Squier or Epiphone - What brand has the best value?
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- Baxter and Jonathan talk Made in Mexico Fenders, Squires and Epiphones in todays episode. With rising prices across the lines, how much are you willing to pay for a MIM Guitar Vs a MIC guitar. We also discuss if Gibson needs a made in Mexico guitar as well.
I'm a Fender fanboy and the thing that I like about Squier is their offerings of non standard colours and shapes. They're willing to take more risk given the lower cost. Look at the Paranormal line. Epiphone doesn't seem to be willing to take the same risks.
To be fair, I think Epiphone with the Jared James 1 P90 and the whole modern line is somewhat willing to go new directions. It's not like Squier doesn't rely on the classic models.
I have a Vista Series JagMaster from Squier my Wife bought me for Christmas years ago.
Me, a jazz alike with HB's. It was based around a 'time' (killer axe, btw). Some Gavin guy ;)
I can't imagine Epi doing this.
Fine by me.
Wait,,,JJN. Pretty sweet little 'Paul.
I did the waiting game for a TSB Lp Jr.
Again, i'll skip the music.
Really don't care either way.
Epiphone is taking risks, but very small. The prophecy series last year, the modern series, and most of their signature guitars are very innovative and very 'non-Gibson'. But yeah, Squier is definitely frontlining that "modern"/non-standard guitars production.
This^
@@glenkepic3208 I sold my vista series jag master back in the early 2000's, what a mistake that was! Such a good guitar!
Guitarist for a long time..owned and played the best stuff over 40 years. After seeing so many positive experiences - now concentrating on Epiphone and Squier instruments to add. Obtained a Fiesta Red Classic Vibe 50's Stratocaster - lord yes! Epiphone Les Paul 1960 Tribute Plus - my gawd! It contains Gibson 57 Classic pickups with series/parallel push-pulls on both. CTS Pots - nice hardware. Epiphone Les Paul Custom black beauty - Kalamazoo headstock, gold hardware, binding ...the whole deal - under $700. Just stunning. Epiphone SG Classic with P90's - kick tail rock machine in Inverness green at $400. I added these three over the year and am blown away and back again at how nice they sound...and their build quality is on it. Have a Prophecy SG in the works - can't get it - ordered in December '20. Just doesn't fit in my view of the cosmos to see Gibson guitars made in Mexico...for the same reasons you guys mentioned. No other particular reason - just doesn't fit
If Baxter and Jonathan soon get divorced by their wives, they can shack up and become the new Odd Couple. That would make for a priceless reality series!
They should do an episode where their wives dress up as them and host the show.
Goodness gracious y’all got some ideas…🤣🤦🏼♂️
Jonathan as Oscar and Baxter as FU
Kate…I’ll drink to that ..👍🍺
I wish Epiphone offered a line of 3 piece maple neck lp customs. Some of my favorite players from the 80s used those customs. I know it is not vintage correct, but the risk of a headstock snap would be reduced a little, and I like the stability of maple over mahogany.
You’re right about the low-end epiphones not comparing to the low-end squiers. The epiphones are pretty much crap, and I’ve bought a couple years ago hoping they would be as good as my $400 epiphone and I was disappointed. Haven’t played any recently but I assume that anything that epiphone makes that’s bolt-on is not worth messing with. Low-end squier scan be perfectly playable.
@Larry limblost I’m playing a ‘95 Epiphone Les Paul Custom in my profile pic, numbnuts…
Seriously though, I said bolt-on epiphones are crap compared to the set-neck epis that I’ve owned. I’ve owned and played quite a few of them, the higher-end epiphones are some of my favorite guitars ever.
Loved the video, but the Letterkenny heads up. It’s hilarious never heard of it before being English. Thinks for the heads up.
Gibson could do a three-tier business model: Epiphone is made in China, Indonesia, etc..., but switches the Inspired By Gibson headstocks to match the Gibson one; Orville, from Japan, gets imported to the USA and all other countries, and makes higher-end versions of Gibson and Epis, but at a price point between Epi and Gibby; and Gibson keeps building what they build.
Oh, and I got an Epiphone '59 Les Paul Outfit, the collab with the Gibson Custom Shop, with Gibson electronics; CTS audio taper pots, Switchcraft hardware, and, most importantly, Burstbucker pickups); and it kicks ass. Epi needs to do more of these.
You can find and buy a Squire at your preferred place. Not so much with Epi's.
Godin is highly under rated Canadian Guitar company
That must be true. You never hear anybody talking bad about those guitars.
I have been impressed with most of the godin guitars I have played.
@@daviddawson1718 Their use of Piezo's is far superior to many more Noted brands, shame people judge Guitars like they do People by their Prejudices and not Actual Performance
@@homegrownson that's true, my local music shop is a Godin dealer, and it used to make me angry that people are all over fender acoustasonic or telecustic which sound like shit from a casio keyboard.
Godin is the biggest guitar maker in North America. Bigger than Gibson and bigger than Fender USA.They are also the biggest in Europe because their European guitars are made in Berlin.
