SJ200 SHOOTOUT! Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1957 VS. Gibson Original SJ200

[@cjemanuele]

I will be getting my ‘57 Epiphone SJ 200 Friday and I used to be a dedicated Martin dreadnaught snob-but I am taken by the richness of the Jumbo sound and Martin will just have to wait while I get to know this very beautiful guitar. And it’s gonna be a very long wait for old Martin to endure because it’s very possible I may never go back…

[@The_Official_André]

Just ordered the 1957 epiphone Sj200. Looking forward to having it in hand 😆

[@rockhaze]

I got the Les Paul Custom from this Inspired by GCS line, and it's the real thing. This SJ-200 is my next purchase.

[@WoodworkerDan]

I was hoping that they would sound the same, but the Gibson sounds better, just a fuller, richer tone.

[@professor_prte]

Considering the price gap, there must be a difference...! Otherwise, people could just buy the Epiphone, and if the logo is not accurate, take some white correction fluid and write Gibson 😂

[@ethanknapp2532]

Acoustic guitars are just different though. Even mass produced ones can vary so much. I never buy acoustics without playing them in person. Once I walked into a store with every intention of walking out with a Gibson hummingbird. Long story short I walked out with the IBG epiphone because it genuinely sounded better. Point being, lots of variables on an acoustic.

[@andysfishingandflytyingcha2310]

Yep, did the same with a J45. The Epi IBG 1942 VOS Banner J45 sounded much better thsnbthe Gibbo. Walked out with that one. Not to say that if it been a different Gibson it could have been a different story. Acoustics just vary so much of exactly the same model.

[@mauriceaucoin1570]

Incredible value for the money including the case. Beyond that, the Gibson stands alone as it should for the money.

[@andysfishingandflytyingcha2310]

I played a two Gibson SJ200's at the Gibson garage in London a couple of days ago. They both were dull dull dull. No volume, zero brightness and no thud in the middle. Really dissapointing. The J45's were the same and l played seven l think. The only one l would have bought was the rosewood back and sides model. Still prefere my Epiphone 1942 banner VOS. Come on Gibson. There must be some great J45's out there somewhere? I bought the Epi Excellente on thd back of the quality of my J45 snd that is an exceptional guitar.

[@farrl]

Love them both, Epiphone has been hitting it out of the park lately.

[@jeremystraughan3548]

It’s incredible how far they’ve come in just a few iterations of the J200. My first acoustic was the CJ-200 and these sound miles apart.

[@doosky78]

Both sounds pretty damn nice. Comes down to playability mostly and player's preference. I've owned many Epi's and Gibson's over the last 30 years, and I've sold every Epi I've gotten even after upgrades. There will always be players who cannot justify the price of a Gibson and tell you an Epi is just as good after upgrades to pick ups, wiring and some of the hardware. Then there are players who say there is absolutely no comparison when it comes to the 2. Gibson for the win!

[@GShockWatchFan.]

That Epiphone has a clear loud puchy volume, it doesn't sound like a Gibson. The Gibson as per usual has a low volume but to my surprise this particular Gibson lacks the sweet tone that you normally get on Gibson acoustic. I played this on good speakers.

[@LottimusMaximus]

I liked the Epiphone. Then I went to Wildwood to try them both. Left with the Gibson. Lol.

[@toddmcmakin]

The Gibson sounds great and is definitely a better guitar. However, it also is whole lot more expensive. In a head to head shootout like this, it's easy to pick apart the Epiphone for not sounding as good. I think if you were playing it by itself it would sound quite good and I am excited about the wider nut width and the open book headstock. The improved top is also a plus. I already own an IBG Hummingbird and I'll probably get one of these eventually.

[@stevebernard221]

Great vid! You should do this demo again with a heavier Plectrum....Anyway, keep the comparisons coming!

[@Jetblackt120]

You mean pick? Plectrum…gimme a break!😅

[@stevebernard221]

@Jetblackt120 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@박원주-b6j]

very very perfect review!! GooD!! I'm korean, I bought a epiphone sj200

[@skateborg]

Great review. Very concise and informative. Now to choose...!!

[@Gratefulman1965]

I feel pretty confident saying that most folks would be okay with the Epiphone.

