Checking Out The Epiphone SG Special P90

It has been a few years since the last time I had an Epiphone, and the one thing that has been keeping me away from the brand is no longer an issue. (Can you guess what that was?) Now, I've got an SG Special with P90's to take a look at. Plus: There may be some discussion of my new obsession with P90 pickups.

[@JoshSmith-fs8rj]

I spotted one of these in Sparking Burgundy at my local used guitar shop and fell in love with the finish immediately. Having made the mistake, many times, of purchasing a guitar solely on its outward appearance, I was super stoked when I plugged it in and heard the sound/tone the Epi P90 Pros put out. I got it home and changed the strings to my guage preference. It had .10s on it and I bumped up to .12-.54s with the wound G string, since I have a terrible habit of squeezing a bit too hard with my fret hand, so I expected to have to make some adjustments, and I was right. No matter what I did or how I adjusted the bridge, I could not get rid of string/fret buzz pass the key strings were a mile and a half off the fretboard. It was odd because it was only on the D string between frets 4 or 5 and 8. I took it back to the shop in hopes of finding a one piece intonatable bridge that would fit properly. One of the employees there told me to give them a few minutes and they would take a look at it. After they checked it out, I guess they realized I wasn't insane and offered to keep it for a few days and see what they could do. About five days later, I got a call that my guitar was ready. When I got there, the tech told me he had to essentially recut the nut because the factory angle was a bit off as well as shave down a few frets, but they were able to get it set up pretty nicely. The best part was that the shop didn't charge me anything for any of the work they did, and this thing is now my go-to guitar. I really have never "loved" any of the guitars I've owned with the lightning bolt wrap around bridge, but there's just something about the way this guitar plays and sounds that keeps me from putting it down. I had initially only expected to use it for recording and maybe a handful of songs in a live setting since I typically only play Les Pauls when the band plays live. With how good this guitar feels and sounds, it's hard to believe these things are only $400 new. Haven't been happier with any other guitar purchase in years. These things are absolutely amazing regardless of what the price or what the headstock says!

[@grumpymikeguitar]

Congratulations on the New Guitar Day. I'm not at all surprised you are liking it. They look and sound really good. I'm also not at all surprised the nut needed to be recut. Any time you make a jump in gauge such as 10's to 12's, it's a sure bet the nut is going to need some attention. Huge praise to the shop for taking care of it for you at no charge. You are fortunate to have a shop like that in your town. Be sure to talk them up to all your friends and throw as much business their way as you can. Enjoy, Be Good and Take care

[@Tone-Oz]

Thanks Grumpy Mike, I'm hoping to get a Pelham Blue one of these!

[@chaseblackwood1058]

Beautiful guitar! Nothing looks better in red than a SG! Really happy to hear about the step up in quality from Epiphone!

[@jmoses580]

Love it! Seems like a bit of common sense goes a long way when it comes to neck dive😆just found your channel and I'm really enjoying it! Thanks!!!! You don't talk too much! You talk just enough to help us guitar dummies! Lovin' it!!! 👍

[@ChuggOfCthulhu]

Just talk, bro! I honestly did find everything you said to be interesting and insightful. Please be yourself! Just ordered this guitar! Long live the P-90!

[@bridgetpollock6760]

Thanks Grumpy Mike you pushed me over the edge. I just ordered one from Sweetwater!

[@grumpymikeguitar]

Congrats!!! I hope you make awesome music with it!!!

[@timrussell1559]

Found and bought a used but mint condition 2021 epi P-90 SG in pelham blue 3 days ago. Paid 250 dollars for it which i felt was a very good deal. It truly is an exceptional guitar, in fact, i have a fairly new gibson SG and i honestly prefer playing this epi rather than the guitar that cost 6 times as much. Epiphone has really stepped up it's A game these days and is very hard to beat for the moneyi

[@mikecullerton]

I'm happy! And I loved your bit about the neck dive. You are a funny man.

[@nellayema2455]

I've had my eye on these for a while, and finally ordered one today in Faded Pelham Blue. I agree that the "new" headstock design is way better looking than the clipped-wing one of recent years.

