GIBBO VS EPI

I'm not a GG guy by any stretch of the imagination, but what I've always heard was the only difference in the higher end EPi's and lower end Gibs was the hardware/electronics, etc. Essentially the same body/neck, but the Gibson one gets better bridge/tuners/pups, etc.

Now, I guess that applies to Vs & SGs also, not just GGs but I've never compared them myself - can anyone confirm/deny this belief? These days, everyone's QC is so all over the place it wouldn't surprise me to find an Epi that's better than a more expensive Gibson. I've played $200 Jacksons that were better than $5-600 ones - and comparable LTDs, Ibanez, etc. So, if hardware and electronics don't come into play, it probably comes down to the QC process.
 
Thats about right Iron.

I have several Gibbo Lesters and several Epi lesters
AMS is correct in the lower end Epiphone bargain models --even bolt necks --- the hardware is poo and my Silverburst Epi has had everything changed out except the wood -- and it plays/feels/sounds/sustains etc etc like a "real" Lester
My 2015 Gibson Jr -- was essentially a DUD from the factory -- Robotuners broke-- the pup was anemic --- again -- change tuners-- change pup-- now it is one of my most favorites of all time (so the BUY A GIBSON ITS GREAT theory isnt always true)
Formula varies from guitar to guitar ..... 1970 LEs Paul Recording guitar is 100% bone stock (except the strings) and it feel and plays and sounds amazing ....

Chris is correct in that most every Gibson I purchased .....to a one was purchased used and at a stupid low price (except the Jr which was brand new and STILL STUPID LOW at 550.00 w/ case on the MF blow out sale-- I believe several others here jumped on that band wagon--funny side note any of you looked up what they are worth now???? CHA CHING -- better profit % than my 401k!) same price I paid new for the Epiphone Classic Lester..... however I doubt it will RISE in value ....not for decades...and then only because of inflation--

Jethro Rocker said:
seem like a cheap bastard.
Click to expand...
BUt @Jethro Rocker ...... I "AM" a card carrying member of the CHEAP OLD BASTARDS club ....... and damn proud of it ..... :)
 
eSGEe said:
Thats about right Iron.

I have several Gibbo Lesters and several Epi lesters
AMS is correct in the lower end Epiphone bargain models --even bolt necks --- the hardware is poo and my Silverburst Epi has had everything changed out except the wood -- and it plays/feels/sounds/sustains etc etc like a "real" Lester
My 2015 Gibson Jr -- was essentially a DUD from the factory -- Robotuners broke-- the pup was anemic --- again -- change tuners-- change pup-- now it is one of my most favorites of all time (so the BUY A GIBSON ITS GREAT theory isnt always true)
Formula varies from guitar to guitar ..... 1970 LEs Paul Recording guitar is 100% bone stock (except the strings) and it feel and plays and sounds amazing ....

Chris is correct in that most every Gibson I purchased .....to a one was purchased used and at a stupid low price (except the Jr which was brand new and STILL STUPID LOW at 550.00 w/ case on the MF blow out sale-- I believe several others here jumped on that band wagon--funny side note any of you looked up what they are worth now???? CHA CHING -- better profit % than my 401k!) same price I paid new for the Epiphone Classic Lester..... however I doubt it will RISE in value ....not for decades...and then only because of inflation--


BUt @Jethro Rocker ...... I "AM" a card carrying member of the CHEAP OLD BASTARDS club ....... and damn proud of it ..... :)
Click to expand...
That's good to know. I don't intend to buy one for keeps, but do come across potential flipping ones from time to time and that tidbit will help me know what to look for if one pops up on my feed.

I did have a black Epi LP last spring, and the kid I bought it off of had crammed an EMG 81 in the bridge and some sort of EPI stock passive in the neck. Then he wondered why it had issues... Took me about 2 weeks to get a set of Epi style pups that matched, then get it wired right - hated the experience, but made a few hundred off it when all was said and done. In the end, it just further cemented for me I'm just not a GG guy. I'll stick with my SS bodies and the occasional pointy guitar.
 
Jethro Rocker said:
I think part of me felt like I knew I had the budget for it and playing an Epi in public makes me seem like a cheap bastard.
No one notices but I do. Nothing wrong with a Gibson on the headstock as long as it's a good guitar.
Ace didn't play an Epi.
Angus didn't.
Nugent didn't.
Eddoe, well that's a different one there!
Click to expand...
Another one. :rolleyes:

HD-201310-a-sniffing-corks.gif
 
Amp Mad Scientist said:
China is making a lot of guitars with pretty finish / pretty paint job.
But there is not a lot of substance to the way it plays. It just looks pretty.
Click to expand...
I have to disagree AMS. I have a 2021 Epi LP Standard ‘59 Lazarus. It has a one piece mahogany neck and a 2-piece mahogany body. It has Gibson Burstbucker 2 and 3 pickups. It has CTS pots and Mallory caps. It has a Switchcraft jack. It is an outstanding looking, sounding and playing guitar.

Is my Gibson LP Standard Slash AFD better? Yes it certainly is, but it also cost three and a half times more.
 
Last edited:
Pedgree (headstock name) denotes price it does not always denote a better guitar -- This Gibson SG is a prime example
@Robert Herndon
@CabanaBoy
and myself all owned it --- 2 of the owners are skilled guitar techs and musicians .....and me (Im a shade tree hack on a good day)
gibson faded T.jpg
Dispite all our best efforts that included set ups-- pickups pots -- all the electrics swapped multiple times .... the thing just didnt "stick" with any of us and I will hazard a guess that between the 3 of us we "know" a good guitar when we play one ..... its since moved on to other hands perhaps the new owner loves it -- but -- maybe the new owner just looks at it hanging on a wall and doesnt play it ....
speculation --

I would most CERTAINLY rather have this
sg1_zpsixtwqwie.jpg
Epiphone SG -- the "white Witch" .... sold to our very Terry ANderson who used her for many years-- as a gigging gutiar -- to earn a living -- and entertain folks
it was an AMAZING guitar and still is even AFTER the headstock repair (yes) ... same ol story -- knocked over at a gig ... :(
BUT Terry felt this LOWLEY EPIPHONE was worth payin' the COIN to get SWEETWATER to fix it ...... and she sings again (at last conversation with Terry) .....

Moral of the story -- if you can (unless you just get a stupid good deal and or are capable of FLIPPING what you dont like) PLAY THE GUITAR FIRST ... because the name on the headstock does not ALWAYS guarantee you will like it......
 
terry anderson.jpg

Mr Terry Anderson employing that same Epiphone SG and gigging ... (he added the Bigs shortly after he bought her-- ) Mush like the CHIBSON sold to @Robert Herndon I am always happy to see "flips" of mine (that I knew were better guitars than should be trapped in my Doom Room) out making music-- making people happy and making their new owners $$$$$$$$$$

Simply a good guitar IS A GOOD GUITAR -- pedigree & headstock livery aside....
 
smitty_p said:
So, maybe I should start a guitar company named “Billy Goat Guitars.” I could have the “Fat Bob” model, and the “Fat Stanley” model.
Click to expand...

I would like to pre order a Fat Stanley please ;)

We also have a goat named Lilly and one Named Cocoa .... I can get pics you could do the "Chairman Mao" Gibson style hologram stickers on the back of the headstocks ............ Im gonna need a some ROYALTIES though
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top