Finally someone who TRULLY does a right comparison, with same microphone, same EQ, same will at playing, not like those biased reviews made to justify you pay 10 times more for a small difference. Thank you!
I just bought one of these and I want you to know they suck. Acoustically they are weak. This video is very deceiving.... I'm going to make my own video before I take this guitar back to Guitar Center. I will let you know when it's uploaded and provide a link... I have not tried the electronics and I'm not going to bother. It's an acoustic so if it doesn't sound good acoustically it's not worth the money. Certainly not worth $500
@@petestaint8312 this video is a couple of years old so maybe they're making them differently now or something. I'll make the video using just the microphone on my phone... I'm going to keep it very simple so you guys can hear the lack of volume this guitar really has.. I will compare it to my 1986 Sigma d-19 and a 1968 kay... both guitars cost me far less
My personal preference definitely falls with the EJ-200. This video honestly helped me decide when I was looking to upgrade from an entry level acoustic. Nothing wrong with any of them, I just love the way the Epiphone sounds.
The truth is, any guitar can sound good when you've mic'd it.... this guitar sounds nothing like that acoustically... it's quite weak and has no bass or volume
One of the best, most straightforward comparison videos I've ever seen. No fluff. Epi is very impressive. I have a AJ Masterbilt and love it. Can't justify the extra cost of the other two. I was however equally impressed with the Taylor. Thought it had quite a balanced sound. Not impressed with the Martin. Sounded muffled. I may have to get an ej now. Thanks!
This proves the point that everyone just own more than one guitar! They each sound distinctly different and equally good despite their price differences.
I could not honestly say one sounded better than another. There are slight differences in tone due to the woods and body styles. That said, they all sounded good to me, and it's a matter of individual tonal preference, as well as what you can afford. However, if money is an object, you simply can't go wrong with the Epi.
Thank you! You made up my mind for me. So glad to be able to hear these side by side in the same audio conditions! I personally love the Epiphone. I've been looking for an added push to get one, and there you went.
The Epiphone had nice overtones and warmth, the Martin had more fullness, and the Taylor has a bit more brightness, (For my ear). All three sound great though.
Completely agree with your thoughts. I also think that the difference in cost between the epi and the martin and taylor are just not worth it unless you want to see the name on the headstock or youre a real high end performed. Diminishing returns and all that.
@@zaphodbeeblebrox9109 Yeah, that's about right. Check out Epiphone's Inspired By Gibson Collection or their new Masterbilt USA Texan or the Masterbilt Excellente. That'll show you what I mean.
I bought an Epiphone EJ last year and it's the best sounding guitar I have ever played. I have played more expensive Gibsons & Taylors and Martins and the difference isn't noticeable
@@cynamoncynamonikus9449 the proof is in the video. The differences arent particularly huge. It comes down to personal preference and the laws of diminishing returns.
I have the Epiphone EJ-200 in the blond finish, just like the one in this video. It is known as the "King of the Flat Tops! They have a great, booming sound, since they are jumbo sized. The Gibson J-200 is the guitar Elvis played in the movie, "Loving You"! Emmy Lou Harris played one, as did Pete Townshend when he recorded "Tommy". Ron Wood of the Stones plays one. The Everly Brothers played the J-200 in the early days. I like the design with the mustache bridge and the decorated pickguard! I record with it and am always struck with how great it sounds. It has two pickups, one in the neck and one under the bridge which can be activated individually or together. There isn't a Martin or Taylor that sounds better, to me.
I have this Epiphone J 200 CE NT too, but also a Martin D 35. The Epiphone is a fantastic guitar in both feel and sound, but I think the Martin is the definite winner. Although they can't be compared, since the Epiphone only has a solid top and a laminated back and sides, the Martin is 100 % solid. But for the money the Epiphone is fantastic, and not far steps away from a real Gibson J-200.
Freddy Snip I came across some really high end guitars, made by a master luthier and he has solid tops of course but uses laminated back and sides. The guitars sound amazing and start @10 grand and are special ordered and each is made to order. Point is that back and sides aren’t as important as the top and the bracing of the top.
3 different style guitars lends 3 different sounds. Martin = increased volume in bass and treble with subdued mids. Epi = jumbo = loud bass and chime-like trebles and again subdued mids. Taylor = balanced across the fret board = great for fingerstyle. All great guitars and love the Epiphone brand as I have owned both Gibson and Epiphone. Taylor is my preference for fingerstyle and all around playability due to the 1.75" nut and balance.
