Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar User Reviews

Submitted June 10, 2008 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Everything you could ask for in a guitar... especially the price"

Overall:

I'm already in the search for a new guitar, but this one will always be held dear to me. I'll never get rid of this guitar, even if everything gets rundown and broken...which isn't likely.

Sound

No matter where I plug this guitar in it sounds amazing. The clean tones are crisp and well-defined, and when you throw distortion into the mix, it's raw and crunchy. I play a lot of hard rock and metal (mostly Metallica), and this guitar really helps me achieve the kind of sound i'm looking for. I really couldn't ask for a better sounding guitar. And at the price, it's just incredible.

Features

When I got this guitar, everything was perfectly set up. I was able to plug it right in and play, and I was really happy with that. The action was set to perfection. One thing I did notice though, is that the screws in the bridge tend to rattle when you're playing. Mine was especially true for the B and high-E strings. But you really can't hear that through the amp so it's easy to work past. All I can say is I wish this had a whammy bar, but that's just personal preference.

Ease of Use

This guitar is so easy to use. Every time I pick it up I'm able to create new and exciting sequences. The harmonics are incredible, and actually quite easy to achieve. You can really do some cool stuff with this guitar.

Quality

This guitar is extrememly reliable and besides the aformentioned looseness of those bridge screws, you can totally depend on it to keep going and going through the years.

Value

You simply can't beat this price. I actually got mine cheaper than its price now. It's truly a price that can't be beat for this quality.

Manufacturer Support

Well, I've never needed support, but knowing Epiphone, it's probably good.

The Wow Factor

Everything about this guitar's appearance is beautiful. It really makes me feel confident when I'm playing in front of people, because I look down at this incredible piece of equipment I have in my hands, and think to myself, "Yeah, that's right, that's MY guitar."

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

Hard Rock/Metal

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Submitted November 26, 2006 by a customer from earthlink.net

"My epiphone special model SG is great because..."

Overall:

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

So far i've had this guitar for about 3 monthes, and i expect to have it for the rest of my life.Of all guitars i compared this one comes out on top it has great sound,color,and price.What I like most about this guitar is its great sound.

Sound

This guitar has sweet sound.It has the same sound of a gibson SG,and is about 800$ less expensive.

Features

This guitar came with no extra accessories.One feature I wish it had was a wammy bar. Ithas 2 humbuckers,tune-o-matic,and rosewood finger board.

Ease of Use

It isn't hard at all to get great sounds from this guitar.It is easy to modify your sound by just using the tone knob.This guitar has a very thin finger board,so it is easy to play.

Quality

This guitar is made well,but has its faults.The finish and fit is very good.The input of the guitar comes loose constantly amnd always has to be tightened.

Value

Yes

The Wow Factor

This guitar has a very simple design to it.Its simple shape makes it easy to play.This guitar comes in black and a deep cherry red.

Musical Background:

active musician

Musical Style:

rock

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Submitted October 18, 2017 by James S in Lawrenceburg, TN

"Epiphone SG Special, Very Nice"

Overall:

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Seems like it's a great low price guitar. Finish is excellent. Neck is straight as an arrow. I haven't played in a while but it's obvious you don't compare this to a PRS or a USA Stratocaster. My only negative comment, is it came with high tension lines for strings. The next day cruise down to music store and got some D'addario 9/42. Now it feels great.

Musical Background:

Played 30-40 years ago for personal entertainment. Also play Native American Flute.

Musical Style:

Play rythem to rock and blues. Learning country next. Play NAF canyon and native music.

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Submitted June 20, 2003 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Epiphone SG Special kicks major rear!"

Overall:

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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.

This is not an in-between guitar. I will never sell it or trade it in. It is a mainstay unit.

Sound

This guitar is awesome. I can't believe it is so cheap! It has great action, great feel, great response... it feels like an extremely well made guitar. The sound is very sharp and held together. The pickups sound far from generic. For the money, this is an awesome value. Make sure you take it to someone who knows how to intonate and set up action. Once that is done, it plays like a million bucks!

Features

This guitar has got just the same features a regular SG would have. All the hardware and electronics are of good quality. Even the selector switch seems reasonably solid for sucj a guitar. The nice way the headstock is inlaid makes the guitar look much more expensive than it is.

Quality

I give this guitar a 7 because I'm comparing it on the entire scale. For the money, it is obviously a 10. The materials are of a mass product type, but are of good quality. Nothing is cheap or breakable. The finish is fantastick for the price, but has minor imperfections throughout. Polished up and from a distance, it shines like a $1000 unit. Up close, you can see the factory imperfections, although there are not that many. It does have a bolt on neck of course. This unit retains it's tuning remarkably well. I can pull it in and out of a soft case and 60% of the time, play it in tune right out of the bag.

Value

This guitar's value as far as I am concerned is 11 or 12. For the price, this is one of those rare gem like finds! Even when it's over priced in remote locations, it's still worth it. (I bought it in Canada in Canadian $)

Manufacturer Support

I have NEVER had to contact Epiphone about a problem with a product, so I would have no idea if they are easy to contact. However, their website always has any information that I am looking for, so that is good.

The Wow Factor

This thing is sexy, no question. The red varnish type finish is what I have, and it is SEEEEXY!

Musical Style:

Rock, metal, punk, and some folky pop-rock stuff.

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Submitted November 17, 2022 by Thomas SALAMONE in Orem, UT

"New Eppie"

Overall:

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

After becoming familiar with the guitar I find it has extreme ease in playing and is very user friendly. The pickup sounds are awesome, too. Being lighter in weight is a big plus, also.

