Another point I wanted to make aswell as the SG standing pretty strong against the ESP , to make an affordable guitar sound better.. JUST STICK SOME EMGS IN IT! Ha ha ha BOOOM!
Sounds like an interesting way to upgreade a cheap guitar. Currently I use a HerleyBenton under the 200$ pricetag. I put some 100$ pickups from Häussel (german brand; handcrafted) in it... And it definitely don't needs to hide itself behind a 2000$ guitar. I compared it to a handcrafted guitar my father owns. Sure, there are some quality differences, but with the same pickups in both instruments they are on the same level. Same with your guitars. Your video proved the fact, that a guitar of a cheap price can sound better with a nice pickup!
ESP E-II WINS!!! BECAUSE E-II HAS FULLER SOUND WITHOUT THE BACKING TRACK! IF YOU JUST LIKE THE SHAPE OF SG, WELL, YOU CAN CHOOSE ESP LTD BLACK METAL SERIES VIPER 7 STRING GUITAR!!! THAT IS EVEN MORE KILLER THAN SG!!! BUT IT IS WITH JUST 1 BLACK WINTER HUMBUCKER ON THE BRIDGE AND JUST 1 VOLUME KNOB! BETTER THAN SG!
SG's are not made to have a smooth rounded sound they are soley designed for an aggressive sound whereas Les Paul are going for a more rounded and blended sound , So both guitars do sound as they were designed to . The Gibson SG gave a dirty Growl like a hungry bear and glass shattering highs , Angus Young would be proud , lol and Slash would be proud of the ESP .
Honestly they both sound amazing. I personally like the sg better because it has that old school metal sound, the esp sounded more modern but both were awesome
The SG is a lot brighter sounding, which is not my thing but some other pickup will probably work. I don't like the neck of Epiphone SG-400 (which I own) but really want another SG with the neck not being so *FUCKING* wide!
Kawaii Besu i know from experience emgs sound very different in various guitars, do not just stock them in any cheap guitar. Hate them in cheaper ltd:s.
Exactly... it always bothered me when people bash EMGs. I guess this something people say to appear more sophisticated (similar to ppl who say that they prefer cats to dogs because you have to earn their affection 🤮). When I started playing guitar I wanted what Metallica and slayer had because what is good enough for them is certainly good enough for me. And over the years I experienced with vintage PUs incl. Lundgrens, BKP, etc. but to my ears the best sounding and feeling PUs are still EMGs and Seymours. Just saw Crowbar recently and Kirk‘s Töne with his EMGs is face melting.
Its sound really similar, but the wood, make the guitar sound quite different, between this two guitars the difference is on the cuantities of wood, wich make les paul sound hottest, and make sg sound higher, but the pick ups sound very similar
Epiphone have always had a special place with me. Own two Epiphone guitars: A 1958 Explorer Gothic and a Les Paul LP100. Love them both! Good content man, keep it coming!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻
The weight and wood is a factor, not necessarily tone wood but different body materials can make sound thin and bright or bassy and full. compare Gibson music maker or junior with les Paul studio or Cs almost many cheap les Paul guitars like Ibanez without big maple cap sound thin and weak and sound similar to Sg.
The ESP sounds fuller, more range in the spectrum. The Epi sounds good, but thin and shrill, which is one of the complaints about the EMG 81. The guitar does matter, just barely. My problem with Epi was playability. I love my Ibanez guitars and my ESP. I'm thinking about replacing the stock esp pickups with Deactivators. Any thoughts on those?
I love your channel! I suck big time at downpicking but you inspire me to not quit,I hate to admit it but I might have preferred the sg tonally... Its got a old school midscooped sound to it
Both sound good to my ear. I like the ESP sound a bit more as its more full. On the other hand the SG was pretty good too, nice for some black metal. The SG has this punchy sound which was surprisingly good. But the ESP won this
I have experience with the G400 worn brown. I own a few Fenders, Squiers and Epiphones and I will say that the G400 is an exceptional instrument. It is extremely versatile and obviously sounds great with high gain but just as great with a clean Fender tube amp. The fretwork is better than guitars costing much more and the tuners and bridge are stable for playing in other tunings without actually losing tuning. I'm growing tired of playing around with Stratocasters bridges and even the finicky saddles on most Telecasters and need versatility in tone as well as stable tunings. The G400 worn gives me all of that, and since I don't need to split a hum bucker to get clean sounds, I prefer the worn version, as well as the fact that its a satin finish and not gloss. The two Alnico V hum buckers are more than good enough and if you feel the need, you can change out pots and caps and play around with the values to get a clearer tone, especially if you adjust the pickup heights. My only complaint is that you have to get used to playing the long extended neck, whether sitting or standing, especially if you don't have an extra wide and padded strap. I never let go of the neck, just in case, and it has become a habit now when playing standing up. I highly recommend the G400 to anyone who is learning or for pro use. With the proper setup and a good set of strings, this guitar sings softly or screams.
