I dont understand the hate for the new guitars. It's made for players who want 95% of a custom shop guitar while paying like 10% of the price, they still have their basic 50s and 60s standards for 599
@zengzeng91736 ай бұрын
Epiphone has improved a lot! Actually some Chinese factories can surly make good stuff, it’s just because most clients want cheap stuff.
@randysnewbiebluesrockguita77826 ай бұрын
@@zengzeng9173 As much as I hate China for their human rights record and don't like giving them any money the most of it is going to an American interest. I've played some American made guitars that are an embarrassment to the USA label. I checked out a BUNCH of lower priced Gibson SG standard's before buying this guitar because I couldn't ever afford THIS model from Gibson at over 6 grand and my being an amateur. The Gibson's I checked out at a few different locations were all the same really crappy fret ends and the fretboards all looked really dried out . This guitar except for the getting used to the extra pup is excellent. No flaws no marks no dead frets no issues of any kind except when I got it the ground wire from the Mastro wasn't connected but a quick 1 minute fix with my soldering gun and it's as good as new. They are trying to push these out the door because demand is high, even Epiphone didn't have one I had to wait a month for it.
@1thess5236 ай бұрын
It's probably all about the price, if it was regular Epiphone Custom price you wouldn't here complaints
@jamestillman52474 ай бұрын
the main reason people dont buy it is because chinese made stuff do not go up in value.
@jamestillman52474 ай бұрын
also the body is only like 95 percent of the original body size and they dont tell you that. another channel held it next to the original and it was obvious smaller
@jefffixesit607 ай бұрын
I've come to expect you to diss on any SG, but that's OK. A more useful evaluation for me is, 'how does it compare to a Custom shop Gibson with the same specs, and how much money do I save by buying this Epi instead?' 😁
@randysnewbiebluesrockguita77826 ай бұрын
When I got mine 3 days ago it came with the ground wire not attached for the Vibrola. I had to fix it myself which I didn't want to have to do but it won't void the warranty I called and asked them because they didn't have another one to send me and Epiphone is also on back order. They IMO attempted to get these out too fast. I have a Epi. LP Custom 012 that the wood was still too green and it wouldn't take a set up. I just let it sit for a year and now it's great takes a set up and plays great. They put out advertisements for these guitars before they are even in production and then they run like hell to get them out. They have been getting better lately which is why I continue to buy them but fora 1600.00 guitar with tax they shouldn't have missed that and they claim these are set up in the USA but they couldn't have possibly set this up or checked it because they would have noticed it right away.
@sandsthirtytwo78527 ай бұрын
In Canadian dollars, these are $2169. If you price out three custombucker pickups, switchcraft toggle and input, grover 18:1 tuners, Mallory capacitors and an epiphone hardshell case, keeping all the hardware in gold finish, it all adds up to just over $1800 Canadian; since I'm the guy to buy the $800-$1000 epi SG custom and do all these mods myself, but getting the gibson headstock and mother of pearl inlays and having it all factory made, makes this actually not a bad deal for someone like me who cant afford the $6000-$10,000 for the gibson equivalent. Thanks for such an in-depth review of this guitar, Trogly!
@the_hippykiller227 ай бұрын
Just get the Gibson Standard. The finish looks like crap honestly and the rest is no excuse. You'll get the electronics on the Gibson save for the pickups which can be changed if needed. The LPC was a very hard sell and already a no-no, this is insulting. Please don't buy that, vote with your wallet. Otherwise we'll get many more 400$ guitars with fancy pickups for 1500$.
@sandsthirtytwo78527 ай бұрын
Nah I'm just not a fan of the SG standards.. I only really like the three pickup customs
@the_hippykiller227 ай бұрын
@@sandsthirtytwo7852 You might find a japanese Tokai for example that's gonna be much better, or just a regular used Epi and mod it. This is just a waste of money but it's yours.
@MaxCohen-mx2rf7 ай бұрын
A brand new version of this from Gibson costs $6,700 without tax. Meaning the Epiphone version at $1,500 is roughly 23% the cost of the Gibson version. Considering you get the bonus of being without fret nibs, a two-way truss rod and a poly finish, seems like a fair deal. Some historic specifications just aren't worth keeping. But seriously, there's $867 dollars worth of Gibson pickups in this thing, so you get the finished guitar husk, accessories, wiring, and case for roughly $633 . That's not bad deal in the long run.
@Edward13127 ай бұрын
If you wait until it comes onto the used market, its even better value.
@MaxCohen-mx2rf7 ай бұрын
@@Edward1312 that is my plan good sir. Fortunately they aren't artist signature guitars so they shouldn't get insane premiums on them like the Bonamassa models
@randysnewbiebluesrockguita77827 ай бұрын
@@MaxCohen-mx2rf The Bonamassa SG custom is a total rip off. First off all if we compare it to the new SG custom it loses in many ways. The new one has custom buckers that go for near 500.00 a set and you are getting 3 with this, the Joe has Probuckers which are decent pup's but they are not even close to the Custom buckers. Plus the new one has the open book headstock making it look even more like a Gibson. The neck on the new one hasn't got a scarf joint in the neck either. These guitars are going for the same price 1,657.00 with tax and For my money I want the better equipment on my guitar and the Joe just doesn't deliver.