[@joshuataft5541]

Man that's beautiful and even has 90s I love the sg shape so comfortable to play and so cool looking..I painted mine gold cause it was cheap and I dnt like the original color.came out good and now that it's old an dirty looks better..but I'd love a l.p style guitar ..I love the clasic headstock shape or something simular.. have a good day brother great vidio great guitar🤤🤤

[@thetonekingofficial]

Great sounds great! And love the t-shirt!! 🤘🤘🙌🙌

[@guswanner3247]

much love for the t-shirt! my first cat was named Ampeg + just got an Epiphone Classic SG (2x P90's)...Yow! wot a guitar that allows to conjure some fabulous tones both classic and modern!

[@matthewotremba9230]

Got one today , a trade , brand new , but . Have to differ on the pots , mine are hot from 2to5 and not in the rest of the range

[@UNKUHNOODLES]

HEE~HEEEEEE!!!! I just about lost it when the Epi drooped!!!!! FANTASTIC!!!!!👏👏👏👏

[@MemoriesRR]

I like your rationale. A business associate of mine once bought a new Cadillac while standing in line to pay our restaurant bill. Why? His was almost a year old, need tires and his ashtray was full! He smoke Cuban cigars back then. His dealer salesman was in line with us. New sub here. 👍

[@grumpymikeguitar]

😂🤣😂

[@celestelongway7315]

Gotta get a blue suede strap for the blue epi sg over here. neck dive! omg u nailed it.

[@mattstrat1]

I have a 2019 epi standard SG. You can always change to lighter tuners or leather strap as you pointed out . Eventually you get used to it .

[@wlawnsldj]

Subscribed and went to get myself the Pelham blue Epiphone SG P90! I have a P90 “problem” too hahah. Man this Epiphone feels so good I think I’ll be using this more than my Gibson DC and Gibson SG.

[@grumpymikeguitar]

Thanks for the sub. Yes, they really are nice guitars. A lot of fun to play and sounds great. Stay tuned, I have another Epi coming up.

[@greatvanzini]

I am with ya on the P90, Mike! Totally addicted. Even on jazz boxes! Good vid.

[@matthewotremba9230]

I have had many Epiphones Some ring out , some don't Like any kind Get one that rings out (and plays as you like) And you will be set

[@craigjacob3704]

I bought the IYV red quilted maple guitar the same TE-90 that Harley Benton sells but much cheaper in price only. Yeah buddy I love the sound of those P-90s😁😁😁

[@ScottyBrockway]

Camera looks great btw, and your new style is great!

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

Epiphone have really upped their game this last year or so. I’ve had plenty over the years but the two I’ve got now are in a different league. And now I have gas for an SG Special 😀

[@charlesscotttuttle8346]

Right on Mike! Really dig the finish on this guitar. I'd like a darker fretboard but she really is a nice looking instrument! Thanks for sharing! Let's all be good ✌

[@ArnoldsIOS]

I had a really really light colored pau ferro fretboard on a project strat…. I stained it! Lol dark mahogany brown 😂😂 waited til it fully cured. And kept applying coats of oil. It completely changed the feel and look of it. I feel it will have a lasting coat :)

[@fishwhisperer3495]

underrated channel of the year

[@philsequeira3180]

Brilliant description about solving neck dive!! lol

[@Charles75N]

Don't know how I missed this. Great video.

[@genekloszewski5484]

Good tip with the leather strap! I do the same! But i like a lighter guitar!

[@jackcollins5818]

I'm Still Loving at Harley Benton 24 Deluxe hollow-body I'm in love with it I'd love to have you sign it

[@johnlandino420]

Hey Mike that Epiphone looks really cool I just subscribed to your channel keep up the good work looking forward to seeing all your videos

[@grumpymikeguitar]

Thanks for the sub and for watching.

[@stevepotter7448]

New subscriber. I like the new Epiphone stuff a lot. I've tried several of them and they are a big improvement. Take care man

[@grumpymikeguitar]

Thanks for the sub.

[@stevepotter7448]

@@grumpymikeguitar looks like you have a pretty cool channel. Glad to be here

[@grumpymikeguitar]

@@stevepotter7448 I'm glad you like the channel. I'm finishing up a bit of a vacation, but I'll be getting some new videos out soon.