Here in Japan, major guitar retailers carry Squiers (Indonesia), made in Mexico Fenders, made in Japan Fenders, and made in U.S.A fenders. The prices go up in the same order as I listed them so there are lots of options and price points in Fender’s lineup. They also carry Epiphones and Gibsons, but there is a HUGE gap in the price points between those two. Seems like Fender makes it much easier to own a Fender. 🎸
much the same in australia. the epiphones just don't cover the range of the squires & mexican fenders.
maybe gibson should build epiphones in mexico?
Here in America a squier 70s vibe strat is 500 while a Epiphone Sg standard is 450.
@@dirtydanthesecretsauceman8519 Yeah, those are pretty reasonable prices for what are most likely pretty good guitars. What’s the jump between the Epiphone SG and the Gibson SG? I don’t personally don’t know exactly, but I’m assuming that Fender has a few guitars that you could buy in between those two SG prices. Hopefully, people who want to play guitar can find something decent at a price they can afford. People can also buy used or save up though, like I did when I bought my first guitar. 🎸
@@mattjackson7859
800 for Epiphone Sg custom, 800-1000 for a p90 satin Gibson SG, 1500 for a Gibson SG standard.
@@dirtydanthesecretsauceman8519 Apparently the guitar shops I have been frequenting to purchase strings and picks aren’t carrying these intermediate price point Epiphones and Gibsons. My initial comment isn’t holding up well. Thanks for the info, have a good one. 🎸
I don’t think Gibson should make Mexico stuff. Epiphone is their Mexico.
Gibson has always been a more premier brand than fender. Even from the beginning.
I agree that Gibson should not make Gibsons in Mexico, but I think it would be great if they moved Epiphone production to Mexico or at least the higher end models.
If Gibson goes with a Mexican line they need to revive on the the old names like Kalamazo, Orville, Maestro, etc and not call them Gibsons
that WOULD be cool.... not going to happen but would be WAY cool.
Isnt buying products made in China the same as buying products from the Soviet Union in the 1980's? No one in the 80's would buy from the Soviets. Companies move production to China to pay share holders not for there customers.
Yup. The USSR or NAZI Germany would probably still be around today if they had only figured out how easy it was to addict American consumers to cheap products.
@Larry Tomato head Because the factory is in China, they pay taxes to the Chinese Communist Government, they have Chinese partners to build and supply them, they support Chinese shipping and transit buy being there, etc... If you don't see how buying a product made in China supports the Chinese Communist Party then I probably can't help you.
Just seems like Fender understands that someone that buys a Squire that plays well and sounds good will more than likely buy a Fender once they have “grown up money” while Gibson lives in fear that if they make Epiphones too good, it will eliminate the need to purchase a Gibson.
I saw Strange Brew in the theatre with my dad when it came out. Hilarious. Can’t believe you mentioned it, this is by far your best movie reference to date. 🍺🇨🇦🍺
Right on!!! One of the best I have to agree:)
Haha! The Mackenzie brothers!
Super Hoser. Loved that dog.
Why not have a Gibson plant in 🇧🇷 Brazil. They can have models made with exotic woods.
Squier is killing it right now!
Been a long since i visited a guitar shop but have 2 Sq,s 20 Anniversary Fat Tele and a Vista JagMaster.
Man, i wanted a black and chrome Tele or Strat but finding one that played worth buying never happened. Even the Tele needed work.
On the other hand, i played a few Super Sonics then i dug. The flipped over Jazzmaster inspired by Jimi.
Like to think quality is better now.
The Epiphone 50's standards are high end look at the specs a build quality this is why I just bought a 2021 waiting on it now it's on back order I paid $650.00 for it but don't hold your breath on that price Rumors are already circulating they will be $850.00 in 2022
I have a Squire Classic Vibe Thinline Tele and it’s one of my favorite guitars ✌️
I have a G&L Doheny tribute that was well worth paying a bit out of the squire range. I really can't understand why that whole line gets over looked. one thing they did visually that I like is it still says g&l on the headstock. not that a name matters but when you are on a budget and buying something new it at least makes you feel like you are moving in a better direction
Love my Doheny tribute in off white , boy did it need a fret job and setup . Also the bridge pickup was dead on arrival . All set up though it's one sweet rocker with a unique sound and look . But the QC at the factory is kinda' ify' .
I can't understand why all G&L lines get overlooked. They are all great guitars from top to bottom.
@@brrblack497 my neck and pick ups are good the only thing that's weird to me is that the string tension seems to change , almost like the bridge settles a bit after playing. I love the tone controls and general versatility
Baxter's reaction to Jonathan when he mentions Harley Benton and Firefly. Hilarious!
Absolute junk. Unless you are a certain Canadian UA-camr;)
Lol yeah, I love my firefly. It plays beautifully
@@Sorakorra umm lol congratulations lol? Am I speaking millennial yet?lol omg.
