Epi's New "Custom Shop" SG | 2021 Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard - Aged 60s Cherry Review + Demo

[@Trog]

Today's sponsor is Sweetwater - be sure to check them out with this channel supporting link for your next gear/equipment needs! 🍭Shop Sweetwater + Support the Show ➡️ imp.i114863.net/2ra3zO 🟢My Website: www.troglysguitarshow.com

[@LetArtsLive]

I really like Sweetwater. They have the best customer service if I call them I talk to a human being

[@LetArtsLive]

LOL at the broken string don't you hate when that freaking happens? Ever have one snap and hit you in the eye? It seems like a pretty good guitar but $900 is kind of high isn't it? You could probably get a used SG Gibson for that

[@tinystar3010]

Yeah you can't fully trust Sweetwater. When I was looking for my first Les Paul, a deciding factor was getting one that had a hardshell case included. I didn't want an expensive Gibson without one. I ordered one from their site, and it was listed with the case that had a white interior. (Still want one...) but it arrived in a gigbag! Luckily no damages in shipping, but it tainted my trust in them. They made it right later on and sent me a "gibson gear" case free of charge, but I have done business with them since. And this just verifies to me they haven't changed their ways or quality control. That was back in 2014 too. So almost 8 years later, no change.

[@wriglarzzz]

Thank you man

[@elzafir]

Trogly, would you review the 1959 Epiphone Les Paul Inspired by Gibson Limited Edition? That and this 1961 SG could be the ultimate budget Gibson collection.

[@Incuensuocha]

I find it crazy that Epiphone will include a hard shell case for a guitar that is below $1000, but with PRS if you want a hard shell case you need to buy a guitar that’s over $3000. I know the PRS gig bags are nice, but if I’m buying a $2500 American made guitar, I expect the thing to come with a hard shell case.

[@shayh.3556]

Right? Lol I bought the 59' Les Paul Epiphone and came with this stunning case and is a near perfect guitar!

[@lavaxtris]

Bought mine in white for $549

[@duanewelsh5611]

Fretboard didn't have chunks out of it, binding wasn't all chewed up. So your right not really out of Gibson custom shop!

[@lptomtom]

*you're

[@industrialdb8039]

Right, the QC was much better. the only issues he could find were truss rod cavity and holes?? the whole neck was basically immaculate. sure there are no nibs, but there are also no nicks & dings in 5 or 6 places on the guitar either. you get the electronics and a real players piece in your hands for under a thousand. I'm still rocking an '05 LP Classic I got for $450, from Sweetwater no less! great place to order, played fine right out of the box even back then, you know..

[@HeelBJC]

You're*

[@HeelBJC]

@JMT1989 I don't know, the fact that anyone makes it past second grade without knowing basic grammar is pretty damning on the education system.

[@duanewelsh5611]

@@HeelBJC BFD

[@DaveTadros]

I bought this guitar and I LOVE IT! Also got it from Sweetwater and had them Plek it. First SG, first Plek setup and I am floored by how well it plays and how good it sounds. Can’t say enough about how good this value was.

[@frankie-stein7649]

Scott Lewis and his American and Asian luthiers at the Epiphone facility are incredible

[@the.communist]

Lewis?😮

[@frankie-stein7649]

@@the.communist scott Lewis is Master builder and facility supervisor at the China facility he and his American luthiers that are also there at the facility have been there since 2002 Lewis has been with Gibson/Epiphone 46 years

[@booshting3520]

CHYNA!!!

[@heavybrett-al4082]

Since 2020, Epiphone are smashing it! I got the prophecy V -ebony fretboard, high end pickups, binding on body/neck and headstock, 24 jumbo frets, it's a chugging monster👍

[@eduardo0796]

Finally they got rid of that hideous veneer that the Standard is getting.

[@johndef5075]

That was cheesy

[@modergav]

I kinda like the veneer

[@waynepayne864]

U mean the sapele wood grain? I hate that shit it looks like ass. Idk how they can even call that magohany call it striped LIAR wood

[@alpeterson]

Been saying the same for like 10 years, looked like poop before. After the Korean Epi’s that were like this model the veneer look was horrid. Nice to see Epi getting treated with a little respect.

[@agustinvidalmusic]

yeah them veneers are horrible

[@michaelgriffin5304]

Sweetwater has the BEST customer service! I know things may be changing soon but I hope the service holds. I mean, come on, they even give you candy.

[@ashleyjohansson230]

I got gravity picks from sweetwater and when I tried the honey candy, it was hard as a rock lol

[@michaelheintz1349]

I have bought guitars, basses and amps through Paul at Sweetwater, they have never let me down.