To my ears, Epiphone had far superior n detailed and balanced mids, low mids were lesser in amplitude than Martin which made it detailed overalls mid range
The two BIG questions... (1) How do they sound plugged in? (Do all three guitars HAVE pickups? I didn't see) (2) How well do they play? how do they "feel?" How's the action? I agree with the majority of comments here - that they all sound great. The Martin stood out as sounding "different" than the other two. Not necessarily "better," but different. I looked up from my keyboard when you switched to the Martin the first time... thinking wow... that's a change. I was on Epiphone's web site and became interested after hearing about the pickup system. I am not currently shopping for an acoustic guitar, but this one (The Epi) intrigues me. a lot
Your video + a deal at my local music store = one happy customer. I wasn't sure about waiting and buy a Taylor, but you've convinced me that this Epiphone is the right choice for my needs. Thank you sir, your videos are fantastic.
I like your philosophy. I purchased a spruce/rosewood Martin last year, and GC sent it to me all scratched up!!!! It was 2k. I ended up with an Epiphone dreadnought...same spruce/rosewood for $729. They were running a sale on my AJ500RCE. I couldn't be happier. It has that Djanjo or mojo that only quality guitars have. One day, when time is right, I'll buy a used Martin D28. A well kept one. For now, I'm happy.
I have played all three Epiphone next to there Gibson counterpart . After playing the Epi the impression is that it's a great guitar. When I go to their Gibson counterparts it's like there's a little something extra and a bit more inspiring to play. You pay big $$$$ for that little something extra but that's normally how it works with musical instruments.
Agreed. I almost bought a J15 last year, but to get that extra something we both notice, you'd have to step up to the J45. The J15 neck was too chunky too. I ended up with Epi AJ500RCE. It has that something.
I just bought the EJ 200sce vintage natural. I’m playing it more than my Taylor 324. The Taylor doesn’t have any electronics yet though. I’m very happy with my EJ-200.
I like the Taylor, but I just bought one. The Epi sounds good too. I almost bought a Gibson that was the same price as the Taylor and sounded just as good to me, but didn't have the cut away and wasnt A/E. It's amazing to me that the Martin doesn't sound as good to me as either one. It's the same reason I went with Taylor over the Martin it just seemed dead to me. Didn't seem to have the robustness that the Taylor did. After I bought the Taylor I picked up a 2.5k D25 and it sounded amazing, to me it sounded like my Taylor only slightly better sound and playability.
I agree with you. I bought a Taylor nylon strings and sounds really great. Noy I am looking for a steel string guitar better than my Ovation Standard Balladeer 1861. Can you tell me if this Epi would be the right choise or I better stay with my Ovation? Regards
J200,Loud ,nice,a good setup,tusq compensated bridge saddle and Bone nut ,12 gauge elixers,better bridge pins and unplugged is hard to find anything ''wrong'' with the jumbo sized EJ200.....works for me and I've been thru the lot...I mean Froggy Bottom $10,000...Santa Cruz,$6000,Lowden and on and on.Yes you get the stradivarius quality for the down payment on a house no question...but......A good acoustic player will coax a lot from a cheap guitar,Willie Nelson/Monte Montgomery/Tommy Emannuel....
I thought the Epi and the Taylor didnt sound a world apart, but the Martin was totally different Good locked down, unbiased review. Its not the first review where I preferred the Epiphone. I really must get one..
I am a beginner and have been very pleased that I bought the EJ-200 on a recommendation from someone I trust. My ear isn’t refined enough to pick up the difference but I can say that I am enjoying learning on this Epiphone.
Nice playing, great comparison. Just ordered an Epiphone Masterbilt DR400, so I just stopped by the root for the Epi and it did not disappoint at all. Btw, the sound quality here is very good, it would have been even better if you had used a condenser mic (dynamic microphones like the SM58 don't capture the full frequency range of acoustic guitars). Great work, thanks for the effort.
I found the taylor kinda had a nice mix of the epi & the martin ... I found the martin while defined a lil too "piano-y". Great video & thanks for sharing !! :)
Great comparison! Honestly I liked them all of course, but this sealed the deal for me on the Epi EJ... So I bought one. It just seemed like more bang for the buck, and it has some very nice features as well that weren't mentioned, I understand though this video leaned towards overall sound, and it was very well done, these were all just so close with each model edging out the other ones in their own area. I'm confident I made the right choice with the EJ200 now. Thanks for a great video.
It's hard to compare such different guitars, but given what you played, if I had listened without knowing what was being played, I doubt I would have said that the first was a $500 guitar, the second a $2900 guitar, and the third a $2400 guitar. I enjoyed your playing on all three guitars, by the way.
@fartpoobox ohyeah I do believe that the Taylor and the Martin were better. But the difference in money can't be justified of course! I didn't believe that I would like the Epi but I liked it! The Epi is the loudest and with the most bass, that's why it gives the illusion that it is the best. But tonewise the Martin is the best. Taylor lacks bass and overtone complexity. Having said that, I'm not willing to give that money to Martin!
