Epiphone ‘Inspired by Gibson’ J200 Review

[@born2push]

Love this guitar. the microphone sounded much better than the pickup. Your review is very excellent, well done, well organized.

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

No pickup had ever sounded as good as a mic.

[@don6538]

I have the sunburst model and think it looks even cooler than the natural. Total fingerpicker, I found that I can not only play as hard as I want, but also get a very nice smooth sound playing quietly, as the guitar responds appropriately. Acoustic only. Changed the strings immediately after purchase. I used a set of Elixir PB HD Lights (.013-.053) on it, and Bob's your uncle. Or is that Orville?

[@robertclymer6948]

I changed out the plastic saddle and nut with solid high density bone. It really resonates and rings. Slight neck adjustment also and shaved down the saddle a bit for playability. Cheers!

[@k9er233]

I just love the deep orange burst on mine.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

I have this one and also the Hummingbird. Their strengths are in recording. Just phenomenal there either mic’d or plugged in. Outstanding pick ups on them so for a live venue would be killers. Intonation is perfect as is action. I put my neck relief on both around .003 (no buzz) and it dropped the action right down at 12th to a little under 2mm on bass E. Unplugged in a kitchen jam setting…meh…not so good as not very loud and solos get lost in the fray, however plug them in or mic them and 100% perfect.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

@OLX kidstaff Lots of saddle. I tried even putting higher saddles in them…small increase but compared to my other acoustics still not the pump. However plugged in or mic’d the best I have for recording.

[@ronwalimuni8645]

This guitar has plastic bridge pins. It says ivory on the spec sheet but they are plastic. So upgrade them to tusq, bone or ebony. Gibson's same model has tusq pins. You will see improved tone after the ungraded.

[@EddieZep]

My Martin HD28 has plastic bridge pins... do you think i should change them ??

[@benallmark9671]

I think this one ( cutaway model too ) , the Dove and the Hummingbird will be classics for ever and would be great investments.

[@joshuataylor672]

Dove? Inspired by Gibson Dove?

[@KyTaundry]

@@joshuataylor672 They didn't do one as far as I know, but the Frontier is the same I believe.

[@Bejaardenbus]

Ugh, "investments". The word that ruined the guitar market.

[@benallmark9671]

@@Bejaardenbus says who , you ?

[@benallmark9671]

@@Bejaardenbus just my opinion pal , you can take it or leave it.

[@GUITARISTED]

I have the sunburst. Love the warmth / projection. I can just look at it...then Jam. Rock on!

[@leifgranberg7753]

just bought one

[@patricklundquist9869]

Thank you for this review. I was seriously considering this guitar but it turns out, as my son warned me, the J200 is all about clarity and projection and has to be driven hard while I am drawn to more intimate sounds with, "cascading overtones." So the search continues. I'll need to take another look at the J45 or the Hummingbird. To add to the confusion, there is the new Excellente as well, not to mention, the new cutaway models. Now I'll go watch your J45 review to see how that measures up.

[@dogtownoon9791]

Thank you for your comment I will probably spend the extra money and move up to a Gibson or Martin

[@patricklundquist9869]

@@dogtownoon9791 The Martin J-40 is a phenomenal jumbo. If you can afford one of those then don't even bother reading what I have to say next. Just buy it. On the other hand, if money is an issue, you can save a thousand or so by going with an Eastman AC630. Top-of-the-line Eastman guitars are exceptional. Quality and tone are top notch, right up there with top-of-the-line Martins. So Eastman for value or Martin because they're made in the good ol' US of A.

[@shawnglass108]

Check out some of the all wood offerings from Recording King.

[@patricklundquist9869]

@@shawnglass108 There are some incredible guitars being made in China these days. Over the past few months I managed to acquire two mint condition used ones, an Eastman E40OM ($1,700) and an Eastman E8OM ($750). The construction of the Adirondack E40OM is a higher quality than the Sitka E8OM, yet playing with eyes closed, they feel and almost sound the same plus both have plenty of overtones. I'll keep an eye out for the all wood Recording Kings.

[@patricklundquist9869]

@@Narrowboat.and.offgrid.living I bet they do. So far, every Eastman I have tried has sounded fantastic. Since my last post three months ago I have acquired two more. Although not slope shouldered, they are in the ballpark: E10D-TC and E20D-TC.

[@danielgrant4543]

I am stuck between the PRS Evangelus and the J200 for a new budget guitar. Went and checked out both reviews and still can't make up my mind they both sound really good.

[@MatthewCastro]

Townes played this guitar (and the Gibson which he liked better) and he has a very delicate style of playing

[@KTMSparky]

Townes played an epiphone?