@the_hippykiller227 ай бұрын
Man that is a bad equation. This is just a 400$ Epiphone with nice pickups and headstock binding. Just get a used Gibson SG Standard for 800$.
@MaxCohen-mx2rf7 ай бұрын
@@the_hippykiller22 as someone who builds guitars for fun, can tell you out right that you could not build this guitar (just the husk) for 633 dollars. You may be able to get all the wood, hardware, paint, and accessories for that, but would still have to do all the work to construct it, paint it, seal it, finish it, polish it, not to mention doing binding is a pain, let alone doing inlay work without screwing it up. If you want rosewood, fret nibs that will most definitely crack in some odd years, and acrylic trapezoid inlays with a lame batwing pick guard, then get an SG standard. But if someone wants something truly cool like this, they're gonna get this, like I eventually will. American made isn't the end all be all. Love my Gibson and all but I can respect a well made import regardless of its origin. Albeit I do find Korean, Japanese and Indonesian makers to be better than Chinese craftsmanship, none of those countries have made an SG that looks like this yet, so here we are. Beggars can't be choosers.
@jackieohehir32597 ай бұрын
You should use a fret rocker...it would be interesting to see how they work out...
@benallmark96717 ай бұрын
Lol , I’ve done it on several Epi’s I’ve owned and believe me it wouldn’t be pretty. A bumpy ride to say the least. Like on every single one
@hkguitar19847 ай бұрын
EDIT: 12:20 FYI, this guitar appears to be wired using the "Modern" Gibson style volume/tone controls, it doesn't appear to be the '50s Style control wiring. You can tell because typically '50s style wiring bridges the tone capacitor between the volume and tone pots. That said, Gibson triple pickup control wiring is non-typical and has changed during Gibson's time building guitars. Still a really cool guitar, love the Fender-ish single-coil tone the bridge and middle pickups provide.
@henrykelly11837 ай бұрын
You can still do 50s wiring with tones grounded to the pot as long as the connecting wires go to the correct lugs, might not be fully traditional but in terms of tone you get the 50s effects (treble retention, tone control interation etc). i have my SG wired this way.
@hkguitar19847 ай бұрын
@@henrykelly1183 I should probably edit my original comment as it isn't entirely correct for the Gibson 3-Pickup configuration. The Epiphone website only lists the '59 Standard as having the '50s wiring. Ultimately, if it works for you then its good as gold. IMHO, for myself I think the most important part of any guitar's wiring are the tapers used on the potentiometers. My style of playing has my amplifier running almost full up with me riding the guitar's volume control. The '50s wiring using vintage taper pots allows me to easily play cleanly with the guitar's volume on only 2. Again, its what works best for the player. Such a beautiful guitar, and triple Custombuckers, what's not to love?
@WilliamHaisch7 ай бұрын
3:00 If I remember correctly, the main reason the headstock binding goes under the nut on an Epiphone is because the headstock angle is not as drastic as the Gibson headstock angle. Epiphone uses a 14 degree headstock angle and Gibson uses a 17 degree headstock angle. I’ve read that Gibson changed the headstock angle to 14 degrees between 1966 and 1973 in order to strengthen the area behind the headstock. 😊
@randysnewbiebluesrockguita77827 ай бұрын
One of the reasons my Epiphones stay in tune better than my Gibsons
@vorpalblades2 ай бұрын
Additional wood doesn't make a difference, it's the grain orientation that matters. If properly quarter-sawn lumber isn't used, it needs a scarf joint.
@rascalious7 ай бұрын
We need the Epiphone Les Paul Custom review. The one released this week!!! The $1299 ones.
@TVsBen7 ай бұрын
agreed, I think it's my favorite new Epiphone, based on looks and the 490R/498T (which I love)
@othermyke7 ай бұрын
They literally changed the headstock and the pickups and want twice what the guitar costs last year. There is the quick review it still feels and plays the same as last years epi customs. At least Ltd moved production of their high end models to South Korea to make up for the price increase you still get the same shotty qc with Epiphone as you did last year.
@marcozarattini18547 ай бұрын
Also the new '59 in Honeyburst,then l will buy it😂😂😂❤️🎸👍
@deadshot42457 ай бұрын
Add cost of the upgraded parts though @@othermyke
@othermyke7 ай бұрын
@@deadshot4245what a 498 and a 490 so that puts the guitar at 999 if you had to pay retail for the upgrades and a case still far cry from what they are asking. Paying over a grand for a licensed chibson is ridiculous.
@rascalious7 ай бұрын
Thank you for listening. I wanted the inspired by Gibson review.
@ozpunk7 ай бұрын
The ES 355 looks really cool, hope you get to demo that one too
@rocktorrocks7 ай бұрын
These look cool & considering the upgraded specs i can understand the price. BUT I bought the $1300 Epi Bonamassa ES-335 just 2 years ago and many are still sitting unsold on shelves with second hand examples selling for $700-850 if not cheaper. My advice, wait and pick these new Epiphones up used because no matter how good the specs, they are still mass produced import guitars & will be worth no more than $850 on the resale market. Also without a nitro finish or fret nibs and the typical quality of fretwork we see on imports…many of these will likely feel and play like $500 Epiphones.