Ok, they both sound great to me, but that ESP has such a fuller and deeper tone! I think it's the winner... But then that isn't shocking considering the price points! Still that SG is killer for the price and has such a great iconic look! Rock on Matt!! \m/
Pan them left and right! The freq response is quite different, the ESP has more bottom and lower-mids but also a more defined high end in my ears but the Epiphone has a nice 80's mid and high-mid range tone to it. The ESP is more satisfying in my ears but in a full band mix it depends what you want to play.
Got to agree with Panos here, the ESP had a fuller sound and the Epiphone SG sounded a wee bit "fizzy" to me but still good. For the huge gap in price, an EMG equipped Epiphone SG is a respectable alternative! A good setup, upgraded electrics and a REALLY good amp, you're laughing!
The SG is brighter than the ESP but sounds just as good. Turn the treble knob on the amp down just a little with the SG and I bet they sound the same. With solid bodied guitars 90% of the sound is the pickups, 9% is the pots, and 1% is everything else.
Definitely sound different with the SG had a more scooped in the mids while the ESP had a fuller sound to my semi-trained ears. But what do I know? Im 70 yr old and am restarting learning guitar after many years of not playing!
youtube/google is scaring me. I'm an SG guy who is seriously considering an ESP-II eclipse in the future as my second guitar, once I graduate university and get a stable income, and this is what youtube recommended me. I like it nonetheless.
Ive noticed this in a lot of LP vs SG comparisons, regardless of active or passive. The SG generally has a more focussed midrange, and the LP has a fuller tone with more pronounced lowend and high freqs (less mids). Both have the same scale length so my theory is that the body thickness plays a large part in the tonal differences. The SG is substantally thinner than your average LP or singlecut
fuck I love EMG's so much. you can tell tone diference although with a low budget the SG is highly recomendable, wouldn't think it twice. spectacular riff btw, cheers from Uruguay
I have the G400 with EMG's and an EC1000. Both sound great. EC 1000 has a much more polished feel, not a fan of the off balance headstock to the strap configuration on the SG (moved mine to the horn to help). ESP obviously sounds great. The SG still has a little more of that "mid bark" which isn't necessarily more pleasant to the ear but probably cuts through the mix stronger.
ESP by a long shot. But the SG really didn't sound bad at all, especially for it's price range!! I think it would great for a Kill 'em All kind of tone. Morale of the story is EMG's friggin' kick ass no matter what guitar you stick them in, as you mentioned. Btw that chrome skull looks badass!! hahaha \m/
The EP sounds a bit thinner, but thats like you said, the woods and stuff. But overall. Its a great little guitar with its own sound. Myself I would have both of them for using one to stand out over the other.
Both axes sound totally sick! Love it! But yes, you can hear the differences because the ESP is cut from a thicker slab than the SG. I've got a Glet Tipton Vengeance set (in red) in a metallic blue Schecter Deluxe and it sounds very big and powerful. This is a lightweight, basswood guitar, that cost about the same as the pickup set itself. And it's totally worth it. I've been installing EMGs in pricey and budget axes since 1986 and it's a good way to go. Hammett used to have three EMG single coils in a cheap Fernandez strat in the 80s which he also fitted with a Floyd. The electronics and hardware probably costs four times what that guitar costs of the shelf. If it works it works. That's my only rule, and it's worked for me.
Sound quality equal , the only différance is tones they eventuate the Epipe has growl with sharp highs which for what I would use a SG for is exactly what I want , The LTD has a warm sound with some low gruff and very smooth mellow highs , some like that mellow blended sound in their les pauls , personally I like the Gruff to be a little more pronounced and the highs to ring but those are not sound quality issues they are preferences so the ESP does achieve its goal in having a rounded sound with just enough accentuation on gruff and highs to give it a distinct sound. Good job on both guitars, they sound as they should .
I think those two sounds pretty same with emg's but LP is fatter and SG is thinner sounding like those are normally because LP has more wood and SG less.
Yea the esp did sound a little better. A bit deeper. I have a Epiphone g4oo deluxe pro I was wanting to put a set of the JH EMGs in. Wasn't sure I could fit it all in there but since you did it I will be able to also. Thanks man. The music was killer sounding man. Rock on.
