So, while Epiphone does use the same type of wood that Gibson uses, the species that the two companies use is extremely different. As per matter of fact, the difference sopra the species of wood that the two companies use is so different, that’s why wood got its own category sopra this comparison, simply because the difference in wood species affects the sound of the guitar so differently.
Mediante the example of rosewood and maple, the species that are used by Gibson and Epiphone are extremely similar, which is why you may not hear a large difference con sound or tonal projection.
Mahogany wood
Mahogany has per ount of different species and the guitar companies that use real mahogany (also referred preciso as ‘genuine mahogany’ make sure preciso point it out mediante the product description of their guitars, Gibson as verso point of an example.
On the other hand, you have companies such as Epiphone that often use luan or sapele, which are cheaper woods and are easier esatto find mediante the ily. Brands such as Epiphone don’t really mention the exact species of maple that they use because they aren’t using ‘genuine’ or ‘authentic’ maple.
Mediante the past, Epiphone has also used alder or basswood mediante an attempt sicuro replace the need for mahogany, while still trying esatto produce the mahogany sound.
Maple wood
Maple does have many varieties, but that’s not nearly as important as the different grades and thickness of the wood. Gibson guitars use per carved maple cap for most of their Les Paul models, which really adds esatto the overall cosmetic appearance and the tone of the Gibson guitars.
Epiphone does use the same types of woods that Gibson uses, but Epiphone sources their wood from locations that are closest puro their factories. When creating caps for their guitars, Epiphone usually doesn’t use the same woods onesto create their caps as the wood that you would find on the bodies.
Typically, Epiphone uses verso very thin maple veneer, which is common for fdating many companies when using per figured or flamed maple; however, Epiphone still uses verso thin maple veneer when using plain maple tops too.
Both Gibson and Epiphone use several pieces of wood glued together puro form the body of their guitars. Gibson typically only uses two esatto three pieces, while Epiphone can use several more pieces sicuro create the body of the guitar.
Per order to disguise the number of pieces that the brand is using esatto create the body of their guitars, Epiphone applies a solid veneer on the back of the instrument; durante the case of Gibson, that is not something that Gibson does on their guitars.
What all of this means preciso you is subjective. If you are looking for the true representation of the ‘Gibson sound’ the different woods and the construction of the body are all things that you are going puro want sicuro keep durante mind while doing your research.
However, the minimal differences between the woods per these guitars are what make the Epiphone model much more affordable than the Gibson guitar.
Differences between Epiphone and Gibson’s wood
The differences per construction and wood also apply onesto electric archtops. Most of the Gibson ES models have a three-ply laminate of either combination such as maple, poplar, maple or maple, basswood, maple.
However, many Epiphone models (such as their Costa model) use per five-ply design, but this isn’t always the case for Epiphone. It’s a common belief in the guitar community that the fewer plies that are used on a guitar, it will encourage the guitar sicuro vibrate more freely.