@TheEgg Man and @ Sota Korra From my $120 Donner Tele to my 4K Gibson Songbird Deluxe acoustic. Each guitar gives me that special mojo in its own way😁
@@jamesshaw476 completely agree. 🤝
If it says Gibson on the headstock and isn't made in the USA I would never buy one. I've paid less than a grand for a Gibson and its great
As an owner of several Gibsons I can honestly say that the new Epiphone 335’s are tremendous. I bought a 2021 army green Epiphone 335 with P90’s and it sounds and play excellent. Best value in a guitar that I’ve purchased as new in a long time at $400. It won’t ever be worth a lot of money but it looks and plays great. Epiphone have upped their game. I have yet to try new Fender Squiers. I have heard they are also wonderful for the price point!
value wise I think classic vibe wins because it cost me just below 600$ whereas the Epiphones are 1100 and change. I think the squire is every bit as good as the EP Les Pauls
I like supporting local businesses, and American jobs in general. I would never want Gibson to have a model that’s made in another country. Being made in the U.S.A. is an integral element of the Gibson brand.
See the beauty of the Epi/Squire thing is, you can get two guitars for less than the price of one U.S. made Gibson/Fender.
I’d rather have one great guitar than two average guitars. There are great epiphones and squiers but they are usually the most expensive.
@@chrisshaw2754 And you can still get both for the price of one U.S. made Gibson/Fender
Putting aside preferences of sound, feel, playability etc I think it does make a huge difference that when you buy a MIM Fender it says FENDER on the headstock, but when you buy what would be a comparable offering (price-wise) from Gibson it says EPIPHONE...
I can't count the amount of times I've read folks complaining that Gibson don't offer any affordable guitars...well they do, but they're branded Epiphone...seems as if no matter how good the value is on an Epi people just will never think of it as a Gibson due to what's on the headstock...while on the other hand you may be playing a MIM Strat, but when you look down you get the satisfaction of seeing that FENDER logo...
It seems to make the world of difference to guitar players, and I think it's easy to understand why
Sadly I just purchased an Epiphone Les Paul it was made in Gibsons plant in China. Just like I hate buying Apple products. I also understand the ultra high cost of doing business in the USA with the EPA OSHA and federal bs plus tag on states like CA WA OR and PA….
Fortunately I do believe Gibson when they claim to not use forced labor (Lying on investor calls is criminal)
They still benefit from it in a tangential way.
There’s a huge difference in being made in genocide slave holding organ harvesting Covid generating China and most of the countries in the world.
With all that said I am very satisfied with the fit and finish of my guitar and it inspires me to play.
D P: it's interesting you say that about the Made in Mexico Fenders,
there's a reason the name Fender is on the headstock as opposed to Gibson not being on the headstock of an Epiphone.
that's because Leo Fender himself went to Mexico to open up a plant, people who couldn't afford the American Standard Stratocasters and Telecasters at the time could buy the Mexican version for less money.
but because the name Fender was still on the headstock, it still wasn't a cheap guitar,
it was just not as expensive as the American Standards.
that's when Fender went to other markets to create Squier we know of today.
with Epiphone you couldn't put the name Gibson on the headstock without paying a premium, but i get what your saying though.
there is something to be said about the name Fender on a MIM version,
that's because it says Fender on it.
but people didn't buy it because it says Fender, they bought it because cheap guitars at the time were crap. if Squier wasn't looked at as the cheap man's guitar back in the 80's and 90's, most people might not look at Mexican Fenders as much.
Squier was the main reason why most people took a chance on the MIM Fenders, because Squier wasn't that much different from other cheap guitar brands at the time. Epiphone was always looked at differently than Gibson when it came to electric guitars at the time, because they were seen as the poor man's Les Paul.
Epiphone was mainly known for there Acoustic guitars,
but the one positive about Epiphone was that, if the guitar didn't turn out that great you didn't get this feel of being let down. if the guitar actually turned out to be good,
now you get a sense of wow this guitar surprised.
you can't do that with a Gibson, because with a Gibson you do get a solid guitar most of the time. even the Gibson Les Paul Tribute which has been there entry level for years was still a pretty good guitar. the Les Paul Studio was the one closest to the Standard.
but unlike Epiphone your expectations for Gibson to put out a good guitar are higher,
anything less than that your gonna be disappointed lol.
@@markntexas8265 prices arent even that bad in the US, in Europe they are even more expensive
Gibson is an aspirational brand. Any labor savings gained by moving to Mexico would be lost in brand value.
Gibson is an aspirational brand mostly for 50 year old men. Just ask any dealer.
@@joebryant8500 50 year old men have the money to pay, and we never run out of 50 year old men. There is a new batch every year
@@jeffmckinnon5842 Half of all guitars sold in the last few years were from a Fender brand, and the buyers were mostly under 30. Gibson doesn't come close.
Thanks for playing.
@@joebryant8500 I did not know that statistics like this were being collected. I don't really disagree with you, but I would love to see where you got those numbers from...
@@jeffmckinnon5842 Reverb articles, YT videos from large retailers such as Andertons UK (biggest by-volume retailer in the UK), research posted in business journals, UK music industry analytics.