The differences are nearly identical to comparing a SG to a Les Paul with passive pickups. The Les Paul is much fuller sounding and the SG is brighter and in this case a little thin and fizzy sounding. Also those E-IIs are great guitars! Pretty much on par with ESP at a lesser price tag but a notable jump over a LTD.
Hey mate. I have started watching your channel recently. I have always been into solos rather than rhythm guitar cos I have been to lazy work on my downpicking. Since I have started watching your videos, I have decided to properly work on my rhythm. I am 38 and still have time to improve :) Thanks for inspiring me for this. If you have time to continue making videos, please do. Looks like you enjoy doing them, we enjoy watching them. Cheers :)
Both sounded good, but I prefered the Esp, as it sounded clearer and fuller. To me at least. The sg sounded kinda muffled and slightly harsher in comparison.
The ESP has a deeper, fuller, bassier sound esp the palm muted notes. SG sounds lighter and brighter. I swear the difference is more pronounced with the drum track playing. Both sound great and I have a hard time choosing one over the other. Maybe a light edge to the ESP, as I tend to prefer deeper, fuller, bassier guitars.
Very impressive review.... I don't find any bias in this video .. that's why a new subcriber ypu get .. and one more thing that i want to say.. you re a brilliant guitarist...
I have an Epiphone SG G-400 and I've wanted to know how it would sound with active pups but, I think I'll stick with the stock pups, for now. Yeah, the ESP had balls but, how do the stock pickups sound compared to the SG pickups?
The SG is known for it's punchy midrange which is what it's designed for so it's no surprise it's full of midrange. :) You pick this guitar for that specific tone when you don't want a bunch of bottom end.
First of all, I do agree that the two guitars don't sound the same but I wonder if the EMGs in the ESP have metal covers that can alter the sound. The amp is clearly set on the ESP so it 's only natural that it sounds better. If the amp was set on the Epiphone, the ESP would sound like a muddy mess. Finally, I would like to see a test where you would try to match the Epiphone to sound like the ESP by adjusting the amp. I bet that many people that don 't have the money for an ESP would be very interested to know of they can get away with less.
A long time ago, I knew someone who put an EMG in an Epiphone LP Junior. It went from sounding like an amplified tissue box with rubber bands to a tissue box with more feedback. Turns out the EMG couldn't make up for the quality of the materials that made up that child's toy.
How did you put an active emg in the sg. The original pickups are passive. Where did you put the battery. Also don't actives require different pots from passives.
Love your riffs Matt! My dad has an epiphone jazzy looking guitar and I love playing on it sometimes and I also love emgs and I think your esp sounded better to me.
They both sound good, but I did prefer the ESP. And somebody needs to try the ESP toaster thing... This also really makes me want more originals from you. \m/
Big fan man, are you good at playing leads? Or do u prefer to just play crushing rhythm riffs? I’m the same way, studied hetfields down picking style as no one can match it
with a few mods that sg could be a beast. I recently bought an epiphone les paul plus top and with some new pickups and locking tuners it sounds as good as a gibson and still looks stunning imo
The price of the SG is with the stock pickups though. That EMG pickup will cost extra money, whereas the E-II comes standard with EMGs. Of course the SG is still way cheaper than the E-II, but it's something to keep in mind.
The eclipse has even sound. Less treble and rounded bass. The SG sounds thin and pronounced treble. In the mix, both sounds nice, but on isolated track, the SG sounds unpleasant. Anyway, how long do own that eclipse ? Does the black become shiny ?
When a good metal band starts getting big and they get an ESP sponsorship you know the next album is going to sound weak. Just the pattern I've noticed.
the SG sounds thinner because the body is half the thickness of the ESP...also, woods are different, i feel like like the SG would be good for Drop C stuff
I have owned roughly 100 guitars. After going through all of them after 20 years. I have decided an SG standard is all I need. Drop C. Duncan distortion.
I have to say the esp had a brighter warmer kind of tone it was fuller and thicker. The sg had a sort of twang or aluminum can rattling sound to it. It sounds amazing but not as good as that esp. Honestly the price difference km actually kind of impressed. I was expecting a blow out. This just goes to show you with alot of things your paying for a name. I took a epiphone les Paul goth a 400 dollar guitar dropped 600 dollars worth of upgrades in it emg Glenn Tipton set tone pros bridge and tailpiece kluson/Grover keystone tuning machines all the guts replaced everything and it sounds better than my Gibson les Paul that I've kept factory. It also feels better cause I lowered the action and adjusted the truss rod. In this case the esp sounds better but I'd purchase the sg. That's over 2000 usd I'd never pay that for a guitar unless it was a Gibson les Paul.