[@michaelgriffin5304]

@@ashleyjohansson230 Bit-O-Honey is notorious for that. That's the worse candy in the bunch that they send :/

[@Straydogger]

@suspicionofdeceit New owners. Sweetwater is majority-owned by Providence Equity Partners with founder Chuck Surack owning the remainder of the company after selling over half of his stake in July of 2021.

[@shayh.3556]

Dude calls me every now and then just to talk about gear 😂

[@5150show]

My 23 model came perfect , the frets clean , the set up was the best I’ve ever had straight out of the case /box . Just a brilliant guitar. ❤

[@tobiasryan8378]

Man, I bought a Gibson SG special 15 years ago new for $670 and is still my favorite guitar. It sounds crazy to me hearing about an Epi SG at $850. Times they are a changing.

[@juliancarreon5569]

Inflation, parts being stuck in the ocean, plus higher quality all add up to higher price

[@ryanevans371]

According to CPI data, $670 in 2006 dollars is $923 in 2021 dollars. So...not that far off.

[@henriquevalverde7179]

Those "cheap" guitars gave Gibson little profit. Since they changed the CEO, Gibson is trying to fix their financial situation. For example, this Epi guitar at 900 bucks will give Gibson more profit than selling a stripped down American made SG that came out with a cheap bag for the same price. To be honest I have a feelling Gibson will slowly cut off any Gibson guitar thats cheaper than 2k, while they will release more and more "premium" Epiphone models for increased price. It wont take much time before we see a chinese made Epi hit the 1,5k street price.

[@juliancarreon5569]

@@henriquevalverde7179 that, or they’ll keep increasing their prices until the 1.5 k SG is 2k or more

[@maxpeck4154]

@@ryanevans371 ^ This

[@bluesrockguitaristmikesall2708]

If Epiphone keeps its price point at the $800.00 level,they have a definite win.This is a great sounding guitar,Thanks Trogly !

[@nalukeko]

12:01 Fretboard guard and micro mesh set 1500 - 12000 grit gets them sparkly polished. no need for compound or professional.

[@blagheur]

Austin, why don't you make a comparison between different SGs from various years to see how many differences there are between the neck and body joints? I think there are a lot of them. Nice video thanks.

[@mathiasnilo6855]

i have the red version. Its an amazing guitar, actually better than most gib´s I have tested. Mine weighs nothing and have an amazing book matched flame body. (must have been a good day in the epiphany factory) I have made an serious set up and changed the tuners for classic locking gotohs (but wasn't really needed) I will never sell it! I have used it so much that the faded finish have started to become polished in some places! I highly recommend it! Still a bang for the bucks!😃

[@shayh.3556]

Thinking about the white one... How do you like yours after nearly a year? I bought the 59' Les Paul from Epiphone last year and its almost perfect.

[@markdakel9253]

Epiphone had themselves a year Lots of higher end offering , some were better than others but the SG seems to be right up there with the Lazarus LP. Looking at what you get for that price point it’s a good deal, for me personally the only negative is the Indian Laurel fingerboard, I wish they would go to Rosewood or even Ebony.

[@Masterfighterx]

They should go the Fender route and use Pau Ferro and get hand selected fretboard Woods so they are as close as they can get.

[@mtlmark75]

Yeah most Indian Laurel is cheap looking. My sg from 2019 has pau ferro and looks better

[@waa51797]

I work at a The UPS Store and I actually used your technique/advice to pack up an old Martin today. Double walled box, with plenty of void fill around the case. And of course, making sure you every side had packing between the case and box.

[@danielbreaux1842]

Thanks for that! So disappointing to pay $250 receive it damaged. Fun fact, an idiot seller UPSed me an acoustic in a thin gig bag...and it made it undamaged!!!

[@sgfreak96]

I was able to get a Gibson SG Faded Special from 2004 for $500 with the OHSC just a couple months ago. I'd love to compare it to this guitar and see if the epiphone is nicer, since I don't doubt that's a possibility. But I think Epiphone may find a lot of potential buyers at that price point will hunt for used Gibsons - apples to oranges I know, but still, can't deny people probably will do that.

[@MADguitar]

Your faded is better...

[@sgfreak96]

@@MADguitar A big channel should definitely throw a video together comparing them. Could even hunt down a facebook deal on a used gibson and document it to prove you can get them cheap, then compare it to the epiphone. Would probably get a lot of views 👍🏻

[@benlogan430]

I just got the same 2004! Ahaha my favorite guitar now.

[@sgfreak96]

@@benlogan430 nice! Enjoy!

