Trying the New $1500 Epiphone SG Custom

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📚Description: Today we are Trying the New $1500 Epiphone SG Custom. This is based on a 1963 Gibson SG Custom with maestro vibrola, 3 humbuckers and white finish. Is it worth the price? Let's find out!
🐕 Episode Guide:
0:00 Intro - Check Links in the Description
0:07 About Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop
0:25 Latest Additions
1:20 Epiphone 1963 SG Custom
1:58 The Finish
2:58 Headstock & Quirk
3:39 Case / Case Candy
4:23 Inside Look / Specs
13:14 Clean Tones
15:11 Dirty Tones
16:48 Final Thoughts
18:04 What to Watch Next!
🎞️ Videos Mentioned:
0:17 Gibson Headstock Epiphone Adam Jones 1979 Non-Art Les Paul Custom
• Epiphone Saved the BES...
0:21 2024 Epiphone 1963 Firebird V Ember Red
• I Tried the New $1700 ...
0:56 Epiphone SG Custom Viper Blue Sweetwater Exclusive
• Epiphones Are Getting ...
1:08 2023 Epiphone Kirk Hammett "Greeny" 1959 Les Paul Standard
• I Tried The Epiphone "...
1:53 2021 Gibson 60th Anniversary 1961 Les Paul SG Custom
• Gibson (Accidentally) ...
9:13 Trogly's 2024 Guitar Cleaning + Fret Polishing Guide
• Use THIS For AMAZING R...
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[@sydguitar99]

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

[@zengzeng9173]

Epiphone has improved a lot! Actually some Chinese factories can surly make good stuff, it’s just because most clients want cheap stuff.

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

@@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.

[@1thess523]

It's probably all about the price, if it was regular Epiphone Custom price you wouldn't here complaints

[@jefffixesit60]

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?' 😁

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

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.

[@MaxCohen-mx2rf]

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.

[@Edward1312]

If you wait until it comes onto the used market, its even better value.

[@MaxCohen-mx2rf]

@@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

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

@@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_hippykiller22]

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-mx2rf]

@@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.

[@sandsthirtytwo7852]

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_hippykiller22]

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$.

[@sandsthirtytwo7852]

Nah I'm just not a fan of the SG standards.. I only really like the three pickup customs

[@the_hippykiller22]

@@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.

[@jackieohehir3259]

You should use a fret rocker...it would be interesting to see how they work out...

[@benallmark9671]

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

[@diego_cl]

The chipping of the screw holes appears to occur when they are not countersunk, causing the screw threads to damage the finish when removed.

[@ozpunk]

The ES 355 looks really cool, hope you get to demo that one too

[@WilliamHaisch]

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. 😊

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

One of the reasons my Epiphones stay in tune better than my Gibsons

[@hkguitar1984]

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.

[@henrykelly1183]

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.

[@hkguitar1984]

@@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?

[@unclefungus7395]

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.

[@rascalious]

We need the Epiphone Les Paul Custom review. The one released this week!!! The $1299 ones.

[@TVsBen]

agreed, I think it's my favorite new Epiphone, based on looks and the 490R/498T (which I love)

[@othermyke]

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.

[@marcozarattini1854]

Also the new '59 in Honeyburst,then l will buy it😂😂😂❤️🎸👍

[@deadshot4245]

Add cost of the upgraded parts though ​@@othermyke

[@othermyke]

⁠@@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.

[@rocktorrocks]

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.

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

I have to agree with you, but I got GAS and I had to have it. LOL

[@rocktorrocks]

@@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.

[@blastofo]

@@rocktorrocks Don't people flip Bonamassa signature guitars for a profit?

[@rocktorrocks]

@@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.

[@rascalious]

Thank you for listening. I wanted the inspired by Gibson review.

[@michaelheller8841]

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.

[@Tommy2704]

Neither is worth it

[@Fuxerz]

If you are professional musician you use the best tools. It's just a garage band Epiphone is fine.

[@vraicone]

Second hand market is a thing .

[@KennedyIvy]

Isnt the whole point of epiphone to be affordable alternative. Now getting to a slightly cheaper option

[@looking_33]

That's such a bad way to put it.

[@scottbogfoot]

Is the headstock at the epiphone or Gibson angle? 6:39 teflon tape for a fix on the posts?

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

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.

[@chuymartinez1342]

So.... In a few weeks?

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

@@chuymartinez1342 If my paycheck reflects that kind of inflation, absolutely.

[@MoneyBooBoo]

😂​@@chuymartinez1342

[@marions.120]

The $30 hamburger is coming! Thanks Joe?

[@steveparish9210]

​@@marions.120bullshit

[@sgt.grinch3299]

That SG is fantastic. That may be on my radar for a purchase.

[@jfinester]

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!

[@ahighervibe4086]

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!

[@xvx6663]

my only complaint....youre right....

[@user-fm7om5vz6v]

Supposed to be a VOS thing.

