Epiphone / Gibson SG?

Question

Is an Epiphone by gibson really any worse than the Gibson SG? Im on a budget but would like to learn to play metal / hard rock

so a friend told me go gibson,

but i came across gibson, for about 300 GBP and epiphone by gibson SG for 150GBP

any difference

thanks

Answer 1

I have owned a Gibson SG & the Epiphone G-400 and while the Gibson model was of better quality, the Epiphone model wasn't bad for the money! While Gibson makes fine quality guitars, I've always thought of them as overpriced & if you don't have the money for a Gibson, Epiphone is a good choice!!

Answer 2

Both are viable guitars, ask yourself what you want out of the guitar?

Epiphone are the budget brand of Gibson, these guitars are built in the far east which is not a crticism and should not deter you from trying one out.

Gibson guitars are built in the USA and are edging toward the higher end of the guitar market.

Epiphone branded guitars are perfectly adequate at what they do. Sounds like the Gibson, looks like the Gibson, plays like the Gibson, but are a little different in all respects mentioned. They are certainly not "worse" than a Gibson, but they are different!

At the price you mentioned (GBP 150.00) I suspect you have sourced a bolted on neck model, unless of course its a second hand bargain. Look for a plate (usually chrome) on the back of the body where the neck meets the body. These are not as good as the set neck models (glue joint and no chrome plate) and are cheaper to make and priced correspondingly cheaper.

Gibson guitars are the real deal and if you want the Gibson sound with no compromises, this is the one for you, although GBP 300.00 sounds like a very good price!

Usual buying rules apply to both.
Spend time checking both guitars over, looking for cracks in the finish around headstock or neck to body joint which could indicate a break (stay well away unless you enjoy spending money), check both pickups work (2 pickup model is usual), check the machine heads work and dont stick, check the volume and tome controls dont crackle in operation (if they do a quick spray clean usual sorts them out though), check the neck is straight and not twisted, a little bow can usually be sorted using the russ rod.

Then play the thing! See which suits you best, many details can be adjusted but if you dont "click" with the guitar then you are unlikely to play it, this is very important if you are just starting out as an uncomfortable guitar has the potential to negatively affect your confidence!

Resale time.
The Gibson will always be easier to sell and will hold more of its (relative) value.

Upgrading.
If you buy the Epiphone and are like me, you may find it perfectly playable but the nagging thought of getting the "real one" aka the Gibson will eventually bite somewhat. This is good news as it means the guitar bug will have bitten and you are well on your way to guitarmania. If bought an Epiphone first and dont trade it on when buying the Gibson model it also means you will have a perfectly adequate spare when / if you start gigging (most important).

In Summary.
Both brands have a good name, both will get you going on your way to being a hard rock hero (whether in front of your mates, a crowd or the mirror :) ). See which suits you best and then address your budget.

Oh, and good luck with your new potential Rock career!

On a personal note, I have 2 Gibson LP's and 1 Epiphone LP amongst other makes. Whilst the Epiphone is good, I always end up reaching for the Gibson.

Answer 3

I've asked my brother in law as he's in a band and works in a music shop (best job for a budding rock star lol). He says go Gibson you cant get better quality he said Epiphone are cheep budget guitars and you don't get the crisp quality sound that you do from the gibson.

My boyfriend had both he bought the Gibson Angus Young signature SG and also had the Epiphone SG too they were both cool guitars but you could tell the difference when he played them. His Epiphone one was ok but he kept sending it into the shop to be tweaked and have different pick ups etc on it to mimic the Gibson. In the end he sold it and has stuck with the Gibson. He even thinks my cheep Fender Squire had a better sound and prefered playing that!!

I've got my Nikki Sixx Signature bass on the way how ******* cool is that!!

Answer 4

I would be very wary of a Gibson going for 300 GBP, seems almost too cheap for the "real deal". I noticed your preferences are metal/hard rock and being a metal/hard rock player for over a decade there are better options available for the money you wish to spent. The Ibanez RG series are a great entry level guitar for that style of music. The necks are thinner and "faster", two humbuckers and a single coil pickups, 5 way selector for better tone and they are a lot lighter than epiphone/gibsons. Also, you should try Jackson guitars, Washburn, Dean.
Personally my choice is Jackson as I own 2 of them and an ESP

Answer 5

I'd have to say go for the Gibson. I have a Gibson and an epiphone SG and the Gibson is far better. Epiphones are usually for people just starting off and are cheaper because of that. The quality of sound isn't as good as a Gibson. Good luck.

Answer 6

I have an epiphone sg g400
and its a great guitar. I've never really played a gibson for real, just fiddled around with one while trying out guitars, so i can't give you a full review on those, but the epiphone g400 is great. I love it. If you're just learning guitar, definitly get the epiphone. you don't need to pay 2,000 bucks for a guitar.

Answer 7

Im really into Gibson SGs, every one I have played has been great
However, I am not rich, so I do not own one
I do have an Esp Ltd. Viper, which is fantastic. It's tone is great, amazing action, and the body of an SG, without the pick guard. If you're on a budget like me but want a great guitar and love SGs, I would seriously reccomend the Viper

Answer 8

It all comes down to parts and construction. Epiphones are licensed Gibson knockoffs and use the same designs, but with inferior parts and materials and less stringent quality control. It is entirely possible to get a decently constructed Epi (properly aligned neck, even frets, functioning electronics), but it also is possible to get one that's really out of wack. Another major difference is the pickups, Epi's will be of lower quality, but those can be replaced easily when you decide you need better tone. Gibsons will have better tuners, too. If you decide to go Epi, take an experienced guitarist with you to the store to evaluate the instrument before you buy it - do not purchase one online.

Answer 9

I have an epiphone SG, and I'm not happy with it at all. I don't really like the sound and it's just terrible. I'd save up and get a real Gibson, that's what I'm trying to do!

Answer 10

It's all down to quality of the materials - mainly in the wood and electronics. Basically the Gibson will have the better quality materials and components. Epi's are great to start with and for a learner I'd probably go for an Epi' as you may not decide to continue and then you've only spend 150 quid rather than 300.