My 2019 Epiphone Exclusive Deluxe G400 Sg pro limited run was crafted the exact way as the the Gibson Sgs in the early 1960's it's also has gone up in Value on the used market
the serial number on my SG is 19 ect etc....dude Epiphone NAILED it in 2019/20/21
@Richard Moore no its reality buddy maybe if would take time and do research first you wouldn't look like fools😁
@Richard Moore so whose the pile of shit now Smart guy🤣😂🤣😂
@Larry Tomato head preach it brother!
I’m not going to criticize Epiphone because they really have improved in many ways in the last several years.
However, I think it is significant to point out that “right now” ALL recent used guitars have increased in value.
I don’t think any of us can say that this guitar or that guitar regardless of model or brand is going to hold its value long term until the market normalizes post COVID.
In the case of the MIM guitars, it's not that $800 is too expensive for a starting point. It's just that US wages have been suppressed for 30 years (or more). If workers made, say, even 50% more nowadays, $800 becomes more palatable. It's not the price, it's the "underfunded" disposable income. My opinion, anyways.
But if workers are making more then labor costs go up and the price of goods also goes up. There are times when either workers or consumers benefit in the short term from inflation but there’s only one group that wins long term and it probably isn’t you and definitely isn’t me.
Good opinion and thanks a ton for sharing! We also have noted that wages have risen steadily but unfortunately costs of good..well, you know...and don't even get me started on houses...for jimmies sake:)
@@Dram1984 I should have elaborated on the vast redistribution of wealth in this country over the last 30 years also. There is only a very few individuals in this country enjoying the spoils af the vast capitalistic advances this country has made.
You guys should make a video explaining why Fender Japan is pretty much independent from Fender USA. It's kind of mysterious how Fender Japan operates but I love seeing all their special Japan only models. I'd like to know more about the relationship between them and the main branch of Fender.
I picked up a "not for export" 1990 's MIJ Stratocaster recently . One of the best necks I've ever seen !!!
Japan is super racist. Foreign market too, giant tariffs and sometimes just government orders for stores to just not display foreign products in hopes of killing them.
Also with that is them back then basically being China except they had a culture of honor and work ethic which meant they were producing a ton of cheap knockoff products that were ironically better quality and design than the original ones. So combined, that was bad. Fenders were way overpriced and whatever knockoff Japanese strat was probably way better than the US ones. Which meant that Fender literally couldn’t compete, they were outmatched in quality and price. So to get around all that bullshit they decided to give in and make Fender a Japanese company by buying out all the Japanese copy builders and doing a joint venture.
MIJ guitars rn are either vintage focused or hybrid modern in aesthetic. They’re not anywhere as modern as the US models in terms of features and like to use basswood a lot. But it’s always a hybrid somehow with a bright pop body color or a pickup “designed to provide a modern feel to a vintage tone.” But that’s all. Its normal guitars pretending to be more progressive. It’s not terribly interesting at all aside from the artist models which are the most modern or unique ones (fender katana reissue) compared to the US counterparts. I suggest you find their web link on their own channel. Their stuff is just… wow.
Funny enough MIJ is the only Fender that is reasonably priced in that country. MiMs and MiA’s are either considerably so overpriced you just should consider a MIJ or so exorbitantly priced to the same number as a custom shop price tag that you will just swear by an MIJ. So the Japanese monopoly still works and Fender gets their cut.
@@kennethchou4384 wow, your last name explains your post perfectly… talk about racist
@@bizzzzzzle this is just how japans economy works. and if not now, did.
Another Little known Canadian legend is Garnet Amplification from Winnipeg.
Have you tried the Sterling (Music Man) CT50 Cutlass? I'll put it up against Fender Mex. Locking Tuners, roasted maple neck. It sounds great. $499.
Epiphone and Squire definitely have become quality products.
Some killer products from both!
BTW, 2018 Gibson Tribute LP (non weight relieved) is an excellent deal.
Some of the other brands make great inexpensive lines. Gretsch has the streamliner line and it is pretty fantastic value for money.
When I was younger, I spent thousands of dollars on cheaper guitars because the only thing that mattered to me was the way they felt and played.
I lost thousands on all of those guitars made in Indonesia, Korea, and China. I've been lucky to resell a mint guitar for 40% of what I paid.
My American guitars have held all of their value. Gibson, Fender, Martin. I've literally played these for years and they are worth, at minimum, what I paid for them new.
I kind of look at it as an investment that I can play with. Its like Scrooge Mcduck swimming in his money vault. He can build a pool with water, chlorine, and maintenance but thats a fun EXPENSE. Doing your swimming in gold coins that just increase in value? That, my friend, is a fun INVESTMENT.
I don't think one should think of guitars as an investment.
It's an Instrument, not a stock.