[@mikec3454]

Played one of these beauties today at my guitar shop. It plays and sounds as good as it looks.

[@EddieBeauvoisin]

Pretty sure you just convinced me to get this guitar. 👍

[@anthonyclegg1511]

Were you in an open tuning at the start Ben, I have just ordered a second hand J 200, made in Korea in 1994, should arrive tomorrow, I can't wait. 🎸. Thanks Ben.

[@-_AjB_-]

This is one of the best reviews I've seen of this guitar but I would really love to see a comparison with the previous ej-200 model

[@ferminharris3826]

Oh there is none, I’ve owned both and this one is so much better in every single aspect

[@-_AjB_-]

@@ferminharris3826 I've owned an Ej200 for 30 years. In fact I just had it refretted and I would put it up against the I-B-G, although I confess I have not played the side by side.

[@Official_KC]

I've played both. The EJ 200 is kind of a joke compared to this, honestly. This is what I had hoped to buy when I bought the EJ 200. Which is harsh and very focused on the high end despite its size. The J-200 is amazing for its price.

[@ChoatMusic]

Nice pickn' ! Can't help but ask, what strings are in use for this video? Thanks well done good Sir

[@polskiist]

Aye, reviews are all over the place with this guitar. I have the IBG J45 and it’s AMAZING. Put a smaller Pickguard on and bone pins and it’s just as good if not better as a Gibson J45 (which I own as well.) I can’t find any near me to play and see how they sound, and pulling the trigger on one without playing it is making me uneasy.

[@PatrickRIUSA]

I’ve had the IBG J200 for 6 months now. It is a beauty, plays really well but though it sounds good it doesn’t sound like a jumbo should sound. Mid range and highs are ok but really no low end like you would expect from such a large body. I would rate 3.5 out of 5. Just my opinion.

[@philos212]

Not sure why reviewers spend more time fingerpicking a jumbo or Dreadnaught. To see how good these bigger guitars are they need to do more strumming and chords. That will straightaway reflect the quality of the instrument. I have rarely seen a video where fingerpicking made the instrument sound bad. However I have seen plenty where strumming reflected the quality or lack thereof of the instrument. I wish this review had spent more time strumming the guitar.

[@paulcollingridge8387]

To me a J200 is the best Gibson for alternative tunings

[@ralex3697]

Agree, very full sounding, just edges the hummingbird.

[@richardjames6623]

Totally Agreed, I just got a Gibson SJ200 Studio and got it just for that. I have a lot of originals in Open G and it kills. Long scale works better then the short on my J45.

[@TheRHSman]

A vital bit of info for my decision!!! Thank you

[@dgcorozco1]

BEST ACOUSTIC I HAVE EVER OWNED !!! NOT AN SJ200 BUT AS CLOSE AS YOU WILL EVER GET FOR $1,000

[@yestoES355]

Would going for a Gibson G-45 studio or J-45 be more worth it? I can pick one up for $1100 which I find reasonable

[@crockie2230]

I have owned both the g45 studio and j45 inspired by Gibson. The g45 was nice. Although you will need to break it in. I used a tonerite. J45 was nice as well but the nut was cut horribly so I had to correct that. Just try them both out

[@bobsmithe4642]

fantastic review!!!thnx and cheers

[@mainsblanches8793]

Why do they still put undersaddle pickups in guitars?...

[@freddysnip6257]

I'm not a fan of these pick ups too, they should have installed a K & k pure mini instead

[@jdolby513]

The pickup sounds like crap but sounds very nice thru the mics. I always enjoy your reviews.

[@TC_83]

I want one. Can’t decide between natural or sunburst. ???

[@TonyBurke100]

How does it compare to the single cutaway model?

[@mrjasondylan]

These are double the price of the cheaper cutaway older ones. These are all solid wood not laminate like the cutaway.

[@raymondreeder3274]

I have two of these inspired by the only complaint I have is the pickup system so I use microphone they sound n play wonderfully.. I have the hummingbird and j45(j45 my fav.. I put 13s elixirs..its a cannon😊

[@timothyahernRoxyCat]

Same model number guitar, labeled J-200 in different places, is listed as laminate sides and back in one list and solid back and sides in another list.

