Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard - Inspired by Gibson Custom - Guitar Review
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- When Epiphone dropped this Blonde Bombshell on us late last year I resolved to resist the inevitable GAS attack. Too much cash for an Epi SG I told myself. Repeatedly. Then a dealer dropped the price by £48 and that was all it took. Let's find out it if was worth it!
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If you don't like any of the talking or the playing bits in this video we've made it easy for you to skip along to the next chapter in case something more interesting is happening...
0:00 play in & coming up
1:36 hello... what have we got today?
2:55 it's quite expensive
5:47 body, neck & hardware specs
10:08 a few minor QC issues
11:25 elephant in the room?
12:39 lower horn bevel research
13:42 a minor cosmetic detail
15:50 some playing starts here
17:28 amp & sound setup today
19:34 volume & tone control tests
20:45 woman tone tips
22:13 some more playing starts here
24:12 what does it weigh?
24:34 the tailpiece & bridge
25:24 the action & setup
26:34 neck measurements & profile
26:54 pickup outputs
27:10 under the hood
29:10 control cavity & truss rod cover
30:47 nice work Larry
31:30 some more playing continues here
32:32 neck dive test
33:46 so what do we think?
34:35 using the second octave
35:25 is it worth the money?
39:06 I'm glad I got it
40:30 the kick out jam
Signal Chain Info:
Drive Pedals (when on): Klon KTR / RAT
Amp: Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III with Celestion Creamback
Mics AKG C414 & SM57
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 into Protools
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#epiphone #guitar #1961lespaulsg #guitaraddict #theguitaristas #guitarist - Zábava
How in the bloody hell I didn't know this channel before ? The best review I've seen in a very long time , and not only on that particular guitar ! Thank you sir !
Thanks man that’s appreciated glad you found us! 😎👍
Happy accident! 😁
Happy new year to the Guitaristas and everyone here!
Thanks Yann! 😎👍
I like your reviews and really enjoy listening to you play. Very relaxing, comforting warm style. I always wanted a SG and now your videos have won me over. I remember about 10 years ago I tried a friend's epiphone sg. I couldn't put it down.
Hey Mitchell, thanks for the kind words and support… everyone needs an SG! 😎👍
After getting the ‘59 Les Paul, I was seriously tempted by this, but I’ve got a 2013 Gibson SG standard in the ‘61 style (small pick guard) with 57 classic pickups that I love, so I’m set for now….great review as always though. Happy 2022!
Cheers John, happy new year! 😎👍
Another great review Colin. So I've never wanted or thought I needed an SG quite happy with my Esquire, Kramer pacer and the Epiphone 59 LP. Or so I thought! Today I took ownership of the epiphone 61 sg standard with vibrola, couldn't justify paying 750" ish for the one in this review. Especially as I've never wanted or played one. After playing it for a few hours I can honestly say I bloody love it! I hold your reviews entirely responsible! 😁.
Hey hey nice one Lloyd!!... more SG love coming in the form of a 4 way comparison this Friday btw ;)
Same here Lloyd, he did that witchcraft thing of subtle suggestion on me seeing to it that i forked out for a 1994 SG Standard. I'm left handed and i managed to get myself a proper bargain. £1000 i paid for it, a genuine Gibson. I guess i could justify it as it was a complete steal in my eye's. You will be assimilated, all resistance is futile.
Great review, thanks for the detailed info! I wanted to mention, the offset between the binding and the neck is common on even Gibson's that have a satin finish.
A year later, I found the White 61’ Les Paul SG, at Guitar Center, marked down from the new “inflation” price in America, of $949, down to $599. A $350 discount! Played it out last evening…Great, no neck dive or feeling of the extended neck syndrome. And sounded great! Cheers!
That price is more like it!! 😁👍👍
I just bought one from Guitar Center for the same price! I couldn't believe it! That's not much more than the pickups and case alone would cost!
Great review! Thanks for all the information and details. I have just ordered one in white from Thomann. €822 is not cheap for an Epiphone, but they are getting better IMO and when compared to the all Epiphone version which retails at €489, I think upgrading that one and buying a decent hard case would probably cost the same or a little more. When you consider that it's available in that lovely white finish, I reckon it's a good purchase. Looking forward to trying it out. Hopelessly in love with SG's too.
Nice one Michael! 😎👍👍
Another nice review! I don't have an SG yet, but if it goes on sale over here in the states I'll be tempted like you to pick one up. The incomplete bevel doesn't bother me and thanks for catching that detail. I saw your review right after the Trogly's and I like the color of the one you picked up, as you noted, it does hide the seam. Cheers and catch the next review soon.
I actually bought an identical guitar from a pawnshop just a couple days ago , and I have to say , after being a Les Paul guy all my life , I’ve never picked up an SG until now , and OMG the weight difference is just staggering. I couldn’t believe it. I thought I was holding a toy guitar. But I love it , I mean it’s just an awesome guitar. It plays nasty , I mean I now know why Angus Young likes the SG. My favorite Les Paul standard , has basically the same pickups and wiring as the SG but the sound , in my opinion , is just , well it’s hard to put into words. Hey maybe it’s just me. But I think this guitar is awesome. I didn’t think I would like an SG as much as I like my Les Paul , but I’m a fan now.
