Is the Epiphone SG Standard Any Good?

[@JackFossett]

Thanks for watching everyone! Be sure to check out my gear recommendations ~ www.jackfossett.com/gear-recommendations

[@HereMikeWas]

I felt there was someone from Epiphone in the room. 🤣

[@profane_kvetch]

I have this SG in Alpine White and absolutely love it! Like you mentioned, nothing NEEDS to be replaced- in fact, I plan to keep it stock. Part of me still wants a Gibson SG but anytime I play the Epi I think, "why would I drop 4x the price just for the name on the headstock". Your comments on older Epiphones is spot on and I urge anyone who hasn't tried the new Inspired By Gibson line (2020-current) to try one. They are REALLY good guitars.

[@wickedbishop]

I to have the inspired by alpine white and I love it, as for the rest of your comment spot on good word my brother.

[@doughi1880]

i also have the alpine white and it's awesome, I also got the inverness green P90, and I love both. You are so correct about the headstock.

[@crypticreality8484]

​​​​@@doughi1880I also have an alpine white lefty. It's a great guitar for the money. Does metal and Tool stuff without an issue and sounds great. Some Dunlop Lemon Oil fretboard oil really darkens the fretboard up and makes it much better IMHO. The Laurel fretboard is just a bit too light for me naturally. All I've done is put some chrome Gotoh tuning pegs to make it look like a modern SG. Oh and I put a Danzig skull sticker on the pick guard.

[@TheUlesifah82]

Yep! Couldn’t have said it better myself!! I just got mine yesterday and it’s my first SG and first thing I said was …. Holy Shit I love this thing !!! 😊 I’ve never held or played a Gibson SG but I have zero complaints on my Epiphone , absolutely fantastic guitars

I had a Gibson SG Tribute and a Epi SG Deluxe MIK and a Epi SG Czech. I sold the Gibson an kept the Epis. No plan to grab a Gibson too.

[@Desertwolf426]

I have 3 SGs. 1 Gibson (2007), and 2 Epiphones (2016 & 2020). I love all of them. Especially after I changed pick ups in one for some '59 PAF copies.... and it wasn't the epiphones that needed the pickup swap 😉

[@charliesbassment.3471]

I have a left handed version. Plays great, sounds great. Feel lucky that I got my hands on this one, so difficult for left-handers to get nice stuff.

[@Abbynorml1979]

Got an Epi SG in '97, came with a hardshell case. No veneer. Fantastic. Had to sell two years later to make rent. Still regret selling. It was a winner.

[@Tommy-TwigFan]

I have this exact model too and I love it, i think epiphones where really bad but recently they have been improving

[@billydworrell8259]

I recently purchased the EPIPHONE SG Classic Worn Cherry with P 90s. The guitar couldn't be more rewarding in every shape or facet. The cost was $429.00 . Owning this one makes me want to get one with Humbucker s , perhaps the one you demo ed?? I LOVE the P 90s but would like to have both . Your daughter will love it and be completely blown away by the gift.

[@MichaelRDahn]

I got my Epiphone SG in 2010, and it’s been the only electric I had until last year. Being left handed, I never really had the opportunity to play and compare it to others. But I have noticed that while it’s good, it still has some frustrating quirks. Mostly I find the tuners fall out pretty frequently and the volume and tone knobs aren’t as dynamic and responsive as I’d like. I don’t know much about pickups, but I get a good sound from it. Maybe I got one of the slightly better ones.

[@johnf.r6658]

What did you get? I have a similar story, but it's a Squier stratocaster I been playing for like 13 years, I got a Squier tele in 2022, I'm thinking of getting a Yamaha revstar o something different but I'm left handed so there's not much to choose

[@jakeh12121]

I also got my Epiphone SG new in 2010 and I’ve always been happy with it. I’ve been able to get the classic rock tones I wanted from it being a big AC/DC fan. My biggest complaint has always been staying in tune. Mine doesn’t have the white tuners like this video, it has the chrome Grover tuners. Mine also doesn’t have the white binding on the fretboard. Over the years when I’ve been in Guitar Center or other shops and played Gibson SGs, I didn’t feel like they were much better or different than mine. Especially for the price. I paid $400 in 2010, compared to the Gibsons that started around $1200.

[@5150show]

3 months ago I got the 61 inspired by Gibson SG in satin finish !! Incredible guitar

[@voxpathfinder15r]

I have the SG Pro 400 “1966” custom shop model. Absolutely love it. I still have the earlier headstock - which I actually like. It has the veneer body, but it looks great. The neck isn’t one piece; the headstock has a scarf joint but I never saw it until I learned about it on KZbin, it has a bound neck - but the binding is the same wood as the fretboard so it looks unbound. Overall I find it plays like a dream and it’s the only guitar I can tune and it can stay perfectly in tune for weeks and weeks! I love the push/pull pots for coil splitting

[@jasondorsey7110]

I have an old Harmony bass with low-key binding, I discovered it while working on the bass and was really surprised, like what's the point of binding if they make it blend in

[@CoseCinesi]

I just bought a 2001 sg 400, made in korea at the samick factory. I was amazed at the quality of this instrument. I can see why SGs, and especially this made-in-Korea series from the early 2000s is considered extremely close to Gibsons in sound and construction.

[@Beachbumartist]

Are the Pro Bucker 3 picks better or worse the ones in this sg? Thank you.

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: Nice review. The SG is the only solid body Gibson or Epiphone model that I like. I have a 2014 Epiphone SG 400 that plays the way it should. I did not do any research, saw it get traded in at a shop, gave it a try and bought it. Dumb luck, it is one of the good ones. It is a very enjoyable instrument, and one of the few guitars that remains unmodified. I have never felt the need to replace the pickups. Just as you prove, they easily get a wide variety of good tones. .

[@firstpersongunsfun]

I got the same guitar in the video for only 150 bucks. It was only lightly used. Good deal, I'd say!

[@Fullykitted-h3x]

Very good deal

[@johnwalsh3919]

Hi Jack, very interesting review, great playing as always, I’d be really interested to hear your Epiphone vs Gibson sg comparison, rule of diminished returns and that , as I get older the name on the headstock is not as important to me as it was when I was younger I’m 60 now and I’ve had my share of Gibson guitars but I recently bought an Epiphone 50s standard inspired by Gibson les Paul and it blew me away I can’t put it down it’s as good as any of the 5 Gibson les Paul’s I own,fantastic video ✌️🧷🎸

[@buddhamus]

Epiphone has definitely improved their game in terms of quality control. Not just in build quality, but in hardware as well. I have a newer (2022) SG Special (with P90s) in Pelham Blue and I like it a lot. I have been thinking of getting their LP Junior but I don't like the look of the veneer tops. It's the same with the SG Standard. I love a good cherry finish (and sunburst finish) but that veneer just looks awful.

[@profane_kvetch]

Check out the Alpine White and the Ebony finishes.

[@gkott78]

I had that same epi SG p90 in Pelham. I sold it and got the Gibson SG special. I will be dead honest, there was no reason to. That Epi is really good. I fully expected a big leap in tone, but there wasn't. I certainly prefer the Nitro feel and it's a beautiful cherry finish, but tonal aspects the Epi may have been better.

[@jfiery]

I had 2 different Epi LPs pre the Inspired by Gibson line. A 2018 Pelham standard and a 2018 Honeyburst Plustop and after replacing the electronics and putting in Seth Lover's I liked them very much. My only complaint was the fretboard felt like plastic wood. The Pelham one had a catastrophic end to its life and I was able to learn a few things about it. One was it was at least a 5 piece body, it had no maple cap (I don't think it was Mahagony either to be honest) and the fretboard seemed to be wood but definitely had a coating or sealer of some kind. The Plustop had a cap of different wood and the body seemed to be mahogany but had the same issue with the fretboard. I finally took sandpaper to it to try to give it a wood feel and it helped a little. The new Epis seem to be using raw laurel which is a huge improvement in my opinion. Great review.

[@JackFossett]

I've experienced that with older Epiphones too - they had this "coating" - it was hard to describe. Like they were somehow treated with something that you couldn't quite define.

[@JimMorrisonsBathtub]

I actually put quite a bit of thought into this a couple months ago because an SG Junior is one of two guitars I desperately want but I'm poor so that won't be happening anytime remotely soon so I considered getting an Epiphone SG to kind of fill that gap. I ultimately decided against it because I realized even if it is a pretty good guitar for $500, I would never have a reason to play a budget quality SG over my Gibson Flying V unless it was just for the heck of it so I figured I could probably spend $500 in better ways.

[@crypticreality8484]

If you like to sit down and practice it's still good. V's are standup only guitars. Great for training live performers.

[@krzi-o5619]

I have 3 Epiphone Les Paul standards and 1 Epiphone SG (inspired by Gibson) guitar and 1 Gibson Les Paul standard , ummmm , the SG gets pulled off the wall more than ANY of them since I purchased it , and I bought mine at a steal from a pawnshop. Lighter , the neck is awesome and the set up is second to none in my opinion but the sound , hey it sounds as good as anything I’ve played or heard in the past ten years since buying my first guitar. Mind you I’m no guitar professional but my ears can hear if it’s good or not and I’m well satisfied with my Epi SG. Also alpine white , I thought I would be different and get the white but seems like everyone thought the same thing LOL. I could’ve bought the red one also but they wouldn’t come down on the price stating it looked too much like an Angus Young guitar 🙄. 👍👍👍✌️✌️✌️

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool, Thankyou. Was never a fan of Sg Guitars for some unknown reason, although being big Fan of Duane Allman and Angus Young. That was until I bought my Black 2011 Epiphone Standard SG. I now Understand why Gibson used to 'advertise' about Sg's having "The Fastest Neck in The World" and why People love SG's SO Much. I love my SG it is SO Fun and a Joy to Play. So Awesome. All The Best. Cheers

[@davidcarson7936]

Bought a Epiphone Sg with p90s, "Inverness green" gave the frets a polish, treated the neck, changed the strings, and that was all it needed. Great guitar!!!!

[@Dany_0_]

About 2 months ago, I bought a Epiphone SG Traditional at GC for $330. It seems to be the only difference it has to the Standard, the one you reviewed, is the split coils on the Traditional. And for the price is totally a steal. I think because SG's are simpler guitars, the difference between a Gibson and a Epiphone is less. Simpler guitars are easier to manufacture, therefore it should be harder to mess up.

[@frankrandolph1507]

I love my Epiphone SG but it is hard for me to play. Mine has a very wide, but extremely thin neck. Someone had installed Seymour Duncan's in it, so it sounds fantastic, but that neck is hard for me to get used to. I still play it often.

[@michaelreeves9404]

I have a 1971-72 Gibson SG 200 . Had it for over 30 years and it’s all original. It’s a heavy slab of wood but plays pretty good.

[@kstaggs87]

I had one of these. It was a very well made guitar and sounded and played great…sadly I just had a hard time bonding with it and I’m not sure why. Always wanted an SG and finally settled for an Epiphone. I ended up trading it for a Strat. Fast forward a few years later and I’ve finally got a Gibson SG Tribute and I cannot put it down at all. I absolutely love it.

[@Santaheckler]

I snagged a lightly used silver burst Epi SG Pro. Nice dark ebony looking fretboard. It’s pretty damn good (for the $300 I paid 😮). Is it my 2006 Gibson SG Standard? Nope. But it’s better in some of its own ways too…neck break angle and I love the neck pup with the coil tap.

[@randallcl9925]

Hi Jack! Another great review! In 2020 I bought a new Epi 1966 G-400 Pro LE from GC. On sale it was less than $400, it is the older version of what you are playing. I like it OK but a couple things put me off; first the pickups are muddy, not as clear and defined as I like. Second, once I noticed the mismatch of the color of the top and the angle cuts I don't care for the look. My angle cuts are much lighter than the top. I don't like the older style headstock. I shouldn't even talk of this older model, I hope they have improved the newer ones. But I watched (every day) the sales and got a Gibson SG Tribute with a 15% off coupon that made it less than $950 and I absolutely love that one. The Gibson (I got a good one, I understand they are all good today) is infinitely worth the extra money. No complaints, plays and sounds great and resale makes it less expensive in the long run.

[@gt-37guy6]

I am with you on this...i just traded another inexpensive guitar for a 2008 Epi SG standard in red. Talk about muddy pickups - the Bridge was 16.5k ohms...! Also tuners were absolute trash in these years. I found a pair of Dan Armstrong PAF type humbuckers, and some chrome deluxe tuners (Grover and Wilkinson make them). If you get the "Deluxe" type tuners they bolt right in - If you get the tuners with the lock nuts you have to drill out the headstock holes. Once you deal with pickups and tuners you have a pretty nice guitar once everything is dialed in. Great to see the new ones have better hardware and pickups - much better value.

[@93greenstrat]

Considering getting this for my daughter as a Christmas gift.

[@Chrosa]

I've owned a few here are my thoughts. The veneer is not a good idea, it looks rough. Probably a solid color is a better option. They actually sound pretty good and play fine. My biggest issue and the deal breaker was ALL of them bend out of tune from the slightest pressure on the neck. The point where the neck joins the body is just not solid enough and the guitar just sounds like you are constantly out of tune by simply resting your forearm on the body.

[@MJsap13]

I often times prefer Epi’s because of their price, it makes sense to mod certain things. I also much prefer their less steep headstock angle

[@monmixer]

My daughter brought a few of those old epiphones home. Once I showed her how poor they were she stopped it. The les paul models from Korea were pretty damn good on certain year with some having long neck tenons and Gibson 490 and 498 pick ups or 57 classics stock. You got to know which ones to look for but these do need hardware upgrades at times and electronic upgrades also.

[@Fullykitted-h3x]

Really a gorgeous guitar they have one at a shop near me really considering buying

[@chrisb8193]

Got one used for 300 bucks and its my favorite guitar. Incredible value for the money. I want another one lol.

[@sintrasax]

I was bought an epiphone sg in maybe 2005 in a shop clearance for mega cheep as a teenager. My dad asked me what i wanted as it was during a school day so i said "anything but an SG" as i really hated ac/dc. I came back after school and he said "i got exactly what you wanted" really excited by his gift for me. It was this awful SG that i had to pretend to really like for the next few years. Tunners were shit, sounded muddy as fuck, super neck heavy so it was always trying to dive to the floor. I loved my dad so much..... But it broke my heart to hate something so much that he was really proud of helping me with! Lol. Teenage memories!

[@jimio2380]

Nice straight forward, honest review with no bs 👍✌

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Hardly knowing about “Burst Buckers”, I choose to critique “Pro Buckers”. They’re the ones that Gibson should attempt to overhaul. I’ve played both Gibson and Epiphone guitars with those pickups and been let down. When you activate the coil splitting, it sounds as if the audible coil is being choked at the same time that the other is being silenced. Gibson should examine the versions coming from other builders to see if they can improve their own specimen.

[@davidcudlip6587]

Have a 2018 Gibson SG Standard and a 2020 Epi SG Standard . Put a set of Seth Lover pickups in the Epi and it's now my favorite. The best part is the stock Epiphone pickups were good and really didn't need changing but the Lovers were sitting in a drawer looking lonely so in they went. These Epiphone SG's fly under the radar and are a bargain.

[@77jamess]

I had an Epi SG a good few years ago and it was amazing. I’m thinking of getting another one, but just going to take it easy on the playing because of my health. Certainly won’t be able to do five hours a day again! Fantastic guitars.

