I hope it's what you expect!

Hey, I have found with the the Epiphone's so far is that you need to wear out a few sets of strings before it really starts to get their voice. This is one my favorite guitars!

@@stevebernard221 i agree!! Im on my 4th set of strings on my newer J45 EP and it just keeps getting better!!!💜

I have one but I find the higher up the fretboard the E and the B strings sound a bit flat sound, I was thinking the scratch plate might be to tick and deading the sound.🎶great playing on yours

Yeah its possible. I don't know much about it. Perhaps changing out the plastic bridge pins to Tusq or Ebony (my preference) to see if there is any difference before removing pic guard (if you haven't thought of it). @@derekbrennan3997

Here ya go! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jdVzjaeYxLWbYWQ.html

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@@stevebernard221 😲 cool! 👍🏻

Hey there. I used 13's on all my guitars. All guitars will belly over time, however when I am not using my guitars on a regular basis, I tune down a whole step to reduce the tension when stored in the case (tension while stored is slightly less than 12's, light gage strings). This helps. I never have any action issues as a result. My theory here is it will help with belly bulge and the need for neck resets in the future. This is not expert advice though....lol. This is just my own practice.

Thanks for your quick reply - It makes sense tuning down a whole step when storing in case would preserve the action / slow bellying since that is close to 2 inches of string tension. Judging by the number of guitars in the background of your video you must be very dedicated to do that much retuning (or you play some a lot more than others).. I myself share the same addiction and definitely can't count the axes on one hand. I need a D28 style, A J45 Style and Dove Style. Rosewood b/s started as my favourite but then when I tried Maple there was no going back. But I need them all.. Lol.. But in my defence I do feel it helps inspire me through those dull patches learning to play if I can change it up.. And some songs and ideas do better on different tonewood. It starts with trying to find that one guitar then you need a beater to protect the bedroom git and then you wake up one day with bad GAS. Lol I look forward to your videos and enjoy your playing - Especially on Gibson style gits without the USA Gibson pricetags..

Based on the serial # it was completed November 2021.

Hi Anna, sorry for the late reply here. The top shoulders are approx 4" (inches) deep, and the bottom "hips" are approx 4"3/4 (inches). Feels like a standard dread size to me.

They definitely sound different. I would say the Frontier is a little brighter, but also clearer due to the maple back and sides.

Hey Randy, I have only played 2 IBG J-200's....and I didn't like the sound of them at all. Now, the sound could be related to the fact that it just hadn't had any real playing time or age to the instrument yet...but I also don't seem to like the Gibson J-200's either. It just don't seem to fit me well. I ordered this guitar without playing it, so I had no idea of what it was going to feel like or sound like. But it had good tone and feel right out of the box. What I am noticing with Maple back and sides (on this Frontier and on my Norman ST50) is the clarity and balance of the notes. Maple back and sides fit finger style playing well. For me learning cross-picking, fiddle and bluegrass tunes I have also noticed a similar "cut through the mix" experience that is often the attributed to mahogany guitars. Again everything is subjective to the player, but for me I don't feel the need for a J-200 when I play this Frontier.

You have a great channel, too, but your acoustic addiction is pretty obvious....

I did not like the IBG J200s. Had high hopes but think they are narrower bodies vs Gibson cousin and maybe don't want to cannibalize that prized revenue stream. Instead I got a 50 yr old Epiphone FT-570 Blonde jumbo and after new Tusq saddle, nut and pins sounds as good as $5k Gibson. I also put a high-end fishman matrix pickup in it and it is incredible

@@johntremblay6552 Hi John, I’ve really only heard one person say they liked the IBG 200. Appreciate the input. I think I’ll just be satisfied with the 45 and Hummingbird.

Well this is not easy! To be honest, you can't go wrong with either. If you want deep lush tone then go with the Excellente. If you want volume and punch then Frontier. But the choice is yours! Only real recommendation I have is play it before you buy it. I have played some new ones where they are not that great, and the quality control is less than what it was when they were first released. I wouldn't take the chance on ordering hoping for the best.

@@stevebernard221 STEVE, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR FEEDBACK!!! THEY ARE BOTH BEAUTIFUL, AND YOU SHOW THEM BOTH OFF SUPERBLY!!!

New hand carved bone saddle....I pulled out the undersaddle pickup and put a K&K pickup in it.

I might try the K&K and a new Graphtech saddle

@johntremblay6552 I'm all for the k&k and would stick with the bone saddle.

I have had better resonance with TUSQ vs bone

​@johntremblay6552 Tusq is a good product. It's just not my tonal preference.

Totally agree.

Thanks. Generally when the mic is close to sound hike you get too much low end frequency and become too boomy. Recording with the mic pointed at the 12 th fret area will give a more balanced profile.