The ALL NEW 2021 Epiphone ACOUSTICS! The J200, J45 and Hummingbird. And we compare them!

Epiphone released the Inspired by Gibson Acoustics. The quality is unbelievable. Sasha plays the J200, J45, Hummingbird and 12 string Hummingbird. And we do a quick comparison to their much more expensive Gibson brethren. Which do you like best?
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[@chrisharper835]

YES.... This is exactly the way someone should play on a guitar review. Simple yet professional. You can actually hear what the guitar will sound out in a real world situation where you play songs.... not someone trying to show off how great they are at the guitar. Thank You!

[@erniemorones3585]

I agree, most of us are simple strum pattern type of people...

[@brooklynboy1000]

thanks for strumming.. thats what most songwriters do when they play their songs.. but on youtube guitar players are always playing noodly A Pentatonic.. which is ok, but i like strumming. It lets you hear the true voice of an instrument...

[@maxwellfan55]

Totally agree. Most demos are player-orienated massaging their ego rather than offering a guide to the instrument. Not this guy.

[@endoffate5475]

Exactly

[@MetalMayhem1978]

Exactly !!! I feel the same! Can’t stand when players don’t strum chords

[@gunnerkayden9469]

Sorry to be off topic but does any of you know of a way to get back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly forgot my account password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me!

[@haydenahmir3823]

@Gunner Kayden Instablaster =)

[@raymondreeder3274]

I have both J 45 and the hummingbird Epiphone IBG.. I compared them to the Gibsons.. sounded amazing.. so I got two terrific guitars for 2grand.. play them both everyday..very happy.. I put medium gauge elixirs on J45😊

[@frankdiscussion2069]

This is the best comparison I've seen on KZbin. That Epi J45 sounds great!

[@maxguitarstore]

Thanks so much, that means a lot! - Sasha

[@BruceHarms]

I got the J45 Studio this year, and yes it has those amazing overtones!

[@TomMcCormickGuitar]

1:13 - epi j45 2:36 - gibson j45 5:36 - epi hummingbird 7:28 - gibson hummingbird 10:00 - epi j200 11:17 - gibson j200

[@wupaul2981]

J45 ❤️

[@mikebednar7842]

This is one of my favorite guitar reviews in a while. Great relatable playing, great comparison of each model between each others and their Gibson counterparts. And on top of that seems like he has a great personality and is fun to watch. Top notch stuff!

[@maxguitarstore]

Thank you Mike, that is a hefty praise. Much appreciated! - Sasha

[@alexgasiewski4970]

Yes almost every player gives me a headache. This man is right when he says it sounds like this.

[@philos212]

I have to agree that this is the best guitar review that I have come across on KZbin. Thanks for spending more time playing than talking and also for strumming… Awesome job!!

[@elsizzle2000]

Finally a review where you tell your honest opinion. Most reviewers don't want to hurt their sales so they don't say true. Also your playing is so good. Subtle, simple, poetic

[@thelolguy007]

Best demo comparison I’ve seen so far. Awesome job. Really nice playing and commentary/feedback. And Very impressive job from Epiphone also

[@TelecasterLPGTop]

I've been playing electric guitars for years an SG a Strat and a top-of-the-line G&L ASAT. All beautifully set up so it's like playing air guitar. Just bought an Epiphone Hummingbird Pro and it's like playing a guitar with fence wire for strings, it came with 0012-0053 so we all know what I mean. The tone is absolutely awesome so I've left the set of 0010s I purchased in its packet. I'll persevere with the heavy strings and we'll see what happens. A stronger left hand and harder callouses will eventually arrive. I can't hear $3,000 AUSD in the Gibson, the Epiphone cost $699 AUSD and after the ole A/B I cannot hear any difference. Mind you I'm 70 years old and have stood in front of some LOUD amps over the years 100 WATT Marshalls and Fender Twins take their toll eventually, I started playing when I was 10 years old.Dig?

[@jonathanmcdonald9381]

The past week, I have watched a lot of bench test of Gibsons and Epiphone. I am interested in buying an Epiphone. I like the vibe.

[@andystrnad6194]

Fantastic playing and feel. Its perhaps the player who makes bigger difference than the guitar.

[@dstdenis01]

Great playing. Many youtube video guitar reviewers overplay the instrument and make them sound terrible. It's nice to hear someone play the guitars at different levels, soft to loud, without overdoing it. These guitars sound great. I agree with the honest opinions too. Thank you so much for this video.

