Can the Epiphone Banner J-45 Compete with the Gibson Version?

[@anthonyb2334]

For those who can’t afford the true J45, those Epiphones are a nice guitar for the money. I have the Inspired by Gibson version and after a couple of years it’s aged nicely. Thank you for your videos

[@richardsyoutubechannel995]

To many snobs when it comes to good guitars mate

[@dannykenward9544]

I’ve got the epiphone and it’s really loud… beautiful sound.. resonation is very good !!

[@williss9995]

It’s disheartening to see big name guitar brands price their guitars out of reach of the average enthusiast. Particularly as many big brands are largely machine built anyway. That is why it is refreshing to see brands such as Epiphone step up their efforts to build an improved guitar. Even so one question has always plagued me though.. Why not make an excellent guitar more affordable?

[@kallethunell6486]

Is your question why high quality comes with a higher price tag than a product of lower quality? Geez, I do wonder why.

[@craig6198]

Please do the j200 version

[@FerminHarris-ms4bq]

Bought one and it's amazing, completely blew me away

[@craig6198]

@@FerminHarris-ms4bqI’m dying to try one. I have the older inspired by gibson j200, ordered it without trying thinking it would be great but really lacks low end and projection. Hopefully try one soon or get a more in depth video on here

[@FerminHarris-ms4bq]

@@craig6198 i had that version too and it was disappointing, but this new one is amazing completely better.

[@giobortolobortolotti7256]

@@FerminHarris-ms4bq i had that versione too and it's no good except for the fact that it "looks like" a Gibson. I don't think the new 2024 version will be different except for the pickup system and the guitar headstock.

[@craig6198]

@@FerminHarris-ms4bq have you compared it too a gibson? I tried the 1942 banner j45 against a gibson and it wasnt identical but still sounded really good

[@mikeryan2454]

“Sometimes if there’s too much finish I feel sticky” A that’s what she said! Am I right guys?……guys?…..that’s what..cause the thing.

[@christhompson5553]

Hope a EPI LG-2 is next!

[@hotlov72]

Epi Country and Western; Dove; Advanced Jumbo, Hummingbird, Etc.

[@Colt_Funky]

I own two masterbilt Epis (Texan and Excellente) and both are incredible guitars for me. I went to my local store and tested the Banner J-45...because I really obsessed to own a J-45. Thought this would be the perfect match...but i left the store without it. Is is a beauty, it is build very well...everything is nice handcrafted...but 1300 € for a china build one ...i can't do it. After 10 minutes of play there were much fingerprints on the semigloss surface and what i really don't like is the script on the banner "Inspired by Gibson". Would better like the Elitest with a Gibson printed Trussrod cover and the banner could be printed with ornaments or something else. Nice guitar but not for me especially the craftsmanship of my excellente is a class of its own. Nothing beats this. The banner 1942...for 1.000 maybe, for 1300 no...

[@rmzzz76]

The all-solid Sitka Spruce top on Mahogany back & sides Epiphone Inspired By Gibson J-45 is a real winner at the $749 price point. I own one and I own a 2001 Gibson J-45 and I play the Epiphone more, mine is a 2019 model and it's the first Epiphone acoustic I've ever experienced "breaking in". Amazing guitar. For the money the Slash version is around $799 (that was a sale price, I think normally around $999) and you get Grover tuners, a hard case and an LR Baggs pickup and it's just the best value for an Epiphone. I'm not so sold on the "banner" version here, I do love the Gibson J-45 banner. That's a dream guitar, I just don't think they did a great job capturing all the little elements that go into that. I believe the Gibson version is all hide glue construction, too.

[@mtestoni1]

The price on this model is $1299.00 not $749.00, different guitars

[@craig6198]

@@mtestoni1he knows. Read the comment

[@rmzzz76]

@@mtestoni1 Correct, I'm saying I think the $749 model is worth its asking price, as the Sitka on Mahagony is the definitive J-45 tone most know and love and that model does a very good job getting in the ballpark of the J-45, not the modern Standard so much, but more the J-45 1950s homage/reissue model Gibson Montana builds, with the bone nut and saddle, etc.. The $1299 "banner" doesn't sound bad, I just think Red Spruce/Adirondack really needs something to round out that bottom end that I'm not hearing, at least in the one being played in this video. The real Gibson J-45 "banner" reissue here is near my idea of the perfect guitar. You just can't really make the compromises Epiphone has to make and get something close.

[@Colt_Funky]

But the slash version is (for me) unacceptable glossy. And the red November Burst does not look nice in my eyes. Too much red wood all over the guitar.

