Epiphone model closest to Gibson quality?

[nolesj]

I have a three IBG Epiphones and love them all after setting them up to my liking (including pickup swaps). But, you have to try them first.

HOWEVER, I also have or have had several Eastman models, and currently have an Eastman T486. This guitar is on par with many Gibsons I have played, and in a lot of cases is better in workmanship. You can buy the T486’s little brother (T386) for not much more money than a new IBG Epiphone. The Eastman is light years ahead of the Epiphone IMO.

https://reverb.com/item/80642677-eas...VPpKbpIbsIZzQA

[ghostnote]

I have a number of Epiphones - Casino, Sheraton, EJ160 John Lennon - but the best one by far is a Johnny A Custom. It’s a great guitar with great materials and build quality, and it’s Gibson’s own Epiphone copy of their Johnny A model. (At about $4000 less) This model is completely different from any other Gibson/Epi model. It’s as good as any Gibson I own, and better than most. USA ‘57 Classics, a B70 Bigsby, ebony fretboard, triple binding and more stuff that Johnny A wanted. They didn’t make a lot of them. I got mine new in 2017 as a retirement gift to myself and I don’t know when they stopped making them. Definitely worth checking out if you run into one. I play mine all the time, way more than I thought I would.

[67goat]

The closest to Gibson quality is probably the USA made one, but that one is basically Gibson pricing, so that's probably not the one you want.

I haven't played an IBG version, so I don't know if it is the same. But for the non-IBG versions, all of the models that share a body just seem to be upgrades to hardware and pickups. Otherwise the quality is about the same across the models.

I have a Casino, Casino Coupe, and a Wildkat. I like them all. I assume the IBG are at least the same level of quality.

[Don W]

I have an Epiphone Elitist 1965 re issue Casino. The "Elitist" series was unsurpassed in quality. If you can find one of the Epiphone Elitist series...Les Pauls and the Gibson models, they are equal to or better than the Gibsons. When they were first offered they were a lot less than a Gibson but more than the Korean Epiphones. My Casino, new, was 1200.00. The guitar was made in Japan and all of the electronics (P90's) were installed in the USA by Gibson. Everything was perfect right out of the box.

[GoPappy]

Originally Posted by Puddleglum

That link is for Epi, not Gretsch.

Good heavens! Cranial flatulence on my part. Here are a couple of Gretsch links:

https://blog.gretschguitars.com/2013...erial-numbers/

https://serialnumberdecoder.com/gret...number-lookup/

[J Patrick]

I think the quality of my Epi 335 Pro is really good but I hate thick poly finishes so I steel wooied mine down to a low gloss vintage-like patina…I also swapped out the original pickups and electronics, (which are quite good) for some custom PAF style pickups and a vintage wiring harness…..I also swapped the bridge for a better quality tone pros model….

[Rolph]

Gibson ES 335's are very hit and miss. Unless you go to a 1960's model, well built and not heavy. Difficult to find a really good one. Check out the Sire Larry Carlton 335 model. Compare that A/B to the Epiphone you choose. I think you'll be surprised.

[gmr]

I see Epiphone has just released their new 1959 ES 335 model. It is supposed to have Gibson quality electronics, Gibson custombucker pickups… a pretty true to form reissue version of the 1959 Gibson ES 335.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...tar-cherry-red

[zuzu]

I have an Epiphone Korean-made Sheraton, '90's I think, with mini humbuckers. It is really sweet. If I'm not playing my Tele I'm playing the Sheraton...the poor old Strat never gets a peek out of the case anymore...

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by zuzu

I have an Epiphone Korean-made Sheraton, '90's I think, with mini humbuckers. It is really sweet...

They're back:



https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...-guitar-cherry
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...guitar-natural

- and if your taste runs to Gretsch-style color schemes, I betcha you'll be the only picker in town with one of these:



https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...tar-viper-blue

[zuzu]

Cool! Mine is black with the tort pickguard and looks like the later ones with the humbuckers, but it's factory minis

[rollypolly]

Finally went by my GC and played a IBG 335 and a Casino. It gave me a better idea of what they’re like. The Casino actually was really lightly built and very loud played acoustically. Very cool and surprising since it’s also a 335 shape. The IBG was much heavier and maybe a tad better built but not on the level of an actual Gibson. Still need to find out if any of the IBG models have nitro finish.

[Puddleglum]

I struggle to understand how something doesn't feel up to the quality of a Gibson etc? The Epiphone factory surely uses the same tools as the Gibson shop etc? A guitar in the Epi shop is put together the same way as one in the Gibson shop. I honestly think of people were blindfolded and handed various guitars, they'd not be able to tell the difference.

[GoPappy]

The prices of these new Epiphone guitars are now in the same price range as the sadly-discontinued Made-In-Japan Epiphone Elitist series. I finally found a 335 Elitist and bought it, and I'm happy to say that it compares very well with a Gibson 335 other than it has a poly finish rather than lacquer.

[gmr]

The differences to my ears and my playing comfort, between Gibson and Epiphone are quite minor to my mind. I’m very satisfied to play Epiphone electrics. The new upscale models seem to be getting a bit much.
I had a 61’ P90 SG reissue, that played very well. I had one of the IBG LP jr models that was quite nice. My grandson now owns that one. I don’t think you’d be giving up much with most any of the mid to upper Epi models. Only reason to have a Gibson is the desire to own a Gibson. QC can be a bit off with Gibson in my experience. I own and enjoy Gibson guitars, but a large portion of the cost of upgrading to a Gibby is the logo.
I do wish Epi would lighten up on the thickness of their finishes though 😳