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

These buff out to a high gloss really easy. Yep it's supposed to be the VOS thing.

[@metramaks]

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.

[@jasonl1942]

They will eventually offer them in full gloss....for an extra $500...

[@Tcflohr]

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.

[@electricfox9276]

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!

[@DeerCreekAudio]

How do you unscrew these trem arms so they aren't pointing up to the sky? I'd love to pull it out and bend it a tweak. The red 61 inspired are the same...even with 10s.

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

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.

[@geargeeks8955]

I have done what you said.. I modified an epiphone had to drill out the holes in order to accommodate USA CTS pots

[@TheAtariCreep]

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.

[@bucknasty69]

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-ug5tp]

Glen Buxton.

[@TheAtariCreep]

@@johnsmith-ug5tp that be the dude.

[@Ronno4691]

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.

[@frankwebster9110]

That middle position sounds killer with the clean tone. And the bridge with dirt as well. Smokin good imo

[@markkenific6587]

Do these have the 14 degree headstock angle or the Gibson 17 degree angle?

[@HeisenbergXx]

Beautiful SG! I love the Epiphone reviews that you do!

[@mboyer68]

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.

[@aboutfine]

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

[@fredstevens799]

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!

[@tinystar3010]

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.

[@jlu2294]

Hey trogly! What did you use to buff the top of that SG. I've got a Epiphone 59 LP and love everything about it EXCEPT the top is significantly more matte/dull then the rest of the guitar! Ever since I bought it.. factory defect maybe?

[@deanallen927]

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.

[@ianyelton407]

Do they make that sg in left hand model? Would love to have one

[@guitar_robin]

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!

[@hkguitar1984]

Thank You David, very much appreciate your guitars being reviewed. Congrats on the new Les Paul/SG Custom, very, very nice Sir.

[@Masterfighterx]

At some angles in the light the Epuphone MoP looks great, but on a Gibson just laying there it just pops, does Gibson treat their MoP to have it pop so much more, or is there really such a huge difference in the grade they use?

[@StephenG1991]

I think the gloss finish plays a big part in that.

[@BushidoPhoto]

Gretsch uses a rocking bar bridge on a lot of models, that movement is helpful to go back in tune.

[@tonedowne]

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.

[@nankypooh655]

OK, serious question: Other than the color of the body, and the head stock, what's the difference between this model and the Joe Bonamassa model? Both are modeled after the 1963 SG custom, after all, and, other than what I've mentioned, and some models actually having Joe Bonamassa's signature on the fret board, is there any REAL difference? If I got both models would I just be purchasing the sameguitar twice, but with cosmetic differences only?

[@timcarnes8359]

Sister Rosetta😃

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Glen Buxton!

[@telebob5983]

​@@jonathanhudak2059Also Mike Nesmith and Mark Farner!

[@Tstdycgyr]

Very Sharpe comment

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

She and Glen Buxton both played 61's with the folding vibrato . Close enough though LOL

[@jonathanhudak2059]

@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

[@jaimexdxd]

Wait, what’s that Les Paul that appears with the others at 0:39? I got confused cuz it has open book headstock, but it isn’t greeny or a custom like tricky said.

[@calvinlee8103]

'59 reissue I think

[@CowboyStag]

Sounds good to me. I like the middle position too

[@pamelaarmstrong3612]

Trogly, you are the Mr. Roger’s of the guitar world.

[@mdub048]

Nice review. That bridge pickup sounds foo king killer! 🤩

[@scottdavidson6066]

Why did they go white with the cavity cover plastics. Totally clashes with the body finish.

[@mrfq_abg]

Wait, does the Epiphone ES-355 come in ebony too? I've only seen the red & white ones in other press release media, first time seeing the ebony here!

[@Trog]

Epiphone.com exclusive color

[@petedetraglia4776]

Hard Pass on that for me...Much better options out there for $1,500.00

[@TVsBen]

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.

[@deanallen927]

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.

[@peanutygoodness]

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.

[@darrylmoore127]

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

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

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.

[@scottdavidson6066]

Love that Epi put $750 worth of pickups in a $1499 guitar.

[@frankwebster9110]

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.

[@BlockDefender]

To be fair the actual cost of labor and materials is about the same as any other humbucker

[@twobirdslostatsea]

I kind of would have preferred a $600 cheaper guitar... 😂

[@ReubenGuitars]

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.

[@user-bb7te4yo3y]

Gotta love how you all miss the range being “inspired by gibson custom “

[@lptomtom]

This sounds absolutely fantastic, Trogly's setup usually sounds like ass with most guitars but every position was great here!

[@sandsthirtytwo7852]

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.

[@fattony4961]

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.

[@McBoggler]

Thanks Trogly! Great job as per usual ❤️

[@randysuratte663]

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 😂

[@guitargamesandliverpool]

I mean the Gibson versions of these are 5 thousand plus, so it’s worth it if you don’t want to pay that.

[@guitarman6632]

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 !

