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Epiphone SG Standard vs Les Paul Standard 60's - Side by Side - Review & Comparison
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- Опубликовано: 15 авг 2024
- Fulfilling a promise made during our SG Custom review a few weeks back we bought a white SG Standard to compare with an ebony Les Paul Standard 60's also sneaked in recently. Today we review them both and do a 'SG vs Les Paul' side by side comparison to boot!!
We have recently launched an advertising free OTT subscription channel for those wishing to support us with a $4.99 monthly contribution which will help keep this channel free of sponsored products. Find out more and take a 30 day free trial at: theguitaristas....
If you don't like any of the talking or the playing bits in this video we've made it easy for you to skip along to the next chapter in case something more interesting is happening...
0:00 intro & coming up
1:13 what's happening today
6:10 construction, hardware, and parts
8:12 has the SG got a longer neck
11:09 what do they weigh
12:10 the strings come off
12:47 tailpiece and bridge comparison
13:43 the nuts and under the truss rod covers
14:43 inside the pickup cavities
19:49 measuring pickup outputs
20:33 inside control cavities
21:14 sg neck dive test
22:50 pickup sound tests
25:35 lets play something pt1
26:06 neck profiles and measurements
26:30 lets play something pt2
29:42 so what are the differences?
34:00 my final thoughts
35:48 I hope that was something
36:15 play out jam
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#epiphone #guitar #sg #guitaraddict #theguitaristas #guitarist #lespaul #electricguitar
This is the best guitar channel that I've seen in a long time. Tons of detailed information, and no cork sniffing about brands and stuff. I could watch this kind of videos all day long
Thanks Luis!... that's very much appreciated glad you found us man!
Absolutely this channel is 👍 great
"If you don't like any of the talking or the playing bits in this video...."
Mmmhh.... who really wants to miss one second of this?
Thanks man!🙏 ☺️
@@theguitaristas Only the truth!
Another stellar show. We have to get over the myth that we need to spend more to enjoy playing. I am glad to see that the channel is growing. I look forward to what you do each week. Keep it up.
Thanks man, here here... glad I have finally got over that myself, have had more fun from these £350 - £500 guitars than I’ve had from some I paid 10 x for now listed on reverb!
@@theguitaristas Gday Colin,love you're work. Any word on when the "Gibson inspired by Epiphone" range is coming out. Thanks.
@@antma9028 Cheers Ant... you know I think that's the made in Nashville £2500 Epiphone Casino ! :)
I agree. There are many many guitars that look incredible. If they are fun to play, buy it.
You're right, we let price, brand and advertising fool us, or most of us do, when it's all about (or should be all about) finding an instrument that's comfortable to play, resonates with us and just fits US!. Like most ive played and owned guitars priced all over the board and probably my favorite guitars I owned were all bought for literally less than nothing and used and included a Danelectro semi-hollow, Gretsch LP knockoff, Hohner hollow body and a no name acoustic a friend had given me!. Not to say cheaper, secondhand or a copy of another guitar is best, but in my case they All worked for me and served a purpose and I've thought recently about tracking down and replacing one or two of these guitars as I unfortunately partied with all of them several years back.. That cheap old 90's Gretsch has me considering tracking down the same model or looking into one of the newer Gretsch Jet or Streamliner models!..
Another first class entertaining video that I wake up early on Friday morning to see!
Thanks for watching as always! 😎👍
Man I needed a new vid from you today to cheer me up, you are a ray of sunshine in a mad mad world! I will always be a Les Paul fan boy but you are seriously making me want an SG!!! fantastic comparison vid. keep up the good work mate!
Cheers Jeff, hope your day pans out well and you have a fine weekend to look forward to!
You have, hands down, one of THE VERY BEST RUclips channels on the net. I love your passion and in-depth reviews. And you have some really nice chops too. I'm so glad to have found you!
Thanks for the kind words and support!
Excellent video
Epiphone has outstanding guitars and you always give honest , straightforward reviews
of the Instruments, I love your playing style , You highlight the versatility of the budget friendly Epiphone brand.
Well done sir
Thanks Mark that’s really appreciated! ☺️👍
Whenever an old man talking and a youngster listens in awe.way to go sir.may God bless u.
😆👍 Thanks for listening!
The SG is Gibson’s best selling model of all time, and one of (if not THE, actually) only models to be constantly in production since it was introduced. Even the Les Paul as we know it was discontinued for almost a decade. But the SG has always been with us since 1961. I’ve always been an SG guy rather than a Les Paul guy, first falling in love with the shape when I saw a knock off version in my local music shop about 20 years ago. It was made by Westfield, who, as I remember, basically just made knock offs Gibson models and sold them pretty cheap. I didn’t even have the association with an artist when I first became smitten with the shape, that came later. As did my infatuation with the mid range bark of an SG, something that a Les Paul just doesn’t quite have. There’s a distinctive snarl inside an SG, and it always keeps me coming back for more. My core PRS guitars may be my main guitars these days, but I always end up coming back to my SG.
SG looks awesome in white!
Cheers Dave, the cameras were almost blinded by the white! 😆👍
Found your channel by accident, and I am a subscriber as I like the straight to the point, no nonsense approach to the reviews.
Thanks John, glad you found us thanks for the support!
Man... I discovered your channel a couple of weeks ago, and I've seen many of your videos.
I'm a guitar lover, and an SG fan too. I´m 52 and, as I don´t have kids, my guitars are my family and keep me alive during these sad age we are crossing.
