The ULTIMATE Epiphone! - Is This the Best Sounding Guitar Ever??

[@chadwildclay]

I came down here to say the Epiphone sounded more like a strat than the strat and I see everybody else already saying the same thing. Time to upgrade my Epi!

[@joelstatosky1817]

Hold up, you play guitar?. legendary

[@MrDeaweber]

@@joelstatosky1817 wait , you play Pete's Picolo? What!?!

[@dustinsmith5471]

Yep, that blew my mind. The single coil setting was more strat like.

[@tredogzs]

Yeah, I got that first one wrong ... wow. I would love this guitar.

[@NicoandAlej]

I couldn't in a million years have been fooled by the epi strat neck copy. You should listen to more Hendrix. Neck pickup overdrive on the video was really spot on strat :)

[@dub351]

The difference in tone/quality/sound for each comparison was negligible. You just created the most useful guitar I've ever seen (heard). Awesome job, DB.

[@daveshepherd7582]

I'll admit i struggled to identify the EPI in nearly every case, that said what suprised me the most was my ear seemed to prefer the EPI tone overall! I'm sold......

[@jrex427]

I mirror your experience. The sound I preferred (the epi) I thought was the "other" guitar with each demonstration. I'm impressed!

[@danletter9357]

Concur

[@goodgoat3096]

jrex427 - My experience was the same as yours, I liked the EPI but am by no means an expert like Darrel Braun. My brother had a 1963 SG with the black soap bar pickups and I always preferred that sound over the tele and strat of those days. I also later spent 15 months on an M60 main battle tank which did nothing good for my hearing. Love that custom EPI!

[@ronfalkoff]

Sounded Amazing!!! Now I wonder would an LP kit build with P-Rails with triple shots and upgraded tuners would stand up against the moded Epi?

[@Jagshemasher]

Concur

[@xaviaguilar1709]

Seriously impressed by those p-rails. Super studio friendly! Jack of all trades kinda thing

[@jdw174]

Not only do I think the Epi whooped them all, but it's one of the most drop dead gorgeous guitars I've ever seen. I'm jealous!

[@bretthackett4124]

Where did that epi come from? I can't find a top like that anywhere

[@michaelmalik5049]

He said in the build video there was one store in Canada that sold them.@@bretthackett4124

[@stevesoldwedel]

The top is amazing.

[@levis5230]

The Epiphone Les paul standard pro has some really good colors. I think the quilted top he has is a limited edition

[@louisrios5546]

@@bretthackett4124 Yes, he said it's an Epiphone Les Paul Standard with a quilt top in a "root beer burst" finish. Agree it's spectacular, but unfortunately very hard to find. I'm so envious -- Darrell is truly living his best life.

[@Lael128]

I really liked this comparison. The additional 3 modes on top of the standard sounds makes this Epi a Swiss army knife! And you're absolutely right about the money savings when building an Ultimate Epi. My Epi cost about $800 after a complete makeover... I still came out ahead as a similar guitar made in the USA is priced at $1,800 new.

[@matthewk320]

omg i really got surprized by the first sound. the epi was so good that i thought it was a strat xD

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Matheus Castro Not bad, right!?!

[@carter3925]

Literally sounded nothing like a les Paul either no way you'd be able to tell unless you're some sort of expert

[@skippythetubrat]

Carter Lord The Strat and the Tele were the only two I picked out. Have to say, though, the Tele was tough and the Strat sound was pretty damned close. All in all I was very impressed. I think of an electric guitar as a controller on a video game console. To me it's about functionality and comfort. That is one impressive SOB.

[@stevegutierrez8679]

The first Tele I picked out pretty easy, but definitely the strat in the beginning messed me up. The epi sounded great

[@Dankflamio]

I preferred the Epiphone to every guitar except the first strat and the last gibson. It's weird too because the epi did sound more straty with the thinner tone than the thicker sound out of your select strat. I really love this demo!