👍👍👍✌️✌️✌️
Welcome to the SG club brother! 😁👍
Colin, this is a good looking guitar. I am a fan of BB2 and BB3 pickups and these sound great also the white finish goes well with creme bindings and double rings tuners. Thanks for another cool review, I am truly a single cut guy but this SG is very tempting to me.
I love the show Colin it brings me alot of comfort. Thanks very much from Warren. 😎
Such a buzz when you upload! I know I can grab a coffee and settle down for a long session of guitar love. Looking forward to the rest of 2022!
Ah thanks man that's really appreciated! :)
I mentioned this demo to you before Xmas as I know you love your SGs! So excited about this! Love it! Well done as normal sir! ❤️🎸
Cheers James... yes I couldn't resist! :)
I just stumbled upon your channel. Excellent content - video, audio and production quality are tops and your common sense commentary is spot on. You’ve got a new subscriber !
Nice one!... thanks for kind words and support glad you found us!! :)
Awesome Collin!! Happy New Year to you, I'm really impressed with the new Epiphones recently. the 59 outfits were great, now we've got a 1961 Les Paul SG!! Fantastic Deal considering the electronics and specs.
I really like your channel. It’s always so laid back and relaxed 😎
Excellent and extremely honest review. Thank you!
I've never been interested in SG's until recently, picked up a like new used Epi, not the 61, the cheaper one. Man, I never realized what I was missing. It plays great, am really thinking about picking up a white one like this, mostly for the pickups. Great review.
Happy new year to you too. Love this channel, all no nonsense and practical 👍
Cheers Nice that’s appreciated! 😎👍
Love your videos brother. You do great job reviewing these instruments. Your playing is easy on the soul also. You keep putting them out and I'll keep watching. Thomas from Idaho
Hey Thomas thanks for the kind words and support man its really appreciated! :)
I had a Gibson Custom Shop 61 on order. It was going to take 4 months to get it. I played one of these Epi 61 SG/Les Paul guitars. I ordered one at a nice discount. After owning it for a week now, I cancelled my custom shop order this morning. I own several Gibson , Fender and Martin Custom Shop guitars, along with some PRS core models. This Epiphone Inspired By Gibson is a game changer. I am now interested in the Lucille and Firebird. If they perform like the SG, I will buy those. I worry though that those could pale in comparison due to non-Gibson pickups.
GREAT REVIEW. I will subscribe to your channel.
Cheers Larry, yes indeed they are so close it's almost unreal... and pickups can be swapped easily. But you do have to own the 'real thing' as well to have the perspective and also know that you have the real thing!
Morning from Taylor Michigan USA so glad I found your channel always look forward to your reviews and really enjoy the way you present everything!!!! Just a cool guy with cool guitars! Happy NEW YEAR
Cheers man, thanks for the kind words it’s appreciated! 😎👍
Cool dude, indeed. I'm from the other side of Detroit--Rochester Hills. I used to drive to Taylor every morning for several years. WFH mostly now. I do not miss the drive!
Yet another great review, so thank you very much. Wishing you and yours an excellent new year. Take care and thanks for the Chanel. 👍
Cheers Steven!
Thank you sir, excellent review again! So nice to watch you do into details about every guitar. Happy new year and I wish you the best of luck and health! :)
Thanks for support and kind words happy new year!
Happy New Year to everyone. Another great video on that sg. I am so glad that epiphone keeps raising the bar so many more can get a good quality instrument.
Cheers man. happy new year!! :)
A fascinating piece, indeed. I hope it brings you many, many years of joy!
Hey Colin! Great video and fantastic guitar! Love your channel and watch every week. You crack me up, man! Keep rockin!!
Cheers vad, thanks for your support man its appreciated! :)
Colin, I really must thank you for mentioning the volume pedal on the effects loop - after years of rejecting Fender amps for not having volume attenuators, why on Earth didn't it occur to me to use a volume pedal in precisely that way? It's so bleeding obvious. But I guess some things are only blatently bleeding obvious after someone has told you. I may have listened to thousands of demos by other CZcams reviewers and not picked-up on that (or maybe they've only told me what they wanted to) so it was damned smart of you to realise that might matter to someone. Thank You. And a happy new year!
Cheers David, the credit all goes to Josh at The JHS Show in his film called '10 thing to do with a volume pedal' (or similar) he enlightens us on this simple cheap hack to tame those beasts!... and yes its brilliant eh? I've never heard anyone else mention it, and as far as I can tell (and have now thoroughly tested) it works a treat! Happy to pass on this info its what I am here for! Thanks for supporting and happy new year!
Another great review! Thank you
I’m glad you review these Epiphones, that most of us can afford 😎👍🏻
I played one of these today and absolutely fell in love with it! I didn't want to hand it back to the assistant in the shop. one of these will definitely be happening, and sooner rather than later.
😎👍
I have 2 Gibson SG's and just picked up the Epi SG in white and I love it, after lowering the action and putting some new Ernie Ball strings on it, it plays like a charm. Thanks for the great review.
Cheers Mike! 😎👍
It's good to have your Epiphone guitar brought in for a fret polishing and crown leveling.
Happy New Year Colin. Assuming that routing was a mistake that has been fixed in production now, these earlier ones will be unique. A piece of Epiphone lore.
