Interesting Timing On Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Guitars

#knowyourgear #podcast #guitarpodcast #geekystuff
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[@jsutton1613]

Howlin Wolf, Hubert Sumlin, T-Bone Walker, Sonhouse, The Beatles, and many more all used Epiphones. Yet companies like Gibson and Martin tell us we need their products if you want that old school sound. Or that classic tone. Its all classic BS. Its not the guitar or even the quality of the guitar. It's the player who makes it work.

[@marions.120]

Exactly, I’ve been telling people and other players that tone mostly comes from your fingers!

[@csharp57]

Most people listening as we play don’t give a damn who made the guitar, some random guitarist in the crowd may care, but the majority don’t

[@johngrasso1483]

Those Epiphone guitars back then weren’t made in China and were quality guitars. Completely different.

[@MoeVanprick]

​@@johngrasso1483open wide here comes your foot the epiphone Quindoa facility is completely American owned and operated with American and Asian luthiers only Epiphones are made there so get your story straight before you post

[@Southernguitar74]

No doubt the overwhelming vast majority of guitars throughout popular music history in the 20th and 21st centuries have been those American brands. Of course the players play them, but you mentioned old school and classic and that what they are saying is a load of crap, when in reality those makers are right when they say that. Most musicians used them and it isn’t even close.

[@sandoncrowder7839]

I went and played two in a shop near me, they definitely have a few QC issues (slight tool marks on the fretboard binding from files, frets weren't super well polished) but they played great and they sounded amazing. As far as small tool marks from fret end files, you can fix that yourself pretty easily, but what you're not gonna get is another guitar with custombuckers for any less than 4k even used. The sound for me would be the main thing, but in general they're really nice to play and they look a lot better than the last iteration from epiphone with that horrible thick orange burst. I'm going to definitely buy one when I have the money for it, either new or used. And I would recommend everyone at least go try one before you judge it, nowadays the forums explode with hate at every new guitar before anyone has even picked one up.

[@joe_mox]

This was the comment I was looking for, thanks for the inside man!

[@youWoNtLikeMe04]

Not gonna lie... I want the epiphone les paul custom in ebony. Adding the Gibson shaped headstock is more enticing. I've never liked the epiphone headstock.

[@Buffrt66]

So much crying about the Epiphone headstock. I never figured out what the big deal was. I own 5 Epiphone guitars.

[@GlennJimenez]

It looks like you chopped off its balls

[@mikey-dubs]

It’s ugly

[@GlennJimenez]

@@mikey-dubsugly as sin

[@srh361]

I'd rather own 1 Gibson then 5 epiphones

[@boiadedios]

Sell them all and buy the real

[@aleks_white_]

I partially both agree and disagree with you Phil on the "entertainment is luxury" thing and your statement that, "if the times get tough, people will no longer be interested in entertainment". As someone who grew up during the war in Bosnia, I can tell you that entertainment was even more important than before the war. Entertainment is definitely one of the basic human necessities, right after food and shelter. That being said, what people are definitely not interested in doing during hard times (whether that be economic hardships, war or what have you) is SPENDING MONEY on entertainment, and that is why I partially agree with you. Entertainment does not die during hard times, in fact you might argue that it even helps it grow and evolve, but doing business with entertainment or making a living off of entertainment would absolutely be impossible. We had concerts, plays, musicals, even fashion shows during the war, in basements and bomb shelters, and those events were always packed full with people, but the entry was free, there was no money to be made, because nobody had any, and even if they did, they would rather spend that on food and clothes. So yes, geeking out about pedals and guitars is a luxury activity, but music, art and entertainment in general is not.

[@danieljdtaylor]

Here in Aus you can get the new PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin for $999, or an Epiphone inspired by Gibson custom shop 1959 Les Paul for $2600, the same price as a brand new Gibson Les Paul Studio. I’d say if you’re a working musician the PRS is a no brainer, if you’re worried about resale value then Gibson has proven consistently to hold value, so where does this new Epiphone sit? One argument I hate hearing is that “people have been asking for an affordable way to get the Gibson headstock on an Epiphone guitar and here it is but they still complain!” The problem is it’s not an affordable way to get the Gibson headstock, it’s just as expensive as a Gibson!

[@JoeBaermann]

As expensieve as the cheapest Gibson when it come to the more custom shop signature models, cheapest model is still 1/10 of the price. Compare a greenie to a greenie instead of comparing the price of a premium with a junior.

[@danieljdtaylor]

@@JoeBaermann of course, and in that sense it does make sense, comparing one model directly to its equivalent, I think outside of signature models though that comparison isn’t entirely relevant. I would think most people would rather a Gibson USA LP Studio than an Epiphone “inspired by custom shop” LP.

[@JoeBaermann]

@@danieljdtaylor One would assume so, but there are quite a few who would want something like the Epiphone Greenie. If they where smart they would do as with the Slash models or even better, like Ibanez does it with most of their signature models. Personally I have no idea about the Epiphone Custom Shop quality, but if they are close enough I can understand someone wanting that over a Studio.

[@Myfingersstinklikefish]

Many Epiphones have resale value I have one an 2019 epiphone exclusive deluxe limited run Sg Pro honey burst color I found mine on Reverb in 2022 paid $650.00 for it they are a collectors epiphone guitar and the honey burst color is hard to find I've seen this model sell as high as $700.00 and low as $500.00 this model was crafted the same exact same way using the same exact same techniques as the Kalamazoo 1961 Gibson Sgs ...you know you people just continue to lie and it's so easy to catch you in your lies it's called a computer and research

[@JoeBaermann]

@@Myfingersstinklikefish Correct, even smaller brands can have a good resell value on certain models, even cheap ones. Getting an Aria LP alike tribute model this time though, since Epiphone doesn’t build a lightweight cherry sunburst with 3 Super Distortion look alike signature model. 😆 Still better than going for a Chibson, which most likely also would be held back by import customs anyway.