The different body shapes will be the biggest factor in tone difference....and not everyone wants to stray on a jumbo...having said that, generally it seems you pay a big price for subtle tone variations
The Epi kicked ass. The sounds coming out of the EJ-200 are impressive. What an exceptional value. I do not own one of these but probably will. Very good comparison. I thought they all sounded very good, but the Epi was something special. Great playing too.... well done. TY MH
Thank you for this guitar FEATURED review. You displayed the possibilities of each guitar and it was informative. Very easy to make a choice for whatever your preference maybe. I have mine and it happens to be the EJ 200. Thanks again.
One thing is for certain about any of these comparisons, it sure evokes opinions and ideas. Personally,I think a lot of people have exquisitely more adept hearing than I have. Rich tone, bright, low end, mid range,…. I hear nice guitars.
Not comparing apples with apples here. Auditorium/concert vs dreadnought vs cutaway jumbo, and the ej200 has laminated back and sides. So I don't think its a realistic comparison. But the EJ200 does sound good nonetheless, as do the others.
I have the EJ200CE, it is a great guitar especially for the price, the action is low, neck is easy, smooth, fret work good, with a set of Elixer 11-52's it just plays well sounds good and looks good, what else is there?
Good shoot out, great playing. For my budget and being a strictly stay at home player 1) the Epi by a long way, 2) Taylor, 3) Martin. I would have expected it to be in reverse order. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for doing this review, all three sound amazing, probably just comes down to what each person‘s personal preference is in either look, feel, or cost🤣, cost plays a part for me, however when something feels right in your hand there is no substitute!
I own an EJ200 and It doesn't have the resonance nor projection that my Masterbilt 400 has. It sounds "nice" and looks incredible. It also has an uniform balance across the sound spectrum that the Masterbilt 400 DOESNT have. The 400 being more open at the bottom end. Almost "boomy". But I really like the geometry of the EJ200. Though it's a jumbo, most of the guitar sits back behind the player's strumming arm. So, to me, it feels like a smaller guitar than the Masterbilts. But for a bit more(maybe the sams price?) The Masterbilt 400 is a superior sounding instrument. Most noticeable when not mic'd. Seems when one mics a guitar that changes everything.
3 different guitars for different jobs, we have full rich dark sound of ephi, more definition out of Martin, and brighter more sustaining sound of Taylor. Can't beat the jumbo for price. I have lots of acoustic guitars, my j200 is one of my favorite, up there with my humming bird, Martin's and my Alvarez. One question was string age on all three? Very interesting, Thanks for sharing
The Epi sounds great in comparison to the Taylor and Martin, but how does the Epiphone feel playing compared to the others? That makes a huge difference and might be the difference in price. So my question is, “How does it feel playing in comparison?
Exactly like a comparison should be done ! The Epi won clearly in overall volume and sound while the Martin has the most controlled image. The Taylor unfortunately didn't make it.
All sound great. All very nice guitars. :-) We are lucky to live in a time where you can buy and play a nice guitar ......especially when $5k is not your price point.
Man, that Martin sounds amazing, I cannot believe it. I own an Epi EJ200 and it's by far my favourite guitar, but that parlour Martin sound as a Jumbo XD. I mean, it's proyection is from another world compared with a jumbo size middle range guitar. I think its price is worth.
I just purchased an Epiphone ej200 and I like it very much. As for the comparison, I really can't judge from the perspective of the sound of this video. But I can from my own studio and the Epiphone ej200 is one of the best deals out there for the money!🎸
I own a 2006 414 CE Taylor and a 1990 EJ 200 CE Taylor and I like both. Therefore they’re so different. The Taylor sound warmer and I like it for smooth strumming and picking . Mostly in folk music The EJ200CE , I use it for is clear tone for lead strumming and picking , mostly in country music .
Thanks for this comparison. I have an ej200 and I also had a Taylor 414 and got rid of the Taylor and kept the ej. I just wish epiphone would have kept the early 90’s headstock instead of the ugly one they have now. That’s my only complaint with mine.
You method of demo is excellent. The Epi holds it's own. I'd like the hear a Gibby j-200 next to the Epi but I don't imagine you have one in your collection? ($5,000 whew!).
Well, these are all good guitars with different tastes. But this comparison deals only with the acoustic quality, without any knowledge of their inbuilt pickup or preamp. The Epiphone has 2 way pickup system with blending facility by it's own esonic2 preamp system, which is a plus point. I bought one (made in Indonesia) six months ago. I feel lucky.
Nice comparison!! To my ear Taylor 414CE is the best which is high end and loud. Actually I love Martin tone. All three are great in a different price range.