@randysnewbiebluesrockguita77827 ай бұрын
I have to agree with you, but I got GAS and I had to have it. LOL
@rocktorrocks7 ай бұрын
@@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782 Haha that’s fair. These are still great guitars. I truly like my Bonamassa ES-335. They just don’t hold their value at all on the used market.
@blastofo7 ай бұрын
@@rocktorrocks Don't people flip Bonamassa signature guitars for a profit?
@rocktorrocks7 ай бұрын
@@blastofo They used to yeah, I believe his Amos V and Les Paul Custom went up in value. I figured the same would apply to my ES-335 but not any more. The last two Bonamassa signatures seem to be sitting on shelves unsold or listed at a significant discount used. I think with Epiphone releasing Bonamassa signatures almost every year while also making these upgraded inspired by Gibson custom shop guitars they’ve saturated the market and destroyed resale value on these guitars. I could be wrong but that’s my assumption for now.
@michaelheller88417 ай бұрын
I like that Epiphone is stepping up their game. If you want Gibson white custom SG you will be around $6699. $1500 might be still a lot to many people but I think they are right about their pricing considering the price of their big brother.
@Tommy27047 ай бұрын
Neither is worth it
@Fuxerz7 ай бұрын
If you are professional musician you use the best tools. It's just a garage band Epiphone is fine.
@vraicone7 ай бұрын
Second hand market is a thing .
@KennedyIvy7 ай бұрын
Isnt the whole point of epiphone to be affordable alternative. Now getting to a slightly cheaper option
@looking_337 ай бұрын
That's such a bad way to put it.
@sgt.grinch32997 ай бұрын
That SG is fantastic. That may be on my radar for a purchase.
@unclefungus73957 ай бұрын
A little bit of play in the bridge is good with a maestro vibrola. It’s better for tuning stability if the strings are allowed to wiggle the bridge a bit rather than bind up on it if it were nice and snug.
@ahighervibe40867 ай бұрын
Epiphone needs to make these higher end guitars in FULL GLOSS FINISHES! I hear a lot of comments saying this same thing… so if they’offer these in Full Gloss they’d sell a ton of these! I’d buy a bunch of the IBG axes with open book headstock and high end appointments!
@xvx66637 ай бұрын
my only complaint....youre right....
@Eric-l7x7 ай бұрын
Supposed to be a VOS thing.
@randysnewbiebluesrockguita77827 ай бұрын
These buff out to a high gloss really easy. Yep it's supposed to be the VOS thing.
@metramaks7 ай бұрын
I really like the new ES-355 and that satin finish is the only thing that bothers me. But there are a lot of videos on how to make it glossy, so it can be made shiny.
@jasonl19427 ай бұрын
They will eventually offer them in full gloss....for an extra $500...
@TheAtariCreep7 ай бұрын
I fell in love with these when seeing one in the Alice Cooper - I'm Eighteen (1972) video. I could see myself picking one up. Would love one in Pelham Blue, chrome hardware and witch hats.
@bucknasty697 ай бұрын
Same here. I’ve loved SG Customs since seeing the Alice Cooper guys play them in footage from the 70s. A Pelham Blue SG Custom would be sick!
@johnsmith-ug5tp7 ай бұрын
Glen Buxton.
@TheAtariCreep7 ай бұрын
@@johnsmith-ug5tp that be the dude.
@Ronno46917 ай бұрын
Same; God knows how I developed an obsession with electric guitars like the Gibson SG Custom in white when I knew f*ck-all as a kid. Had a 2007 Gibson SG Special White Faded 3 pickup and it was garbage, however. Sold it on ASAP.
@electricfox92767 ай бұрын
Glad to see you're reviewing this line of guitars from Epi and I hope you do the others as well. With these, the 355s, and the Dave Grohl signature it's hard to choose what I might want for a new guitar! And with all these great appointments I just hope Gibson bites the bullet and finally just labels any future Epiphones this nicely made as Gibson with a "Made in X" country stamp or emboss so we can all just have nice Gibsons that don't break the bank and let new players say they play Gibsons. Just like Fender has done with the Made In Mexico guitars!
@pamelaarmstrong36127 ай бұрын
Trogly, you are the Mr. Roger’s of the guitar world.
@aboutfine6 ай бұрын
This guitar is just beautiful and has a great sound. After having the frets resharpened, general adjustment, string height adjustment, etc. by a guitar tech, it is a joy to play
@diego_cl7 ай бұрын
The chipping of the screw holes appears to occur when they are not countersunk, causing the screw threads to damage the finish when removed.
@vorpalblades2 ай бұрын
No need to countersink with a pickguard that is countersunk. The pilot hole wasn't large enough.
