Gibson SG Standard vs. Epiphone SG Standard | Is Epiphone Closing the Gap?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ค. 2024
- Today we're checking out two SGs-- Epiphone and Gibson. Finally the "SG" in Epiphone's line has the name to go along with it! This body style is as about as old as electric guitar history, and we're happy to have two choices that live up to the famous distinction. At a hard-to-ignore price difference, however, it's worth it to compare these two and talk about which one is a better value to the average guitar player. Listen to the demos and let us know what you think!
0:00 Intro
10:28 Demos
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If I have the skills of the guy in this video, I won't mind it's an Epi or Gibby.
Epi.
Ebiphone & Gipson.
Wierd flex
@@blakesorenson4029 not really a flex
At least not on himself
Gubsin
Epi neck pickup 10:29
Gibson neck pickup 11:48
Epi middle pickup 10:47
Gibson middle pickup 12:10
Epi bridge pickup 11:15
Gibson bridge pickup 12:42
They almost sound identical...
Won't lie lads and ladies. I got an epiphone sg from this range the pickups they came with were atrocious, the strings were less than satisfactory, action was all over the show. Granted they aren't gig ready, but the one I got wasn't even close to playable. I've ended up fitting my own pickups and having to do a full setup before getting a usable product
@@jackosborne2714 buying an epiphone guitar is a 50-50 chance some people get good guitars that sound good and some people get guitars that don't work at all.
yes epiphone is a dream guitar with a low budget but they dont feel any comfortable when playing (i tried gibsons and epiphones at guitar stores many times)
No, the Epi sounds cheaper. It has a glassy sort of sound that the Gibson doesn't.
@@SirRoger_007 yea but there still solid guitars
10:30 EPIPHONE
11:49 GIBSON
They sound the exact same
You're absolutely right! Fuck brand snobs!
Well see how this plays out. Gibson is now trying to pump out as many fuckin guitars as possible. Apparently everyone decided to take up being Eddy Van Halen whilst the Covid shutdown was happening. Now that everyone went back to work, we'll see how this goes. Lots of used shit is gonna hit the stores. Gonna be a good time to pick up a used one year old Gibson Les. If you want one. I think Gibson's market is gonna slow waaaay down.
@@joshuadowling8778 Damn thats true. I'll make sure to be on top of my local classifieds and drop in and out the pawn shop a few times a week. I want one of those contemporary Squier Strats with the roasted maple.
You're tone deaf
What is Gibson doing with those prices? Is there even one reason why you shouldn't get an Epiphone and just replace the parts you wish to improve? There's just no way that Gibson SG sounds a thousand bucks better than the Epiphone SG.
Honestly, whenever I watch videos like this with Gibson guitars, it just reminds me how inifinetely smarter Fender is, when it comes to marketing, outreach, branding, pricing, etc. I love Gibsons guitars, but I find it so difficult to like them as a company.
The power of branding.
You have to qualify that by... at the price point. I bought a new Epiphone Casino in 2016. To get a hollow body ES style guitar with P90s (sans centre block I know) for around $400 was terrific to play (the Beatles!!!) and I could get a range of good tones out of it but there were some things that led to its sale - a finish fault (glue on the wood not cleaned off before the laquer), thick polyurethane laquer (try stripping it - good luck), poor fret ends and nut cut high, cheap tuners (although the neck angle wasn't as acute as a Gibson you want good tuners on this style of guitar - known for tuning issues) and the pots started crackling after 12 months... cheap electronics. The pickups were not the best (kind of thin / narrow in the frequency range) and a touch microphonic. Add to this the stuff you possibly don't consider but are important - the quality of the nut, bridge, posts and stop tail affect tone - it's where the strings ultimately connect to the body and any luthier / vintage guitar tech will tell you that cheap steel or pot metal parts dull the sound transfer.
Before people jump on me - I know that Gibson USA are also guilty of dumbing down their parts - the current bridge on a Standard isn't close to the quality of an original 50/60s ABR-1 with brass posts drilled directly into the wood, the Grovers are quite possibly produced under licence (not as good as original manufacture) and the Tektoid nut is a fancy name for plastic. I have a Gibson SG Standard HP and a Gibson Les Paul Gold Top to compare. they both needed work on delivery - which is quite shocking at the price point. But they are a great foundation and look / sound incredible.
My point stands though - the Epiphone is solid for the money and you can fix the weak spots mostly with mods (finish / woodwork issues aside) - certainly for less than the $1000 difference but that's a lot of work on a new guitar. The Gibson is better out of the box and they do have benefits beyond better quality parts (not vintage quality but more reliable than the Epiphone) - all new Gibson guitars from 2018 have fret levelling at the factory - a $300+ option post sale. Generally (not always) this means that you don't end up with high strings to cover bad frets (as you do on cheap guitars) - you can get the action down low and you have a reliable truss rod for relief adjustment. The finish is almost always nitro cellulose which ages better and often with a satin neck which is more silky to play. Better pickups, Gibson full size branded pots, generally decent switching and wiring, and more attention to detail on the fret ends and nut before it ships.
Tone wise I agree that you could swap out the Epi pickups for a 490 / 490 (or better still an overwound 498 in the bridge) at $250 and it would get close to the Gibson SG but I re-iterate, no where near Gibson vintage tone.... there is just too much cheap stuff on the Chinese guitar to dull the sound.
And you may well struggle with high frets / action and potentially tuning issues due to the inherent design and head-stock rake.
My journey started with Epiphone but now sits with Gibson. I think you can get a Gibson bargain (especially used) and they are a better platform to chase the real vintage tone. They still need work. Just less of it. Epiphone do give you an opportunity to experience Gibson guitar designs at an economical price point and this is terrific when you don't have a lot of cash to play with. They are not 'bad' guitars - they are what they are at the price point.
