Epiphone SG Custom Review - What's it REALLY like?

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  • Опубликовано: 10 янв 2025

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  • @MikemoRides
    @MikemoRides 2 года назад +7

    I'm a casual bass player, I somehow stumbled across this video and just want to say that this review is top notch. I can't recall seeing anything broken down in such depth. I'll definitely be subscribing and checking out all the other videos. Keep up the great work.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +2

      Thank you so much Mikemo. Some don't like my reviews as they are often pretty long, but I always thought that to show the products really well takes time. Man you have so many videos to view! But do check them and for watching - always appreciated.

    • @DetroitWrecker666
      @DetroitWrecker666 2 года назад +1

      Oh man! You're on your way to some GREAT content! Tony is great! WAY underrated.

  • @pc6600
    @pc6600 Год назад +2

    Awesome video, A man you can trust but as always, you are the one playing the guitar. I love mine, Good luck in your playing

  • @booshting3520
    @booshting3520 4 месяца назад +2

    The latest Iommi Monkey SG has the strap button on the upper horn as per Tonys. Makes a difference. Great review btw, thanks.

  • @GothicXlightning
    @GothicXlightning Год назад +2

    ahhh my Black Gothic Sabbath Beauty
    One of the truly best EPIS Ever crafted

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  Год назад +1

      Thanks for posting that - and for watching....

    • @GothicXlightning
      @GothicXlightning 11 месяцев назад

      thank you for posting this very nice and informative video for this beauty
      a lot of people has no idea how EPIC and Gorgeous this cathedral of a guitar is till they have it in their hands
      it truly is a very underrated/overlooked top of the line Guitar
      same i would say for the Black beauty Custom Les paul version of it
      have you done a analysis video for it yet??

    • @GothicXlightning
      @GothicXlightning 11 месяцев назад

      side note
      did truly loved the replacement pickups you added at the end of the vid
      the Metallic frames you added around the pick ups just makes it look so Heavy metal, reminds me what i did for me Black double cutaway les paul Guitar by Gibson
      but i put them on CHROME since i always preferred the silver chrome hardware parts over the gold
      don't like the gold to be honest but love how it looks on this SG for some strange reason most be cos is mostly a Black guitar
      i bet it will sound very good for my Doom metal music the way you set it at the end of the vid
      specially if tuned DROP A as i tend to play
      adore this Guitar man

  • @LandRoverDefender2005
    @LandRoverDefender2005 2 года назад +2

    I was waiting for this video thx man!

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      Takes me a while right now... but it turned out pretty interesting actually and the 'final' guitar is very cool. Needs an 'Iommi' mod (watch the video for that) :) and thanks.

  • @FortressofShred
    @FortressofShred 6 месяцев назад +1

    I just bought an Epiphone Tony Iommi ebony SG Custom, and it's fantastic! I absolutely love this guitar.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  6 месяцев назад +1

      I have considered one :) maybe I'll do it :)... Thanks for watching - Tony Iommi has got to be one of the best guitarists out there - just awesome.

    • @booshting3520
      @booshting3520 4 месяца назад

      Got the recent Tony iommi Monkey. Very nice ficthat okder Sabbath vibe

  • @margateswede
    @margateswede 4 месяца назад +1

    Nice thorough review. Thank you.

  • @colhutchins
    @colhutchins 6 месяцев назад +1

    Looks even better with the uncovered pickups! Love those seymour duncans!

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  6 месяцев назад

      This is one of the better Epi's for sure... thanks for watching.

  • @EvilMerlin
    @EvilMerlin 2 года назад +2

    I really thought about getting one here in the States, but the Gibson Mod shop had a fantastic deal on a SG Standard, with BurstBucker Pros and a couple of Push/Pulls. So now I'm all set. Gotta love it when the Mod Shop releases some cool stuff for a decent price. Thanks for a great review.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Oh that sounds good... not sure if that was available here... but I guess it 'fixes' the things on this one :) Thanks for watching and that info!

  • @jamesseverin
    @jamesseverin 2 года назад +1

    Great show tony!!! I really enjoyed it, Thanks

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Well thanks fore watching and it was interesting to see this guitar... I considered getting one for some time.

  • @johngregory7329
    @johngregory7329 2 года назад +1

    Hello Tony, That was a great review. I could hear the difference between the original set of pick-ups. Those SD's really made that SG come alive. Thanks again. Stay safe and well and keep Rocking. Signed John Gregory Zepbass from Munster Indiana. U.S.A.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Thanks for the info on the pickups. I thought it improved the guitar no end really. Originals were.. well... cheap. Thanks for watching JG - appreciated.

  • @blkjckgtr3075
    @blkjckgtr3075 2 года назад +1

    Hey,Tony great review and indeed those SD pickups kick Ass,Man,Cheers!

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Glad you could stop by... yes the pickups did make quite a difference from the standard ones fitted and the SD's were JB bridge and Jazz in the neck (gets rid of overbearing bass flubbiness). Thanks for watching.

