Epiphone Texan vs. Gibson J45 Standard | Does Scale Length Make a Difference? 

Also, Cooper you are beyond talented my man... both of you are! Love the demos!

I definitely hear a tonal difference. Both are amazing, especially in Cooper’s hands. But the J45 has more warmth to my ears. But then there’s that historical/sentimental aspect of McCartney playing “Yesterday” with a Texan on the Ed Sullivan Show. Seeing that live on tv way back when was what made me want to play.

I literally just bought that Cherry J-45 this past Friday!

7:55 Texan Strumming 10:06 J45 Strumming

“…We decided that we would get a soda. My favorite flavor, cherry red”. I love the looks of the red J-45! I tune down to D standard, so the longer scale Texan would be the logical choice. BUT, the Cherry Red is so cool looking, I would take it over the Texan, and just use beefier strings to keep the tension where I want. The tone is so close, I’m going with aesthetics!

I don't think I heard a word either of you guys said, I just kept looking at that Cherry Red J-45 😍

I like the shorter scale length. Then there is the neck profile that Changes on Gibsons from time to time. Thanks Chris for the J45 you found for me, although that Texan sounds good. Thanks Chris and Cooper

I'm with you guys . The Texan sounded better than the j45 . But then , I've never played a j45 and thought "wow " . Hats off to Epiphone. Who are really Gibson in disguise!

the cherry j45 has a bit of a wider more expanded sound if that makes sense, the texan sounded more tight, both were great but the cherry j45 takes the cake for me. The last part of each demo though the texan takes the cake. very hard to say which is on top, both are amazing.

Clear, intelligent and engaging discussion of scale length. I play 24.83 inch scale length on my acoustic and would go with the J45 out of the two. Either would be a nice to have though!

I already have the USA Texan, but because of the difference, I might also have to get a J45. I have a very experienced guitar dealer (sold Gibsons, Martins … for decades). His opinion was, based on hundreds of sold guitars, that the quality with J45 has varied: some are great, some are not. With the USA Texan, he told that every one of them has been perfect. Comes from the same factory and from the same luthiers… His theory was, that the Epiphone-USA-Montana-lineup is a new effort for Gibson, and they are trying their best with it. Interesting theory… But, very pleased with my Texan and also looking for a J45.

That’s a great sounding J45!! Epiphone nice, but preferred the J45. Nice demo.

Both sound great! I'd take either one, but practically speaking, shorter scale length lets these hands play longer these days.

The Texan has the D18 sound, with more bass. J45 seems to be a bit brighter, maybe a slightly less focused sound.

I HAVE A 1964 EPIPHONE TEXAN AND IT LOOKS IDENTICAL TO YOURS

It’s been so long since you guys have done some budget guitar picks ex: best guitars under $300/$600 etc. I’m looking to buy a guitar & those videos are the best 👍

I like the Texan for flat picking and the J-45 for finger picking. It has to do with the decay. The J-45 gets “busy” or “crowded” with the harder attack. It is possible that aspect of its sound could be used to advantage with a microphone, playing a little softer and easier, and lasting through a two or three set gig.

I used to have a Heritage Cherry sunburst color J-45 Deluxe and it was a wonderful guitar till the binding started to disintegrate! That was a problem with the material used on the binding during a period of time. But before that happened it was a wonderful guitar and a looker. It looked like a Hummingbird without the bird on the pickguard. Both guitars sounded great so I would have to play them myself to determine which I preferred. Of course my simple noodling wouldn't do either justice.

I clearly like the Texan better. I just prefer punchier mahogany dreadnaughts. For that reason both a Guild D40 Traditional and Martin D18 would be higher on my list too. The J-45 is a great guitar if that is the sound you are after. I am just not swayed by who plays what and certainly don't want to fall into being a snob about my taste or trying to impress people with a headstock. I repeat the J-45 is a great guitar. I also hope it has gotten past it's consistency issues too of the recent past.

Thank you guys for this video. I’ve been waiting and hoping this. You’re the best!

Same wood & scale length, I'd be interested in a comparison between a USA Epiphone Texan and a Martin D-18. I think I saw the D-18 for a hundred dollars cheaper, though it is plainer looking.

Nice job playing those guitars in the demo Cooper. Both guitars sound good; but I think I have to give the Gibson a slight edge.

8:37 Texan Fingerpicking 10:48 J45 Fingerpicking

Cooper is an awesome guitar player. I think the Texan the best.

That Texan just does it for me it's incredible. Both are but the Texan is something else

10:48 vs 8:37

I prefer the J45. It’s warmer. It’s got a real boom to the low end that I prefer. Plus, as you age you acquire more arthritis in the hands and a shorter scale length is preferable. I’m 62 now & I don’t feel like eating ibuprofens like breath mints.

Great playing. Both sound great

I genuinely liked the Texan more. Granted I easily love both of ‘em. Thinking more about it, I think Elliott Smith may of played a Texan on occasion (too lazy to Google) so not rlly surprised I liked the sound a tiny bit more. Both bad to the buttocks acoustics.

The J-45 has a clean sound.

length always makes the difference!! That's what she said!!