I own a EJ-200 by Epiphone and I am totally convinced with it. Great comparison you did. So in strumming the Epi wins, the second is the Taylor, the Martin is a little too caged or boxy. Plektrum/single notes: The Martin has a longer sustain in the bass notes than the Epiphone. The Taylor has a longer sustain in the bass notes as well as the Martin but these basses are a littly un-bassy ... In the final strumming/solo part I think the Epi is a very good deal, the Martin is the weakes of these three and the Taylor is nearly as good as the Epi. The Taylor is the very best guitar in adjustment, nothing is buzzing, it is a dream of a guitar. The Martin comes close but it has one buzz on a distinct frequency. The Epi is the worst, it is buzzing on every occasion. For the price I prefer the Epi and would let it be re-adjusted by a guitar maker. Soundwise you cannot do any wrong with this guitar. It has the most wide-range frequency response. You got rid of the buzzing? You are in heaven with this Epi guitar!!!!
Eye's closed, and unplugged, I can't tell the Taylor and the Epiphone apart. I bought the Epiphone. As it goes through a Boss acoustic singer, I can pretty much make it match whatever sound I want. Thanks for the review.
I've had my EJ200ce for over 12 years now and am still as happy with it today as I was then. It definitely competes with guitars well above its price range. That said, this video just goes to further reinforce what I already know, I love Martins and don't care for Taylors. Fingers crossed there is a D28 or D15m in my near future.
All sound excellent and have their own strengths. Remember, Eddie Van Halen's Frankenstrat was a $150 parts guitar. He changed a few things back in '78 with that guitar. His Ibanez Destroyer was a complete junker too. All depends on the player and their style.
The Epiphone to me offers the most widespread orchestral frequencies. The Taylor is a great option, too. The Martin is a little bit quieter in everything frequency-wise ....
Finally someone who TRULLY does a right comparison, with same microphone, same EQ, same will at playing, not like those biased reviews made to justify you pay 10 times more for a small difference. Thank you!
Agreed! A proper review.
I just bought one of these and I want you to know they suck. Acoustically they are weak. This video is very deceiving.... I'm going to make my own video before I take this guitar back to Guitar Center. I will let you know when it's uploaded and provide a link... I have not tried the electronics and I'm not going to bother. It's an acoustic so if it doesn't sound good acoustically it's not worth the money. Certainly not worth $500
@@gc1362 wow. By all means post a video. Would love to see it. 👍
@@petestaint8312 this video is a couple of years old so maybe they're making them differently now or something. I'll make the video using just the microphone on my phone... I'm going to keep it very simple so you guys can hear the lack of volume this guitar really has.. I will compare it to my 1986 Sigma d-19 and a 1968 kay... both guitars cost me far less
@@gc1362 awesome! I'll be looking for it.
My personal preference definitely falls with the EJ-200. This video honestly helped me decide when I was looking to upgrade from an entry level acoustic. Nothing wrong with any of them, I just love the way the Epiphone sounds.
The truth is that any guitar can sound like a high-end one in the right hands. You made a great job, sir!
The truth is, any guitar can sound good when you've mic'd it.... this guitar sounds nothing like that acoustically... it's quite weak and has no bass or volume
OK! LET'S GET MIKED!
(and buy bunch of EFX)
🏌️👮🍏☺️☺️
I have to disagree. A really low end guitar will not sound as good as these 3.
I just bought the Epi j200. Then watched a number of youtube videos. I felt lucky i made the right decision. Biggest bang for your bucks
Update. I learned Tommy Emmanuel's Angelina and this guitar sounds like the more expensive guitar, Tommy was using
Best value guitar on the planet PLUS one of the BEST playing and sounding ever made!!
agree, i love mine too
Yip!
Excellent purchase
🏌️
Looks GREAT TOO!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Epi sounds very loud which I love! 👍
i love the sound of the EJ200 but wow, the martin just has an unbeatable tone
the martin is deep and dark sounding like it is trying to tame something wild from a guttural wail into a subtle moan
This model Epiphone will fetch Thousands in 25 years. These will be sought after in years to come... remember where you heard this first.
One of the best, most straightforward comparison videos I've ever seen. No fluff. Epi is very impressive. I have a AJ Masterbilt and love it. Can't justify the extra cost of the other two. I was however equally impressed with the Taylor. Thought it had quite a balanced sound. Not impressed with the Martin. Sounded muffled. I may have to get an ej now. Thanks!
This proves the point that everyone just own more than one guitar! They each sound distinctly different and equally good despite their price differences.
I could not honestly say one sounded better than another. There are slight differences in tone due to the woods and body styles. That said, they all sounded good to me, and it's a matter of individual tonal preference, as well as what you can afford. However, if money is an object, you simply can't go wrong with the Epi.
play some finger style so we can really here it play
The Epi really looks cool too!
That's the way a comparison should be! Bravo! Short sequences so the ear remembers the sound from one to another...bravo again!