[@DaringDan]

Let's be honest. It's Gibson chasing that iPhone coin. I'll buy a used Gibson over an Epiphone at a similar price because Gibsons hold their value. Non-signature Epiphones do not.

[@LeopoldShitzalot]

Oh really thats hilarious because in 2022 I bought a 2019 Epiphone limited exclusive deluxe Sg Pro in honey burst color it's a collectors Epiphone Sg it costs me $650.00 off Reverb and when you can find them in honey burst they have sold as high as $700.00 and low $500.00 and it was crafted the same exact same way using all the same techniques as the 1961 Kalamazoo Gibson 61 Sgs... maybe you should start researching first before you say anything

[@zap7759]

I want a Custom Shop ESP with the Epi maxipad headstock that says Chibson on it

[@mp-kq3vc]

My reaction is sound related. Going back 15 years or so, and this is just my opinion, the Epiphone guitars just didn't ring. Sort of a wet-blanket effect plugged in or unplugged. I don't hear much talk of whether the new Epi guitars ring or not. I think the "open book" headstock is meaningless. Does it sound good? Will the other folks in the band say, "That thing sounds great!"... ? So there's a 59-named BS thing with a book headstock and a name attached to it. So what? Does it SOUND good? And yet the prices go up by way of the headstock shape.

[@grimoire7851]

no

[@markwilliamsmusic2987]

My Greeny is the best Les Paul I have ever own

[@markwilliamsmusic2987]

@@dkarhu 🤣 yeah right

[@markwilliamsmusic2987]

@@dkarhu well I pay my bills, my house my car playing music with my IKEA guitar :) I gues it does the trick ;)

[@MichaelHattem]

It’s not just the headstock. It’s top level electronics including Custombucker pickups, real mother of pearl inlays on an ebony fretboard. All of those are significant upgrades over the standard Epi 335.

[@musiccreation1198]

I've heard a few reviewers, YTers speak of getting a used Gibson for the price of the new Epis. I've looked a LOT ... on numerous sites and I've yet to find a used Gibson near $1299. Maybe I'm looking for love in all the wrong places. ;)

[@Jim_Cox]

I think when folks say that they mean very specific models. The Gibson LPJ and the Gibson Studio Faded Les Pauls can be had under $1000 shipped. I just checked Reverb to verify and saw a dozen or so. I have one of each ('16 Studio Faded T & '13 LPJ) and really like them. I like the LPJ most because of the 490R/498T pickups. The Studio Faded T has Bustbucker Pros.

[@musiccreation1198]

Thank you @@Jim_Cox

[@markwilliamsmusic2987]

​@@Jim_CoxMy Greeny blows my tribute away !

[@markwilliamsmusic2987]

@@tonedowne yes !

[@markwilliamsmusic2987]

@@tonedowne paid 2.3k canadian but I don't regret it I ordered the new ES-355 $1800

[@denmar355]

Market has changed. We now have a beginner tier. Firefly, Harley-Benton, Squire Debut etc. has the super obtainable under $400 guitars . Middle priced has moved up with the premium line. But no complaints. We’re very much in the golden era of guitar and gear.

[@markrajfura4443]

Hey Phil, thanks for all you do. I love my two PRS SE guitars I have, they are great guitars. My one issue I have is when doing a search for a PRS, when going on a site to look for a used guitar you can look SE model, S2 model and CE and the search will pull up those guitars, however try to do a search for the core model and you have to type in PRS and they all show up. Basically what I try to do is look for the cheapest core model I can find in Very good or excellent, but all the models get jumbled up and it makes it tougher to find just a core mode. I have one CE and love it, I have the two SE and love those, I was thinking of just bitting the bullet and getting a core model , but did not want to pay the $4000 or $5000 price tag. By the way I didn't notice your links to the guitars that were being sold, didn't notice it till after I fully watched the last episode. I won't post any more links to sales. I don't want to interfere with your revenue. Thanks again for everything you do on your show, you shows are one of the ones I usually watch from beginning to end.

[@MetallicaFan121000]

I'm surprised that no one is talking about the fact that the Gibson Les Paul Tribute and Special Tribute are recently discontinued. The Gibson Les Paul Modern Lites are about $300 more than the Tribute used to be, and (in my opinion) has less classic Gibson features, including less wood with their thinner bodies and the dot inlays. The Epi announcement being at the same time as Gibson removing those models really seems like a transparent move by Gibson to completely remove themselves from offering anything less than $1500, and introduce a more expensive Epiphone line to fill the void. So not only are Gibson refusing to introduce models for a lower price/"stain" their reputation, but they seem to be actively be pushing their name higher on the luxury ladder.

[@bobmanners8624]

From a playability and tone perspective, there is definitely a point of diminishing returns when it comes to the price of an electric guitar. Even with using top shelf high-end tuners, bridges, stop bars, nuts, pickups, pots, caps, switches, jacks, etc., it all ends adding up to $1000 - $1200. You can get any number of top shelf high-end neck and body combinations in nitro finishes for less than that. So, I have a hard time understanding these "custom lines" of name brand guitars going for mega thousands. Glitz, mother of pearl, abalone and bindings do not effect tone or playability. Sure, someone can always argue that nothing beats a pair of $3000 Virgil Arlo pickups (if there even is a Virgil Arlo), or another "legend" like him. But I bet Seymour Duncan, Pilar Lopez, or Abigail Ybarra would disagree. There is definitely a lot of blue sky in the pricing out there.