[@AmnellAndreas]

It’s very close. Both sound really good. Can the Gibson justify its price after this comparison? In my opinion, it can’t. I would go with that Epiphone.

[@jjdillon2007]

The Gibson sounds better, but if I had to gig with one or the other, I'd choose the Epi. I'd have much less fear about it being damaged or stolen.

[@LegsON]

Thank you for a great detailed comparison! What's the weight difference?

[@dirkwitte7509]

The epi is about 350 grams heavier

[@LegsON]

@@dirkwitte7509 Good lord, that's INSANE!

[@richfiryn]

The Gibson has a deeper tone to it on the bass side and a very nice crisp high end. They do sound different which is to be expected. That being said, the Epiphone does sound good in it's own right. I am wondering if they both had the same strings on them? I have been playing Epiphone guitars since the mid 60's so I am definitely a fan of them. I must note that visually it is cool to see the head stock with the Gibson style. I have grown accustomed to the satin style finish on the Epiphone's and actually do prefer the feel of that in my hands.

[@dirkwitte7509]

I'm pretty sure they both came with Gibson phosphore bronze strings, the ones on the Gibson are older though

[@joehiatt1992]

Long time ago when I first started playing,I walked into a old neighborhood music store with wood floors & I first seen a gibson j200 & a guy picked one up & played it ,not miked & that thig sounded incredible like it was miked,it projected across the store to me & ever since that still sticks in my head,now I have over 20 guitars mostly electric from all the big ones BUT gotta say that epi looks & sounds good,next trip Ill try it

[@RobertNolan]

A tad more bass projection out of the Boseman made, certainly not $4.5k worth of resonance but it's definitely there. This truly would come down to the feel in one's hands, because sonically they are similar enough through the recording.

[@craig6198]

Great video. Would also be great to hear it compared to the old epiphone ibg model and the one below that with the cut away. Seen a few other comments wanting something similar. No one else on youtube has done it

[@luisgarciamusicchannel]

What Ive noticed is a lack of bass in all these new Epiphones… not necessarily a bad thing, heck, for a lot of mixes it’s preferable. But, you can still hear the difference

[@paulgeorgia8013]

Thanks for the great review and all of the detail. I own a few Gibson J200's, but was seriously considering one of these Ep's for my live gigs. I think the one deal breaker for me is the fat neck on the Epi - I have small hands, and prefer a slimmer neck profile.

[@mrcarloselche248]

There is a difference but what do we know about the strings? I acknowledge the Gibson sounds richer with more harmonics but would definitely go for the Epi. It’s beautiful and sounds very good on its own. I got both Hummingbirds and the Epi on its own is a great guitar. Leaving it to sound preferences.

[@dirkwitte7509]

I'm pretty sure they both came with Gibson phosphor bronze strings, the ones on the Gibson are older though

[@elrockandrollero]

From the Beginning! Gibson might have a slight edge overall but it's a small percentage over at best, certainly nothing like 380%. Both sound amazing, but value-wise I don't think you can beat that Epiphone. Thanks for this and all of your great reviews!

[@elrockandrollero]

@@theinvisibleman2070 🤔

[@marlonroshan4484]

Disappointed with the earlier version of the Epiphone Gibson-inspired j200. Overbuilt, and not loud at all. No scalloped x bracings, sounds very thin. Little low End. After having it for 3 years, I managed to get it to acceptable sound. What I did was use a thumb plain I scallop braces myself. I put bone bridge pins. Reduce the distance from bridge pins to saddle by cutting groves to get a great break angle. That was a mega effort. The poly finish is also thick. I still hear the same problems I had, with this new one. But improved upon the original Epiphone. The reason could be heat-treated top.

[@LegsON]

This has string ramps from the get-go!

[@DannyDKNYC]

This was exactly what I was looking for thanks

[@LegsON]

@@DannyDKNYC He was speaking of OLD model, EJ-200.

[@frankierays]

I just traded in a mid 2000s Martin D18 for a new (22) Gibson SJ200. The feel, playability, orchestral like sound coupled with its aesthetics and pedigree suits me. It was love from the start.