Cheers Brent. Yes... or maybe even a big recall where they will finish the bevel off? :)
Happy new year and what a start. Have to agree with all the points you raised. Just polished the frets and lowered the action, put a faber tailpiece changed the saddles and posts. Balance still good. None of this was needed but wow I love it. Biggest complaint was the price, but hey I’m an addict!
Nice one!… happy new year and happy new guitar! 😎👍
Good review of an interesting guitar. It’s great to see that Epiphone are using quality Gibson pickups in their more expensive instruments, I always thought that the older models were let down by uninspiring electronics, I think that they have used USA pickups and pots in the past I have a 1960 Epiphone Les Paul Standard reissue that I bought some years ago that had Gibson pickups and CTS pots as standard. The SG actually sounds and looks great, it’s a bit of a shame they didn’t get the body contouring quite right though, once you’ve noticed it you can’t unsee it. I’ve got a couple of old Korean built Epiphone SGs one mahogany and the other Korina, I put Seymour Duncan JB/Jazz pickups in them and they both sound good but I still prefer my real Gibson SGs, there’s still something about the real thing to me, I’m sure others may differ. The guitar you reviewed is getting on for the price of a used Gibson, I think that an option for the less flush guitarist looking for an SG on the cheap would be to find a nice old Korean or Chinese Epiphone and upgrade the pickups and pots, my mahogany SG cost me £70 off eBay and I spent about £125 on pickups and pots also via eBay. The Korina guitar cost a little more but with the Seymour’s the total cost was still less than £250.
Your Gibson guitar will be inherently better because the frets were leveled crowned and polished and Epiphone doesn't do that. We don't know for sure if the Chinese employ kids in their factories, allegedly!
I watched your vid this morning, yes, studied it, and commented. I ordered this very guitar this afternoon. Thanks loads, mate! Indebted to you.
Nice one Dan! 😁👍
I’ve bern looking forward to your review on this one. you definitely brought up some very good points, I have been considering purchasing the 61 re-issue, but I’ve also been looking at the SG custom which you reviewed not too long ago , both instruments have a lot of great points, but the Gibson USA pick ups are a strong selling point. Thank you for providing such great Contant… I’m Looking forward to next weeks video
The probuckers in the custom are no slouch and are accurate paf pickups.
Thanks for the detailed review, it helped a lot. I got a new one for about 650€. It does not feel like a high-end guitar but it plays nice. I am not familiar with Gibson pickups and they were a pleasant surprise, quite articulate even with loads of fuzz. And no annoying neck-dive with a basic suede strap.
You're really making me want to buy an SG again Colin, will be looking forward to the comparison video. Great video once again.
Shooting it for this Friday so let’s see if you can last beyond the weekend without buying one! 😂👍
LOVE your channel and playing, thank you for doing this. seriously considering an SG now.... :) Cheers from Canada!
Thanks that's appreciated! 😁🙏
just bought a pre owned one and the neck profile bevil is the same as yours. Great guitar, great review thanks Colin.
Very nice indeed! I especially like the rolled back tones you get about half way thru. I think it’s a good guitar for sure, despite the wonky bevel on the back side. The inspired by Gibson models seem to all be quite good. Good video as usual bro!
Cheers man! 😎👍
Great review! I love the honesty that you always have. I know you really like Epiphone’s, so it would be easy for you to gloss over that type of stuff, but you never shy away from telling it like it is.
So after watching your reviews on both the Les Paul and SG guitars in the inspired by Custom Shop collection, would you recommend one over the other? It would be cool to see you shoot those two out against each other!
One last thing-my 2021 Epiphone SG Custom has a full bevel in that spot in the back. I know it’s a different model, but it’s there. CHEERS!
Cheers man thanks for the support! Trouble is I couldn't possibly shoot out an SG vs Les Paul without showing an unfair bias towards the SG as you well know! :) Actually I did a kind of comparison with the LP & SG Standard a while back where I highlighted the differences which was quite revealing... they are quite different beasts. Anyway I'd definitely recommend you need both... but if you can only have one get an SG! :)
@@theguitaristas I have several Les Pauls only one SG. I guess I’m a bit biased as well! LOL
Another awesome, entertaining video as always! Keep up the great work!!! Hope you had a wonderful holiday!
Cheers man! :)
@@theguitaristas I just bought a Gibson USA SG Jr and it's quickly become my favorite guitar (I know you've said your vintage SG Jr is your favorite). So light, (barely 6lbs.) easy as hell to play, upper fret access etc. Also like you (I've had a couple Gibson standards prior) with the right strap, neck dive is nearly nonexistent.
Brother i love your level of detail its just great i mean detail matter i always happy to see you pointing things out it just keeping things real.
Colin, this is the review that along with another of Yours caused me to get this guitar!!! Love it!!!
Cheers Blake! 😎👍
Thanks for the thorough review. Just picked up a cherry red Epi '61 SG, seller wasn't sure what year but quick search seems to be 2018. No idea if I have Probuckers or what, but so far, seems solid and super fun. Other weird thing is mine has Grover tuners on it, not these vintage ones everybody else seems to have. Not sure if a Mod by previous owner or a 2018 thing...anyway, my first electric, gotten for $211 here in 2022 so no complaints really!