[@rmzzz76]

@@Colt_Funky The thick poly gloss finish on the Slash edition is the only real issue with it. It still sounds good. Plugged in the LR Baggs Element (same as in the Gibson J-45 Standard) evens the playing field and it pretty much sounds identical. Unplugged you will notice

[@jameswhite1450]

The back on the Gibson is really killer. I dig that.

[@WoodworkerDan]

I love the Gibson. The Epiphone is good, but if I were to buy one or the other I'd have to go with the Gibby even at the higher cost.

[@texhaines9957]

I own a Gibson J-45 Banner, torrified red Spruce top, so no question what I prefer. For my grandson who wanted this, we got him a Guild DS 240 Memoir Vintage Sunburst (also from Music Villa) so he could learn a few things about owning a guitar. The sound is different, but so is the price. I like this comparison. Thanks, Quinton and Paul.

[@arnolddealiii4259]

Just an opinion but buy the Gibson to record with at the studio, buy the Epiphone with less low end for live use with that pickup. Another opinion, the low end will get lost in a band mix. Conclusions, but a Martin 😂

[@chilipeet4610]

The epi is a good guitar and the Gibson is magic...

[@Oculus729]

Imagine a world where this guitar comes in a 12 fret to the body version.

[@lowellcalavera6045]

It kinda does. Check out the Keb Mo' model.

[@Guitar-pro-lk]

Anyone from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰🇱🇰🇱🇰🇱🇰🇱🇰🇱🇰🙂

[@shakazulu5246]

The quality of acoustic guitars from my point of view is generally recognized by its lows. It is symptomatic for acoustic guitars with moderate price that the first thing you hear are the mids and highs, but they often lack good lows which is also the case here. Epiphone makes good guitars, but I don't understand how so many manufacturers have the same problem? Appearance-wise, they make almost identical copies but tone-wise that's never the case, close maybe, but not close enough.

[@stevebernard221]

The side by side comparison showed how far apart they are in sound. However, they did put the lipstick on pretty good...

[@michaelenosmusic]

Out here.. I could tell virtually no difference between the 2 guitars. And I really want one now. (And Quinton King looked like he was having good fun making it sing. As always)

[@rodnyg7952]

of course you didn't hear much or any difference online. That has more to do with audio limits of YTube videos. Audio compression completely squashes dynamic range, and makes everything the same volume. Impossible to pick up any nuances in sound. If you had the two guitars in front of you, then you'd likely hear a lot differently. The fact that you "really want one now" is all part of this online marketing scam

[@michaelenosmusic]

@@rodnyg7952 Thanks.. You probably also pull the wings off flies. *shakes head* .

[@brbadge]

@@rodnyg7952 Thanks Mr expert.

[@rodnyg7952]

@@michaelenosmusic I didn't create or set standards for online audio compression. I just find it odd that musicians here have no idea how poorly instruments actually sound online, and are willing to buy them before even actually knowing

[@michaelenosmusic]

@@rodnyg7952 well Ill never purchase a guitar without sampling it regardless of my opinion beforehand.

[@WScott-gd2mj]

Gibson sunburst is sweet...Epi looks like one of those photo jobs.

[@matlindell5022]

The Gibson definitely blows up the epiphone away🤩

[@FerminHarris-ms4bq]

Lol no it doesn't

[@mariodriessen9740]

@@FerminHarris-ms4bq: O yes it does. I was expecting a small difference, but in my opinion the the difference in sound is huge! The Epi doesn’t even come close. It completely lacks the warmth and the low end of the Gibson. If the high end is what you focus on, you may possibly perceive it differently, but I like J-45’s because they have a unique warm sound, so that’s what I want to hear in a J-45. And the Epiphone just doesn’t have that.

[@andrewwinters8467]

@@mariodriessen9740 The Gibson has the tone and you really hear it when he plays just a few notes. The Epi might be a good guitar "for the money" but there is no real comparison.

[@mariodriessen9740]

@@andrewwinters8467 : To me the Epiphone would be a perfect guitar to experiment with, like making it suitable for a C standard tuning with some heavier strings. I’ve done precisely that with a G-45 Studio (first version). It wasn’t a great guitar, but tuned to C standard the guitar started to come alive and you didn’t really need all that low end. In fact you need it to sound brighter and tighter. So I could totally see it working for those types of purposes. Or to use it as a backup in case anything goes wrong during a gig and you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a guitar you already have.

[@jeffreyminor4701]

Lol 😂 what a challenge.

