One of the most famous acoustic guitars of all time, the Gibson Hummingbird needs little introduction. Its a playable neck for leads with notes given a muscular projection here. Construction, playability, soundall receive the highest marks. Yes, I forgot to mention the shorter scale! Its an instrument youll want to look at a whole lotand, more significant, pick up and play often. I guess I could always return it if I hated it. Fits right handed guitars only. JavaScript is disabled. For the price-points, they are very good guitars. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Epiphone Masterbilt inspired by Gibson Hummingbird (Aged Antique Natural Gloss) at the best online prices at eBay! Taylor Academy Series 10E The list goes on. The only question any guitar needs to answer, though, is whether it justifies its own price tag, and this big-lunged songbird sure does, and it'll only improve with age. Seventeen Seconds sold less than 50,000. Strummers will love the authority in the low end, and while the voice is deep, there's no shortage of detail in the upper registers, with a powerful presence on single-note passages complementing its big rhythm tones. I've recently embarked on an affordable J-45/SS copy and found my guitar. That does produce a distinctly different sound, more in line with the original J-45s of the 1940s. Like the Casino, there are several key differences between these two to justify the vast gulf in pricing. The company's origins can be traced back to present-day Turkey, where Greek luthier Anastasios Stathopoulo began building fiddles and lutes, emigrating to New York in 1903. All in all, its a good all-rounder. I think I leapt about with my thought process a little in the previous post (I have considered the M1A at various points in the past, though.). Epiphone's Inspired By Gibson series, however, is a little more ambitious, offering an all solid-wood build and an instrument that narrows the distance a little between a Gibson USA Hummingbird and one built-in China with Epiphone on the headstock. Dont even think about the price at first; just ask yourself which one gets your creative juices flying like a bird. Epiphone / Inspired by Gibson ES-339 Vintage Sunburst (VS) 17Shops Epiphone / Inspired by Gibson ES-339 Vintage Sunburst (VS) , ktmcapital.com.au 5mrtode_hc7j2rn45 Epiphone / Inspired by Gibson ES . I have the EF500RCCE and I think its tone is basically Gibson-like in terms of tone, but less. The Epiphone Frontier from the USA collection commands a whopping price tag of $3,999.00, five times the price of the Chinese-made Masterbilt Frontier at $799.00. The Hummingbird's dimensions those big, broad square shoulders help it project with a power that might catch you unawares. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Categories, More Ways to The build follows a familiar tonewood recipe, partnering solid spruce on top with solid mahogany on the back and sides, and a mahogany neck. Does it have a good sound projection? The new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-200 promises tone and feel in the spirit of Gibson's stalwart classic at a more wallet-friendly price. Battling out the Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Acoustics in a well-requested Blindfold Challenge. He didnt even flinch, Kirk Hammett reveals the secret weapon behind his guitar tone: I cant believe Im telling you about it!. You might very well question why it needs the electronics at all. The classic J-45 has been the choice of legendary musicians ever since it was first introduced in 1942. The new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 just came out, looks very similar to the Epiphone/Masterbilt AJ45ME that's been out for a few years. Check out an Epiphone Masterbilt today! I think in the past Epiphone has had some great guitars in the Masterbuilt line. Cons - I do have a 'thing' for long scale slopes and have fond memories of a Martin CEO-4R. Our Gear Advisers are available Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Masterbilt Hummingbird Aged Antique Natural Gloss [2ND] [20-2100000040223] Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Hummingbird vs. Gibson Hummingbird GSWJ - Epiphone Frontier Reveal Holiday Gift Guide: 6 Awesome Acoustic Guitars Under $600! Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500ME NS acoustic/electric - ReverbEpiphone AJ-500ME NS/ - jce.edu.gh . To disguise this, Epiphone almost always puts a solid veneer of the body wood on the back of the instrument, which is not typical of Gibson construction. Baggs magnetic soundhole pickup as an aftermarket mod. It appears the all solid Blueridge slopes have now been discontinued. I'll check out the Sigma for sure. $599.99. I have the EF500RCCE and I think its tone is basically Gibson-like in terms of tone, but less. My first proper acoustic. This all makes for a loud guitar. Larrivee's.that is very nice. Cowboy chords on the Hummingbird rang true and full, with a nice coppery top and plenty of balanced bottom end. The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 and J-200 closely capture the irresistible tones and appealing mojo of the originals at prices that won't break the bank. Only negative is the lack of a strap button on the neck. Interviews & Double-stops and single-note flatpicking up the neck produced a sweet character as well. Guitar B question," but I'd like to know your thoughts on the Epiphone Masterbilt (all three current models) compared to Gibson acoustics. When I bought it I did so because I thought it was a decent Epi and never once did I associate it with being a relative to a Gibson. Gear Buying Epiphone L-00 Studio (VS) 1044682 Epiphone( )J; Epiphone Masterbilt Inspired By Gibson Hummingbird (Aged Cherry Sunburst Gloss) | coloradodecks.com Based on your location, we've changed your settings: The new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 promises tone and feel in the spirit of Gibson's stalwart classic at a more wallet-friendly price. It has a fairly warm tone and projects well. While I cant speak for every Epiphone that ships out, this one came well set-up from the factory, with a set of Gibson phosphor bronze strings (.012.053), and played easily at virtually every position on the neck. You can pick up a very reasonable Epiphone Hummingbird Studio for just under 300 bucks. Free shipping for many products! Sound-wise, again this is subjective, the Texan sounds more similar to some Gibson acoustic models that I've played. The Academy Series represents a very clear vision, and in many ways, a dream beginner guitar, as well as a potential trade-up for some existing players one that can inspire and go the distance with a guitarist from bedroom to stage. A Gibson Original series Hummingbird is an aspirational instrument that costs north of three grand, so when Epiphone added it to its Inspired By Gibson series it was big news. The main spec difference should regard the side wood (solid on masterbilt, mahogany on IB64). Yamaha FG5 As a partial follow-up to something I mentioned previously, I tried the Fishman Rare Earth Active in the Excellente this morning. Maurys Music is your Martin Guitar specialty store. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 just came out, looks very similar to the Epiphone/Masterbilt AJ45ME that's been out for a few years. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. $ 899 .00. + Good value. ! ! Pros + All solid-wood construction. I didn't even think of buying one, but I saw one in a store, tried it out and was completely impressed by it. Nice post, I've been slightly J-45 curious lately and appreciated your thoughts. If you can play an Eastman, go for it man. Epiphone easily clears the first hurdle providing the wow factor when you open the case. Guitar World is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Add to Wish List. While many guitars in this price range are built using laminated plywood or synthetic composite materials for the back and sides, the Masterbilts rely on the traditional materials and building methods that established their reputation as world-class instruments almost a century ago, complemented with modern electronics that make them favorites of such current pros like Alex Lifeson of Rush. Thats what makes the new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Hummingbirdpart of a line that also includes versions of the classic J-45 and J-200, among other acousticsso compelling. All rights reserved. Two guitars that look very similar, but do they sound different? Thanks. With those issues addressed, we can get playing. BTW.there are quite a few times when I might play out, that I don't want to bring a nicer, more expensive guitar. Comparing the 2020 Epiphone Masterbilt J-200 and a Chinese Gibson copy for a J200! Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us. Epiphone Masterbilt J-45 vs Gibson J-45 Acoustic Letter 145K subscribers Subscribe 703 78K views 2 years ago Today we compare two J-45 models one from Gibson and one from Epiphone. *Excludes Brand New, B Stock, Fair, Poor, and Non-functioning. He's currently set aside any pipe dreams of getting anywhere with his own songs and is enjoying playing covers in function bands. Sigma DM-SG5+ By Features of the J-45 include: an all solid-wood body, bone nut and saddle, carved and scalloped bracing with a dovetail neck joint. According to another member I highly respect, his experience with the EPI Masterbilts was they were on par with the Seagull S6 which is a decent guitar. Thanks for the reply! That's what makes the new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird part of a line that also includes versions of the classic J-45 and J-200, among other acousticsso compelling. Free Standard Ground shipping (48 contiguous states, some overweight and Used/Vintage items excluded). BODY STYLE. But when it comes to Gibson and Epiphonealmost everyone knows that they can both be great guitars but, ..you need to find "A good one." Has this sound quality >. The DR-500RA and EF-500RA are saved from dullness by a rather spectacular . But with its distinctive flared pickguarddepicting a floral scene and a hovering hummingbirdthe guitar, new or used, has remained a fairly pricey choice. These new Inspired By Gibson line of Epiphones are matching vintage Gibson acoustic neck profiles and radius. Shop, Hollow & Semi-Hollow The new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 promises tone and feel in the spirit of Gibson's stalwart classic at a more wallet-friendly price. 