Keep doing your videos, I´ll be here waiting for them.
Cheers from Spain!
Cheers Luis good to hear from you man! 😎👍
Awesome content as usual. Seriously, this channel deserves much higher views!
Cheers man that's appreciated! 😎👍
Excellent video! I was exclusively a long time Les Paul player and I have gradually over the years switched to SG's ( mostly ) Still love both, but as you pointed out in the video, the Paul is definitely a darker sounding guitar and SG's are brighter sounding. SG's are also just physically easier to handle and more comfortable.
Love the Epiphone reviews. Not all of us have deep pockets.. I have a 2023 Epiphone SG Standard and love it.
Your videos are, like, guitar zen. They’re so cozy and welcoming.
I think that one of the things I really love about your Epi reviews is that you judge them so much on their own merits as quality, good playing, good sounding instruments.
Thanks man that's good to hear and very much appreciated!... my aim was always to be a lot like other youtube channels but with a lot less shouting and it seems to be working! :)
This has become my favourite guitar related channel. In-deoth reviews, great quality tone demos, and lovely no-nonsense conversational style. I don't feel like you're trying to sell me something or convince yourself every guitar is great. You just sound like a fellow guitar addict talking about the pros and cons of guitars and what you personally enjoy playing.
Cheers man that’s appreciated! 😁🙏
Your vid along w my pint of Guinness and the devils lettuce gets me thru another workweek of pure drudgery. Thank you for being the light at the end of the tunnel. On a happier note after watching your 50s gold top LP i bought a 60s std like your new black one here but i got exclusive Sweetwater finish in smokehouse burst.
I love that... never heard it called devils lettuce before! 🤣👍 I also love that smokehouse burst look... that is one cool guitar man! 😎 have great weekend dude!
Most excellent review. Have two Les Paul guitars and one SG. There is something about the SG. Stuck on a desert island with one guitar it would be the SG.
9:30 I believe the pickups are in a different position relative to the bridge, I think the SGs are closer to the bridge, could explain the extra edge
Sir, I’ve had a shoulder recon so no more sports for me. Decided to dip my toes into guitar. To be honest I was about to give up before I even got started because of all the technical bollocks and terminology used in majority of videos. I stumbled upon your vid and bang …. You answered every question I needed answering. I’m starting my new path with a Epiphone 2021 SG Standard I just picked up ex demo. The weight is ideal and sounds iconic. Ta very much
Nice one Davo, great guitar to learn on the SG… easy to pick up and love. Don’t listen to all the bollocks all you need is three chords and a few licks and you can have hours of fun… Good luck man! 😎👍👍
The biggest difference in sound is because of pickup placement. SG pickups are both slightly closer to the bridge giving it a brighter sound and and more “bite”.
That’s interesting, do you think that’s the biggest difference? 🤔
@@theguitaristas Dylan Talks Tone has a great video on this where he walks into a guitar shop and measures the distance. The title is "Les Paul vs SG Whats the Difference". His theory is that the pickup placement difference is the biggest reason for the difference in sound.
@@Infinighost Could be... he seems to know his stuff!
What a lovely pair of Epiphones. I'm starting to feel I need an SG!
I really appreciate the work you put into creating your videos. Really top quality lighting, multiple camera angles, editing and of course playing. Really tearing it up at the outro on the SG there. Cheers.
Thanks man, and I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and offer such kind words of support! :)... ps yes you definitely need an SG! ;)
I picked up my first SG and I don't regret it. Pelham Blue with the p-90s, it's amazing.
I love these epiphone videos. You are bang on the money that the current range are excellent. Would be really interesting to see how squiers compare to fenders these days.
Awesome stuff.
Thanks man... yes got to start looking at some fender/squire comparisons soon!
@@theguitaristas Yes! Squier have really "lifted their game" too.
The Classic Vibe Series are amazing vfm, & the Affinity Tele is also pretty great.
Great video!
I love SG's. Definitely my favourites.
My first guitar, bought in 1969 was a Columbus SG. I still have it. I then bought a 1968 Gibson SG Vibrola.
Unfortunately, I sold this many years ago and still regret it to this day !
I still have my 1972 Gibson SG Deluxe. This is my go to guitar.
I do have 3 Gibson Les Pauls but the SG is definitely my favourite.
Cheers. 😊😎🎸
Cheers Steve... I am with you all the way!! :)
Your ''sickness'' is contagious lol..... Really starting to want an SG now.......... You make them sing man, good job. I have all the other models, Strat, Tele, LP... SG missing i guess!
Cheers man… you’re missing out on all the fun! 😆👍
I love the fact that you showcase cheaper guitars. The tech and craftsmanship has trickled down through the years. Meaning if you are a working musician you don't have to take your Gibson to gigs . Epiphone and squier are way better than they used to be. I've had Fenders and Gibson's over the years and they stay in their cases but my 95 Mexican strat and my PRS SE Santana are my go to most reliable guitars . These guitars are plenty good enough for working band. Used to be replace the nut get some CTS pots and switchcraft switch and input jack tuners and pick-ups polish the frets set the intonation tweak the neck and you were good to go . Now they come with all that you may still have to make adjustments but other than that they are seriously good guitars. Don't get caught up on the status of owning a real Gibson PRS or Fender spend your money on your amp . Even a cheap guitar can sound good through a good amp but a high dollar guitar will sound like garbage through a cheap amp . Don't skimp on your amplifier. Low watt tube combos are the best bang for the buck. Anyway I want an Epiphone SG now for slide playing . Thanks for the demo! I'm sold.