Thank you! You made up my mind for me. So glad to be able to hear these side by side in the same audio conditions! I personally love the Epiphone. I've been looking for an added push to get one, and there you went.
The Epiphone had nice overtones and warmth, the Martin had more fullness, and the Taylor has a bit more brightness, (For my ear). All three sound great though.
Completely agree with your thoughts. I also think that the difference in cost between the epi and the martin and taylor are just not worth it unless you want to see the name on the headstock or youre a real high end performed. Diminishing returns and all that.
That said i hate the shape of the epi headstock and couldnt have it because of this. I guess im shallow.
@@zaphodbeeblebrox9109 they redesigned it. It's now the 60s era Kalamazoo Michigan style headstock.
@@michaelbalance98 like they have on the masterbilt acoustics? If so that definitely makes it appeal a lot more because that is a beautiful headstock.
@@zaphodbeeblebrox9109 Yeah, that's about right. Check out Epiphone's Inspired By Gibson Collection or their new Masterbilt USA Texan or the Masterbilt Excellente. That'll show you what I mean.
That Epi didn't sound bad at all. They all have their own sound but i do love the warmer sound from the Epi.
depends on the strings ....you would hope that they r all the same strings used on the guitars he used
It's
EPIPHONE
by a distance!
😘😘😘😘😘😘
SKILL/TALENT can make any guitar sound so much better than its price tag.
I bought an Epiphone EJ last year and it's the best sounding guitar I have ever played. I have played more expensive Gibsons & Taylors and Martins and the difference isn't noticeable
No shit... I don't belive you... ok its good but not SOOOOO... good
@@cynamoncynamonikus9449 the proof is in the video. The differences arent particularly huge. It comes down to personal preference and the laws of diminishing returns.
I have the Epiphone EJ-200 in the blond finish, just like the one in this video. It is known as the "King of the Flat Tops! They have a great, booming sound, since they are jumbo sized. The Gibson J-200 is the guitar Elvis played in the movie, "Loving You"! Emmy Lou Harris played one, as did Pete Townshend when he recorded "Tommy". Ron Wood of the Stones plays one. The Everly Brothers played the J-200 in the early days. I like the design with the mustache bridge and the decorated pickguard! I record with it and am always struck with how great it sounds. It has two pickups, one in the neck and one under the bridge which can be activated individually or together. There isn't a Martin or Taylor that sounds better, to me.
I have this Epiphone J 200 CE NT too, but also a Martin D 35. The Epiphone is a fantastic guitar in both feel and sound, but I think the Martin is the definite winner. Although they can't be compared, since the Epiphone only has a solid top and a laminated back and sides, the Martin is 100 % solid. But for the money the Epiphone is fantastic, and not far steps away from a real Gibson J-200.
Freddy Snip I came across some really high end guitars, made by a master luthier and he has solid tops of course but uses laminated back and sides. The guitars sound amazing and start @10 grand and are special ordered and each is made to order. Point is that back and sides aren’t as important as the top and the bracing of the top.
Great back-to-back comparison. Props for "Diary"! My 2009 non-cutaway non-electric EJ200 is my #1 for a reason
Amazing review! The Epiphone really it’s own against the Martin and Taylor...especially for the huge difference in price.
Best guitar review I've seen so far. I was looking at the ej200 for some time now and you helped me very much to decide. Thank you:)
Had an ej200 a few yrs back and I really miss that guitar. Played easy with plenty of sustain and volume !!!
The newer models are far superior mate!
3 different style guitars lends 3 different sounds. Martin = increased volume in bass and treble with subdued mids. Epi = jumbo = loud bass and chime-like trebles and again subdued mids. Taylor = balanced across the fret board = great for fingerstyle. All great guitars and love the Epiphone brand as I have owned both Gibson and Epiphone. Taylor is my preference for fingerstyle and all around playability due to the 1.75" nut and balance.
To my ears, Epiphone had far superior n detailed and balanced mids, low mids were lesser in amplitude than Martin which made it detailed overalls mid range
THEY ALL SOUND GOOD IN THERE OWN WAY.
The two BIG questions... (1) How do they sound plugged in? (Do all three guitars HAVE pickups? I didn't see) (2) How well do they play? how do they "feel?" How's the action?
I agree with the majority of comments here - that they all sound great. The Martin stood out as sounding "different" than the other two. Not necessarily "better," but different. I looked up from my keyboard when you switched to the Martin the first time... thinking wow... that's a change. I was on Epiphone's web site and became interested after hearing about the pickup system. I am not currently shopping for an acoustic guitar, but this one (The Epi) intrigues me. a lot
WTH! The Epiphone held it's own... and even sounds a little better in some ways.
Your video + a deal at my local music store = one happy customer.
I wasn't sure about waiting and buy a Taylor, but you've convinced me that this Epiphone is the right choice for my needs. Thank you sir, your videos are fantastic.
