Major Differences Between Gibson & Epiphone Guitar

1. Major Differences Between Gibson & Epiphone Guitar

2. 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!

3. Brief On Gibson Guitars Gibson stakes a strong claim as the most iconic guitar brand ever. Since 1894, they’ve pioneered guitar models that have become ingrained in popular culture. The ES-335, Les Paul and SG are examples of Gibson’s contribution to the guitar world. Gibson makes all their guitars in the USA. If you own a Gibson guitar, chances are it’s 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.

4. Contrary to popular belief, Epiphone is an older brand than Gibson. Epiphone has origins as far back as 1873 when they’d 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 there’s a Gibson guitar you like, there’ll be a similar Epiphone version. The beauty of Epiphone is that they are available at a much more affordable price. Brief On Epiphone Guitars

5. Gibson Guitars Vs Epiphone Guitars: What’s the Difference?

6. Build Quality 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 it’s 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 factory’s 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. Gibson Guitars EpiPhone Guitars

7. Aesthetic Gibson guitars look cool! Let’s 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, it’s 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.

8. 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. You’ll find rosewood and ebony as standard on a Gibson. These are top-of-the-range woods used for fingerboards. Playability

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

10. 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. It’s safe to say, Gibson pickups will do the job. Gibson guitars won’t scrimp on their pickups. Renowned for their powerful mids you’ll 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 there’s an element of human input, in general, machines wind them. So they won’t have similar clarity and vibrancy as a Gibson. But, it has to be said, they’re 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. Sound

11. The P90 Pro is another great Epiphone pickup. Designed to imitate the original P-90 Gibson pickup, it responds to your playing. It’s 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.

12. 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, you’re talking as low as around $160. Price

13. Gibson SG Standard Vs Epiphone SG Standard

14. 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, it’s less prominent, and it’s 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, they’re comparable.

15. It’s in the fine details where you’ll find differences. The 490 Gibson humbuckers are some of the greatest. With the 490R voiced for rhythm and 490T voiced for treble, you’ll 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, they’re 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. It’s also worth mentioning that the Gibson SG is one of the more affordable Gibsons.