Epiphone's First USA-Made Acoustic Since the 1970s | Epiphone USA Texan

[@davedavem]

I'm loving acoustic guitars with proper names, not just numbers. The Texan. Awesome!

[@notme1998]

same

[@mikechivy]

I have one called the Panty Dropper. Oh wait, that's every guitar properly played ;-)

[@nilsaduran9683]

I hate Texas🤬

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Dear comment section: Here I am! A person who would definitely pay Gibson prices for a USA made Epiphone guitar! We do exist :-)

[@sgtmac62]

Good on you.

[@prateekpoddar1890]

I've been WAITING for this video. Can't afford a $2000 + guitar but I can enjoy the hell out of Ben playing one.

[@jefferson6994]

Always a treat to hear Ben rock out!

[@dep1001]

I have the Masterbilt version and wow! Talk about a bang for the buck guitar! Which actually is an all solid guitar! Crazy specs for the price! And is the US version really worth 3-4 times the price.... A bit sad that Ben didn't give it some more time in the vid and didn't really seemed to care much for it, but I guess he needs to push the US model. Anyway I can really recommend the Masterbilt Texan - lovely guitar!👌🏻

[@jmledesma88]

and masterbilt are all solid wood contrary to what he says... electronics are probably different though but for the price difference you can pay mc cartney to shrink inside your guitar and sing from there

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Cool bringing Epiphone back to its US roots !

[@andertons]

We've been waiting a long time for this!

[@paul_sebastian1154]

Beautiful guitars, and your playing when you first picked up the vintage sunburst one was stunning. Nice one Ben.

[@mattgwiltmusic]

The Masterbilt version does have solid Mahogany back and sides... Well according to the Epiphone website (not plywood / laminate)

[@diamonddad3059]

Just purchased my Texan from Fuller's in Houston. Should be here by the weekend. Thanks for the help Andertons

[@Edward1312]

The Indonesian Masterbilt version of this guitar is all solid wood as well!

[@Jez3134]

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with the all solid Masterbilt range. They're great sounding, well built guitars and really, they hold their own against guitars double their price. I guess they're like the Classic Vibe of acoustic guitars.

[@shawnreed9016]

Totally agree with you. I love my Masterbilt. It sounds incredible.

[@davidewing55]

Jeremy - amen to that! The Masterbilt series are superb guitars, the equal of many at a much higher price. I picked up a new DR500-MCE earlier this year for $560. The best money I ever spent.

[@Jez3134]

@@davidewing55 Me too, same guitar. Sounds and plays as well as my brothers Martin.

[@dep1001]

I agree! I have the Masterbilt version and wow! Talk about a bang for the buck guitar! Which actually is an all solid guitar! Crazy specs for the price! And is the US version really worth 3-4 times the price.... A bit sad that Ben didn't give it some more time in the vid and didn't really seemed to care much for it, but I guess he needs to push the US model. Anyway I can really recommend the Masterbilt Texan - lovely guitar!👌🏻

[@mattgwiltmusic]

@@dep1001 I have the Masterbilt too and have replaced the plastic bridge pins with bone and the guitar sounds even better!!!

[@graemero5532]

Sounds wonderful. Ben's fingers help. Outtro was great

[@james1939-s1c]

Gibson ruined the Epiphone name using it as a Squier competitor for decades, it is now a hard sell for a $2000+ guitar with Epiphone name on the head stock.

[@David-ry9ly]

I knew the price would be sky high as soon as it said made in the USA. Paying that much for an Epiphone would be the same as paying £300,000 for a Lada.

[@dickybird6916]

@@David-ry9ly epiphone before the Gibson take over was a higher end brand than Gibson

[@CM-eo1rp]

@@dickybird6916 He's not debating that. He's saying the name is now linked with cheap import guitars as that's what Gibson reduced the brand to

[@AndyMarsh]

Let's hope Gibson's owners rebuild Epiphone back to the quality brand it once was. If they do manage it one of these 'new early' USA Epiphone's may be worth a small fortune in the future.... But I don't have that kind of money to take the gamble.

[@grgapitic5768]

@@AndyMarsh It's not going to happen soon. You may need 2 generations for that. And the instruments must be top tier - which I doubt they are.