I know this videos been out for a while but I can attest to hearing the difference. The SG seems that have a bit more high-end to it or sound a little more brittle I guess is the way to put it, but it doesn't sound bad. I think the difference in sound has more to do with the shape of the bodies then it does the woods because if memory serves me correct, both guitars have a mahogany body with mahogany necks, correct?
They both sound good , sg is a bit more like able to play ride the lightning album songs , on the other hand esp is best every type of chug in my opinion
look its the exact same pickup and it sounds different even thru that crazy distortion so then ? that proves absolutely that the guitars with the same pickups and hardware sound different based on construction and wood - for all the guys who swear its all pickups that gives you a sound um …. no -
Sounded a lot like Judas Priest, seems like you've been listening the new album alot lately, great playing by the way and ı think ı like the sg better, more punchy
The sg was just more kick ass. But the esp was just as good the sg had more high end and rumbling lows the esp was more mid rang and fuller on the bottom end.
ESP's play well...but are heavy as fuck...and im a lightweight guitar guy...i got a Jackson KEX with SD Blackouts...why you dont try one set? they are great!!! sound very natural to me
SG sounds brighter and punchier, while ESP sounds fuller. There definitely is a difference between the sounds, so EMG's actually aren't 100% homogenous.
I love the sound of the SG, but I guess that's because I own a Gibson SG x'D I want to put the H4 and the H4a in it, but I need to change the pickup selector too :'(
Another point I wanted to make aswell as the SG standing pretty strong against the ESP , to make an affordable guitar sound better.. JUST STICK SOME EMGS IN IT! Ha ha ha BOOOM!
Sounds like an interesting way to upgreade a cheap guitar. Currently I use a HerleyBenton under the 200$ pricetag. I put some 100$ pickups from Häussel (german brand; handcrafted) in it...
And it definitely don't needs to hide itself behind a 2000$ guitar. I compared it to a handcrafted guitar my father owns. Sure, there are some quality differences, but with the same pickups in both instruments they are on the same level. Same with your guitars. Your video proved the fact, that a guitar of a cheap price can sound better with a nice pickup!
ESP E-II WINS!!! BECAUSE E-II HAS FULLER SOUND WITHOUT THE BACKING TRACK! IF YOU JUST LIKE THE SHAPE OF SG, WELL, YOU CAN CHOOSE ESP LTD BLACK METAL SERIES VIPER 7 STRING GUITAR!!! THAT IS EVEN MORE KILLER THAN SG!!! BUT IT IS WITH JUST 1 BLACK WINTER HUMBUCKER ON THE BRIDGE AND JUST 1 VOLUME KNOB!
BETTER THAN SG!
what is the type of that EMG?
ESP E-II JAPAN RULES!!! Y^_^Y
I preferred the SG. It had a brighter, punchy sound that reminds me of early Metallica and the Far Beyond Driven album from Pantera
Same here. SG sounded crisper, better IMO, but that's just my ears.
if that's what this guitar makes you feel, then damn, its a pretty damn good guitar lol
that was exactly what I thought
I put my EMG 81 in my toaster. It sounded great.
😂
okay boomer.
the ESP sounded more full as expected.. the SG has its own character but the ESP just nails it. Of course the amp plays a HUGE part.
totally yeah! but both sound CHUG!
I would say the ESP was a shade thicker
SG's are not made to have a smooth rounded sound they are soley designed for an aggressive sound whereas Les Paul are going for a more rounded and blended sound , So both guitars do sound as they were designed to . The Gibson SG gave a dirty Growl like a hungry bear and glass shattering highs , Angus Young would be proud , lol and Slash would be proud of the ESP .
this just makes no sense@@phantomlegion4522 . Whats makes them "designed" the way you describe?
Honestly they both sound amazing. I personally like the sg better because it has that old school metal sound, the esp sounded more modern but both were awesome
Finally a comparison video that goes straight to the point and actually has a lot of playing, not just mumbling and crappy playing . Cheers
😈🤟🏻
The SG is a lot brighter sounding, which is not my thing but some other pickup will probably work. I don't like the neck of Epiphone SG-400 (which I own) but really want another SG with the neck not being so *FUCKING* wide!
This pretty much debunks the whole 'EMGs sound the same in every guitar' thing, doesn't it?
it think so
Kawaii Besu i know from experience emgs sound very different in various guitars, do not just stock them in any cheap guitar. Hate them in cheaper ltd:s.
