Gibson is made in the USA and Epiphone is made in Asia.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'guitaraffinity_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',104,'0','0'])); But when it comes to being made in USA compared Asia, there really is no contest. If you aren’t that into either of these guitars, you’ll need to shop around a bit more. A review of the affordable Epiphone G400. I pick up a Gibson SG on the other hand, and immediately I’m like, “yeah” just by the general heft and solid feel as I take note of the impeccably manicured and bound fretboard.. Then as I check the neck I notice there are no dead spots, no buzzes. I’m still not seeing a huge gain by Gibson that justifies the markup in price at this point. Epiphone SG G-400 Pro. Epiphone G-310. So which SG would you go for? Bridge: SAT Pro II bridge About 600$ worth when new - quality and craftmanship should be better than on the Vintage VS6 or Epiphone G400. So what’s different aside from a 4X mark up in price for the Gibson? Score: 1 to 10. The mastery of craftsmanship, the feel, the high-end technology, everything about this guitar screams quality. Ok, so I bought an SG Special a while back and upgraded the pickups, then a couple weeks ago I bought an SG G400 Pro. While the Epiphone Ltd Edition 1966 g400 is a really great guitar, there are unfortunately a few downsides to be aware of. Yeah, it’s the best kept secret in the guitar building industry and I’m blowing the lid right off. The Ibanez RG 1070 PBZ is one of the best metal guitars out there. I recently purchased an Epi G400 pro, got it set up by a local guitar tech, and it plays great. I'm gonna try it out and talk about the price (at the moment 400$, too much). I have been comparing the Standard against the G400, and to be totally honest, the Epiphone has the edge right now. Epiphone SG G-400 Pro. Differences in hardware usually come from manufacturing cost rather than quality. It’s really quite amazing! But this is why they play so great right out of the box. *Check out the full specs of the Epiphone G-400 Pro hereeval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'guitaraffinity_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',107,'0','0'])); Epiphones are really the dark horse in the room. I have more than a few friends with Epiphone’s that play really nice and, believe me, they do not come out of the box that way. Granted I have done some mods to the Epi and the Gibson is stock. But let suggest a different thik. What does all this mean to you? Model: Epiphone G-400 PRO. Epiphone G-400. Epiphone SG G-400 Pro. Newer golf club drivers are set to handle in abu dhabi. I pick up a Gibson SG on the other hand, and immediately I’m like, “yeah” just by the general heft and solid feel as I take note of the impeccably manicured and bound fretboard. This guitar is shaped similarly to the classic Les Paul, but has a tone that’s perfect for heavy metal. Construction:-Truss Rod:-Average Price:-Controls: Epiphone all-metal 3-way pickup selector. It has high output pickups, and one of the most playable necks on the market. And if you take the time to do a nice setup, you would be hard pressed to get more for your money. You will see differences when you pull the cover plates off. Mine is from the Gibson/QingDao factory (EE) and has to be one of the better Epiphone models available. That said, I wouldn't turn down a nice Gibby Diablo Cut or HP model if it were handed to me, but I'm a home gamer, not a pro. Being into CNC myself, I’m fascinated by the whole plek process. After the scan of the fretboard is completed, the machining process begins, all while still under the simulated string tension. I narrowed down to the Epiphone Les Paul Standard or the G-400 Pro. Like many affordable guitars, it lacks some of the sonic sophistication of upmarket pickups. I'm interested in potentially acquiring a '66 Epiphone G-400 in the silverburst finish. In fact, manufacturers often even refer to it as rosewood, but it’s not. Now it literally takes minutes. At least not to the degree you come to expect from Gibson. If you're looking for a virtually new instrument in possibly less-than-perfect packaging, this is a great value. Do you want a great guitar for a great price, or do you shell out 4 times as much for one of the greatest guitars you’ve ever laid your hands on? Nitrocellulose lacquer is chosen specifically because it allows the wood to breathe. Both guitars come with wax potted pickups and I wouldn’t expect any issues with either. The G-400 (or sometimes G400) is an Epiphone solid body electric guitar model produced as a more modestly priced version of the famous Gibson SG.Currently, Epiphone is a subsidiary of Gibson and manufactures the G-400 and other budget models at a lower cost in Asia. You really want to look for comfort and playability when buying an electric guitar, and Gibson nails it. Age: 57 89. Epiphone Les Paul Standard PlusTop Pro. At the budget end are the very similar G-310 and the G-400. comfort and playability when buying an electric guitar, full specs of the Epiphone G-400 Pro here. *Check out the full specs of the Gibson SG here. So Epiphone G-400 Pro tends to get more favorable ⭐ reviews than Ibanez RG450DX, as seen on the chart below. Then as I check the neck I notice there are no dead spots, no buzzes. Rate. These SG's are an absolute pleasure to play but there are a few things you need to know about them. It doesn’t exactly ooze with passion and pride of craftsmanship. The mystery of how “all things being equal” but clearly aren’t is called “craftsmanship,” which you get it in spades with the Gibson SG. An all-mahogany body with Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers for Classic mid-60's SG tone.The Epiphone Limited Edition 1966 G-400 Electric Guitar is a Gibson-authorized version of their great '66 SG with a solid mahogany body and slim-taper set mahogany neck. I learned to play