I’m as SG freak for 50 years. Own Epi SG Modern in trans black. Very happy with it. ROCKS‼️
I really liked youre playing mate, found it inspiring to think I can use a looper and just jam over it for my vids. It sounds great but its not so flashy people can't follow at home
Cheers man, thanks for the kind words, and I’m glad you can see that... it’s simple and everyone can have a go for the price of a $60 pedal. I have done a couple of protools ‘track’ demos with drums etc before but I prefer to keep it real like this. And it’s a lot less hassle to be honest! 😆👍
The reason why SG neck looks longer than the Les Paul is because, the connection of the neck to the body of SG is on the 21st fret while the Les Paul is on the 17th fret.
Hurrah! Its Friday and another cool video from you! For me, as a "Paulaner" (a german beer brand, too) maybe the door for a SG, finally?
Greetings from Germany!
Thanks Chris... yes I think it’s time for an SG! 😆👍
This is a really good comparison. I was always a Les Paul man but have moved over to SG for many of the reasons you said here. Neck dive on SGs is inevitable due to the geometry and light body-weight. If you use a decent strap this doesn't happen. I use wide bass guitar straps and never get any dive on mine, standing or seated.
This was very illustrating . Thanks so much for taking the time to do this at that level of detail
I'm fairly sure that the different pickups contribute significantly to the sound between the guitars too. I'd like to see this done with the exact same pickups installed in each guitar. As always a fun, enjoyable video presentation.
Cheers Mark, I’d definitely like to test that out myself... if I had more time I would have but it’s already proving tricky as I talk too much! 😆👍
The main difference is the magnets. Alnico pickups where epiphone original standard pickups untill probuckers came. They changed the design with alnico classic pro pickups adding nickel silver base instead of brass.
Found you by accident. Love your honest and simple to understand reviews with no constant adverts so I keep coming back. currently have an esp viper which is lovely to play and great allround with the emg 81 and 85 pick ups but I have always wanted a les paul and I do love that colour in black so will be trying these in a shop soon 🤗 thanks!
Hey Daniel, glad you found us thanks for the kind words and support! I have always fancied a viper to be honest they look great and I must get one soon! 😎👍
It’s taken me months to consider a white SG as an option. I think this review has put it right back in the distinct possibility category.
An interesting comparison. Apparently the SG standard has a different neck join to the ‘61. I think the neck dive or long neck divided opinions might be due to these differences as the 61 feels like a longer neck than the standard since it is joined at the body a little further out, and though the bridge moves up with it, the body contours don’t. So shorter armed people should choose the standard, even though the ‘61 scratch plate looks prettier.
Owning a Mexican Fender strat and an Epiphone 50`s gold top stadard, even though they are not the guitars reviewed, I can only say what a great analegy, playing Blues on both, the Les Paul makes me feel I,m not doing it justice and the Fenders saying thanks for playing me tonight , spot on it did make sense as usual
Cheers man... so it was something! 😂👍 ps did you see my reviews and comparisons with 50s goldtop? Ace guitar 🙌
@@theguitaristas Yep , certainly did, it was your review that made me buy one , cheers what a brilliant guitar can`t put it down , keep the content coming , its a great way to end a winter evening
I bought a epiphone sg standard 60s after watching your video and now I will be buying an epiphone 60s les paul standard also in ebony after watching this video. Thanks for doing this for people like me!
Cheers Mark… think of the money I saved you! 😁👍
The biggest difference between these iconic guitars is the comfort level. The SG is a far more comfortable guitar, it's lighter and more contoured. The SG's neck carve is better, you can reach the higher frets with ease. The LP is a beast though, it's like taking a bazooka onstage. When you have a LP on your shoulders at a gig, you feel almost invincible. As I get older, comfort means more to me so the SG is my choice.
When you said the Les Paul is like: „Get outta way!“, it's exactly how I feel about LP. I'm thinking about gettin an SG for a long time and now I think this super bright white Epiphone is the one I need.
Cheers man, that white SG is a great place to go!! 👍
Loved the playing at the end on the SG Colin, sounded a bit like Black Napkins by Frank Zappa. Cheers from another guitar addict, your reviews are great
Cheers man… yes we love a bit of Zappa! 🙌
You are putting out some of the best reviews that I have ever viewed. Keep these vids going. You have helped me make and buy some excellent Epiphone's. Thank you.
Thanks man, that's appreciated... glad to be of assistance!
Spot on review as always! Based on visual aesthetics alone, that black LP is quite classy!
Cheers man, it’s also a surprisingly good guitar to play! 😎👍
I definitely fall into the SG cynic category, love the look and the sound yet I’ve always thought the necks were too long and they were neck heavy. Thanks for dispelling those preconceptions. Beautiful guitars I did pick up a 60’s LP and love it, great guitars Epiphone have really upped their game.
I like the beautiful SG Shape, i just wish they where thicker, more like the LP.
Still have the 60s? I'm thinking of getting one
Terrific comparison ! Your knowledge and demeanor make your videos so easy to watch. Really appreciate your work. Glad I found this channel.
Thanks that's appreciated! 😁👍
I've purchased two Epiphone SG's since discovering your channel - SG Special P90 and a SG Standard. The special came first and I planned to sell it to get the standard - didn't happen (lol). Switched the pickups to Toneriders in both guitars (vintage P90 set and AC2 humbucker set) and I couldn't be happier. Also added a Monty's 50's wiring loom to the standard. It's made the controls a lot more useable. Hands down two of the best guitars I've ever played ♥️.