Exactly... it always bothered me when people bash EMGs. I guess this something people say to appear more sophisticated (similar to ppl who say that they prefer cats to dogs because you have to earn their affection 🤮). When I started playing guitar I wanted what Metallica and slayer had because what is good enough for them is certainly good enough for me. And over the years I experienced with vintage PUs incl. Lundgrens, BKP, etc. but to my ears the best sounding and feeling PUs are still EMGs and Seymours. Just saw Crowbar recently and Kirk‘s Töne with his EMGs is face melting.
Yes. I had always heard that. I have an esp with emg's. I had considered an SG since I have small hands. I see now that's a bad move.
Its sound really similar, but the wood, make the guitar sound quite different, between this two guitars the difference is on the cuantities of wood, wich make les paul sound hottest, and make sg sound higher, but the pick ups sound very similar
SG sounds more brighter, so... it's perfect for C standard tuning than ESP lol.
I have the same Epiphone G-400 but in worn red. I got an emg 57 in the bridge and an 81 in the neck. Sounds phenomenal!
ESP without a doubt, just sounded a lot more alive and fuller, but the SG didn`t sound too bad ;-)
Yeah dude! Sg sounds great for its price and a cheap modification
Lmao the Epiphone SG Smoked the ESP
Robin Hansen The SG was clearer and brighter, the ESP was more fuller but less clear.
Epiphone have always had a special place with me. Own two Epiphone guitars: A 1958 Explorer Gothic and a Les Paul LP100. Love them both! Good content man, keep it coming!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻
Both good guitars. But for metal I would 100% choose the ESP the level and volume and feel behind the tone is just better for metal
It seems to me that on the SG the bridge pickup is closer to the bridge, which can be a good reason for the brighter sound.
The weight and wood is a factor, not necessarily tone wood but different body materials can make sound thin and bright or bassy and full. compare Gibson music maker or junior with les Paul studio or Cs almost many cheap les Paul guitars like Ibanez without big maple cap sound thin and weak and sound similar to Sg.
The ESP sounds fuller, more range in the spectrum. The Epi sounds good, but thin and shrill, which is one of the complaints about the EMG 81. The guitar does matter, just barely. My problem with Epi was playability. I love my Ibanez guitars and my ESP. I'm thinking about replacing the stock esp pickups with Deactivators. Any thoughts on those?
you got a heart but no responses, congratulations
I love your channel! I suck big time at downpicking but you inspire me to not quit,I hate to admit it but I might have preferred the sg tonally... Its got a old school midscooped sound to it
Both sound good to my ear. I like the ESP sound a bit more as its more full. On the other hand the SG was pretty good too, nice for some black metal. The SG has this punchy sound which was surprisingly good. But the ESP won this
I got this SG400 Limited edition in snow white color. I love it. I love these EMG pickups. Compare to my Hagström Pat Smear signature.
I have experience with the G400 worn brown. I own a few Fenders, Squiers and Epiphones and I will say that the G400 is an exceptional instrument. It is extremely versatile and obviously sounds great with high gain but just as great with a clean Fender tube amp. The fretwork is better than guitars costing much more and the tuners and bridge are stable for playing in other tunings without actually losing tuning.
I'm growing tired of playing around with Stratocasters bridges and even the finicky saddles on most Telecasters and need versatility in tone as well as stable tunings. The G400 worn gives me all of that, and since I don't need to split a hum bucker to get clean sounds, I prefer the worn version, as well as the fact that its a satin finish and not gloss.
The two Alnico V hum buckers are more than good enough and if you feel the need, you can change out pots and caps and play around with the values to get a clearer tone, especially if you adjust the pickup heights.
My only complaint is that you have to get used to playing the long extended neck, whether sitting or standing, especially if you don't have an extra wide and padded strap. I never let go of the neck, just in case, and it has become a habit now when playing standing up.
I highly recommend the G400 to anyone who is learning or for pro use. With the proper setup and a good set of strings, this guitar sings softly or screams.
Ok, they both sound great to me, but that ESP has such a fuller and deeper tone! I think it's the winner... But then that isn't shocking considering the price points! Still that SG is killer for the price and has such a great iconic look! Rock on Matt!! \m/
Yeah buddy! Both different but still deliver serious chug! Ha ha thanks brother!!
Pan them left and right! The freq response is quite different, the ESP has more bottom and lower-mids but also a more defined high end in my ears but the Epiphone has a nice 80's mid and high-mid range tone to it. The ESP is more satisfying in my ears but in a full band mix it depends what you want to play.
