main differences between epiphone and gibsons?

[ibanezrocks]

I'd say only get the gibson if it's the name you want, but that's definately not the way to buy a guitar. If you get the epi, then you can do a little bit of research and fix it up to be pretty damn nice. Use the extra $300 for your other guitar needs.

so I shouldn't defend the gibson name, but you should be able to defend the epiphone name? if your point was that he should choose the guitar that he likes more, then why not say that instead.
the fact is if you find a nice epiphone, its a nice guitar, if you find a crappy gibson , its a crappy guitar, but it seems to me that he hasn't played enough of them to tell whether he found a crappy gibson and a normal epiphone or a normal gibson and a nice epiphone. just play more guitars.

 

[Markaholic]

USA made VS overseas's made...simple enough?
correct me if im wrong

 

[ibanezrocks]

USA made VS overseas's made...simple enough?
correct me if im wrong

wrong! they are completely different price ranges, if they were the same guitars in every way built in different countries, then that would be the issue, in this case there are other factors, like the Gibson being a better guitar, not because of where its built, but just because everything about it is better.

 

[Markaholic]

alls i know (rather read somewhere)is that epiphone was moved overseas late 60's early 70's

 

[thevirgin]

Not so clear cut

"USA made VS overseas's made...simple enough?
correct me if im wrong"

I do not think it is so clearcut as that. I'm pretty sure there is plenty of overseas content in many models of guitar that carry the Gibson logo - both individual parts and likely also some sub-assemblies in the cheaper models.

While I think Gibson does a larger portion of their build and finish in the USA than some others that make that claim, I am willing to bet that no regular production guitar from any major company is truly completely American built.

It is no different than "American" automobiles that are loaded with parts and major sub-assemblies from Asia, South America and Mexico. Guitar builders will take advantage of cheap labor, resources etc.

This also reminds me of all the companies who claim that their guitars are hand built when their bodies and necks were shaped by CNC machines. I wish companies would just list exactly what goes into their product and what techniques they use so we could make a valid comparison.

I have nothing against overseas made gear as long as things are disclosed so people know what they are getting. I have been very happy with several Squire brand instruments that I own but by the nature of their construction, basic Fender designs, it has been hard for them not to be bullet proof and/or easily repaired.

Peace
ST

 

[mishagolin]

you have nothing against overseas gear and i have nothing against CNC machined products. in fact the CNC neck and body are far more accurate than a hand cut piece of wood. when certain companies claim to make hand built guitars i think that means that the guitars are assembled by hand. it doens't necessarily mean that each part is cut by hand.

concerning geographic production, gibsons are built in the US and epiphones are built overseas. this is concerning the actual assembly of the guitar. And in this case it does make a difference in the quality of guitar. I don't necessarily have anything against overseas production but it is my experience that a guitar assembled here in the US by gibson has a certain amount of attention directed to it that is lacking in guitars built by cheap labor overseas. cheap labor and cheaper raw materials is what allows an epiphone to sell for less than gibson.

 

[Codmate]

I'd recommend the Epiphone, just because I don't think teenagers should be flailing about with an expensive instrument. You can and will probably damage it. That's just from my experience though.

You'll notice a difference, but I don't think it's worth $300 more.

I bought my Gibson LP Studio when I was 18 (that's what student loans are for isn't it?) and it's still my main guitar 10 years later. It's in fine condition, has never been set up better and has paid for itself several times over.

Just becuase somebody's young doesn't mean they can't respect an instrument.

 

[Ed Dixon]

Buying guitars involves a number of factors. Things like look, brand name, feel, $, overall setup, and expected use.

Most guitars with a good neck can be setup to play well. If the neck has problems (like a warp or bump), just about nothing else matters as that is a guitar to avoid.

In general Gibson are better made instruments than Epiphone. They tend to cost 2+ times more. They do have a higher resale value. They can both sound quite good.

Most guitars purchased by folks less than 20 years old have a short playing lifetime before they go into the closet for good. If you’re just learning to play, the Epiphone may be a good choice. If you’re already an accomplished player and plan to play for decades to come, then the Gibson would be a better choice.

Ed

 

[thevirgin]

All I want is truth in advertising

"you have nothing against overseas gear and i have nothing against CNC machined products. in fact the CNC neck and body are far more accurate than a hand cut piece of wood. when certain companies claim to make hand built guitars i think that means that the guitars are assembled by hand. it doens't necessarily mean that each part is cut by hand."

I have nothing against CNC either, mishagolin, when it is applied well - hell, it is just another tool. What I have a problem with is advertising that walks the line in that it gives the impression that a product is hand crafted in ways that it actually is not.

When people claim that their product is "hand built", "hand crafted" or "made in the USA" using advertising copy that gives no actual information as to what is actually made where and how it is made, a red light goes off in my BS detector. I am the type of person who wants to know the details and think that customers should get such data before plunking down their cash.

Peace

 

[taintedeity]

Wood, electronics, finish, tuners, frets... slight differences but differences none the less. Although both are made to the same specs there will be a noticable difference if the feel, go for the one that feels right to you. Compare the two, play them both, the decision will become obvious, one will feel right...the other will not.

Indeed.. I noticed the difference just between the $1K Gibson LP Studios and the $3K LP Customs... those slight different make the guitar feel a lot better. The Custom is so much better where as I would personally rather spend my money on a different guitar than buy the Studio.