wise, weirdly when I switched from Dadarrio XS back to Elixir I stopped having tuning and intonation issues 🤷♂️. Might try some grovers in there eventually though.
Great review thanks. I have a Tanglewood winter leaf & I struggle playing barre chords as the action is high. In your next video could you film the guitar & show the action, there is a brief shot but difficult to see. Thanks 😊
Yes, I'll do an update as I've since removed the pickup and installed a Rare Earth soundhole pickup. If your Takamine is too high, it's definately worth taking into a guitar shop to get the saddle sanded down a bit.
@@GraemeCampbellMusic Thankyou 👍
Hey Brother, you should look in a 70's era Guild D25. You could easily pick up 50ish aged gem for the price of the Epiphone. Extremely undervalued in the vintage market. Sweet sweet warm sounds
Thats a great idea. I played one in Canada years ago and really liked it. I'll keep my eyes open.
I recently had a chance to compare an inspired by Gibson and a Gibson 1942 banner J-45.
There was a difference besides price. I think the difference was in the midrange but but the Epiphone is close enough.
Seems like a great strummer.
I will be picking up the Epiphone soon
Good review, Graeme… I have an Epiphone Hummingbird, and love it! Good brand. 👍🎸
Good review, I'm almost sold on one if I can find Lefty and come up with the cash.
My next Guitar , for sure !
I have the ibg j45 and the hummingbird version, I like them both. The HBird has more overtones, not as mid focused, I like recording with them for different purposes. I played a j45 Gibson the other day, I don't think they sound better than the ibg j45 but they do sound different, the one thing I noticed is that it was seemingly much lighter and also a little bit of a looker aesthetically, more stunning than the ibg j45. For a third of the cost I'll stick with the ibg. :) surprisingly I thought the Gibson j35 sounded the best but it's very bare bones.
I like this guitar, but something about the sound of the IBG hummingbird just touches my soul.
I’d love the Hummingbird too
@GraemeCampbellMusic not a huge difference in the sound in all reality But I can tell the J45 is louder overall. The Hummingbird is just more sonically even and pleasing to my ear. But it's all preference, they're definitely very nice for the price point. And it sounds like you got a good one.
Have one of these from the first year Epiphone put them out, I believe 2020. It's built like a tank and has not only held up very well, but is also opening up tone wise as its aged. There's a very thin finish on these that I think is helping with the top sounding better over time. I don't know for certain. Also own a 2001 Gibson J-45. I love both guitars, but play the Epiphone a lot more these days. Just one of the best values on the market for under $1k USD and better than the G series and Studio built USA models Gibson is putting out. There is no substitute for solid Mahagony back and sides with a solid Sitka Spruce top.
That’s really good to hear
It resonates really good.
I have felt in a minority of one regarding 'Epiphone Inspired by Gibson' guitars so today I went looking for a not so "WOW! These are ace at a fraction of the price" reviews. I was looking for a built-in double output electro acoustic to avoid having to get round not having a built-in double output electro acoustic guitar. An electro acoustic guitar of my choice is not a Gibson....but the EJ200SCE seemed like a good bet for what I was looking for based on the reviews on UA-cam so I bought one along with the appropriate Epiphone hard case. As for value for money it's not a bad guitar. Indeed I'd go further and say it offers good value for money....depending on what you are looking for. Mine has never left my home and remains on a wall bracket since the day it was delivered. As for a comparison to the Gibson that everybody tells me it is intended to emulate....it doesn't. The reviews I have so far seen about 'Epiphone Inspired by Gibson' have to have been compiled with a heavy bias. If you want a Gibson Les Paul, an SG, a Hummingbird, a J45 etc....I don't see a copy scratching your itch....It didn't scratch mine!
@@marksenior2941 I’ve had and EJ200 and while it was good it wasn’t the quality of guitar that this one is. I’ve been gigging the J45 heavily for over a year now and it’s developed into a solid workhorse, really opened up too. I’m sure the Gibson would be great, I would love one, but it should be for over 2k. This had earned its keep and certainly “scratched my itch “.
@@GraemeCampbellMusic Strong argument for trying a guitar out before buying it me thinks....feels like I'm plagiarizing from Homes Under The Hammer!)
You play well. Guitar sounds awsome
After seeing the reviews- I bought one too and am Happy with it /( I also have a Gibson J-160 Beatle. style) but don’t like to gig to much with it)
Thats good to hear. Mine is still going strong doing lots of gigs
@ I also got the IBG Hummingbird with cases for both Guitars ( Epiphone)
Great sounding guitar. I’m picking one up off FB marketplace tomorrow for $450 with a case
Martin Medium Phosphorus Bronze strings are the best in my opinion. Your finger picking pattern is not bad. :o)
Thankyou for the encouragement. I might try those Martin strings too.