  • @IndyRockStar
    @IndyRockStar 3 месяца назад +1

    Epiphone are mostly premade mod platforms. I just ordered one myself tonight. I'm putting in Gibson Custom Shop 68 Les Paul Reissue pickups, new upgraded wiring, switch, and jack. I'll probably do some fret work touch up, fret board conditioning, and I'll restring it with 9.5-48 gauge strings. I'll see if the bridge, stop, bar, and tuners need to be replaced. Basically, I just bought a $670 guitar that I'm dropping another $700 into on day one.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  3 месяца назад

      Ha I do that too sometimes... still a great guitar. Thanks for watching.

  • @adeptgopnik
    @adeptgopnik 2 года назад +2

    Good review and playing. I have the 2020 Les Paul Custom by Epiphone and can say I love it. It has the exact same needs as the SG though and Ive already switched out the switch, jack and put in some Seth Lovers as I like a little lower output myself and it is a beaut now.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      I too reviewed an Epiphone LP (very like the Gibson Jimmy Page model) and to me the pickups were better (but it did cost more if I remember correctly). Thanks for the info on how you found the Epiphone brand yourself... always good to post your own opinion as an owner too. Thanks for watching.

    • @adeptgopnik
      @adeptgopnik 2 года назад +2

      @@tonymckenzieofficial i got very lucky and got mine for 200 U.S. at a pawn shop. The previous owner had already replaced the tuners with locking grovers and did a bone nut install as well. I think the pawn shop sold it so cheap cause it was fretting out after the third fret. I knew it was just the truss rod needing adjustment and im guessing they didn't know thats what it was as the tuners were almost worth the 200. Nice find I think!

  • @wolfgangp.descalso1048
    @wolfgangp.descalso1048 2 года назад +3

    Would you comppare an Epiphone SG Standard to a Firefly FFLGS what are your thoughts?

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      Good question - but honestly I have never seen a Firefly guitar. Looking at the images they seem quite similar really. even got the filler plate by the neck/pickup :) - If you have =more info then feel free to post it! and thanks for watching.

  • @tomz1989
    @tomz1989 Год назад +3

    You and Colin from The guitaristas channel should have some episodes together.
    Nice vid!
    New subscriber granted!
    Tom from Italy

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  Год назад +2

      Thanks for the sub! and indeed for watching. I'll bear in mind Colin as an option...

  • @LevonsWound
    @LevonsWound 2 года назад +1

    hi tony, good to see you, nice presentation, very nice SG the Epiphone 2022''s look promising, I saw some at the NAMM show in Anaheim before the pandemic. I plan to attend the NAMM show this year in June, hope to see you there.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      Well I would love to be there... just one problem... its 6000 miles! Yes I saw these before and 'nearly' bought one, but decided to look close and this is a pretty good underlying guitar and easy(ish) to tidy up. Thanks...

  • @55fishfish
    @55fishfish Год назад +2

    About 20yrs ago I found a keeper Epiphone, they vary more than other makers. The pickups, man they were bad. I mean I knew immediately it was going to cost me a pair of Duncan 59s to get rid of that icepick noise. What a steal, but did need pickups. Sometimes Epiphone is good enough, especially some LE runs Korea made, 99-2001.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  Год назад +1

      Thanks for the info on the Epi you had. I have an Ibanez RG550LTD and those pickups I changed too. This guitar build was not bad really - not the 'cheapest' Epiphone, but it was worth the money I paid and I still have it although modified somewhat. Thanks for watching...

  • @TheMRCHEEFY
    @TheMRCHEEFY 2 года назад +5

    Great review Tony, I use a 3" wide leather strap with my SG, really helps with the neck dive :)

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      Do you use the regular strap point behind the body?

    • @TheMRCHEEFY
      @TheMRCHEEFY 2 года назад

      @@tonymckenzieofficial Yeah, the straps underside is 'rough' so it helps to prevent it sliding, strangely, I have an Epiphone SG Junior, I think it's from the 90's and it has the strap button on the upper horn like you're thinking of doing, it works great too! Good luck whatever you decide :)

    • @BenState
      @BenState 2 года назад

      or heavy tailpiece and control cover.

    • @TheMRCHEEFY
      @TheMRCHEEFY 2 года назад +1

      @@BenState A Bigsby would look sweet!

  • @IndyRockStar
    @IndyRockStar 3 месяца назад +1

    I got to admit I didn't expect the old man to rip out some old school metal for the demo. Very Nice.

  • @jameshughes6049
    @jameshughes6049 Год назад +7

    I actually liked the stock pickups better, they had a more rounded tone. The S.D. pickups sounded good but were too bright.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  Год назад +1

      See, it depends what you like really. A bit subjective, but for me SD's are pretty cool (in my Ibanez RG550LTD)... Thanks.

