AMOY: Quick Stupid Review of the Epiphone SG Special. It doesn't suck.

Another quick, stupid review. This time up, it's a 2017 Epiphone SG Special, a cheap guitar that does not suck. As I've noted before, I make no money (nor receive favors) for doing these things. I actually enjoy them and... hope it might drive some people to listen to my music. You can hear the reviewed SG in the opening and closing music for this video. As usual, it's running through a Nembrini virtual amp; I really like their stuff.
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[@SheWantsBrand]

really appreciate this review , got one on the way as my first guitar!

[@RobertS-ni7vc]

Your review of this SG helped me make a decision on this guitar. I'm 63 and always wanted to learn how to play. Wanted a SG but didn't want to spend allot.Hopefully by the time I retire in a couple of years I can play " It's a long way to the top(If you want to rock and roll)" Thanks.

[@keithavarney170]

Excellent! Really glad you've decided to learn; you won't be sorry. AC/DC is great, particularly for learning great rhythm parts - Malcolm Young ftw!

[@terryoquinn8199]

Right on Robert , I’m 65 ! I have that verse around the top of my music room , It’s a long way …… In a few years , we’ll have to form the next big rock band and start touring ! You in ? Take care Bro .

[@dandaman9009]

This was my first backup guitar, perfect for practicing and live gigs, my first SG & my first Epiphone, I feel like I’m off to a good start after 2 years, grabbed it used for 138 from Guitar Center only one owner it’s a 2017 and it’s as you say I’m learning my maintenance and care, my chops, and my basics with this guitar, I can try different string setups and pedals and be creative and have fun learning by making mistakes, I will definitely get the intermediate SG around year 4 or 5

[@keithavarney170]

Yeah, a surprisingly good guitar for the price. I've been eyeballing the Epiphone SG Standard 60s; haven't committed quite yet though. Really wanted something Tony Iommi-ish... but his model has the wrap-around bridge and I prefer the Tune-O-Matic. Then again, I guess he did all right with a wrap-around 🤣. www.epiphone.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/EPINKN592/Vintage-Cherry

[@ppgwhereeverett4412]

I have gigged with my SG Special ! And done a solo with it a few times during the acoustic songs set.

[@jonaskarlstrom4152]

Been playing for 3 years now, picked up one for 100 eur with a stand. Love it as it is.... Just a great fun guitar.

[@MarioGarcia-wr4qs]

I just got this guitar the Epiphone Les Paul special SG let me tell you for $189. It plays a lot nicer than some $400 guitars.

[@nankypooh655]

I'm not going to watch this video, because I already have an Epiphone SG Jr. Special. In fact, I have the same model that you have, including the same year. (2017). I'm just going to leave a positive comment... My Epiphone SG Jr. Special is an EXCELLENT guitar, and I would highly recommend one for all players at all levels. It has served me quite well, through the years, and has been my go to guitar for open mics, and jamming. This is an excellent guitar for beginners, and makes a great first guitar for anybody. Sounds great, built solid, and won't break the bank. I can't say enough good things about i!🙂🤘👍

[@keithavarney170]

Thanks for the comment!

[@terryoquinn8199]

I have a Cherry 🍒 2019 SG Special VE and I also have a Walnut Brown 2020 SG Special VE . I liked the first one so much I bought another one a year and a week later ! They are great little guitars with higher output ceramic humbuckers , t o m bridge and stopbar tailpiece with 1 vol. and 1 tone control . I bought the first one on sale for $147 . I told my sales rep that I was torn between the two and he sold me the second one for $150 . That’s 2 hot little SG’s for under $300 ! Quality is pretty decent all around , sound is what you make it . Gibson stands behind Epiphone as they own them and they are designed and built with Gibson oversight . Yes , I would love to have a $3 -$4K Les Paul or SG Custom but I have about 18 to fool around with for a little less money . I get a nice one when I open for Taylor Swift .

[@deepiper6529]

I bought an Epiphone SG Special Satin E1 a few months ago which I think is the latest and greatest release of it. I love this guitar! I had it set up and it plays great! I bought it because it was so light and I loved the neck. I agree, I don't worry about knocking it around or anything like that. I can't have nice things. I have the red one like yours, but I saw a black one at the GC where I bought mine and I really liked it too.

[@keithavarney170]

Yeah - having a pro setup done can make all the difference. "I can't have nice things" 🤣🤘

[@glicmathan1771]

Great video! I love SGs and P90s. Don’t forget the Beatles played SGs! I think it was Harrison who played it most. Cheers!

[@williamj.sheehan2001]

And Gordon Lightfoot, on the rare occasions on which he used an electric!

[@LESTAT6661970]

Other major SG players: Jimi Hendrix, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Frank Zappa, Derek Trucks, Brent Hinds (Mastodon), Gary Clarke, Carlos Santana, Randy Rhoades, Joe Perry. Not necessarily their main guitars, but the SG definitely has solidified its place in history.

[@jeffmaltby6185]

And always overlooked ----- Robby Krieger from the doors. 👍

[@user-bv8jz7pn1c]

And Angus Young...when a here SG I think of him and he's the reason I got one...

[@jeffmaltby6185]

@@user-bv8jz7pn1c Angus was included in the video @ 3 : 50 mark

[@mrk893]

What about brian bell?

[@jeffmaltby6185]

@@mrk893 seems like he is always playing an explorer

[@jeffmaltby6185]

I have the $179 SG special also but mine has the saddle bridge also ???? That is weird . What are the 1st two serial numbers on that. ( year it was made ) ????? I have 2 . New one is China 2023 and older is a Indo 2014 modded , which I absolutely love.Neck is slightly thinner and is darker true Mahogony with true rosewood fretboard. Website specs dont update the changes they make from run to run. Same issues with the Kramer Baretta specials. Always best to get the earliest run if you have patience, Ebay , etc

[@keithavarney170]

Unfortunately I donated the guitar, so I don't have it any more :( - I'd guess the newer one is an updated model? I may have to check that out - still looking for an SG replacement. 👍😀

[@themysteriousoa4466]

I bought my own SG Special when I was 18 going into 19, take what I’m about to say with a grain of salt, I think I bought mine for $135, but I could be wrong. I could have bought it for $145, or something.

[@keithavarney170]

I've seen them on sale in the recent past for as low as $150. Wouldn't surprise me to find one for less. It's a killer deal.

[@jaimeharrington749]

I bought mine in August from Amazon for $176, I absolutely love it!

[@94SexyStang]

I have the Custom Shop version....I was Blown away!.....they can retail around $600-700 depending on options.....but mine has Duncans and Grover Tuners, upgraded Fretboard. I also have a Les Paul Professional, the SG does some things better than my Les, but my Les does some thing better than the SG......nothing is really "better"........it's just slightly different animals.

[@keithavarney170]

I'm going to look at that custom shop version - still looking for that SG!

[@garymerrill4244]

Schaller and Gotoh (and maybe others) make tune-o-matic wraparound bridges which would be right at home on this guitar. I think the Schaller has a wider range of adjustment. Not a cheap upgrade, though. Schaller also makes tuning machines that will swap right in, no drilling.

[@keithavarney170]

Absolutely! I considered upgrading this at one time, but figured I'd save up some money and get a higher end model with a TOM bridge. I'm okay with a wraparound bridge but it has to have individual saddles for height and intonation (like the models you suggested). Despite not having that type of control on this particular model, still a good guitar for the price.

[@garymerrill4244]

@@keithavarney170 I haven't pulled the trigger on buying one of these yet. With the Mahogany body and neck, it's got great underpinnings for a mod platform if you can get past the nontraditional bolt-on neck. I have this "thing" - I like to upgrade inexpensive guitars, swapping out the cheap parts (tuners - $12 for a SET of 6 on Amazon) and the Epi has great potential. I do have a question - is the pickup selector toggle switch straight or right angled? I'm rooting for straight, which would give me enough room in the cavity for a coil-split mini switch. Great review, it helped me decide between the Epi and a Squier Bullet Mustang. Thank you.

[@keithavarney170]

@@garymerrill4244 I'm in the same boat - love modding cheap guitars and making them recordable! As for your question - "is the pickup selector toggle switch straight or right angled?" Afraid I can no longer answer that - donated it away a couple of weeks ago :( . Have fun with it! 👍👍

[@monymakr45]

Do you have a specific part number to replace the wrap around bridge? I already have drop-in tuners squared away.@@keithavarney170

[@terryoquinn8199]

Not that I really like what you get with an Epiphone Special but , I recently bought a Les Paul Special II in Transparent Blue and liked it so much , 7 weeks later , I got the Heritage Cherry Sunburst model . They have slightly hotter ceramic plus pickups .

[@keithavarney170]

I was just looking at that Special II this past weekend. Can't beat the price, for sure!

[@MrBroberds]

I have one with a regular separate stop piece and tune-o-matic bridge. Are they still selling them with the lame wrap-around?

[@bear5141]

I was just looking at them today and the price hasn't changed they're still under $200 which I thought would be a steel

[@Emrys345_Guitar]

Would you recommend it for a beginner? There is a couple used ones under 130 with new ones going for 200 at guitar center

[@keithavarney170]

For a beginner I really recommend going to a music store and trying a few out. There are a number of ~$200 guitars out there from Epiphone, Squier, etc. that CAN be good learning guitars; but it can be hit or miss, simply because the quality control on the cheaper guitars is not as good. I would say, at that price (sub $200ish), it's good to get a new one if you can because they usually come with a warranty of some type. Used is generally "buyer beware".

[@ahoneyman]

I would not recommend this. For $300-350ish you can get an Epiphone Les Paul or SG standard. That's a much better instrument with higher build quality, better and more durable electrics, and often a better finish. Squier Classic Vibes are by and large very well made and go for $250-300 used.

[@Emrys345_Guitar]

@@ahoneyman I appreciate the response! I ended up with a used gretsche and love it.