@jfinester7 ай бұрын
Thanks for reviewing this one! I’ve wanted an SG Custom since I first saw one as a teenager in 1964, and I’ve had my eye on these since they were announced earlier this month. Now, why is this Epiphone better than a vintage Gibson one from the early ‘60s? (in my opinion anyway!) First, it’s got normal-sized frets instead of the tiny “fretless wonder” ones that came on Gibson Customs since the first Les Paul Customs in 1954. If you bend strings, and I do, a lot! those extra-low frets are tough to bend on. And, the middle pickup is in phase with the bridge, which it wasn’t on the old ones. The out-of-phase tone is interesting, and works if you’re playing skanky funk or you want to sound kind of like T-Bone Walker on his Gibson ES-5, but I find the in-phase tone to be generally more useful. If I get one of these, I might get a push/pull pot on one of the controls, to switch the phase on the middle pickup, so I could get both sounds. Yeah, it’s a bit pricey, but not when compared with a Gibson Custom Shop version. If I had that kind of money, I’d get the one with the ebony block Vibrola, at $8000. Yikes! That’s over twice the cost of my first car, and a little more that the price of my next one. I’ll take the Epiphone, thanks!
@randysnewbiebluesrockguita77827 ай бұрын
I just ordered one of these. I'm a HUGE SG fan on a low budget. This will be my 5th SG and my second custom the only one I have that is a Gibson is my 018 Standard in Pelham Blue and I am considering selling it to fund this one. I know selling a Gibson for an Epiphone is kinda backward but I have to say that as much as I love the Gibson I still want the 63 Custom more and they both run about the same price 1500.00 with the case. I was a big Alice Cooper Fan of the original Band and I always wanted a guitar like Glen Buxton played. I think his was a 61 with a Bigsby but this one is close enough as a tribute to Glen. Another thing I like about this one is the neck is slimmer than the standard it seems and my hands feel better with it, my G-400 Pro is the same way nice and slim not as wide as a Les Paul neck. My Gibson's neck is like a Les Paul. Another cool thing about this guitar is they didn't skimp on the pup's these are an expensive set of Pup's. I do wish it came with locking tuners considering it has a trem. but Epiphone had to keep the price in the budget range still and they would have made it too expensive with Grovers on it. I've been waiting for this guitar for a long time and even though Trogly didn't give it a rave review I am still undaunted. My 59' LP came with a satin Dark burst finish and I like that finish I've kept it in great shape no shiny spot's so far. LOL I think I am going to be happy owning this new model from Epiphone. They have really stepped up their game with this line of guitar's, you are coming as close to the Gibson as you are going to get for this price which is really not all that much higher than some of their other regular models my Sheraton 2 Pro was almost a grand with the case and my new LP Custom was around 900.00 with the case. So they aren't THAT much more. This new one will make 14 Epiphones in my collection and I am running out of room in my Jam space for all of these instruments so selling the Gibson isn't really going to break my heart too much.
@TylerJohnstonGuitar7 ай бұрын
It looks nice, but the day I pay 1500 bucks for an Epi will be the same day I pay 30 bucks for a McDonald’s hamburger.
@chuymartinez13427 ай бұрын
So.... In a few weeks?
@TylerJohnstonGuitar7 ай бұрын
@@chuymartinez1342 If my paycheck reflects that kind of inflation, absolutely.
@MoneyBooBoo7 ай бұрын
😂@@chuymartinez1342
@marions.1207 ай бұрын
The $30 hamburger is coming! Thanks Joe?
@steveparish92107 ай бұрын
@@marions.120bullshit
@Tcflohr7 ай бұрын
I absolutely love how honest your reviews are. I was really on the fence about the new customs. I have a Gibson 68 RI LPC, a 72 LP dlx, and a few MIJ lp guitars. I was hesitant if the new epis would hold up, and for sure it going to wait to try them in person before dropping 1300 bucks.
@jameslanclos5682 ай бұрын
13:12 - Yes, if the underside of your guitar strap is slick...the neck will dive. However if you use a strap that has a little friction to it like suede, there will be little to no neck dive.
@hkguitar19847 ай бұрын
Thank You David, very much appreciate your guitars being reviewed. Congrats on the new Les Paul/SG Custom, very, very nice Sir.
@deanallen9277 ай бұрын
Ah......'70s wiring. As for the tuners, they could have gone with the "milk bottle" Grovers, or better yet Gotoh keystones with the push-in bushings. Over all looks like a great guitar. AND....... a good deal when you compare the quality to the regular ones, or to the price of the Gibson.
@ryanfulldark27757 ай бұрын
Just ordered the 355! Can’t wait!
@tonedowne7 ай бұрын
That’s the kind of guitar that makes more sense to have at this price point. I can’t get on board with paying big money for more normal models. I like the idea of the 335 as well, as they cost a lot even for a standard one. And being a semi the build style is more important to the tone than the finish or anything like that.
@SPARKLEJETАй бұрын
Like the channel and first time commenting. I recently bought one of these. I have always been primarily a Gibson player and have 25 + guitars. Most are custom shop SGs or Les Pauls but also include a vintage '64 FB1, 335,345, and some Supremes. Over the course of 55 years I have owned likely 30 Sgs - including a "transitional" '63 SG standard with Les Paul on the headstock. That being said...this Epiphone issue is one of my favorite guitars. The finish? No issues here at all. It is slick - NOT sticky - a very nice tint of the color and is great in every way. The fret nib thing? NOT an issue.
