10 Best Epiphone Acoustics? (2022) ★ Acoustic Tuesday 248
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ค. 2024
- Epiphone guitars have quite the reputation. But does their street cred match up with how they sound? Check out my list of the 10 best Epiphone acoustic guitars ever made.
@OfficialEpiphone guitars are kinda known as the less desirable branch of the Gibson family. They aren't as expensive, are made with cheaper parts (usually), and don't have the same prestige as a Gibson guitar. But does that really matter? Doesn't it all come down to the sound?
Fortunately for you, that's probably the biggest consideration I have when I'm making recommendations. So, after reviewing thousands of guitars in my lifetime, I've gained a certain understanding of what to look for in a guitar.
As a result, this is my list of the 10 best Epiphone guitars out there. The prices on this list run from as high as $6,000 to, well, much more affordable than that. There's a little something for everyone here so be sure to check out the whole episode.
Featured in this episode...
-@OfficialEpiphone
-@gibsonguitar
-@GemsOnVHS
-@nationalguitars
-@RecordingKingOfficial
#epiphone #acousticguitar
00:00 - Intro
01:42 - Best Epiphone Acoustic Guitars #10-#6
07:50 - Best Epiphone Acoustic Guitars #5-#2
14:53 - The Best Epiphone of All Time?
18:00 - TAC Guitar Lick Challenge
23:46 - Reviewing Taylor Swift Comments
29:48 - Acoustic Guitar News - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
I think Paul McCartney used an Epiphone for “Yesterday”. He used a Martin D28 for “Blackbird”.
Well, actually not only Yesterday but most of his Beatle production up to 1968 (I’ve Just Seen A Face, Michelle, I’m Looking Through You, We Can Work It Out, Here There & Everywhere, etc.) was (written?) recorded with his Epiphone FT-79 Texan
After watching this episode, I finally found the right deal on a USA Texan. I was looking for a Gibson and bought the Texan. This guitar is fantastic. I think the longer scale length makes the difference for me. Thanks for your continued support for Guitars for Vets. I am an instructor and the program has great benefits for the Vets.
Just bought a new Inspired by Gibson Epiphone Hummingbird … LOVE IT
I’ve never had an Epiphone guitar in my life, watching this video I’ve noticed the variety of quality sound and prices. I hope if I could have someday the chance to have one.
Greetings from Valencia Venezuela 🇻🇪
How about the Masterbuilt DR500MCE.. all solid wood.. they were in that 1st group of the Masterbuilt range... actually found one used for 400.. sounds/feels/looks so good.
I played one of those new and a/b’d it against a $2500 Gibson and liked the masterbilt more.
It is beautifully made and quite playable. I must say it has so much wood that I think it sacrifices resonance. The neck is a unique c shape. The electronics are superb. Except when they're not! I prefer a 3/4 in neck, and I must say my Gibson j45 is the go to now. But it's four times the price! Can't go wrong. Especially if it feels good and you are a beginning to intermediate player.
Bridge pulls up on early production. Big problem
@@knockywigglesworth1909 mine, I learned, is a 2018 Indonesia made. Haven't noticed bridge problems.
Hey Tony, I have an older Skunk Baxter signature. I have it set up for D tuning. I use it classical style finger playing. Does it have any real value?
This was my first watch of Acoustic Tuesday, interesting point you made about guitar setup. I'm a beginner and have just started the TAC 30 day challenge, my guitar is a second hand Ibanez GT10. I started out thinking wow learning sucks, it just hurts to try and fret anything. Well decided to go to the local guitar store and asked them to do a set up on it. Turns out it was waaay out of adjustment, they got it ito playing condition though (it actually cost more for the setup than what I paid for it). Even though I now have a guitar that plays nicely, providing I'm not the one strumming it : )
You'll improve in time, dude. Keep up the TAC lessons! ❤️
I've been playing for a couple of years. The Epiphone IBG Hummingbird changed my game.
Hey Tony, great feed as usual man!