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Submitted June 27, 2015 by Jake Smith in Leesburg, VA

"WOW"

Overall:

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BEST guitar i have ever used. The sound is crisp and clear, it looks beautiful, and it's affordable.

Sound

The sound is great! It goes good with the kinda music I play. I recommend using a fender mustang 1 amp with a foot switch.

Features

I thought the Killpot was amazing with Black Keys and Foo Fighters music. You can make your own little piece of music with a cool stopping point(s)

Ease of Use

Really easy to use, if you know how to play of course.

Quality

The guitar is REALLY well made. It's really reliable. The only thing you need to replace a lot are the strings.

Value

TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Manufacturer Support

I haven't had to deal with epiphone, but they're most likely nice.

The Wow Factor

The killpot is cool.

Musical Background:

3 years, Guitar and bass

Musical Style:

Hard rock, Metal

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Submitted April 2, 2013 by Zach Hayes in Dryden, NY

"Great Value"

Overall:

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To be clear; I got this guitar as a gift, therefor free, a few years ago. This was my first guitar, and after buying a few more for myself and having the chance to play a dozen or so others, this is still one of my favorites. It sounds exactly how it needs to for the kind of music I play (harder/punk rock), and it's lower action makes it perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Musical Background:

I've played guitar for about 3 years, and have started a band with some of my friends.

Musical Style:

Punk and hard rock, mostly. Some slower, lighter acoustic songs as well.

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Submitted April 16, 2014 by Jason S. Stringer in Macon, GA

"Epiphone SG"

Overall:

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This is a great guitar and a wonderful value. The sound is clean and the pick ups sound great for the price. I owned a Gibson SG gothic and this guitar is comparable. The action is awesome and great for all players. I plan on using this guitar for gigs because I have to have different guitars tuned differently for some songs. I love this axe.

Musical Style:

Metal, Rock, Gospel

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Submitted January 6, 2024 by Matt G in Mt Washington, KY

"Blew my mind."

Overall:

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

Super fast shipping! The axe itself is a true beauty. Looks so much better in person than in pictures. I fell in love with it immediately after tuning it up. The pickups...OUTSTANDING! Epiphone uses great ceramic pickups in their lower end guitars anyway but these sound amazing. The KillPot is pretty sweet. Really glad zZounds had this one in stock.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist/Experimentalist

Musical Style:

Any kind that my ears tell me "Hey. Try that."

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Submitted December 29, 2004 by a customer from yahoo.com

"SG for Sexy Guitar"

Overall:

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Its the best for this much money but u may find something better give or take a hundred dollars.

Sound

I just got this guitar with all the factory parts no upgrades, took it to my friends house a few times who owns a 650 dollar guitar or somehting like that, and he kept asking to see mine. The sound is as good as you can get with 150 dollar.

Features

The guitar has only two knobs: volume and tone. Volume is volume but the tone knob has a very drastic difference between 0 and 10. I got the players pack cuz I play accoustic and just am geting started with my own electric. overall features arent the best I've see.

Quality

I read about people complaining cuz their SG broke cuz their strap broke. Your idiots. Its not the guitars fault you jump around trying to be punk with a crappy strap. mines had some hits and there isnt a mark on it. However I'm sure it couldnt take a big drop such as the one mentioned above without getting banged up.

Value

best for this much money

Manufacturer Support

groovey

The Wow Factor

This guitar is hot. U can easily reach the all 22 frets. The paint job is hot. Not pick guard so when it gets thrashed people can see u rock. solid. just a beautiful guitar.

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

Everything. Except for Pop and rap

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Submitted May 24, 2015 by david c in saint petersburg, FL

"my first electric"

Overall:

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I was really impressed with this guitar. a great value for the price.Sound is great, the action is smooth, good weight. My friend with experience was really surprised at how well it plays

Musical Background:

beginner

Musical Style:

rock,blues reggee

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Submitted May 2, 2004 by a customer from adelphia.net

"Love it!"

Overall:

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Awhile, unless I got real good and wanted to buy like a V Faded or something from Gibson.

Sound

Its awesome, its like you can play all the way from blues and jazz to metal and punk.

Features

No accessories, but the humbuckers make it awesome.

Quality

Made well, it gets dirty easy, but a polish cloth gets it off easy to.

Value

It was good, i had to save a while though, my allowance being 10 bucks a month.

Manufacturer Support

Real easy to reach, just called em up.

The Wow Factor

It looks awesome, the devil. If I were a guitar it would turn me on.

Musical Style:

Rock

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Submitted January 8, 2007 by a customer from ameritech.net

"This guitar is fricking sweet!!!!!!"

Overall:

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I love this guitar and it will be a wile before i get a new one.

Sound

The sound quality might not be as nice as the G-310 or the G-400 but it is creazy how good the sound is for the money.

Features

There is a lot of features on this guitar for the money but the only thing is it doesnt have a pick guard.

Ease of Use

this is a great beginers guitar perfect for people that dont know mutch about guitars.

Quality

This guitar is built like a rock i have had this guitar for almost 2 years and its still like new.

Value

THE BEST VALUE FOR AN SG STYAL GUITAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Manufacturer Support

I wouldent know because i havent had any problems with it but i would think it would be good.