[@jayrichardson5811]

I would take a 2021 Epiphone over a Gibson all day long

[@orryfishburne5326]

I definitely want to add one to my guitar arsenal. Ive never liked the body shape or that red color in the past, plus i prefer single coils, so the dual humbucker aspect never appealed to me, but yesterday my friend let me borrow his 2017 Gibson SG Standard and im LOVING it. I know the pickups are very different in the Epiphone vs the Gibson, but i love the way the Gibson sounds. Its has a brighter more articulate sound that is wide open in compared to any humbucker i have tried in the past. If i could afford a Gibson i would totally buy it, but i figure i could try the Epiphone and if the pickups arent getting me there i could swap them out for the same pickups and electronics they used on the 2017 SG Standard and get even closer to the real thing.

[@shayh.3556]

​@@user-cl3re8xi7yalbeit their lower end burstbuckers but yeah

[@vrabek222]

There are varying grades of CTS pots, they have various tolerances.

[@gkott78]

I just sold my Gibson 61 Standard 2020 model. It looked great but had a pickup die, all wiring had to be replaced and the nut was cut so low from the factory that it buzzed on open e and A strings. After replacing the nut and dumping an Emerson wiring kit and getting a replacement pickup from Gibson, it was finally playable. I sold it at a loss and never looked back. Honestly the wiring and Mallory caps in this Epi look better than the Gibson. The main difference I see is the finish, and the Gibson 61 standard has the 61 lead and rhythm burstbuckers. I would totally try one of these out. If it actually played well out of the box it's a good buy over a Gibson.

[@phillippitts6294]

Sweetwater treated me well ! My first mail order guitar . I will definitely be ordering another one from Sweetwater!

[@ibanez2010]

The "modern C" profile on the SG Muse is probably the best Epi neck profile I've ever felt. It is a true C profile. The "Slimtaper C" is still too wide and flat to be called a C profile, IMO. None the less, I would definitely snag one of these in white for a used/demo price.

[@dirtydanthesecretsauceman8519]

My 2 favorite neck shapes from epiphone are the speed necks from the epiphone e-series and the neck from a epiphone “inspired by Gibson” explorer

[@toshineon]

Ooh, I have an SG Muse and I definitely think it's the best guitar neck I've felt, though admittedly out of a fairly small sample size. Really comfortable and nice.

[@mykar.418]

My first electric guitar was a red sg (probably epi or some offbrand) when I was like 10, and I now I’m 24 and working at a music store (Sam ash) and want to get something in homage to it. Getting this, so happy. It sounds epic❤❤

[@gddunlap54]

Dang I'm blessed. mine came flawless I learned on my 82 gibson the sg back in 82. I like this just as much. Mine came with the flamed neck from the heel to the top of the head

[@jonathananthony1901]

Just picked up the white version. I had to do a light level crown and polish to get the frets in decent shape. Then perform a full setup. After that it's a GREAT guitar!! Not an issue for me since I work on all my own gear, but it needs a FULL set-up out of the box. If Epiphone could just get their setup game together, they would really be able to compete with the market!

[@deputyfestus4163]

Epiphone founded in 1873 Gibson founded in 1902 whose you're daddy Gibson😁

[@anthonyvalentino9483]

And don't forget Les Paul invented his solid body guitar AKA the Log in the Epiphone factory 10 years before Gibson was even considered

[@HeelBJC]

I almost respect the pure stupidity it takes to use the wrong "who's" and the wrong "your" back to back.

[@anthonyvalentino9483]

@@HeelBJC whose your daddy Gibson their I said it too got a problem with it? Epiphone is Gibson's lord and Master period

[@keithmatry8939]

IDK, doesn't sound any different than my SG worn model... Not in the same league as Gibson... Glad to know that a pickup change isn't going to get the desired results I want

[@jamescromer550]

I had an Epi SG just like that from the Custom Shop about 10 years ago. Loved it! Didn't have Gibson pickups but I put some in. (Reissue PAFs)

[@neverenoughguitars8276]

The screws to the truss rod cover are crooked because they drill the holes for the truss rod cover after the strings are on and basic truss rod adjustments have been made. They need to angle the drill slightly to avoid hitting the strings.

[@fernandogarajalde4066]

It’s nice to look at guitars you’d never buy because what you have at home is good enough. 😁. Merry Christmas Eve!

[@ssj4markthesk8r53]

Mine arrived today. I ordered the white one and they sent me the red one. Killer guitar but wish it was the one I ordered.

[@nbenning25]

Test drive it and send it back! Sweetwater will do you right!

[@jamesmarkham7489]

Easiest solution for neck dive is buy a strap that isn’t smooth against your skin. Ones with rubber or wool will grab your shirt and prevent the dive.