Thanks for the effort and detail you put into your videos. Def one of the best guitar channels I've come across!
Nice one Alex!… and even with the extra spent on upgrades you’ve got two fantastic guitars for not a lot of money! 😎👍👍
@@theguitaristas I couldn't agree more!!! 50's wiring on a SG is amazing for tone control
Probably TMI... but I'm a Brit who's lived in the US for about twenty-five years. I use RUclips channels like yours to give me a taste of home. No hyped-up self-promo... no glossy BS or slick presentation... just a bloke with guitars, an obvious passion for them, and a "take it or leave it" attitude. I'm sure could enjoy a pint with you! Keep it up... you're on track to break the magic 10K subs soon. As far as the SG goes... I'm really hankering for a Gibson SG Junior... I have no P90s in my life! Maybe the success of the LP Junior with spur Epiphone into action!
Hey Peter, good to hear from you man! I really appreciate the support I'm getting for all this nonsense... just a normal bloke messing about with guitars pretty much does sum it up!! :) You do need some P90's man... I too am with you hoping that Epiphone release an SG Junior next year, but failing that you should try the SG Special it's got that proper Pete Townshend roar which I am guessing you'd appreciate!
Seeing the channel continue you to grow is just great. You are well deserving of a large audience. Your reviews are so thorough, entertaining, and of such a high quality when combined with your humour and affable personality it just makes my day when I get to watch a new one. Having played all of these different budget guitars, how does that Epiphone Les Paul 1959 Standard outfit compare to the cheaper Epihone LPs out there?
Hey Sqid!... thanks for such kind words man it's massively appreciated, I know I find myself repeating that so often, but I'm really lost for any other words sometimes to say how grateful I am for the support ☺️👍 re the Les Pauls... I have only played the 50s and 60s (not cheaper ones) and they all play really well... and not so much difference between the 59 feel wise except the slightly fatter neck (nice) and Gibson pups. Truth is you need them all, they are all excellent and there’s a reason for having the lot! 😎👍🎸
Don’t know why they make the SG body thicker than the Gibson SG? The Les Pauls are a closer to true example of a Gibson in my opinion. These new SG are sooo nice though. Another great video man. Awesome job again.
Gary Clark Jr. has been playing Epiphones for years...P-90 models mostly. He has had some signature models the Blak nd Blu was sweet. He's playing a Gibson SG with P-90's now. Two of my P-90 guitars now go to 11....of the two in this video I prefer the Les Paul sound, those hotter pups come thru! Good on Ya G! Great review. I'm hanging with Goldy today running through two amps! One clean one NASTY!
Cheers man, are you ripping those JJN licks out with your bare fingers? 😆👍
@@theguitaristas I'm playing slide JJN style picking with the right hand....
@@touchthesun2448 Nice!!
I absolutely love your descriptions of the different playing experiences. Not the same old " muddy, harsh, bright" language everyone else seems to fall into.
Cheers Vincent that's appreciated!
I've had 2 Epiphone Les Pauls (old version and inspired by Gibson models) and sold both of them. The SG however remains. The inspired by Gibson SG's are beautiful guitars to play!
I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed your videos. I already have a Gibson Les Paul and a Gibson SG, but I was riveted by this shootout anyway.
Your lengthy review (and upgrade) of the Epiphone ES-335 convinced me to give one a try, and I love it, so thanks for that!
Cheers Scott, thanks for the comment and support man glad you are enjoying this stuff and its proving helpful!
This is the video that convinced me to buy the Epi SG Standard (in black though). Since then I've tried out the other Epiphone SG models, and let me tell you that NONE of them beats this, the basic, stock-standard Standard.
(The other guitar Col sold me on was the Epiphone Crestwood Custom, which I also now love dearly. Thanks, Col.)
I got the Epiphone SG and I love it. Straight love..
I just have to find a way to better ground it. Guitar is awesome.
Is it buzzing too much? Are you sure it’s not something else causing that I’ve never experienced such problem with an epiphone so maybe a noisy pedal?
@@theguitaristas thank you yeah I don't know have it directly in a boss katana 100 but anyway it's so inspiring the guitar just feels good.
Awesome video. I am proud to own both but Les Pauls are my first love. I don’t notice neck dive on the SG as much as it wants to “fall forward” on the strap. They don’t hang on the strap like a Lester, but it’s a screamer. Keep up the good work!
Cheers man!
After owning PRSs, Ibanezezes, Parker flys, Yamahas since I was a teenager I decided , now I can afford it to buy an American Strat and SG. There’s definitely something undefinable about them and I play them exclusively now. As a result I now have 6 obsolete guitars as wall art. I’ve played my mates epiphone SG and Les Paul and they’re fine guitars but not in the same league I’m afraid.
Agreed. I have a Gibson SG and an MIM Strat. Can't afford to upgrade to US Strat as yet.
[ in the UK second hand market that's anything from 600 to 1200, depending on your luck.]
@@Ps3GamerVideos worth it
I love my usa strat and sg. Agreed not worth getting the cheapys
@@smkh2890 I have both but find myself playing my MIM more often then not , trust me the hype isn’t worth it. IMO it’s all about finding the one that feels and play right for you and mark my words it’s not gonna come by spending more and more money. It’s all about shopping around and finding that special one for you specifically.
@@Ottophil do these sound like cheapy’s ?
Great review. I recently got this guitar as my second sg. Really like it, especially those burstbuckers!
