I didn't think I was an SG guy - until I got one. Epiphone, $180, satin/walnut - zero complaints. Feels good, stays in tune, sounds as good as anything I've heard or played. Tough to imagine a better instrument in the line.
I’ve been actually thinking about buying the Gibson SG Tribute. This is actually a really good version of how a demonstration should be between the two brands.
I have many a high end guitar, but when it comes to Gibson style guitars I just can't pull the trigger on a Gibson. I buy the Epiphones in $600-800 range and get more for my money. Not only is Gibson ridiculously expensive now, but the QA is always spotty at best and what you get for your money is less than the Epiphone. The only upside of a Gibson is the brand is bullet proof and you can get your money back on one. But I buy guitars to play, not sell.
Here's the specs on the 2019 Epiphone exclusive deluxe limited run Sg Pro..i found one in 2022 paid $650.00 for it and worth every cent..look at the build nothing cheap about it...... Classic 60s Era "Solid Guitar" The G-400 Deluxe PRO is inspired by the first generation of SGs made in the 1960s at the legendary Gibson and Epiphone factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan that produced the Les Paul and the Casino. The SG model was originally intended to replace the Les Paul, which temporarily went out of production from 1961-1968. The new G-400 Deluxe PRO is constructed using the same dimensions and build techniques as vintage SGs and features a AAA Flame Maple Veneer top with a Mahogany body and neck with a comfortable 1960's SlimTaper 'D' profile and a 24.75" scale length. The Pau Ferro fingerboard has single ply binding with pearloid Trapezoid inlays, 22 medium jumbo frets, a 12" radius, and an adjustable truss rod with a 'bell' cover. Alnico Classic PRO Humbuckers with Coil Splitting The G-400 Deluxe PRO is powered by Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers made with Alnico-V magnets, which produce a slightly higher output especially in the mid and highs. Each pickup has it own Volume and Tone control with full-size potentiometers along with Epiphone's rugged, all-metal, 3-way toggle pickup selector switch for long-lasting performance. Both pickups are also wired for coil-tapping. By pulling up the pickup's volume knob, the humbucker will switch become a "single-coil" pickup, allowing players an infinite variety of tones from single-coil bark to full humbucker bite. When winding humbuckers, Epiphone utilizes a double vacuum waxing process that ensures quiet operation free from microphonic hum. The pickup is first placed in the specialized wax vacuuming system before the cover is placed on the unit to ensure that the wax fully penetrates to the very center of the pickup and solidifies all parts. After the cover is placed on, it is again given a second vacuum wax bath until the unit is completely saturated with wax. Epiphone also uses high quality ABS plastic bobbins, 1010 Cold Rolled Steel pole shoes and pole screws, the finest magnet wire available. Solid Epiphone Hardware The G-400 Deluxe PRO features gold hardware on the Honeyburst, Trans Blue, and Trans Red color finishes and all G-400 Deluxe PROs come with a LockTone bridge and Stopbar tailpiece for incredible sustain as well as Wilkinson Vintage Classic Machine Heads with a 18:1 turning ratio.
I had the pleasure of playing an sg tribute when I was testing out an amp I ended up buying. The guy had actually changed the neck profile himself to something a bit thinner. I fricken loved it. Same color as yours too. I'm also currently in the boat of looking for another guitar in this price range of lower end Gibsons and higher end Epiphones, it really is a tough call in some cases! Great comparison, keep it up!
What would be the better solution here in terms of easier and more feasible, fixing the fret sprouts on the Gibson or changing the pickups on the Epiphone? If you had to purchase the guitars brand new, on one hand you know the Epiphones will sound the same and fret work might be a hit or miss too and on the other hand you might get a perfectly good fretted Gibson that sounds better. Which would you buy?
Good questions! For me, swapping the pickups is easier than filing all of the frets but I’ve had more experience with pickups. If it’s just one or two frets that may be faster/easier. I bought a file from StewMac to try to fix the frets on this Gibson so I’ll make a video when I can get to it. The second question is tough, the best would be to try them and see which one sounds/feels good to you. I would still buy the Epi in this case because I could fix the frets but I couldn’t fix the chunky neck on the Gibson. But that comes down to preference. Hope this helps!
@@onemoreguitarchannel Here's another question just to add a little more spice to the mix. It seems that your decision is based on the style of the guitars at hand which is the SGs, and you had mentioned that you're not an SG guy so it doesn't seem that your decision is based more on the Gibson or Epiphone. So I would like to present you with another scenario, two guitars are perfect in everyway, one is a Gibson and one is an Epiphone. You cannot change out any part/s except for the strings but the two guitars are lets say a 60s or 50s Les Paul Standard. Would you still take the Epiphone over the Gibson?
@@hwnfrd I would go with the Gibson in that case. I think when you are comparing apples to apples the Gibson is going to be the better choice under 2 conditions - 1) You really want that guitar and 2) you are willing to save/pay for it. The Epiphones are usually going to be good (maybe even great), but if you can save for the Gibson version you will usually be happy with the decision. It's like buying cars, you can get something that does the job or something higher end depending on what you want. I think the important thing is to not compromise just to get a Gibson if it's not the guitar you want. On the other hand, if you know exactly what you want I'd say save for the Gibson version.