Play it for the sake of playing it, maybe play it forever, (and really feel if it's the one you want before buying it.) Instead of constantly buying and selling them
@@jamiewhichelo9983
@@jamiewhichelo9983 Depends on which stock yoru talking about . One share fo Apple is a lot different then one share of game Stop,..and fi your actually read what he wrote hes saying his American made guitars have held their value as opposed to the ones make in places like Indonesia & Korea. Therefore they've proven to also be worthy place holders of money considering that face.
Certainly better then one Game stop,..LoL
@@terryshrk That kind of wasn't the point I was trying to make, sorry.
What I meant was that guitars aren't just there to be a form of asset or money, but (as an instrument) be something you have a emotional attachment to. It's kind of like your favorite t-shirt. Do I care if it's made by Walmart or by Gucci? Or do I care more about the design, the feel of it
I’ve always advocated saving up for a really good guitar instead of hurrying and getting a cheap guitar- I’m flat broke, But instead of buying a squire immediately, I saved for a really good top Fender. The word budget means in a hurry. Patience is rewarded with a superior instrument.
Sterling Cutlass CT50. Nothing beats that in value for money.
I’d rather see Epiphone move to Mexico
I have a hard tail Vintage Modified Jazzmastwr I bought a while ago that's fantastic. I bought it from a guy for 250 dollars and it plays like a quality guitar that costs much more. I dont buy or really own budget guitars anymore but I've never been able to part with this one.
For me it's Fender, Gretsch & Gibson as the big 3. Squier, Epiphone and Gretsch's ElectroMatics/Streamliner are top notch quality and almost rival their top-shelf models. The Firefly... rofl. I have one. Body looks ...okayish. Pickups are trash, fret buzz galore. Spend 2x the $ and get a Squier or Epiphone (or a Gretsch Streamliner).
Have the Gretsch Rancher Falcon Jumbo Acoustic remarkable craftsmanship
I exclusively play only those brands lol the biggest difference would be the pickups both are garbage but a garbage humbucker will always be less noisy then a single coil..
I have a les Paul standard and classic vibe tele and jaguar... a good rule of thumb is if a string touches it or if your tone electrically passes thru it replace it if desire something better.. if you do that dollar for dollar ull get a really good instrument... it'll have no resale value so all the brass racks gotta have around models of guitars I choose this route becuz for not alot of money amd the experience u gain and the end result is a wall that has a strat.. tele.. les paul... jaguar. Jazzmaster.. flying v and SG.. are they amazing examples of each no.. but are they in the ballpark and respectable sounding yeah... and then the rest of your life you get to save buy sell and trade high end guitars knowing if a gig any reason happens you got the work horse stable to pull from
There is no room for a Mexican-Gibson on the quality scale between Epi and Gibson
Yeah, epiphone already challenges MIM Fender for quality and reputation. They need to focus on the under $300 range of Epiphones
Fenders Soul job is to produce the best guitar for the cheapest amount Gibsons job is to give you a luxury item
The best value guitars for me are the PRS SE line, more specifically the SE Standard 24 and SE Standard 245.
These are clearly the cream of the import crop. PRS has very high standards across the board.
@@beatmasterbossy The PRS SE line are the cream of the crop for imports and they are the best value guitars. The PRS SE Standard guitars are very affordable.
@@314jrock but if I'm gonna buy a PRS I'm going to buy from the core models.
But that's because I like knowing it's top of the line.
@@beatmasterbossy Everybody wants a core model PRS, but everybody don't have the money for it. This video is about best value guitars, not expensive top of the line guitars.
@@314jrock to which I would argue they have the best value for their high price.
It is just an aside. I agree about PRS SE
I just really like the fancy ones.
People spend huge amounts of money on all kinds of useless shit, why not a guitar?
I reckon 500 to 1000 is perfect range for working guitars.
I truly believe that we live in a golden age for guitar player, the vast array of options and price points is staggering and there is definitely something for everyone.
That being said I also believe that prices at the mid to upper end are getting ever more ridiculous. I know plenty of guys who have guitars which they are terrified to take out of the case not to mention the house, which to me is very sad.
The best fender I own is a 2014 60's baja tele, which is way better than any overpriced MIA models I've owned.
I can take this and my American special strat anywhere and not worry too much about them.
I'd take a squire classic vibe over any epiphone
I have played Epiphones for over 20 yrs, along with fender, gibson, gretsch huss and dalton. For the money Epiphones are incredible value. Especially the Korean made ones from the 1990's. I have a Sheraton II I would put up against a gibson 335 any day. Fender and Gibson have really pushed themselves out of reach with the every player that wants to upgrade and still pay the rent. Gretsch has done an awesome job of getting players from beginners to pros into their product line. Fender with Squier, though I think that Squier is almost a separate company from Fender now and bravo. Epiphone has come a long way since the 1980's
Epiphone really stepped up the quality again a few years ago, bringing back many of their legacy models at the same time. Win Win.
I want to show some love for Epiphone. I bought my wife a Dot about 20 years back (Korean made), and then a Nighthawk maybe 10 years ago. The Dot got a set of pickups and a nice switch for them. The Nighthawk is left absolutely stock. Those guitars are beloved keepers for us.