    • @GothicXlightning
      @GothicXlightning 11 месяцев назад

      maybe he had too much High treble on his tone?
      something to keep in mind

  • @northernthrifter8817
    @northernthrifter8817 Год назад +1

    Nice one Tony, pretty balanced review, I was inclined to disagree with some of the negative points you made and your expectations however that's probably because I've owned a number of epiphones and been happy but you've got me thinking that £500 + isn't cheap anymore, it's not that long ago that £500 would have got us a Gibson SG special and I suppose that's the point, we're now into Gibson money for Chinese epiphones so I guess you right that with those prices comes higher expectations.
    I usually always replace the bridge with a gotoh Nashville style unit.
    The pickups didn't look too bad to me they had a nickel baseplate which you don't get on cheapos.
    Thanks for taking the time to review this 👍

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  Год назад

      Thanks - its really a pretty good guitar as it comes, but once you do update the difference is honestly incredible. I still have it and it plays great...

  • @hawg427
    @hawg427 2 года назад +1

    Great review Tony, new pups sound much better.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Yes I thought so too. Same types as in my Ibanez RG550LTD... JB & Jazz. Thanks for watching.

  • @hailmaryrecordings8255
    @hailmaryrecordings8255 2 года назад +1

    I inherited an ‘08 Epiphone ‘61 Les Paul (SG) Custom. White w/gold hardware and trem. It sat in the case for a few-years, but after a set-up and and bridge pick-up change, it’s a fantastic guitar. Older Epiphones seem to be hit & miss … this one was a hit after another $150 bucks of work. It looks and sounds like a real one.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Thanks HMR for the info - and your opinion on the Epi you have there. Yes I think that they need a 'bit' of work to get them where someone might like them to be but well worth the effort. The pickup change makes incredible difference I thought.... an thanks for watching.

  • @stadiagaming2845
    @stadiagaming2845 3 месяца назад +1

    Hi Tony. Thank you for this video. I can't find the video with the pickup-upgrade of this guitar. Is there even one?

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  3 месяца назад +1

      Here: ruclips.net/video/7SvmsExXkfQ/видео.htmlsi=i8sbnlMw6Z6MYYiv&t=2446 just after the guitar as standard, inn the same video I fitted some SD pickups and show that... always watch everything to the end as sometimes I do that stuff. Thanks for watching and hope it helps.

  • @aipsong
    @aipsong 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for another great review!! Before I built my guitar, I was thinking of buying a used SG. Some day, when I go back to Michigan, I will try to find a Kalamazoo Gibson SG - they have such a classic shape, and can really produce a wide array of sounds.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Yeah I like the SG - the neck heavy bit can be a pain, but fixable generally if someone does not mind a little mod. My original was Kalamazoo - oh how I remember that name... to me in England in 71 it was a magical word :) Look for a used SG either Gibson or maybe some of the other brands. This one is very 'upgradable' and ultimately will be a brilliant guitar. The pickups changed everything. Thanks for watching and trust you're OK there.

    • @aipsong
      @aipsong 2 года назад

      @@tonymckenzieofficial My first good acoustic guitar was an Epiphone Texan from about 1957, and, being from Michigan, we referred to that city as kazoo. My sister actually lives there.
      I agree that the pickups are the sauce in a sassy guitar, and the SG is a sassy lassie!!

  • @PainterDans
    @PainterDans 2 года назад +1

    I like a little neck dive so the neck stays in my hand when I open my fingers, with a 3 or 4 inch strap it’s fine. My strap button is in the same place, I think you will like it. Nice Guitar !
    The black pickups with gold frames look great 👍

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      Good point. For me the nack dive was not good and I just had to address it. Many ways to do it of course like you say there is another one. Yes black and gold always work :). Thanks for watching.

    • @booshting3520
      @booshting3520 8 месяцев назад

      Let's be honest, no guitar neck is going to fly out of your hands when you open your fingers. Neck dive doesn't keep the neck in your hands.

    • @PainterDans
      @PainterDans 8 месяцев назад

      I have one that will flip right off your lap, if your sitting. Opposie of neck dive...lol

  • @monmixer
    @monmixer 4 месяца назад +1

    The bridge maybe lok tone but set up right it wouldn't be bolts going into a threaded bushing insert. A real ABR bridge would screw right into the guitar, which could make a huge difference in tone and vibration. I couldn't tell you if that would make any difference to an audience through an amplifier but it does make a huge difference acoustically.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  4 месяца назад

      Thanks for the info. If I remember those were those 'weedy' thin screws going in the body... I always thought they did not look strong, but never saw any real problems with them otherwise. Thanks for watching.

  • @vin9976
    @vin9976 Год назад +1

    Hey Tony, what a great video. You’ve got “it” for doing YT work! I can’t remember the last time I’ve watched a 45min video. Nevertheless, I need an SG for some classic rock and Angus work! If it’s not a Gibson, is there an Epi SG that you’ve liked more than others now? I do like the looks of the black and gold here.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  Год назад

      I like this Epi SG custom... has the 'bling' and it sounded OK... and at that price there really is little to dislike. I did update the switches etc. but all well spent money and it does improve the guitar quite a lot re noise, tonality etc. Check out the review where I add a Floyd Rose bridge FRX - and really worth seeing the results here: ruclips.net/video/jVErmr9h0gg/видео.htmlsi=0jjQjIpT7unqQeSv makes the guitar a monster :). Thanks for the post and for watching.