[@pedroenzo7799]

One of the best guitars reviews that i ever seen. Good Job!

[@maxguitarstore]

That's a hefty praise. Thanks man! - Sasha

[@patrickbelanger2535]

Got the Hummingbird and it sounds great! Love it!

[@chadhosegood342]

Great! I am waiting to see if a store locally has one to check out as for the price you can get one of those and J45 for the price of a used J45 Gibson - wow! How do you like it after 5 months?

[@patrickbelanger2535]

@@chadhosegood342 still love it! Sounds great

[@kennethpeabody1333]

The best demo/ comparison I've watched... great job

[@donaldcahill8255]

This is what we call a professional comparaison, good job!

[@josephryan5396]

Great comparison! Something important to point out is that the Gibson Hummingbird and J-200 are the studio models tested in this video have a slimmer body depth to the standard models, more like a ooo depth. This could be why the Gibson's have a bit less low end.

[@dixiefallas7799]

I have the cutaway J200 Epi with the 2 pups and it is a fantastic guitar for the money, bought about 4 years.

[@stevewatkins5659]

Excellent review of the Epi Inspired by Gibson range and totally agree for the money they are hard to beat. I have the J45 and just last week purchased the Hummingbird which I have to say is one of the nicest guitars I have played. I have a Taylor, a Martin and a Gibson J185 but the Epi Hummingbird is right up there with all three of them.

[@leedouglasmusic]

Would you put the J45 up there?

[@stevewatkins5659]

@@leedouglasmusic The Epi J45 is also very good and of course different to the Hummingbird The one feature I'm not so wild about is the big thick pickguard but whether it affects the sound or tone I'm not sure. Compared to its' Gibson counterpart it is great value for money

[@donaldcahill8255]

@@stevewatkins5659 I have removed the pickguard (easy 30 minutes job cleaning included) Believe me, it opens the sound dramas ticly

[@JEUXolim]

This is a brilliant video!! Loved it. I’ve always said Gibsons are way over priced but they do sound better, that’s the thing with flat top acoustics, you can’t fake it like you can to a degree with solid wood electrics.

[@oldmanofcotati]

I love, love the way this guy plays.

[@nonnoinsandiego8303]

Just got the Epi J-45. It's everything you said and sounds wonderful!

[@dannyrabin]

I've owned Epiphone guitars for years. My old Master built all solid body has developed nicely over the years. I imagine they have gotten better with these new ones. Thanks for reviewing the 12 string. I've had my eye on it for awhile now.

[@pjpucci]

I just purchased the Epiphone J200. your video helped me.

[@maxguitarstore]

That's nice to hear! Enjoy the guitar!

[@trevorarthurson6815]

Fantastic review - more useful than most. I’m have noticed with the epi v Gibson comparisons the model that has obvious tonal differences is the J200.

[@KevinatorPhase1]

Thanks for the honest demo…You’ve helped me make my decision to pull the trigger on the Epi J45. Nice playing, btw.

[@drewmerklinghaus6988]

Really good and helpful video. This is the best Epiphone “inspired by Gibson” comparison on KZbin. Strumming and picking style/tallent helps (you’re an awesome player) You killed it on the 12 string. I would have liked to hear a little more stairway to heaven. Question: which Epiphone (inspired by Gibson) would you pick if you were buying one?

[@14glagla]

The player is great, and the sounds are great, that makes great guitars feel even better. Great work !

[@xodarap37]

Great comparison video... extra credit for PLAYING IN TUNE... would have liked to hear a Dove as well, but oh well... I have one coming next Wednesday...

[@matlam]

Thanks for this video, super informative! I'm very interested in the new Epiphone Hummingbird and I'm thinking of buying it, it seems to be really good for this price range! But I hesitate with the new D'Angelico Excel Lexington which has almost the same characteristics (all solid wood, same microphone, almost the same price), and which also has a great design! A video explaining the differences between these two guitars in terms of sound and comfort would be great 🤩

[@davidsherman7739]

The Gibsons do have more bottom end ( or "rumble," if you will). I recently bought the J-200, and am extremely pleased; especially since it was a "floor model" and got a very deep discount. Only drawbacks...case/ gig bag sold separately. So for now, it's being proudly displayed on a stand in my living room. Can't wait to hear how this puppy sounds through an amp.

[@JContente]

Am i the only one who likes the epi hum'bird sound better than the gibson?