[@alstrummer2446]

I've never bought an Epiphone until recently when I took the plunge on the Grohl 335. Since the Gibson model is unaffordable, and a Trini Lopez is expensive as well, I decided to go for the Epiphone. It's not here yet but my expectations are fairly high at the price.

[@jeffschmitt5866]

Personally I think Gibson is in need of a reality check. The kind of crap and yes I do mean crap they are pumping out these days is inexcusable especially for the price point. For several years now I have seen on one example after another of Gison Les Paul's being sold at these high prices with flaws and poor quality control. Guitars that would have been considered B-stock or seconds. More over what they classify as triple AAA flame maple is more like double AA flame maple with imperfections like mineral deposits in the wood grain. What is sad about all this is take a look at the quality of build, fit and finish of some of these offshore brands that are flawless at a massively lower price. There are no excuses for Gibson putting out such disappointing crap for the kind of price they are asking and at this point I would consider a Heritage or a Eastman before I would give any more of my money to Gibson. Truth be told I have been more impressed with the Epiphone build quality/fit and finish over the Gibsons of recent years. Now to just start spraying Epiphone with nitro instead of poly now you have a proper made Les Paul at a much more based in reality price.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Shoutout to Eastman and Greco. IYKYK

[@neilpatrickhairless]

They probably wouldn't shoot it with Nitro though. Epiphones need that five inch thick coat of plastic to keep the goober troops at Guitar Center from chewing the paint chips off

[@LarrytheMan-uc4ev]

​@@neilpatrickhairlesssays the guy who can't afford epiphones

[@xMaoxoaMx]

@@LarrytheMan-uc4ev I love the fact that you cork sniffers went from "you cant afford gibsons" to "you cant afford epiphones" 😂

[@LarrytheMan-uc4ev]

@@xMaoxoaMx well you can't

[@Gene_Cali]

If only Gibson made relic'd headless guitars! 🤪🎸🔨😜

[@marions.120]

You have to break it yourself to get one of those!

[@Gene_Cali]

@@marions.120 Or ship by UPS.

[@dwightb8323]

That's how I rationalized my purchase of the Epiphone. I was thinking of buying a used Gibson, and for less I was able to get a nice Epiphone with the Custombuckers. I wasn't thinking this is an expensive Epiphone. I was thinking this gets me the Gibson tone and feel for less than a Gibson. Plus, I wanted a working axe that I could take to practice, bars and open mics and not worry about it. The Epi fit the bill. I also think this Epi will hold it's value, but if it doesn't, still not a big loss, assuming I even try to sell it.

[@chrishammonds72]

All these new Epiphone’s with the Gibson headstocks are $2,800 here in Australia which is just ridiculous for an Epiphone as much as I love the brand. I always liked the Epiphone headstock especially the Kalamazoo ones

[@michaelsmith2785]

The Epi headstock had a somewhat better string angle through the nut.

[@markitzero5934]

Problem is the pricing is a bit crazy for some of the new Epiphones. They are trying to position themselves as a good mid price alternative for Gibson in the way that you have MIM fenders and PRS SE. They have two problems though Epiphone doesn't have that brand perception, people see Epiphone as a cheap guitar like squier because for a long time that was what it was. Also the pricing is just way beyond those other guitars even the most expensive PRS SE or fender MIM guitars don't really break £1000 (probably same in dollars I'd guess). At those prices I'd be looking at a 2nd hand Gibson not an expensive epiphone way more brand appeal & it would hold its value way better as well

[@jerlewis4291]

I'm kind of on the fence here. I own 3 Gibson's and to tell the truth until I bought the first one, I really didn't see why they were so much more money in comparing the to an American Strat and a Mexican Strat. But when I opened the case and there's a card with the string height on it, and I checked it and they are all correct, and it was nearly in tune, just a few steps on the D and the G, then checking it at the 12th fret. There's a checklist and I looked at everything and then looked at the checklist, and to play it, that sold me. You could tell that so many people worked on this guitar to make it perfect when I opened the case. There was a small run in the paint on the binding where the neck and body meet, but the fretboard was silky smooth and had been conditioned. there were no marks and no high frets. Even the pickup selector switch felt better. Doing all that requires a lot of labor. I bought an Epiphone Alex Lifeson for $1299.00, It came in good shape, and there were a few flaws, the 10th and 14th fret were both high, but I tapped them down. There was a bit of paint run. But the fretboard, it is ebony had very fine marks in it, like it didn't get the final sanding. Also, the nut was not cut right. Everything else on the guitar was perfect, I tuned it up and adjusted the action, no big deal. Not enough to send it back, but for $1300.00 goofs like this are a problem. If I had bought a $699.00 guitar, these would not be a concern, but at this price I really hope it was just bad luck. My Alex Lifeson is a great guitar and Epiphone did a great job putting it together, there have been no problems at all and I have no regrets buying it. I'm waiting until the honeymoon is over, I would really like to pick up the 355 or the 63 reissue, but I'll be patient.

[@MuscleCarLover]

With the headstock, I like when an Epiphones version of a Gibson has the Gibson style headstock, but Epiphones original designs like the Casino or the Wilshire should have their original Epiphone headstock. Similar reason why I think Fender Mexico needs to really push for using rosewood. That would undoubtedly make someone buy a Player or Vintera II instead of window shopping a Professional or Vintage II. I just had the same situation a bit higher up, I was window shopping a Custom Shop '55 Strat, then the '54 Vintage II made me take the jump into the ash body reissue

[@9unslin9er]

I bartended 3 Guns N' Roses shows to buy a Gibson Les Paul Classic, back in 2006. I got out at 4am every night because Axl didn't come on stage until 12.