I like your philosophy. I purchased a spruce/rosewood Martin last year, and GC sent it to me all scratched up!!!! It was 2k.
I ended up with an Epiphone dreadnought...same spruce/rosewood for $729. They were running a sale on my AJ500RCE. I couldn't be happier. It has that Djanjo or mojo that only quality guitars have. One day, when time is right, I'll buy a used Martin D28. A well kept one. For now, I'm happy.
Great comparison.. the best I've seen.
Great guitar playing 🎸
The epiphone for me.
Tough call between the EJ and 414 for my ears. Thanks for sharing!
I have an Epiphone Dove and Epiphone Hummingbird, just got a Taylor. Love em all for different reasons. I think Epiphone is very underrated.
Which one is better for bar chords?
Way underrated
I have played all three Epiphone next to there Gibson counterpart .
After playing the Epi the impression is that it's a great guitar.
When I go to their Gibson counterparts it's like there's a little something extra and a bit more inspiring to play.
You pay big $$$$ for that little something extra but that's normally how it works with musical instruments.
Agreed. I almost bought a J15 last year, but to get that extra something we both notice, you'd have to step up to the J45. The J15 neck was too chunky too. I ended up with Epi AJ500RCE. It has that something.
I just bought the EJ 200sce vintage natural. I’m playing it more than my Taylor 324. The Taylor doesn’t have any electronics yet though.
I’m very happy with my EJ-200.
I like the Taylor, but I just bought one. The Epi sounds good too. I almost bought a Gibson that was the same price as the Taylor and sounded just as good to me, but didn't have the cut away and wasnt A/E. It's amazing to me that the Martin doesn't sound as good to me as either one. It's the same reason I went with Taylor over the Martin it just seemed dead to me. Didn't seem to have the robustness that the Taylor did. After I bought the Taylor I picked up a 2.5k D25 and it sounded amazing, to me it sounded like my Taylor only slightly better sound and playability.
I agree with you. I bought a Taylor nylon strings and sounds really great. Noy I am looking for a steel string guitar better than my Ovation Standard Balladeer 1861. Can you tell me if this Epi would be the right choise or I better stay with my Ovation? Regards
I am shocked, the Epi sounds incredible, great test fair and square, i would love to hear them with a condenser mic.
Thanks great vid.
J200,Loud ,nice,a good setup,tusq compensated bridge saddle and Bone nut ,12 gauge elixers,better bridge pins and unplugged is hard to find anything ''wrong'' with the jumbo sized EJ200.....works for me and I've been thru the lot...I mean Froggy Bottom $10,000...Santa Cruz,$6000,Lowden and on and on.Yes you get the stradivarius quality for the down payment on a house no question...but......A good acoustic player will coax a lot from a cheap guitar,Willie Nelson/Monte Montgomery/Tommy Emannuel....
I thought the Epi and the Taylor didnt sound a world apart, but the Martin was totally different
Good locked down, unbiased review. Its not the first review where I preferred the Epiphone.
I really must get one..
Epiphone has better sound my opinion anyway.
I totally agree.
YIP!
It's EPIPHONE by
A NECK!😂
Epi.........................
I agree
Awesome comparison I like the Taylor or the Epiphone. What strings are you using on all 3 guitars?
I am a beginner and have been very pleased that I bought the EJ-200 on a recommendation from someone I trust. My ear isn’t refined enough to pick up the difference but I can say that I am enjoying learning on this Epiphone.
Thank you, needed this comparison! You told me everything I needed to know.
This video is amazing. Thank you. This is how guitar comparison videos should be like! Definitely going for Epiphone 😀
Nice playing, great comparison. Just ordered an Epiphone Masterbilt DR400, so I just stopped by the root for the Epi and it did not disappoint at all. Btw, the sound quality here is very good, it would have been even better if you had used a condenser mic (dynamic microphones like the SM58 don't capture the full frequency range of acoustic guitars). Great work, thanks for the effort.
I found the taylor kinda had a nice mix of the epi & the martin ... I found the martin while defined a lil too "piano-y". Great video & thanks for sharing !! :)
All sound decent but, there’s something about that Martin that really speaks to me.
Great comparison! Honestly I liked them all of course, but this sealed the deal for me on the Epi EJ... So I bought one. It just seemed like more bang for the buck, and it has some very nice features as well that weren't mentioned, I understand though this video leaned towards overall sound, and it was very well done, these were all just so close with each model edging out the other ones in their own area. I'm confident I made the right choice with the EJ200 now. Thanks for a great video.
It's hard to compare such different guitars, but given what you played, if I had listened without knowing what was being played, I doubt I would have said that the first was a $500 guitar, the second a $2900 guitar, and the third a $2400 guitar. I enjoyed your playing on all three guitars, by the way.