[@0800333pedro]

The Epi sounded more strat than the strat

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Pedro Cerda Yeah, it's not often that a Strat drives an amp harder than a LP. I think that will throw a lot of people off 😀

[@thesullivanstreetproject]

To me the Epi sounded more like a Strat on the bridge pickup, not enough bass. But it sounded pretty good!

[@NutNutStudios]

I agree. When he did the reveal I was like NO WAY.

[@joshuang3919]

Ok, I'm not the only one who thought that

[@ajajoya2784]

Same thought.

[@musixmylyfe]

1. Correct! (one of them was super buzzy) 2. Correct! (Install the pickup backwards and see what happens!) 3. Incorrect! (I actually preferred the epi but the tele is absolutely stunning) 4. Incorrect! 5. Correct! (But it was a complete guess, haha) 6. Correct! This was an awesome little 2 part series! :) Keep up the great work!

[@WauezMachado]

Darrell, I like too much your channel, I'm Brazilian and l don't speak English, and I had use it to practice my listening, cause your pronunciation is so clean for me. Great video!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Wauez Machado Thanks Wauez! I'm glad you are a part of the channel ☺

[@benoitpeeters7511]

Hey estou no Brasil tb! Comprei uma Epiphone e vou tentar fazer essa modificação igual. Hehe espero poder conseguir montagem!

[@nagellouis]

Canadians are the best!

[@Sam-me5pl]

you have good English and speak it well

[@nagellouis]

@Kaptain Kid It wasn't sarcastic. Canadians are the best. You should apologize for making unnecessary assumptions.

[@dr150]

These 2 Epi videos you did were FANTASTIC!! For any player who want an Epi to sound better/more versatile, these two vids should be textbook reference! Keep up the good work and ideas!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Theee Chosen One Thanks man!

[@lgrim68]

I failed most of the tests, and have been playing for 25+ years. Those P-Rails are amazing. I am glad to know of them, and have you to thank. This video was hecka fun to see and hear. Good job!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Louis Grim No problem! Glad you enjoyed the comparison ☺

[@katoooq1]

I think the industry has gotten a bit out of control with the micro-analysis of the sound of guitars. When I think back and listen to blues vinyl and the countless awesome sounds of the guitars used and then recall that some were done on Harmony guitars, Supro's Teisco's etc. etc., to me the current so-called standard set by critics based upon Gibsons and Fenders is simply an Illusory standard. When you combine my Epi Les Paul with a custom tube amp (Siegmund) with field coil speakers, the sound is nothing short of amazing. The same holds true with my 2018 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe. To be fair, I think the key to all of this is whether the player is happy with the sound. Sound is totally subjective. That being said we can all agree that some sounds are more pleasing to the ear than others. But that leaves us with broad general categories of sounds rather than clearly definable standards. My hat goes off to you for this comparison because it gives hope to those of us who cannot afford a 6k or greater Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop. Back in the 50's and 60's the mind set did NOT evaluate sound in the manner in which we do today. I liked it much better then. People were into the creative aspect of the total product, and not slicing and dicing the guitar sound into the most ridiculous infinitesimal aspects of that which cannot be objectively evaluated. Bottom line, does it move you. Can you feel it in your soul. Does it raise the hair on the back of your neck, and do you smile when you listen to a phrase? Its all about VIBE my friend and let us not forget that. Rock On buddy and keep up the great work. Regards, Edward William Case

[@troyniles614]

Edward William Case well said!

[@krisrhebergen]

Just like a lot of records were recorded using practice amps.

[@sheremadness]

Thank you! Agreed. 👍

[@TheCaptainsWall]

I think that’s partly true, especially when trying to judge “quality”. But I think it’s useful as someone who wants to micromanage my own tone when there’s a specific sound I want.

[@soldsold1]

Edward William Case what amp and speakers do you use/ recommend to get great sounds out of this Epiphone? I know this post is a year old but I'm curious what you use. Thanks

[@tdtom1376]

Geez DB, I am now going to make an appointment with my local hearing loss professional for some testing. I didn't get a single one of them correct! the answer is a definite YES! it was worth it. Don't think you missed or forfeited a thing with this build.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+td tom 😄That means the Epi definitely did well then!