[@646oleg]

they even placed old blue kalamazoo label from 1970s inside

[@leelossi1257]

Beautiful sounding guitar. Well balanced tone. Thanks for the demo

[@nikosk.8216]

If there is one guitar I HAVE to buy, that is a pre 1957 Epiphone. Kind of proud to be Greek and having an instrument from a company that used to be owned and founded by a Greek guy

[@Big.E]

Ben, sooo great to hear you talk about the legendary Whizz Jones in this video cheers for that 👍🎸

[@reverb508]

I know the price is a little off-putting to some people, but when you consider that this is basically a J-45 with a longer scale length, the price makes sense. It's pretty much the same price as the Standard J-45. It would be cool to hear a shootout between the two. The Texan definitely sounds like a brighter overall guitar in this demo.

[@stevenestrada6086]

I had the inspired and loved it. I now own a Martin D-28 but i'd love to get my hands on this Made in USA Texan guitar

[@leascaart]

I love this guy. He doesn't bs around. He sticks to the good quality instruments.

[@vocalion9519]

Paul's Texan was most famously featured on Yesterday. Blackbird was actually played on a Martin D-28.

[@rdm4952]

I’ve just seen a face was his Texan as well those two songs alone could sell anyone a Texan

[@HayesTech]

I love my 1965 FT-79N. It's got some play wear from my wife's father, who purchased it new back then, but other than the neck wear it's nice. I love playing it too. I'm a Martin D28 fan but still love the sound of my Epiphone

[@leascaart]

This employee is a keeper. He plays so gracefully. Lovely.

[@heymrguitarman7637]

Personally I really like the idea of a premium acoustic with the epiphone name on it. I always hated it being a lower end offering from gibson when the brand has such heritage as a high end instrument brand.

[@eekamoose]

It doesn't matter how good those Epiphones sound, if I wanted to pay over £2000 for a guitar built in the Gibson factory I would buy a Gibson. But I'm not going to buy a Gibson anyway because they went litigation-happy and started trying to sue just about everybody else in the industry. I won't give scoundrels like Gibson my money, there are plenty of other people who make brilliant acoustic guitars -- I've just bought a Guild which is a lovely guitar.

[@SingSurfStrum]

Crikey Alive ! how immense does that vintage sunburst one sound fingerpicked. Wow

[@74cannelle]

Great playing, Ben !

[@mertgunes9854]

I had no idea of how old the Epiphone brand was and that it was started in modern day Turkey, that's such a nice bit of information

[@brosettastone7520]

ben that playing was the absolute perfect demo for this guitar. cheers

[@The7thEmergency]

Love this guitar! And wow what a rich history Epiphone has. I had no idea. Also, what is that whole outro you were playing? So good. 🤘

[@fabrizfabriz2512]

Have you ever all wondered why the most expensive guitars with the same similar range of models, they are the ones with the shorter scale ? (the example here was made between Gibson J15 and Epihone Texan) but similar examples are innumerable. The Low cost lines have usually longer scale..before I thought: Shorter scale : Less guitar --> less guitar : lower price; Longer scale : the other way round with higher price and enhanced prerogative... but, instead, ZAK! Nope!... Big mistery.... Merry Christmas to everyone ! :)

[@chrisj0]

I really wanted to hear that the masterbuilt sounded exactly the same. Maybe someday when I'm rich and famous I can have a tone like that. Thanks for the thorough review.

[@gibby6904]

There are other famous Epiphone Texan players.... folk music legend Bill Morrissey loved them .....RIP Bill

[@ThatBaritoneGuitarGuy]

I love how the intro jam included a hook from "God Blessed Texas." How very appropriate.

[@sosugarplumfairy]

Where is the new Epiphone Casino made in USA?? Gibson, we are waiting for!

[@swansonjoe7121]

I know! It's not even in the website!!

[@TheTrollMastah]

Yeah wth? I know it was announced we’ve been waiting

[@Big.E]

How lucky to have seen Whizz live. He is my greatest inspiration and amazing playing by yourself matey 👍

[@johnjgibson6807]

Definitely Beautiful And Love Your Playing 👍👍🎶🎶🎸Excellent.

