On fence..need opinions please, epi j45 gib inspired

[Guitartanzon]

Ready to pull the trigger, has a lot of great reviews…

Note…do not want a US made j 45….had one and was always worried about scratching it and stuff and damaging it….done with that

Looks like the indonesian made one for $750 may be the ticket….and I won’t care about scratches and dings.

anyone have one? comments appreciated

[pickinray]

I haven't played the Epiphone J-45, but this video presents an interesting comparison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7W8HHZRIYI

IMO, the Gibson sounds better, but for $750 the Epiphone is a well-made solid wood guitar that sounds pretty good, and you can take it anywhere and not worry about scratches and dings. If that's what you're looking for, I think it would be a great choice. Other options you might want to consider would be the Guild DS-240 or Farida Old Town Series from Elderly Instruments.

[Brucebubs]

I read great reviews on these but of the 3 Epiphone 'Inspired by Gibson' models - the J-45, SJ-200 and Hummingbird I believe it's the last one, the Hummingbird, that really sounds the best ... I'm very pleased with mine.

The only criticism I've read online with the IBG J-45 has been regarding the tuners.

The IBG J-45'Slash' model comes with Grover Rotomatic tuners and a hardcase.

[pickinray]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

I read great reviews on these but of the 3 Epiphone 'Inspired by Gibson' models - the J-45, SJ-200 and Hummingbird I believe it's the last one, the Hummingbird, that really sounds the best ... I'm very pleased with mine.

The only criticism I've read online with the IBG J-45 has been regarding the tuners.

The IBG J-45'Slash' model comes with Grover Rotomatic tuners and a hardcase.

The Slash models look great in both colors (November and Vermillion Burst) and the Grover tuners and hard case are nice extras.

[BoneDigger]

I own an Epiphone Slash IBG J45 and it's a great guitar. It easily matches my Eastman E10SS.

[Brucebubs]

As you probably know - these don't come with a hard case which is a pity because the Epiphone hard cases are good value.

If you have wriggle room in your budget try negotiating a deal including a hard case like I did.

[BoneDigger]

I realize that this is about J45s, but I played my IBG Hummingbird today against a 1974 Gibson Hummingbird and I like my Epi better. I realize it's a matter of taste though.

[joeappel]

The IBG Hummingbird and J45 are nice guitars.

I had a Hummingbird for about a week and it just didn't make me happy. So I returned it to GC. It was built well enough but kind of heavy. But the thing I just didn't like was the nut width. It felt narrower than the Gibson.

I also tried out a IBG J45. Again, it was nice enough but the neck felt the same. I think if I were going to go for one of those I'd opt for the Slash model since the neck is a little fatter and the gloss finish looks better than the satin finish on the regular IBG J45 and it comes with a case.

[Guitartanzon]

I am going to consider the hummingbird as well now…its eye candy

[nobuzz67]

[rmp]

hey I get the "pristine" desires

When my J200 was new, I was very much the same,

after the first 3 or 4 "DOHS!!!!!" I let it go and that guitar is awesome.

Minor things ya know, I wee little ding here and there, nothing horrendous but it is not mint. but it sings like an angel

So maybe... buy a used J45,, then you may not care as much!

I know a few guys that have had both,, they said the Epi Inspired was good

but also said "no contest" compared do the Gibsons.

To each their own, some it may not matter, Epi/Gibson, but it mattered to them

YMMV

[rampix]

OP, i bought my IBG J45 Slash model for the very reasons you're considering one. I've been very pleasantly surprised by it. It may not be the equal of my custom Martin OM28 or my custom shop 1942 Banner J45, but it is a really good guitar for less than $1k. They are a bit heavy but seem bombproof and that's what I wanted from this guitar. It turned out to sound much better than I expected.

I bought it specifically for camping and road trips but find myself putting it out on a stand and grabbing it several times a day for short sessions. I have a 2 year old bird dog in the house so I can't do that with my "precious guitars". It's nice having one that can be knocked around a bit without worry.

I hope you can find one to demo.

[lapetrarca]

I've had my IBG J45 for about a year or so now. Great guitar....no complaints.

Had my trusted pro do a setup on mine and it's probably one of, if not the, best playing acoustics I've ever played. Sounds good too. Already have a standing offer to buy it if I should ever decide to sell it.

[Guitartanzon]

OK NOW…..

if I go with the HUMMINGBIRD……

ANTIGUE AGE NATURAL or Cherry Sunburst ?

hard to decide…..

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by Guitartanzon

OK NOW…..
if I go with the HUMMINGBIRD……
ANTIGUE AGE NATURAL or Cherry Sunburst ?

Gotta love a nice burst!