Which SG Special Would You Buy? - Gibson, Epiphone, and Gibson Custom Shop Models Compared!

[@YOSTINATOR]

Hello Colin. I just wanted to take a moment and tell you something that I've been meaning to tell you for a long time. Your videos are excellent and perfectly paced, you're a highly likeable guy, and you're a natural at this KZbin channel thing. Keep up the good work! I always look forward to your videos.

[@theguitaristas]

Ah thanks man that's really appreciated! 🙏😊

[@brutus6328]

GREAT comment! I could not agree more!!! I'm betting 100K subs by this time next year!!! The hard work and detailed information that Colin divulges is so greatly appreciated (and a lot of fun to watch and listen to)!

[@YOSTINATOR]

@@brutus6328 Absolutely! I have watched some of his videos more than a few times!

[@johndaugherty4127]

Here! Here!

[@216trixie]

I'm 61 and been playing most of my life, professionally semi-professionally. My childhood buddy died a couple years ago and I was gifted his 69 SG special. I've never played sg's before. I fell in love with it. The shape the size the tone. Now I bought two modern sgs, both of them specials. The last one I bought, has p90s. My first p90 guitar. I love it so much! Really in love with this guitar now.

[@martinscholes2023]

I love your channel, mate. Your cheery little face, great production, lovely tones and honest opinion is something I really look forward to. I’m a 51 year old guitar addict!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Martin, thanks for the kind words and support mate its appreciated! 😁👍

[@christylasure7072]

Another Great review , I have 1 Epi special and a gibson burgundy mist special , pretty close in sound and playability , I love how you do these deep dives Colin, thanks and have a great weekend, cheers

[@paolunna]

100percent. 51 yo too here. Same same. Love

[@martinscholes2023]

@@paolunna 😍🎸

[@theguitaristas]

@@christylasure7072 Thanks Christy!

[@Dogsrule777]

I started taking lessons when I was 10. After about a year my guitar teacher urged my dad to get me an electric guitar that he had found at Dales music store in STL. The prior owner sanded down the neck even thinner and actually sanded off the freaking headstock logo! 😮 We bought it for $250 in 1985, checked out the serial number and it’s a genuine 64 SG Special (with a couple quirks:) that I own to this day. I’ll never sell it! Awesome vid.

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one! 😁👍

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

Restore the headstock.

[@reddottx]

Different time where people weren’t so taken by the logo. Gibsons greatest nightmare.

[@waynewagner395]

I bought my first SG in '68 and although that particular one is gone, I still have a few newer ones from Gibson and Epiphone so I know the attraction. Epis have evolved into very good guitars over the last decade or so. The newer Gibsons disappoint but the Epis are usually a pleasant surprise. Thanks for the great video!

[@austinjosef41]

You have really grown my attraction to SGs. I also think p90’s are vastly underrated and overlooked. Glad you gave em a shout. Enjoying the content lately. Cheers

[@adrian_V99]

Their tone depends to a great degree on the guitar body's shape and weight.

[@tylerdurden5122]

A good mate of mine has a Gibson sg standard. It’s great but I’ve never had any interest in sgs until watching this channel. Now I’m thinking maybe I want one…

[@michaelknight4041]

P90s are awesome 👍 especially if you like a slightly overdriven tone. They do the clean to mean thing great with the right amp. The way some humbuckers get muddy, the p90s are the exact opposite. Very articulate with nice separation. The kind of thing you never knew you needed until you play one lol

[@lucianoponzano]

As a proud owner of the pelham blue SG epiphone special, I was delighted by seeing this video. Also I was quite curious for how the three would perform side by side. I think the Gibson Original Series could adjust more to a modern rock player, there is not a giant difference between the gibson original and the epiphone tbh. Glad that the guitar I bought stands against the others!!

[@richardhowell9535]

Drank a few beers and listened to you play and ramble. I love the rambling and the playing! 🤣 Great job as usual, Colin. I'm working on putting some Fishman P90s in my Gibson Special. It's a bit fiddly, but i should have it going soon.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers mate! 😎👍

[@chuckschaible5410]

Hey, Love 💕 your playing AND excellent commentary... BACK IN THE DARK AGES (1975, WHEN I WAS A HOWLIN WOLF 🐺🐺 🐺 AGE 14!!!). MY DAD BOUGHT ME A USED 1967 GIBSON SG SPECIAL...WOW BEAUTIFUL BIG NECK, SCREAMING P9OS, THINK DAD PAID $200.00 U.S. BACK THEN; NOT EXACTLY CHEAP...I STILL KICK MYSELF FOR TRADING IT IN 1983 during STRAT MANIA... Love strats, teles, Les Pauls, TRIPLE pick-up Les Paul custom, Old Rics gretsches ET AL... Love 💕 em All...