And bear in mind you can get a dud on either brand so always try the guitar for yourself - even VOS guitars at $5000 can be crocks.
Finally - if you want to step up from Epiphone, for another $200 or so look at Vintage guitars designed by Trevor Wilkinson in England - they have all the Gibson 'style' models and are built in Asia to keep the cost down although with British management and QC. Being Wilkinson (famous for hardware) the parts are better than Epiphone hands down, great tuners (as good or better than Grover) and the stock pickups are hardly discernible from Gibson.
If I were going budget again it would be Vintage hands down. They are still worth a set up from new although likely the luthier will be done in 20 minutes - fret ends, detail the nut to lower the action a touch, check the relief, set / balance the pickup heights - there wont be much and no replacement parts required.
Good luck selling an Epiphone for the price you paid for it though. ;)
@@robertemerson1087 I traded the Casino in the end with a shop. They gave me a reasonable price based on buying new gear from them so we were both happy but yes, you may struggle to sell a Chinese made guitar used.
I firmly agree. I have a 2019 Epiphone SG Pro and I swear it blows away most Gibsons I've ever heard. I installed Kluson locking tuners, Gibson speed knobs and a Duncan SH6 in the bridge and it's the best guitar I've ever owned. And that's including a True Gibson SG Standard so I'm not just saying this because I can't afford the Gibson. I simply prefer the action and sound of the Epiphone over the Gibson. Oh and, My SG Pro sounded damn good even before the pickup swap. I just wanted a more aggressive sound.
I can’t tell if y’all are good salespeople or if I subconsciously need every guitar ever made.
Just like tattoos... It's an addiction. Starts with guitar #2, whatever that is. Mine was a Gibson Epipone SG and now I have 5!
Buy the Epiphone and a great amplifier for less than the price of the Gibson.
Why?
Or just bite the bullet and get the better guitar with the better amp, lol.
@sailormoonfan32 LOL Nice!
A great amp will cost as much as the Gibson
Exactly
I have the 2020 Gibson SG and it’s fantastic, the neck and fingerboard feel great, natural, effortless, the tone and sustain amazing, it sounds stunning and feels the same. £1000 better than the Epiphone? Not in my hands but maybe in others, the 490s and grovers are there already and sound great so no mods required, I just play it and it makes me smile inside and out. Epiphones are great guitars, I had a Japan built 96 les Paul standard for many years, learned a lot with it but for me, and I’m no snob, working class electrician working in a power station, the Gibson logo on my SG is, for me, a reward for years of hard work and on the other side of the headstock, most importantly ‘Made in the USA’. I’d be grateful for either but finally, I own a Gibson!!
Great review guys, thank you!
It's the feeling of actually owning one and seeing the name on the case and the head. Finally someone gets it.
@@GuitarSolosInc. I kind of agree, however don't forget the Gibsons obviously have the Gibson electronics in them, Gibson hardware. Those things add up to what is a pretty unique sound. The depth and overall tone really just isn't the same, nor should it be at more than 1000 bucks more expensive than the Epiphone SG. At the moment though, I can't justify spending $1500 on a Gibson that is realistically worth around $1000. It's why to me, with these Epiphones being so close, I might grab one of those instead and be happy I kept money in my pocket.
Congrats on your gibson. Sometimes we have to remember that $1000 is just money and having your very own Gibson that you worked hard for has a value that you cannot measure in money alone, ain't nobody going to tell you otherwise.
Me? I am buying the Epiphone just because back in high school I had a cheap SG copy, which I lended to a "friend" before I joined the military and then forgot all about it.
The neck was a disaster. Went up a 1/4 tone just by placing your hand on it, so it wasn't a great guitar by any means, but it was mine and I no longer have it. I bought cheap Strats and Tele, spent about $50 on each to replace hardware and fittings and now they play as well as my $1500 Signature Ibanez. But I don't have an SG and I think I deserve one. Now, since I like to work on my guitars, I know that if I bought the Gibson it would remain untouched by non-professional hands. The Epiphone is perfect for me, just as the Gibson sounds perfect for you.
Happy trails.
I bought an Epiphone SG Standard and couldn't be happier. Fell in love with the tone. Very warm and inviting. I will say this, if you like a brighter tone overall, go Epiphone SG. The actual Gibson was a little darker in terms of tone so if you have the bread, go Gibson. I can't distinguish any differences in performance. I'm a homer and I'll say it, the Epiphone is a tad bit more articulate than the Gibson.
I have had both and I question whether you even played the gibson or if you’re judging the compressed audio on youtube.
In the real world the sound is the last thing that I would talk about having owned both of these. They sound virtually identical to 95% of ears. Light and dark is not what I would use to describe these. First of all - *FEEL* is the main differentiator of these two guitars. The epiphone feels really cheap compared to the gibson. You’re paying for neck feel, and american mfg. The difference in sound is the gibson has more mojo and subtlety. The epiphone sounds a little more glassy and cheaper. It sounds like any other 400$ epiphone with humbuckers. The only Epiphones I’ve personally experienced that came close to the sound of a Gibson is the LP Custom and the Sheraton 2 pro. But they were about 90% of the sound.
But again. We shouldn’t even be discussing sound because people who don’t play guitar won’t notice a sound difference. They’ll notice that your headstock says Epiphone and they’re gonna think you’re low class (if they notice anything).
That’s painful to hear but true. If people watching you play know only 2 things about guitar those 2 things they know are Gibson and Fender. And that’s honesty.
The gibson sounds way more full and defined. The epi sounds like every 400$ epiphone with chinese humbuckels.
I am a fan of epiphones. I loved the LP custom and the Sheraton 2 pro. Adored.