The Wow Factor

This guitar is very nice looking for its price.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist

Musical Style:

metal and alternative

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Submitted January 25, 2016 by Jeff Hayford in Center Ossipee, NH

"Another Sweet Ax From Revitalized Epiphone! "

Overall:

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

Epi's recent, new directions along with extensive upgrades overseas and in Nashville show clearly in all their latest guitars. This affordable SG, serve's as a great backup/second stage guitar, the pickups are really hot, neck is sweet. Needed very little adjustment from the box to stage! Rock On Epi!

Musical Background:

Veteran Singer/Songwriter, Successful Independent Artist, Season Player

Musical Style:

Classic Rock, Blues, Rock, Folk-Rock

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Submitted April 16, 2013 by Stacey Brown in Carmi, IL

"Oh my!!! What a pleasant surprise!!!"

Overall:

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I have to say that I have never been more pleasantly surprised when I have opened up a box with a new guitar in it. I hope thos doesn't upset anyone who has bought one of these guitars in the past and received one that looked like the one pictured on the website and had the same features as described. I'll explain. I was expecting a guitar exactly as picturwd and described on this website but that sure isn't what I got. My guitar has a finish like the G400 but not worn looking and it also has a pickguard that is the same style as the G400. But the surprises didn't stop there. Oh no, not by a long shot. This absolutely gorgeous guitar was packing another very very cool surprise. The tone pot is also a kill switch!!! That's right. This bad boy actually has a kill switch. You just press it down and bam, you can play like Bucket Head!!! How cool is that? Now don't hate if you got the plain one. I'm sure it's a great guitar too. It's just not as beautiful as mine and doesn't have that extra coolness factor that the kill switch gives it. I don't know why they aren't shown and described like mine unless some folks are still getting the one shown and I just got really lucky or what but I still haven't stopped smiling. Now for the review of the guitar. It rocks!!! The fit and finish are awesome. Couldn't find a flaw anywhere. I had a fret buzz with my low E but a couple of minor adjustments took care of that really quickly and easily. The setup was really good. Intonation was darn near spot on. I figure it just got knocked a little off during shipping. Can't be helped and is actually to be expected. The electronics are better than most guitars at this price point. The pickups are nice and beefy sounding but clean up pretty good when you need em to. You can play everything with this axe. It goes crom country to metal without a hitch. I'm not really in love with the tuning machines. They leave room for improvement but for this price they are better than you would expect. I'm still going to replace them. Gonna swap out the pups for some SD HOT RODDED HUMBUCKERS too. The stock ones are good but not SD good. String change goes without saying. Even with its minor shortcomings this is one hell of a guitar for the money. There's really nothing to legitimately complain about considering what you get for your money. It's a fantastic buy and I am thrilled with it. Especially since I feel like I got the BBD with the axe that I got. I still can't get over how beautiful it is. It looks like a $500 guitar at the very minimum. A tuning machine change and a pup swap and it's going to play like a $500 guitar. I really can't recommend this guitar enough. Just cross your fingers and hope you get the extra super cool version anx not the one shown on the website because the difference is nigbt and day as far as appearance and when you throw in the kill switch it's like Christmas when you aren't expecting it. So if you're thinking about buying one of these guitars just do it. Maybe call Zzounds to verify which version you are getting and tell em you want the bada$$ version just in case they are still shipping the plain one on some orders. Trust me, you want the newer version!!! It's one very very nice guitar. I really don't see how they can sell such a nice guitar for $169. I could probably turn right around and sell it for double that price in stock condition to someone who doesn't shop online. It's that nice!!! Grab one before they come to their senses and start selling these babies for what they should cost which is a lot more than they are going for now.

Musical Background:

Been playing guitar as a hobby for 15 years.

Musical Style:

Rock, metal, southern rock/country and pretty much whatever I feel like playing. I just love making music. If it sounds good t

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Submitted February 19, 2014 by Andrew P in Corsicana, TX

"Get one....you won't be sorry!"

Overall:

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I bought my Epiphone SG Special back in 2008, I think, for $149. Although not a beginner, cost was a major factor, since I play mainly as a hobby. However, I have no doubt this guitar could hold it's own with constant use. My other guitar is a 1970's Ibanez pre-lawsuit Les Paul model set up like Billy F Gibbon's Pearly Gates. The Epiphone hangs right in there with tons of tone and good pickup response when played through a Fender tube amp depending on the sound you're after. I was drawn to the SG Special because of it's simple classic design and shape; similar to Angus Young's SG as well as Epiphones good reputation. The availability of parts/upgrades is also a plus. If I ever need antything I can get Epiphone parts or use Gibson. When it arrived, I checked it out, tuned it up, plugged in and away we went. No problems at all; had to make minor adjustments here and there over time, but that's expected. Probably sounds lame, but with regular care and maintenance, I'm still using the original strings. They still sound great, no breaks, so why not? Over thetime I've had it, I've enjoyed it a lot. There may be "better" guitars out there, according to some, but that's all relative to what you're going to do with it. Truthfully, I think technology has advanced to the point where even crappy guitars can be made to sound good if you have the right amp set up or replace parts with better ones. Again its all relative... As far as the Epiphone SG Special goes, get one, you won't be sorry.

Musical Background:

Playing guitar almost 30 yrs; mainly a hobby, but ocassionally to jam with friends.

