Gibson vs. Epiphone
Evaluating Craftsmanship: Gibson vs. Epiphone Body, Construction, and Finish Initial assessments revealed middling resonance in both guitars, indicating an average tonal quality. While both boasted mahogany bodies and necks, their finishes varied. The Gibson showcased a TV Yellow finish with gloss nitro cellulose lacquer, offering glimpses of the mahogany grain. In contrast, the Epiphone featured an opaque yellow hue under gloss polyurethane. While Gibson excelled in finish quality, both instruments displayed solid construction, albeit requiring fret polishing and fretboard cleaning. Verdict: Gibson for Finish, No Clear Winner for Construction WEIGHT A slight weight difference emerged, with the Gibson marginally lighter than the Epiphone. However, once strapped on, this variation seemed negligible, making the weight distinction inconsequential. Verdict: Gibson TUNERS Both guitars featured Kluson-style tuners, neither exhibiting outstanding performance. The Gibson’s tuners operated smoother compared to the stiffer, less refined feel of the Epiphone’s. Nevertheless, both fell short of meeting modern tuning standards.
Necks Examinations revealed straight necks in both models, with marginally better action on the Gibson. Fret materials remained consistent with nickel frets, requiring similar sanding and polishing for optimal playability. While the Epiphone neck felt slightly chunkier, neither neck caused discomfort during play.
Verdict: No Clear Winner
Pots, Hardware, and Pickups The Epiphone boasted smoother volume and tone pots, potentially utilizing higher-grade CTS pots, while the Gibson’s felt less refined. Both suffered from tone pots dramatically cutting volume and treble when rolled off. Similarities were apparent in hardware, but the Epiphone’s compensated tailpiece surpassed the standard one on the Gibson. Regarding pickups, subjective evaluations indicated brighter P90s on the Gibson and warmer, bass-rich ones on the Epiphone. However, the absence of specific technical data regarding resistance, impedance, and output current hindered a conclusive assessment. Verdict: Epiphone for Hardware, No Clear Winner for Pickups Strings and Overall Conclusion Initial strings on both guitars were subpar, necessitating immediate replacement. Yet, despite the Gibson’s surprising quality, it struggled to justify its significantly higher price compared to the Epiphone.
Verdict: No Clear Winner
Verdict: Epiphone
sound press December 2023 |
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker