Epiphone 1963 SG CUSTOM Full Demo

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

CLICK TO BUY - Epiphone 1963 Les Paul SG Custom Inspired by Gibson Custom: www.zzounds.com/a--3979398/item--EPIECSGC63?siid=349791 GUITAR GIVEAWAY Martin D-28: 1) SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications 2) Enter on GLEAM: gleam.io/competitions/QySws-martin-d28-giveaway Browse ALL GEAR: USA: www.zzounds.com/a--3979398 EUROPE: www.thomann.de/intl/index.html?offid=1&affid=2603

[@mykuntstynx9463]

Mine was delivered today. It's beautiful.

[@CrazyKnkb]

Is the satin matte finish too bad? How’s the fretwork? Any other QC issues?

[@mykuntstynx9463]

@@CrazyKnkb UPS delivered it. The Epiphone cardboard box was destroyed. Thankfully the case wasn't damaged that I could tell and the guitar was perfect. I plugged it in and tried all the tones, with the middle position being my favorite. The out of phase wiring is awesome. I was considering the Peter Frampton mod but I've changed my mind. It's good just like it is. However, it would have been very untraditional but a 5 way switch would have been interesting. The frets all felt fine. I have a fret rocker and a relief gauge. It was perfect out of the (destroyed) box. If I had a choice I probably would have chosen a gloss finish over this VOS because I intend on playing it and I'm sure I'll be buffing it up just with casual use. But I don't dislike it. If it didn't get glossed up from use I'd love it. And I'll be lowering the center pup because it's in my picking path and I'm bumping it a bit. I've owned multiple Epiphones over the years. I have a Les Paul Custom Epi also right now and this SG is a level above. It's a nice instrument. The hardware being all USA made makes a big difference. And that's exactly why I bought it. Cheers

[@mr3klax]

@@mykuntstynx9463Congrats on your new guitar. I had a similar experience with my Les Paul Custom in Alpine White last month. But with FedEx. Both outer and inner boxes were shredded. Thankfully, these IBGC Epiphones come with a hard shell case. My guitar was protected. Its high-gloss finish was flawless. By the way, are you going to turn it into a gloss finish?

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

@@mykuntstynx9463 Except for my ground wire not being attached the guitar now is great. I have 14 Epiphones and about 6 of them are the IBG line I've got a 59' Les Paul standard before they upped the price for the headstock. Mine has Gibson PAF's and they sound great almost just as clear as the custom buckers. I've also got a LP Custom Black back that I myself put Gibson 57 1&2's in it. I really was impressed with this new SG I've always wanted one of these, but I am not a millionaire. Hell you could put a down payment on a house for what they want for a Gibson and to be Honest for a person who plays for their own enjoyment and to jam with friends on the weekends this guitar is perfect for me. I also had to lower the middle pup and now I can bond with it.

[@KutayYavuzMusic]

Epiphone is killing it! If only there were guitars like this 15 years ago. ⭐

[@aperezdeal]

Technically there were guitars like this 15 years they were just all in Japan 😀

[@mr3klax]

@@aperezdealMaybe also in Korea?

[@nankypooh655]

I just ordered one the other day. The more videos I see, the more the anticipation of it's arrival grows. I can't wait to start jamming out on this beautiful machine!😁

[@sgt.grinch3299]

My Grandson is considering this guitar. I think it would be a nice complement to his Strat. I would like to expose him to the Gibson/ Epiphone family.

[@deqwannash2345]

I love 1963 Epiphone Les Paul SG Custom with gig bag my favorite

[@CabinEntrance]

The Gibson version of this (the OG) is my dream guitar😍😍🔥

[@midwaymonster30]

I've got the real deal. It's a beauty. You can't go wrong. Treat yourself.

[@AuntAlnico4]

I had one too, it was dark sounding and kinda heavy for the small body so I traded it for an old Hamer Flying V . I'm very happy with the Hamer but I'm probably in the minority since you Don't see many Hamer guitars around !?

[@midwaymonster30]

​@@AuntAlnico4Yeah. They are a bit heavier then one would expect. I love Hamer guitars!

[@diogenesstudent5585]

Get the vintage brand version!

[@robertgladstein]

​@auntjenifer7774 sure you do..maybe more so in the 70s and 80s..but they are excellent guitars..

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

I ordered mine a Month ago from American Musical. Epiphone was even on back order. I finally get it 3 days ago and plugged it up to play it and it was making a TON of noise. I opened the control panel and the ground wire was not attached to the pot. I'm a cancer patient who's hands shake and I don't want to do it myself in case I mess it up and void the warranty, but I learned that just repairing the guitar will not void the warranty. So I'm going to bring it to a local shop and have them do it which is a 10 day wait after I waited a month to get it. Oh well I waited my whole life to get this model guitar ( or at least the closest copy of one) and not have to spend 10 grand for a real Gibson. This is a VERY heavy SG not even close to my Gibson standard it feels more like a les Paul. I've never had a 3 Pup guitar except for a Strat and this is a totally different set up so I imagine it will take a bit to get used to that middle pick up with my picking style. I was pretty disappointed that the ground wire was left loose especially when I JUST got it and couldn't even play it plugged in. They Marketed this guitar while not actually producing any of them and I guess they wanted to test the waters before making too many of them as mine has a really low production number on it. American got in one after a month and I am who got it but in their rush to fill the order they missed a small very important thing, the ground which makes a big difference if it's not attached to the back of the pot.

[@jcwoodstl]

It happens. When I bought my PRS McCarty 10 top the neck pickup wasn’t soldered to the pot. Was annoying because a few thousand dollar guitar shouldn’t have that kind of mistake but I brought it back to be fixed which only took a minute and all was well

[@Lean6]

I’ve got a ‘61 Gibson Maestro SG. I still feel like I’ve gotta get one of these before they go away. I used to have an Epiphone SG like this one as one of my first guitars, but no vibrola. I’m likely just going to collect this one.

[@Ledzepfan88]

Sister Rosetta Tharpe I salute you!!! Love this guitar, will never be able to afford the Gibson version

[@VICTORINO19JC]

❤ I love SG😊

[@AntmanFelix]

When i had a 06 G400 Custom (essentially the same as this guitar but with a Rosewood board and other spec changes) I lowered the middle pickup so it was not so much of a nuisance. Still wish i had that guitar sometimes.

[@kueby23]

I really like the new TRC! When I bought my Epiphone 1960 Tribute Plus in 2015, I spent a long time looking for one of these TRCs, but unfortunately I couldn't find one.

[@toddmoore2324]

Wow! I totally dreamed last night that you guys were reviewing this guitar! A sign? Perhaps! Rock on!

[@reverb508]

It's my favorite looking model of the new lineup, but yeah... I'd be knocking into that middle pickup constantly. Keeping my fingers crossed for an Epiphone version of a Pelham Blue SG. The Murphy Lab one with the Maestro is stunning.

[@estebanlimon7257]

Once I get mine I'll use clean bridge an neck. But the moment I get my OD on, I'm not moving from the middle it sounds amazing.

[@GreggBennett-j3p]

My guitar teacher and local guitar legend back in the late 70’s had an actual ‘63 SG Custom (his was a natural finish). The big thing I remember vividly was that the real SG Custom had a very full, almost baseball bat, neck profile. It did not have a slim neck (as no Gibson guitars from the 60’s did, either btw).

[@nigellacey559]

Wish they'd make the two pickup custom in black with the open book headstock.

[@samuelnerick]

Yeah

[@YOSTINATOR]

Grab one with the Kalamazoo Headstock. They're an absolute bargain!

[@stug5041]

I had an epi Les Paul custom with 3 pickups and I couldn’t deal with the middle pickup - I’d bash my index finger against it all the time and particularly when performing it’d hurt as I’d be more focused on jumping around while staying in sync with the band. For me, a batwing SG with 3 pups would be a lot more useable as I could keep the middle pickup way lower. With rings you’re kinda stuck in this regard

[@Californiaedhgold1]

I know the price is a lot but this actually is on the best deals by epiphone. It’s stacked with good specs custom buckers with an ebony! Fretboard are you kidding me !!!!!! I’ll be selling my evh Wolfgang special for this or the es 355 probably the 355

[@Dragon_rls]

Wailing as always. I love your commentary, but you're definitely one of the best guitar players on KZbin. Rock on, and thanks 👍

[@CrazyKnkb]

Is the headstock angle the proper Gibson uses? Would be also nice to include some high-gain demo too. Not everyone is into blues

[@valendis]

I hate blues guitar playing 😅

[@jordanpratt3821]

I'm sure there are other channels for that.

[@CrazyKnkb]

@@jordanpratt3821I’m sure if there were I would be there not here

[@chrisburch3808]

No it’s still the lesser degree angle that Epi has always used

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

I have the ‘10 “Custom Shop” Korean version of this & after a good set-up, it plays really well. I may swap the pickups out someday, but at last check Gibson had stopped making Gold-covered 57-classics.

[@IOSALive]

Play and Trade Guitars, Subscribed because your videos always make me smile!

[@ybzoc1965]

would you say that of the newer Epiphones, the 1959 355 is the best value?

[@Sig8066]

I will own one! Thanks guys! Great review! Fantastic job Zac!! Great headstock shots while John was rippin away...you rock buddy!

[@jordanpratt3821]

Ive got the black beauty 3 pick up epi LP. I had to have the middle pickup lowered down flush with the body because yes its def in the way.

[@bufon63]

How was it once lowered? Totally out of the pick way or still a bit intrusive?

[@jordanpratt3821]

@bufon63 oh completely out of the way. When I say lowered I mean down/flush even with the body.

[@deqwannash2345]

Les Paul SG Custom is the best🎸

[@ivandaly3679]

Good review. I have one. It is fantastic.and fantastic value. Justine thing: lyre is pronounced like liar, not like lear. Named after the ancient instrument.

[@sinakaedwards2009]

I feel like the Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop guitars are like Gibson imports without having to actually have imports with Gibson's name on the headstock.

[@TVsBen]

I love SG's but kinda hate three-humbucker guitars, and I really hate the middle position tone you were getting. Neck and bridge were awesome, though. Hopefully they upgrade the '61 Les Paul SG Standard with a Tune-O-Matic bridge and USA 60s Burstbucker pickups at $1000 (or if I'm realistic, more like $1200), I'd be all over that.

[@jonkerr2050]

This thing is gorgeous. It’s a shame I just can’t get into 3 pickup guitars. Honestly I’m not a fan of the sound of the middle position for me and the way I play. It’s just in the way when I’m playing and would pretty much never get used. I get that it’s historically accurate and I really love this whole collection. I’m hoping to pick up the 355.

[@richardegmontbade7082]

My 69 SG Standard with Maestro is light as a feather. But I want this guitar, too ;))

[@EddieOakes]

Dear God how I would love to own one of these guitars! Even better, the actual Gibson itself but I try to be humble 😂. This is my ultimate dream guitar!

[@markbois1713]

Probably won't get one that middle pickup would drive me crazy. The same reason I'm not a Strat guy that pickup is right where i want to pick. People say lower the middle pickup, no thanks, I'll just play a Tele.

[@bufon63]

Can't the middle pickup be lowered with the screws so it's out the way? (wouldn't use it anyway)

[@neg1977]

Drop the middle pickup a little that helps

[@THEItchybruddah]

Apparently there’s not a screwdriver among all that gear 😜

[@roberte03915]

You said it wouldn't be your main guitar - is that just because of the middle pickup, or other reasons too?

[@markjohnson9485]

Some very tasty guitar playing there, my friend.

[@nankypooh655]

One quick serious question: Other than the head stock, and color of the body is there REALLY any difference between this guitar and the Joe Bonamassa model SG? Because if there isn't I won't buy the Joe Bonamassa model, but if there is any differences other than the outer cosmetics I mentioned, let me know.

[@MiguelPazMandado]

Different pickups. Gibson Custombuckers on this one vs Epiphone probuckers on Bonemassa's

[@nankypooh655]

@@MiguelPazMandado Perhaps I should invest in a Joe Bonamassa after all. Having fun with the new Custom Shop for now.

[@Jackie_Rosewood]

Awesome demo!!🎸🎸🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@KennedyIvy]

Is there neck dive?

[@royeaston6067]

What are you using for the dirty tones?

[@Tony78432]

Guitar looks a bit too clean now since it’s brand new but some yellowing of the finish over years of playing and some player wear and these are gonna be some proper beautiful guitars

[@MaxCohen-mx2rf]

There won't be any yellowing like you'd see on a Gibson, because it's a polyeurathane finish, not nitrocellulose like on a Gibson. The only aging it'll go through, is dents, dings, scratches, and however improperly handled it is with dirty hands or something. But could be cleaned off with a simple cleaning most likely because poly is just that durable.

[@johndaugherty4127]

Nice playing.

[@x4fingers]

Why it has "Les Paul custom" on the headstock? Isn't it a SG body guitar?

[@jfinester]

When the SG models were introduced in 1961, they were called Les Pauls, and the single-cutaway Les Pauls were discontinued. Les supposedly didn’t like the new design, but he was also going through a divorce at the time, and sometime in 1963 the Les Paul name got taken off the guitars, which became known as SGs, for Solid Guitar. The singlecuts didn’t come back until 1968, but SGs stayed in production (with a few changes over the years) anyway.

[@x4fingers]

@@jfinester thanks for useful information

[@SionynJones]

because after 1959-1960 the sales of Les Paul's fell, Gibson discontinued it and changed it to what we know as the SG today.

[@SionynJones]

​@@jfinesterthat's an urban myth Les contract with Gibson ended and the Les Paul name was dropped.

[@fattony4961]

I’ve wanted this model for a long time but would prefer vvvt controls. The out of phase sound to my ears loses sustain fairly quick compared to the other two positions. Anyone else hear it? It seems to muffle the sound. And if that’s out of phase I can’t see any time I’d want that sound. Its constipated sound. As if there’s more drive waiting but isn’t there. At least until back in phase.

[@rollingstone7242]

The Epiphone headstock is bigger than the Gibson headstock. Or am I wrong?

[@centocerez]

All Custom models have a bigger headstock

[@mr3klax]

Gibson Custom models have oversized headstocks. The Standard models have the smaller regular headstock.

[@rollingstone7242]

Didn‘t know that. Thank you.

[@cdnnielsen5964]

great demo

[@snfrd]

How annoying is the middle pickup being in the way? Id love one and lower the middle pickup but I then heard the neck from another video was still a D shape, not C.

[@MaxCohen-mx2rf]

The middle pickup totally gets in the way and it is a bit frustrating while playing. Love the look for sure, but for playability you definitely have to give up any idea that you will never hit the pickup with your pick. You will on occasion hear the pick hitting it through the amp too unfortunately. 3 pickups would probably work better with mini-humbuckers or P-90's than full sized humbuckers but the look of the 3 humbuckers is just super iconic. Especially in gold. It's an eyesore really, but a beautiful eyesore. The neck is a more rounded thicker D shape inline with Gibson specs that feels more akin to a C shape but isn't quite a C shape from the ones I tried out at various music stores.

[@bufon63]

@@MaxCohen-mx2rf Can't it be lowered so it's out of the way?

[@aboutfine]

I have one SG LPC 63 maestro vibrola and the middle pickup is not in the way. I guess it depends on playing style, those who are used to hitting the guitar "rubato" style will find it in the way. The middle pickup can of course be lowered with the adjustment screws. Peter Frampton is a great guitarist and is known for having three pickups on his guitars and has never complained that the middle pickup was in the way.. 🙂

[@nankypooh655]

I'm gonna get myself one of these along with the Joe Bossa Nova model. (Or whatever the heck his name is)

[@martianmurray]

3 pup guitars should have pickup switches like a Jaguar so you could have whatever combo you want.

[@strawsparky33]

Go build one then

[@martianmurray]

@@strawsparky33 I’m a player, not a builder

[@strawsparky33]

@@martianmurray dang sucks.

[@martianmurray]

@@strawsparky33 nah playing is more fun. People don’t pay to watch builders.

[@burnmaster2009]

Agreed 👍

[@Mike-ky9jz]

A rolling bridge would make this guitar perfect...but I'm not a fan of 3 pick-up design ....seems to be overkill in my opinion

[@YOSTINATOR]

Sexiest guitar of all time!

[@MrMfalzone]

In it to win it!

[@dundun8640]

why is the neck so thick?

[@benrios7902]

Personally, it’d be a lot cooler if Gibson did more les Paul Junior, and specials at this price point from Gibson

[@deqwannash2345]

Hot guitar 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@NINEWALKING]

Picking lane? Huh? Don't you vary in a picking position regarding the tone you want to create?

[@jessejorgensen3931]

I guess gibson had a choice make less expensive gibsons or more expensive epiphone? I mean it would probably look bad if gibson started making Chinese guitars? I need an all white guitar.

[@AuntAlnico4]

You can get a used Les Paul special tribute single cut in white with p90 or humbuckers I believe.

[@AuntAlnico4]

I've seen em$750-$799.

[@zoomzoom3950]

I have a 2024 Gibson '61 SG in white; I wanted the Gibson 1963 Custom but not at the asking price; The Epi 1963 LP SG Custom looks more than good enough for me, and I ignore the Gibson curmudgeons. Also, I find many guitar curmudgeons refuse to adjust to different gear and adjust their approach and playing styles, this is especially true when you have the only-tube-amps-will-do people sneering at digital modelers; I use both, and purchased more new tube amps in 2024 than digital modeling gear. You can't approach a tube amp the same way as a digital modeler and vice versa; same for playing a Strat vs LP, two pickup SG vs three pickup SG...you need to adjust your approach, style and technique to get the most out of the gear. Playing a three humbucker guitar the same as a 1-2 humbucker guitar will not yield the best results. When I had a three pickup Ric (370 blue burst), I found the most comfortable picking position was usually over the middle pickup; I took a deeper grip on the pick so the area hitting the strings was more shallow, and I found a great nuance by playing in between the neck and middle, and another playing between the middle and bridge, and got used to playing that guitar that way...