[@jayrichardson5811]

Here's the bottom line Gibson boys the 2021 Epiphone Customs Moderns prophecy Model's are high end guitars the spec sheets on these tells the story and these Models do compete with the Gibson's whether you like it or not so all you're lack of knowledge shows I have a 2021 Epiphone Les Paul Custom Koa with Koa Cap it's very high end and proper Les Paul and let's not forget Les Paul invented his solid body guitar AKA the Log in the Epiphone factory not Gibson 10 years before Gibson was even a thought so this facts not opinions

[@deputyfestus4163]

The Gibson boys are getting a reality check when it comes to Epiphone thanks for posting this

[@jayrichardson5811]

@@deputyfestus4163 I saw Les Paul live in early 2009 at the Jazz Club in New York right before he passed away in August of that year and he told the story of Epiphone and Gibson he was actually still involved with Epiphone 1940 to his passing in 2009 and when you left you realized Gibson isn't the high and mighty you thought they were Gibson has lied about many things in the past now you see why they can't win any lawsuits Les Paul told us all that night whose really who

[@SionynJones]

When you realise that no matter if it's Epiphone or Gibson or even another brand they are all copies of 60s and 50s originals. What we have hear is a high end guitar so of course it gonna compete with other high end guitars.

[@jayrichardson5811]

@@SionynJones I know on that March 2009 night les Paul set the record straight so in all actuality the Epiphone brand is Les Paul's original solid body aka the Log Gibson isn't winning lawsuits for the simple facts they haven't invented a lot what they have claimed Rickenbacker and Epiphone are responsible for the early electric guitar so the bottom line is when I play my epiphone Les Paul Custom I'm really playing the real deal the Les Paul log was already invented 10 years before Gibson was even considered

[@johnm3152]

Always loved those koa LP's

[@behavior852]

Trogly, I purchased an custom Epiphone SG and it came with an Ebony fretboard, amongst other upgrades. I purchased the axe last year.

[@dr.j6747]

Great review and sweet licks! I loved the early 60s Gibson SGs for decades. It always felt so right for me. Prior to this Epi guitar, I never played an Epi SG version that ever "felt" like the original Gibson 60's SGs except a few years back. At that time, I picked-up one at a Guitar Center, and was just blown-away!!! The "feel" was identical to the 60s Gibson SGs that I had previously owned! I hope this EPi SG would "feel" as good! It certainly looks impressive to me.

[@samadams1076]

I just heard Derick Trucks say his two best SG’s are also the lightest. He’ll lift a bunch at a store then play the lightest first. They sing best, I concur. My lightest is the loudest talker. Has a fantastically figured body and some on the neck as well. I will put up with the neck dive for that tone. Just sayin. Wide strap or add a weight, whatever it takes.

[@larsfocken3456]

I have a new Epiphone 60s SG and I must say that that Guitar is a very good one. This new SG seems to be very good as well but I think that an SG should not be as expensive as a Les Paul - I am thinking of the Epiphone 1959 Les Paul and the Lazarus. I also wish that the case was optional. I don't know where to put all the cases I already have anymore.

[@sonicaids]

if you wait and shop around you can pick up a late 90's-early 00's gibson SG standard for around the price of these, or for less you can get a used SG special faded which i think look way cooler, especially the worn brown.

[@Throckmorton_the_great]

No need, these are better than those imo. Theyre 61 spec and have excellent finishes. Dont need to buy a Gibson at all unless you care about the name on the headstock.

[@hkguitar1984]

Happy Holidays Everyone An Epi SG, cool

[@AldrLesPaul]

This price Epiphon SG, as well as on Epiphon 1959 LP which is technologically more difficult, has the same sound pickups and exactly the same case. This is expensive, even if you do not take into account the second-hand SG Faded and Special, which sound no worse, and maybe better, but are sold cheaper.

[@davegallagher7428]

I bought an Epiphone J45 with a cutaway, I wanted something I could leave out and hit hard when strumming, ( Squeeze Box by The Who) it’s a great all solid wood acoustic, I think Epiphone is truly stepping up there game. Nice SG!

[@edwinstovall3334]

Austin, I think that it might be a good idea to compare Gibson's Burstbuckers with the Epiphone equivalent Probuckers. My ulterior motive is that I am considering a set of Probuckers for a future project, and I'd like to know what I'm getting into. If you're not into that idea, please look into featuring a guitar equipped with them. UNLESS you know where I can get sound samples of the Probuckers. If you do, please share that information. Thanks for the excellent video.💯‼️

[@scottcalloway4630]

I have played many a Gibson and many an Epiphone at my local stores and have yet to find an Epi to compete with a Gibson. There is always something that makes the Epi a lesser instrument. I am speaking specifically in the SG lineup.