Made in the USA is the winning selling point for me no matter the builder.
@Larry Tomato head I’m an American an I love the fact the what I bought was built by Americans.
@Larry Tomato head
I’ll expand on what @Flame Account said and say that I, too, am an American and I love the fact that what I bought was made by Americans IN America.
Everyone doesn’t have to feel that way. There are certainly great craftspeople all over the world doing what they do well. As you point out sometimes those people are Americans working outside the country. I’m not criticizing Epiphone or any other brand.
I’m only speaking for myself saying that as much as possible I prefer to buy American made goods made in America. This has become increasingly difficult (and outright impossible) in some product categories. However, in the musical instrument world we are fortunate that those options do still exist for guitars, amps, pedals, and some other related accessories.
Gibson USA is almost non existent in stores, Squire are pretty awesome but again they’re not in stores. Everything has a wait time.
Pesonnally I buy Fender and Gretsch guitars. I love the MIM Fenders. I have 6 Fenders, 5 are MIM and one in made in the USA. The one I like the least is the made in USA one. As far as Epiphone and Gibson is concerned,I think Epiphone is not totally on par with Squier and Fender MIM quality. Gibsons are great guitars but too expensive for me. I understand that made in the USA is more expensive. The labour is more costly but expensive labour doesn't necessarily mean better craftsmanship. I think the Gretsch Streamliner and Electromatic series have the best quality/price ration. I have 4 Gretsch guitars and the quality, sound and playability is impressive. I had a Les Paul and sold it because my Gretsch Electromatic was better. If Gibson would make a MIM guitar on par with Fender for the price and quality I would buy one.
"Bootoque" - potential Canadian boutique guitar builder name.
What about Martin making its Road series in Mexico? Yes, they are more affordable, but that heritage Made in the USA persona is gone.
Interesting , I didn’t know that.
Gibson could compete with Squier classic vibe etc if they did made in USA bolt on guitars. So like their Marauder etc. You'd still get a plek'd guitar and all the Gibson treatment but would cost less for them to make. They'd cost around $1000 US? Look at Harmony Guitars. USA made, bolt on, but decent!
You buy a Gibson if you want a quality, one-size-fits-all guitar.
You buy a boutique if you want a quality guitar but want something to suit your needs.
Looking at it like that it make sense for the former to have a higher resale value.
Slogan for Gibson made in Canada: "Play authentic, eh?"
This really show hit home with me on a lot of levels. I am a single, no children, 48yo male that got into music relatively late in life so I came into the with adult money. I started out with a cheap Yamaha and then immediately bought a MIM Nashville Telecaster that was NOS from 2001 for $495. It seemed like a lot of money but it was more guitar than I thought I would ever need. You know how this story goes. Then a new Gretsch Streamliner, then another new Gretsch Streamliner. Then a 1986 Japanese Tele. I bought lower end import guitars that reviewed well across multiple platforms. I went with trusted names instead of smaller companies. At first I was anti Squier because I remember people in the 90s talking bad about them. I wouldn’t consider anything below a Mexican Fender. But after watching enough videos from y’all and Puisheen I decided to try one. I bought a new CV Jaguar for $399 and then threw in another $150 for an American locking tremolo and a professional setup. Easily my favorite guitar now. Fun to play and it sounds great.
What I have discovered is that I just really like Cort guitars with fancy names on them.
Try the Emily Wolfe Epiphone Sheraton.
Epiphone / Gibson making guitars in Mexico? Nah… When there are droves of people leaving, why build a business there? They are bringing some manufacturing BACK to the US.
However, the point of you’re video is how to make the guitars more accessible, that’s not all that hard to answer - re-structure the budget.
Oh - and you’re both far better looking than Mitt Romney even when you’re greasy.
Jonathan- you Hoser
I’d love to see Gibson move the higher end Epiphone production to Mexico. Very likely could see a quality increase, with easier access for Gibson execs. Getting out of China is a bonus, in itself.
Fender is clever. They know that Squier is their gateway drug. Hence quality and value at all price points including the lowest, and every single one has the Fender logo somewhere. A huge number of us started with a cheap "Squier by Fender", then upgraded to a MIM, then eventually walked out of a shop with a USA. And some of us kept them all. I'm up to 10. - and the rock-solid Squier still gets played often.
Gibson shouldn't be made anywhere else but in the USA ........BUT they should venture out of China with the Epiphone line.
I think if Gibson USA would drop the tribute series and replace it with a Mexican made option that was essentially the same but cheaper maybe at $499-$699 and then add a Mexican made “standard” model that came in at the $999 price point it would make sense. Otherwise I’d say just keep everything USA made.
I'm buying my first guitar and I gotta say I wish this video was more informative. Y'all didn't really actually compare the brands all that much and at the end you even said "I haven't really played enough of the mid range epi's to make a comparison against the Classic Vibes". Why'd you make the video then?