I became a lifetime member last year and I’m glad I did, there’s something each weekday to check out. I know this comment is a bit off topic regarding the topics of this particular show but I just wanted to mention ( if you’re even going to see this that is ) if you can possibly add a section ( maybe like the fretboard wizard one you’ve done ) for a more intermediate style, or even a bit advanced? I know I’m going out on a limb here but it would be fantastic. After all, if we push ourselves a bit that’s typically how we improve, at least I think I’ve heard that somewhere ahah! 😂
Either way, thanks in advance! 🤙
The first guitar I bought was an Epiphone dreadnought purchased new in 1972. Cost $89, and sounded pretty nice! Was good enough to keep me playing!
Hello I love your guitar list when you have the time can you do a top ten of Godin guitars I have a Motif nylon and I love it and I would like to hear how you feel about it.
I have 2 Epiphone acoustics; a DR-100 and a Starling. Both are good inexpensive guitars perfect for starting out; or playing in the yard or around the campfire. The DR-100 is the better of the two and felt pretty well set up right out of the box. It's just a beautiful looking and playing guitar. I've been very pleased with my DR-100.
I really love my IBG Hummingbird. It just is perfect for me.
I see you included the DR-100 in your list. I picked up a DR-212 12-string a few years back. What's your take on it?
I've had a few Epiphones: Dave Navarro "Jane", a Humingbird (still have it), and a DR100 was my first. But, my favorite that I still own is an 1998 anniversary edition AJ35S-NA. It's a slope shoulder dread. Belonged to my brother and his wife gave it to me when he passed. I will keep it forever!
How about the comparison between dr-100 and starling? Which one better? Thank you for the answers.
Epiphone Masterbuilt EF 500 RANS. Has been my go to for a long time. The abalone inlays are amazing. I love the 1 3/4 neck width. I added a pickup and wish I waited for the cutaway. Great guitar and great sound.
Another great episode! I would really like a vintage Epiphone archtop. My sister-in-law was gifted one back in the 70s, and I thought it had a great tone. Unfortunately, without the internet, I really never knew much about it (don't even remember the model).
Regarding a guitar hero - I believe anyone that has inspired you to play guitar is your guitar hero! We should always welcome more guitar players, and be thankful for anyone who inspires someone to start playing.
Possible idea for a future episode - how about a snapshot of quality imported guitars: Recording King, Eastman, Blueridge, etc.? Keep those Dad jokes coming!
I own an Epi. 2008 Hummingbird made in Indonesia; bot it used several years ago. Great guitar with solid tone and feel with a nice balanced all around sound!
I have an Epiphone Dove Pro and love it but also like the sound of the Hummingbird Pro. Sad these didn't make your top listing.
Agreed. I recently purchased an epi hummingbird pro and I love the sound of it. Very comparable to a gibson hummingbird. My dad had a 1968 model and I can't hear much of a difference
Thanks Tony, interesting list. I once had that L-00 Studio (Epiphone called it something else at the time) and always regretted selling it. I think you should do a similar top 10 wit Yamaha. To this day I think they offer the best of the best in their line from beginner models right through their high-end ones.
Both my classical and acoustic are Yamaha, NTX900FM and APX500II.My classical is beyond amazing, it's my favorite guitar and I really couldn't ask much from it. Love it to death
I got a DR 100 from new and it is definitely as you say Tony it really does need a set up . The one I got it's neck was out and the action was really high. Took it back to the shop to get it fixed (for free I might add ) and it plays like a dream .
And yes Taylor Swift is a very good guitarist . Great show as always.
I have a PR-150 I picked up for around $175 around 15 years ago. Shaved the saddle to get 4/64 at the 12th fret with almost no relief. Spent another $175 on a decent case, It is my go to player, I dressed the frets about 5 or 6 years ago, it still sounds and plays great, especially for the price. Some other more expensive instruments have come and gone in the time I've had it.
DR-500mce. Beautiful fit and finish and incredible balanced and warm. Love it.
I have a dr 500mce it is a fave over my Martin and Taylor
Great episode Tony! I think the Epiphone Masterbilt J-45 is my personal favorite, but maybe thats because Quinton King from Music Villa is playing it. No offence to Epiphone and its fans but i would never pay $3000 for an Epiphone when you can get a really nice Gibson for the same price..
Love my epiphone hummingbird masterbuilt. Awesome guitar
Wow, Quinton of Music Villa on the J45!