10 reviews Write your review Item ID: EHUM12ACHNH. Epiphone USA Collection FT110 Frontier: Performance and verdict. The Hummingbird negates the lack ofa bass control with its own low-end character, but theres further reassuring/surprising news too; Gibson uses the same 50 system on its Studio Bird. and vintage tuning keys. What are you waiting for. An SG design with Les-Paul-like tone, the Gibson SG Modern has a maple top for resonance and sustain, plus push-pull coil tapping for tonal versatility. Sorryi wanted to say: I really like the picture of your guitar BeatleNut. I have an older Masterbilt. Thanks for visiting. Rounded C neck profile. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Epiphone Masterbilt inspired by Gibson J 45 EC (Aged Vintage Sunburst Gloss) at the best online prices at eBay! It could also be supply chain shortages as these are built in China. Find an Epiphone Dealer Dealer Resource Center . -Custom taper for a smoother volume or . All at a more attainable price. masterbilts sound good for a 500 dollar guitar but not even in the ballpark of a gibson and any1 who thinks so is just another agf basher of gibson. Outfitted with gold Epiphone Deluxe tuners, top and back multi-ply binding, Kalamazoo style headstock, and a bone nut and saddle. Great, thank you. ET usually ship the same business day. The aged lacquer brings out the depth in that dark mahogany. Page. You may read between the lines for yourself on that. Epiphone Masterbuilt DR 500 MCE Guitar REVIEW 2018 Best . puretone MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Once the truss rod is adjusted the familiarity of Gibsons 12 radius becomes apparent. That throwback feeling is exactly what Epiphone set out to inspire with this new addition to the Masterbilt series, a tribute to one of the company's long-lost acoustic models. 611.00. Assuming the same build quality. Lots of great, interesting info here, thnx to all. Pre-Order . Even big bold barre chords, bashed out with a little muscle, sound great on the Hummingbird. Privacy Policy | By clicking Subscribe, I agree to receive exclusive offers & promotions, news & reviews, and personalized tips for buying and selling on Reverb. Please check the fields highlighted in red. Epiphone 'Inspired By Gibson' Hummingbird: Price Comparison, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices. Single-ply binding on the back. protection from manufacturer defects. But I still appreciate the playability of most electrics, so I come from that starting point when I approach an acoustic. the latest deals. But as good as the IBG Epiphone J-45 is at getting in the ballpark, it's not an exact replica of any specific USA Gibson J-45. These gorgeous, all solid wood guitars feature updated, state-of-the-art electronics to deliver truly stunning tone, whether played plugged in or au naturel. The tops Aged Antique Natural caramel hues bathe in a worn gloss that looks authentically played in. Don't worry, I was on the same page as you regarding the Baggs Element not being a soundhole pickup! But its not just another pretty six-stringthe build quality on the Epi Hummingbird is excellent, with the bracing and interior tidy and tight. Yes, I still think of myself as primarily an electric player but I don't know if it's actually true these days. While we are knocked out by the visuals and the attention to detail on the lacquer, the factory setup could use a little T and C. There is a little bit of a bow in the neck that needed a tweak on the truss rod before being pressed into service, and, once more, those Velcro pouches have proved themselves a poor choice for holding the electronics' 9V battery. You are using an out of date browser. Epiphone Inspired By Gibson ES-335 Vintage Sunburst . Well, there are worse things I could do. Your purchases also help protect forests, including trees traditionally used to make instruments. This article originally appeared in the November/December 2021 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine. Have an account? If the Texan had been available, I would have had a difficult time deciding between the two. While the Epiphone brand may be well known today as the maker of lower-cost import versions of US-made Gibson guitars like the Les Paul electric or the J-200 acoustic