Nice one Jon! 😎👍
I love the imperfection of the bevel. It's a feature int it!😎
Very Cool Demo/Review. Awesome as always, thankyou. I have recently purchased second hand 2005 Gold Epiphone SG, I think Standard. Has 'full' scratchplate and "SG" Trussrod cover. Previous owner chopped body down removing horns and carved "Abigail Jane" "My Indigo Girl" into the scratchplate. Shame it is not 'Original' Condition, but is still one of my Favorite Guitars to play.
Crikey I am trying to imagine that! 😲
Really nice review. I played with someone once that had an SG copy. So light in weight. I loved the easy access to the squeel frets. Always loved Frank Marino. I have this guitar now and it is pushing me to be better. I didn't like the front strap location so I drilled a hole in the front of the top horn. You might think I'm nuts, but it's working for me. I'm diggin' this shit!
Great review and demo. I have the 1996 Epiphone 61 style...it's great, I took the finish off the neck for a much nicer feel, a bone nut and recently re-fret with jumbo's but the rest is as it was in '96...unbound maple neck with an Alder body I think, much lower quality tuners but they still turning, the pups are 8.4 ohms in the neck and 8.6 in the bridge, the tailpiece is 71.5 grams and the bridge is an ABR with wire coming in at 46 grams, I'm going to string it up with a cheapo but lightweight tail piece to see what difference it makes to the sound.
Cheers Dave, those oldies are coming into their own now I think… and you will definitely notice a difference with an lightweight tailpiece so let us know! 😎👍
Aloha and mahalo. Great video! I don't know if people realize how much of a role SG played in recorded or performed music. Anyway, l'm happy You found a keeper. Yeah I haven't recalled ever seeing a bevel like that. We will see what in store next week. Aloha and Happy New Year!
😎👍
Nice jams, Colin! Happy New Year!! Showing off the abilities of this rock and roll beasty with aplomb! Looking forward to seeing this up against an actual Gibson. 🖖😉
Cheers man.. you are so kind as always! :)
Nice review I think a lot of us fit in the guitar addiction. SGs seem to be my new fix for now, Thanks for putting in the time.
Cheers man, SG’s are really really addictive… 😆👍
Always good to see someone getting what they wanted for Xmas...😎👍
Good to see a demonstration of volume pedal used as an attenuator 😎👍
Looking forward to upcoming videos of this SG😎👍
Play on brother 😎👍
😎👍❤🖖
Love Brother
Cheers man... yes it arrived Christmas Eve in fact! :)
I looked online and all the new ones have the correct bevel.
When all things are considering and you factor in what other guitars are going for right now, this is actually a fantastic deal! They've got like what, $250+ worth of electronics in there and a really nice $100+ case? Cheapest Fender Strat's/Tele's are now $850 and you don't even get a gig bag. I have an Epiphone Muse SG and the OD green Flying V. I think I'll be an Epi fan for life. Cheers!
😎👍
You should be comparing to Squier though not Fender
@@Anonymouslyme1 This Epiphone is in the Fender price range, not the Squier. Tbh it should not be priced that high, the build quality is not better than a good CV Squier. Don't get me wrong, I've bought one and I'm happy with it, but better grab one on sale.
I think the action on my SG is what I like the best about it. The access to the upper register is much better than the Les Paul. It does have some neck dive and that's really the only downside. It's an Epiphone Muse and the switch was BAD from the factory...I don't understand how it passed QC but it works great now. Happy New Year Colin! I get up early on Friday to watch your videos, great review as always...sounds AWESOME!!!!!! I still want one with P-90's
Cheers man… they are just so comfortable 👌 you need the p90 epi sg special in blue like mine it’s just 🔥
@@theguitaristas I found one in Green on Dec 24th, used, I put it on my cart. I went to pull the trigger and it's GONE...today
@@touchthesun2448 Snooze and you lose!
@@theguitaristas I’ve got the Epi 61 Les Paul Custom in cream with gold hardware and 3 pickups!
I’ve added a gold Maestro trem because I think they look Uber cool with them!
It’s a a stunning looking guitar that I intend fitting with Dimarzo 59’s which I think are one of the best sounding PAF clones!
It has an incredibly low action and is fitted with Grover tuners!
@@touchthesun2448 😕
I picked up a vintage cherry version at the Gibson Garage in Nashville last week. I was able to closely inspect it and the QC was absolutely flawless. It's acoustically very loud/resonant and plugged in its the best sounding humbucker pickup guitar I've ever owned. I also looked at the Gibson Tribute while in the store, but thought the Epi was better finished as the wood is grain filled unlike the basic Tribute. Highly recommended but advisable to inspect the guitar you buy as the Epi QC is unlikely to be as good as Gibson (and all Gibsons are plekd). Also note that this Epi SG is priced closer to the Gibson SG standard than the equivalent Epi/Gibson Les Pauls. I also have the Epi 59 Les Paul outfit which is also flawless.
Nice one! 😎👍
Got one a few weeks ago in cherry red. The Burstbuckers sound pretty great to me. It's made really well compared to other Epiphone SGs I've played, and it had better be for a premium higher than most of those (didn't like the Prophesy SG). The "vintage" neck, the high-end electronics and the aforementioned Burstbuckers, all of these as well as the hardshell case make it pretty worth it compared to just buying an old Gibson or Epi SG.