But the sub custom SG kind of market is for people who want to be seen holding an SG lets be honest. If you want to be seen holding an SG save your money and do it right and get Gibson on the headstock (and a 5x better feeling neck). The SG isn’t the sort of guitar purchase people make to play alone in a room forever. People who buy an sg want to be a little “hot dog”. They want to be seen playing the guitar from black sabbath and school of rock. Do it right, folks. The difference in feel and mojo is worth the money. And we all need to play guitar *more* and the Gibson is gonna crawl in your soul a little deeper and the guilt of the price is gonna force you to play it more. And inspiration is what this is about.
I feel that a lot of ppl are self conscious and feel too unskilled for the Gibson. To that I say who cares if somebody can outplay you on a hello kitty acoustic? The Gibson will inspire you to play it more and to get better! Do it!!!
(Sound is in the amp and hands, and the construction and pickups)
I got the Epiphone G400 Pro for Christmas and I love it. It sounds phenomenal and it cost me $349. I couldn’t make the Gibson sound better. If you have the money to spend or you are a pro then I get why you would buy the real thing. If Derek Trucks plays the Epiphone I don’t think most people would know the difference because he would make it sound that good. The Epiphone SG is the real deal.
Exactly.
I have been looking for one around that price but no luck. Most are around 400. I got my regular g400 for 350 back when they still made those in 2003. Can't get those anymore. I like the new pro model with the coil splits.
@@neilsnow7644 I got lucky at Christmas on-line. Guitar Center had none. I bought a Schecter but didn’t like it so I returned it. Miraculously the SG popped back up at $349 and was shipped to my local store from Arizona. They stopped making the G400 Pro now that they make the “Inspired by Gibson” line. I would keep an eye open on OfferUp and Craigslist. It is by far my favorite electric guitar.
I'm glad you pointed out the neck shape differences. This actually sways me towards the Epiphone. Thank you!
I have both a 2014 Gibson Standard and a 2019 Epiphone exclusive deluxe G400 Sg pro I prefer the Epiphone by far
Which one has the D shape neck? that’s the one I prefer, I know several years ago I played one at Guitar Center and preferred the one that was D shape neck.
Interesting !
@@rockkstah2550 The SG Pro (Epi) has the "slim profile D" neck.
@@Win7ermu7e that would be my thang to purchase, thank you...
@@rockkstah2550 They are really nice. It's become my favorite tp pick up. I'd love a Gibson but I can't justify that price, I'd rather have a small collection of MIM fenders and stuff.
You’re becoming my fav youtube channel guys, always looking forward to your videos. Just gives me some kind of comfortable, cozy vibe in these stressful times :)
I'm going to add a different perspective. The Epiphone SG sounded more articulate, tonally even and clear. Possibly not the traditional SG sag most love, but from this sound sample I believe that the Epiphone guitar would cut through the mix significantly better. In addition, it may also color a tad better with pedals as well. Disclaimer, this is a youtube opinion not an in person one. There's my 2 cents.
I totally agree with you. I just like the way the American made one feels better. But in terms of cutting through the mix and that bite from the pickups. The Epiphone sounded better in this video. It just feels cheap. Where the American Gibson feels so good in your hand. I'm wondering if changing out the pickups on the American Gibson SG would help it to sound a bit better?
I'm guessing you're a tele guy. I totally agree with the difference in tones, but the fat ass on a Gibson SG is why most of us buy them. Mine is very ahem...well-endowed.
@@JSGuitar80 Even white boy's got to shout .baby got back. My anaconda don't want none unless your SG got bunz hun.
Your ears are not deceiving you: China has better luthiers than Nashville.
The epiphone sounded a bit more punchy/pokey to me so I agree on the cutting through part, but the gibson had a rounder bass sound and more alive sounding. I thought the epiphone bass was more woody and dead sounding but hey I guess each one comes down to preference!
Just picked up an Epiphone SG standard in alpine white and i gotta say Epiphone really stepped up their game. This is the 4th SG i've owned and it is without a doubt the best. Just beautiful and well crafted.
i bought one as well ive never owned an SG guitar before and its now one of my favorites
I've played an Epiphone g-400 for 12 years. Dang thing cant hold a tune. Dont get me started on the truss rod. I've just got a Gibson SG '61. This time with an evertune. I cant stop staring at this Gibson. It's so smooth!
The older Korean Samick made Epiphone G400s are the best. You have to change the bridge and pickups and then they are excellent fot the peanuts cost. I would like a 61 Gibson SG but only if it's better than my Epi which is very good.
I never have a problem with mine,ever
Could be the fact its twelve years old
You must have gotten lucky... Gibson guitars are famous for not staying in tune too. I had a Gibson Les Paul and it went out of tone more than any guitar I've ever owned... but some better than others. Prs, strat, and d'angelico guitars will stay in tune much better. Gibson just had crappy design that makes them go out of tune... but they are good sounding guitars... and if you add locking tuners on either the Gibson or EPIs you may have better luck...
@@thadlogan51 Heritage guitars are actually better made than Gibson. I have a couple of those and they are excellent. People don’t like the headstock but they fail to realise that it’s a better design. It’s actually an old Gibson design before the well known headstock was made.
Do a comparison between the Gibson Les Paul Special TV Yellow ($1,499) and the Epiphone Les Paul Special TV Yellow ($399), please. Thank you.
The Gibson has more treble?? That's not how I heard it. But they both sounded good. The Epiphone had kind of a beefy Strat tone quality to it.
I agree. Thought the Gibson sounded thicker. Liked the Epi tone a bit more.