I own the Epiphone Masterbuilt DR500RNS for about 18 years now and i still love it..I would also love to know any info you could give on as well. Even what it is worth now days. Tia
I'm thrilled with my masterbuilt Epi EF500RANS it's got a wider nut and saddle string spacing which makes it great for fingerstyle
Hi Tony ... I have an Epiphone Hummingbird Pro and love playing it. I bought 6 months after I started playing guitar. Yesterday I saw a n Epiphone FT-130 manufactured in Japan in 1970 was not sure if it was worth picking up ( it was in one of those antique barn stores.
My wife just gifted me the Epiphone Hummingbird inspired by Gibson. Guitar looks and plays great! I prefer it over my Martin! Amazing!
I recommended it to anyone whos thinking about buying one... Buy It! 😉
The Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-45ME is a wonderful advanced jumbo that pays homage to the Gibson J45 while adding some historic Epiphone aesthetic-the headstock shape is reminiscent of Epiphone’s 1930s Masterbilt archtops.
I am looking at a new dove studio online. Haven’t found one around her to play, but it looks like a good price $449, comes with Fishman electronics. Any opinion on it?
I love my Epiphone AJ 220 SCE , sitka spruce top mahogany sides. Rings like a bell and gets sweeter every year.
In the late 70s I bought an Epiphone PR765, Japan-made dreadnought with a 3-piece rosewood back, spectacular inlays, one of the most playable necks I've ever held, and absolutely gorgeous tone. It was a guitar that drove high-end Martin and Gibson owners crazy. Stolen many years ago, alas, I hope it found its way into good hands...
For me, a guitar hero is someone who inspires me to listen to or play guitar. Broad, I know. My first guitar hero would probably be Steve Breuer, the 1960s director of Camp Hess Kramer, a Jewish summer camp nestled in the Malibu hills above the Pacific Ocean (recently and sadly burned to the ground in the 2018 Woolsey Fire, hopefully rebuilt by now). Anyway, Steve led the entire camp in folk and Hebrew songs from his dreadnought (maybe a D28) after each meal and in the waning summer light (Hine Ma Tov Uma Nayim, (“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.”). A glorious sound that lives within me to this day.
I Live both of my Epiphone‘s , one is a DR-212 and the other one is a Tenor Ukulele and both are awesome.
Just curious Tony, you chose the Epi Masterbilt Inspired by Gibson J45 but not also say the Hummingbird or J200? Perhaps because it would fill up more than 10 spots I guess
The Elvis Presley Ej200, the Spruce and Maple one with Elvis Presley on the fretboard was the best Epi i ever had, plus it was a good conversation piece. Also the Epiphone Dr500R
I have two Epiphone acoustics that I just love. My Epiphone Dove Pro only cost me $369 new from Sweetwater. It plays like a $1,000 guitar, has solid maple back & sides, and looks really cool, especially the pickguard. I just today (my birthday) bought an Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente for $1,299. It sounds comparable to my $1,500 Gibson J-45 walnut, $1,600 Taylor 224 koa, $1,900 Martin OMC-16, and $2,300 Taylor 326 urban ash.
I was going to say you missed the Excellente as well. The newer masterbuilts. I've heard they are awesome. Different subject but I would love to hear a comparative cost Yamaha and Epiphone review. Just picked up an LL16D used for $600. Its just a tad brighter but it is the fullest range sound with clearest note separation I have ever heard and rings forever. I have owned some very nice custom instrument 5 to7 times the price that sounded no better. You can always EQ it a little warmer if you like but you cant create a missing full spectrum range. Not easily anyway. I remain a fan of Epi. Had a Sheraron Elite. Hands down the finest built and playing guitar I have owned of any kind. That made me the fan I am of Japanese built quality.
Another entertaining and informative Tony Tuesday thanks for all you do for us guitar geeks. Now lets talk about Taylor Swift, is she a "guitar hero"? From where I sit clearly she is not a solo guitarist like Tommy Emmanuel however her song wrighting ability is on par with Tommy's guitar mastery. Both are incredibly tallented in what they do which leads me to the conclusion we should all work to be the musician that can express our emotions and connect with others with or without words.