You're welcome. Keep practicing that 4/4 pattern brother.@@GraemeCampbellMusic
Great review ! Are those 20-80 elixer
Phospher Bronze, nanoweb, if I remember right
I'm torn btwn the epiphone j45 & the epiphone hummingbird 🤔
Both great. I would like a Hummingbird next
I have a Gibson j-45 and I have been trying the elixir of lights on it. The first through third are 13s forth through sixth are 12s.. Worth a try. The Epiphone does sound good. Is the scale length the same as Gibson?
I think it is. Certainly feels that way.
Hey there! Where do you insert the 9V Battery??
There's a little bag inside the guitar attached by velcro
Was it made in China or Indonesia? I’ve heard there’s a difference. I am really wanting one, but, I haven’t played any of them. Just wondered what your take was. Thanks.
@@triples4good This one was Indonesian made (in fact I’m just back from a gig where I used it). Still solid. I haven’t played any of the newer Chinese ones yet.
sounds good to me !
So, if the Texan is the Epiphone copy of a Gibson J45 then I’d like to if the Epiphone IBG J45 is a downmarket version of the Masterbilt Texan.
FWIW, I’ve been playing my Masterbilt Texan for five years now and I’ve tried a few Gibson J45s at the big box store. In my view the Masterbilt sounds better. I haven’t tried the IBG J45 but my expectation is that it will be similar. From a sound regard the Gibson has a more resonant sound that the Epi. I’m chalking that up to the nitro finish on the Gibson versus the poly finish on the Indonesian Texan.
I've not played a Texan (I would love to) but I think the biggest difference would be the scale length, which is 24.75 on the J45 (both Gibson and Epi) and 25.5 on the Texan. I've just started using using 13s on my J45 which has made further improvements.
@@GraemeCampbellMusic the scale length would make a difference. The shorter scale means lower string tension. In turn, that means easier fretting.
I guess my next trip to the big box store will involve pulling an IBG J45 off the wall and test driving it.
Thanks for the interesting content! Cheers Sir!
I have a m/b texan, the big difference from j45 , is the Texan's longer scale length. 25.4". The neck is a different profile from the j45 too. *I have a 2008 gibson j45. I'm looking at a US epi texan, soon
I'm thorn between the Guild DS-240 (500$ less) and the Epiphone.. Yes the Guild isnt a full solid wood like the Epiphone but.. To play at home.. anyway thanks for the video.
I just picked one up on FB marketplace for …. $190!
That is a fantastic deal
i got one of these going for 330 usd (good condition second hand) ? im currently playing a yamaha fg820... worth the upgrade?
I haven't playd the Yamaha, but my Epi keeps getting better the more I gig with it.
Great, honest video- thank you. If I had a voice near yours- I'd have chicks flocking around me all the time. :)
🤣 I wish. Thankyou for the compliment though
Sigma has a great J-45 inspired solid wood model. With an 1-3/4” nut!
I've seen those, they look decent, not played one yet.
It’s as if epiphone where told to stick a quarter inch floor tile on the top just to bring the guitar down a notch. I have never seen a guitar with a pick guard that is so thick. This appointment must inhibit the top’s resonance.
Where was this guitar made ?
Indonesia
Actually I had one of these and took off the pick guard and It did not make any difference, it just looked better and maybe was a tad lighter. Dont waste your time its not worth the blisters. LOL.
My pick guard peeled right off
I have the Epiphone J45 and I think it is an excellent guitar, but my question is if the 2 guitars weigh the same, because the Epiphone is very heavy, I don't have how to compare, since I don't have the Gibson, could you clarify this doubt. And if all solid body guitars are that heavy?
you'd think fatter necks would fatigue your hand faster than a thin neck. But, I find the exact opposite.
Come on, Guy, you could make a cigar box sing...)
Responsive instrument, wasn't she?
Sold mine ,no sound quality, just hype
That's a shame. Mine has really opened up now, after lots of gigging. I've got 13s on it too which made a huge difference. Sorry yours didn't work out.
Coconut oil for sweaty hands man, trust me :p
I'll give that a try thankyou!
Not a problem! :) just watching your update on the J45 :)
Gibson sounds better ,like the real deal. 🤔
I would hope so for nearly £2.5k
@@GraemeCampbellMusic price point ,but wouldn't be sadisfied from the sound of the Epiphone in this case...