You listened through a TH-cam video with compressed audio. I suspect they heard a lot more than we did. Lmao
I found the sound of the Epi to be muddy and weak. It didn't really sound close to me at all.
there's a diference, but not 3 times better
Better finish
Better wood
Better electronics
That’s x3
I got an epiphone a month or two ago for $200. Had a hard shell case, electronics were already upgraded. It kinda made me want to get a Gibson because I fell in love with it but I’m almost certain that the $200 epi would mop the floor with the Gibson. I just don’t see what I would be gaining? A logo? Please, I could case less about some writing.
I feel like it doesnt really sound better nor worse
Its just slightly different
@@allenmitchell09 gibsons are good but it’s overpriced you’re mainly paying for the name of a brand,you could honestly get a good Epiphone and if you wanted upgrade the electronics and it’ll sound just as good if not better
The difference is that the Epiphone sounds more lively & has more tonal "character" than the Gibson, which sounds sterile/clinical in comparison.
From Leo: I still have my first SG, bought at the dealer in 1971, and a few year old G 400 pro. While yes, you can easily tell them apart, you cannot point to any quality advantages either way. I do like the voicing of the later pickups, most of my music is pretty clean. I outgrew paying for brand decals 30 years ago.
I also have a G400 pro, they have Epiphone 57 classic pickups in them. Pretty good sound. Better than the regular G400s, but definitely not as good as the Gibson SGs. Still amazing bang for the buck!
They did point to quality differences though...
@@BenState Yeah people who can't hear the difference in sound, really should get their ears checked. I don't think the Gibson is necessarily worth the money, but they absolutely do sound better.
One point not to forget is there are slight variances among guitars of the same brand and model. Granted not as much as in the past because quality control has improved over the years but you could compare two Gibson SGs and prefer one over the other.
I have a black Epiphone SG Pro and I love it. Feels great, looks great, sounds great, coil split, thinner neck. I upgraded the tuners to locking tuners, had a bone nut installed, and installed a roller bridge. I’m not a gigging musician so it stays at home. For that purpose it’s more than fine. I will say the tuning is not rock solid though.
I think a saw cuts wood no matter where you are. Personally, I just want a quality instrument. It's not like Epiphone is some random pop up Chinese company mass producing some cheap plastic crap. They have a legacy and have put a lot more effort into Quality.
These Epiphones are so good now. I own the SG standard and it is a SOLID piece of work. I absolutely love that neck. Stays in tune beautifully with a proper set up. Pickups were decent but I’m picky about those and I swapped them for my preference.
Great video by the way! Keep it up, I subscribed.
I tried the epi yesterday and fell in love, definitely going to buy it. This was amazing.
I have been a les paul guy for 30+ years. When epiphone released inspired by Gibson guitars. I bought an SG Custom, and a SG special. To see if I would like the SG's. I spent a couple hours on each guitar setting them up, leveling and polishing the frets, getting the truss rod and action where I like it. I absolutely love these guitars, the custom is just a beautiful guitar. It also 3,000 less then a Gibson. I did have to send the special back to Epiphone, for a truss rod issue. They sent me a brand new replacement which then I had set it all up again. I can't get enough of the special with the p90's, it plays so effortless, and sounds so sweet. Though deep down I really want to buy the same 2 guitars with the Gibson stamp, just because it will say Gibson.
I have a Gibson SG Classic with P90's and the P90's is such an overlooked pickup. That pickup is way more useable than the Burstbuckers on my other SG.
@@robertwainscott9437 I never knew how much I would like the p90's. Such a great tone. I wonder how much difference between the gibson and epiphone p90.
@@tedgerard333 Probably not as much as you'd think. For example, the mini-humbucker is an Epiphone invention which Gibson acquired when it purchased Epiphone. When Gibson brings back the Les Paul, it had bodies routed for P90's but the humbucker is now popular so it created the Deluxe which has the Epiphone pickups in it. That's right, the very sought after Gibson Deluxe has Epi pups in it.
I once foolishly thought I could spend a ton of money and get better minihumbuckers than the ones in my Epiphone 2000 Les Paul Deluxe Reissue so I bought the best mini's I could find and the difference was negligible.
The P90's, so far as I can tell, have a much narrower range of options than the humbucker. Not only that, the P90 had already been in existence for 11 years when Gibson bought Epiphone in 1957. Consequently, Epiphone didn't have its own history with that pickup and from what I can put together, has relied on the design of the Gibson version.
@@robertwainscott9437 that's good info to no thank you. I like turning the tone back and hitting with a fuzz pedal. sounds so good. I guess the Epiphone SG custom has the probuckers which seem to be pretty solid too.
I have an Epiphone Modern Faded SG, which has premium pots, ebony fretboard, locking tuners etc couldn't ask for a better value guitar. The asymmetric neck felt better in the hand than any other guitar I tried at the time (PRS, Gibson, Ibanez & Schecter) none of which had asymmetric neck shape. The only con's were the extra weight ( 8 pounds) and the glossiness of the neck which I have now totally gotten used to. No regrets - PS rock solid tuning stability
I have the blue Epiphone Modern Figured Les Paul myself. I love it and it's a fast neck, the tuning locks in plays very well, and sounds great. Great freaking value agreed! The weight
doesn't bother me at all since I've played so many Gibson Les Pauls and still own one. I do pick up the modern Epi more now over the Gibson though lol.
I bought my SG special new in 2007, that's now heavily modified from standard, I swapped out the Kluson tuners for Grovers, took out the 490R&T pickups for the Gibson Burstbucker Pros, and put on a Bigsby B5, it is my favourite guitar that's been well gigged, used and recorded with. I also love the clean tone Cooper got out of the SG's, I think these guitars are overlooked for their clean tonal capabilities and sound absolutely gorgeous that way.