Panos Oikonomopoulos This. They both had different but very usable tones!
Got to agree with Panos here, the ESP had a fuller sound and the Epiphone SG sounded a wee bit "fizzy" to me but still good. For the huge gap in price, an EMG equipped Epiphone SG is a respectable alternative! A good setup, upgraded electrics and a REALLY good amp, you're laughing!
The SG is brighter than the ESP but sounds just as good. Turn the treble knob on the amp down just a little with the SG and I bet they sound the same. With solid bodied guitars 90% of the sound is the pickups, 9% is the pots, and 1% is everything else.
Definitely sound different with the SG had a more scooped in the mids while the ESP had a fuller sound to my semi-trained ears. But what do I know? Im 70 yr old and am restarting learning guitar after many years of not playing!
youtube/google is scaring me. I'm an SG guy who is seriously considering an ESP-II eclipse in the future as my second guitar, once I graduate university and get a stable income, and this is what youtube recommended me. I like it nonetheless.
It's the dimensions of the esp neck for me idk why I just love how it feels
Ive noticed this in a lot of LP vs SG comparisons, regardless of active or passive. The SG generally has a more focussed midrange, and the LP has a fuller tone with more pronounced lowend and high freqs (less mids). Both have the same scale length so my theory is that the body thickness plays a large part in the tonal differences. The SG is substantally thinner than your average LP or singlecut
Pickup location is different on the lp and sg
fuck I love EMG's so much. you can tell tone diference although with a low budget the SG is highly recomendable, wouldn't think it twice. spectacular riff btw, cheers from Uruguay
The high end on the SG would be great for drop tunings. Great video man!
I have the G400 with EMG's and an EC1000.
Both sound great. EC 1000 has a much more polished feel, not a fan of the off balance headstock to the strap configuration on the SG (moved mine to the horn to help).
ESP obviously sounds great. The SG still has a little more of that "mid bark" which isn't necessarily more pleasant to the ear but probably cuts through the mix stronger.
Great !!! Iam glad i have an epi sg400 and didnt have to spend a Lot of money to sound good. Great vídeo by the way .
ESP by a long shot. But the SG really didn't sound bad at all, especially for it's price range!! I think it would great for a Kill 'em All kind of tone. Morale of the story is EMG's friggin' kick ass no matter what guitar you stick them in, as you mentioned. Btw that chrome skull looks badass!! hahaha \m/
Hell Yeah dude!! Ha ha thanks mann!!
The EP sounds a bit thinner, but thats like you said, the woods and stuff. But overall. Its a great little guitar with its own sound. Myself I would have both of them for using one to stand out over the other.
Both axes sound totally sick! Love it! But yes, you can hear the differences because the ESP is cut from a thicker slab than the SG. I've got a Glet Tipton Vengeance set (in red) in a metallic blue Schecter Deluxe and it sounds very big and powerful. This is a lightweight, basswood guitar, that cost about the same as the pickup set itself. And it's totally worth it. I've been installing EMGs in pricey and budget axes since 1986 and it's a good way to go. Hammett used to have three EMG single coils in a cheap Fernandez strat in the 80s which he also fitted with a Floyd. The electronics and hardware probably costs four times what that guitar costs of the shelf. If it works it works. That's my only rule, and it's worked for me.
Sound quality equal , the only différance is tones they eventuate the Epipe has growl with sharp highs which for what I would use a SG for is exactly what I want , The LTD has a warm sound with some low gruff and very smooth mellow highs , some like that mellow blended sound in their les pauls , personally I like the Gruff to be a little more pronounced and the highs to ring but those are not sound quality issues they are preferences so the ESP does achieve its goal in having a rounded sound with just enough accentuation on gruff and highs to give it a distinct sound. Good job on both guitars, they sound as they should .
They both sound great , but I really believe that the sg sounded better , and cost a lot less
SG sounds the best for me
Wooow ! Both guitars wold be nice to have. SG might be even cooler in the mix and eclipse - isolated.
I think those two sounds pretty same with emg's but LP is fatter and SG is thinner sounding like those are normally because LP has more wood and SG less.
Yea the esp did sound a little better. A bit deeper. I have a Epiphone g4oo deluxe pro I was wanting to put a set of the JH EMGs in. Wasn't sure I could fit it all in there but since you did it I will be able to also. Thanks man. The music was killer sounding man. Rock on.
Importantly, which neck do u feel most comfortable to play on?