[@tdtom1376]

showed the vid to my wife. she wants to know why I don't play like that, and wants to know if you considered gold accents on the Epi?

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+td tom 😄😄😄 Gold hardware would probably look very cool on that guitar!

[@tedtronson]

Wow! I am thoroughly impressed by the upgrade. Instead of picking which was which I picked which sound I liked better. The only one I picked that was not the Epiphone was the Tele with the Shaw pickups compared to the Epi with humbuckers in parallel. Nice job Darrell! Thanks for sharing.

[@victorinodominguezmora5592]

The first sound was so mindblowing i didnt believe that epiphone could match up with an American guitar

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+GUITAR HOARDER 👍 I thought it did amazingly well too!

[@cloudbudget]

All the sounds from the Ultimate Epiphone were impressive, but the one that blew me away was the first comparison with the Strat. I got it wrong, not only that but I just really loved the tone and character of the Epiphone's strat impression. That was impressive! I also liked the Strat's version of itself. : )

[@papadopp3870]

I just found this three years since the original post. I totally agree! Strat could, of course, out -whammy that Epi.

[@bobbyberetta4206]

Well you sold me on the pickups

[@acoffeewithsatan]

Bo88y Beretta in a couple days, guys at Seymour Duncan will be wondering why these somewhat niche pickups are suddenly flying off the shelves.

[@duarteestelita7257]

Yeah.. Seymoyr Duncan should be paying Darrell..hehehe.. Im gonna buy these.

[@13bluestars]

The Epi held it's own for the most part. Within a band situation... most wouldn't know the difference. P-Rails sound legit!

[@fluroflash2803]

I got them all right. But, man, was number 5 tough... Awesome Vid Darrell

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Fluro Flash Well done FF! Blind tests are always tricky business!

[@TheJuancristobal1000]

Darrell Braun Guitar what is the name of the song 0.52 secs. ?

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Juan Cristobal Martinez Hi! The songs I used are listed in the video description ☺

[@joesycamore2899]

I got number one wrong and the rest right but yes they were tough

[@totherepublic358]

Been playing and recording/mixing for 30 years and I got all but one wrong. You guys should turn pro immediately.

[@alexdamaceno]

Just one drawback for me: Compared to the Gibson on the neck position, the Epiphone sounded way more compressed, more "in your face". Maybe suitable for some occasions, but harder to tame on others. Compared to the Gibson on the bridge position, I couldn't tell which was which. Thank you for this. I love my Epiphone Standard, it is the only electric guitar I have and it pisses me off when someone discards a cheaper guitar right off the bat.

[@caglaroral]

Unbelievable man!!. I got some of them correct(tele and strat) but the thing is when I said "thats better" it was always Epi. Those P-Rails are amazing (wish they had nickel cover)!! Thanks for the great test. You proved that with good pickups Epi can shine

[@scoo0oo402]

That was one of the harder blindfold tests you've done which speaks volumes for the epi. Like you said you can hear the minute differences IF you're listening for them. However, for a work horse guitar that you don't mind bringing around it's a great substitute with amazing variety. Great video!

[@TheBigwillistyle]

Nailed it with the strat. The Epi sounded just a little too clean to be strat-ish. But still, for a pickup designed to cover a variety of tones, it's not bad.

[@MrNitrocat]

Duncan also makes a hotter bridge P Rail that would probably take care of that. Something I'm going to look into.

[@RobertNolan]

I nailed it on the Strat and Les Pauls. It did a fantastic job at beating my preferences against the Tele sounds

[@jq206]

8:45 almost got me Bud. I screamed out loud yelling no, and you said you were joking ;)

[@ronammar5021]

Finished watching video. On Reverb looking at quilted used Epi Les Pauls.

[@Mason_N.]

I got a yellow lush honey burst epiphone les Paul quilted

[@sirfultonbishop]

Regardless of whether or not it sounds “exactly like” a strat, tele or an LP, it sounds great on it own! 👍🏻

[@mystngt1966]

AGREED 👏

[@matthewjordaan5023]

Awesome sounding Eppi... I'm impressed

[@andrewstump6138]

Aww, the soloing in between the comparisons was so good I wanted to hear it again altogether at the end. Keep up the awesome videos!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Andrew Stump Thanks Andrew!