[@stevepotter7448]

@@grumpymikeguitar thats great and enjoy yourself! I'm working on a few Stratocaster upgrades today. Found a really cool Aria Pro made in Japan Strat. Got it cheap and its an awesome guitar but tying in the Bridge Pickup to my tone knob. My other score is a 2000 model Squier Standard Strat. Excellent guitars and I hate Squier quit making the Standard Strat and Tele. Classic Vibe is cool and all but these old Standard series are quality buddy

[@blkjckgtr3075]

Awesome SG Mike!love the colour and P-90's,Cheers.

[@MattJarz]

Keep talking Mr Grumpy, I love your sense of humor

[@hellodrjeckyl]

Awesome! I got the Pelham Blue on Friday. Was your fretboard rough feeling? Not scratchy frets but a rough fretboard when playing. Mine was. Fretboard conditioner helped but I think I will need to sand it down with some 000 steel wool. I have to agree with you for the most part but mine did have some minor issues. The rough fret board I mentioned. The input jack bolt is loose and constantly wants to undo itself, simple fix with some locktite. The worst offender is the strap button on the back of the body was screwed in way crooked. It's still usable but am deciding if I want to fill the hole and re drill the strap button. Other than that the fit and finish and build quality is good. Great fret work like you said and plays well. Mine needed a setup. The action was a mile high and there was zero relief in the neck. I added some relief and lowered the action to where preference and no buzz anywhere. Big win. I feel like I could lower it more with out buzz but it's unessecary. I'm not worried about the intonation since it's a wrap around bridge but it sounds fine when playing.

[@grumpymikeguitar]

Happy new guitar day. The only issue I had with the fretboard on mine was that it was very dry, but it wasn't rough. Overall, I have been pretty happy with the frets and fretboard, though, I do want to touch up a few of the fret ends when I get a chance. The stap button issue should be easy enough to deal with, but it sucks that you should have to. On the bright side, it's a good excuse to upgrade to your preferred brand of straplocks. And, yes, lowering the action has almost become a ritual every time I buy a new guitar. Not always, but most of the time. Enjoy the new SG. I'm seriously considering the black SG Custom in the near future. Maybe not next, but soon.

[@Terry3Gs]

Nice job on this !!

[@totallykoolyeah]

new sub.. .torn b/w sg modern and this one.. i have a p90 problem too, but you know the saying, "its a great problem to have".

[@ScottyBrockway]

Grats on the new guitar for national guitar day. Maybe get some Lindy Fralin's for it.

[@celestelongway7315]

Dude you crack us up. ha ha We have a "hideous headstock Wpi and have grown to love it. ha ha wink wink. mtw in L.A. -del Rey. jam night jammer.

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

I like the Green one Epi SG 90.

[@joshuataft5541]

I have a jay Turser sg clone. I dnt know who jay turser is but I love the guitar .it was 190 bucks and its actualy nice and has no dead frets .but like I always say I'm not to experienced with alot of gear...

[@grumpymikeguitar]

If it plays and sounds good to you, that's all that is important. Keep on rockin' it.

[@joshuataft5541]

@@grumpymikeguitar thanx buddy..yeah it's not high end but it realy doesn't sound bad .it lacks in some areas. The tuners aren't good and goes out alot. And the pots suck but it pulls off blues tones and sounds great with my Ibanez fuzz.so it barely is passable but needs tuners bad..I'd rather have a real one or even a h.b.goldtop ir somthing simular . But I play what I got and I'm not scared to sing it up it change it up..thanx again mike ..cant wait till your nxt vidio..congratulations on 1000....

[@grumpymikeguitar]

@@joshuataft5541 your tuning issue most likely are from the nut. Check out Phillip Mcknight channel. He has great videos showing how to deal with nut issues. That said, better tuners with likely make the tuning up process easier.

[@joshuataft5541]

@@grumpymikeguitar oh that makes scence about the nut ..I have some nut butter I'm saving for when I put on new strings.my father in law jst got a guitar at 70 something and gave it to me .was kindof a bonding moment.he bever liked me but now that I'm older he does.says I've come along way..lol I do notice my tuners have a spot where there easy to turn.i tune up then it feels like tension in the gears is slack both ways for a quarter turn...but everything is tight..but I'll check the nut soon. Thanx Mike 👍👍been so nice talking with you. Realy has .