Brilliant have u done any albums? Love the way you play!👌
I luv this guy. Great insight, funny, serious information, yet he doesn’t take himself too serious.
The SG neck joins the body at the 18th fret, the LP at the 17th thus the SG neck appears (and feels) longer.
This video was very very helpful . I had already decided I was gonna buy an Epiphone SG . Now I've decided I need a Les Paul as well . Had a 2002 Epiphone Les Paul Custom that I regret having sold . Had half a dozen Gibson Les Pauls since then and did not regret selling any of them , mostly for tuning problems . The Epiphone never went out of tune . Guess it takes some maturity to stop caring about brand and start caring about function and quality . Cheers from Brazil . Love your videos !
Cheers Dante! 😎👍
I like both .l am over 70, my les paul is too heavy now,just reality. I bought the gibson sg standard in 2020. I just love it. The case was OK because l retired 20 years ago. That case wouldn't live through a champion toss by the plane loading crew.I PAID FOR A SEAT FOR MINE WHEN I TOURED ENGLAND IN 1972. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND LETTING ANY CREW BESIDES YOUR OWN ROADIES OR SOUND CREW TOUCHING YOUR INSRUMENT.THEY DONT CARE.IF YOU HAVE HANDLE CAREFULLY THAT IS A CHALLENGE TO SEE HOW FAR THEY CAN THROW IT, I LOST ONR THAT WAY,THE INSURANCE IS A JOKE.
Great vid; trying to persuade eldest son to go for a Les Paul (so I can borrow it) but his mate has an SG so he wants one too. He preferred the LP tone, thanks for the well executed comparison.
Aloha and mahalo again! Getting inspired by the inspired by. I would like to get all the variations of each models. Epiphone allows you to do that. Unfortunately don't have the room l and can't afford a bigger plasce. A gold top with P 90's would be nice.
Cheers Victor, I think I probably will end up with the entire collection!... I am very lucky I also have room in the studio for them 😎👍 have a great weekend!
Love your channel, love your playing and love your dry sense of humour, keep up the great work 🤟
Thanks Matt, I really appreciate the kind word and support! 😎👍
I've had my 60s les Paul standard one month and I am Still in the honey moon faze and loving it I think I made the right purchase I haven't missed a day playing it since I got it .
It is heavy 9 .8 pounds
Ouch my back hurts thinking about that!
I'm glad its not 11 or 12 pounds my cousins Gibson is way over 10 pounds its 11. 5 or so that guitars like playing a led weight
That SG if perfect for my back, and wow, what a great deal you got there! Friendly on the wallet I must say, for such an iconic guitar.
I’m really looking forward to Friday and a new video from you. I only wish there were more Fridays in a week…
Thanks for those kind words! ☺️👍
Thanks for the weight. I have had both hips replaced and a knee, I then topped it off with back surgery. Weight is very important issue as I still try to gig.
Hey Karen, thanks for comment... SG sounds perfect for you do you currently play one? 😎👍
@@theguitaristas not yet but looking at epiphone SG with two p90s.
I have just purchased a Epi SG my first but it was cheap so i have work to do after watching your channel i can't wait to play it.
The SG wants to take you out for a pint and you know it's going to be a big night, but you'll be home by 1am. With the LP, you know you'll end up going to a club after, and he's going to start a fight with somebody at some point. Great episode.
Cheers man, you got it! :)
The James May of Guitars....and I mean that in a GOOD way :)
Brilliant comparison Colin! Cheers mate 🎸
I'm afraid I'm in the anti sg camp, I have played a couple and they do feel nice to play but I just can't love the way they look, the Les Paul on the other hand I love them, not always comfortable but simple beautiful and they make me happy to just hold them. Each to their own though, great channel by the way.
Sorry I am late! That was great! Thank you very much. I enjoyed your detailed review of each and the comparison playing. Liked & Subscribed for more goodness. I know you have a soft spot for the SG and I was seriously considering one but you wound up selling me on the Les Paul! As my grandmother would often say, "Ain't that the way?" The words bite for the SG and growl for the Les Paul kept coming to mind as you were giving final thoughts on the two which was very good by the way I thought. Something about the Les Paul taking me out for a walk vs the other way around appeals to me very much. Thanks again. This was so helpful to me.
hey chap, USA across the pond here, enjoy your channel,
keep it coming
Cheer mans that's appreciated... will do!! :)
Yeah.. bought that custom SG the weekend you reviewed a little while ago.. had an Epiphone standard for years.. great guitar (just straightened the neck and reset intonations after 15 years, reliable old friend)
The SG opens up a new world.. it feels like you have an extra half a foot of fretboard due to the cut, ridiculous accessibility wow.. so.. you will approach your playing differently.. which is exactly what I was after.
So thank you.
Cheers Daniel that's great to hear!... at last a guitar where the 22nd fret is actually inviting you to come and play eh?... have fun up the dusty end! :)
@@theguitaristas Yeah I was playing it alot lastnight.. making stuff up.. and I found I was instinctively starting just behind the 12th.. and what it's done is harmonically and harmoniously givern me a greater vocabulary as I drift back to the nut.. but can express and even higher sweeter tone.. I really really like the way the SG just opens up a clean path..
Honestly.. what this has done to my creativity intuitively is just mind-blowing..
It almost makes you think clearly..
I dunno... It's like coming out of the box system which other guitars tend to be quite content staying in.
