What is the difference between a high-end production guitar and a Custom Shop model?

High-end production guitars (such as PRS Core Custom 24 or Gibson USA Standard) utilize advanced CNC precision combined with hand-finishing in standard production runs. Custom Shop models feature lower batch volumes, hand-selected tonewoods, custom hand-wound pickups, period-accurate construction, and master luthier voicing.

Why should I avoid drop-shipped high-end electric guitars?

Drop-shipped guitars are dispatched directly from logistics warehouses without unboxing or inspection. Without a bench inspection and 5-point setup by an in-house guitar technician, you risk receiving an unplayable instrument affected by climate shifts during storage and transit.

What does MusicStreet's 5-point setup include?

Every instrument sold through MusicStreet undergoes a comprehensive 5-point bench inspection: truss rod and neck relief calibration, nut slot depth check, bridge radius and intonation alignment, pickup height and electronic circuit testing, and fretboard conditioning.

Can I try boutique and custom shop guitars in person at MusicStreet?

Yes. MusicStreet operates a showroom at 10 Chequers Court, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, where players can test premium PRS, Fender, and Gibson models through high-end amplifiers in a dedicated testing environment.

What is the difference between an Epiphone SG and a Gibson SG?

The main differences are in the hardware, electronics, and country of manufacture. Epiphone SGs use the same iconic double-cutaway mahogany body shape as the Gibson SG but feature more affordable hardware, including ProBucker pickups. Gibson SGs are made in Nashville, USA, and use premium USA-made humbuckers.

Is the Epiphone SG a good guitar for beginners?

Yes. The Epiphone SG Standard is one of the most recommended electric guitars for beginners. It offers the full SG experience — lightweight mahogany body, fast slim-taper neck, and dual humbuckers — at an accessible price point.

Epiphone SG guitar in a rock music setting, highlighting its design and heritage

Epiphone SG Buying Guide: Standard vs '61 vs Special — Which Is Right for You?

Epiphone SG Buying Guide: Comparing Standard, '61 Reissue, and Special Models to Find Your Ideal Guitar

By Tony Rawson, MusicStreet

The Epiphone SG is a classic electric guitar that has captured the hearts of musicians for decades. This buying guide will help you navigate the differences between the Epiphone SG Standard, the '61 Reissue, and the Special models, ensuring you find the right fit for your playing style and preferences. Each model offers unique features and tonal qualities, making it essential to understand their distinctions. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this guide will provide insights into the key characteristics of each model, helping you make an informed decision. We will explore the specifications, suitability for various genres, and the overall value of each guitar. Additionally, we will highlight the best options for beginners and value seekers, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

Epiphone SG Standard

The Epiphone SG Standard is renowned for its powerful sound and sleek design, making it a favorite among rock and metal guitarists. This model features a solid mahogany body, which contributes to its warm tone and sustain. The SG Standard is equipped with Alnico Classic humbucker pickups, providing a rich, full sound that excels in various musical genres. Its lightweight design and comfortable neck profile make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players alike.

Understanding how these physical characteristics contribute to the guitar's sound is crucial for appreciating its tonal versatility.

Electric Guitar Tone: Body, Pickups, Style & Genre

The identity of an instrument is its timbre. With the electric guitar (abbreviated to e-guitar for much of this book), this is typically referred to as tone, which is also indelibly tied to its player. Tone is made up of an amalgamation of physical characteristics such as body shape, wood, string, and pickups, but also amplification choice, equalization (EQ), and personal playing style. For players, oftentimes, their instrument of choice is inseparable from tone, and thus inseparable from style and genre.

The Instrument and its Amplification, 2025

What Are the Key Features of the Epiphone SG Standard?

The Epiphone SG Standard boasts several key features that enhance its playability and sound quality:

Mahogany Body: The solid mahogany construction offers a warm, resonant tone.
Humbucker Pickups: Equipped with Alnico Classic humbuckers, it delivers a powerful sound with excellent clarity.
Slim Taper Neck: The comfortable neck profile allows for easy playability, making it suitable for fast solos and intricate chord progressions.

These features make the SG Standard a versatile instrument, capable of handling everything from classic rock to modern metal.

Epiphone SG Standard '61 Reissue

The '61 Reissue model pays homage to the original SG design, capturing the vintage aesthetics and tonal qualities that made it famous. This model features a slightly different pickup configuration, utilizing ProBucker pickups that provide a unique, bright sound. The '61 Reissue is perfect for players who appreciate the classic rock and blues tones that defined the era.

To understand the historical significance of the '61 Reissue, it's helpful to look back at the original SG's introduction.

1961 Gibson SG Shape Origin & History

Then, in 1961, Gibson overhauled the entire Les Paul line with the SG shape, featuring a

The Epiphone guitar book: a complete history of Epiphone guitars, 1961

What Distinguishes the Epiphone SG '61 Reissue from Other Models?

The Epiphone SG '61 Reissue stands out due to its distinctive features:

P-90 Pickups: These single-coil pickups offer a bright, cutting tone that is ideal for rock and blues.
Vintage Aesthetics: The reissue captures the classic look with its glossy finish and vintage-style hardware.
Lightweight Design: Similar to the Standard, the '61 Reissue is lightweight, making it comfortable for extended playing sessions.

These characteristics make the '61 Reissue a great choice for guitarists seeking a vintage sound and feel.

Epiphone SG Special

The Epiphone SG Special is designed with affordability and simplicity in mind, making it an excellent option for beginners. This model features a more straightforward design, with a focus on essential elements that deliver great sound without unnecessary frills. The SG Special is equipped with a pair of P-90 pickups, providing a punchy tone that is perfect for various styles.

How Does the Epiphone SG Special Compare to the Standard Model?

When comparing the SG Special to the Standard model, several differences emerge:

Pickup Type: The Special uses P-90 pickups, while the Standard features humbuckers, resulting in different tonal characteristics.
Price Point: The SG Special is generally more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious players.
Simplicity: The Special's design is more straightforward, focusing on essential features without the additional complexity of the Standard.

These differences make the SG Special a fantastic entry-level guitar for those new to playing.

Summary

In summary, each Epiphone SG model offers unique features and benefits tailored to different playing styles and preferences. The SG Standard is ideal for those seeking a versatile guitar with a powerful sound, while the '61 Reissue appeals to players looking for vintage tones and aesthetics. The SG Special stands out as an excellent choice for beginners and value seekers, providing quality sound at an accessible price point.

Which Epiphone SG Model Is Best for Beginners and Value Seekers?

For beginners and value seekers, the Epiphone SG Special is the best option. Its affordability, lightweight design, and straightforward features make it an excellent choice for those just starting their musical journey. Additionally, MusicStreet offers a range of Epiphone SG models, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your needs.

Guitar setup and repair services at MusicStreet

At MusicStreet, we understand the importance of having your guitar set up correctly. Our in-house workshop provides professional setup and repair services, ensuring your Epiphone SG performs at its best. Whether you need adjustments to the action, intonation, or pickup height, our experienced technicians are here to help you get the most out of your instrument.