acoustic guitar when I was 14, and played with bands in high school and college, but I didn't have my own electric guitar and I just used guitars from friends from other bands during jam sessions and gigs. Yet the G-400 carries around an extra $50 on the price tag. Please check out my channel for videos of my AC/DC tribute band UK/DC Thanks Mike This is a pet peeve of mine because so many players don’t realize how important the nut actually is. If you want something a little more affordable for metal, check out the Jackson JS22 SC. Or instead of mods, etc, keep your money, consider to buy a 2nd hand SG Gibson Faded. It fits my style of playing. It means that you don’t have to be concerned about trying out your guitars before you buy them anymore. Epiphone SG G-400 Pro. The operator can actually program how much simulated string tension is applied. It is not even in the same species, but it’s a little cheaper.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'guitaraffinity_com-leader-1','ezslot_6',109,'0','0'])); Gibson uses Burstbuckers, with 2 volume and 2 tone knobs. There are tons of guitars that can satisfy your needs, whether you want something more professional, geared towards metal, or whatever else you may need. Some subtle-yet … You see, every component on a guitar contributes to the tone to some degree. The SG guitar in any variant needs no introduction. While metal in the 70s was fine with them, today’s metal requires much more modern technology. Both of these guitars use plastic inlays. Stainless steel will last much longer than brass, and will be easier to clean. The Epiphone G400 is supposed to be a ’62 design, while the 2019 SG Standard ’61 Gibson is a reissued ’61 design. Often compared with Epiphone SG G-400 Pro. Even if you were dissatisfied with the Epiphone pickups and felt the need to spend additional money on aftermarket pickups, you’d still come out way on top financially. The price point is the only thing that really justifies the lack of craftsmanship.. Epiphone uses Alnico classics, also with 2 volume and tone knobs. Epiphone SG G-400 Pro. The impression that I get when I pick up and SG from Epiphone is that it’s really put together and made out of the same materials that a real Gibson is but…. One ping pro said during testing, this g400 7-iron has turned into my 6-iron but in an 8-iron window. So in this comparison, I feel that I have some decent knowledge relating to Gibsons and Epiphones. Since 2006, all USA Gibson guitars also come with a “plek” treatment, which essentially is a Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine that does great fretwork very consistently. May 2, 2017 USA. This is the Epiphone SG G-400 Pro electric guitar. When you’re dealing with this level of craftsmanship, details like the type of wood and pickups used are almost an afterthought. The SG model was originally intended to replace the Les Paul, … ESP Kirk Hammett KH-2 Vintage. Cons of Epiphone Ltd Edition 1966 g400 Pro. If you want to get that crunchy sound and are willing to pay a little extra for it, check out some of the instruments from Reverend. Comparison of Epiphone Les Paul Standard and Epiphone SG G-400 Pro based on specifications, reviews and ratings. Did you know that there are entire manufacturing plants that deal solely in mother of pearl and abalone? If I told you the truth that it would only cost you about $25 extra to have real mother of pearl block or trapezoid inlays put on those guitars, would you buy it? I also give my honest feedback on looks. I liked the sound of G400 pro more than standard G400's. If you’re a metalhead, you definitely won’t want to use these guitars. Intonation out of the box was spot on, and the action very acceptable. That’s the compromise you make for better tone. Epiphone’s 1966 SG G-400 PRO Price: $582 (list); $349 (street) Info: www.epiphone.com Gibson’s SG is a classic design with plenty of great players behind it, from Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, and Jerry Garcia to Tony Iommi, Angus Young, and Mick Box of Uriah Heep, to name a few. Hands down, the Gibson wins. Proudly Handcrafted in Bozeman, Montana by Gibson Acoustic Luthiers, the Made in the U.S.A. Epiphone Texan is built using a solid Sitka Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides, with a Rosewood fingerboard and bridge. But you can find a good 2nd hand Faded around 550-700$. Eastcoast Vintage. If you’re already sold on the price to performance ratio of the Epiphone, or not really interested in why Gibson plays so nicely, please skip ahead to the conclusion. Epiphone G-400 PRO (Epiphone) Compare. With my style of music I'd much rather be playing a Les Paul. I’m gonna get technical shortly so just bear with me! Epiphone G-400 PRO Electric Guitar Gear returned in mint condition. Please subscribe Hi all. Epiphone Les Paul Standard. Then I start looking at it a little more closely and begin seeing all these little flaws here and there. The new ping g400 sft vs g400 stock shafts. If you're looking for a cheaper alternative to a USA Gibson, Epiphone are the first brand for many to turn to, and it's no exception when looking at SG models. Some subtle-yet-significant differences make this one special. 7.0 Users 1. Visually and ergonomically, it is almost identical to a 1962 SG. I can't help myself from telling everyone I know about it! All I can say about the Epiphone G-400 Pro is that I saw a white "1966" model hanging in a local store and thought it was so sexy that I bought it that day. …It’s sorta just slapped together. I mean its a totally different guitar really. Yes, the finish actually does impact the tone of an instrument. Mainly on keyboards I have to say, sometimes alternating guitar and keys at the same gigs. Brand: Epiphone. They can be a little more expensive, but it’s well worth the premium. Epiphone SG Special vs G400 Pro Limited Discussion in 'Other Guitars' started by DaveinSoCal, Jul 14, 2017. The G400 is a great looking / sounding guitar out of the box! Heavy neck. Any player who picks up a Gibson SG will be satisfied with their choice. For instance, a stainless steel bridge is much more costly to manufacture than a brass one.