[@susanbucket3400]

And you're delusional if you think this the Epiphone Customs Moderns and prophecy Models most certainly do compete with any Gibson so you might as well get use to it

[@scottcalloway4630]

@@susanbucket3400 Not sure what you are saying. Sounds like you think my personal experience makes me delusional. If you have had different experiences good for you. I'm not saying it's impossible for an Epi to be better than a Gibby, just that I haven't found a standout example. Thanks though.

[@susanbucket3400]

@@scottcalloway4630 oh you know exactly what I'm talking about

[@scottcalloway4630]

@@susanbucket3400 please enlighten me. I'm not a Gibby snob. I've got a cheap as heck Squire strat that is a monster player. The Epi SGs just always leave me wanting. I guess a pro set up would help though. Being honest, the store guitars are always a bit wack as is.

[@stephenchadwick5852]

I've had two LP epi standards amazing but I've just bought Gibson LP tribute your right but value wise are they £500 UK apart definitely not

[@philipbeasley72]

Wow. Nice! Either this or the prophecy epiphone would be nice to get instead of a gibson

[@YOSTINATOR]

I love Gibson and Epiphone. I have a couple of Epi '59s and a Lazarus. I'm an even bigger fan of SGs vs. LPs. As cool and tempting as these new Epi '61 Standards are, in this case, the cost of the Gibson is justifiable for me.

[@Ambientnauts]

Super rundown on this one. Thank you. I don't know why I hear a more refined sound with this one. Instead of a more gnarly Robby Kreiger the Doors sound. Maybe I'm way off by thinking the Burstbuckers were supposed to sound like PAFS and his late 60's SG after he moved on from his first SG with P90's. I am so tempted by the white and the case the whole package check so many boxes for my first SG, but its so tame for my goals.

[@Throckmorton_the_great]

It works great for the Robby Krieger sound! Just turn up the mids and treble anf youve got it goin! Excellent guitar

[@Ambientnauts]

@@Throckmorton_the_great Thank you kind sir

[@JackhammerNippleson]

Finally a new Epiphone I'd rock! I absolutely hated the veneer on the new Epiphones, I'd rather see multiple pieces of wood. The sgs look particular bad with the figured veneer on the top and plain wood on the sides. Just makes them look cheap, Especially when you can see the seam.

[@jeffholliday8304]

Seems like a really decent guitar I’m thinking about getting one

[@deputyfestus4163]

Austin give a shout out to all the Mexican Workers at the Gibson facility and their's a lot of them so since everyone wants to bring up the Asian workers at Epiphone and not one mention of Scott Lewis and his American luthiers that are there it's only fair you give the Mexican workers at Gibson a shout out

[@blakestepp7940]

The One thing I really liked about Sweetwater was the photo's of the instrument You "Pick Out"!!! Also they have Excellent Customer Service!!! Bought one and could not be happier!!!! It was an Excellent Experience!!!! Came Ready To Go!!!!

[@scecher100]

You must work in Sweetwater's marketing department.

[@blakestepp7940]

@@scecher100 Lol!!! I don't but that would be a good job!!! I really wish all online purchases were as easy, and helpful as they did!!!

[@gibsoneb3]

My main gigging guitar is an American 90s ash Tele - heavy! A real workhorse though. I’ve got one of these coming…looking forward to 6lbs and those pickups. And as for resale value…I’ve never sold a guitar that I haven’t regretted later. ‘74 L6S Deluxe blonde with case - I still regret selling it.

[@braydenbonifas4305]

I love seeing the extremely rare and cool guitars on the bench but I also enjoy the budget guitars because nobody goes in depth as you.

[@danielbreaux1842]

I like mallory yellow caps. Use them in my old tube amp sugnal path...unless i have paper in oil caps on hand.

[@nlumby]

...the scratchplate fits better than Gibson's!!!

[@TheStruggleUK.]

I have one of these and it has exactly the same flame mahogany on the same half of the body, looks identical 😊 Nice guitar. I also have the 59' les paul which is also lovely to play.

[@adamwatson6916]

Burstbuckers 2 and 3 are underrated pickups and are much better than the 1 and 2 set I wish Gibson would use the 2 and 3 set more in their les Paul's and sgs rather than the 1 and 2 . They do use the 2 and 3 in explorers and the flying v

[@SionynJones]

They are much hotter than your traditional paf sounding medium output pickups. The burstbucker sound more like 490 T and R series which I associate more with SGs explorers and flying Vs.

[@naughtydonkeyguitars]

Started my own YT Guitar channel because of all your awesome vids. Thanks Trog!