Old and new Frontiers are amazing. Many great 1970s era gems with FT570 jumbo SJ200 like, FT130/150 are great for the price and easy to reset neck needed with that age via bolt on on necks and some have rosewood back/sides (put in Tusq saddle vs adjustable thing for a big upgrade). Masterbuilt and IBG new models are awesome (hummingbird, excellente, J45, frontier)
I borrowed a 1972 FL-570bL today for a gig in a couple weeks, the thing’s freaking awesome, real abalone inlays all over it, binding on the neck, sounds like a hand held amphitheater , so loud it tells microphones to get bent…. My epi #1
I watched this a year ago. It took that long to find a decent Epiphone Zenith - Masterbilt Century. Same as shown here just with the round sound hole. Its been really loved as well used. It's lossen up a little. love the blues i obtain from this!
Hello Tony, have you done any stuff with baritone acoustic guitars? Don't know if you'll get this, but I would be grateful if you did. I'm currently hoping to obtain an Epiphone L-oo electro acoustic once I get the money together, it's not a baritone, but a parlour style guitar. Anyway, best regards. 🙃
The Pro 1 has one major issue that keeps me from recommending it, and I know as We have one, and that's it's bridge. It's a top loading bridge, like what's on a classical guitar. That's too much tension for a top loading bridge. I also don't like the fact that the truss rod is adjustable through the sound hole, but they still have a cover on the head stock. It's there purely for aesthetics.
The Epiphone J-45 is not from the Masterbuilt collection. It's actually from their "Inspired by Gibson" line up, which includes the J-200, Dove and a couple more.
The Masterbuilt lineup includes such names as the Texan and the Excellente, as well as the Century series that you showed.
Yes, any one of the guitars from either the Masterbuilt series or the "Inspired by Gibson" series I can very highly recommend. The attention to detail is impeccable and build quality of outstanding. I've made several videos on a few of these guitars.
The Inspired by Gibson line of Epiphone guitars includes the J-45, the J-200 and the Hummingbird (which I have and it is amazing). Last year I played it back to back with the Gibson Hummingbird Original in our local music store, and it blew the Gibson away. I took the Epiphone home for less than 1/4 of the Gibson’s sale price.
@@The_Robs
You are so right. We love all the models. And yes, there are only 3. And they offer cut-away versions too. I do not recommend the cut-away variants though. But that's just my personal preference.
My favorite by a mile is the new Inspired by Gibson J-45
Agree. Struggling to decide between one of those that locally I can get for a good price. Or a Yamaha FG-3, which is 200 more, but does come with a hard case. We're kinda spoiled, because I think they are both great guitars. Love the J-45 for it's singer-songwriter clarity and lack of mud, and classic vibe. And I love the Yamaha for it's woody refinement and more aged sound. Both are very well setup.
I've owned several Epi instruments and they were all worth more than I paid for them. When we're talking about affordable Epis, I'd include the J200. Mine had a big, surprisingly warm sound for a maple-bodied guitar, and a deep bass that rivalled my Martin D16GT. In a comparison video I've seen, the Epi J200 held up very well agauinst the Gibson model -- for a fraction of the price.
Great Segment on the Epi's. I have a Epi J45 Master Built that I gig with and it never fails to generate excitement. Everyone wants to know everything about it. PS I also have a Gibson J45 and a J15 which are great guitars but the Epi seems to do a better job outdoors:)
Dude love my J15, beautiful walnut burst back and sides looking better than a j45. The neck is a bit thick and flat, did you find the same?
@@donlonm Its a little thick but I like that its flat- I have small hands so the flatness helps a lot.
I just got a epiphone dove and it sounds awesome
Tony thanks to your review I bought the 12 fret guitar.
My DR-400MCE is my favorite. $400 solid body Masterbilt (2017), that I paid $350 for brand new. When I got it I tried the Martins in that $400-$600 range. The only guitar I played that I liked almost as good was a Breedlove.
I have one to and after a setup it plays like butter
I have an Epi J-160e and I love it. I also have a vintage Gibson and boutique hand made acoustic and I like the Epi J-160e as much as the other 2. They somehow get a bad rap (ie Gibson J160e)…the Beatles tone is just imprinted in my brain.
