So, what do you guys think? I've heard some Squiers are as good as some Fenders, but not the same for Gibsons and Epi. Or, does that really go for both of them? Ultimately who is better? or is it a draw?
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Squier vs. Epiphone quality- Who is better?
- Thread starter panda bass
- Start date
I personally think the quality of Epi products are better-now, but I like waht Squier makes more. MIJ Squiers, though... Well, that's a different story.
Hi.
I haven't made that kind of comparison with basses, but on guitars, the relative quality between Epi and Squier is about equal.
One has to take into account that there's plenty of factories putting out both brands though, and their level of QC isn't always up to date. The mfg places have changed over the years as well which makes things more interesting.
OTOH, if you compare the "real deal" to the cheaper brand, the construction is the same on both Fender family instruments, but usually differ drastically on the Gibson family instruments, so the comparison isn't very fair.
Regards
Sam
I haven't made that kind of comparison with basses, but on guitars, the relative quality between Epi and Squier is about equal.
One has to take into account that there's plenty of factories putting out both brands though, and their level of QC isn't always up to date. The mfg places have changed over the years as well which makes things more interesting.
OTOH, if you compare the "real deal" to the cheaper brand, the construction is the same on both Fender family instruments, but usually differ drastically on the Gibson family instruments, so the comparison isn't very fair.
Regards
Sam
my son has a made in Korea Jack Casady Epiphone, and absolutely loves it. admittedly, this is the top (or so I believe) of epiphone's line and retails at about 700.00 but i would put the quality up against any similarly priced bass
/s/ Dave
/s/ Dave
I love my MIK Epi Flying V bass. The Lollar Thunderbird pickups really made it a monstrous sounding instrument. Very well made, and a great sound (plus there is NO Gibson Flying V bass around anymore.)
Squier basses ove Epiphone basses.
Epiphone guitars over Squier guitars.
Epiphone guitars over Squier guitars.
I own a Rumblecat/Allen Woody bass. It's quality and fit and finish are comparable to Squiers, or at least VM. But, it is hard to compare two basses that get two totally different sounds. It really depends on what your needs tonally are. Their construction is quite different as most Epis are set necks while Squiers are bolts. Many Epis have bar humbuckers while the Squiers have Jazz and/or P bass pups. Two different animals.
- Oct 7, 2000
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- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
It's easy to be as good as or better than a Fender, not as easy to be as good as a Gibson.
I've owned several Squier basses (and a couple of guitars.) I've never owned one that was junk though I've played a few that were pretty iffy. However, if you get a good Squier it can be a fine instrument. The VM and especially CV lines are pretty fantastic. The older ProTone models are also great and for my money, the MIJ squiers made in the early 80s have it all over the stuff Fender was churning out during the same period. I've even owned a couple of lowly Affinity model Squiers that were darn good instruments. That's not always the case with those though.
I've played a few Epi T-birds and was surprised to find myself impressed by them.
The only Epi basses I've ever personally owned were both reissues of the old Gibson Ripper. Epi reissued these in the 90s with a single pickup that I think is the same as what they put in their T-birds. I never played one of those. A few years back (and up until 2006) epiphone had a "Limited Edition" Ripper reissue and I've owned two of them (still have one) and I love the heck out of it.
Aside from the body shape, it is almost nothing like the original Gibson Rippers. They are MIK, have a P/J pickup configuration and a bolt-on neck (I happen to like all these features.)
I've owned quite a few Gibson guitars, but never a Gibson bass. Can't really comment thoroughly on the Epi vs. Gibby angle.
I've owned several Fender guitars and basses. I've owned Squiers that were better than some of the Fenders I've owned.
I get the general feeling that Squier QC is more consistent. But I really do like my Epi bass.
I think the most important thing is that you try before you buy. Whichever brand or off-brand it is, find something you like that feels comfortable to you and has the features you like. Don't worry about the name on the headstock or what anyone else plays.
I've played a few Epi T-birds and was surprised to find myself impressed by them.
The only Epi basses I've ever personally owned were both reissues of the old Gibson Ripper. Epi reissued these in the 90s with a single pickup that I think is the same as what they put in their T-birds. I never played one of those. A few years back (and up until 2006) epiphone had a "Limited Edition" Ripper reissue and I've owned two of them (still have one) and I love the heck out of it.
Aside from the body shape, it is almost nothing like the original Gibson Rippers. They are MIK, have a P/J pickup configuration and a bolt-on neck (I happen to like all these features.)
I've owned quite a few Gibson guitars, but never a Gibson bass. Can't really comment thoroughly on the Epi vs. Gibby angle.
I've owned several Fender guitars and basses. I've owned Squiers that were better than some of the Fenders I've owned.
I get the general feeling that Squier QC is more consistent. But I really do like my Epi bass.
I think the most important thing is that you try before you buy. Whichever brand or off-brand it is, find something you like that feels comfortable to you and has the features you like. Don't worry about the name on the headstock or what anyone else plays.
Lots of really good information here! Thanks guys! So, It seems they're fairly neck and neck? It would seem that they both can be better then some fenders? Also, that they are both equally good in their respective places?
I own an Epi T-bird and a Squier VM Jazz - both as "cheap backups" to play out at rowdy bars where I don't want to take nice equipment. I think the quality is about equal. In fact, IMO if you're playing covers out at bars then a Squier or Epi bass is more than adequate.
I have both. I feel like the Squires sound is closer to the Fender but the construction quality of my epi Rivoli is superior. Tough call.
Squier. Epiphone basses tend to be uncomfortable and have a bland sound (my opinion only, YMMV)
Depends on price really. Low end (Affinities, Cheaper T-Birds, VM's) I pick Squier all day. I've yet to try a 500$+ epi bass, but the LP deluxe guitar someone left at my house feels/sounds great. A lot better than MIM fenders in that price range
I own both. Its a tie for the most part. Two very different sounds. Epiphones high end basses are actually very nice.