[@MrLespaul2000]

Well i'm guilty for paying the price for an Epi. I bought the inspired by Korina 1958 Explorer. I also own a Gibson Les Paul Standard and an Eastman SB55 their equivalent of a Junior and are fantastic guitars. Firstly, I would have liked a rosewood fingerboard but what the heck. I don't mind the laurel it feels and looks fine. I like the finish, feels nice to play. The quality is fantastic, no issues. I put in a set of custombuckers I was going to put in another guitar but ended up in the Explorer and it sounds even better than when it had the Burstbuckers in it. So, all in all I obviously have spent more money on the guitar by replacing the pups but as opposed to spending say £9000 - £10000 on a Gibson custom shop I don't have any problem with the price I have paid for what is a really nice guitar. Just my humble opinion of course. Have a great day all, cheers from over the pond UK. :)

[@BrandonOutside]

Is the angle the same as Gibson now? One of the things I’ve always like _better_ about Epiphone headstocks is that the angle isn’t quite as drastic. Has that changed now tho, to match Gibson? Also part of the uproar could be from jumping from $699 USD for the Epi Standard 50s & 60s line, which they seem to have done an amazing job with (including the pickups), to now almost double that for the “inspired by” line. Is there enough of a difference to justify it? Clearly to some people yes, to others no. 😂

[@jewrrys01]

I love the way the guitarists think. All these years people cried and said the original shape of the Epiphone headstock was ugly and should look just like Gibson. Then we had a short Calamazoo era - better but it still does not look like Gibson. Then Epiphone comes with Gibson open book shape and people cry: “I hate this shape, Epiphone will never be like Gibson.”

[@JohnnyRayedd-Neck]

What is the difference between Gibson and Epiphone and Fender and Squire?

[@stug5041]

My wife, who doesn’t play guitar and thinks I own wayyy too many guitars, is often really convinced by my arguments of “it’s a good price, it’s a brand that holds its value” - that I could ish get back what I spent if we hit hard times does really help when I need that next one - here’s hoping she never changes 😂

[@daveduffy2823]

I agree with you. Guitars are luxury goods. Shop around for a good lifetime guitar you’ll be happy with.

[@GlennJimenez]

This Have my Gibson Les Paul do days I want to feel like a big deal and my guild star fire for literally everything else all of the time never been happier

[@whiterose7055]

I'm so old I remember when Gibson bought Epiphone. Either head stock is fine by me. I own a few of them and am not ashamed to play them. I am happy that Epiphone quality continues to get better.

[@scottyjordan3036]

I bought a 94 Orville by GIBSON. I wanted to see how it was built. I stripped it refinished it in lacquer, It landed up being my favorite guitar, I have real RIs. When i stripped it i discovered it had a FLAME koa back they were using for mahogany. Long neck Tenon. Fret ends. W the new Gibson inlay u can't tell.

[@freebird1292]

I bought an Epiphone LP Jr at a pawn shop the other day and it has a Gibson headstock.?

[@dinkeredwards5187]

People are buying them!!! LOL .I'm an Epiphione Les Paul pretty much everyday player ..probucker's and Burstbucker's in my Limited,,.It's worth it to me personally..I'll be getting one of the New Les Paul one's with the Custombucker's in it .When a color come's out i desire.Great Guitar not to mention it's a Little piece and time in History..I Love It ..

[@JackTheSkunk]

Please review the new Eart E-325 semi-hollow if the opportunity presents itself. At $400.00 it looks like an attractive alternative to the ubiquitous ES335 styled guitars. :÷)

[@DesertViking7]

I think to warrant a $1,000+ price tag, Epiphone needs to offer specs like stainless steel frets, headstock volute etc that would make for killer gigging guitars.

[@Ottophil]

Ok, now they will be 2000

[@KennedyIvy]

Stainless steal is super duper cheap. Don't know why not all brands just do it.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

To warrant a $1000 price tag all they have to do is sell a couple hundred thousand at $1000

[@grimoire7851]

stainless cold no personality high gain metal prog sound

[@zap7759]

For $1K they should be able to build a guitar better than an actual Gibson.

[@scripteaze]

I'm looking for a weight relief Epiphone Les Paul. I like faded or satin finishes, factory burst type looks. my budget is about $900 Which ones are lighter? Thinking about maybe going with LTD ec-1000 version. I think these look better. Thoughts? Also, I'm a beginner

[@midwaymonster30]

For the money, I personally would rather have an Eastman semi hollow over Epiphone, but the Epi are decent.

[@HunnysPlaylists]

Reminds me of the epi elitists that were mij and better than the us les pauls. they should go back to that.

[@MattSwain1]

I don’t care one way or another about the shape of the headstock, it’s just a sideshow compared to the rising prices. A $1300 Epiphone doesn’t suddenly become great value because it has the Gibson shape headstock. I expect value for money from Epiphone, they can’t just increase prices and expect that I’ll change my perception overnight

[@dieg000n]

The new Gibson headstock on Epiphones also incluse the high angle?

[@markwilliamsmusic2987]

No and it is a good thing

[@allanwatkins6791]

Possibly the best video to date. Nice job Philip!

[@giannapple]

Hmmm… l prefer the traditional Epi headstocks on Epi’s guitars for historical reasons. The Stathopulos family started making traditional greek and turkish string instruments in Smyrna (today Izmir) in 1873, then moved to the USA and continued the activity in New York, then Epiphone got acquired by Gibson in 1957. Orville Gibson started his activity in the second half of the 1890’s and founded what today is the Gibson company in 1902. So, Epiphone is historically older than Gibson and no matter the looks, when they put a Gibson designed headstock on their products it tastes to me like a betrayal of their origins, renouncing to the only distinctive feature that makes Epiphone a brand.