Back in the 70s, when I was 12 years old, my mother had a Gibson SG from the 60's. I played it all the time and loved it. A few weeks ago, in a pawn shop, I found an Epiphone SG Limited Custom Shop that I purchased for $220. Playing that Epiphone was the same experience as meeting up with an old friend you haven't seen in many years. What an unbelievable purchase. No disrespect to my mother's 1960's Gibson, but I think Epiphone makes a good product.
John Denver wrote a song about you and your guitar.
🤣
@davidstair9657 Me and my guitar wrote a song about John Denver. Unfortunately it never got any airplay because, basically, it was shite.
Something worth mentioning here; in between the price of these two guitars is the Epiphone Prophecy series SG at $899. They have a 24 fret, bound, asymmetrical neck, which I believe is thinner on the treble side for shredability. They also have custom Fishman Fluence pickups that have three different voicings. These are really nice guitars for the money! I own a 2017 Midnight Blue Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy and what a nice guitar. Back then I paid $749 and it came with EMG’s and a hard case.
The Epiphone Prophecy SG’s don’t come in the classic Cherry or Black finish though, but they do have some really nice finishes to choose from. Hell, I think at this point, Epiphone should pay me for advertising haha. Rock on people
Completely agree, recently picked up a like new prophecy plus les paul for 300 dollars used. It has all the features and hi-end parts of a guitar that costs many times more. Hard to beat for the price
@@timrussell1559 you did damn good getting that for $300, that’s a real good deal for that guitar. There’s a channel on TH-cam called “Robert’s Guitar Dungeon” and he’s got one video called something like - top ten or twenty underrated guitars. The Epiphone Prophecy was on his list and he said they were “Gibson made”. He didn’t elaborate on that but I thought it was interesting. Glad you got a great deal. Enjoy and rock it! Thanks for your comment
Thanks dudes! Perfectamundo as always. You're doing a grand service to us all.
My first SG was an Epiphone, 26 years ago, I totally loved that one; sold it 18 years ago. I have a Gibson Std SG, the feeling is superior by far, it's silky and buttery... The finishes and pick ups are by far better in the Gibson SG. If you can't have a Gibson, Epiphone is a safe bet, but if you can transition to Gibson, your experience is going to be great
I picked up a Gibson for the first time ever the other day. It happened to be an SG. I also tried a few Epiphone SGs. The Gibson just felt so good. There was just some magic feel to it. Great to hear the difference in your video. To me the Gibson has a 'warmer', more full, less 'edgy' sound.
Absolutely. Put my TS808 in front of it and it's the thickest, warmest sound ever. It's got a real Derek Trucks-y vibe.
The warmness you felt is the brand name, you paid $1000 more for just the name, that’s $166 per letter.
Gibson is always going to feel better. But for the price, Epi can't be beat they sound so similar it's ridiculous.
@@thereisnopandemic I played it - didn't buy it ;) perfectly happy with my collection of Epic :)
I love my Epiphone SG Modern and the neck on this guitar so much that I switched out the pickups and had the guitar PLEK'd. It's a no worries favorite and constant performer that always seems to get playing time.
Personally I feel the Epiphone exclusive deluxe G400 Sg Pro is the best SG ever made its was old School Crafted limited run under Two years can't be beat
Funny you say that because I own one and I firmly agree. My 2019 Epiphone SG Pro is the best sounding, most playable guitar I've ever owned!
My G400 Pro is my best playing and sounding guitar, but ironically I changed out the stock bridge pickup with a Gibson Dirty Fingers Plus. It sounds really ballzy
My 2019 model plays better than any other guitar I've played, the only issue is the slight neck dive but the guitar is so light it doesn't bother me
If the G400pro came with this bat style pick guards, I would've bought that in a heartbeat....but I already have a Greg Bennett sg which is like g400 pro
The 2019 Epiphone exclusive deluxe G400 Sg Pro have gone up in Value on the used this was a limited run Sg and crafted the same exact way as the early Gibson Sgs not many out there on the used market but the ones I have seen were pushing the $600 mark
The Gibson sounds better to me.
It would want to, for three times the price
Same here. Sounds a lot better. Maybe it‘s mostly the pickups tho.
@@Runoratsu Of course it's the pickups. That's what makes the sound!
but are you going to be playing cleans like he did?..if yes..buy something else
My 2011 SG standard agrees!🤘🏻😎🤘🏻
I literally searched for hours for this comparison a few weeks ago. Just inherited an Epiphone SG VE and was curious as to what the difference was. Thanks for the upload!
Some of the best playing in a demo I've ever seen!
It’s sad that the veneer doesn’t look good on the epiphone. The new headstock looks much better than the older one.
I got the black
Thumbs up on the video fellas. Very helpful. Thanks
I have the Epi and love it to death. I may be in the minority, but the sound from it (above) to me seems brighter, has more clarity and the price difference isn't worth it. Where the Gibson wins is obviously with the name. Unfortunately, it will always prevail because of its legendary status.
Good comparisons here Gents. Thank you. 🎸😎
Thanks guys, always liked the look of an SG, never liked the necks, ( I play mostly PRS SEs ). Tried one of these new epi standards out and fell in love. Bought it on the spot, and so comfy to play standing up unlike my Les pauls. Great quality, much better then that of my 2012 Gibson Les Paul tribute series.
Or buy the Epiphone, switch the pups to Gibson 490’s, upgrade the pots, and for another $300 to $400 you have a guitar that sounds identical to the Gibson and still save $600 to $700 (i.e. half the price of the Gibson)
The Epiphone was the clear winner to me until the demos came around. The Gibson SG sounded so full and meaty. Is it a 3x difference? Probably not, but it is large enough that I would swallow the price and go with the Gibson. Whatever the case, we got to hear Cooper’s solo twice! A fair comparison between a really good guitar and a great guitar.