[@CrazyKnkb]

Just got the chance to demo one whilst in Dubai. I don't know what this lad says, the middle pickup was quite high by default and it never got in the way. One must have terrible picking technique to actually ran into it. I compared it against a current Gibson SG Supreme and honestly this Epi blew the Gibson out of the water (with only exception the slightly smoother frets due to fret nibs on the Gibson). Sound was full, punchy and aggressive, neck was a breeze, overall amazing instrument, to anyone who's having second thoughts, just go for it!

[@dave8386]

Dude is that a Blues on the Fox Aurora poster next to your bench? My band opened that festival in 2009, and I got to play with the headliners Los Lobos later that night! Weird coincidence

[@the-northern-light]

Its strange how the Gibson SG and Les Paul Tributes are cheaper than some Epiphones now. I feel as though Epiphones should not exceed the cost of Gibsons.

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Unfortunately the Tribute series was discontinued for that reason

[@the-northern-light]

That makes sense, however, I still see SG tributes and Les Paul tributes for sale online brand new right now which would greatly deter me from purchasing an Epiphone such as this. Great review though thank you as always!

[@jackLoveX]

Is it part of the deal? Sounds like it’s part of the deal…

[@YOSTINATOR]

Lower the middle pickup. Problem solved.

[@larsfocken3456]

1st!

[@Kcapgar]

If you look at the pickguard they cheaped out and didn’t use a good wide bevel multi layer. So if you buy this guitar for 1500. You immediately have one thing you have to upgrade. I got the two pickup version with Kalamazoo headstock. Guess what. 1/3 of the price. 1/3. If people accept this premium priced shit for a Chinese guitar then it’s just sad.

[@samborn7120]

I would love to grab one of these, but $1,499.00 is too much. Full Stop. If this was an American Made in Nashville, then the price would be understandable. They should offer this guitar at $899.00.

[@greatwhite3676]

I love how the guitar community simps for Gibson. This is a much better guitar than any Gibson studio.

[@cigdamagelungs]

No ceezar,gaudy!

[@jfinester]

Hey, gaudy can be cool!

[@beaverbuckles1755]

No...China please

[@jessejorgensen3931]

Am i wrong? Aren't these just affordable gibsons?

[@midwaymonster30]

You're wrong. They're pricier Epiphones. These guitars look the part, but don't be fooled. They aren't using the same quality woods for these guys.

[@greatwhite3676]

No these will stay in tune and the headstock won’t break. So not a Gibson

[@jordanpratt3821]

​@greatwhite3676 of course the headstock would break. Why woudnt it.

[@zeppelinfan82]

I don’t get “cheaper” versions of guitars. It’s not like there’s a “cheaper” corvette made by a different company. And then people say it’s just as good as an expensive Gibson. What’s the point then. I believe the difference is in the hands that play it. If it’s not as good as “the real thing”, than why even buy it. There should be a cap on guitars that are designed with the same parts but different names.

[@MaxCohen-mx2rf]

There is a cap. The original Gibson version comes with fret nibs, nitrocellulose finish, bigger mother of pearl inlays in the fretboard, single pieces of pearl for the Les Paul Custom hatch diamond headstock inlay. You also don't get the historic version of the Gibson truss rod. This isn't an exact replica, and it's great for that reason. Poly is more protective. Fret nibs eventually break off with age and or cause playing issues. One-Way truss rods eventually get maxed out and the headstock angle isn't as severe improving tuning stability. Definitely not fond of the fact that it's China made, would prefer to have seen these done by Korean or Japanese plants, but China is Epiphone's primary builder now and they've definitely improved over the years at the very least.

[@wayneb6128]

The pickups aren’t worth the price. PLENTY of other manufacturers making PAF pickups for a fraction of the price. Doesn’t matter how you slice it. It’s a Chinese made guitar and not worth the ridiculous price.

[@jayhill5982]

Shitty finish made by slave labor in China 😢 and now way overpriced as Gibsons corporate GREED has taken Epiphone OUT of the affordable range and given Gibsons dismal quality control record, there are a lot of guitars out there better quality, better features and specs and way more affordable ! Gibson's corporate greed is it going to take Gibson and Epiphone straight to bankruptcy😂😂😂

[@chrisburch3808]

Doubt that but ok lol

[@hellofx]

It won't hold the value . . . .but if you like it buy it but if you want to sell it then expect around 700 dollars.

[@DS-yg4qs]

Nice but that ugly gold hardware