I have an Ej200 without the cutaway and I don't mind the sound, but would certainly like to give the Inspired by Gibson J200 a try along with the Masterbilt Frontier and Excellente.
I have heard a Frontier played by Noel Gallagher on the song Who feels love live on MTV and it sounds amazing. I assume it's a vintage Frontier.
Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see the Epi Hummingbird Inspired by Gibson. I own one and it is awesome!!
What is the difference between an epiphone and a gibson like the j-45/
Would love to see you doing an episode talking about Breedlove guitars.
Hmmmm...Criteria for a guitar hero...For me that's anyone who I admire, look up to, enjoy listen to, and can learning from. In my book there are so many guitar heros;! Yes, that's Tommy Emmanuel and Taylor Swift and many youtubers and fellow TACers and friends on forums and you too, Tony! Thank you to you and to the many guitar heros I've discovered and continue to find along my guitar journey.
EJ 200 master built absolutely love it
what do you mean by setup
All of the currently Indonesian made Epiphone Samick factory Inspired by and Masterbilt guitars (except the J200) are universally excellent.
aye do you ever plan on reviewing alvarez acoustics? they’re a solid brand!
Why ej200 sce was not included?
Anybody have experience with an AJ 300S? I have one and like it a lot. Big tone, warm and can be loud. S stands for spruce top, has rosewood back and sides. Picked it up in about 2005 used for $300.
Tony, could you tell me any decent-sounding and decent- playing 12 fret acoustics that can be bought for less than $500 dollars?
12 fret dreadnought or small body? Not many affordable options. I'd look at Alvarez
Tony’s got the “backup” mug. That means whiskey 😂
Taylor Swift has gotten some of the younger crowd to play guitar and singing. So yes that is needed to get the younger folks unplug. Tony E or Muriel Anderson also get some folks interested in playing, just like you do Tony. Making folks smile is what they do, and that's a great criteria for a guitar hero.
I would like for you to do a review on an epiphone excellente
Hey Tony: My favorite Epiphone is my DR-212 12 String
My Inspired By Gibson J-45 arrived a week ago. It's a whole lot of guitar for £500. All quality, no drawbacks.
Yesterday..on the Texan. Black Bird on the Martin D28...
So I have to ask you you did not mention the app of Phone Masterbuilt Excelente ? Have you seen this guitar? I know you have what are your thoughts about this guitar? Crazy neck maple I believe black walnut.? For $1200 I’m kind of blown away at this Guitar because if you put gibson or Taylor on the top of his neck it would go for five or $6000. What are your thoughts?
Your a cool dude - like the channel.
McCartney played an Epiphone Texan on Yesterday and still uses the guitar. It’s the one he plays with a Detroit Red Wings sticker behind the bridge.
My top 10:
10 - Epiphone DR100
09 - Epiphone EJ-45 1963
08 - Epiphone J45 Slash signature
07 - Epiphone Masterbilt AJ45 ME
06 - Epiphone Pro 1 ultra
05 - Epiphone J200 inspired by Gibson
04 - Epiphone Hummingbird Pro
03 - Epiphone Olimpic
02 - Epiphone Texan
01 - Epiphone EJ-200
I have all these guitars and I'm very proud of it 😂
What about the masterbilt excellente?
Epiphone masterbuilt century classic deluxe. But I'm happy to see an arch top from the series represented
Epiphone exellente!!! Why did it not make list?!
This should’ve been in your top 3. Epiphone Masterbilt Aj45 Me. It’s the real epi j45 masterbilt. I have one and it’s a phenomenal guitar. It’s very humid here in Tennessee on the Tn River where I live and I hardly ever have to tune it. It’s an amazing guitar.
What happened to the epi hummingbirds
You might try the Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente. That's the best
The FT120
Of course these players could make a leaf blower sound good.
Yes I'm aware is Sweet water?
The Epi EL-00 is pretty solid. I’ve owned that and a Gibson L-00 studio (not at the same time). While the Gibson was clearly better quality, the Epiphone was closer than the $1400 price difference would suggest. If I’m not mistaken they both have the same fish man pickup system in them, but I never like a plugged in acoustic.