  • @damianrjames
    @damianrjames Год назад +1

    New set of bare knuckle pickups, new Abm brass bridge and stop tail, possible bone nut, new switch craft 3-way switch, and you’ve got a great axe, still a quarter the price of a Gibson custom, yet sounding and playing just as good!

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  Год назад

      I did change the pickups :) and later the bridge (FRX) and indeed the switch and electrics... :) great minds.... Thanks for watching.

    • @CrazyKnkb
      @CrazyKnkb Год назад

      A quarter? The same gibson custom is x9 the price. What are you smoking?

  • @tonyhills2112
    @tonyhills2112 2 года назад +1

    Nice review Tony! I bought the same guitar about a year ago and interestingly did the same mods you mentioned. Swapped out the pickups & electronics & installed Kluson tuners. Mine went from a 7 to about a 9. I’m sure the Gibson version is probably a 10 but at more than seven times the price I’m quite happy with my Epiphone! I also have a 2019 Gibson ‘61 reissue SG that I really enjoy, it may be something you want to check out. Take care & thanks for the great content! 🎸🤘🏻

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Yes doing the mods makes the guitar much better I think too. Gibsons are expensive, and I like Gibson guitars, but the SG from Epiphone remains a pretty good deal even though those mods do cost. Thanks for the post, and for watching too.

    • @vin9976
      @vin9976 Год назад

      Hey there, are you still liking your Epi SG custom? Im a huge ACDC fan and play a bunch of it. Am looking for an SG for my Plexi head. With pickups swapped, does it compare to your Gibson SG?? It sure is pretty with the black and gold ebony setup!

    • @tonyhills2112
      @tonyhills2112 Год назад

      @@vin9976 I still have the Epi Custom, & enjoy playing it daily! For me the main difference between the Epi & my Gibson is that the body of the Epi is quite a bit more substantial. A tad thicker, & the body cutaways (as viewed from the side) are less pronounced. This is not at all a negative, just a noticeable difference from the Gibson version. On the plus side I think it allows for a more substantial neck to body join. Also as previously stated I did replace the pickups in the Epi with Gibsons I had laying around from another project. Again the Epi pickups were fine, just a personal preference. No complaints at all regarding the playability & build quality vs the Gibson. If the Gibson is a little more than you want to spend the Epiphone SG is to me an excellent alternative!

  • @tonyy.8852
    @tonyy.8852 2 года назад +5

    I love the overall feel and the looks of it, but I feel like there's something missing for me and it just kinda feels off

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Ha probably the tuning that certainly does drift... and I'm currently looking at that one... thanks for watching.

    • @tonyy.8852
      @tonyy.8852 2 года назад +1

      @@tonymckenzieofficial you are welcome, your videos are very detailed and enjoyable!

    • @brianlandry793
      @brianlandry793 2 года назад +2

      I bought this model and it came with a set of Seymore Duncan pearly gates on the bridge I highly recommend it

    • @tonyy.8852
      @tonyy.8852 2 года назад +1

      @@brianlandry793 I'd probably put the JB/59 set in it if I'm gonna get one

    • @tomz1989
      @tomz1989 Год назад +2

      I've put a phat cat P90 to the neck and a super distortion DiMarzio to the bridge....it's monstrous!
      Gonna upgrade the tuners next

  • @sglee4708
    @sglee4708 2 года назад +2

    Hello sir and thank you again for all your help at our age time is precious nice guitar I bought a Gibson SG in 2017 and it came standard with 9 to 46 strings is that common for a hybrid string set which I do use now thanks for the video and I would give it a 8 out of 10

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      :) well it could be an 8 I agree... but I only marked the guitar down a little because of things like those pots sticking out too far and maybe a tad because of the switch that was particularly nasty. The Gibson SG's are good (at least the experience I have had with the SG) and this guitar is workable to similar places if you spent on the little bits necessary to get there. Yes string weight on a SG... I like the 8's but 9's on my other guitars and with the 8's it makes the action and playability very good. Thanks.

  • @darthdurkelthewise320
    @darthdurkelthewise320 Год назад +1

    Great overview man! Honestly as a Gibson owner (sometimes lover/sometimes not), these new IBG Epis are a great value.
    I do agree with you though. Epiphone should just charge another $80 or so dollars and ship all the new ones with their hard bag.
    I still think it’s shameful to ship a guitar in a box.
    Just my 2 cents

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  Год назад

      Case... agreed completely. I like the Gibson's too :) and even this Epi - once I did the mods is really pretty cool.

  • @sglee4708
    @sglee4708 2 года назад +1

    Nice playing I think the double black Seymour pickups look great in that and I have the same neck pickup if you ever get a chance try out Seymour Duncan custom custom for the bridge, alnico 2 magnet very nice a little compressed though

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      Yes Seymour pickups I really like and I have these in an Ibanez RG550LTD so I know them well. The originals fitted were less clear IMO. I'll bear in mind the Duncan custom... and thanks for watching.