None of us know what they sound like. Your hearing the sound compressed by the camera microphone. Then even more compression by youtube. Through whatever speakers you are listening through watching this video. Play them both at a music store and decide from that. Not a youtube video unless you were in the room you do not know how they sound neither do I.
@@spiderfan1974 true, the camera skews the tone, but I will attest.. the factory humbuckers in my 2008 LP studio are epic !! They jusk have a growl and bark I've never heard from any model of epiphone. All the Epiphone needs imho is a pickup swap. So for $449 plus roughly $200 for some quality pickups youre still under 1/2 the price for the Gibby.
@@Torquemonster440 it's all personal taste or what your goal is. Do you a tinker like me? If so the guts don't matter. I'm changing 90% of the electronics anyway. Find an affordable one that I like the neck done. Or are you collecter then buy the gibson. Whatever the reason you like what you like be it the pick ups in the Gibson or the Epiphone.
Ive owned 7 gibsons and 4 epis… gibsons are definitely better and the price is definitely justified
@@spiderfan1974 i know the difference, but ya you do make a good point about microphones being used. these guy's aren't the only one's guilty of that,
but it's a common theme with all these channels. in fairness to these guys they do have an actual music store with plenty of connections, i think there located somewhere in Texas, but like any channel they wanna make what there showing to people as good as possible. but that also makes people not really know how good a guitar is sound wise from another,
and also how it feels to play it.
i knew about Epiphone and Gibson for years, but i never looked in there direction whenever i checked out a music store.
in my younger days of playing i was more interested in Ibanez, ESP, and Jackson. during my highschool days i was pretty much a metal head,
i still like some metal but compared to what i was into back in 2002 it's night and day. now when i look back on it, i never understood how i got into metalcore and death metal and all that but i did. black metal being the worst of the 3, now a days I'll listen to metal as long as the vocalist is not screaming or growling in my ear. but i gotta say even if your not a metal person,
ESP in my opinion makes a better Les Paul than Epiphone,
the downside is there aren't as many color options.
after checking out a few ESP LTD's that's when i started looking at other guitars, and the feel of a Gibson from a Epiphone is different.
sound wise i checked out a few newer one's, but i always come back to Gibson.
I’ve owned 3 epiphone SGs in my life, a G400 faded that was a great guitar, I gigged with it and it played just as good as my Gibson smartwood exotic at the time. I bought a junior style bolt-on back then and it was pretty crappy, quite a bit different than the more expensive g400.
The g400 eventually got stolen and I replaced it with a glossy g400 that was also a fantastic SG, and I regret selling it a few years ago. These days in lieu of gigging, I’ll eventually get the Gibson version once I find one that I like and keep it for life.
I have an epiphone g400 and i love it . I tryed a Gibson , way more expensive ! And of course sounded a little better , more brilliant sound . But ir You don't have 1500 dolars , and a used guitar for 150 dolars come to your hands , and surprisely sounds almost the same and feels almost the same , i bought it . And i am very happy with it .
Just bought an Epiphone SG. Comes in Monday. Then we'll see. I have nerve damage in my left hand. This is kind of an experiment to see what I can do. The Gibson is too expensive for an experiment. Hope the action is close. Wish me luck!
That opening riff was sooooo tasty. Honestly, liked the epi better, nice video!
I went over and over between this two, I tried them extensively and bought the EPI, they sound almost identical and the feel of the Epiphone was for my guitar playing a little better than the Gibson, both guitars where setup really good, new set of strings even, I even when with my laptop and Apollo Twin and run them both with the Marshal Plexu Super Lead 69 and sounded the same! at least for my ears and the store employees ears, so I strongly recommend the Epiphone, you can get the Epiphone, a Hardshell, a tube amp and some pedals for the price of the Gibson! :B
The Epiphone SG is a no brainer for sure. There is now way the Gibson is $1050 better. That's just laughable really.
I own a 2019 Gibson Les Paul Traditional and a 2020 Epiphone Les Paul Custom Silverburst. The changes Epi has made in their lineup is pretty apparent. Currently in the market for an SG and I'm really leaning towards the Epiphone.
'06 Gibson Menace player here. I love the comparison you did. I got with the Gibson of the Epiphone. Thank you for the review.
My friend _gave_ me his old Epi SG. Love it! Pairs amazingly with the Casino.
Good stuff guys.
I have a '97 Epi SG Custom w Grovers and Duncans. Love it.
I got my brand new Gibson SG in Heritage Cherry last week. I'm a Les Paul guy (I have 5 of them, 4 Epiphones and 1 Gibson) and this is my 1st SG. I LOVE it!! Awesome guitar.
I set my switch to "Mrs. Howell".
Lovey!
Had a '68 with the Maestro back around '75. Sold it - don't remember the reason. What I do remember is that it seemed like it weighed a ton by the end of a four hour gig. So - in my old age, I've picked up the Epi version, which sounds and feels like an SG should, without the sore shoulder. And my son bought me a recent Gibson SG Standard. I haven't done a shootout yet, but I know which one I'd take to gig at the local dive bar. And it would be just fine. Amazing that you can make a guitar, ship it thousands of miles, and still beat Gibson's price by a grand.
The Gibson definitely had more low end and depth to me. For a probable lifetime purchase that’s the one I would pick.
If you prioritise these tonal qualities you should probably be looking at a LP instead of an SG for starters...
I own an older Epiphone SG and its a great guitar, sounds great and plays well and stays in tune. i actually use it for old sabbath and use it for different tunings. great value for the money!
Amazing demo
Pipi Longstockings and Uncle Fester over here.
Thanks for the info boys! Great demonstration. I have an Epi SG with Grovers . 61' reissue with the smaller picgaurd. She's my baby. It also has the speed knows instead of the tophats, which I prefer. Looks wise. From your demo, I hear that the Gibson pickups are a bit warmer and better sounding , in general, but I don't see the $1000 difference. I play through a Fender Blues Deville 50. These pickups fuckin sing!. I use an attenuator to get the full tube stuff. As far as my 2 cents, my opinion is go with the Epi. Especially if your short on money. You won't be disappointed.
