Epiphone Howard Roberts Standard vs Gibson L-4CES

[Tal_175]

The only difference between these two guitars seems to be oval vs f holes. Well Howard Roberts seems to always have mahogany back and side whereas L-4 can be mahogany or maple. Does anyone own or has owned both? How do they compare? Is Howard Roberts basically just a slight bit more flat top like sounding L-4?

[Sam Sherry]

The only difference between these two guitars seems to be oval vs f holes.

Floating pickup vs. set-in pickup can make a notable difference too.

I'm drawn to the HR like a lemming to a cliff. Must . . . resist . . . oval-hole L4 . . .

[Tal_175]

Floating pickup vs. set-in pickup can make a notable difference too.

I'm drawn to the HR like a lemming to a cliff. Must . . . resist . . . oval-hole L4 . . .

Right true. Howard Roberts's seem to be cheaper than l-4's. They don't have as fancy appointments and the Gibson name.

[Woody Sound]

Lam maple vs carved spruce is a pretty big difference. More than pickups or hole positions.

[Tal_175]

Lam maple vs carved spruce is a pretty big difference. More than pickups or hole positions.

I think they are both carved spruce.

[customxke]

The Korean made Howard Roberts don’t have a carved top....make sure you’re looking at the USA made models if you want a carved spruce top

[Woody Sound]

I think they are both carved spruce.

Sorry, my bad, I was thinking of the Gibson HR. However, I believe the Epi HR is a solid pressed top, not carved. Which is still a good thing.

[Tal_175]

Sorry, my bad, I was thinking of the Gibson HR. However, I believe the Epi HR is a solid pressed top, not carved. Which is still a good thing.

Made in USA ones made through the 60's and 70's until Epiphone production was moved overseas were carved.

[Woody Sound]

Made in USA ones made through the 60's and 70's until Epiphone production was moved overseas were carved.

Interesting, tnx. Kinda the reverse of what you'd expect. (Gibson lam, Epi carved.)