@tinystar30107 ай бұрын
Trogly, I think you finally explained these particular ranges of Epiphones in a way, that I get it. I understand their place and purpose. I'm the type of buyer to just bite the bullet, save a little longer and get exactly the product I need with what I want in it. But you made a very honest point in there are people who like modifying stuff, or making something more than what it started as. And for those people who don't have the understanding or skill to modify something themselves, and they don't want the hassle or cost of paying someone to do the work, these actually do fit that niche market. $750 worth of custombuckers does add up, amongst other additional costs. I'm glad that you take the time to explain things in a more thorough way. Thank you.
@scottdavidson60667 ай бұрын
Love that Epi put $750 worth of pickups in a $1499 guitar.
@frankwebster91107 ай бұрын
Yes. I kinda like it with the ebony mop inlay but, I would just assume to pick up and SG standard from and be happier than a pig in filth.
@BlockDefender7 ай бұрын
To be fair the actual cost of labor and materials is about the same as any other humbucker
@twobirdslostatsea7 ай бұрын
I kind of would have preferred a $600 cheaper guitar... 😂
@ReubenGuitars7 ай бұрын
Just a good set of pickups with enormous mark up. Doesnt mean its worth spending $750 to get that specific tone you're looking for. Id rather the guitar be $900 with Epiphone equivalent pickups and change them out for $200 if necessary one day.
@CrazyKnkb7 ай бұрын
Gotta love how you all miss the range being “inspired by gibson custom “
@frankwebster91107 ай бұрын
That middle position sounds killer with the clean tone. And the bridge with dirt as well. Smokin good imo
@timcarnes83597 ай бұрын
Sister Rosetta😃
@jonathanhudak20597 ай бұрын
Glen Buxton!
@telebob59837 ай бұрын
@@jonathanhudak2059Also Mike Nesmith and Mark Farner!
@Tstdycgyr7 ай бұрын
Very Sharpe comment
@randysnewbiebluesrockguita77827 ай бұрын
She and Glen Buxton both played 61's with the folding vibrato . Close enough though LOL
@jonathanhudak20597 ай бұрын
@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782 actually Glens had a bigsby on it and full "batwing" pickguard. His other one had a maestro style vibrola on it. I guess he had two white SG Les Paul Customs
@lptomtom7 ай бұрын
This sounds absolutely fantastic, Trogly's setup usually sounds like ass with most guitars but every position was great here!
@guitar_robin7 ай бұрын
I have the one from 2007. Without a doubt one of my favorite guitars I own. Especially looks great next to my Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3!
@J.R_Guitar2 ай бұрын
Nice! First thing I would do is full Nitro finish and it would be perfect!
@clintbowers55247 ай бұрын
I kinda think the Epiphone splashed across the headstock would be a much bigger tell tale sign that it’s an Epiphone. Way more than the binding under the nut.
@shid0077 ай бұрын
Not when you're playing it.
@CowboyStag7 ай бұрын
Sounds good to me. I like the middle position too
@geargeeks89557 ай бұрын
I have done what you said.. I modified an epiphone had to drill out the holes in order to accommodate USA CTS pots
@rafa_v1.07 ай бұрын
Beautiful SG! I love the Epiphone reviews that you do!
@donnysarian7 ай бұрын
I just ordered one.
@deanallen9277 ай бұрын
What people keep neglecting to say is that these more expensive Epis are a different model, with bodies made from proper wood - you can see that on the red one - and real MOP block markers instead of plastic, two things you can't upgrade on the standard model, and I imagine some other aspects I don't know about (just finding out about the pickups - wow!). The $7 - 800 guitars use junk wood with veneers. FYI - most people who get Gibsons refretted do away with the fret nibs when the luthier asks. I think these guitars are worth the money for what you get, especially when the cheaper ones everybody is in love with are still available.
@TheDrunkenScoundrel7 ай бұрын
Those pickups are 'Oh, WOW!' level. Also, I have been rolling my eyes at these expensive Epis and you just sold me on them...not like I can afford one, but you stopped me thinking Epiphone had lost their minds and was about to enter a tailspin.
@ivanjulian2532Ай бұрын
The middle setting sounds wonderful in my opinion.
@jameshughes60497 ай бұрын
I love and have Epiphones, but $1500 is way too much. I rather buy a Gibson SG Standard custom color series for $1799.
@jonathanhudak20597 ай бұрын
True i get it, but it's still a Standard in the end and not an all white SG Custom with 3 pickups.
@joeytorres88587 ай бұрын
@@jonathanhudak2059Exactly!
@mboyer687 ай бұрын
Trogly, i tried your fret treatment using the cotton dremel tool and holy cow, it's unbelievable. I did one using only steel wool but i want to town on it. Not even close. The cotton buffing tools work so well and fast. You can really tell when you drag the G string across a fret. The steel wool polished fret was scratchy, the cotton dremel polished frets...you can barely tell that the string is touching the fret when you drag across. It feels like my Schecter Banshee with SS frets. The Dremel tool on it's own will definitely work, but if you're unsure or if you don't work with tools much or you're working on a very valuable guitar, you might want to use the Dremel flex shaft attachment. It's safer if you catch an edge with the cotton part as you showed in your video. And it's only $35.
@darrylmoore1277 ай бұрын
If the Price Includes Everything That Would Up Grade the Parts , Pups , Volume tone controls then for this Custom SG Vibrato then the price isn't that bad . Compared to prices i see on Gibson guitars with no bridge adjustment wraparound stop bar/ bridge
@renodavid7 ай бұрын
I dig it. Thanks for checking it out!