The differences are nearly identical to comparing a SG to a Les Paul with passive pickups. The Les Paul is much fuller sounding and the SG is brighter and in this case a little thin and fizzy sounding.
Also those E-IIs are great guitars! Pretty much on par with ESP at a lesser price tag but a notable jump over a LTD.
wow it's a really nice review mate! both sounds good
Hey mate. I have started watching your channel recently. I have always been into solos rather than rhythm guitar cos I have been to lazy work on my downpicking. Since I have started watching your videos, I have decided to properly work on my rhythm. I am 38 and still have time to improve :) Thanks for inspiring me for this. If you have time to continue making videos, please do. Looks like you enjoy doing them, we enjoy watching them. Cheers :)
Hey! That’s great to hear! Thank you! I have many more video coming for you all \m/
Both sounded good, but I prefered the Esp, as it sounded clearer and fuller. To me at least. The sg sounded kinda muffled and slightly harsher in comparison.
That E2 sounds bonkers! I have never been a big fan of the SG myself. But it certainly has a characteristic look.
Absolutely mate! I love them both!
Every pickup is different so if you want a realistic comparison you need to use exactly the same one on both guitars.
The ESP has a deeper, fuller, bassier sound esp the palm muted notes. SG sounds lighter and brighter. I swear the difference is more pronounced with the drum track playing. Both sound great and I have a hard time choosing one over the other. Maybe a light edge to the ESP, as I tend to prefer deeper, fuller, bassier guitars.
Very impressive review.... I don't find any bias in this video .. that's why a new subcriber ypu get .. and one more thing that i want to say.. you re a brilliant guitarist...
Very cool thhat riff! Love the tune \m/
Thank you
it's a matter of preference really. Modern hard rock for ESP and classic heavy metal for SG
I think SG has brighter sound?
I have an Epiphone SG G-400 and I've wanted to know how it would sound with active pups but, I think I'll stick with the stock pups, for now. Yeah, the ESP had balls but, how do the stock pickups sound compared to the SG pickups?
The SG is known for it's punchy midrange which is what it's designed for so it's no surprise it's full of midrange. :) You pick this guitar for that specific tone when you don't want a bunch of bottom end.
First of all, I do agree that the two guitars don't sound the same but I wonder if the EMGs in the ESP have metal covers that can alter the sound. The amp is clearly set on the ESP so it 's only natural that it sounds better. If the amp was set on the Epiphone, the ESP would sound like a muddy mess. Finally, I would like to see a test where you would try to match the Epiphone to sound like the ESP by adjusting the amp. I bet that many people that don 't have the money for an ESP would be very interested to know of they can get away with less.
What about comparing both with EMG Het Set in them? OH YEAH???
For me sound better on the sg,now im interesed to make a comparison with diferent construction, set neck,bolt on a neck tru
A long time ago, I knew someone who put an EMG in an Epiphone LP Junior. It went from sounding like an amplified tissue box with rubber bands to a tissue box with more feedback. Turns out the EMG couldn't make up for the quality of the materials that made up that child's toy.
How did you put an active emg in the sg. The original pickups are passive. Where did you put the battery. Also don't actives require different pots from passives.
Ripped everything out and fitted the emg dude
Nice video Matt!
Is that a new skull on the amp, it looks awesome!
Thanks dude! And it sure is my friend
Love your riffs Matt! My dad has an epiphone jazzy looking guitar and I love playing on it sometimes and I also love emgs and I think your esp sounded better to me.
Now one! They both sound great!!
They both sound good, but I did prefer the ESP. And somebody needs to try the ESP toaster thing... This also really makes me want more originals from you. \m/
Already working on the toaster thing ha ha ha cheers mate
Big fan man, are you good at playing leads? Or do u prefer to just play crushing rhythm riffs? I’m the same way, studied hetfields down picking style as no one can match it
ESP for me too 🤘 (but I'm biased as I have a Truckster haha) the SG put up a good fight though. EMGs kick ass!
Ha ha nice one!
with a few mods that sg could be a beast. I recently bought an epiphone les paul plus top and with some new pickups and locking tuners it sounds as good as a gibson and still looks stunning imo
Yeah! Think the next move for me will be locking tuners on it!
What is the song you're playing please ?
The riff you were playing reminds me a Volbeat rifg
The price of the SG is with the stock pickups though. That EMG pickup will cost extra money, whereas the E-II comes standard with EMGs. Of course the SG is still way cheaper than the E-II, but it's something to keep in mind.