[@Happyboymargarine]

I bought the epi inspired by Gibson jumbo acoustic. It sounds awful like a 200.00 fender. And it’s real wood. I just don’t get it

[@APMTenants]

Pickups and a headstock that have value just because Gibson say they do. The headstock premium will only last until the novelty is gone.

[@metalliholic]

But Epiphone are not getting expensive. The other models are still available. Those other Epiphone went up in price by $50 while everyone else was jumping up by $150-200

[@Oldmanhenderson12]

The amount of people complaining about these new headstocks is crazy. “$1200 for an epiphone!!!!”, but did you even read the specs? Mother of pearl inlays, Gibson pickups, ebony fretboard, open book headstock, you’re basically looking at the best parts of a Gibson without the name. Gibson is realizing that to compete with fender and others, they need to sell their guitars at a lower price. Gibson conditioned so many into thinking that an LP has to be over $2k. Meanwhile fender was a genius and started selling some of their entry level Teles and Strats at about $800. The only people who can afford Gibsons are old people who kids don’t connect with. This is the smartest thing Gibson has done in maybe the last 25 years. Anyone who doesn’t think so is coping because they realized they spent way too much on their LP when they could get it for $1200

[@SolarVergmoid]

If the rest of the guitar looks like a Gib - why not the headstock?

[@wriglarzzz]

I feel like it that price point that should have offered nitrocellular paint I think that would just taken it over the edge, either that or open a new factory in USA have them learn to eventually work at the Gibson factory. You can pay cheaper labor to make cheaper guitars.

[@jw_au]

Gibson are pushing both the Gibson and Epiphone guitar prices higher, they are not just doing it with Epiphone. Also, people seem to be loosing sight of the fact that Epiphone are still offering the affordable/cheap guitars as well as these higher priced ones

[@safvue1]

hi what did you mean about the s2 prs?

[@chebrneck]

aren't Chibson's made in the Epiphone factory? Is this just a rebranding?

[@mercyseateffects]

Please point me in the direction where I can buy a used Gibson 355 for $1299... or even $2299 cuz I'll buy all of them... even with a broken headstock. Anyway, carry on...

[@markinthemix6055]

That’s really funny I can’t afford any of it and I still watch your channel

[@MoeVanprick]

PRS are the majority of copies of Gibson epiphone and fenders

[@stephenskiles7782]

I bought my 2018 lp deluxe new for 1300.00 . I guess that's over. It is worth more than I paid for it by 800 bucks. That will not happen with the epiphone. It is nice but it's not Gibson. The only thing this does is make the AUTHENTIC Gibson less attainable .

[@zepptar]

I bought my Gibson classic plus Les Paul with a flamed top for $1400 back in 2018. Brand new

[@stephenskiles7782]

@@zepptarnever again

[@Margilio5150]

Agreed with the whole wrong timing / pricing opinion.

[@Tommyalpaca]

This is such a good point, I was looking at spending 4-5k on the sg and now they got the epi sg for 1500 I’m pretty torn

[@jaymelynnmcintyre8574]

Well the main thing is that if you want that headstock then buy a damn Gibson dude!! Lol , but yeah my main thing is the rise of price ! I mean C'MON Gibson! JUST end the subsidiary and just have Gibson complete with the outrageous prices!

[@jelmeromero]

I've been saying they needed to do this since early 2000's but honestly Gibson is 20 -25 yrs too late.

[@5150show]

3k New Zealand dollars! For a epi No thanks

[@dadgad1046]

The first letter in Gibson is G. G is the first letter in Greed. Hmm? M&M was a choice but it was already taken. May I suggest the obvious choice. M$M. Short for Massive Margin! Or go for the Obvious $$$.

[@st9919]

this is an excellent market forces breakdown for guitars and seemingly extendable to many other things

[@johndodson4527]

The second you purchase a new guitar it's used.price dive.its for the folks with money.vintage prices are silly because of rarity.when old farts sell their collections prices will dive.the end .young guys don't collect stuff like that any more.baseball cards comic books cars furniture.its all baby food.

[@Johnjingleheimerschmidtt]

😂 look at all of the these grown men crying over a fretboard material not realizing that you can call damn near anything rosewood or mahogany these days… people are really out here thinking the name of a wood says much of anything about it. You should be worried about the quality of whatever the board might be - not its name, particularly if it’s in the same family of hardness, etc

[@denverwalker9078]

I’ll just keep my Tokais, Burnys and Edwards better made and cheaper

[@markwilliamsmusic2987]

Keep telling that to yourself !

[@denverwalker9078]

@@markwilliamsmusic2987 I mean they are made in Japan with better craftsmanship and materials and cost less than a 1500 dollar made in China Epiphone, I don’t see where I’m wrong

[@zap7759]

It's just a headstock lol

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Hahahaha right?

[@davidcarson7936]

Everyone is talking about Epiphones new range and how their prices are going up. Personally, I think they are well priced considering the hardware your getting on them. I think Gibson have been over priced for years, demanding £5,000 £6,000, £10,000 .... really!!!!!!!! When Tokai guitars for example have manufactured quality guitars for years as good if not better than Gibson at less than half the price!!!!!!!! I've played some absolute shocking Gibson's....The question should be Gibson prices should drop....