@fredstevens7997 ай бұрын
Thanks for this great review! I recently got the Epi Bonamassa red (gloss) '63 SG 3-pickup Custom replica - very similar, but doesn't have "Les Paul" sig (weren't they a non-item by '63?) and has CTS pots and Mallory caps. Probuckers, not custom buckers, smooth neck-body join, and pups in-phase. All-gold hardware including vintage Kluson "waffleback" tuners. I think it was limited (Sweetwater is "out" of their allotment), but is still available new from a few shops. Not cheap (actually listed at $100 less than the new white one) but considering awesome case and common free shipping and 15% off "deals", not unrealistic, considering top-end parts and impeccable workmanship. I looked carefully with a bright flashlight and could not find any of the tool marks and chips that you found in the review. I've always wanted a custom (with that awesome headstock!) and am very happy with this one!. Thanks again - great channel!
@peanutygoodness7 ай бұрын
I own an Epiphonf 335 in Pelham blue despite being a lifelong fender player. I’ve never been able to get into many Gibson guitars, but your channel is changing my opinion about the Gibson/Epi brand. I just wish I had the money to dive in like I’d want to with a Les Paul and especially an SG off the bat.
@petedetraglia47767 ай бұрын
Hard Pass on that for me...Much better options out there for $1,500.00
@TVsBen7 ай бұрын
Yeah, I agree. That new PRS Standard 22 Satin springs to mind. I guess the new ones are closer to $1700 but I'd take that over this. I do think the LP Custom looks sweet, and so does the LP Modern from Epiphone for about half the price.
@RogerCleatsman7 ай бұрын
I bought two of these, one for me and one for my dad. Loved seeing these ( and still do ) but I have to admit that I am also surprised with the cosmetics of it. The one my dad has right now is in great condition but the one I received, I noticed that there was a chip on the 3rd fret so I sent it back. The people at American music supply were awesome but unfortunately at this time they're all back ordered so mine's going to have to wait.
@wiseguy92027 ай бұрын
Gibson/Epiphone finally catches up to Fender/Squier with the shared headstock, 40 years later.....Yeah I'm aware of the few Japanese models that are not always easy to get.
@Masterfighterx7 ай бұрын
Not just Fender, shared name or sister brand (ESP/LTD), they finally caught up to *EVERY* brand.
@wiseguy92027 ай бұрын
@@Masterfighterx Literally this...
@tgarder7 ай бұрын
Ok those black/white Customs look absolutely amazing tbh
@jst6016 ай бұрын
Expensive but nice. The tailpiece should help offset the traditional SG neck dive.
@jonathanhudak20597 ай бұрын
People can say all they want and gripe and moan but for $1,500 for a very close authentic style 1963 SG Custom with Custom bucker pickups what's not to like? If you don't feel like spending close to $7,000 for a genuine Gibson this is not a bad deal. The white SG Custom with 3 pickups will always be my favorite SG.
@csharp577 ай бұрын
I think it’s a great way for those on a budget to get a better Epiphone that you can actually take out on the road and play. I really wouldn’t want to travel up and down with a 5k-7k guitar. I also do want it sitting in some case the entire time I own it. I also want it to pick up some playing wear and battle scars along the way.
@clux53057 ай бұрын
For me it's just charging as much as an SG Standard for a guitar you know is made in China by massively underpaid workers. I think at a certain point once you encroach on the premium market, it's less about how the specs compare and more about the obvious difference in profit margins. With Gibson I know the price is because of the cost of labor, but Epi is just charging $1,500 because they can.
@the_hippykiller227 ай бұрын
@@clux5305 Reading the comments I'm amazed to see how many people don't see that and are okay with that guitar being sold double what it should cost.
@1thess5236 ай бұрын
Oh that guitar sounds sweet!
@fattony49617 ай бұрын
I contacted Gibson regarding this guitar relative the use of veneers. They said the original 1963 Gibson Les Paul had a figured veneer over the mahogany body. Sounds like bs to me but if anyone knows you would. A point of contention I have with Epiphone is using Symantec’s or synonyms to mislead customers. For instance the black and white Epiphone customs advertise maple caps not tops. But the Adam jones advertises a male top or veneer. Even though they have maple under the veneer. Nonetheless my point is it’s misleading.
@randysuratte6637 ай бұрын
I bought a epiphone explorer in 2006 with a hard shell case for 365 bucks new. It's still great! I wouldn't pay that for a epiphone 😂
@guitargamesandliverpool7 ай бұрын
I mean the Gibson versions of these are 5 thousand plus, so it’s worth it if you don’t want to pay that.
@guitarman66327 ай бұрын
Considering over 100 for a decent case now a days ! Good purchase ! Everytime I buy a guitar, I have to buy a case ! I've been through over a hundred guitars , I've never had a explorer !
@Ottophil7 ай бұрын
@@guitarman6632you don’t need a case. Thats optional. You could just dent them
@buckbumble7 ай бұрын
Man, I thought I wanted that 59 more that now I want this as well. This new set of releases is gonna break me! I’ve already got the 355 😂
@werewolflover86367 ай бұрын
@@guitargamesandliverpoolGipson unlike this thing are made in the USA, not China and not by slave labor either! Also unlike the Epiphone the Gipson will be worth something always, even broken! This thing don’t expect it to ever be worth what you’ve paid for it no matter how long you keep it!