Great comparison guys.
As an owner of a Gibson Les Paul, I wanted the OTHER iconic Gibson solid-body electric ⚡ guitar. Thus, I wanted an SG. Luckily I was just in time because, after spending well over a grand in my Gibson, I simply cannot justify $1000 more for the upgrade to the Gibson for the SG. I went with the Epiphone.... and I'm glad I did.
One thing I will concede however.... The Gibson sounds remarkably better in the bridge pickup. It has that nice chimey sound that just isn't there in the Epi. As for the neck and middle position however, the Epi holds up very well to the Gibson.
This is not about electric but acoustic Epiphone vs Gibson.
I own:
•Gibson G-45 $1300
•Epiphone Masterbuilt Texan $800
•Epiphone EJ200SCE $500
•I play 10 to 15 times per month here in FL USA as a member of an acoustic Duo. I really like all 3 instruments.
•I play the EJ200 SCE nearly 100% of our live performances.
Because:
1. It plays great and sounds very good (Fishman Electronics). I don’t like to subject my “nicer guitars” to Cold, Heat, Summer humidity and salt air. That’s really the bottom line for me as a professional player. A player who plays more than a few times a month or just casually.
•I love the neck on the Masterbuilt Texan!! Small and rounded like a 60’s Gibson SG!
But, I sit when I play so a round shoulder guitar tends to “slip off” my jeans/shorts, etc.
The 25 1/2” scale is NICE for me. I play it as a #2 performance guitar.
•My Gibson G-45 plays SUBERBLY!! Sounds AMAZING!!!
I don’t want to booger it up playing in smoke or salt air, heat....
•I’m a working musician. I cannot afford or want to booger the instruments I love (I write on the Gibson...inspiration!)
•I hope this helps with your choice between Epiphone and Gibson.
•Final words. Epiphone is a GREAT choice for the working musician.
Wrennie
Just bought the epi standard. It had a great setup and felt better to me. Haven't decided if I'm going to put some 490s or bare knuckle old guard in it.
This was much closer of a comparison than the others I've seen. Good job epiphone.
Wow I love the way that guy plays, such a great groove!!
Nice video!
I have the Gibson SG STD. I also have a Gibson LP Studio Lite and an Epiphone LP modern. The differences between the brands are there, but they’re subtle. Both brands make great products.
Great video, thank you and of interest as I am currently considering an Epi SG. I used to own a Gibson SG 50s Tribute with P90s but I disliked the chunky neck. In hindsight, I wish I had kept it, but it was the 1960’s and 1970’s style SG with humbuckers and a pick guard that I craved. I recently bought a Casino Coupe VS and the finish is almost perfect but I had to change the bridge and I have spent hours trying to sort out the neck (and it is still not perfect). The nut was cut too high and the fretwork was appalling so I am cautious about buying Epi again. As to the comparison with Fender, I see Epiphones competing with Squier and the trick that Gibson is missing, is in the £600/£1200(UK) price bracket (to compete with Mex Fenders), which they should fill with Gibson branded instruments, made outside of the US and be a step up in quality from Epiphone. A no-brainer, in my view, but it would no doubt upset all the die-hard Gibson fans out there.
Hi Chris. Why don’t you’ll do the ES335 Gibson vs Epiphone video as well?
I have been a Gibson lover most of my life all my guitar heroes have played them, the sound we always remember and want. I owned many Gibson Les Paul's over the years. I am down to one Gibson
Les Paul that I own now (another story). Last Year The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson line has caught my attention because I've always hatted Epiphones headstock, I would never even thought to try one. Low and behold when they changed so did I, it was time for me to give them a shot. I ended up with 3 Epiphones last year. Glad I did and I'm not here to disparage Gibson in any way. I don't
have the bread I used to lol. If you have the bread go ahead and get Gibson they are that great. I for don't anymore. I am here to say I'm so glad I bought 3 Epihones and I don't have to look back.
I got a Sheraton II, A Epiphone Les Paul Modern Figured, and A Epiphone Les Paul SG 6'1' the only thing I changed besides set up on them was the pickups on the SG, they were too bright for my
taste. I ended up paying an extra $350 for Handwired Zebra humbuckers for the SG, what a freaking difference it has made, so much that I have blown away Gibson Les Pauls and many different
price ranges. The SG is my main one now. Although I liked your demo on the two SG's it is not the same pickups and set up I get it. So. it's not the same. Change the pickups if you don't like it
and it's like owning a much better guitar. I know the detail and the quality is better in the Gibson, but not 3 or 4 times the price to me. I loved the Epihones so much that, yesterday I have ordered
the Epiphone Les Paul 59' the Holy Grail for the price of a hamburger, Just kidding lol. I will be looking more forward to that when it's in my house on March 11th. Epiphone deserves at least a try.
Thanks for your video guys.
Nice comparison. Well done.
I was considering my first Epiphone (having many Gibson guitars over the years. I own 3 at this time).
I believe the Epiphone SG models are on sale currently. Thought I might give one a try, mainly for recording.
Phil
If i had the skills and experience with different neck types and feel, i would buy based on that. Both of these guitars sounded far better more like what i want to hear than i initially expected.. I liked the what Cooper played with them which sounds like what i want to play. The sound was clean. Really made this SG (Epiphone or Gibson) more viable.Sheesh i can honestly say i just had the feeling of being the highest end Epiphone SG.... any way i gotta practice. great video.
