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#1
12-02-2020, 10:42 AM
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Has anyone played or purchased one of the new Inspired by Gibson Epi's?
Has anyone played one of the new Inspired by Gibson Epiphones? They look intriguing. I've got a Gibson J45TV in my herd and have been on the prowl for a Hummingbird. Also have a couple early model Epi Masterbilts that I love. They are early 2006 models (DR500m and AJ500M) that are great examples of Epi getting it right. The J200 looks great too with the solid maple back and price point for these is making them hard to resist. I just don't need another guitar. Or do I???
Last edited by WFO!; 12-02-2020 at 10:59 AM. 
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#2
12-02-2020, 03:39 PM
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I have the older Epiphone EJ-200, last of the full body, straight acoustic versions before they all went to cutaways with pick ups.
These new 'Inspired by Gibson' versions look fantastic. Apart from the solid woods now, better headstock shape, keystone tuners, no 'barn-door' pick up controls, 2 colors on the pickguard, bone nut & saddle, different roseette and a thinner less glossy finish. All great upgrades, however the EJ still has quite a narrow nut, mine is 1.68" and the new version is listed as 1.69" - by comparison my SJ-200 is 1.72".  
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Brucebubs 1972 - Takamine D-70 2014 - Alvarez ABT60 Baritone 2015 - Kittis RBJ-195 Jumbo 2012 - Dan Dubowski#61 2018 - Rickenbacker 4003 Fireglo 2020 - Gibson Custom Shop Historic 1957 SJ-200 2021 - Epiphone 'IBG' Hummingbird Last edited by Brucebubs; 12-02-2020 at 04:14 PM.
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#3
12-02-2020, 05:30 PM
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Much as they are better than ever, I have not played an import of any kind that was a guitar I would want instead of the real thing. And even if somehow they could, Gibson would not do it. They can make good looking guitars that play and sound fine, and back that up with marketing.
If you want a J 45, save for one. It isn't the instant gratification, but it is what will make you happy. A used J 45 is an attainable goal. Marketing is just that. Inspired by, Westerly series, Masterbuilt, etc. is all marketing. It is sobering and a bit of a bummer, but play both side by side. The only true alternative is something like an Eastman. IMHO
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2007 Martin D 35 Custom 1970 Guild D 35 1965 Epiphone Texan 2011 Santa Cruz D P/W Pono OP 30 D parlor Pono OP12-30 Pono MT uke Goldtone Paul Beard squareneck resophonic Fluke tenor ukulele Boatload of home rolled telecasters "Shut up and play ur guitar" Frank Zappa
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#4
12-02-2020, 05:45 PM
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Br1ck I understand your point, but personally don't agree with it. Not that it is wrong. I am fortunate to own a fantastic Gibson J45 TV along with an HD 28. However, I still love picking up my Masterbilt AJ500 and DR500. For me there is something to be said about well built mid priced guitars. I would gladly give the new Hummingbird or J200 a shot. No, it is not the same as the Gibby version. However the vibe is there and a well made product too boot. My 2 cents.
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#5
12-02-2020, 06:27 PM
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Quote:
I think my Epiphone EJ-200 is an outstanding guitar for the money. I think my Gibson SJ-200 is an outstanding guitar for an outstanding amount of money. 
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Brucebubs 1972 - Takamine D-70 2014 - Alvarez ABT60 Baritone 2015 - Kittis RBJ-195 Jumbo 2012 - Dan Dubowski#61 2018 - Rickenbacker 4003 Fireglo 2020 - Gibson Custom Shop Historic 1957 SJ-200 2021 - Epiphone 'IBG' Hummingbird
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#6
12-02-2020, 08:53 PM
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Hi all, first post here but a long time lurker.
I just got the Hummingbird. My main 2 acoustics are a 2019 Martin Custom shop D-28 Wildwood Custom and a 1998 Taylor 410. I can say the Hummingbird I just received is awesome. Fit, finish, build quality, tone, and playability are great. The sound and projection are very impressive for a guitar at this price point. Really well built and good sounding guitar. I'm already eyeballing the J-45    
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#7
12-03-2020, 03:23 AM
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A lot of people keep saying "good for the money."
The real question is whether they're good regardless of price. I can see someone who is moving up from a starter acoustic going for something like this, but would they actually hold their own against what they're modeled after? Or even against well established all solid entry models like the Martin's 15 series, Taylor's 300 series, or Gibson's thinner J-45 walnut variants? I've never been a fan of Epiphone acoustics so I'm not expecting much. Not even against similarly priced all solid offerings from other brands. EDIT: just saw they have a 12 string Hummingbird. Now that looks interesting!
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Last edited by evening_crow; 12-03-2020 at 03:34 AM.
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#8
12-04-2020, 07:16 AM
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I keep looking at the masterbilt Texans and wonder how the fair against the USA Texan
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#9
12-04-2020, 07:45 AM
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No acoustics, but I played a few of the new 335s with serious intent to purchase. One of them had a nut with screwed up slots, and one of them had a twisted neck with three times the relief on the bass side than on the treble side. YMMV
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#10
12-05-2020, 11:38 AM
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Believe it or not, it is possible for guitars made outside of the US to sound and play well... I own two older Masterbilts (2006/2007 variants) along with American made Gibson and Martin. I love the Masterbilts and they sound and play wonderfully. These new ones look great. My dilemma is, do I need another guitar. That is a big NO.
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