[@theguitaristas]

Hey Chuck, ouch that memory hurts I bet! 😂👍 cheers man, you were one lucky teenager all the same!!

[@dudley509]

I'm 59 years old . I started playing last year Love your show and your humor and honesty. I've gone a bit over board , I have 16 guitars at this point so far. I have two Epiphone SGs , both have good QC . Can't justify a gibson cause they just don't sound or feel any better than my sons gibsons( he has 10).

[@gazzy_burns]

Ace that you have a family love of guitars!!!

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one David, thanks for the support! It's great that as a fairly new player you have already amassed quite a collection... you are at home here mate! 😆👍

[@dudley509]

@@theguitaristas thanks

[@Theguy702]

I got my ebony sg special today! Absolutely incredible guitar!! It was everything I was hoping for! I didn't have any issues with the paint or hardware. If you like going from Dirty to cleans, and everything in between, this guitar is for you! Love it!

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one!! 😁👍👍

[@nellayema2455]

The pickups on the ebony Gibson USA are further apart than the other 2 guitars. It looks like the bridge pup is further back, making it closer to the bridge. The Custom shop sounds fantastic. The Epiphone is a great value and sound great. Epiphone's been killing it lately. I may have mentioned it before, but I've purchased 3 lately. the Moderne, the Firebird and the Coronet. All 3 are excellent, IMO.

[@BladeDoomer86]

The satin finish on my 2014 SG i just bought used, is absolute rubbish and coming off left and right just from sweating on it 🤣 but that's what makes it cool and sound so lively! Like i told you in my last comment, it's the best guitar I've ever played 😱🎸. It sounds so darn great and cuts through the mix like butter

[@justincork3838]

I love an sg! The ebony with p90s would be my pick. Another great comparison video. Cheers Colin!

[@calogeroavanzato398]

Thanks again Colin since I lost my dad a couple of months ago I really look forward to your video, thanks again

[@stevengallardo9258]

Hi Colin, was thinking about putting a Bigsby on a Vintage VS6MRMA SG but after seeing this I'll keep it as is for awhile. Added the Toneman wiring harness, made a world of difference for anyone considering this mod. These guitars look great as they are. Thanks

[@stevenorvell9929]

Great show I can watch SG content all day. Love how you show guitars and details about them. Keep up the good work.

[@str8shooter36]

P90's are my favorite pickups. I get all the tones I like to play with a LP Jr or one of these fine fiddles.

[@blakestepp7940]

Colin, Love this Honest Review!!! Love SG's, they are vastly underrated!! Most of the time they play like a Dream, even though I do like the chunky neck like the 50's Les Pauls. They are a Lot of Fun and the weight is so nice, especially for longer gigs, but even sitting in the studio, fooling around with the processor, and or pedals, easier to manage!!! Excellent Review!!!! Cheers!!!!

[@voiceofexperience]

I clicked on this so fast my picking hand got whiplash.

[@neoquest2012]

🤣

[@steviesteakbakes9643]

Winner! 🤣🤣🤣

[@theguitaristas]

🤣👍 Nice one Jeffrey!!... 🥇

[@mattrogers1946]

Fast isn't everything Ace....

[@Ledzepfan88]

😂 best comment ever

[@jameslanclos568]

I bought the 2022 Gibson Exclusive SG Standard '61 with the case from Zzounds. It's cherry finish but very dark "black" cherry finish. I'm absolutely in love with it.

[@kolchak357]

Always looking at these SG specials. Also interested in the new Epiphone Iommi SG. But it’s all very confusing to me. Thanks for doing this video.

[@joehahn8817]

Get the regular Epi SG Special P-90 and save yourself $500. They're basically the same guitars, just the Tony Iommi signature model has a fatter neck carve. And a sticker...

[@adamfiedorczuk5969]

or go 500 bucks more for the pelham blue gibson version. I love Iommi but that model is just a cash grab honestly.

[@njcranes]

I have never been a fan of the SG shape but I love the way the specials sound, especially with Soul Food!! Been GASing for P90s

[@HarleyBob957]

Enjoyed your video. I have a 72 special, I’m the original owner, l still love the guitar as much as when my grandmother bought it for me. Mine is ebony also. The only work I’ve done to it is replace the pots and three way, touched up the frets from road dings but still rocks out. Once again thanks for your videos, I enjoy spending time watching.

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one!... I really love those older SG's as you well know 🙌🔥 Thanks for watching!

[@darwinsaye]

As soon as I looked at the thumbnail for the video, the finish/colour of the Custom Shop caught my heart.

[@soulagent79]

Over the years I've owned several Gibson SGs with P90s and a few Epiphones. The current "Inspired by Gibson" Epiphone SG Special is my favourite. I like it even better than the Gibsons I've had.

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

I own a 1961 Les Paul/sg jr and it's a fantastic guitar. I'd love to add a custom shop sg special to the arsenal. I've owned two USA Gibson SG Standards and I hated both of them. The Custom Shop does a great job of putting the feel of a vintage guitar in the hands of most who could never get an original

[@oldmanzen6682]

That Epi is absolutely gorgeous. I’ll never understand the headstock issue that some have; whether it’s the name on said headstock, or shape (in particular the difference between the old and new Epi design). I mean, each to their own, of course… I just don’t understand why it matters (except that one is perceived as more valuable to those that care). Great video. I’ve been itching for a new SG, but there are others higher on the list.

[@adrian_V99]

An honest video, once again. Why would I pay full price for paint flaws, etc.? Rather look for a used one from 20 years ago. As per Epiphone the SG Special has Alnico V's. I tried several and all wonderful instruments. And the colours are amazing.

[@Darth.Shredder]

One thing I noticed immediately about these Specials was the bridge pickup placement. The current production line Gibsons place the bridge pickup very close to the bridge compared to the vintage and custom shop versions. Ironically, the placement of the bridge pickup on the Epiphone is more authentic than the Gibson production model. I'm wondering if the reason the Gibson bridge pickup sounds a little hotter (harsh to some).

[@theguitaristas]

Yes it makes it very brittle sounding and not in any good way. I sold the ebony one now.

[@DanEvans-yb6wk]

I study your videos. Study them. I'm in the market for an SG. I'm a solo gig. For years I've played one of several Epiphone Jumbos in front of my Gibson Jumbo because they are at least as good. I'd like to get a Gibson SG, but my experience and your opinion keep screaming "Epiphone!" I'm a retired teacher of high school English. You sir, are the teacher. Thank you greatly!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Dan, definitely recommend you give the Epiphone SG special a go! 😎👍

[@carpathus]

Awesome review Colin. Your custom shop SG is beautiful. Love me some Epi SG Specials. Mine are the "cheapie" ones having a gloss poly finish and bolt on necks with one each master tone and master volume. They only came in two colors, ebony and cherry and since they were so affordable it was easy to justify having one of each 😁✌

[@joehahn8817]

And they probably do the job just fine, don't they???

[@carpathus]

@@joehahn8817 I like them better than the set neck SGs because the necks attach further into the body so it's much more comfortable to play. I also very much prefer the simpler controls as well since the pots are dimed most of the time anyway! The ones I looked for and found were made between 2011-2017. These are not that old so you can easily find them in mint condition. I found a 2017 Ebony in the box never played a couple months ago that I jumped on. They have hog bodies and necks with rosewood fretboard and can be had today for $200 or less. Install some Invaders or Black Winter pickups and a set of Grover 133N tuners and you've got a rock machine on your hands without having to loot the treasury ;-)

[@typingdude4833]

What a great review. I have Les Pauls but you made me look at an SG. Although I’m not a very experienced player and don’t need all that upper fret access LOL. Keep up the great videos. And I’m in total awe of your supernatural playing, holy cow. You’re great. I hope to achieve just a sliver of your playing ability before I grow too old.

[@theguitaristas]

Ah thanks that's really kind and very much appreciated! 🙏😊 I reckon SG's might make me seem a better player than I actually am so I'd definitely recommend you get one too! 🤣👍

[@beckyalvarado5008]

Colin, you do excellent reviews because you tell your viewers what you believe is the best bang for your Buck, often others that do guitar reviews will not tell the viewers their overall opinion. I would love if someday you can do a review on the new Gibson LP Modern Lite thanks!

[@mikepj1025]

I’ve tried a few times but never found an SG I felt comfortable with. Not sure what it is about them. I love the way they look and sound. The search will continue. Awesome video.

[@taborturtle]

I just wanted to thank you for putting this video out. I decided a while back that I wanted at least 1 P90 guitar and your video convinced me to get one. I got the Epiphone worn finish red SG Special and it is INSTANTLY my absolute favorite guitar! I have many different types of guitars, and this one is the one I can't stop playing! My PRS used to be my favorite. Not any more! And I'm not convinced that spending $1000 more on the Gibson version would have been better. I'm actually very happy with the Epi! It is an amazing sounding guitar! Thank you again!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man, yes that particular guitar is a real winner in every respect! 👌🎸🔥

[@hankreus7196]

😊each one is an awesome instrument on their own to be well proud of owning. Your Epi SG Special in lovely Pelham Blue, inspired me to overcome my irrational fear of the wrap around tailpiece. Leading to another rabbit hole tangent story. You proved your point ✌️🫶

[@bobramirez588]

Hey Colin, I had a 61 SG Special that I kept for 40 years. Under the pickups there was no springs, foam or metal plates, very much like your Custom shop SG. Thought I’d pass that along since you wondered what the originals were like. It was the best guitar I ever owned. The dimensions were different. The neck was narrower and thinner in depth than todays versions and the guitar was incredibly light weight like about 1/2 the weight of yours, Last year I bought the Gibson SG Special in Lake Placid blue as a replacement for my 61. In a comparison the new one has some advantages over my original but I must say that my original had a very raw sound that the new ones haven’t replicated. Thanks for your video

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Bob, nothing quite like an original! 😁🔥

[@jefftucker201]

Great vid as always Colin mate, have to admit, if i was after one I think I would just go for the Epi! all the best mate, have a great weekend!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Jeff and you mate 😎👍

[@astrums99]

Had an Epiphone SG Special but sold it for an Epiphone SG Standard.. then upgraded everything - ha! The Epi Standard sounds awesome with alnico II pickups and 50's wiring!

[@elwalker9034]

As much as u love SGs I'm proper impressed u kept this under an hour. Great reviewing & info, as always.

[@frankdardano3182]

I love the Gibson sg! A most versatile gitbox.your balance of information, with attitude is appreciated.Thanks for your articulation,a most intelligent ,complete review of the guitar. I have owned 7 over my 71 years,and l learned many technical aspects I did not seek,yet was curious about.Rock on mate!

[@kennethh2430]

A friend of mine loves SG's and has a few different ones. A few months ago he bought a Custom Shop SG Special and loves it, it's his main player. He most recently picked up a Gibson SG Tony Iommi Special, not the $20k (USD) one lol, he still likes and plays the CS better/more. After playing "normal" USA Gibson LP's and then transitioning over to CS's...yeah, there is something about CS's, I kind of hate it and love it at the same time :D Keep up the great work Colin!

[@nemanjafilipovic4130]

If you ever decide to sell that beautiful custom shop special, let me know! Great video. Thank you

[@Ray-Angel]

After watching this I bought an Epiphone SG Classic. Thanks for the reviews very helpful making my choice.

[@macgruff69]

Wonderful channel. You do a great job of reviewing guitars honestly. I really enjoy your style of review. Great comments, classy playing just great work. Each review is like a deep dive into the guitars. Disassembly, basically dissecting the guitars. All very useful stuff. I can see you really love guitars especially SGs. Keep them coming.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks that's appreciated! 😁👍

[@adamjolin]

My favorite guitar channel talking about my favorite guitar! Perfect

[@alexgarnett5373]

Great video again Colin … glad you picked up on the binding that’s the thing that drives me nuts and one of the things why the custom shop stuff is so different .. if you want older model specs Gibson have an archive section on their website … cheers Alex 🖤❤️…. Oh yeah and I think you should buy the 69 SG Special you have my blessing

[@RayLawrenceJrMUSIC]

Finally, I got a Gibson SG standard. I actually like everything in the SG line and the Les Paul line. Each version has its own voice.

[@markdakel9253]

I haven’t been able to keep up with your films for the past few weeks but I was able to watch this one in and I thoroughly enjoyed the deep dive into these SG’s, excellent film, thank you for making this one, I enjoyed every moment…

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Mark!

[@xMaoxoaMx]

I got the Epiphone and the Gibson SG Special in pelham blue and i think they're both mighty fine guitars. My only gripe with the Epiphone is the neck profile, i dont really like their thin D. But even that goes away after like 10 minutes, so all is good. The only reason i keep the Gibson is because i got a screaming deal for it, so i gotta keep it. And that sweet smell 😄

[@joehahn8817]

I could agree more...Slim Taper "D" carves SUCK!!! lol I read somewhere where somebody was saying a guitar neck doesn't need a 12-inch radius on both sides...🤣🤣🤣

[@vladimirpoutine7522]

Yup, the poly finish puts me off. I have a collection of 58 guitars and most have the poly finish, so I tend to gravitate to my lacquer finished guitars. They have this ability to change to my own playing nuances.

[@theguitaristas]

Nice collection man!... about the same number as me so you definitely have a problem too! 😆👍

[@sixbladeknife44]

Excited to watch! I have a very nicely figured recent Iommi Sig. SG Special, big baseball bat neck and beastly sounding guitar!

[@DougGarrett]

Brilliant as always. That custom shop is beautiful. I almost bought the red special from sweetwater last week, but grabbed a Les Paul instead. Love your channel.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Doug, I predict the Red Special will follow soon anyway....😆👍

[@Edward1312]

The SG Special custom shop is a beautiful guitar, but the cost is truly eye watering! Nitro finishes look great, but they mark so easily, even guitar stands will do it. While I agree the Epiphone inspired by is excellent value the best value SG special with P90s I've come across is the JHS Vintage VS6MRMA Icon series Jim Abrahams signature model. These are long since discontinued but come up occasionally on the secondhand market for around £250.

[@petercollier1211]

I got a stupid cheap Mick Abraham signature...Turns out to be an absolute gibson killer.cheers

[@gt-37guy6]

It is amazing how good the Epiphone is for the cost - in Pelham Blue it is quite impressive. Spot on - you can't tell the diff between the Epi and the Black Gibson A to B comparison. I thought at first the Custom Shop as well, but after 2nd listen you are correct, the Gibson was shrill sounding compared to Custom shop. I think the pickup spacing relative to the bridge is the main factor, then the differences in pickups - assuming the custom shop is a bit higher quality design ? No doubt the FEEL is different on the custom shop! When a guitar has soul...wow - it is just different. I nearly sprung $3500 on a customer shop SG standard a few years ago , but settled on a 2013 Les Paul Traditional for $1800 - which I do love allot as well. You really do a fine job of disassembly analysis on these machines - you can see that this is your passion - bravo!

[@cantfindamerica877]

The biggest thing I’ve noticed on the epiphone p90’s they are placed closer together and that changes the tone. The Gibson models are spread further apart and that to me sounds way better. I totally believe they do that on purpose.

[@robertmellang6998]

My SG Special is so different. Mine was $150.00. It has a stop tail bridge. It has Humbuckers. It was made in Indonesia. I really like mine. I have it in several videos on my channel.

[@touchthesun2448]

just in from California and here we go! You picked my favorite guitar for this comparison, and it's still broken... I don't know what I will do because it cost so much to drive across the country, I could have bought the Gibson from you. Now I'm just going to bang on the Wilshire pro and be happy with what I have. Great show Colin! Thanks for all the P-90 sounds... I love it!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Bob! 😎👍

[@Steve-B1965]

Enjoyed that - t'was a 2 cup off coffee watch, but i enjoyed that enormously. I've never picked up an SG or did an a chord on P90's but the clarity is immense. Thank you.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Steve, yes that was a long one... I may add a warning in future 'warning: snacks may also be required' 😆👍 Thanks for watching man!

[@jsdcband2841]

Great review, I recently bought a Gibson Special Original. I absolutely love it. I appreciate your honest straight forward take on all 3. You Rock!

[@theguitaristas]

😁🤘

[@JoshLikesFuzz]

Recently subscribed to your channel. Really enjoy your content. I’m also an SG fan. I’d wait and save to get the Custom Shop or wait until a player grade vintage 60s special came up. I couldn’t own the other two without thinking about the CS one!

[@123pap]

loved the show and there is definitely something about that custom shop I can hear it and maybe even feel it, I wish I could put my hands on it.

[@theprolixramblr4307]

One of the BEST guitar review videos on KZbin, if not the best. Love your channel.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Red that’s appreciated! 🙏😎

[@keithblakeman2823]

It’s pretty clear you adore that CS, in honesty who wouldn’t !! ? I can’t stand Pelham Blue as a finish and even as a big Epi fan I’d bin that as well. They all sound great though.

[@richc.9273]

Guess I needn't be sad about not being able to afford the Gibsons. I have the same Epiphone in Pelham blue. Love it. Thanks.

[@margaretzabinski9977]

Keep juggling all those SGs. We love it all. Thanks for the great work (and humor). Looking forward to the player 1969 review.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Margaret! 😆👍

[@iannicholls7476]

Another great video Colin, thanks. After your original video I managed to acquire a low mileage Pelham blue Epiphone Special for £230 on EBay. It would have been rude not to!

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one Ian! 😆👍

[@hanovergreen4091]

Just got my 1st Epiphone and 1st SG this month. Have a beverage and settling in to watch. :)

[@lasombra_br]

Another enjoyable video, thanks, mate! The Epiphone is a great value and sound killer. It's the guitar that made me love SGs and don't like Les Pauls :)

[@ApostolosNikolaidis1]

I owned a '97 SG Special with a bigsby which I had to sell back in 2004 and now an SG '13 Tribute with P90's which plays great. Would buy back my '97 though anytime :)

[@BostonWhoFan515]

I just looked at your SG Special Reverb list. There's two Pete Townshend sig models. One's nearly double the price of the other but does contain more Who/Townshend memorabilia. That's not to say the lesser priced one is void of any Who/Townshend stuff. Just less. Both are identical SG Special's with the large batwing pickguard. With Pete being my favorite guitarist and The Who my favorite band, I'd love to get my hands on one of those. But for now I own a 2022 Gibson SG Special in Vintage Cherry, same as your Ebony model. It was the closest to Pete's that I could afford. I like the small pickguard, too. It complements the wood more. And it's a really sweet guitar! Great electronics! The P-90's sound wicked and clean up incredibly well. It was easily worth every penny of the $1400+ price tag. Great video. Cheers!

[@atomnetton]

I've binged this channel after discovering the p90 strat video mainly because of the lovely, lovely p90 tones and excellent playing. Plus I'm fascinated by all the specifications and details of each guitar and how some wood, wire and magnets can have its own individual sound. Love it, thanks Guitaristas.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man glad you found us! 😎👍

[@paulcopsey6573]

Great video, I am still not an SG fan, but appreciate your love & addiction! I find all the new Epiphone necks just great. The only thin one I have is on a 2016 Les Paul, which makes it feel a bit un Les Paul like, but that is only after having the feel of a couple of later models of Les Paul & 335s. They are not all exactly the same, but have a bit more heft about them & all feel great. Given how good those Epiphones are for the money now it is hard to justify buying a Gibson, especially for someone like me that is of limited ability & doesn't gig or do open mic stuff any more. The other thing with these new Epiphones is the great quality of the pick ups, pots & wiring. If you have an itch to own a variety of model types & have £1,500 burning a hole in your pocket, it's 3 Epiphones for me as opposed to just 1 Gibson.

[@timothyausten3390]

What in the world are we going to do if Eastman makes an SG...?! Seriously, though: AMAZING channel, Colin. Was in Nashville recently shopping for my dream SG (I went with a custom shop Heather Poly '64 Standard Reissue for way too much money), and I played a ton of vintage and custom shop specials. For all that Gibson makes a mediocre/hit-or-miss USA standard, their custom shop stuff, especially since the 2019 overhaul, really is that good. It holds up to vintage almost every time. I mean, you have as good a chance of meeting one of the best electrics you've ever played on the Gibson Custom rack as you do the vintage Gibson rack.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Having my usual Friday night glass of vino…. and what better way to spend the time! Great vid as usual Colin, at this rate you’ll be 50k subs before you know it! One day I’m hoping you’ll get someone special like Jon Case (Case guitars) or Patrick Eggle to build you a guitar…. Expensive but certainly a great comparison video would ensue…..

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Paul, thanks for stopping by mate!. I saw your latest vid and that you've ordered another Oswald and had the turmoil of deciding which one has to go... all I can say is you have willpower of steel letting that lovely 335 go but i reckon the JM is going to be a beauty... what's the eta on that?? Difficult to imagine 50K subs but if it happens and the ad revenue is equally as impressive maybe I will treat myself to a custom build eh? 😆👍

[@markpell8979]

Hello again Colin and all! Nothing to add today on these very nice guitars but basic price comparison math at present $USD retail. Epi=n. Gibson=3.34n (not entirely unreasonable for a 'real' SG if they let the lacquer cure before shipping). Gib Custom Shop=8.01n. Yes, you can buy exactly 8 Epis for the price of 1 Gib Custom Shop, get a couple in every color and start your own School Of Rock. "You pays your money and takes your choice." Weigh it out for your situation and have no regrets. Good one Colin, Cheers from Dallas!

[@davidkerr1971]

Great Friday show Colin, all guitars are tops in my book but I was really impressed with the Epiphone. Thanks for posting another great episode, stay well, see you in the next one. Take care.✌😎✌🎸

[@robmcnamara2381]

Watching this again having just bought an SG Special. Forgot that you weren't impressed with the Gibson. Luckily mine doesn't have any of the same issues. However, my first Gibson, my most expensive guitar, and the first one that needed a setup to fix the string height and intonation. An SG was never on my bucket list. Love my Tele and Les Paul. But the sound of the SG Special is amazing and has quickly become my new favourite.

[@michaelknight4041]

My first "real" guitar was an SG special. Had the local fellow do a fret dress on it cause it was one of those early 90s ones with the railroad track frets lol. And put a set of 57 classics and gotoh locking tuners on it. That was my birthday present when I turned twelve in 1992. Thirty years on it's still my favorite guitar and I have an SG standard, Les Paul standard from 06, Les Paul special from 2015 and a heritage h150 2000 that is a close second. Funny thing about the h150 it's a one piece top, not book matched as you would usually see.

[@bretspangler8717]

All of my Epiphone Sgs have the output jack on the edge, they do vary a few inches in location, but I prefer that as opposed to the front mount. I am also no fan of ancient lacquer finishes, I understand the desire to replicate everything about the old guitars, but this is an issue that was never perfected, only a bandaid finish that predictably will deteriorate over time. My favorite SG has a wonderful resonance to it, the body hangs onto a note and is alive in my hands and it should look great for a long time with its poly finish. I have found if I spend a few hours tweaking the frets and lining the control cavities with copper tape I get a very nice improvement in performance, I spend a lot of time rounding and smoothing the fret edges, and I round my nut a little because the leading edges are very sharp, all these little adjustments make the guitar feel much more comfortable. I am learning as I go so watching your videos help a lot, thanks for all you do!