Very true but a very inexpensive way to modify it
The stock pick ups in the sg sounded badass aswell ha ha
Totally agree with you. Awesome video! \m/
The eclipse has even sound. Less treble and rounded bass. The SG sounds thin and pronounced treble. In the mix, both sounds nice, but on isolated track, the SG sounds unpleasant.
Anyway, how long do own that eclipse ? Does the black become shiny ?
When a good metal band starts getting big and they get an ESP sponsorship you know the next album is going to sound weak. Just the pattern I've noticed.
To me, The SG sounds warmer, A friend of mine actually has the ESP so i know what i have to do now.
I really prefer the Eclipse. Fuller tone. The SG sounds good but pushing the treble side of the spectrum.
Cool riffing dude
the SG sounds thinner because the body is half the thickness of the ESP...also, woods are different, i feel like like the SG would be good for Drop C stuff
I have owned roughly 100 guitars. After going through all of them after 20 years. I have decided an SG standard is all I need. Drop C. Duncan distortion.
What type of this ESP E II?
Hey, new skull! Looks good
Hell yeah! Thank you!
SG feels very rock, it's like it's being forced to be heard as metal but it doesn't reach to that level.
i swear people make the stupidest faces when playing guitar.
I have to say the esp had a brighter warmer kind of tone it was fuller and thicker. The sg had a sort of twang or aluminum can rattling sound to it. It sounds amazing but not as good as that esp. Honestly the price difference km actually kind of impressed. I was expecting a blow out. This just goes to show you with alot of things your paying for a name. I took a epiphone les Paul goth a 400 dollar guitar dropped 600 dollars worth of upgrades in it emg Glenn Tipton set tone pros bridge and tailpiece kluson/Grover keystone tuning machines all the guts replaced everything and it sounds better than my Gibson les Paul that I've kept factory. It also feels better cause I lowered the action and adjusted the truss rod. In this case the esp sounds better but I'd purchase the sg. That's over 2000 usd I'd never pay that for a guitar unless it was a Gibson les Paul.
Didn't pay much attention to the guitars, just enjoyed the song! \m/
Ha ha nice one
Does he have the same hand tat as Hetfield?
Your Tracks are really tight! cheers!
I think the SG was too treble-y. Definitely preferred the ESP (as expected). Great comparison. \M/
Hey Brother, Just wondering.... same EMG in both?
Yes mate exact same
I know this videos been out for a while but I can attest to hearing the difference. The SG seems that have a bit more high-end to it or sound a little more brittle I guess is the way to put it, but it doesn't sound bad. I think the difference in sound has more to do with the shape of the bodies then it does the woods because if memory serves me correct, both guitars have a mahogany body with mahogany necks, correct?
I don´t get the "problem" - both sounds are just a matter of taste. The rest is physics, not voodoo...
hello dude. great video. what song are you playing it sounds awesome
It’s just a track I put together dude
Matt The Riff Master you wrote it really nice if you had an album i would probably buy it.
Sg is brighter and has more sizzle. Emg sounds more full and round. Sg are a little brighter than les paul style guitars. I love sg.
🤟🏻😈🤟🏻
How thick is the neck on the sg???
They both sound good , sg is a bit more like able to play ride the lightning album songs , on the other hand esp is best every type of chug in my opinion
look its the exact same pickup and it sounds different even thru that crazy distortion so then ? that proves absolutely that the guitars with the same pickups and hardware sound different based on construction and wood - for all the guys who swear its all pickups that gives you a sound um …. no -
Sounded a lot like Judas Priest, seems like you've been listening the new album alot lately, great playing by the way and ı think ı like the sg better, more punchy
Hell yeah! Thanks! Yeah both had different characteristics but both sound great
Very good I like both guitars they both sound badass.I hope you enjoy destruction under attack .
Cheers bro!
Dean Ambrose playing guitar? Rad.
Esp is like a warhammer ..the sg is like a katana
I preferred the sg it sounds cooler than the other one although the other one also sounds cool
i thought they sounded the same with the backing track however without it they sounded different i think that the epiphone sounded better
The sg was just more kick ass. But the esp was just as good the sg had more high end and rumbling lows the esp was more mid rang and fuller on the bottom end.
ESP's play well...but are heavy as fuck...and im a lightweight guitar guy...i got a Jackson KEX with SD Blackouts...why you dont try one set? they are great!!! sound very natural to me
SG sounds brighter and punchier, while ESP sounds fuller. There definitely is a difference between the sounds, so EMG's actually aren't 100% homogenous.
I love the sound of the SG, but I guess that's because I own a Gibson SG x'D I want to put the H4 and the H4a in it, but I need to change the pickup selector too :'(