[@georgerigberg4335]

I found myself preferring the Epi in most of the blind tests. One of my favorites that I own is a modified Epi Sheraton II. Samick factory. Tusq nut. Flatwounds. Duncan Jazz neck, Pearly Gates bridge, independent coil taps. It's no longer the guitar I "settled for" I prefer it to a 335!

[@elijahslab8309]

It is crazy to see how fast and how much your channel has grown. I have been with you since around 30,000 subs and in a few months you have grown so much. I think it is due to your amazing playing ability, your bright personality and contagious smile. Btw I’m a guy and I’m straight. Just realized that sounded flirtatious.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Be a MAVERICK 😄😄😄 No worries! I appreciate the kind words! Thanks for sticking around since 30,000!!

[@oneeyemonster3262]

The EPi is the pretties guitar in the room, It screams....play me, play me, It's cool to have those tone options avalible at your finger tips.

[@kelvinburigo2430]

I swear I thought the epi sound better in ALL the six tests! I couldn't be more impressed. Congrats, buddy.

[@gavinhell4597]

Just remember guys and gals none of your guitar heroes started with any of these guitars! Forget the sniffing and start playing. 👍🤘

[@gavinhell4597]

P.s I’m also a fan of the channel 🌮

[@ryanwiseman9141]

Nailed it!!

[@thechisensei]

ive seen this video more than a year ago before I bought my custom epi and until now, this is still the only video I can find in youtube that made an epi the best of all worlds. tnx!

[@imlokii7338]

That Epi is a masterpiece!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Master of Puppets Thanks man!

[@sr009]

These comparisons are SO well done - I learn so many new things I wasn't even considering before!? thank you Darrell!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Skip Reardon I'm glad you enjoyed the video! ☺

[@thedisciple1764]

Great video Darrell. I think a lot of people are doing things similar to what you did to your epi. I bought a PRS SE and swapped the pickups for some Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates and for me it’s good enough and I didn’t have to shell out 3k. 500 - 800 bucks these days get’s you a really nice guitar.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Al M Agreed!

[@Leel7077]

Really love it when you do blind comparisons, it really shows how psychological it is to relate sounds with brands.

[@216trixie]

Great shootout. Amazing how the Epiphone did, side by side with all those different guitars and pickup combinations. If I had to take one guitar to a gig, that would be it.

[@AmyKSpreadborough]

This was an amazing comparison. Video. I am an absolute Fender fan, and on first listen you fooled me every time on the Strat and Tele comparisons. The Epiphone has so much articulation, warmth, twang, chime. Really, I’m stunned. I watched the video twice. Your videos are amazing because you bust all of my preconceived notions about what a great guitar is.

[@taokichavez9319]

I think it nailed 4 out of 5 tests (I liked better the first Gibson comparison). Really cool video, thanks! UPDATE: it´s 2023 and I just rewatched the video with nicer speakers and first of, the "single coil" tones are really good and almost as close as the real ones but given que architecture of the whole guitar I think this is as close as a non single coil pickup will sound trying to emulate a Fender strat or tele, the humbucker sound totally crushed the Gibson ones

[@davidbarlow431]

I'm not normally a Les Paul fan, but the finish on that epiphone is gorgeous! Also the tonal flexibility was amazing. I could own that guitar quite happily.

[@Gibbo1050]

Definitely held its own against the lot. Outstrated a strat!!

[@Wargasm644]

I didn’t try to figure out which was the Epi. I just picked the best sounding guitar. The Epi sounded better than all the Fenders. The only times I didn’t pick the Epi as the “best” sounding guitar is when you put it up against the Gibson’s. But that Epi certainly shined bright. Nice work.