[@bigtom1001]

Great playing as always ❤,. I've just bought an as new one for the amazing price of £800 ❤I tested some used j45's for around the £1600 - £1700 range, none of them were in what I'd call great condition, they sounded very nice, but I want my guitars to look perfect condition, then as if by fate I found the epiphone banner 42 and at 1200 I wouldn't touch it, but I couldn't refuse at £800, I will polish it up to get rid of the horrible satin finish, I don't pick it up till tomorrow, I can't wait ❤

[@MillSounds]

For the love of god, high pass filter your mics, you're going to blow my speakers one of these days🤣. Love everything you do!

[@paulshea7022]

Age has a significant effect too.

[@nickspitzley8539]

That sounds great

[@gregalderson128]

He didn't play the Gibson at the end so we could hear the difference between the Banner Epiphone and the Banner Gibson?

[@Colt_Funky]

Is the depth of both bodies the same size? Or has the Gibson more depth? I have a Epi Texan Masterbuilt and the depth at this one is about "a binding size" bigger than the one e.g. of the Epi Slash J-45. My opinion is you hear the more depth of the Texan.

[@mikenorman6697]

The Gibson was richer, more bottom end and had more depth compared to the Epiphone. It was pretty obvious!

[@hrvojejergovic3888]

Any info of strings in comparison of Epiphone and Gibson? And please which is weight comparison

[@andrewstandley6074]

I actually had this question as well. String brand, and weight make a WORLD of difference. If that Epi had 11's of a cheaper string, and the Gibson had 13's of, say, D'addarios, that would be a huge difference right there. Very curious about the strings info of these two guitars.

[@fiveelephants_band]

What a great Review!❤

[@mickquistrebert653]

congrats for the awesome fingerdemo!!

[@GOINGWILD-ok3rz]

Do you know anything about the tuners on the epi banner? Been trying to find info Thanks

[@Non-y3s]

I preferred the epiphone version 😅.

[@ESYR-v4h]

2:24 3:28 3:58 3:48

[@VintageBurst42]

Thanks for setting that up. They mentioned "resonance", I heard Presence in the G guitar.

[@maxwellfan55]

Epi sounded muted.

[@Otter1950]

I think moving the IBG Epiphone line from Indonesia to China was a big mistake and it shows in the sound and quality. I own a 2001 Gibson J50 and an Epiphone Master built J45 which was made in Indonesia. While there was a noticeable difference between the two in sound and quality build, the Epiphone held its own against my Gibson. I just don't understand when you have a good thing going, why mess with it. I know, money. Well Epiphone nor Gibson need more of that at today's price points. My Gibson was bought new for $1400.00 and My Master Built was $550.00 new at Guitar Center. The last run of the Gibson J50 was a 50s reissue and sold for $3500.00 in 2019, and the Master Built went up from 550 to 799 In just a few years. The new IBG Epiphone 42 Banner is miles away in the sound quality and that is very disappointing. The 749.00 version made in Indonesia blows it away. Sad times for Epiphone.

[@8CountAudio]

As to the gibson’s depth and low end…in a mix, you’d probably be attenuating mid-lows anyhow… and the epi’s brightness might also end up EQ’d out in a mix as well

[@jameslacy3509]

So the price differense is clear that Gibson is $3700 MORE so all the comments about the Gibson being better....I sure hope so

[@jimdoner3443]

Very nice

[@Guitar-pro-lk]

2:53 epi ❤3:28 gib❤❤ 3:58epi❤ 5:25epi❤ Give me 1k likes plz🤗🤗

[@steby123]

"only a Gibson Good enough{but an Epiphone ain't bad !} .

[@andrewstandley6074]

That phrase did not age well!

[@charlesbeckett9438]

bon- ner j45

[@raymondreeder3274]

I think they both sound equally great but different

[@blakehamblin5652]

I think if the epiphone had a bone saddle instead of bone composite it help and nut too and then change the bridge pins to bone instead of plastic then it’s a lot closer to the right sound like the Gibson

[@davidelliott4089]

Outstanding! Epiphones are Great..

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I gotta have the real thing. Not bec it’s so much better but just bec it’s what my heart desires. That’s reason enough.

[@ALCOFRE]

Hey guys I feel like I have to let you guys know that the new epiphone inspired by the Gibson custom shop acoustic guitars are being completely misrepresented in the literature. I went on a rabbit hole after buying the J200 when I saw a piece of paper that said the pickup was the LR Baggs VTC "BRONZE ". I wasn't sure what that meant since it's supposed to be the exact same pickup as the ones shipped with Gibson guitars. Long story short, it isn't. The bronze is basically a knockoff made overseas, I reached out to LR baggs directly and they confirmed that they are different pick-ups, compared to an actual element they not remotely close. It has also some major mechanical differences as well like the tone knob not having a center position like the actual VTC. It's a low quality pickup that is basically licencing the LR Baggs name. I know it's unrelated to this post but I didn't know how else to warn you guys. I have the full exchange with LR baggs on my email and can provide you guys with screenshots if you need it. I figured this is something you might want to know when reviewing this guitar, it also applies to the J45 banner and the J180. Big fan of the channel.