Can get one now for £499 with case.? Is that a good deal and worth it in your opinion ? Thanks Colin always know your honest with your Advice
Cool review. Have looked at a bunch of new Epi SG's and honestly think some of the older guitars are a better value. For instance have a 2013 Epi SG special that's killer. This guitar has full body carves front and back that are very well done. Beautiful mahogany front and back finished in a sublime cherry gloss. IMO these look a lot nicer than the new SGs with the veneer tops that look odd at the bevels with the core wood being a very different lighter color which stands out like a sore thumb. The fretboard on my Special is a beautiful slab of rosewood, not that cheesy looking wood they have been forced to use today, and the fretwork is excellent. The only thing I've done to it is replace the tuners. Actually like the simplicity of having only one volume and tone knob and they are full size Alpha pots. Love this guitar more then some very expensive guitars in my collection. I can see why Epiphone stopped making these because they were just too good for the money. For me these definitely go on the very cool wall. Decided to try another Special and was able to get a 2014 Les Paul Special II that's also excellent. Having a flat top Les Paul that weighs just 6 lbs 6 oz is a wonderful thing. Same as the SG, it has a nice rosewood fretboard but it also has a flame maple veneer top with a beautiful burst gloss finish. These Specials can be had on the used market for a song atm because so many players look down on them but I find them to be incredible guitars. Even better, these guitars are new enough that they can be found in mint condition just by look around a little bit.
Happy new year!
I have the Cherry on order, I debated the whole used Gibson SG, or this but honestly I can't quite afford a new Gibson as this time and there's more to it then that.
My father was born in 61 and always loved the SG he even owned an Epiphone SG. Unfortunately he passed in December, so it's important to me to get a 2021 Model as a tribute to him. All the reviews have been excellent for this guitar so I can feel great about this purchase!
Cheers man, happy new year to you too! This is an excellent guitar and a fabulous tribute to your father, so you can definitely feel great about it and he'd be very proud of you. Let us know how you like it when it arrives!
I don't think you'll be disappointed, it will be interesting to know about the state of your bevels on your sg. Maybe Colin can get to the bottom of this.
@@SionynJones Today was the day, well kind of...
I went to my local shop today after work on a whim. I get off early on Tuesdays and just happened to jump on the bus that drove by the store, so I stopped to take a look. My rep says hi, and then says turn around and points at a white Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG and says we just got one in although the Cherry one (My Order) hasn't came in yet. So I picked it up, took it to a quiet spot in the store sat down and played it for all of 5 minutes. I honestly didn't even get the chance to look at the bevel, it was one of those sit down and instantly knew it was the one and got them to pack it up right away for me! I didn't even plug it in as I was in the acoustic guitar room. It just instantly connected with me and my first thought was to get it off the floor! So I will let you guys know this weekend when I pick it up!
Just picked one of these up yesterday in Cherry red... sounds and plays fantastic!!.. On par with my Gibson Standard SG... love them both!. Thank you Colin for the great review... 🤟🤟
Are you just saying that though? Surely the Gibson is overall more desirable? I dont own high end guitars and really have no experience with Gibson's.but have played many epis. Aside from some small qc issues,the epi is the way to go for the money. Gibson have obviously become a little better in the last cpl years. Gibson always gets the bad rep for usually, small finish dings or blemishes. Maybe a bit sloppy neck fit or binding fit.but surely the Gibson is better?.... Curious to hear your summation if you've had both long enough to play to be able to tell
@NintenDub hi... what I mean by being on par with my Gibson is the sound, obviously because of the Burstbuckers it comes with...still made very well with the 2 piece body and one piece neck which really blew me away, along with the upgraded pots and switches etc . I would have preferred rosewood fretboard but at this price point not complaining about the Indian Laurel..only thing I didn't like was the strings it comes with so I put on a new set of Elixir 10-46..... Gibson does have a different feel to it but it's not necessarily better.. both great guitars
Dear Guitaristas,
Lovely SG! Since I'm new to this channel, I'm playing catch up on your videos.. as the owner of an authentic '61 SG Les Paul, that shall we say "unfinished" bevel wasn't a flaw or feature on my 61. Mine was originally a P90 model, Cherry finish. Prior to me purchasing the guitar, someone put some early patented nickel covered T bobbin p'ups with the Gibson embossed in the cover. Over the years I replaced the p'ups with Mighty Mite humbuckers & it was a fabulous sounding guitar. The neck was spectacular, the binding perfect, it had been refretted with medium jumbos & I've not owned a guitar since that played that well. I do like Epiphone's attempt to "mimic" the 61. I think it's mega cool!
Sincerely,
A Guitarista's big fan!
Cheers man… that old SG sounds awesome!! 😁👍🔥
@@theguitaristas I was 18 when I found it at a music store, I really didn't realize what I had. It was pretty beat up, the body split at the control cavity but I stapled it & kept playing it for many years. I'm 64 now & it went away 20 years ago
I admit it I'm a guitar addict I had to pick up one of these Colin. I bought it from peachy guitars and I must say I'm very impressed with their service.
Included in the price is a full setup new strings and oiling of fretboard and qc check over all for no extra cost. Needless to say I'll be using them again.
I was going for a cherry red but went for a white after seeing yours. It's an absolute belter, it screams I couldn't be more happy.
I also discovered why the back bevels are the way they are. That's how 61 SGs should be and how custom shop dose theirs.