[@sgt.gruhnn]

Gibson considers itself a luxury brand, while Tokai does not, it’s like you could buy a very nice ladies handbag for 600.00, but if an identical one came with a Prada or Gucci tag stamped on it, it’ll cost you 1800.00…

[@tubularbill]

The end of the day they are still not a Gibson

[@MoeVanprick]

Thank God because no one wants Gibson anymore but everyone wants epiphone

[@myeyesarewaiting]

I watch the videos BECAUSE I can't afford the guitars!😅

[@raffaguitars]

it's funny they call them "Gibson inspired" when Epiphone has done nothing but releasing Gibson copies.. 😆

[@artwal123]

Luxury! Really, We are musicians buying tools with which to make music. To be inspired and be creative in a market that pays $.01 per stream if your efforts are even stream worthy. Do the math 1699.00 divided by $.01 I guess if they make being a musician a illness like Autism then maybe we can catch a break!!!!

[@somebrains5431]

Meh, wake me up when all the Guitar Centers shut down.

[@georgecaplan11]

buy second hand Gibsons. New expensive Epiphones wont hold their value

[@Ottophil]

This! Ive purchased 4 gibsons in my life. Total spent is under 2000

[@tankdarla637]

$1000 high end Epiphone vs $1000 used Gibson, no brainer, Gibson

[@SwingingCreeper]

Well the new Firebirds are built with neck through construction, the proper banjo tuners and Gibson pick ups. A Gibson version would be double the price. I rather spend $1699 than close to $3k

[@drippinglass]

Gibson doesn’t make them now. But just back in 2017 I bought a Gibson Firebird V for $995 brand new. It’s sunburst so you can see the 9 pieces of wood through it. I see people asking $2400 used now for the same guitar. That’s crazy!

[@xMaoxoaMx]

@@SwingingCreeper I'd rather get the Standard Epiphone Firebird for 699.

[@bentleyabernethy-jq7kv]

So it’s an overpriced chibson

[@anthonypanneton923]

Exactly!

[@globalnova]

I'm in the market for a Gibson so no, I don't want Epis to have the same headstock! btw I have some very nice Epis too, let's not blur the line too much

[@vintagetone22]

The most important in a guitar is how it sounds and play.not the shape and colour.the days of glory 50s and 60s for gibson are long gone now they are just fighting to make money.stop it gibson you are ruining the legacy of the company.😱😱😱😱🤪🤪🤪🤣🤪🤣🤪🤣🤪🤣

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

No, it absolutely IS about where they are made- CHINA.

[@Andrew-su9rk]

Gibson are stitching customers up, take Mesa Boogie here in the UK. MK5 25 combo, when last available £1,739 now back, but £2,599... WTF?

[@dpajc056]

I literally go and buy the 1959 epiphone les Paul, come home and find out about this from andertons video, so likely we'll be getting this in several months...damn jt! Still i dont care, i likewhat i have and its cheaper

[@johndaugherty4127]

Lets Go Brandon!

[@dboone7670]

If you think Gibson's price hikes on everything has anything to do with Joe Biden or actual inflation, you've got a screw loose or haven't been paying attention.

[@trevor4533]

@@dboone7670 Let's be honest. its both when it comes to nutjobs like him.

[@justiceforall6412]

Hell yeah! He's done a GREAT job so far. Glad to see you figured it out

[@WeeFreeMan78]

Oh the dudes in the comments hating on Epiphone and o praising Gibson 😂 None of my Gibsons were what they were supposed to be. Every Epiphone I got my hands on was twice what it was supposed to be. So yeah, buy Gibsons so the Epis prices won't go up for the rest of us non fan boys 👌

[@rondipierro8677]

I don't know I don't think it's a bad deal. I mean you're getting a $500 pair of Gibson pickups, a real ebony fretboard, a nice paint job and a hard shell case. Plus the Gibson headstock For 1299 I don't think that's bad

[@kenfernsler6507]

Yeah great deal. Plus a long neck tendon, real mother of pearl. It is a great value.

[@csharp57]

And eventually they will hit the used market under $1000. (I’d check the humbuckers before buying though 😂😂)

[@keithtt7798]

Exactly what Gibson PR department want you to think :) Actually I think they're nice guitars for Gibson chinese copies, but not sure they'll be anyones forever instrument...

[@martianmurray]

It probably costs them under a 100 to make those “$500” pups.

[@Johnjingleheimerschmidtt]

@@martianmurrayIt costs under $50 to make those pickups. And that’s true for all pickups, especially when produced at scale. But you don’t pay for raw materials, alone. This is true everywhere and always. Look around you instead of being a cynical d*ckhead all the time 😂

[@aldersmoke1]

My hot take on this is that Gibson has 2 choices, either produce Gibson branded guitars at much lower prices, or do this line of relatively (for Epiphone) premium "Inspired By" models. I personally think they decided to go this route because they don't want to do anything that might even slightly devalue the Gibson name. They have a whole fan base that they have successfully conditioned to believe a Les Paul should cost $3k+. They risk undoing that if they start selling guitars with (again, relatively) premium Gibson features at sub-$2k price points. So instead they raise the prices on Epis, add some cosmetic and hardware upgrades like the headstock and pickups, and see what happens. It's pretty low risk considering they still make a slew of budget and sub-$1k models. I feel like that's the part that people keep skipping over when they talk about these new Epiphone prices, that they are still primarily selling lower priced guitars. Walk into Guitar Center, most of the Epis are in the $300-900 range. But ultimately I think they raised Epiphone prices because it's not going to hurt that brand. And it's kind of funny that people are up in arms about these prices when you consider that if they took these exact same Epiphones at the exact same price points and just put Gibson on the headstock, no one would bat an eye.