[@kcpetka]

I thought the Epi came close enough to capturing the single coil tones to be a legitimate option. I was wrong guessing half the time. I'm going to have to purchase some P-rails. They are really a game changer. thanks for the vid:)

[@garycasey7986]

Having watched these two videos, it stuck with me as an idea and months later I have bought myself a used blue burst Epi LP and put in P-Rails with a new wiring harness and I am very happy with the results! Thanks for the idea/inspiration!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Congratulations! It such a great setup 👍

[@charliecoe1999]

I won't lie, the Epi came out on top for me a few times more that I'd expect. Interesting stuff...

[@carljohnson4691]

The Epiphone sounds amazing! You could definitely gig with it. It doesn't matter that it doesn't sound exactly like a Tele or a Strat, etc., it sounds good on its own merits. For those of us that are our own roadie that is a great thing.

[@brucegarris]

I liked the Epi for the P-90 tone. I have Mojotone P-90s in an Epi hollow body, and it brings out the warmth/ low end. Yours did as well I felt. Interesting vid!

[@billallen4039]

That Epi is amazing - great demo Darrell - thank you for your post

[@MartinCliffe]

Great video. It didn’t perfectly replicate all the guitars, but to my ears it sounded better than most of them!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Martin Cliffe Thanks Martin!

[@edwinstovall3334]

First, congratulations on a set of mods well done! Second, your points about the viability of "replacing" the guitars you compared your modded Epi to are well taken; the scale length and placement of the individual coils will make for differences that you can't compensate for. Therefore, although this guitar will NOT replace the others, it really doesn't have to, as it has many different worthy tones of its own. I personally got a 2/3 score on this little "quiz" ... 4 right with 2 wrong. I'm not worried about it, though. The axe sounded really good, and I could have used one like it during my gigging days -- but you couldn't get P-Rails in 1982! Once again, congrats on your successful mods and yet again on a fortuitous purchase. I have a particular affinity for quilted maple, so I'm now very jealous of you with that beautiful Epiphone. Anastasios and Epaminondas Stathopoulos would be proud.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Edwin Stovall Thanks Edwin! Greatly points - and good ears. That blind test isn't easy ☺

[@DRock1779]

Found the first one very easy, and each one significantly harder. I think the epiphone sounds amazing overall and better than some of the more expensive options. The only question is does it feel as good to play?

[@Tredwayj]

I love the sound of the second Tele with the custom wound pickup. Great video. Thank you

[@bambostarla6259]

I'm rooting for the epiphone

[@taketheredpill1441]

+Sean Cassidy If a person was really "poor" they wouldn't even be able to afford a $600+ guitar. You sound like an elitist idiot who probably isn't that well off himself anyway. Learn the definition of "poor" as there's a difference between being poor, and being cheap.

[@warptek]

And stupid... as in paying $1000's for a guitar to get a sound you can get for less than half that.

[@johncarter4131]

This was a really interesting comparison and I felt that the differences between the Epiphone and the other high end guitars were very, very slight. Those pickups transform an intermediate guitar with a limited number of sounds into a very versatile guitar indeed. If you don't mind the Epiphone name on the headstock that is one hell of a guitar.

[@petesampras9613]

You had me at 8:38 😂😂 I was like He's fooled me again!!

[@saxofunk]

I just rebuilt P-rails into a Carvin Bolt kit I originally finished in 2000. They brought this guitar to life! Sooo many options it’s almost overwhelming with the triple-shot style switches, a neck phase switch, a series parallel switch, and Fender TBX on the tone pots. I wired it up with 4 knobs and a 3-way much like the Les Paul style. Love these P-rails!

[@LYLEWOLD]

i don't know instruments well enough to know which was which, i could only go with what i liked. more often than not, i preferred the Epi (and based on how you're playing, i think you favored it, or were at least rooting for it). when it got to the final fuzzy stuff, i was good with either. for me, as a novice (that's giving myself more credit than i deserve) it wasn't "which is better", but did this experiment work? and to that i gotta say yes. you have so many sounds at your disposal in one guitar, how could that not be a win? way to go!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Lyle W 😀👍

[@jackflash5659]

That Epiphone is epic. I got them all wrong but that's alright I'm not a player. This was fun. Love this blind test and this epiphone. Great job Darrell!