[@Jackhammer69able]

I love the pure natural finish on the Gibson J-200s 😍

[@jimbeehag2060]

Both nice but that Gibson holds a lot more resonance.

[@xavierg5523]

With the right mic settings you can make the epiphone sound just as good as the Gibson

[@martinspreiter8240]

Yes for me the Gibson is worth the money.

[@tofromks]

Didn't notice significant difference until the In the Beginning comparison. Gibson kind of opens up with a lot more depth at that point. But at the end of the day, there are so many incredible acoustic guitars on the market today, it's no longer who is better or best, it's about the connection between the player and the instrument.

[@DavidGarcia-gn3qt]

Just ordered this Epiphone, and ill compare it to the epiphone Inspired by Gibson J200 i got back in 2021 in the same antique finish.

[@LegsON]

The older one will stand no chance!😁

[@dylan3058]

Would be interested to know your opinion when comparing the new to old inspired by model plz

[@LegsON]

@@dylan3058 The new one is easily 1.5 times better. :D

[@LegsON]

@@jondrive8801 1. This body is deeper. 2. This body is wider. 3. This is exact J-200 body shape, older Epiphones were elliptical. 4. Aged top is MASSIVE improvement. 5. This bridge is lighter since it has less mass in it, therefore it's not restricting top as much as the older one. 6. This one has scalloped bracing, many claim older models were all unscalloped. I have an in-depth review on my channel.

[@LegsON]

@@jondrive8801 AFAIK the Hummingbird is the best of the line, and the IBG J-200 is the worst! So no wonder you love yours. This SJ-200 is the best instrument I ever heard in person. You're most welcome. If your hands aren't small, you're gonna love the SJ-200.

[@phillipdru1]

I have the 1975 alvarez j200 and sounds better than epi. That said i played 4 different gibby 200s and treated myself to the new 200 rosewood standard. Superior playing and sound. King of the 200s including the 57 murphy lab. Worth the 40 year wait i could say.

[@wahivalleys3011]

Both sound great. I'd give the Gibson a bit of a lead with more "bass/bottom." For the life of me, why 2 guitars made the same way, same materials overall, in different countries, still do not sound the same. Wahi' Valleys

[@GALVINH0]

So what's the different? Older wood? Hide glue? Fancier bracing? Nitro finish?

[@wenjason-t6s]

The epiphone uses panel aging technology

[@BriansReadingHovel]

There's definitely a difference, the Gibson is noticeably fuller and deeper sounding, but I strangely don't like either, weird. I figured I'd love the iconic Gibby jumbo.

[@ALCOFRE]

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

[@richardsyoutubechannel995]

Both are brilliant But it stands out the gibson has a brighter sound not sure if it's more bassy but Deffinitly a lot brighter

[@BuckBarker]

The most obvious difference is the finish. Glossy (Gibson)equals more sound reflection. Dull (Epiphone) less sound reflection. By using different mics, you can get them to sound very similar. If you’re recording with pre amps and effects, you can make them sound how ever you wish. Cheers!

[@LegsON]

Sound reflection? I don't get it at all. 1. Guitar body produces sound, not reflects it. 2. Sound reflects inside guitars' bodies, but there's no finish inside. 3. Satin finish guitars are most often louder than their glossy counterparts, since the amount of finish is lower. Really looking forward to hearing from you!

[@BuckBarker]

@@LegsON The string is plucked and creates vibrations which travels through the air in the form of a sine wave. The sine wave strikes a surface and bounces or reflects or some will be absorbed into whatever material it touches. The harder or glossier this surface the more bounce or reflection you get . With an acoustic instrument with a sound hole there are different places the sine wave will travel. Into the air, into the hole , and against the body of the instrument. The different tones produced by the different size strings create different waves and will have different travel patterns as well as different speeds they travel. Thus , the instrument is producing sounds from many places in and on the body . The lows that enter the hole will linger and cause the body to vibrate. The mids will cause less vibrations and will travel more and a little faster. The highs which enter the body will be mostly absorbed and never escape. But ,the mids and highs that do not enter the hole are moving faster and are bouncing or reflecting from the surface. Which is why the glossy guitar was brighter. I appreciate your response . I hope this clarifies my comment. Cheers!