[@Mitch-6-Strings]

Another fantastic review Colin, great tones, great juggling - half expected you to juggle the 3 SGs at the end for an encore. Now then, the Epiphone was really interesting, there’s quite a bit of evidence emerging out there on a number of platforms that put Gibson in the shade on quality. Not dissimilar to the Fender Squire Classic Vibes -v- Fender Player perhaps. Interesting times….. Just wondered if you could do a video on your pedal board one day and tell us a little bit about it. Cheers Mitch.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Mitch! 😎👍

[@michaelknight4041]

I wonder if Mark Agnesi ever calls the Epiphone people with some half veiled threat of violence if they don't stop making such nice guitars cause they're making the Gibson versions look bad. "Stop out doing us on fit and finish or we're comin for ya" 🤨

[@fuzzmountain7583]

I don't think you can make a wrong choice here. I admit my bias for SG's. I grew up loving them because I wanted to be like Tony Iommi and Angus Young. I especially love SG's with P90's so play them all and buy what your wallet allows you. I have an older Gibson SG classic that keeps me happy but I'd not be upset with the epiphone. They are making some awesome guitars at a great price point these days.

[@arturoalvarez6770]

Amazing video, very good Review, greetings from Mexico

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Arturo! 😎👍

[@johncarlo7395]

The first 30 seconds was really good, lovely clean sound, you could hear what the Guitar actually sounded like, then the dreaded mushy distortion came in and it was mostly distortion for the rest of the video, love, Mr. Grumpy.

[@theguitaristas]

Oh cheer up John there was loads of clean! 🤣 ✌️

[@johncarlo7395]

@@theguitaristas 👍

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Loved this comparison of SG Specials! Been a fan of the Gibson SG for 30 years now and still have my first one (bought brand new) a 1994 Standard in heritage cherry (2 humbuckers). I was always curious about having one with P90 pickups and pulled the trigger on one about 3 years ago, a brand new special (Gibson) in the Faded Pelham blue color. I gotta say I Love the P-90s! They have a sound all their own when compared to a humbucker. Another cool SG variant with P-90s is the Gary Clark Jr. Model ( picked up one of those in the desirable yellow color used... love that guitar as well!) Anyway just wanted to say love your video really great stuff mate! And I have to agree that Epiphone one you demoed sounded really good and is a great value for the money. 💰 Anyways loved the video and comparison of all three versions 👍

[@thecaveofthedead]

I was also tempted to think that the cherry SG sounded better due to the direct to timber pickups. But when you consider the extra output, I think it's more likely that the pickups are just sitting higher. You should look into it, I think, because I'm pretty sure it should have springs to set the heights. I mean... it sounds killer now. But yeah. I'd guess that's the major difference in sound. I like that all the SGs now - including the Epiphone - have the full deep early '60s bevels. For years (since 1966 basically), only the custom shop guitars put those full bevels in. And that's a big part of the great looks of early '60s SGs. One of those "once you see it you can't unsee it" things. On the Epiphone, the thicker finish means it doesn't look quite as sharp. And the Gibson USA both has a worse nitro finish than the CS guitar, plus it's black (I'm totally against unbound guitars in black since they disappear on a lot of club stages). But at least they're all there. My AY signature SG is a close copy of a '69 SG standard and it accurately has very light bevels compared to any of these. And - speaking for my SG too - there's no point in Gibson USA doing nibs if they hack them out in five minutes. When Japanese copies occasionally do fret-end nibs - high end Tokais and ESP Navigators - they show that it's possible to put nibs on without making a total mess of the binding like Gibson USA does.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man, nice to hear from a fellow SG fanatic! 👍 I did balance pickup heights btw so they were pretty similar...just something about the CS that makes it shout a bit louder! 😎👌

[@sqidvishus]

Gibson vs. Custom Shop; Play authenticer? Wonderful comparison video, Colin, and another incredibly in-depth film. You are often one of the highlights of my weekend, so thank you for all you do for those of us in your community. Epiphone sure is giving it's bigger brethren a run for their money, quite literally. With the law of diminishing returns being what it is and the economy heading the way it is, it seems to be getting a little harder to justify the expense of a name on the headstock when the difference in sound isn't that great, or at least to my old damaged ears!