Dudester we like your vids. Really enjoyed your Epi Special TV yellow review. (We have a similar one with humbuckers -slightly cheaper) Play it a lot. It's not perfect , but a great value I must admit. Made my hands black at first. Ha! Anyhow, more vids please. yeah thumbs up. OMG it;s One More Guitar! ha ha from MtW and 99 in L.A.
EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT VIDEO! I SUBSCRIBED. I'm an SG Lover. I've had two Gibsons and one Epiphone. I'm getting a SG TRIBUTE SOON. I know this is a Faded Special 2015 I think you said. The Quality control is much better at Gibson now than then so I hope I don't have any of those issues to deal with. YEP I'VE GOT A GUT TOO!! 😆 LOL..
You're right, it could be fret sprout but I've noticed sharp frets on several of the lower end Gibson's I have tried. In the next video I will be checking out a current Les Paul Tribute to see if there is a difference. I've also been asking around to get other people's experience. Thanks for watching!
@@callsignreaper968 reason 1 better quality control reason number better craftsmanship reason 3 headstock is a lot stronger reason 4 Epiphone is where Les Paul worked on his solid body guitar AKA the Log not Gibson reason 5 dollar for dollar a better quality
I just realized, not only were you first on this video but you are the first person to say "First" on this channel ever! You really are first :). Thanks!
@One More Guitar
I have several low and high end Gibson SGs and several high end Epiphone SGs and I love them all.
I didn't think I was an SG guy - until I got one. Epiphone, $180, satin/walnut - zero complaints. Feels good, stays in tune, sounds as good as anything I've heard or played. Tough to imagine a better instrument in the line.
I’ve been actually thinking about buying the Gibson SG Tribute. This is actually a really good version of how a demonstration should be between the two brands.
I have many a high end guitar, but when it comes to Gibson style guitars I just can't pull the trigger on a Gibson. I buy the Epiphones in $600-800 range and get more for my money. Not only is Gibson ridiculously expensive now, but the QA is always spotty at best and what you get for your money is less than the Epiphone. The only upside of a Gibson is the brand is bullet proof and you can get your money back on one. But I buy guitars to play, not sell.
Yes but the gibbi sg faded is under 1000euro
Isn't it?
@@dimitrisaivaliotis5616 I havent seen that
@@justiceforall6412 you are right
It is used under 1000 euro
Could put locking tuners on there and a set up! Works wonders w/ epiphone. Mine sounds Fine
What if people just think something's better just cause it costs more.. sometimes
Here's the specs on the 2019 Epiphone exclusive deluxe limited run Sg Pro..i found one in 2022 paid $650.00 for it and worth every cent..look at the build nothing cheap about it......
Classic 60s Era "Solid Guitar"
The G-400 Deluxe PRO is inspired by the first generation of SGs made in the 1960s at the legendary Gibson and Epiphone factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan that produced the Les Paul and the Casino. The SG model was originally intended to replace the Les Paul, which temporarily went out of production from 1961-1968. The new G-400 Deluxe PRO is constructed using the same dimensions and build techniques as vintage SGs and features a AAA Flame Maple Veneer top with a Mahogany body and neck with a comfortable 1960's SlimTaper 'D' profile and a 24.75" scale length. The Pau Ferro fingerboard has single ply binding with pearloid Trapezoid inlays, 22 medium jumbo frets, a 12" radius, and an adjustable truss rod with a 'bell' cover.
Alnico Classic PRO Humbuckers with Coil Splitting
The G-400 Deluxe PRO is powered by Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers made with Alnico-V magnets, which produce a slightly higher output especially in the mid and highs. Each pickup has it own Volume and Tone control with full-size potentiometers along with Epiphone's rugged, all-metal, 3-way toggle pickup selector switch for long-lasting performance. Both pickups are also wired for coil-tapping. By pulling up the pickup's volume knob, the humbucker will switch become a "single-coil" pickup, allowing players an infinite variety of tones from single-coil bark to full humbucker bite.
When winding humbuckers, Epiphone utilizes a double vacuum waxing process that ensures quiet operation free from microphonic hum. The pickup is first placed in the specialized wax vacuuming system before the cover is placed on the unit to ensure that the wax fully penetrates to the very center of the pickup and solidifies all parts. After the cover is placed on, it is again given a second vacuum wax bath until the unit is completely saturated with wax. Epiphone also uses high quality ABS plastic bobbins, 1010 Cold Rolled Steel pole shoes and pole screws, the finest magnet wire available.
Solid Epiphone Hardware
The G-400 Deluxe PRO features gold hardware on the Honeyburst, Trans Blue, and Trans Red color finishes and all G-400 Deluxe PROs come with a LockTone bridge and Stopbar tailpiece for incredible sustain as well as Wilkinson Vintage Classic Machine Heads with a 18:1 turning ratio.