The J45 sure seemed to sound a bit wild and wooly when strummed hard.

Cooper, why can't you have both the J45 AND Martin D-28 and D-18?

No way... Especially for acoustic guitars, shorter scale guitars are more playable than longer ones and that's the reason why you producers let the shorters in more expensive prices; that's a clear trick: Common-short-sausage-hand-players first buy cheaper ones (obvious) and then for a sort of relief want to buy the shorter scales more suitable and less painful to play from Blues shuffles on.. and so they'll buy twice... (while obv. large-hand-players don't need) good business guys, everything planned! ;-)

I disagree that longer scale length means more projection. I have two good friends that are guitar builders and they both say it’s theoretical, but in practice it’s bunk. There are so many more things that impact projection than scale length. I had a 20 year old classical with a standard 25.5in scale and a brand new one with slightly shorter scale, only difference was the short scale. In terms of volume, they are both equal. Granted the shorter scale length is newer. Both spruce, so the newer guitar will have greater projection over time.

Cooper’s a beast

I watched this again because I love mahogany guitars. I like both but need neither. I have a nice old Epiphone case but I have a D-18GE so I would go with cherry red. I could use a J-45 and this is unique.

More out of Mahogany? Martin 000-18 VTS!

i have a 66 j45 and a 69 epi texan. that's it.

J45 sweet, sweet sound

J45 by miles. Thank you guys

Best sound J45, best look the Epi. 🔥

You guys need to turn up your volume on your podcast.

The difference is pretty astonishing. J45 is warmer and more pronounced. It’s almost like you used a mic from a iPhone for the Texan and then used a quality external mic for the J45. J45 is also 2grand more… I’d go with the Texan because of price. I’m curious how the Epiphone j45 sounds compared to the Texan.

D18 and Texan same specs. Long scale. That would be a better review.

I’ll take the J45. Bigger, fuller sound and projection.

Thought the j45 sounded way more bright .. not necessarily a good thing

Good video-p

One thing I have found for sure after watching hundreds of these Alamo music video reviews and comparisons, is that no matter how good the Epiphone or the less expensive of the two guitars sound, the comment section always favors the more expensive Gibson or Taylor. And that is mental conditioning in favor of something that costs more money. It tells me a couple of things. That people do not know the history and background of Epiphone Guitars or they don't know how guitars are made and what makes them better in sound or build. The truth is that Gibson and or Taylors are not superior to all of the guitars.

LOVE TO HEAR COOPER PLAYING THAT TEXAN

Uh oh, I have an Epi's Sound Les Paul and a Epi es-339 in, ahhh ,Vintage Sunburst AND, A PRS S2 McCarty 594 in ahhh Tobacco Burst... Cool vids guys! I've been checkin' on youse. I am ready for a small, parlor-ish, accoustic for me living room also I was encouraged by your comment that you had a short scale in your living room .( you briefly, hesitate) and then say "accoustic", cool!. Thanks! I DO kike your vids. I'm at the point to go accoustic! All information is helpful. A parlor-ish with cutaway electric, slow withdrawal from electric...., in the same Korsa and Mahogany(?) youse did on the 900(!) So, beautiful! Any thoughts guys??? (Edit) Maybe an OM? I don't know sizes, guys. Sorry, I forgot to look up your names please excuse my rudeness.

I probably missed it, but I'm thinking this the USA Texan at the same $2,849 price as the J-45? Also, is the Non-USA Texan made in China at $799 all the same materials and specs as the USA model? I would think not, but on Sweetwater they look similar...

Hes a good player so all the rest don't matter.

To me the texan sounds better then j45. It is more balanced

the j 45 all the way...its fuller punchier

unfair comparison in the style of playing. What he played is certainly suitable for a longer scale and a rear-bracing dreadnought, so the Texan wins. If he would play traditional blues the J45 would prevail. That music was mainly composed in shorter scale guitars. Give it a shot to see what happens

Acoustics more so than any other guitar you get what you pay for. I spent $500 on an 1964 "inspired by" Texan. This was in 2010. Man what an unplayable "uninspiring" hunk of shit! Horribly built. Would love a J45. Someday.😕

Baps.

Gibson is clearer, brighter, louder & more articulate. Looks crappy though in red.

Who in their craziness decided to defile the Gibson J-45 ? I like smaler scale- makes each fret easier to play. That clour is Vile, cheap and reeks of a cheap Chinese guitar.What were Gibson thinking?

That Gibson J-45 Cherry horror won't last a year in sales.The ugliest thig i've seen. The Epiphone Texan is the one. I had one for 17 years.

You all talk too much. Simply play it and our ears will tell us what's better. Boring.

man u guys talk a fkn lot ffs just play

Gibson makes some of the UGLIEST acoustic guitars around. I can’t get past the upside down bridge...it’s hideous...but, to each their own. I’m not a fan of the brand, the sound, or the aesthetic. As far as I am concerned, Martin, Taylor, and Gibson don’t even exist. I would never buy any one of these brands, but I understand you are running a retail store, so you have to be nice about such things. Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇸🎸🎶✌️