    • @sglee4708
      @sglee4708 2 года назад

      @@tonymckenzieofficial I understand nice guitar though

  • @DetroitWrecker666
    @DetroitWrecker666 2 года назад +1

    I never owned an SG. I never liked the shape, in my younger years. Lately, I have been wanting one. I guess the shape grew on me. Interesting stuff!

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      They are a bit 'weird' at first, particularly re the heavy neck (or you might read light body!) and that does take some getting used to... its one reason I emphasized that in the video for guys that have never even picked one up. But there are fixes for that and I'll make a short video about how I do it - many just put up with it, but if you record and grab your headphones the neck immediately drops and can hit stuff. Overall though, I don't regret this guitar and the basic build is great to improve... you should try one at the very least - they have not stayed around for all these years because no one bought them ;-) Horns like the Evil Owl :) Thanks for watching...

    • @DetroitWrecker666
      @DetroitWrecker666 2 года назад

      @@tonymckenzieofficial that's what grew on me... The horns. Usually you can solve neck dive by repositioning the strap button.

    • @jimdlg9103
      @jimdlg9103 2 года назад

      Same here! It’s crazy after 30 years , never tried it, now I love the sg.

  • @FernandoLopez-ju4uv
    @FernandoLopez-ju4uv 2 года назад +1

    Buenas, lo primero disculpa mi inglés es muy básico.
    Andro detras de una sg económica, que recomiendas tokai china sg,. Epiphone sg standard o Harley benton dc gototh. Gracias. 🤘💪🎸🎸😏

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      Tu inglés es mejor que mi español :) y no hay problema con la aplicación Translate. Personalmente compré el Epiphone SG Custom. Las guitarras Tokais también me han parecido muy buenas, pero un poco caras, especialmente para los modelos japoneses (que son los mejores), así que desde mi experiencia Epiphone está bien. Mejor que Harley Benton, que realmente no recomiendo. Espero sinceramente que esto ayude y es posible que desee echar un vistazo más de cerca a mi revisión de Epiphone SG aquí: ruclips.net/video/7SvmsExXkfQ/видео.html y gracias por verlo.

    • @FernandoLopez-ju4uv
      @FernandoLopez-ju4uv 2 года назад

      Buenas Tony de nuevo, muchas gracias por tu recomendación, veo la revisión que me mandas, y me suscribo a tu canal.
      Un placer dar con personas tan majas y amables. Un abrazo desde Madrid.

  • @johnanderson3761
    @johnanderson3761 2 года назад +1

    Nice review Tony, if you know what you want from a git and have the savvy to change parts like you did then it should be all good. I mostly play an Epi emperor regent jazz box that i bought 30 years ago and the thing that i changed straight away 30 years ago was the pick-up to a Vanden Mimesis. Mind you it was made in Japan and not China. I have a high end Gib and Ibanez GB100 but the Epi is a workhorse. I think you might find a vid on my u-tube of it. Thanks for ayour honest reviews.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Hey thanks for the info about your Epiphone. I always did think the Japanese builds of guitars were good (Ibanez I have too) and are pretty hard to beat really. The pickup change on this one (for me) changed the tone and feel of the overall guitar greatly... the switch and those pesky pot adjustments are next really as those were not that good. But overall still a very useful guitar... and no doubt I'll keep this one :). I'll check the vid on your channel too and thanks for that. Thanks for watching too.

  • @androtaz1
    @androtaz1 2 года назад +1

    I have a epi sg standard and love it.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Thanks for the info on your Epiphone... good to hear, thanks for the post and for watching.

  • @Twobarpsi
    @Twobarpsi 2 года назад +2

    Great review! Everyone should own an SG.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      Neck drop! :) That's the real problem with SG's but its a simple fix. I'll actually make a video about that. Thanks for watching.

    • @Twobarpsi
      @Twobarpsi 2 года назад

      @@tonymckenzieofficial I own a 61 Reissue Gibson SG. A great guitar. I agree with the neck drop, but I won't be modifying mine. Cost me $1000 back in 2011.

  • @StueyDoo
    @StueyDoo 2 года назад +1

    Great in-depth review. I have a VERY random question (not about the guitar): where did you get that pointer stick thing that you use in all your videos? I'm looking for something just like it (I know....random!). Thanks

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      Ha that IS random... really like my stick - here's the secret :) It's a chopstick... they came in 'pairs' they would... and were made more for decoration I think than eating... you can also get loads of bamboo chopsticks that work quite well. Hope it helps.