[@cuda426hemi]

It's not that the fan base is "conditioned" any more than you are conditioned to paying $12 for a lb of bacon today that was $1.75 in 1980. $350 in '71 is $2800 today so actually the price hasn't changed since you can get an SG Special plek'd from factory, ($300 value that alone) P90s, finest woods with hard shell case for $1600 built in Nashville. I got my $2400 mint Iommi SG used for $1600..Only cheapskates and ignorant would pay more than $200 for an Epi. Specifically the SG Special @ $179 from AMS with killswitch tone pot. Rosewood board, not laurel THIS is where Epi is best, not faking out SUCKERS for $1300?? LOL But you are right in that Gibson noticed the margins by adding foo foo cheaply but keeping cheap laurel etc. and are riding this baloney pony until players realize $300 more gets you a Bugatti not a Yin Yang Chinese made thing. Probably 95.5% players don't gig and the ones that do wouldn't be caught dead playing a $1300 Epi on stage - it would be like look at my fake Rolex. Plus as I said real players know you can get a real USA made guitar all day long for that cheddar even if used. 👀

[@mortonwilson795]

I think there's a lot of truth in this - Gibson as a brand has to satisfy a certain 'entry level to the club' point, that and the whole 'gotta be a Made in The USA' guitar thing that gets so many people riled up. The times have been changing for some time and for me at least, being able to try out any number of Gibson, Epiphone, Fender, Gretsch, PRS etc. instruments at leisure in the 2 main flagships where I live - I am pretty well 'location agnostic' these days. I have my Gibson '68 LP Custom & my '92 Sadowsky NYC HSS so I'm fine with 2 excellent American made guitars, and a few terrific Japanese & Korean ones I have picked up along the way - but recently I have been really impressed with a couple of Epiphones (the '59' & Cantrell 'Wino') which I bought specifically to mod a bit - mainly pick-ups and wiring - because the actual instruments are sound and I want to play round a bit with some 'boutique' pick-ups that interest me. So . . . luxury items in that sense for sure, but also, for me, eminently practical to have 2 or 3 different 'personalities' at hand in the studio. That said, I would not be surprised if in the next few years the 'inspired by Gibson' Epiphones do switch to putting Gibson on the headstock with some sort of 'SE' or 'Import' sub-branding and then, if they really want to get creative, they could take a good look at the heritage Epiphones like Casino, Sheraton, Riviera, Broadway and what have you and seriously upgrade quality on these, separating them from the Gibson clones. Maybe they'll never get to the level of the originals from the '50s & '60s but if an 'Epiphone Heritage' line suddenly appeared out of Japan or Korea they could attract a discerning clientele with $$ to spend. Gibson do have a US made Casino which I haven't tried but most reviewers I have seen don't seem to think it's a quantum leap in quality from the recent Chinese ones . . . whatever, fun to watch all this unfolding 🧐

[@brianeno608]

​@@cuda426hemiyeah I agree, the comment around this that always keeps coming up is "you can buy a used Gibson for the price of a new Epiphone, or build one yourself cheaper" and I agree. Guitar players will always go after Gibson not epiphones. Epiphone was doing great when they had a good price tag along with it, like the classic vibes. In my country the classic vibe squires costs the same as the fender player series. I don't see the point, no one will be buying these at all.

[@cuda426hemi]

@@brianeno608 warm jets, baby 👍🏻

[@cuda426hemi]

@@tonedowne Tribute was weird anyway, maple necks on SGs? Whatever. Bottom line is margins, but to me it's no brainer you pay $300 more for a Gibson over $1300 Epis, period, full stop. Or go used Gibby. The mkt will dictate this new Epi strategy. But of COURSE USA made stuff will be more expensive what with wages and greed China doesn't have to deal with. Be thankful we have US made guitars, nothing else in your house is. 🤡

[@FrankBuyers...guitarista-iu3zg]

The price of epiphone haven't gone crazy if you know Epiphones history epiphone was never meant to be a budget brand in the first place and they weren't Norlin ruined them when they took Gibson in 2019 into 2020 JC Curliegh Restored Epiphone back to where they should have always been and PRS are majority copies of Gibson Epiphone and Fender guitars you complaining about Epiphone will change nothing did it change GIBSON when you complained about there prices? No it changed nothing and neither will it with epiphone epiphone is where they should be

[@dannyturner7967]

There is sooo much used gear. I have money for new but find it hard to pass up the used DEALS for new

[@tubularbill]

Totally

[@JuanJaim]

Especially when you get used gear in great shape at a killer price. Even if it's not in great shape, if you're handy with tools it's always fun to have a new project :D

[@allenmitchell09]

@@JuanJaim so true Juan!

[@MoeVanprick]

Gibson are not worth their prices Epiphones are worth every cent and more

[@stevehusten7940]

Totally agree. Love my Epi LP Standard.

[@thatbastardstolemytricycle]

I can't agree. I've owned probably 10 or more Epiphone Les Pauls in about every incarnation they have. 59s Customs Prophecys. And I've owned 7 Gibsons including the two 60 standards, one original and the other i use to try different pick-up combos, blood moon, and studio that i still have. Every one of the Epiphones were a great guitar in their own right but there's a reason I only have one now and 4 Gibsons and not 1 Gibson and 4 Epiphones. Are Gibsons over priced. Yes. But can I buy a brand new Epiphone and in a year or 6yrs or 16yrs take that same guitar and get what I paid for it? No but I can my Gibsons. That alone says all their needs to be said. Epis are great and i love them. But you're comparing Corvettes and Chevettes. Just my 2 cents.