[@astrums99]

I’ve had a few of the newer 2020-2024 Epiphones. All have been great to play but what I’ve noticed is when compared to Gibson, the feel is just so different! The neck, the slinkiness of the strings, the bridge etc etc. I sold off my Epi Les Pauls (Jr, Special, Standard) SG and 335 to upgraded to a Gibson Les Paul. Funnily enough, I sold the burstbuckers and put in probucker 1&2s (with Alnico 5 magnets) 😂

[@jakeh12121]

I got my Epiphone SG new in 2010 and I’ve always been happy with it. I’ve been able to get the classic rock tones I wanted from it. Not sure which pickups it has. My biggest complaint has always been staying in tune. I’m constantly tuning that thing nonstop. Mine doesn’t have the classic tuners like this video, it has the chrome Grover tuners. Mine also doesn’t have the white binding on the fretboard. Over the years when I’ve been in Guitar Center or other shops and played Gibson SGs, I didn’t feel like they were THAT much better or different than mine. Especially for the price. I paid $400 in 2010, compared to the Gibsons that started around $1200. Never understood all the hate for the Epi SGs but maybe some are better than others like you said. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@robt6127]

One of my first guitars, cherry red with the vibrola. If nothing else it's a beauty, I've since gotten some guitars that feel more playable like a Fender ultra strat but pretty unfair comparison. Overall great guitar, it's funny recently yungblood has a signature guitar with single pickup for the same price as mine with Vibrola. Thanks for the video!

[@stevenrodriguez7668]

I love sg's . I got my epiphone sg a couple years ago for 80 bucks and its been great , it does come out of tune sometimes but its still killer. Theres no serial # so i dont even know what year its from but oh well lol, i think it may be from the early-mid 2000s anyway. I appreciate the insight and information on these axes jack! 🤙-Steven

[@aaronlarsen7447]

If the headstock doesn't break and it costs way less, its already better than a Gibson.

[@MrRaErickson]

Mine stays in tune better than any other guitsr I own. Big fan of my Epihone SG

[@jcwoodstl]

I’ve owned a dozen Gibsons over the years, currently have 3, never had a headstock break

[@chrisb3976]

Headstocks only break because the owner is clumsy and doesnt know how to take care of the guitar. Its not hard to keep things from breaking. Pay attention to what you're doing.

[@waltertanner7982]

I have a Pearl Les Paul, works fine since 40 years. It is said to use an original Gibson headstock.

[@drittz5470]

Been playing SG’s for 40 years. Never broke or seen a headstock break from others who own them.

[@michaelfern945]

Thanks Jack. Good review. Nice playing. Any opinion on QingDao (China) Epiphone SGs vs Indonesian?

[@mr.e643]

Just ordered this guitar can’t wait to get it, great video my friend 🤘

[@CellarGuitarist]

I have a 2017 Epiphone SG. And it is one of my best playing Instruments. BUT I had to upgrade pickups and wiring. I have a 2022 Epiphone SG Custom and no Upgrades needed. And in comparison the new one feels more like a Gibson. I think the neck has a other angle, like a Gibson and the old one is more like a Ibanez. But both are superb guitars.

[@joemasse4568]

I totally agree, epiphone guitars are great for beginners, good quality for the money, when I was beginning in the mid 70s cheap guitars were difficult to learn on, the strings would be 1/2 inch off the neck, on some of those guitars, we weren’t concerned about the sound as much as, the terrible action, the crappy tuners, the sound was the least of the issues, I would have been very happy having this sg as my first guitar.

[@bks252]

I just don’t agree that they’re for beginners and some intermediate players. My Inspired by Gibson Les Paul is an outstanding guitar. I get compliments at every gig saying how good that guitar sounds. I use my Dr Z Maz 18 and that guitar rocks. I’ve been playing for a little over 50 years and these guitars are not just for beginners. Folks have to get away from the name on the headstock and listen to it. Same goes for my Epi Firebird. I’ve seen Nashville studio musicians playing Epiphones at their sessions. Are those guys beginner or intermediate players, I think not. Just my 2 cents probably worth even less than that.

