Hey Sp8ctre, it'd be interesting to hear what are your thoughts on the differences between this guitar and the Epi JB. Not from a bashing perspective, but from the perspective of two guitars that you obviously really like so you're in a great position to tell us more. A really nice Epi and a really nice Gibson, not a versus, but a reflection of two lovely guitars.
I would not bash either of these guitars because I truly love them both. The Epiphone is so nice and plays so sweet it just made me long to get my 2013 Traditional
back. I actually contacted the guy I sold it to and tried to buy it back to no avail...so the search was on for a replacement. I sold my old 2013 for $2000 so I saved a little $$$.
What I can tell you from the short time I've had them both is they are fantastic in their own ways. Play wise the Epiphone stands up right along side the Gibson.
The Epiphone also sounds really great, but it just can't match the Gibson with the Pearly Gates pickups. As for looks the Gibson is a much nicer piece of maple than
the veneer on the Epiphone and when you have them both in hand the nitro just looks better that the poly.
All in all I think the Epiphone holds up quite well to the Gibson. Both are set up very well and are super easy to play.The Epiphone will not be set aside for the Gibson.
Both will continue to be played although I may end up changing pickups in both of them. When you consider the Epiphone was only $699 Brand New and the Gibson
cost me $1650 used I'd say that Epiphone has come a long way in making a very competitive guitar for the money. They are definitely a quality guitar!
I was using the standard model Epiphone for my comparison because I have not and most likely will not play the inlaid fretboard deluxe model. I bought it with
every intention of selling it a few years down the road. It is very limited and only for sale on Joe's web site so I hope to see it increase in value...
Please feel free to ask for any specifics that I may not have mentioned.