[@twopoms]

I wonder what Jose Felliciano or Stevie Wonder would make of these guitars by comparison…? 🤷🏼‍♂️. Neither can see the marketing….

[@xetexuk12]

Great comparison, but the Gibson blew the Epi away.

[@kingstumble]

Tonal depth. That's the difference.

[@FerminHarris-ms4bq]

These are amazing. Ignore all the snobs in the comments haha

[@danscofilms4164]

SJ200 PLEAAAAAAAAASE!

[@cliffmaceachern4283]

I'd like yo hear a ibg j45 compared to the Banner j45

[@nelsonreymusico5635]

My opinion is that there is a detail is that the Epiphone guitar has a piezo electric pickup that reduces volume and loudness, like any acoustic guitar.

[@martinsundland7614]

Epiphone 'burst doesn't cut it.

[@strumminandwrenchin9162]

Yeah same here. Epiphone is good for practicing and Gibson is good for live performance.

[@LegsON]

Yep, their burst is off 90% of the time.

[@jasonswitzer1748]

The Epi has a much harder line for the burst. In terms of tone, I actually love the bright sound of a Taylor, so I actually prefer the Epiphone… which is great for me because it’s cheaper!

[@Gratefulman1965]

I understand the marketing angle. But Made in China?that’s a no way for me. Go ahead and buy em’ folks, I’ll save up for the Gibson. Besides Epiphone (Purchased by Gibson in 1957) never made a banner acoustic……Ever🎶

[@peanutavalon]

That’s why it’s called inspired by. Played one… not too bad.

[@richardsyoutubechannel995]

Comments are so funny if that epiphone said gibson on the headstock the comments would say different

[@Psyclonus7]

Because those people don't even own a guitar

[@Guitar-pro-lk]

Why you guys talk too much 😐first demo Second talk😅

[@1040ecapja]

It's not like the audio comes through as if you were in the room. This is KZbin, sound is automatically compressed. Go test them yourself for a demo.

[@Guitar-pro-lk]

@@1040ecapja shut up

[@ryansevilla9588]

Epiphone sounded and looked embarrasing next to the gibson. "Inspired by gibson" my ass

[@ABBYDOG26]

Both are great but for my money it’s the Epiphone

[@frankmau8377]

A comparison of the Epiphone vs a std. Gibson J-45 would also have been interesting

[@jakesmethurst5699]

I'm in the UK I don't know what the us price is but I think it's horrible they're making the guitars people want over seas not us made and charging prices where I'm not far off getting a j45 studio madness

[@Wayne-d6w]

I have a 1953 j45 that needs a little work I'm willing to sell it was my grandpa guitar he past away and I got the guitar

[@deluxemeat]

Nice guitar… too bad they didn’t copy the Gibson version’s big neck profile. Missed opportunity, Epiphone.

[@snfrd]

"For a price point.." lol. Kill me with that. Just say cheaper.

[@briang768]

It's a great little guitar for the price, but it doesn't compare to Gibson Banner reissue. I wish Gibson would stop diluting the Banner headstock to sell product. They did it with the J-35 reissue ten years ago, and they made some incredible J-35s, but the Banner is supposed to be special and placing it on an Epiphone is just a marketing ploy to make money.

[@LegsON]

Stop whining and let folks have some fun on a budget.💋

[@jjmuni]

What do you think is the reason they make these guitars?

[@gam1471]

Yes, the J-35 is a terrific guitar. I own a banner version, and the punch and power it has blows a modern Martin D-18 into the weeds - I've owned several D-18s, variously made in the 1960s, '70s, and one from 2016. I also like the plain clear lacquered look of the J-35. Fancy pickguards and pearl inlay aren't for me.

[@Non-y3s]

Sometimes people want to dream owning a j45 banner logo. But a lot of people will never be able to afford one in their life time. Let people enjoy it.

[@miamistomp]

Not even close to the Gibson and at that price, you are better off with something used

[@richardsyoutubechannel995]

It sounds really good it is close I just think there's to much snobbery with really expensive gibsons I agree the gibsons brilliant but I'd Deffinitly not say its 100 times better only 50 times better.

[@timothymeadows8326]

"bah-ner 45"...proper word pronunciation not a needed quality for a good picker. Let the fingers do the talking :)

[@RahulSharma_JaiMataDi]

Dont sounds like Martin so its not a guitar 🤣🤣

[@TheRealSandleford]

....And he never plays the gibson.....

[@frankdiscussion2069]

china guitar sounds weak lol