models, Epiphone's history actually dates back to 1873, and includes some of the finest archtop acoustic and jazz guitars ever built, as well as a variety of mandolins, banjos and other instruments. Gibsons new flagship Historic 1960 Hummingbird will set you back five grand, while the Hummingbird Original goes for $3,849. It looks the part, with the split parallelogram inlays, square shoulders and decorative pickguard. I love the look of this guitar and hope i like to play it either! And for those priced out of Gibson ownership (and have always lusted after a Hummingbird), thats welcome news. I owned an aj500m as well as an aj500r. To power your pickup, you will need a 9-volt battery. Copyright 2021 Gibson Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. The Gear Page is the leading online community and marketplace for guitars, amps, pedals, effects and associated gear. More, Popular dry. Thanks for the pickup advice. So pretty much the sound of these guitars only lives in the memories of those of us lucky enough to have played one which considering how few were built ain't many. It complements the human voice nicely, is magisterial with an open chord strum, andit records beautifully. Rob is the Guitars Editor for MusicRadar (opens in new tab), handling news, reviews, features, tuition, advice for the strings side of the site and everything in between. Not a lot. 46. Epiphone stands behind every guitar they make with a Limited Lifetime Warranty and Gibson Brands Customer Service. Please pause and pledge before reading this article. Fishman Sonicore pickup system with controls for volume and tone in the sound hole. All guitars ship for free. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Body 14-fret square-shouldered dreadnought shape; solid Sitka spruce top with quartersawn spruce bracing; solid mahogany back and sides; reverse belly Indian laurel bridge with bone saddle; top and back multi-ply binding; tortoise pickguard with Hummingbird graphics; aged gloss finish (Cherry Sunburst or Antique Natural), Neck 24.72-scale mahogany neck with rounded C shape; glued-in tapered dovetail joint; dual-action truss rod;20 medium jumbo frets; Indian laurel fretboard with 12.01 radius and mother-of-pearl split parallelogram inlays; 1.69 bone nut; Epiphone Deluxe tuners with gold press-in bushings, Other Fishman Sonitone electronics; Gibson phosphor bronze strings (.012.053); optional EpiLite case ($90); left-handed available. 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Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente vs Masterbilt/Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird Black_Pearler Feb 7, 2021 1 2 Next B Black_Pearler Member Messages 116 Feb 7, 2021 #1 Hi all. Oops, looks like you forgot something. The guitar is also outfitted with a Fishman pickup system for on-stage, amplified use. Recevez un kit d'accessoires guitare gratuit pour tout achat de guitare. I recently got one of these. Local stores have only had Gibson J-45 standards in stock, but one just got an a IBG J-45 that I'm hoping to try out soon. But the Gibson versions have always priced most of us out. A convincing and grown-up Epiphone take on Gibson's most-famous acoustic, the Inspired By Gibson Hummingbird bears the sonic hallmarks of its illustrious US-built kin. On the flagship Gibson models, you'll get rosewood, and on the Gibson Studio models, you'll get a choice of walnut or rosewood. Prices exclude shipping and tax/VAT/GST. By using a thin satin coat rather than a gloss polyurethane finish, Epiphone has increased the instrument's resonance. These seem to be going up in value now and I'm not surprised. Thanks! Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Marques de commerce de Gibson Brands, Inc. Special Financing - Ends Jan 1, 2024. Show more Almost yours: 2 weeks, on us Wellcorrection: The IBG 'bird neck is rounded C. It is their standard one that is slim. Here, however, Epiphone has used Indian Laurel. Features of the J-200 include: a sharp-looking solid figured maple back and sides, solid sitka spruce top for classic "Jumbo" tone, mother of pearl Graduated Crown inlays, a two-piece maple neck with a rounded C profile, gold Epiphone Deluxe tuning . There's a lot of volume to the Frontier, more than your average . I've been playing Epiphone guitars for over 35 years and they just keep getting better and better. They sound different, of course. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Just $799and you get much of the vibe of its costlier Gibson counterparts, as I discovered when I put the guitar through its paces. That is much less true of Martin and Taylor, Guild, Collings, etc etc etc. + Classy builds. The sound of these guitars though was largely shaped by the non-scalloped bracing Gibson had started using in 1955 and the ADJ saddle bridge supported by large screws combined with the stiff laminate bridge plate needed to support that heavy contraption.