Musical Style:

I've been hooked on blues since I was 14: Billy F. Gibbons, Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, Elmore James, Muddy Waters. I've been w

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Submitted January 11, 2009 by a customer from aol.com

"Great value and product"

Overall:

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Awesome guitar

Sound

The sound is truly great, especially when accompied by a nice amp, i use a Marshall Half stack

Features

Pretty good, 2 humbuckers, 1 volume, 1 tone, and 1 bass-treble switch. The nut is really good, the strings wont be popping out on this guitar

Ease of Use

Pretty easy to set up, has lots of different sound possibilties

Quality

The only complaint is that the nut on the input sometimes comes out if this happens to you, open the back and screw it back in also use some nut glue, it keeps it in place. Other then that everything is ship-shape.

Value

Ive look all over, and couldnt find a better price. Especially with the free shipping

Manufacturer Support

Im gonna give it a 10, because i havnt had to deal with the company for any problems

The Wow Factor

Not as great as a real Gibson SG, but since those are so expensive, this is a nice value, and looks sexy in black

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

Metal

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Submitted January 10, 2010 by a customer from myspace.com

"1 Kickass guitar"

Overall:

(see rating details)

The way this guitar is built it will probably last 5 years at least and when it wears down I'll buy another one. It definatly kicks the crap out of comparable squires and LP knockoffs. I love how diverse this thing is it just doesnt stay in tune.

Sound

The sound on this guitar is good, not the best but its very diverse, I could play jazz would it than turn up the distortion and play thrash metal.

Features

It was decently equiped for the price, 2 humbuckers, a 3 way toggle and a volume knob and a tone knob, but another set of knobs and a pickguard wouldnt hurt.

Ease of Use

This guitar has 2 cutaways so its extremely easy to get to all 22 frets but it doesnt stay in tune very well.

Quality

The quality for the price is amazing as the hardware was pretty good (not the best but not bad) and it sounds great. Really the only things wrong with it is a dent in the back a little smaller that an eraser on a pencil and the neck wore down a little faster then I thought. But it still feels great.

Value

There are $350-$400 guitars that dont sound as good

Manufacturer Support

I have never had any trouble with the guitar but if I did all the info I need is on the website.

The Wow Factor

Who doesn't like an sg?

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

anything from classical to prog metal

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Submitted September 10, 2007 by a customer from gmail.com

"Worth the money to play till I get more money. :D"

Overall:

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Worthwhile investment, until I can afford a better one.

Sound

Considering it's $150 it's a terrific sound...but because it's an SG I'd expect a whole lot better. The intonation constantly needs readjustment and the action is...let's just say inconsistent. When I've got it all set up the way it needs to be, though, it purrs.

Features

Again, it's $150. Consider the Squier strat, priced the same. This SG's pickups, bridge, machine heads...they're all better.

Ease of Use

It's an SG. 'nuff said. It might have gotten a ten but there are certain things I have trouble with, usually as a result of the intonation problems (harmonics are inconsistent, pinch harmonics can prove almost impossible).

Quality

Sometimes the input comes loose, and the hardware isn't top of the line, but it works. Well. You could drop this thing from your roof and tune it back up and it would probably still rock out.

Value

Easily answered. This is a guitar probably worth 200-250 to any other company--not to mention the fact you're actually buying an SG for this amount, which is unheard of. Worth it.

Manufacturer Support

I have no idea.

The Wow Factor

Reason I got this over other, similarly priced (and some better quality) guitars is that it's an SG. Who doesn't love the SG?

Musical Background:

Hobbyist

Musical Style:

Various Alternative and Rock

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Submitted September 13, 2006 by a customer from student.ccm.edu

"GREAT BUY"

Overall:

(see rating details)

This is my main guitar and it will be for years to come

Sound

It sounds great for the price but obviously its not a gibson

Features

The parts it has are good quality again for the price, but it could use a second volume and tone control, and a pickguard would be nice

Ease of Use

It sounds real nice could be a little cleaner but het its $150

Quality

The best quality Ive seen on a guitar of this price

Value

This really is the best guitar you can get for $150 and its not just a starter guitar

Manufacturer Support

I havent dealt with Epiphone for this guitar but I have for my Dot and they were great

The Wow Factor

I personally think the SG is the best looking guitar in the world

Musical Background:

Active musician

Musical Style:

indie rock

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Submitted January 23, 2004 by a customer from aol.com

"Epiphone SG Special Edition, Great Guitar, Great Price, Great Value."

Overall:

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

A good guitar for a great price. This is a guitar that I would recommend to any beginner. For anyone who has a better guitar, I would recommend this to use for practicing with. This is not a bad guitar at all.

Sound

For 150-250 dollars, it has a great sound. Of course it doesnt sound exactly like a $1000+ Gibson SG, but for the value, it doesn't really matter how different the guitars are. The humbuckers are also pretty good tone-wise.

Features

The only real problem I have with this guitar is the features on it are pretty stripped down. Again, its cheap.

Quality

If you can expect one good thing from Gibson/Epiphone every time, it's the quality. The lifetime warranty doesnt hurt either.

Value

A good guitar at a very low price. Is that value for you?

Manufacturer Support

Again, only expect the best from Gibson/Epiphone.

The Wow Factor

I dunno about sex appeal for this guitar, but when i knew it was in backorder, i almost cried. Lol. Anyway, a reliable guitar at a great deal. What don't you want?

Musical Style:

Alternative, Rock, Blues, whatever I feel like experimenting with.

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Submitted December 14, 2004 by a customer from hotmail.com

"The Epiphone SG Special. Inexpensive, but still amazing axe!"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Atleast 2-3 years.

Sound

Boss Pedal-Metal Zone MT-2 works great. Also, the Spider II 15 watt amp with INSANE setting sounds very cool.