[@travisclegg8617]

The ej-200 has laminate the masterbuilts are all solid woods. Ej200 has better pickups tho. Both killer guitars

[@richardsyoutubechannel995]

Is there a big difference in sound between one of these and the sigma gja-sg200 I've got the sigma it's solid top laminated back and sides but has an amazing sound. I know these are all solid body would I hear much difference from my sigma to this? Thanks

[@mahtabhossain992]

What’s the song he was playing ?❤

[@anderskarlsen9147]

Anybody Got a link to where I Can buy this model In this colour, help😊

[@Docsjeff]

I play fairly hard.I play a D28 that is prob more delicate. This sounds like the ticket for me.The EQ sounds pretty good.

[@davidbeja]

Great review, but I just discovered the Sigma SG200 acoustic guitars.... which are far better than this Epiphone Insp. by Gibson. I'm selling three of my Epiphones J200 Insp. by Gibson to buy two more Sigmas, one blonde and one sunburst.

[@ibizaamigos]

what are the pickups like in the sigmas? They are laminated right? I would have though with the solid body the epi would sound better. Correct me if i am wrong with this info

[@ralex3697]

The pick up is really throaty, in a good way Nice Vintage reproduction

[@imannonymous7707]

I dont think the nut is bone tho i have one ... two actualy the inspired model and an older jumbo as well ...and all in all your demo is quite honest and i agree . I actualy prefer the older one to play....so far....but its been broken in and set up quite well to suit me...time will tell with this one

[@banjo1434]

Spent 20 minutes with one a while back. Bit big and heavy for me, but a real looker and nice to play. I prefer my Eastman E1d dread though. Not sure I like powershell on the fretboard either. Looks before functionality.

[@RRW276]

Eastmans are incredible guitars. I was in Guitar Center & they had a used AC330-12 for $550 & I wasn't even on the market for a 12 string or a jumbo body. I bought it straight away & didn't even realize just how good of a price it was. I still think they priced it by accident bc it doesn't have a single knick & it's mint w/ a beautiful nitro finish . It had the lowest action of any 12 string I ever played & it's got some of the most gorgeous ebony wood I've ever seen on a fingerboard. It's got this sheen on it & I haven't even cleaned it. The nut, and I can tell, is so expertly cut, and that's not an easy thing on a 12 string. Anyway, I can't say enough about Eastmans. I've played an E20d & that one blew my mind also for the price. I mean it was absolutely a Martin (tone, feel, build quality etc.) but with Eastman on the headstock.

[@saviodemartin62]

Amazing guitar

[@eddyj3862]

This one or the Sigma?????? I would love to hear from someone who has played or owns both, thanks 👍

[@martinspreiter8240]

Oh I just get my Sigma. Love it. Bought it couse the beatyful red sunburst where the wood is shining through, and the good memorys of my 12 string Martin style Sigma. Sorry, I dont have the Epiphone. I think differents are small. Only in the monney. I payed for the Sigma € 1439.-- and may be I am a little cracy to pay so much more only for the color. How ever, now I have the guitar that I wanted. The pick up is the same like in the Epiphone and it works verry well. Turning the tone knob nearly cero brings the true sound from this guitar. I hope you find your j 200 and you are happy with it.

[@don6538]

I have both. And a rosewood B&S Gibson J-200. Got a used Sigma with poor aged strings on it, but that's another story. Same with a beat-up EJ-200. First off, best consider them all as different guitars (they really are). I also prefer Jumboes to almost any other shape, as I believe they produce the most balanced guitar sounds. All of mine are currently strung with Elixir PB HD Light gauge strings {.013 - .053}. Simple build facts. The nut width on my Gibson and Epiphone are 1+11/16", while the Sigma measures 1+3/4" on a thicker rounded neck. +2 right there for the Sigma in my book. Epiphone neck is the thinnest. Sigma measurements closely mimic the Gibson overall. Epiphone measurements are slightly smaller, most noticeably in the depth, by about 1/4". My Gibson was bought new in '85, so it is well broken in and sounds outrageously good. But it is an apples and oranges comparison. Epiphone bought new last year and still feels a little 'stiff'. Sigma sounds a little looser and maybe a little softer and in tone. Frankly even though it is supposed to be laminate B&S, it has a nice tone that is maybe a bit more to my liking than it's Epiphone brother. I have found that with large body guitars it is harder to distinguish that one or the other has laminate B&S. '94 laminate EJ-200 has some nicely resonating tones and ringing trebles. It is almost exactly the same in dimensions as the Gibson, but also has a bit of a V-neck which is a drawback. Overall it is an inferior guitar, that only really pales when compared to it's brethren J-200s. The Sigma and Epiphone both have lovely sunburst finishes, while the Gibson and EJ versions are natural. I have played out with all of them, and most people can't tell the difference anyway. The rosewood B&S on the Gibson really makes it stand alone, sounding a bit like it has a built in reverb combined with a slow decay. Right now I tend to prefer the Sigma tone and play over the Epiphone IBG J-200, but not by that much. And I find the Sigma loses a little something when played louder. I fingerpick all my instruments, including 12 string guitars, using my nails as picks.