@nankypooh6557 ай бұрын
I LOVE IT! I WANT ONE! Sorry that you didn't like yours, but I've been a fan of SGs since I was EIGHT! Anyway, back at the turn of the century, I bought an Epiphone G-400 Custom on closeout. (Yes, three pick ups) Yes, both the head stock, and the top of the neck had a "Les Paul Custom" plaque. (Mine was black, not white, in case you're wondering) It came with MOP inlays and fake MOP/Abalone tuners. (Not sure what kind of tuners, though. I can't remember) It has THREE volume controls (One for each pick up) and ONE tone control. I haven't played it in years, but I still have it, still love it with all my heart, and is still in excellent, playable condition. Other than polish the body, oil the fret board, and change the strings, I've NEVER had to do any major maintenance on it. Oh, and did I mention that I only got it for $400.00? (U.S.) Of course we're talking about a 1999 economy...... Like I said I don't play it much, but I still love it. It's now one of my "Special occasion" guitars, and I'm sure that, in the condition it's in, I could easily get a grand for it. (But it's not going anywhere!) Anyway, this new Epiphone Custom will be the answer to the prayers of many who want an SG custom, but don't want to break the bank with a Gibson. I love the fact that it has two volumes, and two tones, instead of three separate volumes for each pick up. The only thing I'd get rid of is the whammy bar, since those things are only good for Smoke On The Water, and surf music, and not much else. And even though I recently plunked down $2500.00 on three Eastwood Astrojet tenor guitars, I think if I watch my budget, and save my pennies, this new Epiphone beauty will be in my collection before summer's end. Mark my words. This is a steal at $1500.00 I guess your tastes differ from mine, because I know, once I get this, I'm gonna have lots of fun with it, but as I said in the beginning, I'm an SG man, and have been ever since I saw Black Sabbath on television back in 1974 . (I also like Les Pauls as well, but the SG will always be my go to guitar) Thanks for the heads up. Have a great weekend, and keep up the good work. (AND DON'T STARE DIRECTLY INTO THE SUN THIS MONDAY!)
@randysnewbiebluesrockguita77827 ай бұрын
I've got a 012 G-400 Pro and I love that guitar. The neck is a lot slimmer than any of my other SG's ,I just ordered this one on back order so it will make 5 SG's in my collection I'm going to sell a Gibson to buy this one. I HAVE to have this guitar and I can't afford another Gibson so this will do.
@nankypooh6557 ай бұрын
@@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782 I'm gonna order mine next month when I get some money. Hope you have fun with yours when it arrives.😊
@DejaVoodeux7 ай бұрын
Please do the 355
@StephenG19917 ай бұрын
They have, it was shown in the video.
@musicauthority-d6g7 ай бұрын
It's not all that impressive for $1500.00. but it's pretty high quality for an Epiphone guitar.
@BushidoPhoto7 ай бұрын
Gretsch uses a rocking bar bridge on a lot of models, that movement is helpful to go back in tune.
@waxman95507 ай бұрын
Damn that sounds really good besides all the negative's.
@lapzival07 ай бұрын
can you please review the Les Paul Custom too?😂🙏🏼
@Pietiepie7 ай бұрын
Yeah, I'd like to see those too!
@steveparish92107 ай бұрын
@Pietiepieprobably the only way I ever get that diamond inlay headstock
@Pietiepie7 ай бұрын
@@steveparish9210 kinda same here! Since the old japanese Custom Copys (Greco, Burny...) are also quite expensive and rare. But i can imagine that I'm bugged out by the quality since I'm super picky. So I hope Austin reviews one!
@Stashmanfpv6 ай бұрын
Really diggin' that middle.pick-up .
@darthsensei38387 ай бұрын
I actually love that sg wow.
@markfrye47237 ай бұрын
That’s a nice looking and nice sounding guitar! Epiphone is doing a good job!
@matthewscott95677 ай бұрын
I think Gibson should do the same as fender do with the mexican strat and put Gibson on the headstock and add a suffix to the serial number and don't hide the where they are made. This would still give prestige to the USA guitars but also give these high end import guitars more value.
@KevinDarty7 ай бұрын
In 1990 I bought a Gibson Les Paul Custom brand new for $1,200. I sold it around 2003 for $2,500 and bought a Fender Vintage Hot Rod 62 Stratocaster for $1,999 and Fender amp. Today the very same Gibson Les Paul Custom sells brand new for $5,799 where the equivalent Fender is $2,299. Somebody is lying to us about the price of wood.
@mcfats76527 ай бұрын
Those are nice guitars, and I'm glad that they are doing new things. However, like many here have stated; I cannot justify $1500 for a new Epiphone SG. Just a couple of months ago, I purchased a 2002 Worn Brown Special faded with an ebony board and moon inlays for $1200 in amazing shape. My friend got one of the ES-335 in lefty and he says it's amazing. Then, when I bought the above SG, I bought him a $300 Rafferty hollowbody off ebay and he likes it better than the Epiphone.