@@danielstroubledthoughts5386 Nice one... that's brilliant to hear mate! :)
Excellent review and am really enjoying your channel.
Thanks man that’s appreciated!
Another great video Colin. Thanks! I can thoroughly recommend an Epiphone Firebird. Great guitar. Reverse headstock makes a big difference to string tension and the mini humbuckers are a dream.
Cheers David, that’s definitely on the list! 👍😎
I like how much time and care and gentleness you put into your videos. Allow me, then, to repay the courtesy with a....
...SUPER LONG-WINDED COMMENT! :-)
So, let me say that I own a Les Paul already, and have quite an eye on trying to also acquire an SG as soon as it is feasible. My Les Paul is a USA-made Gibson, but among full-form, carve top, single cutaway, dual humbuckers LPs with the name Gibson on the headstock, mine might well be among the cheapest ever made: it is a 2008 Studio Vintage Mahogany - that means, barely any finish or flourish, a mahogany cap rather than the more customary maple, and also a chambered body, making it lighter and less bulky than a typical LP (with all the "for better AND worse" that come with it). It came with Burstbucker V pickups and snap connector electronics (not dissimilar from what those Epiphones in your videos have). All of which have since been replaced on my LP with 57 / 57 plus pickups, and [so-called] "Jimmy Page wiring mod" hand wired push/pull pots, for coil tap, on each pickup, phase, and parallel/ series. If I had it to do all over again, the only thing I'd do differently is go for BB2 or 3 in the bridge instead of 57 plus. I prefer 57s in the neck, but BBs in the bridge, which I can elaborate upon in a separate comment upon request.
I've never owned an SG, and haven't even actually held one in my hand in years. But lately I've REALLY been interested in getting one. I feel that the SG and LP are similar enough that the one could reasonably well stand in for the other one in a real pinch, but that they are also different enough, that with different enough strengths and advantages that it's not redundant to have both, and indeed, that it'd be by far the optimal thing to do just that (which is why I'm now on the quest for an SG!)
Since it's been so long since I've actually held an SG, I'd be wiser to recuse myself from the question of "which one feels better in the hand", though knowing what I know, I could really see it going either way. The SG is lighter, and more shapely, and gives much better access to the upper frets. But with the LP's carved top, I believe it actually tilts the neck back towards the player just a little, which, along with sitting further into the guitar pocket in general would do the opposite of the SG and make for better "low fret access", bringing the neck to you, rather than you to the neck, like a Strat, or Tele, or Ibanez RG...or...well....SG would require of you.
In any case, I can see the argument both ways, and will have to opt out of the controversy until I've had more hands-on experience with the SG.
When it comes to which one I prefer the looks of, I've gone back and forth on this question at least 20 times over the past 10yrs, since they're both so striking and iconic and beautiful instruments. But as of the moment of this writing, I think I am favoring the look of the SG - especially the "big batwing" version, as opposed to the "small batwing" (even if that puts me in the minority).
Now, as far as the sound, the conventional wisdom says that the SG is brighter and the Les Paul is warmer, but to my ears, the situation is similar, but slightly perpendicular to that. To describe how the two sound to me, the best metaphor I could think of is the metaphor of the old 10-band graphic equalizers that we all used to have hooked up to our home stereos back in the day. To me, the Les Paul sound is as if we had that EQ set to a "shallow V". Not only do I think the low end is stronger on the Les Paul, but the very extremes of the high end sound stronger on the Les to me too. And the mids, if anything, feel slightly scooped to me. All of this combined results in a warm, round, nuanced, soaring, "sing-songy" sound. By contrast, if the Les Paul is a "shallow V" on the EQ, the SG is the EQ set perfectly flat - you know, like, "straight line". Nothing boosted, nothing cut, nothing scooped. To my ears, this results in a sound that is more simplistic and one-dimensional on the one hand, but more pure, and gnarly, and "straight-ahead", and articulate, on the other.
Presuming just for the sake of the argument that I'm 100% correct about all of that, that would mean that each would have various contexts in which they are the more optimal piece. This is not at all said from the perspective of positive vs negative, but positive vs alternate positive.
As such, for my money, if I would want to do straight-ahead, driving, hard and heavy overdriven power chords, a really gnarly, nasty solo, or some clean piece where each note coming through articulately, and "cutting through the mix", to use your term, was more important than the richness and nuance of the individual note voicings themselves, then in each of these cases, I feel like I would by far prefer the SG. But when it comes to soaring, sing-songy solos, or just about every other context that wasn't listed above, I think I'd at least usually, if not even always prefer the Les Paul.
So, as for the final question, then, of which one do I esteem as the greater overall guitar?....well...gimme an SG and come back in a year or two to see if that changes my mind at all, but from my present vantage point, the ONLY reason that I say Les is because I remember how earlier, I had said that either could be a suitable surrogate for the other in a pinch? Well, to my eyes and ears, the Les would be a slightly better SG surrogate than an SG would be a Les Paul surrogate. Same thought put in other words: in all the ways that I feel the SG is better than the Les Paul, I feel that the difference between the two guitars is smaller than I feel they are in all the ways that I feel the Les is better than the SG. Same truth now put in yet a third way: say SG is better at "angry heavy" and Les is better at "smooth creamy dreamy", I feel that the gap between the two at heavy is much smaller than I feel the gap between the two is at dreamy.
Make sense?