    • @StueyDoo
      @StueyDoo 2 года назад

      @@tonymckenzieofficial Haha, chopstick. Brilliant. Thanks for the reply Tony. Cheers

  • @jukeboxjohnnie
    @jukeboxjohnnie Год назад +1

    Youre probably the best person to ask, I like hotter pickups, would swapping these pickups out for Gibson 70s Tribute pickups be a good or bad idea on this guitar? Appreciate any opinion. Or from anyone reading this. Im a beginner really.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  Год назад

      Well I've never been that sure about the pickups in Epiphone and I tend to question them a bit (no matter what Gibson or Epiphone say). I like great pickups with drive too. I have generally looked elsewhere than Gibson, more to Seymour Duncan or DiMarzio stuff. My fave pickups for drive is the EVO1... and in the neck use a 'Jazz' pickup from the same makers which will reduce the flubbiness quite a lot when driving with the neck pickup. Check this guitar and what I fitted: ruclips.net/video/sa4YlbRG5PU/видео.htmlsi=HTAr1pX5JLixhE0z One of the best sounding guitars for rock that I have... at any price. Hope it helps... and thanks for watching.

  • @jcrgtattoo333
    @jcrgtattoo333 Год назад +1

    Nice guitar that I don’t worry about taking out of the house, as far as pickups, I have a few good preamps I go back and forth with, and just eq to where my ears are at that day., and neck dive?, get a wide leather strap, stay away from the little nylon straps… problem solved., nice review by the way, the Epi sg custom is a killer in the right hands

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  Год назад

      Yes I agree - that is a very good guitar. I am particular with pickups so I did change them, and the neck dive can be reduced with a thick strap, but that also pulls my tee shirt, so I opted for the mod :) and thanks for the post and for watching.

  • @PHeMoX
    @PHeMoX 2 года назад

    With the saddles being backwards from halfway down, I have that on my Epiphone SG Muse also. Maybe it is due to them turning the guitar around for access or something silly. But it looks a tad weird. The Muse sounds great though. It is so easy to play. Might upgrade the pickups, but not sure how easy that is with split coils and phase switch it has. I suppose it's not problem and simply changes the output.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Its a great guitar and the pickups and the wiring upgrade change that guitar exponentially. I would recommend it providing the one you get is great otherwise - the results will not disappoint and to be honest I was going to buy a Gibson SG butafter my mods there would be no point. I do show how to do the pickups either in this video or another one on my channel so check that and thanks for watching.

  • @Thomasdgolden
    @Thomasdgolden 2 года назад +1

    Another great episode. Nice pots.
    I wonder if they just mucked it up and put the off shore market knobs on to imperial size pots.
    Gold hardware….
    Sigh…
    After all these years, one would think they could make a process of not wearing down the finish.
    Regardless, it’s a decent guitar built by epiphone.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      Ha the gold matches my teeth :) (well not really) :) The CTS pots are too far out and can be fixed as you will know. Seemed strange. And that neck heavy thing should be addressed by someone - but I'm going to do it on this one so a vid on that. Not a bad guitar though and those markers on the neck and headstock were perfect. Thanks for watching Tommy...

  • @acdclexu6296
    @acdclexu6296 2 года назад +1

    the new epiphones are really good against some years before. I have a JJN Gold Glory its awesome Guitar and i love this special mashup gibson epiphones

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Yes this one is very good. I also had a LP Epiphone plus of 2017 and that was very good too. Thanks for posting the info and for watching.

  • @allanmacuser
    @allanmacuser 2 года назад +1

    hi Tony nice video I think when people go into a store they can get carried away with the sales pitch but as you have shown things are not always what you would like, it saying yes its a copy at the end of the day you can only go to. your own price range Great video
    allan

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Hi Allan... Yes I was looking at one of these some while ago (6 months or so) but decided to get one because it was a 'custom' on the basis that it would somehow be 'better' than the standard from Epiphone. It's made well, but a few things need addressing for getting it perfect... but a good guitar especially for the money. Stay well.... thanks for watching.

  • @TommySG1
    @TommySG1 2 года назад +1

    Hello Tony,
    I have 3 SG’s ( all Gibsons too ) even on those I remove the circuit board pots / switches and I solder in my own pots and paper / oil caps.
    Honestly I think an SG Tribute or Standard even should be hand wired like the more expensive models!!!!!!
    Eh…… oh well as they say right? 😂

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      Indeed... I looked at these pots last night. As shown they were sticking out the top of the guitar in a very bad way. And that was because no installer 'bothered' to fit a 2 pence washer on the inside of the pots. If only they were trained to do a proper job. Along the way one of the gold tops 'fell off' the knob and the knov chipped (crazy) so after 'fixing the pots to how they should be, then I now am buying decent pots insteado of the cheap things fitted. You only really notice when you check them out because of the badly fitted pots on here. TBH I might have even been impressed with the circuit board compared to how these were fitted and shown in the video. But overall still a good guitar basis to work on. Thanks for the info and for watching.

