Does a Gibson SOUND better than an Epiphone SOUND?

Question

I am asking about the SOUND quality only. If you were blindfolded, could you tell the $3,000 Gibson from the $400 Epiphone. What is better about the SOUND only. I posed this question before but my mistake I did not emphasize that I was looking only for answers pertaining to the sound quality as I already know the asthetic differnces. I am wanting to know if you can tell the difference in the sound if you were blidfolded. If so , what about the SOUND is better on the Gibson than the cheaper epiphone. Please describe what you would hear that is sooo much better to justify the price difference.
Thank you,
Perry in Fla

Answer 1

I doubt that 99.9% of the population can tell the difference, assuming all other factors are equal (same amp, same player, same song, similar Gibson/Epiphone models, same vintage, etc). Of course there are "tone snobs" who I'm sure will claim they can tell the difference in a blind test.

I can't remember if Epiphone and Gibsons have the same pickups. But they use the same kinds of wood. And the three biggest factors that will influence the sound of an electric guitar are pickups, style of guitar and the wood that is used.

Note that even two Gibsons of the exact same model might sound different, even if one was manufactured right after the other: they're based on wood, and no two pieces of wood are exactly the same. Subtle differences in wood density, dryness, weight distribution, etc can affect the sound of two guitars that are otherwise exactly the same. But, again, generally, 99.9% of us wouldn't be able to hear the differences.

I'm sure you already know why Gibsons cost more than Epis: you pay for the name (brand premium); Epis are specifically designed to be cheaper: not as much attention payed to aesthetics, some of the trim and extras will be substandard to the Gibson equivalent, etc. But can you tell a difference in sound? I doubt it.

It is conceivable that the Gibson will last longer than the Epiphone.

Answer 2

I think the word you're looking for is 'timbre' (the quality of tone distinctive of a particular singing voice or musical instrument ), and to further answer your question, BETTER SOUND is objective.
But yes, you can tell the difference in sound if you were blindfolded. (assuming, also that both guitars were using the same gauge strings, and tuned exactly to each other.)

Personally, if you need a price tag to justify the sound of an instrument, then you've got more problems than just choosing between a Gibson and Epiphone. :)