Sit with a Gibson and chances are, it will ring out more when you play it than an Epiphone. Not only does better wood look nicer, but it increases resonance too – you’ll notice this unplugged as well. That’s because better quality maple is used on the Gibson and produces a better ‘flame’ visual effect something that’s sought after among fans of a fancy top. For example if you look at a Gibson Les Paul Standard and an Epiphone Les Paul Standard, the tops will often look a lot different. The wood used to make Gibsons, particularly in premium models, is of a higher grade. Some of the work done by hand at the Gibson USA factory The MaterialsĪnother big difference between Gibson and Epiphone is the actual parts and material used. It’s also worth noting that American-made guitars tend to hold their value better, if you come to selling it on later. Whilst the building processes in Asia and America are alike in more ways than they’re not, there are still differences – largely, that the American factories have more highly-skilled workers. They’ve also enlisted the help of ex-Gibson luthiers to help get the Epis as close to the Gibbys as possible, whilst keeping the price down. In 2002, Epiphone moved into a factory in China that exclusively produces their guitars and no one else’s. Epiphone VS Gibson – What Are The Differences? The Buildįirst off, Gibsons are made in America, whereas Epiphones are mostly made in China. So, we know that Epiphone are generally cheaper than Gibson, but what other differences are there between the two brands? This time, we’ll be concentrating on electric guitars, though both brands do make a range of acoustics too. Alongside producing cheaper versions of Gibson models, Epiphone also make some guitars that are unique to them and are legends in their own right.
Other brands may make copies of the Les Paul, SG, 335 etc but Gibson and Epiphone are the only two brands that can really lay claim to these guitars. In 1957, the company that owned Gibson bought out Epiphone and since then, they’ve been sister companies. Luckily, Epiphone make more budget versions of these guitars. Gibson guitars are incredible, however they can be quite expensive. These guitars, usually armed with a pair of humbuckers, have been rife within rock, blues and metal over the last years. Not far behind it in terms of popularity are guitars such as the SG, ES-335, Flying V, Firebird amongst many other legends.
It’s the guitar that millions of aspiring players have always dreamt of owning one day.
The Gibson Les Paul is one of the most iconic guitars of all time.