[@ralex3697]

The. Gibson sounds better to me

[@MultiDreamer1979]

@@ralex3697 that’s because you are biased probably I played them and the Ephiphone sounds better to me..and I’m not biased because I own a Gibson

[@jimdoner3443]

The Gibson sounded better to me to , both guitars sounded really nice.

[@HubraumTV]

i also prefer the warmer sound of the epi...altough the more balanced gibson might be better for professional musicians

[@drothberg3]

Gibson sounds better.

[@asheriko26]

This is VERY good. I'm trying to decide between the 3 Epiphone versions and this helps a lot ! Thanks.

[@chadhosegood342]

what a great review, thank you so much for letting me hear so much strumming to make a decision on my next purchase!

[@markharwood7573]

I have the J-45 and it is the smartest guitar purchase that I have made in a long time.

[@kevinstill1069]

They all sound beautiful. The Epiphones have made wonderful strides in quality and sound over the past few decades. As a matter of fact I have a new Epiphone bass arriving today.

[@fredstevens799]

which model? I've been playing 55yrs and have 4 epi basses (among others), some quite unusual (flying V bass?) as well as 5 epi 6-strings (among others) - including the just acquired IBG Hummingbird! I love them all!!!

[@kevinstill1069]

@@fredstevens799 Hi Fred! just purchased a mid-scale EB0 similar to the one Jack Bruce used in Cream. It is Cherry finish and has the single pickup in the neck position. I put mid-scale Rotosound Swing Bass strings on it and did a little adjustment. And it plays fine. Not bad for a $260 bass.

[@fredstevens799]

@@kevinstill1069 Hey Kevin! VERY cool! I have a Gibson (reissue) of the 2-pickup version - really, the EB-3, same color (and the same hero!) I had the rotos on it for a while but switched back to my old love: flatwounds - I play with a pick a la Carole Kaye. Love that bass! Most are notoriously neck-heavy but mine is perfectly balanced! It was my main player 'till the pandemic stopped the playing... I also have the epi Viola "Beatle-bass" (awesome) and the epi Thunderbird Pro - sweet, but weighs a ton! rock on!

[@kevinstill1069]

@@fredstevens799 Very nice arsenal! And I will admit that this one is a bit top heavy. Must be all of the metal in those tuning keys. LOL Best wishes.

[@SimonWrigley]

You smile so much when you pick up the Epiphone j45, A guitar only sounds good when you love it, it is an instrument for creativity. Let the heart choose a guitar, then write songs. My first guitar was also an Epiphone (J-45 ? with round sholders) and it was great, I put a Dearmond pickup in it, the jazz type and it sounded dynamite.

[@bobaldo2339]

Good video. Thanks! The Gibson J-200 has more warmth than the Epi version. As for the J-45's, & the Hummingbirds, they are very close. The 12 string sounds fine. I agree with you though. I love the way they sound, but they are hard to play unless you have big hands, and devilish to keep in tune. Oh, and I wish they would do an Epiphone Dove, or offer an Epi J-45 with maple back & sides (even better!).

[@ejb5659]

Excelled review- you do it all right. Your playing of the 'Bird is the finest I have yet to hear.

[@richoneill5619]

Awesome job and loved your playing on that 12 string

[@maxguitarstore]

Haha thanks Rich!

[@nowisnownowismark8901]

Got my J200 Epiphone at the Gibson Garage for $999.99. Besides the Gibson, this was the only one who’s sound filled the room. It was a 4,000 difference in price-no brainer

[@TidyRC]

I have the EC-J200 obviously coz I can’t afford or justify spending the amount a Gibson costs as I’m not a musician,But I’m happy as Larry with it. Sounds and plays amazing.

[@ambu6478]

Awesome comparison of the Epiphone-Gibson guitars. Hard to believe the Epiphone sound that good for much less cost. I really enjoyed the song you played on the demonstration. Was it something you made up or is it a popular song?

[@brianlloyd1551]

Just a guess here, but it sounds like the verse to “Forever After All” by Luke Combs

[@endoffate5475]

One of the best guitar review channel on yt! 1:13 2:36 7:56

[@USNAVDC]

Really nice review. Thanks for the posting. OK, tell the truth...you were having fun with that Blues stuff on the 12 string...weren't you? It sounded really nice to my ears!

