Major Differences Between Gibson & Epiphone Guitar

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Major Differences Between Gibson Epiphone Guitar
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Introduction

• Do you intend to purchase a new guitar? There are
  two well-known brands that consistently appear in
  searches Gibson and Epiphone.
• The issue is that Gibson guitars are
  significantly more expensive than Epiphone
  models. So, is the price increase justified?
• It's a problem that many guitarists struggle
  with. It's time to clarify the Gibson vs.
  Epiphone controversy. helping you to clearly see
  your options in turn.
• We'll assist you in making an informed choice by
  delving into factors like the build quality and
  playability.
• So let's get started with our thorough comparison
  of the Gibson and Epiphone!

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Brief On Gibson Guitars

• Gibson stakes a strong claim as the most iconic
  guitar brand ever. Since 1894, theyve pioneered
  guitar models that have become ingrained in
  popular culture. The ES-335, Les Paul and SG are
  examples of Gibsons contribution to the guitar
  world.
• Gibson makes all their guitars in the USA. If you
  own a Gibson guitar, chances are its a product
  from their headquarters in Nashville, TN. The
  exception being acoustic models, which are
  sometimes created in their Montana plant.
• The American build quality and excellence in
  sound have become a Gibson hallmark. Thus
  establishing them as one of the best-selling and
  most coveted guitar brands ever.

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Brief On Epiphone Guitars

• Contrary to popular belief, Epiphone is an older
  brand than Gibson. Epiphone has origins as far
  back as 1873 when theyd manufacture fiddles. It
  was during the 1920s, Epiphone would produce
  banjos and later guitars.
• As rivals in the archtop market, Gibson acquired
  Epiphone in 1957. Epiphone production would move
  to Japan in the 70s and then later Korea. If
  theres a Gibson guitar you like, therell be a
  similar Epiphone version. The beauty of Epiphone
  is that they are available at a much more
  affordable price.

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• Gibson Guitars Vs Epiphone Guitars Whats the
  Difference?

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Build Quality
Gibson Guitars
EpiPhone Guitars

• Gibson only uses the finest tonewoods to create
  their instruments. Then, the woods go through
  careful drying techniques to ensure the wood is
  durable.
• The sophisticated machinery in the Nashville
  factory ensures woodcutting is consistent.
• From there its over to the humans. Sanding,
  installing the pickups, and many more processes
  along the production line are all done by hand.
  You can expect strict human quality control at
  the end too.

• Epiphone uses similar tonewoods to Gibson.
  Mahogany and maple being a case in point.
  Although they might be the same type of wood, the
  species will be different, and sourcing will take
  place close to the factorys location. This
  usually means lower quality.
• Chinese factories use mass-production techniques
  to produce higher quantities of stock.
• The sheer volume of stock makes quality control
  more difficult.

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Aesthetic

• Gibson guitars look cool! Lets talk about three
  of the most popular
• ES-335 Since 1958 the ES-335 has wowed
  guitarists and audiences alike. The first
  semi-hollow guitar, its a mainstay amongst a
  plethora of genres. Its colossal body and f-holes
  are classic.
• Les Paul The original single-cut solid body, the
  Les Paul looks the part as you riff high on the
  fretboard. Slash and Pete Townshend are
  guitarists who have become synonymous with the
  Les Paul.
• SG The SG looks dangerous. The two horns scream
  rock-n-roll attitude. From Sister Rosetta Tharpe
  to Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath. The SG is a
  superb choice for the edgy player.

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Playability

• The neck of an Epiphone often mirrors the more
  expensive Gibson version. For example, the Gibson
  ES-335 has a rounded C-profile neck. The same
  C-profile is on the Epiphone ES-335. Likewise, a
  Gibson SG has the same SlimTaper profile as an
  Epiphone SG.
• The fingerboard wood is a standout difference.
  There are no cutting corners on a Gibson. Youll
  find rosewood and ebony as standard on a Gibson.
  These are top-of-the-range woods used for
  fingerboards.

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• Epiphone uses a cheap alternative to rosewood.
  They make their fingerboards out of Indian
  laurel. Although its cheaper to source, similar
  smooth characteristics mean its difficult to
  tell apart.
• Overall, Gibson and Epiphone offer great
  playability. But, if you have to pick one, itd
  be a Gibson. The extra care and attention in
  production results in a more luxurious
  experience.

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Sound

• In the 50s, Gibson pioneered the humbuckers. To
  this very day, you can expect a Gibson equipt
  with adaptations of these top-of-the-range
  pickups.
• Its safe to say, Gibson pickups will do the job.
  Gibson guitars wont scrimp on their pickups.
  Renowned for their powerful mids youll achieve a
  great sound.
• Unlike a Gibson, with pickup quality more or less
  assured, Epiphone guitars can vary. As you may
  have guessed, the sound quality of an Epiphone
  depends on the price bracket.
• Cheap Epiphone guitars come fitted with stock
  pickups. While theres an element of human input,
  in general, machines wind them. So they wont
  have similar clarity and vibrancy as a Gibson.
  But, it has to be said, theyre ever-improving.
• Epiphone pickup models will capture the essence
  of a Gibson. Many Epiphone pickups are worthy of
  high praise. Designed in the Gibsons Nashville
  factory, the ProBucker is a top PAF humbucker
  with vintage nuances.

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• The P90 Pro is another great Epiphone pickup.
  Designed to imitate the original P-90 Gibson
  pickup, it responds to your playing. Its a
  pickup delivering a throaty husk along with
  crystal sparkle.
• So, the stock pickups from Epiphones Qingdao
  factory might not compete with Gibsons. But,
  there are plenty of Epiphone pickups that punch
  above their weight.

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Price

• The disparity in price between an Epiphone and
  Gibson is huge. The cheapest Gibson ES-335 is
  upwards of 2,000. At the other end of the
  spectrum, you can expect to pay approx 9,000.
• Mostly, Epiphones are very affordable. The
  Epiphone Made In USA collection is going to be at
  the upper end of the price range. These linger
  around 3,000. But, at the lower end of the
  scale, youre talking as low as around 160.

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• Gibson SG Standard Vs Epiphone SG Standard

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• The Epiphone and Gibson SG Standard are not far
  apart. Both Epiphone and Gibson SG models are
  available in Cherry or Ebony colors. On the
  cherry Gibson, the gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
  finish is a notable upgrade. But, with the Ebony
  color, its less prominent, and its difficult to
  tell the Gibson and Epiphone apart.
• Both models have a mahogany body and neck. So,
  for feel, look and tone, there are similarities.
  The mahogany brings lasting sustain on both
  guitars. There are many resemblances, even down
  to the GraphTech nut.
• These two guitars feel alike. Both guitars have a
  neck radius of 12 and a scale length of 24.75.
  So, down to the tiniest measurements, theyre
  comparable.

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• Its in the fine details where youll find
  differences. The 490 Gibson humbuckers are some
  of the greatest. With the 490R voiced for rhythm
  and 490T voiced for treble, youll have
  versatility.
• Still, the Epiphone SG Standard comes complete
  with the Alnico Classic PRO Humbuckers. These are
  high-output rock-and-roll machines. As far as
  affordable pickups go, theyre top performers.
• There are differences in guitar parts -
  tailpieces and tuners. All things considered,
  this is one of the closest calls in the Epiphone
  Vs Gibson debate.

• If you want the traditional cherry finish, the
  Gibson SG has a beautiful expensive glow. Its
  also worth mentioning that the Gibson SG is one
  of the more affordable Gibsons.