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Head to head

Epiphone IGC 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue, Left-Handed, Vintage Sunburst vs Gibson L-00 Special, Satin Honey Burst

Epiphone IGC 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue, Left-Handed, Vintage Sunburst
Acoustic$1,299
No ratings yet
70Overall / 100
Gibson L-00 Special, Satin Honey Burst
Acoustic$1,999
No ratings yet
80Overall / 100

The verdict

The Gibson L-00 Special, Satin Honey Burst comes out ahead overall — 80 to 70 on our estimated score.

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

Epiphone IGC 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue, Left-Handed, Vintage Sunburst wins on
  • Lower price ($1,299 vs $1,999)
Gibson L-00 Special, Satin Honey Burst wins on
  • Better build (96 vs 70)
  • Better value (77 vs 68)

Scorecard

Estimated scores
MetricIGC 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue, Left-Handed, Vintage SunburstL-00 Special, Satin Honey Burst
Overall7080
Build7096
Playability7575
Sound6868
Value6877

Full specifications

Specification comparison
SpecIGC 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue, Left-Handed, Vintage SunburstL-00 Special, Satin Honey Burst
BrandEpiphoneGibson
TypeAcousticAcoustic
Years
CountryUS
Body woodSolid MahoganySolid Mahogany
Neck woodOne Piece MahoganyUtile
FretboardIndian RosewoodRosewood
Strings66
Frets1919
Scale24.75"24.75"
PickupsLR Baggs Element Bronze VTCLR Baggs Element Bronze
Rating
Price$1,299$1,999
AccessoriesLeather Strap Adapter
BackSolid MahoganySolid Mahogany
BindingSingle-ply Ivory, Top and BackSingle-ply Cream, Top and Back
Body FinishVintage GlossSatin Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shapeJ-45L-00
Body StylesRound ShoulderSmall Body
BracingScalloped X-BracingTraditional Scalloped X-bracing
BridgeRosewood Rectangle, Closed SlotRectangular; Rosewood
Bridge PinsBone
CaseRed Line-inspired Hardshell with Inspired by Gibson Custom GraphicsPremium Soft Shell
ControlsSoundhole Mounted Volume and ToneSoundhole Mounted Volume
Fretboard inlayMother-of-Pearl DotMother-of-Pearl Dot
Fretboard radius304.8mm / 12.0in304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count1919
HeadstockGibson Open Book with Inspired by Gibson Custom Logo on Rear
Headstock InlayGold Silkscreen Epiphone Logo and Banner Art with Epiphone Inspired by GibsonGibson Logo in Gold Silkscreen
JointCompound DovetailCompound Dovetail Neck-to-body Joint; Hot Hide Glue
ModelECJ45RVSNNH1LMCSBL0SPCHB
NutBoneTUSQ
Nut width44.0mm / 1.73in43.82mm / 1.73in
Output Jack1/4" Endpin1/4" Endpin
PickguardTear Drop; Tortoise ShellL-00; Tortoise
PreampLR Baggs Element Bronze VTCLR Baggs Element Bronze
ProfileVSlimTaper
Saddle MaterialCompensated BoneTUSQ
Scale length628.65mm / 24.75in628.65mm / 24.75in
SideSolid MahoganySolid Mahogany
Strap ButtonsEndpin Jack
String gauges.012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053.012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053
Top woodThermally Aged Solid SpruceSolid Sitka Spruce
Truss rodDual ActionAdjustable
Truss Rod CoverSingle Ply 3-Hole Black Bell2-ply Black
Tuner PlatingNickelChrome
TunersOpen Back Three-on-a-Plate; Cream ButtonGrover Mini Rotomatic
Under Saddle PickupLR Baggs Element Bronze VTCLR Baggs Element Bronze

More IGC 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue, Left-Handed, Vintage Sunburst comparisons