[@frankdow472]

Actually a review with playing a normal person would play . What strings did you have on it ?

[@theart8039]

Top tip..get a Washburn instead

[@aperezdeal]

Great guitars but the trend of the demo guitars having much much darker boards than the ones we buy has to stop.

[@charlesgray1970]

The Guitats have less grade solid figuring the Gibson inspired are exact reproductions

[@thomasmorris2245]

I wish that you would have said that it was made in Indonesia or China based based on the timeline. It looks like in Indonesia, which is I think a better instrument.

[@RicheyV]

Instantly gives me Iris goo goo doll vibes

[@johngeddes7894]

How about without the pickup?

[@JamesyWaddell]

is it just me . I have one of these guitars but the body looks really thin where it joins the headstock...Maybe its just me but does anyone else see this..? in fact the body is taperad from the bottom of the guitar to the top at the headstock. For some reason this is annoying me.....am i mad..???

[@joshluy1311]

Excelente

[@leascaart]

Microphone sounds so much nicer.

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Had one, returned it - finish too heavy killing the tone and there was no bass to speak of...

[@lucaschmidt2889]

give me your guitar right now I swear to god sir

[@bobaldo2339]

Sounds pretty good into a mic. The PU sounds awful.

[@jimllsbrain]

Maybe it's just that particular guitar, but a saddle with next to no room for manoeuvre should be mentioned as a massive red flag for buying a guitar new or used. The wood will move (belly will up slightly and neck move forward) especially in the first few years of purchase and you will absolutely need to lower the saddle which is why all good manufacturers give you a tall one. With this particular guitar you will have nowhere to go and the only option will be playing with an impossibly high action or an approx £400 neck set which renders the guitar a write off at it's price point. I am surprised that the reviewer doesn't know this or point it out (or maybe he's given too many perks by the manufacturer).

[@tomtobin9758]

Nowhere to go? How about to your local guitar store and buy a new saddle for $10 if it bothers you that much.

[@blurchin]

@@tomtobin9758 The amount of saddle adjustment is a function of saddle slot, not the saddle itself. Thus another saddle would still be limited by the saddle slot.

[@tomtobin9758]

@@blurchin only if the saddle slot is too deep. I can't say for sure here but I doubt that's the case these are quality guitars.

[@jimllsbrain]

@@tomtobin9758 No, you're completely wrong and seem to know absolutely nothing about guitars. If you put a new saddle on without changing the neck angle, it doesn't relieve the problem of a high action which is not caused by the saddle but by the movement of the neck and belly and happens to all guitars over time (the saddle is an indicator of a problem not the cause) - if you put a taller saddle on it would actually INCREASE the height of the action which is the opposite of what you want to do. You would have to do a neck set AND a new saddle which is about 300 quid at the minimum. You can try buying a guitar like the one in the video if you want, but hopefully you'll remember the warnings I gave you when you are shelling out the money to correct it. The action of all acoustic guitars over time raises due to the intense tension put over the neck and belly by the strings, so you won't avoid this over (hopefully) a long period of time on any guitar, but a tall saddle (along with good action) is a marker of a guitar that has a long life ahead before you have to do so. The guitar in the video does not have long left before major surgery (if the person that buys it wants to actually play it properly).

[@tomtobin9758]

@@jimllsbrain ok master luthier I know nothing about guitars and you know everything right? Epiphone, they know nothing either. All hail jimwillisbrain.

[@retrosun1845]

How do you change the battery on it??

[@wazzucougfan88]

Under the neck side of the soundhole there's a velcroed pack with a 9v. Best to change the battery when changing strings

[@mojoefelix]

The Fishman pickup is TERRIBLE QUACK QUACK QUACK. Guitar sounds beautiful, but the pickup is a complete dealbreaker.

[@coolmacatrain9434]

The pick-ups sound bloody awful, but then again ALL Acoustic guitars sound awful with pickups.

[@jeffsquires6620]

Didn't hear the Gibson J200 tone, sounded thin.

[@markola]

Yea, sounds like the diet version of the SJ. Almost the same, just not the same. Lol

[@jeffsquires6620]

@@markola in all honesty, you have to sit down and play a true jumbo or a higher end Martin to hear and appreciate these guitars.

[@jerrykooyman]

The pickup is garbage. Don't understand that most brands putt a Fishman in it. K&K Pure would be one of the best options.

