Epiphone SG Special Satin E1 Vintage Worn, Ebony

These came out in 2017, lightweight poplar is my favorite guitar wood, and so always meant to get one of these. I have a go-to SG style in solid alder, probably around 10, 11 pounds, but its 10 or 11 pounds. If you only play a little, who cares? But I'm used to 3 hour plus sessions, so the weight makes a difference. The poplar has a wonderful feel against the body, warmth and resonance, the unfilled mahogany cap gives you a little grain, and the flat "Vintage" finish is soft and comfortable, not all shiny and annoying. Neck is perfect, fret ends smooth, pickups more than adequate. One 3 way selector switch, one volume, one tone not quite as versatile as standard SG controls for each pickup, but who cares? You can get all the sound and tone you need with little fuss. People complain about the tuners, but in my experience, its because they don't know how to properly string a guitar (keep under steady tension from start to finish), and a little #2 pencil graphite in the nut and you're good to go. Price is perfect, and I'd rather have one of these than the next level up Epiphone SG. Only downside of these is some of the cool colors they had in 2017 like brown or tobacco sunburst are no longer available, so you're down to cherry or ebony. Get while you can, my friends

Exactly what I was hoping for given the price. I was concerned that the photos might be flattering the look of the guitar, but the colors are quite rich. I took it to be setup professionally and they seemed to be happy with the quality (given the cost). I've been practicing for nearly every day for several weeks and I think it is good for beginners. The tuning is pretty easy. It requires tuning every day and one of the six strings is a bit more finicky to tune than the others. Perhaps someday, if I keep practicing enough, I'll feel the need to level up, but this will carry me all the way to that point. Very good value for the cost.

Let me start by saying: I am not a professional guitarist, though I have been playing for the better part of 40 years. I primarily play at home for my own enjoyment, frequently jam with friends, and occasionally play live gigs locally. I've owned, sold, and traded hundreds of guitars. Of all those, I've held on to 25. I'm not sure yet if this one will be #26, but I've got to say, this one plays like a keeper. It came ready to go out of the box. Perfect setup, we'll dressed frets, and even some decent strings. Intonation was spot on. Really nothing for me to do but stretch the strings, let it climatize, and wait to play it. If I have to complain about something, it will be the electronics. This guitar wants to be a banger. Tone controls don't offer a lot of range towards the more clear, clean tones of a strat. That said, I'm not sure that's a bad thing. I personally associate the SG look with metal, so, in this case, what you see is what you get! I've read negative reviews which seem to focus on QA issues. My particular experience had no such issues, so I guess it's luck of the draw. With Amazon's return policy, it's a no brainer. If you're on the fence, take the dive. Worst case is you return it. If you get one like mine, the only question will be how high in the rotation you place it! Good luck!

Has an everyday riding tool this is a great addition to your collection the price can't be it's playability is more than to be expected at this price level

I've been playing & recording for >40 years & have >30 electric guitars, including several vintage, high-end, and boutique guitars from PRS, Fender, Gretsch, & Jackson. After getting this SG for my spouse whom just started playing a few years ago, I'm definitely buying one for myself. Am pleasantly surprised by the tone & playability. It takes effects better than many in my collection and rhythm with high gain never sounded so good. It felt ok out of the box, but I did the setup & now it feels & sounds excellent. Changed strings, tightened tuning pegs, did a minor neck adjustment, cleaned & oiled fingerboard, polished the frets (there are NO fret sprouts!), adjusted pickup heights (output was uneven), lowered the action slightly, corrected bridge angle, and adjusted intonation, the latter of which was pretty bad to start with. The wound (low D, A, & E) strings still would not intonate to my liking (the saddles are maxed out & still slightly flat @ 12th fret), but few guitars' intonation is 100%. It's still totally usable. I'd say the "rosewood" fretboard has to be a really thin rosewood veneer, as it sounds like plastic when you tap on it, but it still plays well. Don't know about this guitar's durability, but time will tell & all components are replaceable and/or upgradeable any way. However I wouldn't recommend it for a gigging player, as road wear could take its toll. Ours will stay at home for personal use so I suspect they will last several years b4 components need replacement. Never liked the SG body style but the natural satin spoke to us. The satin neck feels great. Very light weight. It does do the classic SG "neck dive" as headstock & neck are heavier than the body, but there are ways to address that if necessary. The whole thing is so light, the hands-free neck dive isn't an issue for me. BTW, bridge & tailpiece are stamped underneath with Epiphone branding. Has smaller pots but so far, clean & smooth with decent output & quiet switching. Shielded cover. Quiet humbuckers. Overall, once I tweaked it, it doesn't feel or sound like a $200 guitar. I'd have guessed a $450 to $500 price point, at minimum. Like I said, buying a second one. Guitar also came well packed & protected. Kudos & thank you to seller.

Piece of junk. Returned it. Buy the IYV guitars. I love the emerald green Les Paul copy. Played and sounded good right out of the box. After I set it up it plays smooth as silk. Sure can't beat the price. I like Epiphone guitars but you have to pay at least $300 for a half decent one. I bought the Jerry Cantrell Wino Les Paul and it's nicer than my Gibson traditional. But $900 also.

Of all the guitars I own (17) this was the worst case of fret sprout ever. I had to take it to a professional to fix it.

exellent value and lovely finish

Para lo básica que es no deja de ser una gran guitarra suena muy bien y estoy muy satisfecho de la compra. La recomiendo. Saludos!!!!

Ottimo sound di questa Bellissima chitarra elettrica color Legno Epiphone, ottimo rapporto qualita prezzo .

Great little guitar. I'm very surprised at its playing ability and everything works just fine. Electronics work fine and the humbuckers live up to the name. Now, the neck is bolt on, but is dead straight with a slight concave as it should be. Guitar was delivered to me by UPS, no damage etc. The finish is a red whatever matt finish, no gloss, but no marks or damage. (doing custom paint anyway) Strings are actually very playable, and it came in relative tune, of course you need to change strings to your preference. tuning pegs/heads are normal tight. pickup selector is a little loose. Action is low as an SG should be and if the jumbo frets were dressed, it could have a real Gibson feel. No fret buzz. and great resonance (for the price) for $317? I can't complain at all. Chinese made. Oh, I got a nice white "Cosmo Music" Touque (that's a winter hat here in Canada) with it. I only 4 out of 5 craftsmanship as the neck is bolt on. makes no difference for the price.

Greater starter guitar!