[@paulmatulevich3623]

I have an older Gibson '61 reissue. Don't know enough about its specs offhand but it sounds like this thing might be nicer😆

[@Dan.Solo.Chicago]

That Gibson app, they have a Guitar Hero kind of game on it. It’s fun. You use your real guitar and it’s made to teach you how to play as you go, with beginner, intermediate, and expert skill levels. I think it’s genius. If your a kid who loves Guitar Hero and wants to learn to play the real thing, here is a way to learn that’s using a format they know very well. I wonder if the expert setting will teach you to sight read, like piano. That’s a rare skill for guitarist these days. I can’t even read sheet music myself.

[@fugamantew]

At that price, with a HS case, American pickups and no scarf joints-there is nothing in the market like this right now that I know of.

[@ItsJuuj97]

It’s actually not epiphone budget, it’s used Gibson budget. Would rather buy a used sg or les Paul tribute and put in burstbuckers myself for the same price

[@davidbarnes5629]

Just ordered mine. Itll be in jan 5th.. also ordered the headrush frfr speaker. To go with my gigboard... normally i play bass. But i cant pass this up.. i like simple. And classic. No batteries. Been the same since the day it was made. Just like fender p..

[@L.J.W.98]

Really wished Gibson/Epiphone did these in more brown walnut finishes for the 61 style SG (something I though if never say 😂)

[@the.communist]

Brown sgs look great

[@TheChicagoTodd]

Great budget option for an SG. I don't recall ....have you ever reviewed one of the prophecy series on your show? I have the Extura and think it's phenomenal!

[@hkguitar1984]

A pretty good guitar, however for the money I could also purchase a used Gibson SG. Specifically the Gibson SG Special or Tribute models. Personally, years ago I didn’t care if the finish was polyurethane or lacquer. Now after owning guitars for over 45 years I’ll only purchase instruments finished in lacquer. After 10-15 years the poly looks cheap while the lacquer’s appearance just keeps improving with age. Just my $.02 Cents.

[@michaelheller8841]

Take it from me. I've owned a lot of Gibsons throughout the years of playing over 35 years. Gibson is like the company we love to hate lol. That being said, Ive never had a bad one. I also have owned 10 Epiphones in just a little over a year. They are fun and surprisingly made well for its price. They really are good guitars. Lets fast forward, I'm selling all of them and only keeping one, the 2020 inspired by Gibson Les Paul/SG 61' I have my friends handwired pickups and its more sentimental value. Epiphones, the brand thing is that they hold zero value. A Gibson is the opposite. Even on the used market, you will find a better Gibson SG. I'm not even a fan of the Burstbuckers lol. Why am I selling all my Epiphones but one? I just purchased A 58' Custom Shop Gibson Les Paul. I miss all the great Gibson Les Pauls I've played and owned. To me there is nothing like them.

[@MadGunny]

@@michaelheller8841 people make too much out of the reselling value of a guitar. Buying a Gibson dosnt really save you if you wind up having to sell it because you’ll have to sell it for a decent amount less than you paid. Just like with Epiphone, buy a new one for like $700 and if you had to re-sell it a year later you would probably get $150 less than you paid, at worst, unless it’s beat up. So really most people would probably take a bigger loss buying a Gibson and selling it. This obviously dosnt apply the same to collectors and older guitars.

[@michaelheller8841]

@@MadGunny very true. I had good luck with selling my Gibson's and maybe it's a more supply and demand thing. I like to keep my Gibson's because I'm a player, but sometimes things get in the way or your just itching for something else. It also has a lot to do with the time you are selling it. Timing is everything. As to a collector you are right, it's always vintage and they are more than a pretty penny or a mortgage to a house lol.

[@hamricmike8]

@@michaelheller8841 Most of the Epiphone players I know don't care about the resale value. They buy them to play the hell out of them because they are, especially these days, great guitars for the money. That being said, the Bonamassa sig models and some others actually seem to increase in value. Try to find a Bonamassa Amos Flying V or Firebird I for what they sold for when they were in production.

[@michaelheller8841]

@@hamricmike8 The JB Epi's are pretty good. I used to have the Black Beauty Custom of his and sold it. I liked it a lot but just not as much as a Vintage Les Paul or even Custom Shop ones. I was just sitting on some guitars that I wasn't playing as much and sold a lot of them to make room For a 58' Custom Shop Les Paul with a big fat ol' neck. Problem with me is that sound and tone haunts you especially when you get it in your hands. I played an original 53' Gibson Les Paul goldtop and the sound even with the original p-90's blew me away. The feel, the sound, wow! I always liked fat necks. Although a costly one, I pulled the trigger on the Custom Shop. I want to keep this player. I do like and appreciate what Epiphone is doing, don't get me wrong. I spoiled myself because I've played a lot of great guitars. You're right about most Epiphone players don't care about the resale value if you play them all the time. I tried that approach and ended up selling a lot of them. At the end of the day, we have to love it, if not? it's going to someone else lol.

