Head to head
Epiphone IGC J-180 LS, Kerry Green, Exclusive vs Gibson G-45, Natural
The verdict
The Gibson G-45, Natural comes out ahead overall — 75 to 69 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
Epiphone IGC J-180 LS, Kerry Green, Exclusive wins on
- Better sound (68 vs 60)
- Lower price ($899 vs $1,199)
Gibson G-45, Natural wins on
- Better build (91 vs 70)
- Better value (72 vs 67)
Scorecard
| Metric | IGC J-180 LS, Kerry Green, Exclusive | G-45, Natural |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 69 | 75 |
| Build | 70 | 91 |
| Playability | 72 | 75 |
| Sound | 68 | 60 |
| Value | 67 | 72 |
Full specifications
| Spec | IGC J-180 LS, Kerry Green, Exclusive | G-45, Natural |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Epiphone | Gibson |
| Type | Acoustic | Acoustic |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | — | US |
| Body wood | Solid Mahogany | Walnut |
| Neck wood | Solid Mahogany | Utile |
| Fretboard | Laurel | Ebony |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 20 | 20 |
| Scale | 25.5" | 24.75" |
| Pickups | LR Baggs Bronze Piezo | — |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $899 | $1,199 |
| Binding | Three-ply Top, Single-ply Back and Fretboard | — |
| Body Finish | Gloss | Satin Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Body shape | J-180 | J-45 |
| Body Styles | Jumbo | Round Shoulder |
| Bracing | Scalloped X-bracing, Shifted for Long Scale | Traditional Scalloped X-bracing |
| Bridge | Reverse Belly, Laurel | Rectangular, Closed Slot, Striped Ebony |
| Bridge Pins | Bone, No Dots | Black |
| Case | Hardshell Case with Inspired by Gibson Custom Logo | Gig Bag |
| Controls | Soundhole-mounted Volume and Tone | — |
| Finish | Nickel | Chrome |
| Fretboard inlay | Mother of Pearl Star | Acrylic Dot |
| Fretboard radius | 304.8mm / 12.0in | 406.4mm / 16.0in |
| Fret Count | 20 | 20 |
| Headstock | Gibson Open Book; Inspired by Gibson Custom Double Diamond Logo Etched on Headstock Rear | — |
| Headstock Inlay | Epiphone Logo and Star in Mother of Pearl | — |
| Joint | Compound Dovetail | Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body Joint; Hot Hide Glue |
| Model | ECJ180LSKRGNH3 | MCRSG5AN |
| Nut | Bone | TUSQ |
| Nut width | 43.79mm / 1.72in | 43.82mm / 1.73in |
| Output Jack | 1/4" Endpin | — |
| Pickguard | None | Black |
| Preamp | LR Baggs Element Bronze VTC | — |
| Profile | C | Advanced Response |
| Saddle Material | Bone, Compensated | TUSQ |
| Scale length | 647.7mm / 25.5in | 628.65mm / 24.75in |
| Strap Buttons | 1 - Side of Heel (Plus Endpin Jack) | 2 |
| String gauges | .012, .016, .024w, .032, .042, .053 | .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053 |
| Top wood | Thermally Aged Solid Sitka Spruce | Sitka Spruce |
| Truss rod | Dual Action | Adjustable |
| Truss Rod Cover | 2-ply, 3-hole Bell | Walnut Laminate |
| Tuner Plating | Nickel | Chrome |
| Tuners | Epiphone Deluxe with Keystone Buttons | Grover Mini Rotomatic |
| Under Saddle Pickup | LR Baggs Bronze Piezo | — |
| Back | — | Walnut |
| Side | — | Walnut |
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