Nice one Sionyn, you’re wrong about the bevel though! 🤓
I like your show. Perhaps it's your laid back delivery, but mostly because you remind me of a guitar player I worked with in the mid 70's,
Cheers Harry! 😎👍
With PRS really dominating the market in this price range with their SE lineup, Epiphone knew they had to step up their game, and they have BIG TIME. I have this guitar, as well as the 59 les Paul, and the Jim James Signature es 335, and all 3 of them I would put up against anything in that price range, or even 2-3 x the price
Nice review as usual . Really enjoy your videos .thank you
It's a 43min review that was uploaded 2mins ago!
Looking forward to it now with a coffee on a cold Friday. Picked up and 59 LP on the back of this man.
Cheers
Thanks for watching!
I have one of these coming today (in red) and I am MEGA excited. My favorite guitar I ever owned was a used black SG Junior (I think it must have been early nineties model, it had a tune-o-magic bridge instead of the wraparound tailpiece). I wound up selling it because it was right handed - as I’d learned to play up to that point - and I’d convinced myself I’d be better off learning to play left handed (which I wasn’t, realized several years later, and got me a couple righties again). It’ll be so nice to have an SG again.
Nice one...happy new guitar day!! 😎👍
@@theguitaristas thank you good sir!
Soooo, it it still your favorite? I've got one coming in today!
@@piedpeter1 in the time since I’ve picked up an SG Special as well. I wouldn’t say it’s favorite - both are on equal footing - but it’s still just as excellent. Just a really fantastic guitar.
Ha! Watching this in June because I’m thinking about buying one of these and wanted to hear your take on it. Always respect your opinion, especially on SG’s. Much obliged sir.
Cheers Cory, check out the comparison I did with some others too it may be useful! 😎👍
Hello, Colin: If you recall, after your review on the Epi SG Custom Ebony I said I was ordering one straight away. Sweetwater just sent it and it is a wonderful guitar to play. New Iron Gear pickups and it is ready to rock. Thanks again for the great advice.
By the way, my SG Custom had the bevel all the way up the horn. Don't know what that means but it is more data for you. Cheers! Gus
Cheers Gus, glad you finally got it and have bonded! 👍… and thanks for the data, I’m in little doubt this is a mistake 🤷♂️
I bought one last week at a local shop that happened to have it in stock. Mine has the incomplete bevel, which I simply never noticed until your video. I got mine because I really wanted a SG with double humbuckers and I don't live in the Gibson Money range. I know some people say you can find a used SG for this money, but not around here, at least not in the last 10-12 months or so that I've been looking. I played a new Gibson '61 in the store the same day I got my Epiphone. Was the Gibson better? Yes. But probably not 20% better for me personally, and in some ways worse. I actually prefer the Epiphone neck profile over the Gibson '61 profile. Not miles different, but different enough to have a preference. I couldn't justify paying $2,000 for the Gibson when the Epiphone hit pretty much all the boxes for less than half the price. The only thing I regret is resale price, but at the price I paid, I don't see me selling it anytime, so that's not so much an issue.
Cheers Frank, I think your'e right not so many used SG's in that price range the days...
It’s beautiful !!! I love Sg’s too, as it was my first guitar, 1984 SG Special with a single tailpiece/bridge.
I never had a white guitar but always wanted a white guitar, especially an SG. I saw Buck Dharma at the Warehouse and that’s the first time I saw a white SG.
It’s at the top of my list. I like your Epiphone SG as it has a Gibson shaped headstock and not the Epiphone headstock, which I find ugly.
Nice!… Pete Townshend 😎👍
Lord Colin. I've always wanted a white SG. I do believe this will be the one that will be added to the collection. Nice one Sir
Cheers man! 😎👍
Your presentations are starting to interest me. After watching this I realized I do not have an SG type in my little collection of guitars. Liked and sub'ed.
Thanks Michael I appreciate the support... I think maybe everyone needs an SG! :)
Ello Collin! Happy New year! Loved last weeks cool wall video especially when the duck topped itself. Loved the resurrection! I wonder if our Lord used gaffer tape?
Sooo...this SG. Pretty... but the QC is bloody awful! Looks like part of the collaboration was in Gibson's QC dept. Nice sounding..especially with you playing it. I wonder if the bevel issue was a CNC programming glitch that wasn't noticed till it was cheaper to keep it? Nice pots (cant beat a CTS!) and pickups but......? You look happy playing it and that's all that matters really. I suppose its the best of both worlds for you. Still think my fettled Varntaggge VS6 would give it a run for its money though! :o) xx
Hey Antonia! And a very happy new year right back at you 🥳 So I think on this one they have taken the inspired by Gibson a bit too literally… although QC and bevel weirdness aside it’s a lovely thing! Shooting a comparison this week with 3 other SG’s so watch this space for more bevel talk and hopefully not too rubbish playing! 😎👍x
Happy New Year to all and what a cool start … nothing wrong with the tones sounds sweet … as for the bevel cuts is this maybe the SG Les Paul before Les told Gibson to take his name of the SG … as the trust rod cover boldly got the Les Paul name back on it … Gibson sure lucky that Les ain’t around to start another lawsuit !