  • @racheladkins6060
    @racheladkins6060 2 года назад +2

    Owls are good not evil, symbols of wisdom, knowledge and foresight! No wonder certain Wizards have them.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Well I can only agree, especially as the marker on a PRS custom 24 neck is in fact an owl :) Mine is an 'evil' owl, but not for the reasons that might be associated with that descriptor, and BTW this one on the wall was actually purchased with the pentagram as supplied... I have the owl purely because the car registration I have in fact spells the name :) I really like owls in reality and sometimes when I'm at a trade show they have them on the stand... incredible and beautiful :). Thanks for the post...

  • @Byron_Blue
    @Byron_Blue 2 года назад

    I bought one of these for my collection about 9 months ago. I’m curious what pickups you chose to switch in?

    • @Byron_Blue
      @Byron_Blue 2 года назад +1

      Oh. I see the type at the end. Thanks

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Ha yes those pickups were MUCH better than the originals... and thanks for watching.

  • @RByrne
    @RByrne 2 года назад +1

    I find any of the Epiphone custom variants have pretty sloppy finishes. I've checked a few LP customs, and I was shocked at the poor QC. Then I ordered a Wino and it was the same, so I returned it. I dont mind cheaper materials and that, but overspray and glue everywhere, plus that pearl coating looked like a kid painted it on. I guess I was expecting too much. It played alright, some buzzing and uneven and rough frets though. The pickups were kind of a let down too. And yeah those knobs, a mile high and crooked. I'd like to get the SG version just to clean up and use all my spare Gibson parts to upgrade it.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      I found the basic guitar 'useful' for upgrading and I'm still doing that currently. The guitar I showed seemed better than the ones ou describe - those sound like not so great. In any case thanks for this information and great post because it likely tells the opinion of another user of Epiphone.... thanks for watching.

  • @racheladkins6060
    @racheladkins6060 2 года назад +1

    The guitar is class! Totally Iommic!

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      I have even improved it a little more since and I'll make a short video of that - certainly worth doing... and thanks for watching.

  • @patrickmeaney6743
    @patrickmeaney6743 9 месяцев назад +1

    Good video-p

  • @rightfromwrong
    @rightfromwrong 2 года назад +1

    Nice with the symours. Want one. Dam you Tony😂😂😂

  • @valueofnothing2487
    @valueofnothing2487 2 года назад +1

    Generally speaking, the SG has great fret access by moving the neck pickup a bit away from the neck (making it sound a bit brighter, until you play up the neck quite a bit). But I think the superstrat guitars can often make the SG obsolete - most have good fret access, a more comfortable strat-like body, and have 24 frets

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      I have an Ibanez RG550LTD which is probably my favorite player guitar and there is no neck heavy thing going on with that. But I still like the SG overall... its light too which helps. Thanks for watching...

  • @AlejandroHudson78
    @AlejandroHudson78 2 года назад +1

    Hace algunos meses pude probar esta guitarra, es digamos hermosa a la vista pero cuando la tienes en los brazos se siente que no es tanto lo que parece, no me gusto mucho su sonido pude comparar con otras guitarras y preferí llevar una gibson tribut, en un futuro quizás me anime pero definitivamente cambiaría esos humbuckers, quizás con unos Seymour 59 o unos Dimarzio salida media, lo que la haría más cara para pensarlo..excelente video un abrazo.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      Sí, hay mucho que considerar cuando tienes uno en tus manos, estoy de acuerdo. Si nunca jugaste un SG, entonces el aspecto pesado del cuello puede ser un problema importante para algunos ... pero hay algunas soluciones para eso y las mostraré pronto. También el interruptor y las pastillas impiden que la guitarra alcance todo su potencial, por supuesto, pero cuesta arreglar eso. Este creo que es un poco caro e incluso el estándar Epiphone SG podría ser suficiente. Sin embargo, la guitarra subyacente de esta costumbre era el sonido. Gracias.

    • @AlejandroHudson78
      @AlejandroHudson78 2 года назад

      Hola Tony, se me presentado la oportunidad de tener esta guitarra🧐, cual seria tu opinión de agregarle las Seymour duncan night especial, valdrá la pena?la hará poderosa? o será algo absurdo , estoy pensadolo un abrazo .

  • @markjohnston3790
    @markjohnston3790 Год назад

    Tony is a right smart ass he knows best type of person not Just about guitars but everything in life...................😂

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  Год назад

      Not sure how to answer this. So benefit of the doubt reigns here. Thanks.

  • @kennigrimmelmann4364
    @kennigrimmelmann4364 2 года назад +2

    Epiphone SG Custom are a very very fat nice good guitar 🎸. The Sound are very very fat nice and romantic good.😊🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎸

  • @cristianoclsc1617
    @cristianoclsc1617 2 года назад +2

    TOP

  • @ElcanaldeReyesManuel
    @ElcanaldeReyesManuel 2 года назад +1

    Una guitarra Preciosa

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      Sí, es una guitarra muy interesante sobre todo por el coste. ¡Gracias por verlo!