Quality

Very durable guitar. If banged, paint will chip but never gets cracked unless you break it on purpose. Unfortunately, needs to be polished and waxed often because fingerprints show up very easily on both colors.

The Wow Factor

Love it. looks amazing. but if you've got the extra cash spring for the epiphone G-400. The pickguard makes it look that much cooler.

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

Rock/Metal

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Submitted August 18, 2009 by a customer from yahoo.com

"A good little starter guitar"

Overall:

(see rating details)

I now use it as a backup guitar. Hoping to get a Gibson SG Gothic in the future to replace it.

Sound

The sound is okay, mine does have some fade. Its good for the price. Better than a crappy Ibanez which is the same price.

Features

features were okay, only two knobs. One of the knobs cracked and fell off shortly after I got it. But hey it was only 150 dollars.

Ease of Use

Relatively easy to use and handle. The SG shape is easy to get around.

Quality

The plug/nut comes loose and needs to be screwed in over and over again. I should just glue it in place. The tuners seem to hold the strings in tune but feel a little "squishy." Two of the strings have a buzz. I felt kind of turned off of Epiphone after getting a double coil Korean fender (better quality). I will still invest in an Epiphone bass, so I haven't lost all faith in them. The SG was a good little guitar to start with though.

Value

For the low price its not a bad buy, especially if your just staring out.

Manufacturer Support

Never dealt with them, but knowing Epiphone it would probably be good.

The Wow Factor

the only reason I rated this a seven instead of an 8 or 9 is that this SG has no pick guard. I think they look really awful without a pick guard. I tried to remedy this by buying a pick guard but the SG pick guard I ordered would not fit.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist

Musical Style:

deathmetal, folk.

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Submitted February 7, 2008 by a customer from aol.com

"My 1st Guitar, and I love it"

Overall:

(see rating details)

When I learn to play real good (If ever, lol) then I might get a different kind. But i see no reason to need another type now. This guitar is capable of doing everything I am capable of doing and much much more.

Sound

This is my first guitar (well, i did have a $30 acoustic from a pawn shop), I got it for christmas. And being that I'm just learning to play, It's all I could ask for. Epecially for the price. I love the sound whether your playing with your amp on clean or distortion. the only thing is that the tone nob is like you have to either have it turned all the way up or down to be able to tell the difference.

Features

I like it the way it is. I wish the tone nob was more responsive, and maybe if it had a single pickup between the two humbuckers. But you can't beat this guitar for the price

Ease of Use

I'm using it to learn to play and It is very easy I love it

Quality

very dependable

Musical Background:

Just learning

Musical Style:

Rock, Country, whatever I can learn

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Submitted November 4, 2008 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Great starter guitar with lots of value and potential"

Overall:

(see rating details)

I will be satisfied forever because I am keeping it for that long, but I plan to get a Gibson les Paul studio in the next few years. Maybe with another amp it will have the sound i hope it can achieve. I have played this guitar at gigs and apart the lack of tuning it held up with me and u can say I am a bit rough with :p. so it should hold up for the common player.

Sound

When I first wsa interested in buying a guitar, I entered the closest guitar shop with only one thing in mind. I wanted the Angus Young sound. When the salesman showed me this guitar, he plugged it through a 100W marshall Combo Amp and started playing you shook me all night long I was sold. However when I got my Line 6 spider III at for Christmas, I realized that it did not sound like in the store at all. I lacked sustain, dynamics and the renown tone an SG should have. Throughout a year I have tried ajusting the setting of the amp, changed the strings and was still un statisfied with the sound, especially the sustain. A buddy of mine was changing the pick ups of his Godin LGX-T to put in EMGs and offered the them to me for $20. Why not. $40 dollars later, my pups are installed and the guitar sounds a lot better, especially with D'addario strings. It's still not the sound I am looking for, because it is muddy when played clean and still lacks a bit of sustain but the tone is great and clear with any kind of distortion or overdrive. For a total of $60, you can have a great sounding guitar if you can get a good deal on pups. If not, invest in some seymour duncan alnicos, no regrets about that either. With the new pups, the sound I rate it at 8.5

Features

The guitar features two simple open coil humbuckers, rosewood neck, maple and alder body with a stopbar. Pretty basic but effective for beginners, When I bought it, they only included twelve picks and I had to buy my own gigbag.

Ease of Use

Very easy to use, pretty much tune and play but the action and neck was off on mine so i had it adjusted free of charge when i changed my strings for the first time, with that there is no buzzing from any of the fretts and hammer-on/pull offs are a breeze as well as harmonics. Changing the strings is a breeze as well.

Quality

Quality is an issue with this guitar, as u can see i had to make a few adjustments to make it work me. another issue I have is with the three way selector switch that sometimes cuts the sound when changing it in mid song, you kind of have to wiggle it to get it back in but again, i had this adjusted and I have had no problems with it over a year and a half. The issue I have not yet tended to are the tuner heads, although they are easy to use and feel sturdy, the do not work for more then 5-7 mins, especially the G string as well as the A string, no matter if you are conservative with the bends and u use quality strings they just don't work well. I am looking to buy Grover machine heads soon. After that mod, then it is all set and I am happy.

Value

the value is great for this price ranger, best starter guitar I played, and I have played many ranging from Squiers, to Ibanez and Yamahas. You can do a lot to this guitar and have a guitar that sounds and plays like a $2,000 for about $500 you just need to know what you want out of this guitar and be willing to go through the trouble to modify it.