[@keithavarney170]

@@ahoneyman It's all about budget and what people are willing to spend. I had one of the Epi LPs (Trad Pro) in that $350 range and ended up donating it - didn't like it. Actually preferred this cheaper SG model. The next step up would be the Standards at $499+; and I REALLY want to try one of those out. 👍

[@ahoneyman]

@@keithavarney170 The electrics and fret jobs on the lower prices stuff are all over the map. The pots may work fine, or they might be fried. The pickups might be fine or a screechy mess. The frets may be great or a rollercoaster. If you have to pay to get that fixed the value is gone.

[@Stairway_Denied21]

Is this guitar smaller than regular guitars, thinking about picking this up

[@keithavarney170]

Pretty sure this one is standard sized - definitely not a 3/4 scale or anything like that. Good news with the SG style is that they are usually a little lighter and not as huge as an Explorer or bulky like a Les Paul.

[@brendanlindley]

i found a bran new one of these at a pawn shop for 90 bucks, i just had to pick it up for that price

[@keithavarney170]

If the neck is good, killer deal - for $90 hard to go wrong. Excellent model for banging around on or upgrading. Still eyeing the next SG for me!

[@terryoquinn8199]

Linda , that was a no brainer , you did good and I think you’ll be happy with it . I bought a 2019 SG , a 2020 SG and 2 - 2023 Les Paul’s , all Special’s , 2 - VE’s and 2 - LP II’s and I really enjoy them all a lot ! I hope you like yours as much as I like mine .

[@johnnydew4122]

I just got one used made in 2010 for 100 bucks, used as a wall decoration, the fretwork is better than my $500 gretsch

[@keithavarney170]

Crazy, isn't it? 🤘

[@johnnydew4122]

@@keithavarney170 definitely pretty wild, mine was made in Indonesia, and setup by USA 7 whatever that means, planning on throwing a p90 in the neck, Seymour Duncan in the bridge, and adding a tremolo:)

[@rickleefs]

I just picked up a beat up one for $75. The bridge is so bad that the strings have cut into the "metal". I only have one pickup working. It sure is pretty though.

[@keithavarney170]

Perfect fixer-upper! Or... wall art :)

[@rickleefs]

@@keithavarney170 It's all fixed up now. I bought it to fix up and give away, but I"m getting attached to it.

[@keithavarney170]

@@rickleefs That does happen! lol

[@cuda426hemi]

I just bought a beater Epi SG Special from AMS for $179, and yes kids they are beaters but as noted at that price how could it hurt your feelings? But 10 months from date of original post the Epi SG Special I have bought - be here in 2 days - has gloss cherry finish, mahogany body but rock maple neck with ROSEWOOD fretboard. Is that rosewood from the pier in NJ? But the kicker is it also has a tune-a-matic stoptail and a KILL SWITCH POT!!! WTF? It's like twice the guitar reviewed but not demoed here, much better materials and a gimmick for the same price?? Epiphone is getting weird. And now they are charging WAY too much for the Jo Bo SG Custom - $1400 for an Epi? LOL. 🎸

[@keithavarney170]

That is a killer deal! Yeah - I much prefer the TOM bridge to the wrap-around. The bridge on the SG I reviewed didn't have individually adjustable saddles - probably the main reason I didn't keep it. Still looking for a replacement - I'll check out AMS for sure!!!

[@charleslanphier8094]

You were right, this is kind of stupid review. I stii enjoyed it, though.

[@MarioGarcia-wr4qs]

Am when of your followers, can you please let me know what pick ups you put in so I can do the same upgrade thank you so much for all your

[@keithavarney170]

Absolutely! For the most part, I use Seymour Duncan pickups when I upgrade guitars. Maybe I'll do a video highlighting the pickup modifications I've made. Thanks!

[@DogAlpha]

Magicians Friend $150 this week. $150 is almost free in a guitar world.

[@keithavarney170]

Here's a link in case anyone is interested. Thanks for the heads-up! www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/epiphone-limited-edition-sg-special-i-electric-guitar/j38676000002000

[@DogAlpha]

I got mine $129 over holidays…. Phelim blue, paint is awesome. They had the J160 acoustic (John Lennon, Beatles guitar.for $129.00. Rest of the web was $399.99. Bought it promptly.

[@bdcd16]

Cool review and cool guitar. One suggestion, the constant edits every few seconds is pretty distracting

[@keithavarney170]

Yeah - shows precisely how much of an amateur I am LOL. I actually tried using a script recently and it ran longer... and still had the cuts in it! Thanks!!!

[@bobbyjfromtheuk1]

this review is not quick, it is stupid though

[@terryoquinn8199]

Easy Les Paul ! It’s just for fun .

[@bob-eu1jq]

Do some more Meth, you might explain better.

[@GregRittger-mg1wc]

Frank Zappa was left out!

[@keithavarney170]

Yep - my bad. Dude absolutely crushed it with an SG. faroutmagazine.co.uk/frank-zappa-on-why-he-eventually-landed-with-a-gibson-sg/