    • @ElcanaldeReyesManuel
      @ElcanaldeReyesManuel 2 года назад

      @@tonymckenzieofficial yo tengo una sg del 86 de Gibson… una maravilla.
      Gracias a ti por enseñarnos la guitarra.
      Me encanta.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      ¡Oh, me gusta la SG, ya que fue mi primera guitarra real en 1971! Todo lo que podía permitirme en ese momento. Esta Epiphone SG Custom es una buena guitarra subyacente que se puede hacer mucho mejor, creo. Las pastillas marcaron una gran diferencia en el juego... así que gracias por verlo. Apreciado.

    • @Gripper68
      @Gripper68 2 года назад

      @@tonymckenzieofficial Impressive Spanish "Jefe"

  • @Barbarapape
    @Barbarapape 2 года назад +1

    Ohh dear 7/10 is not a great score, but is what i feared it might be.
    Some of the issues are a feature of the original design, yet Gibson have not tried to improve it.
    This is why i bought the ESP version, far better build quality, seymour duncan pickups, locking tuners
    and jumbo stainless steel frets plus no neck dive, and the jack socket where it should be.
    You could improve this Epiphone , but is it worth the hassle?
    Sorry that you seem dissapointed with this one Tony.🤨

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад +1

      Well it is not a 'bad' guitar really. I scored it as 7/10 because of wrongly over set (froward to the body) volume and tone pots, the switch that really was not very good, the strap mounting STILL where it allows for neck weight problems. However, the neck weight issue is fixable, as are those other things in general. For the 'extra' money that this guitar costs over the 'standard' sg Epiphone I did think it was a bit over priced. But the underlying guitar was made very well and the other stuff not really that bad. Overall a good platform to 'improve' maybe in steps for guys that can't stretch to other higher costs. After the pickup change it really was very different too. But you're right, there are other brands that offer better specs etc. and that really is the conundrum of this model. Basically they want good margins from the guitar but then (just IMO) cut silly stuff re assembly (like those pots far too prominent) and that sort of thing. The pickups as arrived seemed average at best to me. No I'm not really disappointed with it, in fact I'm keeping this one and selling an Epiphone LP that I have because the LP is far too heavy for me, the SG after a bit of work nearly completed makes the guitar almost a real deal guitar. But there is that hassle you're dead right on that... and my guess is that many guys might choose other brands etc. Good points and thanks for watching.

  • @mr.astrophysics9115
    @mr.astrophysics9115 2 года назад +1

    I would take the Epiphone Custom Modern figured and prophecy Models all day long over Gibson

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      Well they are good value of course. But I also have had many Gibson guitars too and have yet to receive a bad one. Of course there is the price difference which is substantial. Thankfully Gibson is past the 2016/18 era and some of those I have to agree were not perfect. But look again at the way this guitar was created re the pots, the 'average' pickups, the lower cost tuners (than you might think) and that bridge which again was average for a low cost guitar. I'm not taking anything away from Epiphone in saying that, but with a Gibson none of those things come in to question from my experience. The Prophecy was an interesting guitar (I reviewed the older one) and that was IMO a little better than the SG custom shown here. Thanks for the comments and for watching - appreciated.

  • @robertbrown1627
    @robertbrown1627 Год назад

    Sounds a lot like a 70’s information film 😂😂

  • @blessedheavyelements8544
    @blessedheavyelements8544 2 года назад

    Strigidae FTW!!!

  • @Threesixnine963
    @Threesixnine963 Год назад

    Not you expecting custom quality on a 500$ guitar… Like you don’t know what the original goes for. 😂

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  Год назад

      I have been using AND BUYING Gibson since 1971. So, best advice? Learn about the reviewer before you open your mouth criticising what you clearly don't know about. Thanks.

    • @Threesixnine963
      @Threesixnine963 Год назад

      @@tonymckenzieofficial Was that criticism? You are the first one opening your mouth so best advice for you? Even if i was criticizing, learn to take it if you’re exposing yourself to it !! Watch your words, you been enough time in this world to have learned that already.

  • @D49ERH
    @D49ERH 2 года назад

    I wonder, guitar rewiew, without hiting a note ….

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  2 года назад

      You need to watch the whole video... Thanks...

    • @John-d9e4x
      @John-d9e4x Год назад

      It's a blessing, most of these cork sniffers would have better luck with a handsaw,

  • @CrazyKnkb
    @CrazyKnkb Год назад

    That’s £500 and you make reference to a £4500 equivalent? seriously?

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  Год назад

      Yes seriously...

    • @CrazyKnkb
      @CrazyKnkb Год назад

      @@tonymckenzieofficial well couldn’t done that right either, cause the knobs are exactly the same height even on the 9 times more expensive gibson sg custom ebony.

  • @beefyburt
    @beefyburt Год назад

    jeez, is like watching a james cameron movie! Tal faster, stop saying 'more about that later' and just get on with it. done in 15 minutes.

    • @tonymckenzieofficial
      @tonymckenzieofficial  Год назад

      If you don't like this then PLEASE don't watchit and stop griping on. Thanks.

  • @RobinErhage
    @RobinErhage Год назад +1

    i bought a gibson sg standard and it had static problems that the store couldnt fix, so it was useless