Manufacturer Support

I am putting a five because I have never had to use it.

The Wow Factor

A lot of people think i paid a fortune for this guitar. I think I have one of the rare few SG that has the Honeyburst finish with gold accents and it looks like a rich guitar, the finish still shines under any kind of light. it looks great.

Musical Background:

Active musician

Musical Style:

Classic rock, country, Gothic rock

1 of 3 people (33%) people found this review helpful. Did you?

Submitted October 23, 2004 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Corners the 'budget' market."

Overall:

(see rating details)

This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.

The bottom line is - if you are on a budget, and need a good, noisy guitar that will get you any sounds you want, then look no further. As I said, you will struggle to find a better guitar than this for anything less than $250.

Sound

Can't complain - it does a good job, and is certainly a versatile puppy - would work with everything from pop-rock to death-metal given the right effects.

Features

Meh, it's ok - everything's there that should be, but a couple of little extras would have been nice - ah well.

Quality

It's not broken yet - and therefore I can't complain - although I would worry slightly if I dropped it - it does feel a touch fragile at times.

Value

You won't find another guitar of this quality within $50 of this price. An absolute steal.

Manufacturer Support

Haven't had to, and for that I am thankful.

The Wow Factor

I knew I wanted it the minute I saw it. It is quite simply a gorgeous guitar.

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

Emo/punk

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Submitted November 15, 2003 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Get everything you need, but No frills."

Overall:

(see rating details)

If the neck ever warps (A problem in low end production due to lack quality control on wood selection) I will replace it. This won't cost much, and because the thing cost me so little, it would make it justified.

Sound

Clean Sound. Bass sounds clear, treb sounds distorted.

Features

It's an SG. What features?

Quality

Got it used, and there wasn't a scratch on it. Wood by its very nature has flaws, but there is nothing on the guitar that takes away from the look of it.

The Wow Factor

Thing looks evil in a picture, but in your hands it looks almost satanic. For anyone who loves rock, this thing feels rebelious.

Musical Style:

Rock

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Submitted December 27, 2006 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Beginner Guitar!"

Overall:

(see rating details)

I guess it's an alright guitar, I would suggest it for ALL newbies to the guitar world though. It has one volume knob, one tone knob, to make life easier for those newbies to find tones they're looking for. The nonpickguard is just horid, I REALLY like SGs with pickguards.

Sound

Pretty good, I can get a slightly accurate AC/DC tone from the guitar, I can get a few different tones..

Features

Two knobs, no pickguard, no crystal like emblem on the headstock, not cool! I really thought this SG was really ugly, compared to all the other sgs, I mean an epiphone with two knobs, no cool crystal stuff, disappointed.

Ease of Use

The guitar is REALLY easy to play with, the neck was really easy to do slides on, solos, etc.

Quality

This guitar is pretty high quality, the pickups were perfectly good, the stopbar was tight in and proper, the knobs qwere tight, the tuner keys were tight on too, damn good!

Value

An SG at a price of 149$?! I was SHOCKED, STUNNED. Now that I have a Epiphone G-400, i'd say that the SG Special is totally worth its price, although if you were going to get experienced at guitars & guitar playing quick, get a g-400. The SG Special is REALLY CHEAP!

Manufacturer Support

N/A

The Wow Factor

Not that appealing, but does look pretty good if it was in the Ebony colour, other than that, I wasn't that attracted to it since there was realyl sexy wood SGs all surounding it.

Musical Background:

Experienced Guitarist

Musical Style:

Classic Rock, Oldies

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by a customer from aol.com

"the sg, a good investment worth time and money"

Overall:

(see rating details)

yeah its worth it get this guitar for your beginner DONT GET THE SQUIRE

Sound

Its cool. My first guitar. Dont expect it to be a Les Paul or something. Im playing it through a 15 watt amp and distortion is kinda murky and muddy but hey it still sounds good. Not the clearest ever without distortion. This is kinda weird but it sounds real cool playing blues stuff. I guess its expressive. so i got my complaint about ditsortion and heres another one: it only has two humbuckers so your choices are both(the best), treble(horrible), and rythem (decent) i thought of something else--the tone thing sucks. the only good setting is around 5 and a half.

Features

pshhhhhh features? this thing has two humbuckers and a 2 way switch and a volume control and a crappy tone control that buzzes when you adjust it. no bells and whistles here folks.

Quality

hasnt busted but i dont beat people with it so i guess its good

Value

BETTER THAN THE SQUIRE STRAT! DONT GET THAT! THE SG SOUNDS A 1000000 TIMES BETTER. GET THE SG GET THE SG GIVE ME A HOT DOG GET THE SG

Manufacturer Support

dunno havent called

The Wow Factor

yeah this thing will get girls to chase you. at least mine will. its bright red and it looks like it has devil horns. look out this thing looks completely awesome

Musical Style:

anything with a guitar

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Submitted August 1, 2008 by a customer from yahoo.com

"good for the price!"

Overall:

(see rating details)

i have had this guitar for 9 months and it has done me good but its time is closing down. i am curently looking at a new true gibson sg. a price jump from $169 to $2309.

Sound

the sound is great for what i play. i do alot of low distortion high volume playing so its great for me. i do have some trouble with the low e string. it is allways much more gainy than the other strings even when i turn the gain as low as it can go on my marshal.

Features

not alot here. but for that price you shouldent expect alot. it only has one volume control and one bass control. i found that the volume control does turn it up or down but it also kills distortion. i never even use the bass knob. i dont want or need more base so i dont use it. i just keep it at full which is none or little bass.