[@RobEspinoRealEstate]

These are fantastic guitars

[@yeti1002]

For the price this sg epi, it's not bad .... If you can live with the Name on the headstock , the veneer top , gloss finish , tuners and the stock pickups . The only thing i would change is the pickups for sure , put a higher end pickup with a good pro setup and i believe it will sound way better.

[@middleagedhiker703]

I’ll second the revstar recommendation. The epiphones are good these days with a proper set up of course.

[@bradleydrawsweirdstuff]

Great video! Answered a lot of things I’ve thought about.

[@davidperrelli6938]

I just bought a 2023 Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson" SG standard gently used for $320. I already own a 2013 Gibson SG standard, which is actually the 2012 '61 reissue without the badges. In a nutshell, everything you said about the new Epiphone is true. The guitar is ridiculously good, especially at that price point. I've been jamming with the old band, and the guys agree, it sounds excellent. And yes I would take it to a gig and play it anywhere. Matter of fact, it might be the one I start dragging around with me instead of cranking out the good stuff. If they would have made these when I was a kid, I may never have actually bought the real thing. They're that good.

[@Derek-j8j]

Great video! I want to love my Epiphone SG so much, but the neck gives me cramps and feels wonky in my lap, and the pups sound cheap. When I pick up my Gibson SG Standard afterward, there's just no comparison. Maybe Epiphone China was having an off day with mine.

[@jamesstonehouse3448]

I have a 2020 Epi SG Muse that rocks. Ive got it set-up for downtuning to C std. Brilliant finish in blue

[@DaveyMulholland]

Did it require anything drastic for setting up in drop c?

[@Ottophil]

I love SG’s and I love epiphone. But all 3 of my SG’s are Gibsons. I have a 96 Epiphone les paul custom and an epi 335 though

[@graemero5532]

Daddy cool 😎 Great gift for your daughter Jack. The "inspired by Gibson" Epi's are great bang for the buck.

[@MatPearn]

I had a good 61 inspired sg. I went on the trade up to a fender tele and a fender strat after that, and to be fair.. my cheaper tele and strat copies are the ones I play the most and the sg is the one I actually regret trading.

[@LetM3Decompose]

I do have a fender mustang that cost a pretty penny but seeing and hearing the sound of a Epiphone or Gibson Sg just looks so goddamn cool, and why not save you a thousand dollars by just getting a epiphone version which basically no difference imo. Wouldnt love my fender any less but still

[@jasondorsey7110]

I went through 2 epi eb-0 basses and both had bad necks, the first had a headstock crack, the second was twisted, after that I was done...that being said, I have a '94 epi el capitan bass which is truely one of a kind

[@valueofnothing2487]

I personally don't like SG's because I play on the neck pickup on a strat usually, and the SG moves that closer to bridge - which makes it too bright and lacks harmonic content. But I have had two Epiphone SG's and the fretwork was great. Nice and lightweight, and fret access was wonderful.

[@ErikSWE]

Came across a lot of Epiphone SGs in the early 2010's, back when they were sold as G400. All with muddy pickups, poorly placed strap buttons resulting in heavy neck dive, bad tuners that couldn't stay in tune to save their life and pots that basically acted as on/off rather than any sort of taper. Completely turned me off Epiphone as a brand. Tried them again years later but even before the 2020 revamp with the Kalamazoo headstocks and thought they were much better. Bought two since then and would probably have many more if they went back to rosewood.

[@margaretzabinski9977]

4 Epiphone SGs / 2 Gibson SGs and love very one. Thanks for the review

[@revcdh1]

I am considering buying an Epiphone SG. I own a 2022 Epiphone Les Paul which I bought because I liked its tone better than I like the Gibson Les Paul. Tone is an subjective thing and I like the Epiphone's tone better. Many people prefer Gibson's tone i don't.

[@Dram1984]

That veneer is a crime against humanity. They’re good guitars but I just can’t get with that stylistic choice. I’d much prefer to see the honest multi piece body.

