epiphone masterbilt vs inspired by gibson
[GEAR] New Epiphone inspired by Gibson J-45 vs. Masterbilt J-45? That led to me acquiring a less expensive instrument for such a purpose. A battery is not included. Custom Electric. According to another member I highly respect, his experience with the EPI Masterbilts was they were on par with the Seagull S6 which is a decent guitar. The neck relief on our guitar needs some significant adjustment before its playable and the Fishman preamps 9-volt battery pack is also rattling around in the Hummingbirds body the weight of the battery has made thevelcro pouch holding it come unstuck. All at a more attainable price. $999.00 18 x 12 x $83.25 8 x $124.88 No Credit Check 6 x $166.50 No Credit Check 4 x Epiphone's Inspired By Gibson series, however, is a little more ambitious, offering an all solid-wood build and an instrument that narrows the distance a little between a Gibson USA Hummingbird and one built-in China with Epiphone on the headstock. The electro side feels more like asideshow compared Gibson have used the ubiquitous Fishman Sonitone system, a meat and potatoes, low key piezo system with volume and tone controls (treble roll off) placed inside. Comparing the 2020 Epiphone Masterbilt J-200 and a Chinese Gibson copy for a J200! I've recently embarked on an affordable J-45/SS copy and found my guitar. I've never heard of that SIGMA model before, very nice. A beautiful square-shouldered acoustic that'll only improve as the years go by, there's a lot to like about Epiphone's high-end take on the Hummingbird. Like the Casino, there are several key differences between these two to justify the vast gulf in pricing. Bozeman issued a run of Excellentes along with the Frontier and Texan in 1994. Its singing rather than sweet in the high end. All in all, this is a guitar that doesnt feel or sound like too much of a compromise next to a Gibson. I think I leapt about with my thought process a little in the previous post (I have considered the M1A at various points in the past, though.). Hey! Has this sound quality >. The Hummingbird, Gibsons iconic square-shouldered dreadnought, has been the stuff of dreams for over 50 years, showing up in the hands of everyone from Keith Richards to Sheryl Crow, and a new generation seems equally intent on making it a go-to. The company's origins can be traced back to present-day Turkey, where Greek luthier Anastasios Stathopoulo began building fiddles and lutes, emigrating to New York in 1903. They are both good guitars, but here is the problem. to guide you through your entire shopping experience. So the news last year of a new Epiphone model with the same solid wood back and sides as the Gibson sibling was a welcome feathered friend. These gorgeous, all solid wood guitars . The thing is: it's expensive. How is it in terms of construction? At press time, asking prices of 1960s Gibson examples on Reverb.com ranged from around $3,250 to $9,600. Masterbilt Acoustic Travel Bluegrass Ukulele Bass. Yamaha FG5 Antique ivory binding on the fretboard. And then I tried a Les Paul Standard. 20 Frets. Interviews & While many guitars in this price range are built using laminated plywood or synthetic composite materials for the back and sides, the Masterbilts rely on the traditional materials and building methods that established their reputation as world-class instruments almost a century ago, complemented with modern electronics that make them favorites of such current pros like Alex Lifeson of Rush. JavaScript is disabled. $ 899 .00. Please check the fields highlighted in red. Its resonant and strong across the spectrum, underpinned by lows that add consistent girth to rhythm work. Gibson bought Epiphone, and Fender created the Squier line, further proof of these lower cost instruments' success. Add to Wish List. Cowboy chords on the Hummingbird rang true and full, with a nice coppery top and plenty of balanced bottom end. With its ornate pickguard depicting flowers and, yes, ahummingbird, theres no mistaking this for any other square-shouldered flight of fancy either. * Finishes Available: Aged Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Were disappointed to see this design still being used instead ofthe alternative that places the battery with its own compartment and jack near the rear endpin. More, Popular Custom Electric. Yes, I still think of myself as primarily an electric player but I don't know if it's actually true these days. They sound different, of course. By all means, go out and try a Gibson Hummingbird and then compare it to this fresh and lively Epiphone model. Guitar B question," but I'd like to know your thoughts on the Epiphone Masterbilt (all three current models) compared to Gibson acoustics. Also they have an open box one in "scratch and dent" condition available for $480. I believe, however, they only made 13 or 14 Excellentes. The dark mahogany grain of the neck, back and sides screams premium; bound in aged ivory. The Hummingbird has history and it shows here. . MODERN. . In all honesty it exceeded my expectations. Before MusicRadar, he worked on