[@5150show]

Love my hummingbird

[@paulngardner]

Love your reviews man

[@dougbuswell2689]

Your playing style is very close to mine. I just ordered a Epiphone EJ200EC Today on Reverb. My poor old Ovation has been my main guitar since 2001. Many gigs and miles. Upgrading and retirement of the old girl...

[@taptapdig5487]

IMHO the j45's sound fairly close but the hummingbird and J200 have a noticable difference between the gib and epi

[@spada60]

I don't think so the hummingbird epi sounded 95% to the Gibson. It was pretty obvious

[@msinger5340]

Have to agree with everyone on this. The best comparisons of the Epi's I have seen. Your method of comparison is a cut above the rest and your demeanor is top notch. Also your audio is fantastic versus others that seem to want to boost the high or low end and the volume. All in all just fantastic. You will sell a lot of J45's from this video! By the way can you tell me your microphone choice and any devices along the signal chain that you use for your broadcast? Many thanks!

[@michaelenosmusic]

Really nice playing.. Finding it tough to tell the difference. I just have a 90s Martin DM right now but strongly leaning to add to the guitar family with one of these Inspired By Gibson models..

[@theotherside001]

Fantastic Demo! Thanks do much!

[@philipcoldron8332]

Thank you, most enjoyable and gives myself food for thought .

[@franciscolucero8541]

Great demo this is exactly how they should play on a demo video.. but in reality I like Epiphone over Gibson they sound really full.. great sound.

[@maxguitarstore]

Thanks!

[@decapitator]

Спасибо за работу! Отличное сравнение! Ещё бы подключить через звукосниматель, было бы здорово послушать

[@fallsarian5371]

if your looking for high end on the j45 id say Epiphone, while the Gibson is superior in the low end. both incredibly sounding and crafted.

[@michaelfox2989]

Great review,love your playing..

[@LiamDTurner]

An honest comparison??? that was refreshing!!!!.. SUBBED! !

[@LegsON]

LOVE that you're so honest, mate!

[@johngardiner1146]

great review

[@WilliamWallaceRoss]

I have the Epiphone Hummingbird and had to change the strings to a lighter gauge. The Gibson's seem to bring out the bass notes, where the Epiphone is more mid-tone. I believe I am trading mine in for the regular J45 Epiphone or going back to electric. At my age the acoustics kill my fingers and I need to be able to do bar chords, something I can't seem to do on the Hummingbird as easily as I once could.

[@SiggyMe]

Epiphone uses a wide angle X bracing which opens up the frequency response whereas Gibson uses the smaller angle X bracing which narrows the frequency response for more midrange quiet focus sound. Otherwise many people may perceive it as a softer more refine sound verses Epiphone more base and diluted high end. Its there its just more quiet focus. I would take either one because the player has some control over the output to compensate or dial in the tone for their own preference especially using fingerstyle. Great reviews just sub you. Thanks!

[@davidsherman7739]

Thanx for bringing up the differences in the bracing. Never knew that. See? I learned something. Now, when circumstances warrant, I can bring it up.

[@hotlov72]

I played the j45 cutaway at a music store the other day, I wasn't expecting anything great but it was pretty good for the price I liked it but I wanted the Martin Ceo 6 Black more so I bought it

[@cpickell1987]

Awesome review and really nice playing!

[@musicbattles999]

The Epis J45 and Hummingbird sounds amazing compared to the Gibson models. The Epi J200 is really good but the Gibson one is richer in harmonics.

[@javierqr]

Thanks for the video, I really enjoy it..!

[@charlottedayvocals]

Brilliant video! I'm torn between the J-45 and the hummingbird. I have a Gibson J-15 and would like a back up for her, but what I love about the J-15 is the slim neck profile. How do the IBG models compare?

[@jaylair6366]

Especially the J200 but all the gibsons sound a little deeper to me.

[@michaelnutter2753]

Very good comparison . Ty

[@justice1606]

I gotta say it... I prefer the Epi hummingbird. It's clearly got more going on to its timbre. The J45's are about even to me. The Epi J200 is just slightly under the Gibson, but it's clearly not $3500 better. I kinda want them all.

[@richoneill5619]

Great demos! I am now torn between getting the j200 or the Hummingbird

[@Mountainrock70]

Get both!

[@erniemorones3585]

I have the J200 and I absolutely love it.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Almost sounds like the EJ-200 has too much wood in it somewhere. I wonder if the bracing could be shaved down to nudge it to the GJ-200.