[@MoeVanprick]

@@thatbastardstolemytricycle hmm that funny I have a 2019 epiphone exclusive deluxe limited run Sg Pro that's now a collectors epiphone Sg that I paid $650.00 in 2022...and has risen in value so where did you come up with such BS

[@MoeVanprick]

@@thatbastardstolemytricycle better research epiphone history before you open your mouth and stick your foot in it.. Gibson is most definitely not a Corvette compared to epiphone

[@robertcarey3383]

You can buy Gibson and pay 3 times what it should cost or buy Epiphone inspired by Gibson and pay twice as much as should cost...... or do the smart thing and don't buy either.

[@melexdy]

Honestly Im saving for a p90 revstar, epis were a good choice when they were 500$. Gibson has gone bananas.

[@markrajfura4443]

All have gone bananas on price. It seems they squeezed us for all they can get and then back down the prices from there.

[@colinclement2752]

Dude same. Yamaha if phenomenal. I have an fs5.

[@MoneyBooBoo]

I actually want the Epiphone headstock to say Gibson

[@shreddyz]

"Epiphone by Gibson"

[@richsackett3423]

It’s not that hard to do.

[@LarrytheMan-uc4ev]

Not me buddy I want mine to say Epiphone and with the proper Kalamazoo headstock

[@jfnarmour]

Then stop being either a tightwad or poor and buy a Gibson.

[@markrajfura4443]

You can get that if you buy a chibson

[@iridium02]

Other companies are making great affordable guitars with features like SS frets for under 1k. And Gibson changes headstock shape.

[@JoeBaermann]

While I do like SS frets they will still wear out just slightly slower for touring guitarist with a hard grip, for me it doesn’t really matter since I don’t push hard enough to feel the fretboard. Also, I had to polish and round the fret ends on such affordable guitars. Next comes electronics and hardware quality, which still is a hit and miss under 1k. There are of course some exeptions in between, even between same make and model, but from 1k and up that seems more consistant. There is more to it than a change of headstock, plus that they should be smart enough to still offer cheaper models unless they have given up to compete with the other brands at that end of the market. Some of the cheap Epiphones are not worse than some of them great affordable guitars either, can’t say how consistant it is, but my EP Special II AFR plays as well as my Squires, HB’s and Jet, had to fix at least one thing on all of them apart from one of the Squire’s that comes with a FR even. To be fair, even the expensieve guitars can be a crapshot unless one is so fortunate to have a physicsl store they can visit to try and buy it.

[@nick_ashley]

so don't buy it

[@BassesandBows]

@@nick_ashleyafter the €600 price hike this generation, I definitely won’t

[@kenfernsler6507]

The guitars come with custom buckers. $500 pick ups. Quality electronics. Better bridge and tail piece. Long neck tendon, real mother of pearl and ebony. Alot more bang for your buck. It's not just the headstock. They don't even put custom buckers on a standard Gibson. Same pick ups in my custom shop.

[@BassesandBows]

@@kenfernsler6507 Pickups, electronics and bridge (if even necessary) are all pretty easily upgradable after the fact. So the what that does is make the guitar less affordable. So while everything is getting more and more expensive putting a less affordable guitar on the market as a value brand seems pretty dumb to me. And the long neck tendon is like the stupidest thing to advertise with because all it says to me is that either they usually make the guitars wrong (but this time we did it right, it only took us 50 years), or it doesn’t matter both are good (but why advertise it then, if it’s inconsequential)

[@LeopoldShitzalot]

Epiphones With the Gibson headstock are not authentic Epiphones and collectors will see it this way also no Kalamazoo headstock its not authentic plain and simple

[@peterkoutros8190]

I like the headstock change..Last year I got a 61 SG reissue with the custom shop pickups and wiring.. $899?.. It plays and sounds great.. Fit and finish were also very good.

[@michaeltsatvs6139]

Love that SGrowl!!! Just got my daughter an Epi SG & she is in love with it !! 😎 👍

[@jameswestervelt6808]

As long as the headstock explodes when I look at it, I will know it's authentic.

[@LeopoldShitzalot]

I have Three high end 2021 epiphones with their Kalamazoo headstocks I wouldn't want it any other way

[@MoeVanprick]

Yours would sell a lot faster than the ones with the Gibson headstock on them especially epiphone collectors won't touch the Gibson headstock epiphones it's not a epiphone headstock

[@geemac7267]

I don't think many people "like" the Epiphone headstocks. It's probably more Gibson people not liking Epis having a Gibson headstock because they don't feel like they're lording over poor folks anymore. LOL

[@younkinjames8571]

Perfect comment

[@Disruptor23]

I love more kalamazoo headstock than gibson headstock with epiphone brand on it. :)

[@Stratsrule]

Really who cares about a headstock. I don’t play the headstock

[@rodrigozamo]

I think Epiphone as a brand should disappear. They could be Gibson but the made overseas edition. Like PRS, before you got the huge SE logo, now it is the PRS signature with the SE smaller next to that. They always used the same headstock for both. It is classism and it seems Gibson does it on purpose to punish you for not buying the “authentic” and the lower cost one.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

And its even worse when you realize that at one time very many years ago, Epiphone made some pretty high end stuff. I have always wondered if Gibsons are really that good or good at using lawyers to cheapen everything around them

[@rodrigozamo]

@@neilpatrickhairless Correct, originally it was an independent brand and Gibson bought out the competition basically, then made it their economy line. To this day there are some solid epiphones, I had a sheraton and was jaut as good or better than other 335 counterparts I tried that were 6-10 times more expensive. But yes, they now brand themselves as a luxury brand. So in their minds it’s like we’re gonna let the world know you are not actually using a Gibson, shame on you for not getting the good one so the world can see you and a couple of boomers in the crowd can compliment you in actually using a Gibson. Which I think it’s ridiculous but it is their marketing thing