Honestly, what the difference between Gibson and Epiphone?

[Ben...]

This is kind of pulling Fender into the same Gibson/Epi argument but I'm prepared to pull the trigger on an American Strat and can't help but wonder if the Highway 1 models or the Mexi stats are a better buy. Since you see a lot of guitars what are your thoughts on the quality of the different levels of Fender Strats. Thanks.

Not the person you asked to respond but I have played a number of both Mexican and USA Strats and I must say that the USA's were pretty good. The Mexicans were either perfect or terrible. I have 2 Mexican Strats; one from my brother that's been perfect since day one and another I bought at the store after trying a bunch out. The first one (Much older) feels a little better and but sounds a little weak. I had to do a bit of work getting my new one playable. I had to get rid sharp fret ends and do a couple tweaks to get it good and buzz free. Watch out for high frets and sharp edges if you get a Mexican Fender. I noticed a lot I tried had one or both of those issues.

The best import guitars I've played have consistently been Jacksons. The fretwork is usually quite good with no sharp fret ends or high frets. The binding is not inconsistent looking or painted on looking. I've tried a lot of Epiphones and Ibanezes with terrible finishes, ugly/fake looking binding and shotty fretwork. LTDs are a little better but they usually sound a little dull and are in need of a complete Floyd setup and/or intonation setup (Though I think the shop would do that for free). Washburns take a close second to Jackson for quality. They always seem to have flawless fretwork and a solid finish though the graphic finishes look not so good. Their X-series is great.

[PowerTube]

The best import guitars I've played have consistently been Jacksons.

Agreed. The 80's import Kramers, made by ESP, were also excellent.

[84sups]

The difference is the Gibson headstocks are weak and made out of mahogany. Epi uses maple and the scarf joint is in a different spot. Gibson's do sound better but that's gonna be hardware and pickups. Before I get any shot thrown at me yes I've owned both and got rid of both of em.

[Rupe]

For everyone who thinks that Epiphone quality is on par with Gibson, more power to you...enjoy your Epiphone.

[clifffclaven]

The difference is the Gibson headstocks are weak and made out of mahogany. Epi uses maple and the scarf joint is in a different spot. Gibson's do sound better but that's gonna be hardware and pickups. Before I get any shot thrown at me yes I've owned both and got rid of both of em.

depends on the year.

[T@rgetDrone]

I'm no expert on either Gibbys or Epis but I've owned or own both. Though my Epi ownership experience doesn't really rank fair for this discussion. It was a 1978 Genesis Double Cut. Aside from the Genesis TRC, it would have qualified as an LP, right down to the Dity Finger p'ups. I was an asshat for ever selling it. I have played enough new(er) Epis to form an opinion though.

I have a recent Faded V. Aside from a few minor issues, it fuggin smokes. And I got it at a pretty good price. The fret ends were just short of dangerous. But before I went pluckin on them I noticed the board was pretty dry. A good soaking helped a lot. Then I finished the fret ends to my liking. The nut seems to be fine. The tuners could be upgraded - not the best. Had I paid retail for it I would be a lot more disappointed w/those "minor" details.

I recently bought a '97 Explorer. It is in overall good condition for a gigged axe of its age. However, it sounds dull to me (same p'ups as my V), there is a nice puddle/indention on the top where the neck joins the body (both sides of the neck) - not pretty and no excuse for it. The fret ends are no better, if not far worse than my Faded V were. I will say though, it is a looker, tuxedo style. In short, it is nothing special at all except for the body shape and Gibson inlay on the headstock - the name/brand. A shame really. It feels good in the hands and is comfy to sit or stand with. Had I bought it new or payed more for it I'd be a little (not a lot) pissed.

There are a few newer Epis I like pretty well. For feel (to me) and playability I like the Prophesy LP, and SG. I like the G-400 for the same reasons. But I sense a neck or headstock accident just waiting to happen with all of them. In fairness, not much different than a "real" SG with respect to the HS being vulnerable. But it's not a Gibby. Never will be. It's an Epi.

As far as I am concerned, who gives a shit whatcha play as long as you're happy w/it. Sure I like expensive guits but I am not hung up about it. Foreseeing the future (now present) economic potential for disaster, I promptly turned over all of my cheaper gear - thinned the herd and bought and/or kept USA brands only. Not because I'm a gear snob. But because I wanted resale value in case I got financially hosed. So yeah, there are real differences between Gibby and Epi. That's why they have different names on the HS. That is why they are not priced the same. But mainly, the resale value, or lack thereof, speaks for itself - which answers the OP's question.

PS - I typed too much. Think I pulled a muscle in my finger.

[JACKSONFREAK]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 84sups View Post
The difference is the Gibson headstocks are weak and made out of mahogany. Epi uses maple and the scarf joint is in a different spot. Gibson's do sound better but that's gonna be hardware and pickups. Before I get any shot thrown at me yes I've owned both and got rid of both of em.}


depends on the year.
The necks on epi's are not maple. Only the Zakk Wylde LP is maple. The necks are made out of Nato. which is an oriental mahogany. Gibson doesnt use scarf joints. Its a solid piece of wood from neck base to tip of headstock. PArt of the cost variance is due to a carved angle in a single piece of wood. It leaves a lot or wasted material.
Gil
disclaimer. Im reffering to current production of both.
__________________

[clifffclaven]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 84sups View Post
The difference is the Gibson headstocks are weak and made out of mahogany. Epi uses maple and the scarf joint is in a different spot. Gibson's do sound better but that's gonna be hardware and pickups. Before I get any shot thrown at me yes I've owned both and got rid of both of em.}


depends on the year.
The necks on epi's are not maple. Only the Zakk Wylde LP is maple. The necks are made out of Nato. which is an oriental mahogany. Gibson doesnt use scarf joints. Its a solid piece of wood from neck base to tip of headstock. PArt of the cost variance is due to a carved angle in a single piece of wood. It leaves a lot or wasted material.
Gil
disclaimer. Im reffering to current production of both.
__________________

I wasnt referring to epis.

[Robert Burns]

What does neck thickness have to do with anything? That's a preference thing and no measure of quality at all.

And if you think an Epi Zakk is a good guitar than you and I clearly have different ideas of what a good guitar is. I couldn't get rid of that thing fast enough.

I certainly listen when Tim offers advice, as he has owned 10 times
more than i will ever own. But... my Brother in laws Camo Epi Zakk has
no sharp frets... nice action, and feels like a $1200.00 guitar in your hands.
So maybe its like everything else? Some good, some bad?