[@ricardomunoz5664]

Mccartney played the Texan on the song Yesterday. Blackbird was performed on a Martin D28

[@alexm8312]

Paul played his Martin d28 on blackbird. He used his Texan on Yesterday.

[@HayesTech]

My 65 Texan natural finish (FT79N) sounds so good. I eliminated the adjustable saddle, not permanently though, and it's still good to go. Maybe in another 5 years or so it will need a neck reset but it's great for now. I wish you wouldn't have plugged in though. It ruins the natural acoustic sound these guitars have. I also have the Indonesian Masterbuilt Texan and just reviewed that guitar too. Spoiler alert, it's a great guitar too

[@jamestrapani2296]

Your truly a wonderfully talented acoustic guitar player.

[@skylineXpert]

Anastasios Strathopoulo. Gibson better never ever forget that man

[@rylieriley]

I've always loved old Epiphone guitars so this has me interested. I'd like to see a made in the USA two pickup Sorrento reissue.

[@mrcarloselche248]

Blackbird was played on a Martín. Yesterday on the Texan.

[@MrSlash00r]

Pretty cool - surely they'll be a tough sell though at that price, Ben's playing notwithstanding.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

i've had a 66 j45 since the 70's, and last year i got hold of a 69 epiphone texan, and a while before that a 2016 J35, they are all unique, i prefer the J35 for the bass, but it's definitaley subjective and my advice is go, play as many guitars as you can, one will grab you sooner or later, having said that the J45 is the only guitar i've bought from a shop, i'm quite happy to buy a guitar, find out i don't like it and sell it on - it's all good experience.

[@mrartistbill]

How about some KZbin guitar lessons, Ben? Your fingerpicking is excellent and I am sure there would be a lot of interest. I don't need another guitar but I watch to hear your playing and steal some licks.

[@jcm5888]

Love watching your reviews. Can you do a J-45 vs. USA Texan rundown?

[@andertons]

Thank you. And why not. We will pass it on to our video team.

[@sidneyadnopoz3427]

It seems odd to me that so many people are complaining about the epi branding/headstock on the USA Texan. This is a beatle guitar, it'd probably be a downright bad idea to put a different name on the headstock. I dont think anybody would want a Gibson branded Texan or Casino anymore than they would want a Fender es335.

[@chrisamadeus4647]

Named Epiphone from a combination of the then owner Epaminondas Stathopoulos shortened to Epi and Greek word phone meaning voice.

[@billdyke9745]

I played a Texan 30 odd years ago in Hank's or Andy's, (Denmark St). Huge, booming bass. A strummer's guitar. Fingerpickers, take your money elsewhere. There are wonderful things out there for £2,400... And the hunt is fun. Enjoy...

[@willturner803]

1:19 for the record there was a John Lennon 1965 Epiphone Casino that was made in the USA around the late 90s.

[@tranceending5914]

Very nice playing.

[@sgtmac62]

Chi-Na makes "good guitars". Yep. And that is about it. Notable: Eastman. Best "LP" I ever seen or played. Small shop. Small staff of Lutheirs. Here in the US, if you can find them, will always be hung top shelf. I'll put my $800 Eastman Acoustic up against any $2k or less! Professional bud of mine uses it to record over his other $$$.

[@falcongunner33]

Dang I'm very underwhelmed by the sound of this Texan. And for that money the J-45 or even the G-45 (you could buy 2) sound better.

[@chadkelley]

For some reason, they relied heavily on the pickup system for the audio. There must have been an issue with the mic. I've had a J-45 and a G-45, I can tell you first hand, the USA Texan is something truly special!

[@SuperGuitarDude7]

I personally like the sound of the Masterbilt better. Sounds warmer to me.

[@neildesperandum6114]

So Masterbilt is Indonesian. There was me thinking that something sounding like ‘Masterbuilt’ would be more expensive, but it’s a quarter of the price. And I have no idea what Gibson are doing bringing out high end Epiphones. Presumably they have a cunning plan, but I can’t for the life of me work out what it might be.

[@billpalmisano]

Neil Desperandum my Epiphone Masterbuilt DR 400 MCE with solid back and sides was made in China. I purchased it on sale at GC in 2019 for 339.00. It sounds OK but it's nothing to write home about.