Ease of Use

it is very easy to use it comes fully set up but out of tune. one thing i always run into is the nut to hold the jack in. if you accidentally bump it or streach the chord it might come loose or fall off. you can ussually twist it back in if the jack port hasnt fallen inside the guitar. if this happens you must unscrew the back plate off and put it back on.

Quality

it comes all assembled so no problem there but the worst part has to be the jack port. i dont thing this is a road guitar at all. this is meant to learn guitar on it but nothing more. to me ive had this guitar for 9 months and its held up well. i am allready looking at another guitar to replace this one. after 9 months of playing about an hour a day there are minor fretwear issues in the appearance but this so far hasnt effected the sound or playability. i think this guitar should last no more than 2 years. if you still have it by then its time to move on to something else.

Value

yes for what you get it is definatly worth it.

Manufacturer Support

i have never had to deal with the manufactuer. i have never had repairs services or upgrades.

The Wow Factor

its not the best looking guitar ive seen but for this price its a guitar not a chick magnet.

Musical Background:

play to learn songs/band

Musical Style:

rock, classic rock, hard rock, light metal

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Submitted February 17, 2006 by a customer from comcast.net

"GO FOR THIS ONE MAN, GET A MARSHALL AMP WHILE YOUR AT IT!"

Overall:

(see rating details)

great

Sound

This guitar is rad! ive had it for about a year with my marshall half stack and it is so good for its price. now its not as good at my gibson version of course but its good for only 150 bucks, if you want something better for the gibson.

Features

The components are great for the price. You get what you deserve for the price.

Ease of Use

great

Quality

great

Value

great

Manufacturer Support

great

The Wow Factor

good

Musical Background:

17 years of playing

Musical Style:

rock, classical

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Submitted February 13, 2008 by a customer from SUDDENLINK.NET

"HOT DEPENDABLE PERFORMANCE AT AN ECONOMICAL PRICE!"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Never, I do not plan of giving up my SG!

Sound

My name is Brad Lanier. Im a 25 yr pro. guitar player and I still love the SG! I love the rich, meaty crunch. I play a lot of high energy bluesey rock, the sg fits right in. The deep rich sound response fits my signature sound.I definately would recomend this guitar to the starter guitarist and to any pro.I blow my SG through the latest VOX digitube combo amp and hello to all the hamonics and feedback you disire! I read others negative comments on the action and can only guess it just was not set up properly, the SG I own has the best action of all my guitars. If your unsatisfied with your SG, take it to your local guitar tech and have the harmonics and action set. It will be well worth the small fee. Keep Rockin! Brad Lanier of "audiopath".

Features

As soon as you purchase your SG, get a strap lock kit, there usually about 20 bucks or less and its well worth the small investment. While playing lead, sustain a note and rapidly switch your togle switch back and forth. It takes a little practice but you will love the effect (usually used at the end of a song, or during a guitar solo)This is a rock solid guitar and will satisfy any true players form.

Ease of Use

You can push this guitar through any amp you choose but I belive with the double hums. its highly intended for major rockin! Marshall, Vox, Mesa Boogie etc.

Quality

For you pros. you know this is a guitar you can count on so you can enjoy focusing on your music.

Value

This is one of the best guitars you can own for the modest price!

Manufacturer Support

Never needed support!

The Wow Factor

The SG is HOT!

Musical Background:

PRO. MUSICIAN, WRITER, DIRECTOR

Musical Style:

ROCK, BLUES,

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Submitted November 6, 2004 by a customer from adelphia.com

"I guess you get what you pay for"

Overall:

(see rating details)

bad quality guitar for very very beginners only !!!!!!

Sound

junky pickups, laminated body for bad tone, really bad tuners

Features

junky pickups, laminated body for bad tone, really bad tuners

Quality

no real quality parts just run of the mill economy parts

Manufacturer Support

gibson/epiphone always great with service they can answer any question you have about the instrument

The Wow Factor

traditional body design good for comfort bad neck laquered not a fast neck by any means

Musical Background:

I breathe guitar

Musical Style:

classic rock

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Submitted December 21, 2006 by a customer from yahoo.com

"Well..."

Overall:

(see rating details)

Once again, not worth the price.

Sound

When i first got the guitar, i had been playing for maybe a year...and i loved it, but once i became more experienced, and the guitar got older, the pickups started shorting out, other than that, i guess it wasn't too bad

Features

once again, it's getting a 5. The greatest feature of this thing was probably the neck on mine was quick, which surprised me.

Ease of Use

The guitar isn't that heavy, but its not super light at all. The neck on mine was fairly quick, just not like the Jackson I now own. But its not too bad to play

Quality

The wood on mine caved in around the jack and the pickups. After about 6 months, the lower horn started cracking and eventually fell off.

Value

It wasn't really worth the cash.

Manufacturer Support

Epiphone was very nice and offered to send me a replacement.

The Wow Factor

I thought the guitar was total crap once i got better.

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

Metal,punk

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Submitted July 18, 2005 by a customer from aol.com

"peace of junk"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

epiphone you screwed up.

Sound

suonds like finger nails on a chalk board. or my dog taking a dump what ever you prefer.

Features

It has two feaking nobs.

Quality

it broke while i was playing it.

Value

you should have payed me to use it.

Manufacturer Support

as suportive as your moms jock strap.

The Wow Factor

makes me limp.