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks man 🙏 have a great weekend! 😎👍

[@nankypooh655]

A few years back I bought a Gibson "Naked" SG on closeout. What should've been a $1200.00 (U.S.) guitar was being discontinued, so I got it at a clearance price. (I'm lucky that way , sometime) No gloss, 24 frets, and P-90 pickups. Needless to say that I LOVE IT! Problem is, this was/is a limited edition, so it doesn't leave the house, and only gets played on special occasions. (I don't want to mess up the body with marks and blemishes, and I don't want the oils from my hands warping the neck or mucking up the fret board) Yeah, I know, I sound like a guitar snob, but I want this machine of beauty to LAST, and be able to play when the occasion arises. A few years later, I saw that Epiphone came out with an SG Special with P-90 pick ups so I thought I would buy that, since I love how the Gibson sounded, and am a fan of P-90 pick ups in general. Well, I was quite disappointed. The Epiphone was heavier than it's Gibson counterpart, the neck dive is chronic, and I get fret buzz on the forth fret with the first and second strings. I have put it back in the bx, and haven't played it since. When I get some money, I'm going to take it to a professional luthier and see if they can't sort out the problems. I probably can't do much about the neck dive, but I'd like to have an SG with P-90 pick ups that I can play on a regular basis, and maybe even take out to gigs. Anyway, that's my two pence worth.

[@jeffberg8015]

Great comparison. My guess is that they moved the Bridge pickup closer to the bridge sometime after the early 60's to make the pickup have a more biting tone. Closer to the bridge the string vibration is tighter, changing the tone. To answer your title question, I'd buy the Epiphone, but I'm not one to spend more on a guitar than I have to. ETA: I posted this before the end of the video and didn't know you would address the pickup position issue.

[@theguitaristas]

😎👍

[@mortonwilson795]

Another great live session! The Custom Shop really is a thing of beauty! There's a black Epi SG at my local - hum-buckers, mind you, apparently solid Mahogany with Ebony fretboard . . . might take a look. Love P90's but I have that side of things covered with the Combinata. Thanks, as always for a fun viewing experience :) P.S. And the juggling was GREAT!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Morton! 😁👍

[@johnstaf]

Your outro jam reminded me why the SG is my favourite guitar. ❤

[@PaulIsbell]

I’m pretty gassed for the P90s. They cut through the mix like butter

[@benredmond3]

I’m finally early for a vid! Adore SG specials with all my heart

[@Csibu89]

it is quite clear that the Epiphone SG is one of the best value propositions when it comes to a nice rock n roll guitar. Nothing really beats it.

[@mattrogers1946]

Unless you own a real 60s SG Special....

[@joehahn8817]

@@mattrogers1946 If you spend $2000 on a Gibson you might get $1800 when you sell it. I'll pay $500 for an Epiphone and sell it for $300. The difference being, while you're worrying about EVERY little scratch hurting the resale value, I'll be playing mine worry free!!! Gibson's just DO NOT sound thousands of dollars better in my opinion!!!

[@mattrogers1946]

@@joehahn8817 My '68 SG Special is over 50 years old and has a number of dings and dents. Frankly, I could care less because I'd never sell it. I daresay it would blow away any guitar made in some overseas sweat shop. For what it's worth, I spend my time playing my guitars, not speculating their future resale value. Call me crazy...😜

[@stevesteve1965]

Has to be a 'Pete Townsend' natural special for me. On another topic, I've ordered all the parts necessary to put together a single P90 strat... followed your links so now let's get serious 😎

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one Steve! 😆👍

[@madnobby8301]

That was fun! Colin goes wild on Sabbath😁 By the way even the CS is "modern" wired, better change that! Cheers Nobby

[@rocktorrocks]

Late to comment but wanted to say great job as usual! This was a very SPECIAL episode. 😁 I have the USA standard one but now I really wanna try a custom shop haha. The GAS is never ending.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man!

[@rocktorrocks]

@@theguitaristas Cheers! 🤘😎

[@davidkay3443]

I love that custom shop SG it’s stunning. But you have to ask yourself the question is it really worth the difference. That’s a personal preference but sound wise there is a difference but not 3 grands worth. It will definitely feel more organic to play and you will get more feedback through ur fingers but in most situations I’d probably go with the epiphone. Just wish they’d make a Johnny thunders DC single p90 . I’d be all over that. But for time being just ordered my Joan jett epiphone . I’m just really into the single pick-up setup right now. Another great way to start my weekend with this video. Top job

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one David!... the JJ Epi is great did you see my review? If Epiphone do release a DC Junior and/or SG Junior in am on the queue with you mate! 😆👍👍

[@JosephEvanss]

Brilliant video. Just pushed me to purchase the Epiphone. Beautiful colour and as you say, for the price it is a BARGAIN!!!!

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one! 😁👍