[@jjjddd231]

I like this a lot, especially the Gibson pick-ups and the hard case make it very appealing. However, I lean towards the new Harley Benton Double-Cut 'SG' style models which come with stainless steel frets and are considerably cheaper. If you're thinking of only having one 'SG' type guitar and you intend to play it a lot, I would choose the one with stainless steel frets that you never need to worry about replacing.

[@marmelaki]

Definitely value for money, but their shape is just not right.

[@glenkepic3208]

I love SG's and this. Bought a MIK G400 new, hsc. '95. Had problems i thought i could fix. Wound up being a low fret.' Partial mill and full dress. Still had dead spots. Sold it. Found a like new MIC for $249 in '10. Good guitar. Had a '64 SG,,,,

[@showtime3162]

I hope they make the SG with the three pickups, those are sweet.

[@nathanielvargas3863]

I’m a big fan of sweetwater’s back shots

[@liveconcerts7550]

Did you find Greg?

[@barry3045]

I really like this sg, but it makes me wonder what the Gibson guys have in store for this year.

[@jda4879]

The random upload times are throwing me off 😂😂😂

[@Trog]

7pm EST is the goal. If not by 730, it will be 8. These are always hot off the editing presses

[@jda4879]

@@Trog thanks Austin I was just giving ya a hard time keep up the good work I know you work hard on these to provide us with daily guitar content

[@void0094]

They offer the 2 piece body without a veneer on the SG worn P90 which costs 400 bucks.

[@Greg-vd5om]

Trogly's in the HOUSE!!!

[@johntaylor8829]

Nice review! Pick-ups sound good and I agree with you about the fretboard being rosewood. At that price point you think it would be rosewood or ebony like the epi custom sg. I think it's Gibson wanting to keep the epi brand as their little brother brand. Still would make a good stand up performance guitar and by all means get it set-up for your own preference. Action, strings, and whatever else you need to make it yours and perform the best it can.

[@andrewwhite7188]

Great sounding pickups. Love the fact that there's no veneer. Very nice.

[@neilsnow7644]

How on earth did you get one of these already? Sweetwater says they don't have them yet? I have been waiting and waiting, rather inpatiently I might add! Lol I have the new black SG standard inspired by Gibson from Epiphone with the full pick guard, and I absolutely love it. I got it half price, shhh it's a secret how that happened lol I love how the back of the neck is a smoother transition to the body, rather than the ridge that the old G400 models were known for. Too bad they brought that back with this model, and I've noticed that Gibson is doing it now too. Also the horns are not beveled on the back, that just looks strange to me. Mind only has the larger horn beveled on the back which is even stranger looking. Not sure what that's all about. My custom shop limited edition SG from Epiphone has both horns beveled but the joint isn't smooth from the neck to the body, it has that stupid ridge, and the bevels are not as deep and wide. I guess you just can't have it all. My new one is thinner thanks to the wider and deeper bevels, but not as thin as I want it to be. I prefer the really thin ones from Gibson, but those seem to be hard to find, and out of my price range. Tokai has a SG that fits that description, it's the SG124 vintage series, but I can't seem to find one in the states. It also only has one beveled horn and the stupid ridge where the neck joins the body, but it has the super thin body bevels that I'm looking for. If you have played one then you know why I'm seeking one. It's the comfortableness of a strat but on a SG. It just feels so good to hold and is conformed to your waist just right. I am happy that Epiphone put a wider tenon cover on, the old shorter ones looked kinds weird. Also the pointier pick guard is awesome. The older ones were really rounded.

[@aliengrey6052]

I’ve got this guitar. Sound 10 out of 10. Better than my 61 Gibson reissue. Quality control 10 out of 10. Finish 10 out of 10 like putting on a comfortable pair of worn in shoes. I want to play this thing, and I once bought a custom shop and that thing was a dog. This guitar makes me want to caress it and l love picking it up. And Troglodytes and trogly don’t knock the Indian Laurel fretboard this I suspect is playing a big part ( as well as my epi 59 les Paul) in the tone and vibe of this thing. The recipe of the woods and and these gorgeous Gibson pickups is spot on, no mudiness just clear dynamic powerful twang on clear and blistering chewy tangible crunch which gives you inspiration all day long. Gibson why don’t your sg guitars sound this good?????

[@DougGarrett]

I bought the 1959 Les Paul. It had the upgraded wiring and burstbuckers but it was the worst soldering I have ever seen. I was really disappointed.

[@SionynJones]

There no surprise hear a high end guitar is just as good as another high end guitar. It's as simple as that.