I have a Squire Tele(Indonesia) and an older Squire Bullet(Indonesia) but I PLAY my Epiphone "59 Les Paul, I play my Gold Glory. I play my Les Paul I...I love the Epiphone line...cheap guitars rule
I sold my Mexican fender Strat, and replaced it with a 2020 squire 70's classic vibes Strat because the squire holds tune and feels better than my Mexican? W T F ? I never thought I'd say that in my lifetime, but it is what it is!
JONATHAN - you must watch Strange Brew tonight. It is the GREATEST re-telling of Hamlet EVER!
Yeah, if you're using apple products, you really can't be pooh-poohing someone for buying a Harley Benton because of the working conditions.
I understand you not supporting direct from factory guitars like Harley Benton. But seriously, they’re made in the same factories as your prized Epi’s and Squires. I own some of each and the HB’s hold up to Squire and offer more options. Budget is budget. You gotta work on them. These are not wise investments, so resale value is irrelevant. Once you exceed the 3 to 400 dollar range you’ve left the budget range. My fav budget guitars are def the Classic Vibe Squires. Tele and a Strat. Get one.
I'm returning to playing after many years away. Started re-stocking in spring 2020 with a Performer Fender Strat. Then an Epiphone Casino and Epiphone 59 Les Paul. All quality instruments that play well and sound great (helps to have an AC30 with blues!).
I'm on same path my friend..13 years away and 11 months back in I have a fender player stratocaster HSS...a PRS custom 24 se..epi es339...an epi Les Paul special 2..and my Gibsons...SG standard and my Les Paul studio...inward man.. playing best stuff of my life.
My first good guitar was a Peavey T60. I was earning 2 dollars an hour (1979) and it cost $299. In today's money that would be above 1ķ. With inflation the $799 price is not so bad when kids can get$15 an hour for entry level jobs. I love my CV Tele and contemporary strat, Squiers are fine guitars. Ì guess a Mexican Gibson could fit between the Epi and USA lines if the price was right.
Gibson needs to change the higher end epiphone to Gibson, like Fender did with their Mexican line. There will always be a strong desire for American Made high end guitars, but people want a Gibson, not an Epiphone. I think that would add a huge bump to their sales and market position. Fender I think is doing a great job with there budget lines, but all American guitars need to be Nitro Finish.
There is no reason that Gibson should build in mexico...Same with Rickenbacker. Don't dilute your brand
Paranormal Series makes Squire a True Winner, since more then just a Chinese copy of a Gibson, Epiphones are now Chibson's aren't they
Gibson used to make a series called "faded". Those guitars were right in the price range of what MIM Fenders currently cost. Maybe just bring those back?
I got one a 2016 model. Although I love it now, the frets were horribly sharp. The setup was terrible.
Considering that some of the Mexican made Fender signature models are $1,500 and some Vintera series models are $1,100, I think Gibson’s Les Paul Tribute at $1,200 is a great value and Jr.s and Specials are even less expensive.
Fender has too much overlap. Gibson has some separation. Plus Gibson uses nitro finishes on all of its usa guitars while you can buy a 2500 fender usa that still has a plastic finish.
I have to say I have three MiM strats and I love them. The classic series are brilliant, with a nitro 60s Strat and a 60th anniversary being my two favourite guitars.
I have a Firefly LP just to see how it plays. At first I had some pretty bad pain from it, then it just stopped and now its pain free idk why lol. Besides the constant constant tuning issues, its a good guitar, action is great and neck is great. Looks amazing and for $300 its pretty cool.
Here’s an idea for a topic. Custom shop builders vs specific boutique builders. Fender seems to expose more of their custom shop guys to the public than Gibson does other than Tom Murphy. I don’t know if you can pick a specific person to make your Gibson custom shop guitar.
Gibson should let japan do their thing again but no lawsuit
Ohhhh, I like that idea...intere3sting:) Well played!
Yeah, Jonathan you do have to watch Strange Brew. Lee Anderton suggested when referring to the "Inspired by Gibson" line that they should be Gibsons, the international lower priced Gibson line. Same name, same headstock shape. But then what do they do with the Epiphone brand? Leave that for the very low cost guitars like the Epiphone SL? I have one, the frets bite. As an Inspired by Gibson LP owner that does aspire to own a Custom Shop LP one day I'm conflicted by the idea. Would I like my Epiphone more if it has the right headstock shape and said Gibson? Yes. Would I still want a Custom Shop? Yes.
Thank you for encouraging Johnny boy to see proper cinema! And great points there. Tons of thanks for sharing:)
@@CasinoGuitars One of the greatest movies of all time. Take Off, Hoser! Maybe you should start giving refunds in the alley.
Love my CV Strat. Just ordered an Epi 335 to check out.
My Gibsons are heirloom guitars that will be cherished Forever!😀
Awesome video….always Fender over Epiphone. Gibson has a amazing sound but those headstocks need some work
Honestly the best bargain guitars are peaveys! I was going to buy a used Gibson les Paul from a friend for $600 and when I showed up he said he got cold feet and wanted $1000 or not to sell it. I felt cheated so I said no. I guess he felt bad and said he had a peavey he’d sell me for $100 and I took it and it’s my favorite solid body! Holy hell I honestly feel like it plays better than the les paul did. That being said he said he paid 400 for it in 2009 so I got it cheaper. Also since peavey shut down the American factory I saw it selling used for $700!