[@Mark_Ocain]

Sweet sounding 'guit-box' !!

[@zokna]

How is the attention to detail and the fit&finish?

[@josephbelcher2568]

I think Paul McCartney used his Martin d-28 for Blackbird but tune it down 2 frets and his Texan is what he used on Yesterday.

[@multipipi1234]

Lots of stuff with wings also.

[@Naitsirk1]

Need a Dane in these videos to make it a duo again

[@chrishatcher5634]

So would you chose this over Gibson j45 50’ original?

[@tyllyscab]

The Epiphone made in Asia have to say goodby! ThisTexan now is amazing!

[@Henry3Studios]

Blackbird was recorded with a Martin. Yesterday, Michelle or I’m Looking Through You would have been a better song to demonstrate this song with.

[@chrisjs6123]

Let’s just take a moment and consider what you could buy for this money from Furch, Dowina, Maton, Cole Clark, Eastman, or Atkins.

[@mrartistbill]

or martin

[@Inskyismom]

The masterbilt is alle solid. Thinner body. It comes with plastic pins. Upgrade them and McCartney your way through life.

[@MezzMcGillicuddy1]

And the Masterbilt is solid back & sides... Really, a cursory glance at the specs before making the video would eliminate such errors! lol

[@laurieHenri]

Your comments are incorrect, the Masterbilt Texan has a solid Mahogany back and solid Mahogany sides… with solid Sitka top, an ALL SOLID sloped shoulder Dreadnought… there is NO LAMINATE construction on this model whatsoever.

[@endoffate5475]

This man can play the guitar.. My god.

[@mariodriessen9740]

I know it makes no sense, but I'm a sucker for branding. Last year I wanted a back-up guitar for my Gibson J-45 and I decided to buy a Gibson G-45 Studio. I'm aware of the fact that this is a budget guitar, although it's certainly not a bad guitar by any means. But everytime I play that thing I feel perfectly happy because it says 'Gibson' on the headstock. And for most people who play the guitar that means you're taking things seriously. I also have an Epiphone Dove Pro. I love that thing for many reasons, but it's clearly an inferior guitar compared to the Gibsons. And most guitar players know that an Epiphone can be a fun thing, but you should never take it too seriously. For that reason alone I wouldn't want to be seen with this beautiful guitar. It's the perfect blend between a J-45 and a Martin D18, but still, I'd feel silly with that thing. I'd never pay that much money for a new Epiphone. I probably wouldn't care if I had a couple of high end Martins and Gibsons and some other cool stuff, but until then I stick with what I have and save for a D28. The stupid thing is that when it comes to electric guitars I have all the expensive stuff I want. And because of that, I don't care to play a whole gig on a super cheap, slightly upgraded guitar. No problem! Commerce fucks with my brain and I'm completely aware of it. I know it and still I go along with it. I can't help myself!

[@hubertoffner8555]

It's just a Squier / Epiphone / to a lesser degree LTD thing. Trying to resell this thing reasonably used will be a struggle - the Epiphone brand is just not desirable.

[@ZappaBlues]

I couldn't give a rat's a** if the name is Gibson or Epiphone on the headstock

[@sgtmac62]

Agreed. But the general public are headstock conscious. The real problem here is the price. I mean Damn!

[@ZappaBlues]

@@sgtmac62 You mean headstock obsession. As long as it doesn't look like the Dean spread eagle, I am not overly concerned

[@kenobisghost9572]

I'd prefer Epi!

[@stanislavmigra]

It looks like everyone is scared to play acoustics along Ben :-O

[@paulcollingridge8387]

Interesting, could we have with and without pickup sounds to compare?

[@grgapitic5768]

This (~2600€) is about half of the price you pay if you go to a real luthier. For custom work, not off the shelf, not factory. In Europe.

[@GabrielFujiyama]

masterbilt made in indonesia is all solid *

[@naturalrestingface4909]

If it's made by the folks at Gibson does that not make it a Gibson? Confused! What thumb picks do you use?