@fartpoobox ohyeah I do believe that the Taylor and the Martin were better. But the difference in money can't be justified of course! I didn't believe that I would like the Epi but I liked it! The Epi is the loudest and with the most bass, that's why it gives the illusion that it is the best. But tonewise the Martin is the best. Taylor lacks bass and overtone complexity. Having said that, I'm not willing to give that money to Martin!
The different body shapes will be the biggest factor in tone difference....and not everyone wants to stray on a jumbo...having said that, generally it seems you pay a big price for subtle tone variations
Thank you so much for playing exactly the same thing on different guitars! I'm on the verge of buying that Epi.
Same but in the sunburst
My feelings exactly. 👍
This is a very good video man! thanks for the comparison of these beautiful guitars 🎸🎶
That's the way to do a comparison. Thank you.
The Epi kicked ass. The sounds coming out of the EJ-200 are impressive. What an exceptional value. I do not own one of these but probably will. Very good comparison. I thought they all sounded very good, but the Epi was something special. Great playing too.... well done. TY MH
Great review! Thank you for this. I'm looking at the J200 and this has helped me to decide.
Thank you for this guitar FEATURED review. You displayed the possibilities of each guitar and it was informative. Very easy to make a choice for whatever your preference maybe. I have mine and it happens to be the EJ 200. Thanks again.
IMO the Martin sounds the best. More solid.
@Alberto Abarzua yea. That's why Martin has been around for almost 200 years and still selling guitars.
Sounds like lighter gauge strings or older strings on the marty🤓
One thing is for certain about any of these comparisons, it sure evokes opinions and ideas. Personally,I think a lot of people have exquisitely more adept hearing than I have. Rich tone, bright, low end, mid range,…. I hear nice guitars.
EPI SOUNDS THE BEST OF THE THREE
Nice playing. Thanks for sharing. Did you have a preference?
If I wanted ONE of those guitars backing me up on vocals, I'd pick the Martin, based on that demo
When all is said, there's nothing like a Martin. The best ones sound like a grand piano. No doubt.
Not comparing apples with apples here. Auditorium/concert vs dreadnought vs cutaway jumbo, and the ej200 has laminated back and sides. So I don't think its a realistic comparison. But the EJ200 does sound good nonetheless, as do the others.
ya was wondering how he was comparing these to each other when shape and build on all three are different
I have the EJ200CE, it is a great guitar especially for the price, the action is low, neck is easy, smooth, fret work good, with a set of Elixer 11-52's it just plays well sounds good and looks good, what else is there?
Gibson EJ200!!! 🥰
Good shoot out, great playing. For my budget and being a strictly stay at home player 1) the Epi by a long way, 2) Taylor, 3) Martin. I would have expected it to be in reverse order. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for doing this review, all three sound amazing, probably just comes down to what each person‘s personal preference is in either look, feel, or cost🤣, cost plays a part for me, however when something feels right in your hand there is no substitute!
What strings did you play on the guitars ( gauge , alloy , brand ... ) ? Thanks for the video .
What strings do you have on the Epi? Just bought one a couple months ago and they’re great sounding guitars.
13,s on mine. Generic.
That was actually pretty awesome thank you so much for the video what was that last tune u played
I own an EJ200 and It doesn't have the resonance nor projection that my Masterbilt 400 has.
It sounds "nice" and looks incredible. It also has an uniform balance across the sound spectrum that the Masterbilt 400 DOESNT have. The 400 being more open at the bottom end. Almost "boomy".
But I really like the geometry of the EJ200. Though it's a jumbo, most of the guitar sits back behind the player's strumming arm. So, to me, it feels like a smaller guitar than the Masterbilts.
But for a bit more(maybe the sams price?) The Masterbilt 400 is a superior sounding instrument. Most noticeable when not mic'd.
Seems when one mics a guitar that changes everything.
That epi for rare rockabilly strummin..great video..
Most of the time people always pick the loudest sounding as the best sounding, even pros. Great job on Ozzie, subbed
3 different guitars for different jobs, we have full rich dark sound of ephi, more definition out of Martin, and brighter more sustaining sound of Taylor. Can't beat the jumbo for price. I have lots of acoustic guitars, my j200 is one of my favorite, up there with my humming bird, Martin's and my Alvarez. One question was string age on all three? Very interesting, Thanks for sharing
The Epi sounds great in comparison to the Taylor and Martin, but how does the Epiphone feel playing compared to the others? That makes a huge difference and might be the difference in price. So my question is, “How does it feel playing in comparison?
Exactly like a comparison should be done ! The Epi won clearly in overall volume and sound while the Martin has the most controlled image. The Taylor unfortunately didn't make it.
Can I ask what kind of strings you are using, please?