When I started playing again in 2017, I bought a Squire Strat & a Epiphone 339. I still have & play the Strat sometimes & the Epiphone was beat to death with a hammer. Worst guitar I ever tried to play.
I think Gibson blew it by not ever going to a place like Mexico. Imagine $500-$800 Les Paul's and SG's that say Gibson on the headstock. Mexican Fender's are all made with USA parts, and assembled in Mexico. They're American instruments built with cheaper labor.
Nice point and thank you for sharing!
and for the record ... I'm talking CAD not USD
I don't need anyone's argument. I don't care about anyone's opinion. "I" will NOT pay $800 for a MIM strat.
I bought an Affinity Tele this spring. Plays great, looks beautiful, sounds pretty good, stays in tune fair. The neck is like butter. For $229 I could just leave it in the gig bag if I didn't like it.
I bought an affinity Tele for $169 back in 2006 and played it for 10+ years.
I spent like 2 hours in a music shop the other day comparing Fender lines to Squiers and I was very surprised…
The Squiers (Classic vibe and Contemporary) played and felt better than all of the Mexican guitars (Vintera etc) and one Classic Vibe even felt better (especially after looking at the price tag) compared to the American Pro II! :O
So I have a lot of guitars…and I thought that I wanted a high end Fender but now I guess I can just buy a Classic Vibe and mod it with what ever if I would want to down the line.
Strange times.
I just bought a black classic vibe Jaguar bass and it has better features than the fender version for $300 less (real bone nut, block inlays, stacked knobs and cooler colors than the fender). Its fk'n beautiful !
I bought a Squire paranormal offset Telecaster (surf green) a couple of years ago. Due to the pandemic, I’ve had to put-off having my gut set-it up & sink a couple of Texas specials in it, but it’s a really nice guitar.
I've got a cheaper fmt affinity. My frets were pretty perfect. Just needed a light buff to play like glass. My local GC has so much fender fret sprout it's ridiculous. Player and plus guitars over 800 and the necks were terrible. I also have an active jazzmaster Squire and wow there is a level of quality I didn't expect for 240$ used.
I'm a lefty, so I don't have the luxury of trying out a bunch of guitars, but I got a CV Strat as my first electric guitar, other than some issues with how the nut was cut, and expected issues at this price point with sharp frets (not sprout, just needing rounding over), it is amazingly solid. I also got a Player Tele a year later, and I immediately fell in love with the neck on it, and don't regret spending the extra money on it, but the fret issues are the same, and surprisingly to me, the Squier got the electronics right (correct left handed pots), and the Player didn't (still need to swap those out with reverse taper pots). The Indonesian factory seems to be doing a great job. Great value for the money (though I will still point beginners at the Ibanez AZ Essentials for a top bang for buck beginner guitar).
i was SO impreesed with my "lockdown2020" Epiphone Les Paul...I now own and PLAY ALOT the SG and the sweeeetest DOVE acoustic. i will pretty much NEVER afford a Gibson . I play the HELL outta my guitars so how the heck can u complain with the quality of Epiphone ? oh yeah I also LOVE my Mex strat....
from a another guitar nerd dad, but im in australia
Squier and Epiphone are both really good but I own more Squiers….way more
"Strange Brew" is Canada's "Citizen Kane."
Letterkenny RULES.
It's a jelly.
I bought my first MIM Stratocaster from GC in 2003 for $400…wtf happened!? 😮 this was back when you could haggle with them and the prices were flexible, but still…it’s a completely different world now 😭
I own a Squire Bullet Strat, and an Epiphone Les Paul Special II.
Both are really fun to play, and far better than any budget guitar we could have got 40 years ago.
I'd say the Korean made Epiphones fill the void that Mexico would fill. I don't know what factory they use (maybe they have their own) but the stuff coming out of World Music is going to be as good as anything coming out of Mexico in terms of build quality.
Some models of Harley Benton guitars are made in the same factories as the Epiphone models. The Squier Classic Vibe 70s Thin Line with the Wide Range humbucker pickups and the Classic Vibe 60s Custom with the Rosewood fretboard and double bound body were good guitars and are just under $500.00. They're fine as gigging guitars. I've had 2 Epiphone Les Pauls in the early 2000s that were $350.00 new then. They were fine guitars and definitely usable for gigs too. They're priced well over $500.00 now. The quality of these brands depends on which factory in Korea, China or Indonesia is making certain models at the time.
I would take a Epiphone les paul over a fender squire strat or tele any day of the week!
Love you guys but… you’re obviously going to chose Squire over Epiphone. Since you are an authorized Fender dealer and not a Gibson dealer. Just saying. Always enjoy your videos & banter.
They are better tho lol