[@hoodedman07]

I don’t know if I should get this or a Martin D28

[@TheTrollMastah]

Nobody: Everyone demoing acoustics: G C D

[@saarbrandvin9616]

Wow your playing is great

[@MezzMcGillicuddy1]

Very cool guitar, but the original Texan was not introduced by Gibson in 1958. Epiphone were making them as far back as 1949, possibly earlier. The original Texans had a different shape, closer to a J-200 than the J-45 shape Gibson gave them. The original Epiphone Texan seems to be largely forgotten. As for this new USA reissue... I really hope guitar snobs turn their noses up at them, so I can get one second hand for a bargain! lol Looks and sounds great!

[@I.M.Guitar-Nerd]

Holly Doodle, that is some price coming from Epiphone! I was expecting it to be up there but not that high. I hope this doesn't hint at where all of the Epiphone prices are heading. It sounds great though, but somehow I think Ben could make a can of rocks and a rubber band sound good. Well played! EDIT: That Masterbuilt sounds awfully nice too.

[@slpc30]

That's awesome !!

[@SirVicc]

Love the USA Texan, but I don't like that that put the new (old) headstock design instead of the one that the original Texans had. The Indonesian is closer in that way.

[@musicmann1967]

What a great sounding guitar

[@CM-eo1rp]

The brand Epiphone will now be forever linked to cheap import guitars thanks to Gibson, regardless of their pre-Gibson history.

[@sgtmac62]

Not forever hopefully. But with literally millions of Chibsons out there, I wish them the best. Gibson sh!t on Epi after being bought. Two total different DNA.

[@multipipi1234]

Bollocks. You must be a young man. Older people understand.

[@jamestoops7228]

Peter Framptin ckains he wrote most of the songs on his Frampton comes alive album on a Epiphone Texan.

[@TheTrollMastah]

I’d like to see some USA Epiphone Archtops. Like the Zenith or Broadway. I’d LOVE to see a vintage spec L5 acoustic. I’d literally sell a kidney if they did that.

[@larsdanielsen7304]

Epiphone inspired by Gibson every day of the week. For looks, sound, playability and price!

[@Tdonn25]

The guy who died was the so. Of the founder and his nick name was “Epi”... “phone” is greek for “sound”... so it was Epis Sound, before he took the company over they went bu the family last name

[@DeltaJazzUK]

They're plugged in but we're given no indication as to whether we're hearing the mic, the pick-up, or a combination of the two. GIven the fizzy bass I assume there's a Piezo in there. Why no mention? And why no acoustic demo?

[@ValveSpecial]

Given that it sounds shit I’d say it’s the on-board sound.

[@nikosk.8216]

We really need Epiphone produce pre 1957 reissues. Just make it a company that stands on its own. We don't want or need another Gibson

[@amirulhafiy7514]

ohoho paul mccartney use this guitar while playing yesterday very cool

[@hadleymanmusic]

Worth owning just because. Do the 5110 or ea 250 rather too.

[@iansouthward7991]

I like Epiphone, if they would good enough for the Beatles, they're good enough for me.

[@RC79100]

What was the signal chain on this please?

[@ZappaBlues]

I actually can here the lower end in the USA model (good digital monitors here)

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

A digital monitor, spitting out only 0s and 1s?

[@ZappaBlues]

@@fritsvanzanten3573 high quality 1s and 0s. 😎

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

@@ZappaBlues OMG, real ones and real noughts? You lucky bastard!

[@ZappaBlues]

@@fritsvanzanten3573 Yeah, they dress like they's famous!

[@krishaley2009]

Unreal tones, but if you’re going drop $2k on a acoustic guitar it would be tough to pick an Epiphone because they have the “cheaper” name to them, although they are fantastic instruments

[@ThomasFaes]

What’s the song at 6:09? Very nice!

[@billtaylor4897]

Screw It... Get A Guild... And Never Look Back...

[@theo9952]

I have a Guild.. a JF55 six string, Westerly built 1996. Great guitar but I still have that old Gibson ''itch'', which I can't afford to spend money for, anymore. People tell me it is just an itch and the Guild is just as good, or even better and they are probably right, at least on the first. But the itch for that glorious-looking J-200 Gibby, remains.

[@UnRealGoSho]

Ben do you give lessons?

[@bensmithguitar]

I do! Drop me a line - [e-mail]