I had the pleasure of playing an sg tribute when I was testing out an amp I ended up buying. The guy had actually changed the neck profile himself to something a bit thinner. I fricken loved it. Same color as yours too. I'm also currently in the boat of looking for another guitar in this price range of lower end Gibsons and higher end Epiphones, it really is a tough call in some cases! Great comparison, keep it up!
What would be the better solution here in terms of easier and more feasible, fixing the fret sprouts on the Gibson or changing the pickups on the Epiphone? If you had to purchase the guitars brand new, on one hand you know the Epiphones will sound the same and fret work might be a hit or miss too and on the other hand you might get a perfectly good fretted Gibson that sounds better. Which would you buy?
Good questions! For me, swapping the pickups is easier than filing all of the frets but I’ve had more experience with pickups. If it’s just one or two frets that may be faster/easier. I bought a file from StewMac to try to fix the frets on this Gibson so I’ll make a video when I can get to it. The second question is tough, the best would be to try them and see which one sounds/feels good to you. I would still buy the Epi in this case because I could fix the frets but I couldn’t fix the chunky neck on the Gibson. But that comes down to preference. Hope this helps!
@@onemoreguitarchannel Here's another question just to add a little more spice to the mix. It seems that your decision is based on the style of the guitars at hand which is the SGs, and you had mentioned that you're not an SG guy so it doesn't seem that your decision is based more on the Gibson or Epiphone. So I would like to present you with another scenario, two guitars are perfect in everyway, one is a Gibson and one is an Epiphone. You cannot change out any part/s except for the strings but the two guitars are lets say a 60s or 50s Les Paul Standard. Would you still take the Epiphone over the Gibson?
@@hwnfrd I would go with the Gibson in that case. I think when you are comparing apples to apples the Gibson is going to be the better choice under 2 conditions - 1) You really want that guitar and 2) you are willing to save/pay for it. The Epiphones are usually going to be good (maybe even great), but if you can save for the Gibson version you will usually be happy with the decision. It's like buying cars, you can get something that does the job or something higher end depending on what you want. I think the important thing is to not compromise just to get a Gibson if it's not the guitar you want. On the other hand, if you know exactly what you want I'd say save for the Gibson version.
The Gibson does sound better. good video.
No it doesn't not at all
Yes it does
@@thepatriot4355 it does
It better
What a good video! Thank you!
Put the strap button on the top horn and the guitar will sit perfectly on your body.
Great video. The epiphone sounds a shade darker, but that's possibly because its a bit heavier. Other than that, very close
Dudester we like your vids. Really enjoyed your Epi Special TV yellow review. (We have a similar one with humbuckers -slightly cheaper) Play it a lot. It's not perfect , but a great value I must admit. Made my hands black at first. Ha!
Anyhow, more vids please. yeah thumbs up. OMG it;s One More Guitar! ha ha from MtW and 99 in L.A.
Paused at 8:24. 6lbs 5oz for the Gibson is all I need to know- it’s the winner.
EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT VIDEO! I SUBSCRIBED. I'm an SG Lover. I've had two Gibsons and one Epiphone. I'm getting a SG TRIBUTE SOON. I know this is a Faded Special 2015 I think you said. The Quality control is much better at Gibson now than then so I hope I don't have any of those issues to deal with. YEP I'VE GOT A GUT TOO!! 😆 LOL..
sounds like you switch the pickups and hardware from the gibson to the epiphone and add the gibson's sound to the eipiphone's playability.
Do a Gibson SG tribute vs the Les Paul standard tribute please
I have the Gibson tribute Sg and I have a 2021 Epiphone Sg modern...the Epiphone modern is the better Sg
Might be the pickups but the Gibson sounds bitey where's the epi sounds borderline muddy
The Vs videos have been beaten to death...2021 Epiphone Modern Sg over Gibson all day long!
that SG Faded sounds nothing like my 19' SG Standard Tribute
You get fret sprout by the wood drying out who knows how long it set in the pawnshop not the guitars fault
You're right, it could be fret sprout but I've noticed sharp frets on several of the lower end Gibson's I have tried. In the next video I will be checking out a current Les Paul Tribute to see if there is a difference. I've also been asking around to get other people's experience. Thanks for watching!
Stupid comparison everyone knows the Epiphone is better than Gibson they have Been
Stupid comment, do not include everyone in your opinion. Gibson is a superior instrument. Epiphone is more affordable.
Gibson has better sound and better made epiphone is still good but not better than Gibson
@@callsignreaper968 um no
Give me five reasons why Epiphone is better than Gibson
@@callsignreaper968 reason 1 better quality control reason number better craftsmanship reason 3 headstock is a lot stronger reason 4 Epiphone is where Les Paul worked on his solid body guitar AKA the Log not Gibson reason 5 dollar for dollar a better quality
First
I just realized, not only were you first on this video but you are the first person to say "First" on this channel ever! You really are first :). Thanks!