@danielalvarez46137 ай бұрын
Please Trogly, try out the Les Paul Custom in Ebony, I wanna find out if it´s really better than the cheaper one
@trevor45337 ай бұрын
Honestly, I have my doubts after seeing it uses the same exact bridge as the regular one.
@McBoggler7 ай бұрын
Thanks Trogly! Great job as per usual ❤️
@sandsthirtytwo78527 ай бұрын
The reason the headstock binding runs under the nut is because the epiphone headstocks aren't on as steep an angle as the gibson, therefore the binding can't terminate at the front edge of the nut like on a gibson.. a more shallow angle like epiphones use is less likely to lead to the broken gibson headstock.
@vorpalblades2 ай бұрын
Headstock angle doesn't fix the actual issue, which is grain orientation. They need to use a scarf joint if it's not quarter-sawn lumber or laminated.
@ewal85567 ай бұрын
I think my issue with all these new releases is what makes them that different to the 1959 Epis that were released for £749. The old ones had Gibson burstbuckers rather than custom bunkers but is that really worth the additional £550??? It’s like the J45 what makes the new one worth £500 more than the current inspired by Gibson one?
@jonkerr20507 ай бұрын
I love that Gibson is making Epiphone a more premium brand. As well as keeping the lower cost options too. Frankly, these models are exactly what I want. I love my Gibsons. But I can’t pop for my dream guitar in a true Gibson. A black or red ES355. As soon as I can pull the funds together I’ll be getting one.
@jcwoodstl7 ай бұрын
I love SG’s. They are my favorite guitars. The problem is that none of the Gibson SG’s I have ever owned cost as much as this epiphone does. I would buy a basic Gibson before I would spend the same money on a custom epiphone
@scottbogfoot7 ай бұрын
Is the headstock at the epiphone or Gibson angle? 6:39 teflon tape for a fix on the posts?
@guypoulin84547 ай бұрын
It sound very good , the middle position with 3 pickups configuration is a discovery for me, i think the price is good too with all the good component no need to upgrade you epiphone
@cedricBUNKERTON7 ай бұрын
I thought it sounded great both clean and dirty - really held it's tuning well. still prefer my Gary Moore BFG for a similar price :)
@georgehorner15782 ай бұрын
I have a Bonamassa 1962 ES 335 , and it is so incredible I can't put it down.
@tomyamartino7 ай бұрын
Those pickups sound fantastic.
@hifibrony7 ай бұрын
There is something about an SG with that lyre Vibrola that is insanely sweet.
@Randyplaysguitars7 ай бұрын
Such a beautiful guitar😍😍
@mdub0487 ай бұрын
Nice review. That bridge pickup sounds foo king killer! 🤩
@wingy1587 ай бұрын
I'm seriously considering one of these. Or save up a bit more for an Adam Jones sig.
@TheEvdavis76 ай бұрын
Which one do you prefer ? Because I am torn between the two myself ?
@johnswierczynski38997 ай бұрын
Yes, I polished my 59 and it looks a lot better. I didn’t like the way it felt or the way it looked. And I’m happy with it now I’m not showing out all that money for Les Paul from Gibson that I can get the same pick ups in Epiphone.
@valendis7 ай бұрын
Yes! Happy to see you review this!!
@francomartini43287 ай бұрын
Looks like a Sister Rosetta Tharpe signature Les Paul Custom to me.
@jfinester7 ай бұрын
Yep, she used one. I think Gibson should do an official Rosetta Tharpe signature SG Custom if they haven’t already.
@thomase.dufour199513 күн бұрын
I also have a Maestro made by Gibson Melody Maker style single pickup. Do have an opinion on this great playing guitar
@barrycline63747 ай бұрын
I think I’m gonna have to get one of these. I’ve always wanted an sg custom in this style and it’s the only way I’ll ever be able to afford one
@robc89367 ай бұрын
A dive belt weight from a scuba shop will fix that neck dive
@Deedadee420697 ай бұрын
I ordered mine
@jimmyjames20227 ай бұрын
This Epiphone SG Custom is a pretty thing for sure, it's $2200CAD in Canada! Top tier import Epiphones are priced more than bottom tier Gibson? Since Gibson is killing off the affordable Tribute line the bottom tier is the Modern Lite LP at $2000CAD. Last time I bought a new Gibson Tribute was 2021 at $1150CAD, and the last two Gibson I bought last few years were used, clean examples of an Gibson LP and SG each at $1000CAD. Still some locally for around $1000CAD, deals are out there.
@sandsthirtytwo78527 ай бұрын
Well, I don't have the $9,000 Canadian that a gibson costs, so epiphone it is. I'm just glad it's got the proper headstock and not the hideous epiphone one
@BeauregardHall2 ай бұрын
Never thought I'd see a Chibson retail for $1500. Or Kibson, Vibson, wherever it's being made. The BALLS of Gibson and Epiphone.
@ALANRMOREY7 ай бұрын
Trying is the KEY word here
@ereimul14447 ай бұрын
lets check out the acoustic version too
@chaosandorderstudio7 ай бұрын
All flaws aside it looked really good. The "satin" finish is not a big deal. If you polish the guitar you'll have a good glossy finish