[@enriquewuestenbergh2576]

Hey, just wanted to say beautiful solos that you play in between!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks man!

[@pjo1964]

Omg they're both beautiful!!!😮That first strat and the LP !!!

[@domdanese6]

When are you showing off all your guitars

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Dom's Shows 😄 It's on my list - I'm just not sure when I'll get around to it!

[@TheDoubleGGMan]

Darrell Braun Guitar how many guitars do you have?

[@JakeTerch]

I think your blue Les Paul doublecut is my favorite!

[@andreicostea7]

I love the "darkness" of the Epi. Great work.

[@michaelwoods6709]

The Epi definitely wins in aesthetics

[@ricardodealmeida4174]

daaamn...when the Super-Epi sounds better (to my ears) than the LP Traditional :o ! great video btw!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Deathtrooper Thanks man!

[@saddle8bag]

After the first test, I thought this would be easy. Strat definitely did a better Strat. I actually thought the Epi did a better Tele. Particularly on the low notes. Sounded very country. P90s both sounded great, though I think I slightly prefered the Tele. Buckers was a toss up, but I thought the clean Gibson was a hair brighter and the dirty Gibson smoothed out a tad of the fuzziness. Not sure if that's a good thing? I'm not big on the fuzzy, so it was alright with me. Anyway, super versatile guitar for the bucks. A+

[@Mabufu381]

i definitely thought that the Tele was a better Tele, Tele's have that kinda raw edge, and you could hear that the tele had that, and the Gibson was a bit too clean, even though it had that nice twang.

[@ravenjames3873]

i like fuzz

[@billyrossjapan]

I also have a P-Rail Epiphone LP. It's a 1981, MIJ, possibly a Matsumoku. The only difference with the P-Rails is the variety of sounds. I converted it to 1 volume, 1 tone and replaced the 2nd V&T with 2 on-on-on switches, giving me every possible combination of sounds available from the pickups. (I think at least 12 variations). It's the ultimate of ultimate guitars, both in sound and build. Best guitar I ever had! :oD

[@conradmacintyre]

Funny, when I was listening to the first test, and the "Strat Neck" first demo started, I immediately thought, "that doesn't sound like a Strat to me at all!" Then I heard the second one, and it sounded even LESS like a Strat. Haha.

[@antoniomonteiro1203]

I have a home made guitar with P-Rails but I also bought those pickup frames that Seymour Duncan call Triple Shot. It allows you to select four possibilities: coil 1, coil 2, both series and both parallel. So I can mix P90 on one with SC on the other. Some of the 24 possible selections are very interesting. And you can also lower a bit one of the volumes, which I use a lot: bridge with full HB and neck SC. Lowering a bit the neck vol brings on the fat of the bridge and actually raises the signal level.

[@jansonpig]

Thanks to this....i see a pickup change for my epi coming up

[@alexk3088]

Excellent demo, thank you. I have an Epi LP Custom (yellowed white), which was "antiqued" by previous owner, who also installed a neck P-Rail and some sort of dual-rail HB in bridge. It's a nice enough guitar for my purely hobby purposes. Having said that, I've spent 20 years chasing tone, installing pickups, etc. It can be fun and cheaper than buying high end guitars, but still drains your money and especially TIME (which should be spent practicing). I'm getting back into playing after about a 10-year hiatus and after viewing some of these videos I am realizing that just like with wine these days, there simply isn't a need to splurge to get good quality tone. What people should rightly expect from high end heirloom quality American guitars is beyond just tone - quality of fretwork, neck, truss rod, nut, bridge, all of that. That should be a given on any US-made guitar, but is it? 60-80% of your tone comes from plugging into the right amp (turned up). Yes, it can be very cool to own and play a vintage guitar. Or it can be just as cool to throw some nice pickups into a budget guitar or build your own (just ask Eddie VH or Brian May, among others). During the last 20 years I've been trying to only buy equipment that I think I "deserve" in terms of my skills (and you guessed it, I don't deserve a classic vintage amp or guitars). Looking back I realize that the most fun is in practicing with your friends, playing in front of friends, not nailing that elusive tone 100%. Do I appreciate tube amps and great guitars? Absolutely. Just like I would appreciate a $1000 bottle of wine. But for 95% of people the difference isn't big enough to make a difference.