Yes you can.
Nice! I want one of those Epi-wotsits.
Martin then epi then taylor for these models.
All sound great. All very nice guitars. :-) We are lucky to live in a time where you can buy and play a nice guitar ......especially when $5k is not your price point.
My EJ200 is coming up for 30years old.Love it.
EPIPHONE !!!!!! Man the best of the lot by farrrrrrr
this shootout just killed Gibson SJ200 lol
Man, that Martin sounds amazing, I cannot believe it. I own an Epi EJ200 and it's by far my favourite guitar, but that parlour Martin sound as a Jumbo XD. I mean, it's proyection is from another world compared with a jumbo size middle range guitar. I think its price is worth.
All are great in their own tones. The Epiphone held it's own for the money.
Wow. I preferred the Epi to the Martin and think it was pretty much 95% of what the Taylor delivered. Very impressive.
It was amazing Guy!!! cause you show difrent kinds of aprocha and atack... it iis really clear!!! Congratulations!
I just purchased an Epiphone ej200 and I like it very much. As for the comparison, I really can't judge from the perspective of the sound of this video. But I can from my own studio and the Epiphone ej200 is one of the best deals out there for the money!🎸
I just scored a EJ200 on Craigslist for $225. It definitely plays and sounds like a way more expensive guitar.
I own a 2006 414 CE Taylor and a 1990 EJ 200 CE Taylor and I like both. Therefore they’re so different.
The Taylor sound warmer and I like it for smooth strumming and picking . Mostly in folk music
The EJ200CE , I use it for is clear tone for lead strumming and picking , mostly in country music .
Thanks for this comparison. I have an ej200 and I also had a Taylor 414 and got rid of the Taylor and kept the ej. I just wish epiphone would have kept the early 90’s headstock instead of the ugly one they have now. That’s my only complaint with mine.
You make sound so good, I on the other hand can make all 3 sound just as bad. Nice job
I too have that talent....LOL
I'm back to the basics now trying to exorcise bad habits I've learned along the way.
Had any electonic isues with your epiphone? I am comparing this to a yamaha on the fence
You method of demo is excellent. The Epi holds it's own. I'd like the hear a Gibby j-200 next to the Epi but I don't imagine you have one in your collection? ($5,000 whew!).
Haha! Diary of a Madman! I bought a DC35 and I just cant use it on gigs :-( That's why I'm watching
Well, these are all good guitars with different tastes. But this comparison deals only with the acoustic quality, without any knowledge of their inbuilt pickup or preamp. The Epiphone has 2 way pickup system with blending facility by it's own esonic2 preamp system, which is a plus point. I bought one (made in Indonesia) six months ago. I feel lucky.
Nice comparison!! To my ear Taylor 414CE is the best which is high end and loud. Actually I love Martin tone. All three are great in a different price range.
I own a EJ-200 by Epiphone and I am totally convinced with it.
Great comparison you did. So in strumming the Epi wins, the second is the Taylor, the Martin is a little too caged or boxy.
Plektrum/single notes: The Martin has a longer sustain in the bass notes than the Epiphone. The Taylor has a longer sustain in the bass notes as well as the Martin but these basses are a littly un-bassy ...
In the final strumming/solo part I think the Epi is a very good deal, the Martin is the weakes of these three and the Taylor is nearly as good as the Epi.
The Taylor is the very best guitar in adjustment, nothing is buzzing, it is a dream of a guitar. The Martin comes close but it has one buzz on a distinct frequency. The Epi is the worst, it is buzzing on every occasion.
For the price I prefer the Epi and would let it be re-adjusted by a guitar maker. Soundwise you cannot do any wrong with this guitar. It has the most wide-range frequency response. You got rid of the buzzing? You are in heaven with this Epi guitar!!!!
Definitely buying myself an Epip this video convinced me👍
That Epiphone sounds lovely.
Eye's closed, and unplugged, I can't tell the Taylor and the Epiphone apart. I bought the Epiphone. As it goes through a Boss acoustic singer, I can pretty much make it match whatever sound I want. Thanks for the review.
I've had my EJ200ce for over 12 years now and am still as happy with it today as I was then. It definitely competes with guitars well above its price range. That said, this video just goes to further reinforce what I already know, I love Martins and don't care for Taylors. Fingers crossed there is a D28 or D15m in my near future.
I got a Sigma DM15 and I can't wait to pick this Epi as a second guitar.
All sound excellent and have their own strengths. Remember, Eddie Van Halen's Frankenstrat was a $150 parts guitar. He changed a few things back in '78 with that guitar. His Ibanez Destroyer was a complete junker too. All depends on the player and their style.
The Epiphone to me offers the most widespread orchestral frequencies. The Taylor is a great option, too. The Martin is a little bit quieter in everything frequency-wise ....