[@JackFossett]

They also make (or recently made) this same model in a solid sparkle finish.

[@mkrj2576]

I like the look.

[@JackFossett]

@@mkrj2576 I do too

[@AJHillis]

Agreed. I'd only consider the painted ones, the SG classic in blue is a looker.

[@Abbynorml1979]

Agreed, and the fretboard looks like dry cardboard.

[@MrLTJX]

Unless you’ve got a 4-digit chunk of money to spend (>$1000) a new Gibson SG is probably not realistic ($1200 is the lowest price I’ve ever seen for a new Gibson SG in the USA). However, Epiphone SG models now start at $199, or even a bit lower during sales promotions). Keep in mind that while Gibson SG guitars are Made in the USA, Epiphone SG’s will be Made in China. But I recently read that Epiphone has its own dedicated factory in China, while most brands buy from huge Chinese factories that make generic guitars then re-branded for sale by dozens of different companies as their owners. Neither approach is necessarily good or bad, but many recent reviews seem to have found Epiphone SG and Les Paul models to be quite good, and especially so with the “Inspired by Gibson” line.

[@MrLTJX]

Note that the Epiphone SG models for $199 will generally have just 2 control knobs (volume and tone) for both pickups, while all SGs priced at $300 and beyond have 4 control knobs for full pickup-specific control. Some $199 Epiphones may use a single-piece wrap-around bridge, which are good but more challenging for intonation.

[@Mishgun2K-ug5vu]

hows the neck dive on these ?

[@markmullins2756]

Good lookn...I'm about to buy one white though

[@keithbloomfield8112]

Would a 2017 be pre or post improvement period?

[@persiaguitar]

Just the right time to come accross this video as I was thinking of buying a second hand guitar that seems to have been made in 2010

[@monmixer]

My theory is the solid mahogany or Korina Epiphone guitars these days are pretty much the same as a Gibson. Yea, may want new pick ups if you are playing larger rooms and pushing it, maybe the hardware may not be quite as good but close as hell. The Maestro trem system on the 61 Epi here is said to be better than the Gibson SG Maestro branded to the point where I'm going to buy one. the price is just to good. I know I won't happy with the probuckers if were to start gigging live again but that is unlikely at my age but not out of the question. The Epiphone bodies may be one or two pieces and the neck may have a scarf joint or may not. I don't know but it's not going to fall apart. Wood glue is very strong and a scarf joint actualy eliminated the chance of a break in that area so it's probably more stable than 1 piece mahogany neck in the area that is break prone.It's not expensive to replace the pick ups and may be toss a roller bridge and locking tuners on this 61 Epi Maestro.

[@jedisentinel1499]

I have a Epi les Paul standard I bought in 2003-4ish. Only problem is the tuners are not great. I recently played a new Gibson Les Paul classic. The tuners were obviously better but I didn’t feel or hear anything much different than my Epi. It was ever so slight if at all. The price difference is $2500 v $500. You’re mostly paying for a name.

[@aminahmed2220]

Awesome video Jack have a wonderful day 😊❤

[@JackFossett]

Thanks! You too!

[@aminahmed2220]

​@@JackFossettyou are welcome also last night was my half brothers birthday ❤😊

[@eddiemautone209]

😊😊😊yes definitely I have a left handed Epiphone SG it's great very authentic to the Gibson and no were the price of Gibson I I got it a week ago from the 😊music place zzounds music one down payment of 39 dollars and they ship your guitar out in two days by FedEx no shipping c😊 charge just 39 dollars a month 😊can't beat zzounds music any guitar or musical needs one down payment and two day delivery

[@arnold1412]

Nice intro man

[@craigtodd8297]

I loved my Epi SG. Regret selling it.

[@888jimm]

Me too....

[@uhhmike]

I had Gibson sg special. Epiphone sg standard is much better actually. Fantastic guitar esp for finger picking bx of wide neck

[@JohnnyBurn]

You want a nice SG? Epiphone SG Elitist from Japan for the win!