[@LegsON]

@@BuckBarker This is VERY interesting, I'll have to think about it more, thanks for a detailed explanation. Still, it seems like only the small part of the top's finish will interact with sine waves. There's a very cool video on Alvarez TV channel where they compare no finish, satin, gloss. They came to a conclusion that no finish is too harsh or even muddy, and at least some finish provides a very pleasant compression/dampening.

[@BuckBarker]

@@LegsON I’ll try and be brief. I could give you a many examples as to how finish effects tone and volume. I’ll give you one. The best example I can think of is the Stradivarius . It’s famous for being the best sounding as well as the most expensive instrument in the world. Instrument makers for hundreds of years have reproduced this violin. They’ve been meticulous as to every detail trying to get there creation to rival it. Used the same type of aged wood, construct it with the same tools, glue, etc. The one thing they do not know is the finish. The ingredients, the amounts , the number and technique of applying coats, and drying times etc. These guitar companies with their high end guitars cost more because of the name and the amount of time and labor dedicated to the finish. As to reflection, here is the best example I can think of which relates to guitars. In the early days of music you had orchestras, large bands, and ensembles. All of which had horns, strings , and keyboards. All of which were much louder than an archtop guitar. Which only has F clef slits and no sound hole. So, the resonator (or reflector)guitar was born ! The sound hole was replaced with a bowl shaped shiny or (glossy) metal bowl. Thus was born simple amplification. At which time the guitar could be heard through the horns. I hope this sheds light on your questions about sound theory. Have a great day. Cheers!!

[@LegsON]

@@BuckBarker Thanks again for explanation! So do you think coated strings like Elixir might be brighter also because they're not "ribbed", but "smooth" instead? Their polymer coating is like a condom.

[@patreilly1137]

I just got My Epiphone yesterday. It's a great guitar. Not a high end guitar and maybe not worth $1500 but if that's the look you want then it's a great guitar.

[@DannyDKNYC]

I’m curious how it compares to the previous version Epiphone inspired by Gibson made in Indonesia. Have you tried both!? Thanks

[@mikesing01]

Epiphone has a darker imo which I like. I guess I’m biased because I know I would never be able to afford the Gibson. So epi for the win. 😊

[@stuco]

Not near as good in my experience but pretty good for what they are.

[@rocknsuhr1078]

Just wondering if the epi is all solid maple compared to Gibson

[@dirkwitte7509]

The Epiphone is indeed all solid

[@bigtom1001]

I have a gibson j200 standard and also a sigma j200 (an 8 year old one with rosewood fretboard, they use micarta for the board and the bridge,imho i think the new ones don't sound as good), my gibson is my prized possesion❤, but the sigma is so close to it!! pound for pound they cannot compare!

[@sometimesdimneverthin]

As the Epiphone has been artifically dried I think over time the Gibson is more likely to sound closer to the Epiphone rather than vice versa. I have no idea how much closer.

[@ScottDavies-p8g]

It’s a Gibson SJ-200 Original, not a standard, Ant these have the same VTC pickup so a few inaccuracies in this comparison

[@anthonyegan59]

Definitely the Gibson..one thing about quality guitars, is when you actually pick up anything lesser again , it becomes apparent just what the extra bucks are for.

[@stephentool1316]

Both those guitars are lacking in the low end. Not a typical J-200 sound.

[@joeturnermusic2726]

If Epiphone had gone for rosewood instead of Indian laurel for the fretboard, the difference in sound would be almost unnoticeable.

[@robertthompson6302]

Quick question; Are there new, high quality strings on both? My epiphones came with very low quality strings

[@dirkwitte7509]

I'm pretty sure that both came with Gibson phosphor bronze strings from the factory, the ones on the Gibson are a bit older though

[@markgreene3842]

The Gibson sounded a bit brighter, but not worth the price difference for the average guitarist. The Gibson had a brighter tone and the Epiphone had a deeper (bassier) tone. I’ve been told the brighter, less deep sound, is better for recording but not being experienced in recording techniques and sophisticated microphones. I would buy the Epiphone based on the price & deeper sound.

[@samright4661]

That Gibson is Beautiful ❤❤❤The Gibson is a Super Model ,Epi is a Only Fans Model 😂😂

[@tweed0929]

In blindfold test I could tell slight difference, but certainly couldn't tell if one guitar was "better" sounding than another. It's a draw in my book.