guitar magazines for 15 years, including as Editor of Total Guitar. Now its here, does it sing? I had an AJ-45ME Masterbilt (that I loved but had to sell a few years ago) and I can honestly say that this 'Inspired By Gibson' J45 is a better guitar. Local stores have only had Gibson J-45 standards in stock, but one just got an a IBG J-45 that I'm hoping to try out soon. Epiphone's Inspired By Gibson series, however, is a little more ambitious, offering an all solid-wood build and an instrument that narrows the distance a little between a Gibson USA Hummingbird and one built-in China with Epiphone on the headstock. Unlike Martin and Taylor, and others, with a Gibson or an Epiphoneyou need to find "a good one." INSPIRED BY GIBSON. Double-stops and single-note flatpicking up the neck produced a sweet character as well. BODY STYLE. While the Epiphone brand may be well known today as the maker of lower-cost import versions of US-made Gibson guitars like the Les Paul electric or the J-200 acoustic models, Epiphone's history actually dates back to 1873, and includes some of the finest archtop acoustic and jazz guitars ever built, as well as a variety of mandolins, banjos and other instruments. Page. Priced at $200 more than the Masterbuilt AJ45ME, Epiphone upped their game a bit. If the Texan had been available, I would have had a difficult time deciding between the two. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Epiphone Masterbilt inspired by Gibson J 45 EC (Aged Vintage Sunburst Gloss) at the best online prices at eBay! I would be very, very gratefull if anyone could post a demo of the inspired by texan on youtube. Thanks for the reply! I learned a lot. Display: The Epiphone Masterbilt line of acoustic-electric guitars continues Epiphone's long tradition of producing high quality, masterly crafted instruments, built with the finest materials and workmanship. . On the flagship Gibson models, you'll get rosewood, and on the Gibson Studio models, you'll get a choice of walnut or rosewood. It looks the part, with the split parallelogram inlays, square shoulders and decorative pickguard. I have the EF500RCCE and I think its tone is basically Gibson-like in terms of tone, but less. So for the IBG J-45 that comes out to a total of about $637 (plus tax) Should I just pull the trigger and buy it without having ever even played one? By clicking Subscribe, I agree to receive exclusive offers & promotions, news & reviews, and personalized tips for buying and selling on Reverb. Prices exclude shipping and tax/VAT/GST. View our full range of buying options, all in one place. Special Financing - Ends Jan 1, 2024. -Custom taper for a smoother volume or . Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Masterbilt J-45 EC, Aged Vintage Sunburst . The Indian laurel is reprised for the bridge, which has a bone saddle to match the nut. Don't worry, I was on the same page as you regarding the Baggs Element not being a soundhole pickup! Construction, playability, soundall receive the highest marks. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, I have an older Masterbilt. Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Masterbilt Hummingbird Aged Antique Natural Gloss [2ND] [20-2100000040223] MusicRadar is the number one website for music-makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, DJs or producers "Sales don't mean anything. Our Gear Advisers are available protection from manufacturer defects. The Academy Series represents a very clear vision, and in many ways, a dream beginner guitar, as well as a potential trade-up for some existing players one that can inspire and go the distance with a guitarist from bedroom to stage. I suggest contacting Maury's Music. Terms & Conditions | Registered Trademarks. The best place to start if you're new is right below in our "Rules" section. I've tested the Epiphone Slash J-45, the all solid Sigma SJM-SG45 and solid top JM-SG45.. all are great but to my ears, the solid top JM-SG45 won for me, and it's the closest sounding to the Gibson J-45 I compared it against in the store.. but the Epiphone Slash was the next best thing for me.. goes to show that with acoustics, you really have to try them all. Guitar B question," but I'd like to know your thoughts on the Epiphone Masterbilt (all three current models) compared to Gibson acoustics. #9. Have an account? I have the natural and love it. The Gear Page is the leading online community and marketplace for guitars, amps, pedals, effects and associated gear. Dont even think about the price at first; just ask yourself which one gets your creative juices flying like a bird. If that's the only negative, then you know it is a very good guitar. It's really a great guitar, fit and finish was excellent. Decent guitars. My personal comparative thoughts: they are different - play-wise, feel and sound. Great, thank you. Perhaps you can select the Texan, and share/ trade time with your brother? January 28, 2010 in Epiphone Acoustics. Cons - Wood and construction differences also apply to electric archtops. 