Again, gimme a year or two with an SG to see if it doesn't change my tune...but at least for now, were you to hold a gun to my head, and force me into a strict binary...I'm a Les man. :-)
In any case, thank you so much for making these vids - and yes, I do plan to subscribe! Also, while in the vacuum of a "perfect world hypothetical", I'd certainly MUCH rather have a Gibby SG than an Epi version of the same, I feel like given that a) I am such a limited, sloppy, hell, let's face it - CRAPPY guitarist, b) I use my existing guitars so seldomly already, and c) I have so many guitars already, and d) they're almost giving these guitars away, that I feel it FAR less likely that I'll do something so stupidly irresponsible as to go straight for a Gibson, and far more likely that I'll start with an Epi to see if it changes my life (at which point I could maybe justify an upmarket move to a Gibson). One huge thing your videos have done for me is pretty much sell me on the Epis as "a launch point for a 'proper' SG". And so, I feel much more confident that such is the way that I'll go! :-)
Cheers! And thanks again for such a wonderful video! 🥂
Hey John! thanks for taking the time to write this and for supporting the channel. I’d definitely recommend trying one soon… and the Epiphone is the place to start. The one thing you didn’t really mention much is comfort and playability… If you get used to the different feel of an SG (and many don’t) you may be surprised how many more frets there are on a board! I think an SG can do what a Les Paul can but not necessarily other way around. And of course if you want to try an SG that offers a clear difference and reason to buy one get the the SG Special with P90s and there is tonal nirvana! Good luck and let us know how you get on! 😎👍
@@theguitaristas You know, it's funny that you mentioned the P90 version, as that was actually the one I had considered first - in faded inverness green, of course. But I don't know whether I'll start with a P90 model and then consider maybe buying a second with humbuckers, or do it in the opposite direction.
The thing is: I am REALLY coming to appreciate and even love P90s, and have come to believe that there may be no more diverse, mutable, adaptable, "chameleon" of a pickup out there than the P90. But comparing P90 guitars to their nearest humbucker equivalents (be it SGs or LPs, or....whatever), I've noticed some patterns emerge, and I'm not sure which one better suits what I'd want to do with an SG.
Speaking in super-over-generalized terms, I've found that in clean tones, I moderately prefer the neck P90 to the neck humbucker, vastly prefer the middle position P90 to the middle position humbucker, and slightly prefer the bridge humbucker to the bridge P90. But overdriven, the necks are basically a tie to me, the middle position I only very slightly prefer the P90, and in the bridge, I super vastly prefer the humbucker. I'll go so far as to say that I am not all that crazy about the overdriven bridge P90 tone.
While this makes the pros and cons pretty clear to me, it completely stumps me in terms of which set of pros and cons will better suit my use case with an SG. I'd either want to do spacey, ambient, chorus / echo-washed sounds (likely favoring the P90s), or raw, dirty, gnarly grunge heavy power chords and basic solos (basic, because that's all I'm capable of as a guitarist) - and that would DEFINITELY point me towards the humbuckers. Either way, I probably wouldn't leave an SG in standard tuning. If I went for the P90s, I'd probably go with some "open tune" option, and with humbuckers, I'd most certainly drop-tune it. The Les Paul I'll probably leave in standard tuning.
In a perfect world, I'd like to have one of each. I mean, in a PERFECT world, they'd both be Gibsons. But in that perfect-adjacent world where they were Epiphones, I'd still have both. But again, I don't really know where to start. And the stakes are a little higher here than they seem, as if the first one kinda fails to hook me, the second one may never end up happening. I feel like I have a better idea of what I'd be in for with the Humbucker version. But on the other hand, I only have one P90 equipped instrument at present where I have four with HBs, so the P90-equipped version might make more sense in the lineup.
So, I'm really stumped! It's unlikely I'll be able to afford, let alone to justify getting both at the same time. So, I've got some real thinking to do.
As to your other comments about how I didn't talk about the feel of an SG vs the feel of a Les Paul, it's because I'm WAY more experienced with the feel of a Les, where, as of my previous writing, I hadn't actually touched an SG in years. I've since briefly picked up an Epi SG, and noodled a very little bit. But it wasn't enough to give me a great bead on what I think of the feel vs the LP in terms of preference. The only part that really jumped out at me was that I definitely wished it had had a nitro finish vs the super thick, super gloss poly-whatever finish the Epis have. If felt like the guitar was hiding behind a shield of plastic - and I suppose, in a certain manner of speaking, it is. I did like the shallow shape of the fast neck, though.
And as for which one "can go places that the other can't", hopefully we can just agree to call it a draw. The SG isn't going to touch the warmth and body of the LP, while the LP isn't going to be able to keep up with the crisp, raw gnarl of the SG. In a pinch, each could make a passable surrogate for the other, as the SG can be warm enough to get by, and the LP can be gnarly enough to get by. But if we think in terms of the sound of the two as a venn diagram, there is a lot of overlap, but I think the two have an about equal amount of their circles not overlapping. And therefore, which one is the better overall, we'll probably have to say will depend more on the wants and needs of the player / listener, than anything truly objective that we can all rally behind.
Does that work? 🙂
I'll be sure to keep you in the loop in terms of what I end up doing in terms of P90 Epi SG, Humbucker Epi SG, both, or neither. The latter is the least likely scenario, but not completely out of the question. If I do buy one, it will probably be this year, but almost certainly not this month.
Cheers!