[@SunnyBeeRandomTuber]

This model with this shape and Desogn should've been more in stock....😢

[@greggaravet4932]

I own both a Epi classic and a Gibson tribute and from personal experience can say the Epiphone is a much prettier than the tribute, the Tribute is a better guitar. It plays better (probably due to .being pleked) and the 490 pick up set sounds fuller clean than the classic anco. The Epiphone does give all the SG vibe at close to 1/3 the price.

[@markredsicker9392]

The tribute isn't even close to a standard though.

[@greggaravet4932]

@@markredsicker9392 in practice it is, add a case and replace the pickups and plek and the price wouldn’t be that different. I did have to do a fret level to get rid of some high fret that gave a buzz and two dead spots. I have Gigged with both and the epi works well. It just needed some extra work. Like I said it’s 1/3 the price when you add a comparable case. It’s my backup and works extremely well.

[@Aries_Alpha]

I play it more than my Gibson SG 50's tribute.

[@JackFossett]

I found the tribute series to be hit or miss. Some were phenomenal, others not as much. Depended on the year and specific model.

[@Aries_Alpha]

Yeah I got a 2014 ebony Sg with P90's it's a nice guitar, I got lucky on the quality control I think but the Epiphone just feels better somehow.@@JackFossett

[@wce74wce15]

get a second hand gibson sg faded around 2002/2005, second hand.

[@Joewhacker]

My epiphone sg could never stay in tune to save my life.

[@olivierravoux9155]

Merci 👍🏻 Great guitar for the price

[@DrTomoculus]

I think the question is, is it EpiPHONE or EpiPHANY, because Epiphone existed as a company before the telephone, and I'm pretty sure Greek history was very well known by many an American in the 1800s. And there's no reason for them to say Epiphone any different than the Greeks. That's my question. I think we're all saying it wrong cuz of the telephone.

[@Tsoiugidali]

Is this guitar any good??? Oh h3ll YES it is!

[@jamesmoore3694]

i have one that i found in a pawn shop...................75 dollars well spent

[@bob-eu1jq]

I saw your picture on the post office wall. Turn yourself in.

[@JackFossett]

They’ll never catch me! So long as a keep a low profile. You know, as a KZbin personality.

[@Plisken65]

You first.

[@lyledouglas8324]

Harley Benton DC 580 with new strings for less the money

[@Nikolaj978]

With non symetric horns? No!

[@johndaugherty4127]

You look like such a clean cut, kinda nerdy guy who can play the shit out of a guitar.

[@JackFossett]

If you think I'm just "kinda nerdy," ask me a question about JRR Tolkien. Then you'll see I'm intensely nerdy.

[@richardlynch5632]

My T.V. yellow P90s SG had the looks but construction was inferior and neck dive drove me nuts🙄 It's now a wall decoration of a friends converted bus🤣 Yamaha Revstars are😎👍👍 Punching WAY above their weight class😉👍 😎✌👍❤🖖

[@Marshall_EL34]

Why support the People’s Republic of China…when you can support your own Countries work force! China already gave me Covid …so i will support my fellow workers so they can provide for their familes. But i guess if your only concern is to save a buck, we know what your ethics and priorities are.

[@jerbear1601]

Well that question got answered. It sounds like hammered shit. I've tried a few and they all sucked, even the inspired by Gibson ones. They also don't play very well either. The Gibson "chirp" is missing entirely.

[@davescupper5789]

Waffle waffle

[@JackFossett]

Hungry? Grab a snickers.

[@DCayce]

Jeez, really? Depends entirely on who's playing it. Put it in the hands of Derek Trucks and let's see.

[@Kevin12321]

My goodness a lot of hooblah in here. I appreciate you being thorough in but man trim the fat

[@shanewalton8888]

Epiphone SG is one of the most disappointing guitars I've tried. Avoid that crap at all costs I say. Get an LTD Viper instead.

[@brocklewis4801]

Nah

[@steveacdc6423]

​@@brocklewis4801 Thanks