46. And with these solid tonewoods, its only going to get better with age. Body, Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Epiphone Masterbilt Texan Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Epiphone Masterbilt Frontier Acoustic-Electric Guitar, UsedEpiphone Masterbilt Deluxe Acoustic Bass Guitar, UsedEpiphone MASTERBILT DE LUXE VS Acoustic Electric Guitar, UsedEpiphone Masterbilt De Luxe Classic Acoustic Guitar, UsedEpiphone Masterbilt AJ45 Acoustic Electric Guitar. I recently got one of these. ET usually ship the same business day. As a partial follow-up to something I mentioned previously, I tried the Fishman Rare Earth Active in the Excellente this morning. $599.99. That is much less true of Martin and Taylor, Guild, Collings, etc etc etc. The list goes on. Free shipping for many products! Your purchases also help protect forests, including trees traditionally used to make instruments. The only minus is the pickup is just ok. Assuming the same build quality. You are using an out of date browser. Anyway, these things are but trifles when you fret a chord and let it ring out. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Oops, looks like you forgot something. OK, the nut width is slightly slimmer than the original Gibsons 1.72 inches, but only by a fraction, at 1.69. INSPIRED BY GIBSON CUSTOM SHOP. Included on the Scrinia Engineering Jimmy Page Mark 1 Control PCB for Les Paul is: - CTS 500k Push/Pull (Coil Split) on Volume pots. The last time I checked, Gibson only had one acoustic with a 1 3/4" nut. . You must log in or register to reply here. Not really a "Guitar A vs. All in all, its a good all-rounder. The Epiphones fretboard and bridge are made of Indian laurel, rather than rosewood, and, as would be expected, the guitar has a polyurethane finish, as opposed to nitrocellulose lacquer. Not really a "Guitar A vs. Great post rmz76! Enregistrement et informations sur la garantie. It has the 1.69" nut with, bone nut and saddle and pickguard and 3 on a plate tuners to match the 60's era J-45. Scale: 628 mm (24.724") Nut width: 43 mm (1.693") Bone nut. BA1 1UA. Based on your location, we've changed your settings: The new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 promises tone and feel in the spirit of Gibson's stalwart classic at a more wallet-friendly price. Epiphone Jim James ES-335 '70s Electric Guitar (with Case) $899.00 12 x. "Epiphone established a reputation for building instruments of outstanding quality, entering the expanding guitar market in 1928, with the Masterbilt line of carved-top archtops debuting in 1931. But when it comes to Gibson and Epiphonealmost everyone knows that they can both be great guitars but, ..you need to find "A good one." We know this issue because we suffered from it on ourten year old Sigma dreadnought. There's a lot of volume to the Frontier, more than your average . There has clearly been a step-up in quality control across Gibson brands. It complements the human voice nicely, is magisterial with an open chord strum, andit records beautifully. MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente vs Masterbilt/Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird Black_Pearler Feb 7, 2021 1 2 Next B Black_Pearler Member Messages 116 Feb 7, 2021 #1 Hi all. Taylor's are more consistent, but, even if I really like Taylors, I prefer more meat in the tone. Features of the J-200 include: a sharp-looking solid figured maple back and sides, solid sitka spruce top for classic "Jumbo" tone, mother of pearl Graduated Crown inlays, a two-piece maple neck with a rounded C profile, gold Epiphone Deluxe tuning . Not a lot. That'll depend on the player. 4-Ply binding on the top. The Gear Page is the leading online community and marketplace for guitars, amps, pedals, effects and associated gear. Its a playable neck for leads with notes given a muscular projection here. The Epiphone Masterbuilt AJ45ME and other Masterbuilt Epiphone's released under old Gibson management were trending to slim tapper necks. The DR on the other hand, sounds more similar to all-wood, and more expensive Martin's and Taylor's that I have payed. Free shipping for many products! The basic Hummingbird recipe, first cooked up in 1960, is not especially complex: solid Sitka spruce top; mahogany back, sides, and neck; and vibrant cherry sunburst or natural finish, all of which are identical on Epiphones new iteration of the Hummingbird. Thats what makes the new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Hummingbirdpart of a line that also includes versions of the classic J-45 and J-200, among other acousticsso compelling. Thanks for visiting. Epiphone Hummingbird - Thomann UK Steel-String Guitar with Pickup Inspired by the Gibson square shoulder dreadnought, Solid sitka spruce top, Solid mahogany back and sides, 6-Ply binding on the top, 4-Ply binding on the back, Mahogany neck, Indian. My personal comparative thoughts: they are different - play-wise, feel and sound. The Hummingbird has long proven itself as a songwriter's guitar. Thanks! Now Epiphone has released a new Inspired by Gibson preamp make this Workhorse stage-ready too. Epiphone easily clears the first hurdle providing the wow factor when you open the case. Then smile at how the Epiphones price tag lifts your feet off the floor just a little, too. It may not display this or other websites correctly. By using a thin satin coat rather than a gloss polyurethane finish, Epiphone has increased the instrument's resonance. MusicRadar's got your back . Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. In Stock . $549.99. Outfitted with gold Epiphone Deluxe tuners, top and back multi-ply binding, Kalamazoo style headstock, and a bone nut and saddle. Frankly, this was not my experience on previous iterations of the Epiphone Hummingbird before Gibsons change of guard several years ago. The finish is stunning. And while certainly not as rich and round as on, say, a fine Lowden, fingerpicking in a folk, blues, or British Isles fashion speaks with a bold voice as well. A convincing and grown-up Epiphone take on Gibson's most-famous acoustic, the Inspired By Gibson Hummingbird bears the sonic hallmarks of its illustrious US-built kin. INSPIRED BY GIBSON. Skip to main content. Guitar Lesson: Exploring John Prines Simple but Distinctive Acoustic Approach, Guitar Lesson: Simple Acoustic-Blues Tips That Can Improve Your Bottleneck-Slide Technique, How to Adjust an Acoustic Guitar Truss Rod. It's funny. It's found everywhere these days even on the Hummingbird and the likes of the SJ-200 Studio Rosewood and others in Gibson's Studio line. BTW.there are quite a few times when I might play out, that I don't want to bring a nicer, more expensive guitar. Of course, Epiphone has offered the Hummingbird in the past. The only question was how it was going to shape up against its high-end sibling. For the record, the Fishman Sonitone system does a reasonable job, its tone control acting as a treble roll-off. The build follows a familiar tonewood recipe, partnering solid spruce on top with solid mahogany on the back and sides, and a mahogany neck. Includes a vintage-style blue rectangle soundhole label. I keep hearing good things about Eastman, hopefully I can try one out sometime. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Epiphone Masterbilt inspired by Gibson Hummingbird (Aged Antique Natural Gloss) at the best online prices at eBay! This is more than twice the price of the entry-level build, and in turn, is a little more grown-up. Would like to try an L-03 or D-40. This article originally appeared in the November/December 2021 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine. I love the look of this guitar and hope i like to play it either! I have a DR500-M, and had the opportunity recently to play an Inspired by Texan. Nice post, I've been slightly J-45 curious lately and appreciated your thoughts. I'd go for the Texan. Make sure you like it. For the same price there are other guitars that are superior to both. The new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-200 promises tone and feel in the spirit of Gibson's stalwart classic at a more wallet-friendly price. Is it a good guitar (or is it just a good guitar for the price)? I will try to find a Texan on a local dealer and try it! This time it was attainable. I wrote three or four new tunes within a day of receiving the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird; the pace has continued, and that tells me something important about the guitar. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. To distract myself, I've done the impossible, which is increase my GAS tendencies! Find an Epiphone Dealer Dealer Resource Center But the Epiphone retains many of the original Gibson details. I think I'd rather have a takamine if I were looking for a cheaper alternative to the gibson sound. This all makes for a loud guitar. Fishman Sonicore pickup system with controls for volume and tone in the sound hole. They are heavy, and provided you find one whose neck is not warped, they are decent guitars. + Good value. It may not display this or other websites correctly. It wasn't long before I realised that it was becoming the 'de facto' house guitar, for any aspiring performer, however sober or otherwise, to borrow and abuse. The first thing I thought was, Holy f**k, this feels like a Cadillac!, Phil Collen on Jeff Beck: Jeffs amp blew up and his pedalboard didnt work, so they just brought in another Marshall he sounded exactly the same. Bath -Custom taper for a smoother volume or tone control, Measured and selected to within 5% - CTS 500k Push/Pull (Phase shift) on Bridge Tone. Body 14-fret square-shouldered dreadnought shape; solid Sitka spruce top with quartersawn spruce bracing; solid mahogany back and sides; reverse belly Indian laurel bridge with bone saddle; top and back multi-ply binding; tortoise pickguard with Hummingbird graphics; aged gloss finish (Cherry Sunburst or Antique Natural), Neck 24.72-scale mahogany neck with rounded C shape; glued-in tapered dovetail joint; dual-action truss rod;20 medium jumbo frets; Indian laurel fretboard with 12.01 radius and mother-of-pearl split parallelogram inlays; 1.69 bone nut; Epiphone Deluxe tuners with gold press-in