[@robcotter3072]

I have the Epiphone Hummingbird , love it. Just wondering what kind of microphone are you using for the video? Cheers!

[@ARTUROSIERRALOPEZ]

Like epi j45, woody and bassy

[@christophernickum]

Awesome video. Thank you for that. Can you elaborate a bit about the 12 string and why you said you hate 12 strings in general? I am considering getting my first 12 string. I've had a six string ovation for many years and I just love the sound of the 12 string. Can you give me some pros and cons, particularly regarding the Epiphone hummingbird 12 string?

[@mns8732]

The J .Very close. Indeed. Resale value is a different kettle of fish. The Hummingbird difference is more pronounced. A wee bit more. Most of these necks however are too narrow for me. Thanks for the upload. Nice job.

[@banjo1434]

Yes. You will lose a lot more money selling the more expensive guitar.

[@danieldacosta4350]

Outstanding review - love your videos - have you tried the Epi Slash J45 and any feedback is welcomed?

[@blcjck8121]

Great video, great sound. Looking for an upgrade to my old (frankly by now a bit lousy) Washburn D10SCE. Seems like one of the new Epiphones are definitely it. Not even in the same league I'd say. Btw the two second "Hairway to Steven" on the 12 string killed me 🤣

[@SeanWilliamsOfficialMusic]

I have the j200 and honestly aside from the slight difference in the low end... I'd pit it against the Gibson anyway, it just sounds so amazing!!!!

[@helloiamaman]

Great review! What strings are used in Epi j45?

[@ritesideofthefence5857]

I felt the Gibson in each case sounded , well slightly more than the epi, however is it three times more ?

[@atpr500]

No.

[@denisprieur7944]

Is there a rosewood back and side version of this J-45 inspired by Gibson ??? I' ve seen a video of JP CORMIER, and he said his was rosewood back and side, unless he's mistaken, but with his knowledge, i would doubt it very much!

[@9jmorrison]

Should add the CC60 too.

[@SpookyVillages]

My Sweet Carolina on that Gibson 200 was sweet!

[@sl.is.google]

Excellent demo, love those new Epi's 👍🔥🎸🎼💥🚀⚡🙏

[@yapkokfeiyap5522]

I would go for Gibson J45, Epi Hummingbird, Gibson J200.

[@leascaart]

I am hoping someone will do a Hummingbird vs Frontier.

[@BOOGiNS]

I don't know alot about guitars but the first Epiphone I noticed more string buzzing than the gibson

[@scoobydee3954]

I'm buying a j200 for a present to myself for turning 50. Can't decide on a colour. I want them all😃

[@williamoxendine6121]

A good comparison

[@robinsonpropertymanagement792]

New sub! Keep up the great work!

[@timworley8306]

What strings are on the Epiphone J45? Most of the ones I've heard have sounded a bit thinner and "stringy-er," but the one in this demo came much closer to matching the Gibson's "thump" and dryness.

[@maxguitarstore]

Factory string, I think those are 12's - Sasha

[@kenbrenner750]

Great great comparison

[@thealchemisttiger688]

Lol when you started stairway to heaven and then laughed….that was priceless, just bout the J-200, wow I love it ty for the demo

[@krzysztofswietlik3319]

Hi. I am thankful for the review. I have just bought Epi IBG Hummingbird. Could I kindly ask you what strings do you recommend for it?

[@thomasjackson7875]

Why don't the Masterworks dial back on the super thick tops and heavy bracing? Makes for a bit deader sound all around, hence for the need to bang on it to get the sound. For such fine materials aren't they really missing the boat on a design that could be much closer? I have a frustrating DR500-MCE and maybe they have lightened up. But in every case except possibly Hummingbird ("bloody fantastic" was his singular expression), the Gibsons sound richer and more resonant. Hard to spend $2500 on a J-45 but you get what you pay for. I may never afford the $4,600 (yes, he's lowballing, can't even get them used for under $3000) Gibson J-200, so I may give the epi a try.

[@blazeboyblazeboy4470]

The clear bass on the Gibson seemed a bit better bit for the price...I'm going cheap one

[@daverobinson22]

I'd love to know what that EQ curve is that you're using on the J200 recording.

[@user-MetalAngel]

I actually think that the Epiphone J-45 sounded better than the Gibson J-45, as it had more distinct clarity, the Gibson sounded more diminished. I know it's most likely a matter of acoustic preference.