Musical Background:

trumpet player

Musical Style:

salsa

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Submitted August 3, 2010

"REALLY F--KING AWESOME!"

Overall:

(see rating details)

AMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAAMAZIAMAAMAZINGZINGNGMAZING JUST AMAZING!

Sound

This guitar is f--king AMAZING! Nothing is better then those humbuckers ,they are awesome. cra-Z for such a low price I luv dis SG more than my Les Paul and Telecaster so BUY IT! as i said i'ts f--king AMAZING!

Features

It didn't come w/ accessories but with the right amp it's sound is perfect the vox amplug metal sounds lik AC/DC it is SICK!

Ease of Use

Kinda hard to get a clean sound i'ts kinda off tune some times but Great after you get the right sound one KICK A-- guitar

Quality

It has never let me down it's light and easy 4 traveling so i use it alot the only problom is getting it in tune but overall i luv it

Value

it is worth way more than the money so stop reading dis review and BUY IT!

Musical Background:

Hobbyist,

Musical Style:

Rock,

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Submitted October 3, 2008

"good 1st guitar"

Overall:

(see rating details)

not the bast but it works

Sound

its not the best but its good for what i use it for

Features

i got it used from a friend but i did get the emp for it

Ease of Use

i like it im no where neir close to being really good at plaing

Quality

kick ass

Value

its good for a streter

Manufacturer Support

never had to use it

The Wow Factor

its really good

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Submitted August 1, 2007

"Whatever"

Overall:

(see rating details)

I can't see this guitar with me for a while than after that I'll just sell it and probaly try to find a new with a better sex appeal

Sound

It gives out an ok sound

Features

Yeah it needs a pick guard and EMG pickups

Ease of Use

You knwo this guitar is great fro beginers and its real simpl but after that you'll just want to sell it

Quality

its ok

Value

its cheap right

The Wow Factor

this guitar got lucky I didn't rate it a one

Musical Background:

Intermediate Musician

Musical Style:

Metal

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Submitted July 5, 2006 by a customer from msn.com

"ive paid more 4 a mobile! suprisingly satisfiying"

Overall:

(see rating details)

if you are... 1) looking for a guitar that wont empty your bank 2) want quality worth much more than its worth 3) just want to play guitar happily and simply want to play... this guitar is the 1 4 u!

Sound

the sound is pretty good for the price, buy good strings for it though, i use hybrids, really helps!

Features

Pretty simple, but for what is there , its good!

Ease of Use

very easy to use, tuing and playing is great. never had problems.

Quality

great! ive had it for two years, you cant even tell, and i havt been treating it like egg shells either! what you would expect from epiphone.

Value

very good value, just because the list price is low, the standards arent, this is a wise choice for begginers who want quality.

Manufacturer Support

no problems, never needed to deal with them

The Wow Factor

to be honest, the looks aren't mouthwatering, but there are much worse looking SG's out there!

Musical Background:

hobbyist

Musical Style:

rock

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Submitted July 16, 2005

"not worth the epiphone name"

Overall:

(see rating details)

it sounds ok but looks bad.

Sound

sounds ok.

Features

dosnt even have a pick guard.looks bad.

Quality

has very bad pant job.

Value

good price but only worth what your paying for it.

Manufacturer Support

epiphones are great guitars but this is a dud.

The Wow Factor

looks bad.

1 of 3 people (33%) people found this review helpful. Did you?

Submitted February 13, 2005

Epiphone SG Special Customer Review

Overall:

(see rating details)

Sound

the package needs a better amp.

Features

it has good color, and the crome is nice.

Did you find this review helpful?

Submitted January 15, 2005

Epiphone SG Special Customer Review

Overall:

(see rating details)

for the price i paid (4 years ago ,) $220 i was ripped off the features are rather limited, if you want a cheep guitar to mess around on that doesnt look like a squier and youre not really serious about playing i guess it's ok but i would have saved the money for the SG400 it kicks the sh!t 2 times as much

Sound

decent pickups but not that much variation just vol & tone sounds warm but clean like a gibson but not quite

Features

well there is only one vol & one tone which is limeted in comparison to everyother SG the pickup selector on my particular guitar was badly done and the neck pickup would cut out also the fret access is limeted in comaprison to all the other SG models eccept the SG300

Quality

like i said the pickupselector (which i have heard was a problem for others, though i heard that it has been referbished)pretty sturdy other than that mine has been banged around and droped for about four yoears and still hold up

Value

it is not worth the list price in comparison to others in the price range

Manufacturer Support

never delt with them

The Wow Factor

well the Sg body style has and will always be asociated with black sabbath and acdc and chicks like the horns

Musical Background:

active musician

Musical Style:

rock, metal

2 of 2 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?

Submitted August 7, 2004

"" WHAT A LOAD OF RUBBISH ""

Overall:

(see rating details)

i dont see how this would meet eny ones needs , they are complete rubbish and wouldnt recomend them to my enemy`s, i allmost went back to the place i bought it from and pitched it through the window

Sound

pick-ups are crapp......i think if you put strings and pick-ups on a 2by4 it wood sound better

Features

its got 2 f*****g knobs on it what features

Quality

cheap.......cheap.......cheap...plastic and balsa wood

Value

for what you pay your better off adding a few more bucks and getting something worth your money.....try to re-sell this thing, never gonna happen

Manufacturer Support

never used them...hope i dont have too

The Wow Factor

turned me right off of epiphones

2 of 6 people (33%) people found this review helpful. Did you?