Funny you guys mentioned the similarity between the reachability on an epiphone SG and an ibenez. See I own the Epiphone SG and I went to it from an Ibenez and the carry over feel on the neck was an easy adjustment. I think functionally the Ephiphone SG suits me well. I do really however also enjoy the solid feel of the Gibson neck too, nothing else feels quite like wrapping your hand around a Gibson neck and laying fingers down down on a Gibson fretboard. I think probably though I would stick with the Epiphone SG but I would also prefer the Gibson Les Paul over the Ephiphine version. I suppose that's a whole new topic though haha. Thanks for making this video, it was really cool.
I've had a Gibson sg and I now have a sg 400 custom by epiphone and its excellent. I sold my Gibson sg and bought a Mexican strat. Fantastic guitar . Both are excellent guitars . Not much difference in sound either . But they are the top of the range epiphone sg's
As I am building up to buying a Gibson SG, this is very interesting.
I have been playing a Hagstrom semi solid which was made in China for years now.
I can’t fault that guitar. Stuff made under license in China is superb in my experience.
Thank you for the comparison, I could have been tempted by the Epiphone, but after wanting an SG for many years, and even though it is a lot more expensive, the Gibson is what I’m going to get.
I have the SG limited custom. I changed did a great deal of work to mine. Swapped out the pick ups for antiquity p90s. Changed the tuners and bridge. Still noticed intonation issues. After measuring the nut to 1st fret distance, I decided to move the nut forward on the low side and shim the high side. Guitar plays great. Unfortunately not everyone is able to make these modifications😢
I agree with what C met posted. I have small hands and find my Epiphone SG more comfortable than my Gibson Les Paul Standard.
The braids.....were....daring
I recently acquired a 1998 Korean Epiphone G400 (not sure if they called it that way back in 98), I really enjoy it. I had played a few times with a Gibson SG that was not standard, it had dot inlays and so on, but I really do remember the feel of its finish, it was not glossy and sticky as most of guitars I've played. So I would say that is a big difference from Epiphone to Gibson, but would a nitro finishing cost over $ 1,000 ? There also are some technics to remove the glossy finishing of your guitar's neck and all..
I bought a Epiphone SG Custom lately, I really like it, quality, sound, price.
Yup...had a few Epi. Copies....liked em a lot.....the SG blew my mind because it had that sharp cutting tone!
I like the look of the Epiphone better.
With the Gibson you buy an SG thats for 80 percent handwork , a few dozen people put their energy in it , it's sprayed and polished by hand .
So its an arts / crafts thing !
I bought the bass version in 2011, the 61 reïsue .
It plays and sounds fantastic and the few imperfections that go with handbuild only add to the charm , it is unique ! ❤
I really liked your opinion about the best guitar in the world is the one you're playing I agree it doesn't matter who made the guitar or where it comes from it's the one that brings out that feeling in your own play that makes it better than another... You saying that earned my subscription. I'm going to click the button right now. 👍
Great video, and very nice performance too ;) I think, yes, the Gibson sounds a little bit better, but is it 1000K better? I mean, if you'd remove the logo on the neck, you'd present both guitar telling they are from two new guitar's brands, without giving any information about the country where they've made, giving only information about their technical caracteristics and their price (the problem is it is difficult to erase the comun idea than expensive is necessarly good), how many people would have really get the Gibson at the end? I bet not so many...
Big time major kudos, for using clean tones to demo!!!!
Cooper has a poker chip on his Les Paul that says “Heidi or Willie”’
Thinking about getting the Epiphone SG Standard in Ebony as my first decent guitar. I just saved up $600 from a summer job after HS and this is definitely #1 on my list. #2 is the Sterling Music Man Axis but the Epiphone just seems like a better choice.
I heard the intro riff and subscribed.
They discontinued the regular g400 which I used to have. But they came out with the g400 pro with coil splits. They also use cheaper materials now and the guitars are way lighter than the older ones. I actually prefer the lighter weight. And I like the new horn bevels and the new headstock design.
I've never played either and see myself more a fender fan. Lately though the older days of Rock n Roll have been tugging on me and that SG sound. Electronics and Pickups can be replaced as well as a little tweaking and smoothing here and there. Bottom line if you're not a brand snob ;-) is overall quality. IMHO that's why the MIM Strats do so well. Perhaps a MIM SG ? I do believe we live in a golden age of guitars. How much love you feel holding and rolling the Axe in your lap just might be the deciding factor.
I have two Epiphone SGs. I love both of them, one Cherry and one Natural.
You should side by side an Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Outfit with a Gibson Les Paul. Epiphone out kicked their coverage with that model.
I love the sound of both, they’re so different though it’s almost justifiable to have both. The Gibson has a bit more range while the Epiphone has a more focused sound.
For the record I have two Gibson SG’s from two different years, with very different hardware. Ultimately my decision for guitars has always been feel.
I have a new Gibson SG Standard like the one on this video and I love it!!!!
As crazy as it sounds, the Gibson is better suited to a new player or the studio. The Gibson is going to hold its value should the new player decide he or she doesn't like the instrument and wants to sell. The Gibson is a better studio guitar and given its neck dive, really belongs in the studio. That said, I wouldn't take any Gibson out of the house to gig with. My "outside" guitars are modded Epiphones. I just buy the very top-of-the-line Epiphone and then mod it to taste which is something you just can not do to a Gibson without tanking its value.
Great video guys!
I think 2020+ EPI’s in general are worth serious consideration because ime they truly are “narrowing the gap”. I bought my son a G-400 years ago, and as another person stated, it would not stay in tune, muddy pickups etc. But I recently acquired 2 Epiphone LP’s (‘59 & TV Yellow Special) and these are serious instruments that hold up to any Gibson’s imo
The Epi TV Special with P-90s is an awesome guitar for the price!
I’d personally want two Mary Anne’s 😁
👍