[@stevevirginia308]

How expensive is that pickup, plus labor to replace the Fishman?

[@jerrykooyman]

@@stevevirginia308 a 'K&K pure mini' cost around 110,- dollar, way overpriced if you ask me but its the best pickup system. Its passive and no battery needed. But you can also make this yourself for max. 5,- dollar. It's nothing more that 3 piezo 15mm discs, 3 shielded wires and a jack end pin. For many years I make this and build it in acoustic guitars for my customers. Piezo discs works also great for dobro, banjo etc. Sounds very natural and its very cheap.

[@raymondreeder3274]

Yeah I would think you'd want to put a baggs in.. considering they cost one third so you can replace that n it would be better..bridge pins too..

[@daverobinson22]

Not sure where you're coming from with the criticism of the pickup. I just bought one and it sounds as good as any other I own through our PA. I have Most of the big brands fitted on other instruments and the Sonitone holds it's own.

[@jerrykooyman]

@@daverobinson22 If you listen very well to the sound in the video... the most 'under the saddle' pickups sounds artificial and flat. The K&K is a total different system and is glued inside the guitar on the bridge plate. Sounds more organic than the 'under the saddle' pickups. If you can't hear the difference, Im afraid there is something wrong with your amp or ears ;)

[@tammym.obrien.9228]

How DAMN MUCH IS THIS GUITAR?? NO ONE CAN TELL ME IN AMERICAN MONEY

[@TC_83]

£799 is just about $1,100

[@kevinwalsh3327]

I paid $899 for.mine at Sweetwater.

[@riffdigger2133]

In Canada $729. In the US With stronger dollar a lot less. Top: Solid Spruce • Body: Select Maple • Neck: Hard Maple • Neck Shape: 1960's SlimTaper D-shape • Neck Joint: Glued-In, Set Neck • Scale Length: 25.50" • Fingerboard: Pau Ferro • Fingerboard Inlay: Pearloid "Crowns" • Headstock: Sloped Dovewing with "Epiphone" in Pearloid plus "Pineapple" Inlay in Pearloid • Truss Rod Cover: 2-Layer; (B/W); With "EJ" in Silkprint • Truss Rod: 2-way; Adjustable • Fingerboard Radius: 12" • Nut: PVC; 1.68" • Hardware Plating: Gold • Machine Heads: Grover Rotomatic; 18:1 ratio • Under-Saddle Pickup: Fishman Sonitone • Pickup System: Fishman Sonitone (may not be exactly as shown) • Bridge: Pau Ferro; Classic "Moustache" shape • Binding: Top = 5-layer; (W/B/W/B/W), Back, Fingerboard, Headstock = 1-layer; White

[@SteamAllchill]

@@TC_83 they are 999

[@TC_83]

@@SteamAllchill 999 what?

[@lafinestracatalana8340]

And Lefties when epiphone? Why lefties we can't enjoy of this guitar? Imagine jews can enjoy this guitar because epiphone never made models for jews... Is the same lack.

[@steveweiss2081]

Why don’t we just cut to the chase here and be honest about what this guitar is. It’s an Asian made knockoff of a Gibson J200. But in this case, it’s an Epiphone, and the entire Epiphone line of guitars are knockoffs of existing Gibson models. I’m not saying that the guitar is inferior or poorly made, but that it’s a run of the mill Asian made guitar disguised as something it’s not. It’s made for players that want the J200 look without spending over 5 grand for the real thing. You can’t buy a $1000 guitar and expect it to be anywhere near the $5500 model that it copies. From my experience, the Epiphone line is very good at copying the look of Gibsons, but are usually disappointing when it comes to actual sound quality.

[@user-yp1gs8vz2l]

Stop the cap. These sound AMAZING for the price range. Guaranteed that 90% of people who know of Epiphone would buy a "Asian" knockoff than spend 5-8x more

[@tcornholio]

Ever hear of prestige pricing that’s what a Gibson j200 is…

[@spiritualawakenings6251]

What an amateur assessment. 🎉

[@spiritualawakenings6251]

​@@user-yp1gs8vz2lyou stop the crap they sound great period.

[@modusceo]

Why are you guys still so terrified of asian manufacturing? Here’s a hint- they left gibson behind in the 80’s. Matsumoku/chushingakki built lawsuit copies were just as good if not better than norlin era. So now we’re 40 years past that, and asian manufacturing has done nothing but excel.

[@rostiz1386]

Pick up sucks. Whats is it Fishman??? Booo

[@charlesgray1970]

Absolutely nonsense