[@andrewdog-gonewaylon5915]

The Twang from the Epiphone sounds more like a Telecaster than the Tele!!!

[@kalkidasofficial]

Exactly!

[@PeterDad60]

Darrell, you just get better and better. I remember a year or more back I gave you a hard time about the Monoprice 15w 12" speaker amp because it was made in China. I said China is eating our lunch and selling everything to everyone at low prices that will drive the original mfr's out of business. I also related my opinion the China uses the money/wealth to build up their military. You took my comments in stride and that was unusual. Most people would have argued with me. Anyway you actually visited my video posts on acoustic guitar from 3 years back and you had encouraging things to say. That was enough to convince me of your good nature and actual deep interest in music and actually being an encouraging force for musicians. Every video I have watched that you made, and I watch everyone of them that I come across, they are very informative, well articulated and easy going/enjoyable. I have become a big Darrell Braun fan. My wish is that one day you get into the guitar mfr. business and bring out new, original instruments. I promise I will purchase a guitar from you. Perhaps you can hook up with a Chinese mfr. and provide them with your thoughts on what makes a decent guitar and they will make it for you, under your name. I feel it will be a very playable and good sounding guitar. Yes this is me talking about China and you working together. Maybe if you do very well you can also make guitars here in America under your name brand. I understand your deep commitment to your fellow musicians and I heartily encourage you to continue. -Peter

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+PeterDad60 Thanks Peter! I really appreciate the comment, and I am glad you are a part of the channel ☺

[@PeterDad60]

Merry Christmas my friend and a Happy New Year too!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+PeterDad60 You as well!

[@drfathertime]

I'm quite shocked how well Epi emulated bunch of different pick ups!

[@GregToews]

Many of the sounds were so close that I think you'd find a similar difference from one set of pickups to another. I never felt any of the sounds were better/worse, just different. Great sounding guitar, definitely worth the upgrades.

[@nmda9578]

Dude, your videos are the best!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+NMDA Thanks man!

[@smartmandakota]

I’m determined to build an Ultimate Epi clone simply for the versatility factor! I personally think it would be more enjoyable than owning multiple “big branders.” You literally have all guitars at your disposal with the flick of a switch.

[@debajitpalchoudhury1571]

Epi sounded better than American made start on my ear ...

[@eyeofthetiger8287]

Strat not start !

[@robertsilva5041]

I've been around guitars for many many years and surprisingly, I was 7 for 7 correct. love all the tones and all the vids.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Robert Silva Wow! Nicely done - it's not that easy ☺

[@samzadgan]

Really great video...I think the epi sounded great with P90’s and HB and I actually preferred the Epi with Fuzz compared to the Gibson. But also, playing live and playing loud with a band, all those tiny differences would be unnoticeable, so Epi wins in my mind

[@laura-sophiemohr4178]

i got them all right BUT I preferred the Epi in most of the cases so i am totally sold now! Also I had to chuckle a bit when you said "heavy riffing" since I am playing Death Metal haha :D I did really enjoy this video!

[@Philtration]

Really impressive guitar Darrell. I wonder how these mods would come out on the SG-400 Pro

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Philtration Thanks! Probably would sound killer in an SG 🤘

[@ChristianIce]

It would probably sound even more similar to all the competitors on a PRS kinda scale (25) with inverted pickups. That guitar was invented to get the best of both worlds, I guess these pickups are the perfect match.

[@carlosalves6844]

OMG That EPI is off the charts, That has got to be the les paul Epi ive ever seen and heard. I love that guitar, and what a finish, top job.

