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Epiphone Classical E1 3/4-Size (Nylon; 1.88" nut), Antique Natural vs Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst

Epiphone Classical E1 3/4-Size (Nylon; 1.88" nut), Antique Natural
Acoustic$199
No ratings yet
64Overall / 100
Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst
Acoustic$3,199
No ratings yet
74Overall / 100

The verdict

The Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst comes out ahead overall — 74 to 64 on our estimated score.

Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.

Epiphone Classical E1 3/4-Size (Nylon; 1.88" nut), Antique Natural wins on
  • Better value (74 vs 63)
  • Lower price ($199 vs $3,199)
Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst wins on
  • Better build (91 vs 62)
  • Better playability (75 vs 64)

Scorecard

Estimated scores
MetricClassical E1 3/4-Size (Nylon; 1.88" nut), Antique NaturalJ-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst
Overall6474
Build6291
Playability6475
Sound6060
Value7463

Full specifications

Specification comparison
SpecClassical E1 3/4-Size (Nylon; 1.88" nut), Antique NaturalJ-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst
BrandEpiphoneGibson
TypeAcousticAcoustic
Years
CountryUS
Body woodSelect Mahogany; Reduced body depth; 3/4 sizeMahogany
Neck woodMahoganyMahogany
FretboardRosewood
Strings66
Frets1820
Scale22.8"24.75"
PickupsLR Baggs VTC
Rating
Price$199$3,199
AccessoriesBeginner’s Guide to Guitar booklet by Craig Anderton eMedia® on-line lessons HumidifierIncludes Gibson Accessory Kit
BackSelect MahoganyMahogany
Binding4-ply Ivory and BlackMulti-ply top, single-ply back
Body FinishGlossGloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shapeClassicalJ-45
Body StylesSmall BodyRound Shoulder
BracingCustom PRO-Prietary™ BracingTraditional hand scalloped X-bracing
CaseOptional classical 3/4-Size gig bag 940-XC3GIGHardshell Case
Fret Count1820
HeadstockPRO-1 Slotted Headstock
Headstock InlayEarly 1960s era Epiphone badge
JointGlued-inCompound Dovetail Neck-to-body
ModelEAC3ANCH1OCRS4550VS
NutGraphTech NuBoneBone
Nut width48.0mm / 1.89in43.81mm / 1.72in
ProfileEZ-Profile DRounded
Saddle MaterialGraphTech NuBoneBone
Scale length579.12mm / 22.8in628.65mm / 24.75in
SideSelect MahoganyMahogany
String gaugesEpiphone Ultra-Light Classical (28-42)0.053, 0.042, 0.032, 0.024, 0.016, 0.012
Top woodSelect CedarSitka Spruce
Truss rodAdjustable
BridgeTraditional belly up
Bridge PinsTusq
ControlsVolume and Tone Controls
FinishNickel
Fretboard inlayMother-of-pearl dots
Fretboard radius304.8mm / 12.0in
Pickguard50's, Tortoise
Truss Rod CoverBlack
Tuner PlatingNickel
TunersGrover Strap Cream Button
Under Saddle PickupLR Baggs VTC

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