[@Ottophil]

@@guitarman6632you don’t need a case. Thats optional. You could just dent them

[@buckbumble]

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 😂

[@werewolflover8636]

@@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!

[@RogerCleatsman]

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.

[@wiseguy9202]

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.

[@Masterfighterx]

Not just Fender, shared name or sister brand (ESP/LTD), they finally caught up to *EVERY* brand.

[@wiseguy9202]

@@Masterfighterx Literally this...

[@ewal8556]

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?

[@mutantgenius8735]

Why wasn't the new IBGC Les Paul Custom a year-specific model?

[@renodavid]

I dig it. Thanks for checking it out!

[@Stashmanfpv]

Really diggin' that middle.pick-up .

[@ryanfulldark2775]

What kind of drive pedal do you use? Sounds great!

[@Trog]

Red Rox

[@trevorbacon23]

I've really been wanting to see a review of the new Epiphone Custom Shop inspired es 355 in white

[@wingy158]

I'm seriously considering one of these. Or save up a bit more for an Adam Jones sig.

[@TheEvdavis7]

Which one do you prefer ? Because I am torn between the two myself ?

[@donnysarian]

I just ordered one.

[@jimmyjames2022]

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.

[@tomyamartino]

Those pickups sound fantastic.

[@mcfats7652]

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.

[@KevinDarty]

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.

[@ShredAimlessly92]

All I heard was “it’s a $750 guitar after I hawk the custombuckers online and throw my own favorite pickups in it”. But not having the 3x volume and 1x tone setup is an interesting choice. I get the “vintage spec” appeal but it’s just all around inferior.

[@JustinSmithPYRO]

Gotta ask Trog, when you started the distorted demo of the pickups, was that an ode to, Airboure? If so 🤘🤘love that band

[@DejaVoodeux]

Please do the 355

[@StephenG1991]

They have, it was shown in the video.

[@1thess523]

Oh that guitar sounds sweet!

[@darthsensei3838]

I actually love that sg wow.

[@guypoulin8454]

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

[@Voiturefeml]

The wiggly bridge posts are probably intentional so that the bridge moves back and forth with the trem like how it would on a jazzmaster or jaguar

[@dobiqwolf]

I am hoping you will review the other guitars you mentioned (ES-355 and Les Paul).

[@user-fq9sx1xz8u]

Really cool Video, do you have one for an orange widow

[@ryanfulldark2775]

Just ordered the 355! Can’t wait!

[@hifibrony]

There is something about an SG with that lyre Vibrola that is insanely sweet.

[@workcloz]

I have an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Sg with two pickups........are these a limited run????

[@nankypooh655]

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!)

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

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.

[@nankypooh655]

@@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782 I'm gonna order mine next month when I get some money. Hope you have fun with yours when it arrives.😊

[@Gordanovich02]

Despite the price and the shortcomings you've highlighted, I'm still very tempted. I only wish they'd done more of an ivory white like the old LP SG Customs back in the day. I know this is closer to how vintage Gibsons would have looked before being played in smoky clubs, but I think the slightly more yellowed finish was nicer.

[@werewolflover8636]

Must be nice to have money to throw away!

[@Gordanovich02]

@@werewolflover8636 Oh If I had money to throw away I would have bought one already. I have not bought one already.

[@MetalDerrik]

i would love to see you review the les paul custom

[@jonkerr2050]

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.

[@Randyplaysguitars]

Such a beautiful guitar😍😍

[@tgarder]

Ok those black/white Customs look absolutely amazing tbh

[@danielalvarez4613]

Please Trogly, try out the Les Paul Custom in Ebony, I wanna find out if it´s really better than the cheaper one

[@trevor4533]

Honestly, I have my doubts after seeing it uses the same exact bridge as the regular one.

[@cedricBUNKERTON]

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 :)

[@matthewscott9567]

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.

[@jst601]

Expensive but nice. The tailpiece should help offset the traditional SG neck dive.

[@henrymclaughlinheil8317]

i haven't seen this guy review a studio shred i think its a pretty interesting one that doesn't get a lot of recondition

[@mboyer68]

That's a very nice guitar!!! I wonder if the finish is 'anti fingerprint'? LOVE THE EBONY FRETBOARD!!!!! White guitars with ebony fretboards always look great to me.

[@aboutfine]

I got one. No fingerprints. The black, gold, white is beautiful.

[@lapzival0]

can you please review the Les Paul Custom too?😂🙏🏼

[@Pietiepie]

Yeah, I'd like to see those too!

[@steveparish9210]

​@Pietiepieprobably the only way I ever get that diamond inlay headstock

[@Pietiepie]

@@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!

[@ahighervibe4086]

I don’t think I’ve seen Trog like any SG guitars from the Supreme to the Standard in his reviews lol… but Damn that sounds awesome!!!

[@markfrye4723]

That’s a nice looking and nice sounding guitar! Epiphone is doing a good job!