Great review, as always! I appreciate the fact that you open up the guitars and show whats under the hood/bonnet. It saves me from opening up my own guitars! LOL One point that I really identified with in this review was the difference in "feel" when switching from a Les Paul to an SG. I am primarily a Les Paul player, and when I switch to my SG it does feel a little "off", but after a few seconds of playing, I'm good to go. And here's a tip to help people combat SG neck dive: take a sandwich size ziptop bag and fill it about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way full with BB's (you may need to experiment with this part). Zip the top (squeezing out the extra air), fold the bag up to make a nice little pouch, and wrap the pouch up with duct tape. Then cover that with black electrical tape and then tape the black pouch to the bottom half of your strap near the guitar pin. PROBLEM SOLVED! I've been doing this with my SG for years and I've never had an issue with neck dive since I've done this. Cheers!
Cheers man and thanks for the top tip!... almost like its straight outta Viz magazine but I'm sure it would work!
Here is another little detail: The scale length is in fact the same, but the distance from the nut to the neck pickup is different: The SG measures 48 cm and the LP 46.5 cm. This may contribute also to the different sound of these guitars. I also want to thank you for your both very interesting and entertaining videos. It gives me also the opportunity to improve my English and learn some new terms and phrases, as I am from Germany. It is a lot of fun to watch your videos. Please keep on doing this!
Hey Lars, thank you for the comment and support. Yes I did miss that detail and no doubt it will make some difference... there are so many things that can affect the tone! Good to hear this can help you with learning the language but be careful I am not sure some of my phrases will suitable for everyday use! ;)
@@theguitaristas I am totally aware of this :-)
Super insightful observations on trying to manage a Les Paul... So far, I am losing the battle, dialing back the volume is a great tip. Best regards form ATX.
"so far I'm losing the battle"... 🤣👍 I think maybe with a Les Paul the amp may play a bigger part than normal, so that you can find a sweet spot and get a feel for those controls. I haven't managed it yet either! 🤣🤣
Because of your reviews and your channel, I have bought my first ever SG. The Epiphone SG P-90 special. Love your videos, as always this was top notch.
Excellent and that's the one to get too I reckon.... hope you love it as much as I do Red 😎👍
How are you liking it 1 year later 👀
Great video and comparison! My first love was a Strat', then I moved to and loved the LP and just now learning about the "angry" SG. I found the LP in this video to be warmer and rounder, but as far as upper fret access and ease of playing? The SG blows the LP away. The absolute best solution is to have one of everything! :
Cheers Jim, thanks for comment and support man! I've never really bonded with Strats at all personally, I do find them incredibly playable but I just don't like the sound I make with them and so I blame the guitar! ;) So yes SG's are where it's at, but of course you absolutely do need to have (at least) one of everything for when the mood takes you! :)
I have a Epiphone Tribute Plus 1960 Les Paul which is the only guitar I know apart from Gibsons that have genuine Gibson pickups. It's construction is immaculate and identical to a Gibson Les Paul. It feels and sounds every bit as good as Gibson Les Paul at a fraction of the price. Has to be one of the best bargains out there.
most of the people who don't like SG's, have never played one, that was me until a couple of years ago, but I still love my Les Pauls that bit more.
Cheers Steve, i am glad you saw the light man!... I think everyone needs both 😎👍
I enjoyed this thorough review and your descriptive language to define for us the differences in the tones for each guitar. My only complaint is that my decision between these guitars has now reverted back to a battle whereas I thought I had it mostly figured out before this video. Thanks for doing all the work involved for our entertainment and knowledge.
Cheers man... did I say in this film that you really need both?? 😂👍
this is the 1st time seeing this film and im happy i found it!
i took 2 strat styled guitars with me to "guitar center" and traded them both along with some moola for.......yes you convinced me....
epiphone sg traditional pro in gold!
every sg film of yours inspired me to look at the sg again....im happy to have "listened" to you mate!
might just have to get a "chibson" sg in the future to compare to my "goldy" epiphone model!
Nice one glad we finally got an SG in your hands! 😆👍👍
@@theguitaristas hekk yaa brother!
the lil E string popped soon after i got home with it but we all know most factory strings are rubbish anyway lol!
it has the "plug kit" for the 2 volume pots which are push/pull...
id like to find out how to make the outer coils stay on instead of the inner coils when split...possible we reasearch it together?
Lovely relaxed review, my Les Paul is waiting in the shop at the moment, this review made me decide to buy one!
Nice one hope you like it! 😁👍
You are making me want a sg
😆👍👍
So informative! This really helps when it comes time to making decisions about which guitar to buy. I've decided I need both. 🥂
Good choice! :)
You've earned my subscription for being super neutral amongst the comparison of both guitars. Thanks for your detail and playing 🤟
Cheers man that’s appreciated! 😎👍
Neck is not longer, just much better access to the upper fret board on the low E side because of the horn instead of the lack of upper register access of the single cut Les paul.
Wonderful video. Epiphone have been great bargain guitars for years. They play way above their price point. Love my SG!
Everything shifts to the neck end while standing playing an SG. It's all down to where the strap button is located. Its always going to shift a few inches to the left, on a right handed guitar.
So the SG 'Bites' and the Les Paul 'Growls' Watch your fingers now. Another entertaining vid. See you next week.
Cheers man! 😆👍
Rewatching this has made me want a white SG as a sidekick to my Epiphone Les Paul 1960 Tribute Plus in Midnight Ebony 😅
Glad you found it! 😆👍
I really look forward to the weekly videos. Thanks for doing them! I own the SG Standard. Really like it. I dont need another Les Paul but I've got the Gas for sure! I'm thinking about giving the Les Paul Classic a shot.
Cheers Jeremy!