[@aliengrey6052]

I going to put a warning out on this guitar. The first one I had arrived with a broken neck. The second one arrived perfectly but has since developed cracks on both sides of the neck disguised by the wood grain. The cracks follow the wood grain and are extremely hard to see. This is a one piece neck and is very thin at the nut where these cracks have started from. This is definitely a manufacturing problem as the wood is simply not strong enough to cope with the pressure of the strings pulling on it. I’m sure looking at this it is going to be an overall problem on many of these guitars. I have NEVER seen this occur on any Gibson sg in my life, the wood quality for epiphones on this model is not capable of taking these stresses. The guitar sounds amazing so I’m devastated. My only option now is to dump the body and salvage the pups electronics and pots inc case and get myself a new body from somewhere. Damn!

[@scrub8423]

I love this model... but for an extra 200 you can get a Gibson sg tribute which is an amazing guitar for the money. I'd rather go for that tbh

[@ChrisEck13]

I agree with you and even less if you buy a used Gibson. There's a difference between Gibson and Epiphone. Everyone talks about how Epiphone is better just because they don't have the slight cosmetic imperfections you might see with hand made instruments. There's no doubt that Gibson are made with higher quality parts, better materials, and more hands on time. And all Gibsons are Plek'd. You can feel the difference when you pick up a Gibson off the rack versus an Epiphone. But I'm not at all saying that Epiphones can't be great guitars and serve people well.

[@gingerale3148]

I was planning on getting this guitar because it had everything I wanted in an SG and was affordable enough for me to get it… until they recently increased the price to $949. Now I have to save up more to afford the increase :(

[@jonkerr2050]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who jumps every time a high e pops.

[@josephgraham1075]

I have the Ibanez copy of the SG. I put Seymour Duncan pickups in it

[@zanzabar4ky7]

Epiphone is supposed to have a "custom shop" in China where the higher end stuff gets finished. I couldn't imagine the cost for the Gibson one to touch an Epiphone. That would bring it over low end Gibson cost.

[@markfisher2282]

I think those pickups sound great. I would buy that guitar.

[@deadshot4245]

i got a weird epiphone g1275 its gotta be a korean b stock model the serial was scratched and has the signs of the adhesive they used to use to tape over b stocks back then i guess its a mystery still to me after owning it for 7 or 8 years now. its also flame top too and cherry a weird one for sure

[@Voltuss5]

Looks like the bridge is closer to the Birdge pickup like on the gibsons?

[@hearthshinemusic2941]

tbh, this guitar having a two piece body isn't a high end spec, the low end classic sg has the same two piece body. maybe the construction of the neck (maybe not, my classic sg doesn't have a scarf joint, looked HARD for it), pups and case are what make the premium

[@manelalentorn]

I have a bit of a dilema here… EPIPHONE SG 61’ or EPIPHONE SG TONY IOMMI 2022? Which one would you buy? Despite the fact that one has the Gibson Burstbuckers 2 and 3, and the other one has Epiphone P90 plus…

[@watchingthecrazyworld7761]

I heard a lot of talk about this guitar and I was hyped for it. So i went to check one out. Wow, i don't think that I would pay $500 for this guitar. In fact I can't even think of a $500 guitar that isn't better than this thing. The action is so high it would cast a shadow in the light and it just feels cheap.

[@thejeffersonlee]

I really don't mind the Indian Laurel fretboard on my Exclusic Run Epiphone Explorer. I would much rather pay extra to have the Gibson pickups. ProBuckers are okay, but there's always something to complain about or apologize for. The neck is muddy. The bridge is spikey. Compromises can be found but at the cost of the tone you really want to get. I mean, in the end, the pickups and the amp are where the tone really comes from. I will put up with cheaper wood and build quality if it means I'm getting pickups that are more refined. I could care less about Poly vs Lacquer finish. I'm clumsy as it is. Poly would probably be doing me a favor.

[@mrredritehand]

I bought the epi sg custom a while back and it's awesome with a true ebony fretboard. These are too expensive imo

[@nayaleezy]

almost sounds as good as my Epiphone lp special ii box kit

[@sawbonesquad4876]

Just ordered mine. Gotta reward a new job.

[@nickwilson9210]

Where can you buy these I don’t see them anywhere

[@Elisplayhous1231]

I have a 1968 sg that i rebuilt. I was wondering if you could look at it and tell me how much it would be worth? I restored it.

[@activese]

Hi, trogly, according to your comment, in that price range, what or which guitar would you buy? happy holidays and take care.

[@jimm4279]

In 1961 that vibrola was not available it did not happen until a few years later

[@SmelOdies]

You planning on reviewing the latest Epiphone Lucille (and Gibson Lucille if you’re feeling feisty)?