[@artiesag1]

What if you flip the pickups upside-down in their mounts. That would put the single-coil side of the pickups to the outside of the stack. If in fact pickup position matters this would put the single coils in a more accurate position in resemblance of Fender guitars. This change should not effect the humbucker or phasing characteristics. What do you think? Thankx♫♫♫ Artie ♫♫♫

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Artie Saginario I think I will have to try that out in the future ☺

[@artiesag1]

Let me know how it goes if you can ever find the time to try it. Thank You So Much for replying ♫♫♫ Luv Your Vids ♫♫♫

[@StephenMorganCanada]

I’ve got a dozen or so Strats in my collection and I have to say I really liked its Strat sound. Enough to try my own build starting with an SG I have kicking about.

[@bhushanpradhan4768]

love the epi. saving money to buy one!

[@felipebarco]

Awesome video! Congrats! For me, the Strat and first Tele were the hardest. When the Epi started to be compared to the Gibsons, IMO, it got easy, since the Gibsons have a very characteristic low end thump, and they sound a little more complex. However, it is easier to say this when we listen to a side by side comparison. If you gave only an audio file with the (false) information that this Epi was, actually, a Strat or a Tele, or a Gibson, it would be VERY hard to doubt. This is a great work to show that 1) Epis are great guitars, and 2) sometimes, our eyes (and wallets) fool our ears. Keep it up, man!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+felipebarco Thanks Felipe!

[@MarlonGibbons]

Thanks for itemizing the cost of the build (parts). Love this guitar, could care less about what the headstock reads, I just love how versatile it would serve as a studio workhorse. Again, great video.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+MarlonGibbons ☺👍

[@TheEddiez06]

I failed in the strat sound incredible... but when I really put my ears to listen I found that the other guitars always sounded more clear and most of them louder (nailed in those), then I listen again the strat sound and definitely the stratocaster was louder and ritcher. Those Duncan are a great deal for diversity! great video!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+eddie fuentes Good for you to listen twice! That's how your ears will get more sensitive and accurate! 👍😎

[@peterschmidt9942]

Those SD P-Rails are great pickups. I used them in a Pete Townsend SG clone I built, but used the SD switchable pickup holders with the switches. Mimic a P90 very well, the single coil is OK and does the job. Together they sound awesome as a humbucker because of the mismatch. Couldn't really tell the difference between a lot of them (strat, tele Gibson etc), it did psych me out thinking the first guitar wasn't the epi all the time! The SD pickups cost about the price of the guitar! Shame SD don't do these in chrome, but at least you can get cream and white as well now (from when I bought mine). I think one thing you have to keep in mind is the SD rails are worlds apart from standard Epi pickups

[@joshuabenton3785]

I wonder if you gave them a call if they would do a custom fit for that. It would be more expensive, but I feel they could. I am tempted to call myself.

[@peterschmidt9942]

Joshua Benton - If you're in the states, you can buy customs direct from SD off their website. If you're anywhere else, you have to order them through a local dealer who then orders them through SD and the cost is astronomical (I asked about some other pickups from them recently). To tell the truth, I generally get by with pickups from the GFS range these days for builds, but do splurge occasionally!

[@joshuabenton3785]

OOooh I didn't even think of that. What a bummer but hey! GFS is truthfully not that bad. Not bad at all.

[@Smyliemyles]

Bride Rock of ages acoustic

[@chrishorton615]

I bought Stew-Mac Golden Age single coils for my Squire partscaster they sound pretty good. I would consider them gig worthy.

[@kayfrancisco7795]

Those tele tones are so good!! I need that sound

[@periurban]

I preferred the Epi every single time.

[@Pulse2AM]

Im convinced after having a Gibson LP and playing many Epi LP's it's the wood that makes the difference.

[@TheZotman5]

The Epi sounded as good as it looks.

[@anotherstart1]

It’s the player. Tone is in the hands. Great playing and channel 👍

[@paulterl4563]

Cool vid ! Very useful. (I preferred the bridge humbuck on the Epi.) Bye!!!

[@MrTPF1]

That Epiphone sounded amazing in each comparison. If it can mimic all those sounds to that degree, I would say it's definitely the "Ultimate Epi".