I subbed late last year, and have watched a few of your uploads and starting to watch more , I really enjoy your firstly , Honesty, and humour it makes for pleasant watching 40 plus minutes is perfect too, some fellas with an hour plus is just a little long to have a cuppa and watch to keep interest , importantly you show just how good affordable and less expensive guitars are , i have been lucky enough to have been able to buy high end guitars but have just recently sold one and was able to buy a Gibson And Mexican guitar plus an affordable Marshall off of the back of the sale. Reason being i bought a Squire Thinline at £345 looked at my Fender Custom shop Telecaster that was 10 times the price and questioned was it worth that ?????
All very subjective i know but i had an epiphany and for me the answer was no it wasn’t “ that’ll stir the hornets 🐝 nest “ 😂
And like you I’m a guitar addict and love guitars.
Great show mate , love it.
Cheers John 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
HeyJohn, thanks for the comment and support it’s appreciated! Good to hear the duration works for you… 40 mins seems to be about how long it takes to shut me up! 😂 I know some would prefer much shorter but there’s always time stamped chapters for those with ADHD. By the way same thing has happened to me since I’ve been reviewing these affordable guitars… I’ve now sold 3 of my custom shop trophies simply as I don’t know why I need them and can’t justify that amount tied up in a wall hanger. Brave new world! 😎✌️
Thank-you for a wonderful review Colin! I am about to buy this model and am surfing CZcams for reviews - lo and behold you've done one! I'm so glad I found your review as its given me some food for thought.
On the upper body bevel - I personally have no issue whatsoever with the "inaccurate" bevel, as Epiphone has made no claim that this is a proper, historically accurate re-issue guitar. "Inspired by" to me means they have plenty of room to include or exclude features as they see fit. In my experience, they usually include the prominent highlights that characterize a model and leave out the nitty gritty details. I would take exception if this was marketed as a historic/accurate re-issue of a particular model. (not the case here, IMO)
On Quality Control - I do take exception with Epiphone on the poor quality neck/binding issue that you have pointed out. This is a "premium" Epiphone model and the price reflects that. I was very disappointed to see that sloppy work along the neck/binding and feel that this should not have passed a quality control inspection. I personally would be returning the guitar because of that, but I agree that it doesn't impact playability. That's just me.
I have to say that I'm always confused by their "finish" descriptions (both Gibson and Epiphone). Aged Gloss in real life seems to be just a Satin finish, no? (I have not seen one of these in real life). Anyway, I've come across the names Semi-Gloss, Aged Gloss, Satin, Worn, Road Worn and Flat. Except for Flat, they are all pretty similar to me. To me, any satin finish is cheap looking and just a cost saving measure. But this is a personal opinion.
I just love the BurstBucker pick-ups and totally agree with you that they are more "versatile" than the 490 series found in many SG's. The electronics in this model are excellent as I have them in some other Epiphone "Inspired by" guitars that I have, notably the '59 Les Paul and a couple of Joe Bonamassa models.
Anyway, I'm so glad I found your review, it's very helpful. I just need to find one of these in stock somewhere to try out....
Cheers!🙂
Cheers Paul, let us know how you get on! 😎👍
Got a 59 Epi les paul arrived witha cracked neck, sent it back! Disagree withthe point on 490's tho, they are the SG sound IMHO. I wish they would stop using veneer on the cherry ones, the61SG I own is not so bad as the paint shade on the bevels is almost the same as the body. My Gibson SG with the 490's is a Rocket !
gee wilshire mate!
im glad im combing thru your films...i found this one finally haha!
i solved the "forward" shift of the sg with the body carve situation....the sg just wants to be hugged hahaha!
when i went to look at guitar center i was lucky to find "goldy" after the website said they didnt have it at the location i visited...i nearly fell over when i saw it hanging on the wall!
i knew what i wanted to try it out on....plugged into a 800 dollar marshall tube amp and was blown away at them sweet tonez!
bravo for this "late discovery" by me of this film mate!
i had to re watch this brother and say thanks for inspiring me to try the SG...love them to bits!
now i have 4 models!
epiphone traditional pro
"chibson" SG "standard"
"chibson" SG "special"
last but not least the harley benton daphney blue model
Was not digging the fender 'fuzzy' od today. Looks wise I'd still go for the custom ebony and I loved the sound in your review. Need to try myself, planning to selling my marshall origin 20 in order to buy.
Great guitar, great video. Happy New Year!!!
😎👍
I have a Epiphone SG custom, i love it! I just bought one these this week the first i received there was a problem with the switch, i sent it back and got a replacement. the second switch was bad, the neck was cracked and the nut was off. This guitar sounds great but it feels cheaper than the custom
Well as i promised !! AMAZING GUITAR ! i got a two piece body 1 piece neck rocker my man . . beautiful wood grain on both pieces . i received it as follows .008 relief , string height 4/64 , both pick-ups at 4/32 . . .this was from a retailer warehouse no personal set-up (AMS) . .only bitch i have is oily frets or strings . . . so i'll be doing some fretboard oiling, and fret polishing and restringing . . NICEST EPIPHONE I OWN and 100% gig worthy . . . these pickups are really sweet as well . . 100% due to rewatching your in depth review over & over . .burstbuckers 175$ a piece , case 179$ easy . . this guitar is a value , not to mention electronics and choice woods . . THANK YOU BROTHER COLIN !!!!
Cheers Jimmy! 😎👌
Personally I think this guitar is fantastic value for money. Gibson Burstbucker 2 and 3 pickups, High grade electronics,One piece Mahogany neck and a Hard Shell Case for £649.00 is a steal imo.