Had a Masterbilt AJ-500M that was incredible. Regret selling that one.
BRO!!!?? Take it easy with the beard this is a family show!! :)
I just subbed based 90% on that long, luxurious manly beard bro!!
How many chicks do you have stashed in that Quagmire's garage!??
Jack ~'()'~
Canada
Interesting points about what it takes to be a guitar hero, and I'd agree that it's very much subjective. There are many facets to being a guitarist: technique, creativity, tone, speed, melody, composition, songwriting and style to name a few. As for being considered a guitar hero, influence should definitely be added to that list.
Being a virtuoso like Tommy Emmanuel is just one way to be considered a guitar hero, but the influence they have on aspiring musicians is not to be overlooked. To give an example I'm more familiar with, consider Johnny Ramone; a hugely influential guitarist in punk and beyond, but in no way would he be considered a master of technique and speed like Eddie Van Halen or melody and composition like David Gilmour or Mark Knopfler for instance, but that doesn't make him any less of a guitar hero, as he's inspired countless millions around the world. I think it's fair to say the same about Taylor Swift; she's inspired people around the world to pick up the guitar, and while she's not my cup of tea, that doesn't detract from her musicianship and influence.
The AJ200 was a nice offering, available in all solid mahogany as well, although I did like the Rosewood version better... I like that it was an original Epiphone design. The new Inspired By Gibson all solid models are fantastic though, and I will say just as good in terms of quality as the Masterbuilt line. I own the Epiphone J-45 and a Gibson J-45, and play the Epiphone one more. The tone is a bit more subdued, but if you think about it, subdued, midrange focused tone with short sustain is what a good J-45 does well... The Epiphone Hummingbird in the IBG series is also excellent, I am not a big fan of the IBG J-200, but the others are fantastic... I also owned a PRO-1 as a travel guitar years ago and I don't agree on their value offerings. I think they could be a lot better and that Yamaha really is the go-to brand if you're budget is $300 or less.
Ok Tony, how in the WORLD can this list not include the newly reissued Masterbuilt Excellente???? It’s the best guitar Epiphone has built in years!
FT120
Those inlay symbols on the Frontier fretboard look like the ones associated with a certain Austrian painter.
How about an inspired by Gibson Humming bird?
1981 PR-795AE.
Epiphone Excellente played by the late, great Loretta Lynn is an amazing instrument
Guitar Hero inspires the listener.
Thank you for the great content Tony. I always enjoy the detailed dive into world of acoustic guitar with you. As far as Taylor Swift goes, she is an exquisite songwriter and performer. However, I don't respect her rise to fame since her father purchased part of a record label that originally signed her. A very wise investment by her father, but 99.99999% of us don't have a resource like that to catapult us into success. She is a great guitarist, but a guitar hero? I guess it depends on your definition of what a guitar hero is. Please keep doing great videos, my son and I enjoy the content enormously. We affectionately nicknamed you the "Beard of Guitar Knowledge". Cheers!!!!
Being built in the USA at one time meant more than it does these days. Don’t get me wrong I love my country. But the guitars being built in Indonesia like some of these master built guitars that are all solid wood are incredible deals. Like the app, the phone master built Excellante … that guitar is blowing my mind for around $1200. Look at some of the specs on these solid wood guitars. I have played some $800.00 guitars that feel and sound better than some of the $4000.00 guitars hanging on the top rack? How are they doing this? How is Epiphone selling these guitars for these prices? It’s because of the name. That’s it! Add 75% if it says Martin or Taylor Or Gibson. That’s it.
dude did you ever seen epiphone dr 500 mce ??? thas killer guitar
What's about "Rating the best Manufactures" in general 🤔😅
Hey Tony, I want to say thanks for the consistent support of female artists on your channel, Sierra Ferrell, Molly, Taylor swift etc etc. A lot of the vernacular on TH-cam guitar channels is masculine, and maybe this reflects the industry generally. I believe these are halcyon days right now for interesting and accomplished female songwriters and musicians. Guys, get women into your guitar shops, you won't regret it.
No dove? They play and sound great
I have a AJ 100 aj 100ce epiphone. You should hear it. 340.00 it's not bad for the sound