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Having played acoustics for 35 years, it certainly LOOKS good, but it's very trebly sounding, with less sustain than the Gibby. Not much bass at all. If you are a beginner or have not played high end guitars (Like a Gibby J-200, or any Martin or Collings) then you can certainly hear how somewhat bland and "not present" it is. I suspect the wood choice, braces, body depth, weight (Epi heavier), laurel fingerboard and bridge, and thicker finish have something to do with this. If you really want a nice jumbo, save your money a bit more and get an Eastman AC630.

[@jackblock777]

Very close in every way except price.

[@richardstrock3636]

I think the epiphone sounds better in a blind test. I always think the epiophone wins.

[@jackblock777]

Epi - wins every time in every aspect except sound.

[@ClintsGuitarsNGear]

Realistically though the Epiphone should be about half that price so it really should be about 8 times more expensive.

[@dylan3058]

Hey man, thanks for video Thinking trading my Martin d10e in for this epiphone Good move ? Thanks from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@philliesphan101]

Absolutely. I picked one up last week and my D10E is for sale. This is way better than a D10E

[@panayotiscanellopoulos8696]

Advice: Do the test with a better condenser mic.... you lose a lot of recording quality..... And the nic pointing on 12th-15 th fret...... As I hear , slightly fuller the original one.....cudos to Epiphone China for this result (and price)

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

Of course the Gibson is better, now 4 times worth the price? No way. I’d say $4k tops.

[@williss9995]

The Gibson SJ200 is a jumbo guitar that looks and sounds great. The Epiphone has looks.

[@Andre_tc]

Big sound difference. The epiphone is lacking and it's not a cheap guitar... not worth it for me. I'm going to yamaha. For the same price there are wonderful sounding models made in Japan.

[@felipeepilefelipe]

In your opinion, is the Epiphone too far from the loud, defined and clear Gibson J200 sound?. The inspired by Gibson J200, the one that was released around 3 years ago does not have a “Jumbo” sound. Thank you so much for this review, specially for the depth measurement.

[@dirkwitte7509]

I think that the Epiphone does a good job at giving you a nice jumbo sound in it's own unique way. I would say that it does a decent job at replicating the Gibson SJ200 sound, definitely better than the Epiphone IBG SJ200 from a couple years back.

[@felipeepilefelipe]

@@dirkwitte7509 thank you very much for all this valuable info!

[@Whitty43]

Lot of fret buzz from epiphone

[@A-halover2000]

The Gibson that you are holding is not a "standard," it would say so on the truss rod cover, You are holding a Gibson SJ-200 "Original."

[@DoU12Rock]

I would imagine in the same room the gibson sounds even better than it does with whatever mic you used to record this. The gibson far outshines the epiphone. the epi sounds like it’s stuck in a tin can, not nice on my ears. You couldn’t give the epiphone to me. If you want to hear a guitar that is a close copy to the gibson j200 check out the Eastman AC 630, it’s about $2200.

[@mf6533]

Gibson Is more balanced and fat on the bass

[@Thomannfamily.]

Epiphone sounds considerably better !!!

[@stevea2488]

Ones the original and ones a copy, need I say more. Also with age , the nitro finish and triple A top will sound way better. Play that gibson in 20 years and it will be a different guitar.

[@kevinschiller1749]

I got a 1975 Alvarez copy J200 sounds better than both of them

[@aindriubradleymarshall6226]

ELP

[@John-wr6yo]

Eastman jumbo guitar, debate settled.

[@marccarter1350]

i did the same with the Epiphone Casino. The made in the USA showed me how poor the Chinese ones were, I have kept it as back up, but will end up selling it.

[@radomirdjordjevic7831]

Sounds bad! Too much ringing. Taylor or Martin for acoustic. Gibson acoustic is overpriced. For 6k you can get a builders edition from Taylor. Absolutely best neck and low action. So comfortable for long gigs. Best regards :)

[@CrazyKnkb]

Unfortunately it’s night and day again with the acoustics. Epiphone sounds cheap and awful. Also that satin finish 👎🏻