[@jamesseverin]

Congrats on the new axe!

[@Loki_FPV666]

Thanks for the video. I'm torn between the Gibson and the Epiphone version of this guitar. From what I've seen the carve on the body bevels of the epiphone is actually closer to the original 60's bodies than the Gibson version as is the placement of the bridge pickup. It also doesn't hurt that the Epiphone is a third of the price. I like the new Epiphone headstocks better than the old ones but I still like the classic Gibson headstock the best. From the videos I've watched the Gibson and the Epiphone sound identical so I will probably just get the Epiphone and save the money. I am really drawn to this guitar in general because I'm a big fan of Toni Iommi and its about as close as I can afford to a copy of his original SG special.

[@grumpymikeguitar]

It plays good. It sounds good, it looks good. And, it's easy on the wallet. What's not to like? Thanks for watching the video.

[@danraan]

Nice I gone buy soon

[@stevelankford7087]

New sub Mike, a drooping neck is a problem but if your neck is all that’s drooping then life’s good💪😁

[@charlesscotttuttle8346]

We need more videos Mike! ✌

[@mikeshanermusic]

Air conditioner? Freezing here!! Nice vid.. Yep, I want one!!

[@grumpymikeguitar]

I've been in S. Florida for 20 years. I sort of miss cold weather. I suppose the grass is always greener, right? 😂

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

Hi Mike! Hope all is well! Do you still have the guitar? I am debating whether to get this or the Gibson SG Special with P90s.

[@grumpymikeguitar]

If you have the $$$, I would say get the Gibson, but only for one reason. The Gibson will hold value much better than the Epiphone. That said, the Epi is a really nice guitar. The P90's sound great and it plays great. And yes, I do still have mine.

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

@@grumpymikeguitar Thank you brother. Enjoy the guitar!

[@650thunderbird]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@Rogijimbex]

Nice review - thanks!

[@philippberry4900]

OK. Now I want one.

[@LookieChannel]

Nice demo, thanks for sharing! Would you be ok with P90 Junior SG, with only one pickup, or does that limit the tonality a lot?

[@grumpymikeguitar]

Yes, I've been keeping an eye out for a couple of single pup guitars. I'd be happy with an LP Jr. and an Esquire. An SG Jr. would be nice as well.

[@celestelongway7315]

Ha Ha Ha . We like!

[@juancruz2583]

Great review, man!

[@facelessnomore]

nice review thanks

[@tomfoolery2082]

Nobody and i mean nobody i kno is gona give u a hard time about getting a new guitar . Especially a epi and p90s and an sg style . I hav a g400 myself . Hows tht 1 for intonation . Wanting to put a wrap around bridge on mine . Well see . Love the channel .

[@grumpymikeguitar]

It does need a bit of adjustment, but not too bad.

[@JaniceLalla]

Very entertaining

[@BBQROCKSTAR178]

New sub here Mike.

[@genekloszewski5484]

They are a LOT better!, i have the same guitar. ( faded pelham blue ), they are worth the 399.00! Tuners & pickups are good! Controls are good too!

[@davidcatalano3781]

P-90's yeah!!!!!!!

[@jamesmoffatt6435]

Sounds good...is it a " neck diver"? Thx...

[@grumpymikeguitar]

Almost all SG's will neck dive. However, as I demonstrated, a lot of neck dive can be fixed (for the most part) with the right strap.

[@jamesmoffatt6435]

So sorry, Mike. I texted that question just seconds before You addressed it in the video...pre-mature ejaculation, er, lack of patience...lol. I just received a new 2020 Epi Les Paul Special(TV Yellow, er, mustard Yellow(no prob, lol) yesterday. It:s everything & more per reviews..!! It Rocks....... Thanks for this demo on the new EPI P90 SG..!! TGIF..!!

[@grumpymikeguitar]

🤣

[@LETRONZ]

Hahaha post hideous headstock!! For real.