Yes that’s much more realistic! 😎👍👍
I think they missed the message when they put the burst bucker 2/3 in this. The 61t/r would have been appropriate. Great show and congrats on 10k subs.
Cheers Mike!… good point, why not the 61 buckers? It’s almost as if they don’t think this stuff through properly eh? 🤣👍
Maybe so as not to compete with the new gibson 61 standards
That's a good point a lot of the sound difference between these guitars is those hot pickups used on the v explorer and sg.
That said I do prefer these burstbucker which a modern contemporary take on pafs and sound amazing. They're bit different to Epiphone paf pro buckers but never the less both are amazing pickups.
The huge tolerance difference for vintage pickups, and why some sound good and other awful. The ones most people prefer is medium output which give you a balance between output and the harmonic content that a pickup is able to capture.
Nice review Colin again bud 👍🏻👍🏻
If it had been a couple of weeks ago I would have jumped on one of these but I managed to get a secondhand inspired by Gibson Firebird an haven’t thought about another guitar since (well till now lol 😂)
Keep up the great work bud your turning into my Friday night essential viewing 👍🏻👍🏻
Cheers man... and now I need a firebird!! :)
@@theguitaristas you do lol 😂
No for myself I wanted one since I saw they were doing it with the thru neck an firebird pickups win win
I just found one of these in pelham blue for $280 with a case on guitar center online. I look forward to trying it out. I'm a LP guy but you have convinced me to try out an SG because you love them so much lol
Nice one! Let me know what you think 😎👍
Man, you are like the James May for guitars 😂. Very informative piece.
Hi Colin, happy new year/gear. That white looks like overspray during manufacture. I would be sending that one back for a replacement. That should be a top end epiphone with no problems.
Ah could be overspray! Cheers Ross :)
Hello,
I just stumbled across your channel and I see you're an SG lover :) Just so happens I am as well. I own two of them ( A Standard and a Tribute ) and I love them both, My favorite guitar to play certainly. I really am not sure how the horns were precisely cut as the edge follows through to the horn however I'll be in Nashville next week so I'll be sure to have a peak.
Happy New Year.
Hey Thomas, glad you found us fellow SG lover!… yes if you’re in Nashville pop into the garage and ask Agnesi what’s up with this bevel will you on our behalf? 😆👍
@@theguitaristas , we’ll do!
Great review as usual
I’m hooked I want one
Sounds brilliant, looks beautiful and it's an SG! What more could you want?
I've been playing mainly SG's since the early 70's. They are great, great guitars. I've never understood what there is to dislike about them!
Cheers. 😊😎is
Cheers Steve, I am with you on this all the way obviously... what's not to like about an SG!! :)
Great review as always. Awesome playing. I ordered one like this but it came in the cherry color not white. Waiting on the return since I ordered white. I’ve always been a Tele guy until I played my first SG!
Cheers Dale, I think white is the right choice and worth the wait it’s a beauty as you can see! 😎👍
@@theguitaristas definitely think white is more my style and it looks really good in the video.
I bought this exact guitar. Even same color. Beautiful sound, smooth ass neck.I knew right away, after about 10 hrs. I have a fret job in the near future. They're wearing already. I bought an American Standard Strat in '86. Blew the frets out and scalloped the rosewood fretboard. My girl bought me an Ovation Ultra GS, at about the same time the Strat became unplayable. After so many years of hard playing, the Ovation has held up. All through the years, I marveled at how the frets held up. The only explanation I can think of is it must be the metal composition. I use it still today, 37 years later. The sound and durability amazes me today. What was that composite? I wish someone could find out. It wasn't a popular selling guitar at the time, but I swear to all of you, I love it and can't imagine a stronger electric guitar could have ever been built.
You're great. Love yer stuff. I have an Ovation Ultra GS. 1984. I've seen one on the net. It has one Humbucker. Mine has one Humbucker and two DiMarzio singles. The Warrior
I wish you could find one and testify about how the old school guitars could take anything thrown at them. They are the solid S__t.
i knew you couldn't resist getting one.
The bevel on the back stopping so far from the horn is something i haven't seen before. I have seen ones that have the bevels smooth out a bit towards the horn where it got less pronounced and slightly more rounded, but i'm no expert. Sounds like a good excuse to get an original 61 sg, just to compare :P
Closest I could get was my 62 junior and that’s like the pictures I showed of 61’s… it goes all the way but as you say smooths out a bit. Those original PAF 61’s are a pretty penny now! 😲
,l
Luv it! Happy New Year!
Enjoy!
Cheers Byron! 😎👍
Thank you for this review! Very well done!
Cheers Brian that's appreciated! 😎👍
As always, a great review. Were White and Cherry the only finishes available back in '61? I was wondering why they are only available in two finishes. I'm only now getting into SGs, so I might have to add this to my want list.
Yes, all though you could of ordered a custom colour but those are mega rare. You also have to remember solid bodies at the time where seen as a fad. They where considered the low end of guitars despite having superior sound because they where able to capture more harmonic content due to them not being chambered.
The big changed happened because of the stratocaster which sealed the solid body guitars in history. The reduced microphonics and the ability to go loauder where big draws from electro acoustics and completely missed by guitar manufacturers.
Happy new year to you too!
Cheers Ronnie! :)