bushings, Other Fishman Sonitone electronics; Gibson phosphor bronze strings (.012.053); optional EpiLite case ($90); left-handed available. It could also be supply chain shortages as these are built in China. I bought an Inspired by Gibson Epi J-200 from Musicians Friend. That detail will only appreciate in the years to come as the solid wood ages. 569.00. Epiphone / Inspired by Gibson ES-339 Vintage Sunburst (VS) 17Shops Epiphone / Inspired by Gibson ES-339 Vintage Sunburst (VS) , ktmcapital.com.au 5mrtode_hc7j2rn45 Epiphone / Inspired by Gibson ES . Every guitar or bass you I have had my Masterbilt for about two years now, and it's a gem, which I attribute to the wood-aging process. Battling out the Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Acoustics in a well-requested Blindfold Challenge. Epiphone stands behind every guitar they make with a Limited Lifetime Warranty and Gibson Brands Customer Service. In fact, I'm more into Takamine, but my Epi, which I bout it used, is a guitar well liked by my peers. All in all, this is a guitar that doesnt feelor sound like too much of acompromise next to a Gibson. Sound-wise, again this is subjective, the Texan sounds more similar to some Gibson acoustic models that I've played. Categories, More Ways to Find out more about how we test. These seem to be going up in value now and I'm not surprised. But the Gibson versions have always priced most of us out. But its not just another pretty six-stringthe build quality on the Epi Hummingbird is excellent, with the bracing and interior tidy and tight. Back in the 1960s though, the Excellente was the highest dollar acoustic in the Gibson catalog costing more than a J200. Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Used Epiphone Masterbilt AJ45 Acoustic Electric Guitar. Mic'd up, this would record nicely. Epiphone Masterbuilt DR 500 MCE Guitar REVIEW 2018 Best . Pros + All solid-wood construction. All guitars ship for free. The DR may project a bit more, but that would be a subjective conclusion, too. Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Heritage Cherry Sunburst [2ND] [80-2100000416554] There is no mistaking this for a beginner's acoustic. Sorryi wanted to say: I really like the picture of your guitar BeatleNut. When I bought it I did so because I thought it was a decent Epi and never once did I associate it with being a relative to a Gibson. Hope this helps. Strummers will love the authority in the low end, and while the voice is deep, there's no shortage of detail in the upper registers, with a powerful presence on single-note passages complementing its big rhythm tones. Privacy Policy | Copyright 2023 Gibson Brands, Inc. Tous droits rservs. While we are knocked out by the visuals and the attention to detail on the lacquer, the factory setup could use a little T and C. There is a little bit of a bow in the neck that needed a tweak on the truss rod before being pressed into service, and, once more, those Velcro pouches have proved themselves a poor choice for holding the electronics' 9V battery. Fishman electronics are not that exciting. I had been thinking of using a soundhole pickup, as I've found myself preferring some of them to the other options and I also have a Fishman Rare Earth kicking around, but while I was playing the Excellente I noticed that the not exactly subtle pickguard is a bit thicker than some and obviously comes close to the soundhole. If you do a lot of live playing, you may want to explore other options, or consider sticking a boom mic in front of the guitarthe review model had a lot of good projection, and even the higher strings didnt lose weight through a Rode NT1-A microphone in the studio. Yes, why not just house the battery near the endpin, tucked away all snug its own compartment? By You get the cool Epiphone Deluxe tuning machines with their press-in gold bushings and Kluson-style tulip pegs. puretone Something about the Gibson sound that is truly unique. Epiphone / Masterbilt J-45 EC Aged Vintage Sunburst Gloss ( /+2308111625005 . Epiphone Masterbilt Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird (Aged Cherry Sunburst Gloss) https:// bit.ly/40AxtmR # # #IKEBE This is a forum where guitarists, from novice to experienced, can explore the world of guitar through a variety of media and discussion. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). I'll come right out and say I haven't played a J45 that really grabbed me-that said we don't see many in the UK, and most stores will have at most one or two examples, so 'running the racks' doesn't happen. It would be very interesting to read a comparison to the BG-140. First impressions are a little mixed; dont get us wrong, this is astunner. 1.) Great that you have one. the latest deals. Scan this QR code to download the app now. I'm bored in lockdown. The Shadow preamp features a built-in tuner that automatically mutes the output, and can even be used to silently unplug the guitar cord without damaging your speakers. purchase from Musician's Friend (electric or acoustic, New or Open Box) includes two years of Shop, Hollow & Semi-Hollow