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'guitaraffinity_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_7',110,'0','0'])); Which one sounds better, however, is entirely a matter of opinion. Gibson is hands down better than Epiphone. The Epiphone G-400 is equipped with Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers. No runs, no drips, no errors, perfect intonation, and there’s a reason for that. ... and changed my search to just "epiphone sg", and sorted by newly listed. Try out some of these guitars that are similar to the G400 and the SG. The Epiphone Limited-Edition 1966 G-400 PRO Electric Guitar is a Gibson-authorized version of their great '66 SG with a solid mahogany body and slim taper set mahogany neck. Today we’ll take a look at two SGs built in different places in the world but harkening back to the same early 60’s design. Typically Gibson uses more select grades. But honestly, these pickups are fine. I also have a Gibson SG Special, an Epiphone SG G400 and a G400 Pro. The machine actually applies tension to the neck as if it had 9s, 10s, or whatever gauge strings on it. Guitar Affinity's Top 5 Guitars of the Month: Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. But here you get push/pull functionality to split the coils with your volume knobs which is pretty useful. Both of these types of guitars have the same mahogany body and set neck, though generally Gibson uses better grades of wood. It is essential that the guitar be machined under tension like this because only then can the machine take an accurate scan of the fretboard under playing conditions. The nitrocellulose finish Gibson uses is better in that it sounds better and ages melower. On top of that, it's fairly safe to say that Epiphone G-400 Pro is a more popular electric guitar, based on its 30+ reviews. The '66 sure is a special guitar from Epiphone. I know I can get one of the packages with amp, strap and all that like the epiphone performance that comes with a Les Paul Special II, but I wan a better guitar and dont mind getting a better amp. Loved it so much I ended up getting a Gibson SG later. First, the guitar has a jig put on the headstock and bridge area, and is then inserted into the machine. The G-400 Deluxe PRO is inspired by the first generation of SGs made in the 1960s at the legendary Gibson and Epiphone factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan that produced the Les Paul and the Casino. Epiphone G-310 Vs G-400. While the neck is slim taper, it does have the vintage D-profile which some may find a bit uncomfortable compared with the Gibson C-profile. Epiphone SG G-400 Pro. It’s always been that way. There are two vital places where string energy is transferred to the guitar, one at the bridge and the other at the nut, and bone is an excellent material for nuts. After, that a worker can simply give the fretboard a final polish, and it’s done! The value that you get for your money is tough to beat. I've played a variety of musical styles over the years since learning guitar in the 60's. While the Alnico Classics are fine, I’d really rather see Epiphone’s ProBucker pickups in this guitar, even if it meant a bump in price. Both the Airwave and the Bayonet have a unique sound that’s meant to pay homage to the glory days of classic rock. You can just hop on Amazon or whatever, slap down your credit card and still get a good night’s sleep without worrying about how the thing is going to play. Not much different in the design or construction wise.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'guitaraffinity_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',105,'0','0'])); OK, now let’s talk about craftsmanship because the clear winner in this department is always going to be Gibson. But if you are willing to futz around a bit with setting your guitar up the way you like it (I couldn’t imagine not doing that), you can make the Epiphone play real sweet. In my experience, you can build a G400 out to your tastes for FAR less than a Gibby SG and nobody will give you crap for modding it. The Epiphone Prophecy Collection features iconic "Inspired by Gibson™" body shapes with a modern twist for players seeking to break tradition and set new standards. The choice is yours, and either will get you a phenomenal guitar. I don't think you will sell an Epiphone with SD P-Rails. This whole process used to take all day by hand. Save Rating: Guitar. They have a push-pull coil tap feature, which adds a little versatility. From beginning to end there are quality control checks all throughout the construction process starting with the wood. Mine plays completely different than my 2001 G-400. Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath and Angus Young of AC/DC use this axe, showing it’s quality of design. The original G400 is an awesome guitar but the G400 Pro takes it one step further! Epiphone’s G-400 PRO is a distinct improvement on its predecessor. If you favor durability over tone, you need to look to Epiphone for their hard poly coats.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'guitaraffinity_com-box-4','ezslot_1',106,'0','0'])); General attention to detail is always better from Gibson as well. Both Gibson and Epiphone have a plastic nut. These are good pickups, especially in this price range. But it’s worth noting these subtle design differences. When it comes to the fretboard, the only difference is that the Gibson uses rosewood while the Epiphone uses pau ferro. Of course, you want to consider how easy these hardware options are to maintain. Driver, hybrids is an 8-iron window. But upgraded hardware, classy looks, versatile pickups, and coil tapping make it one hell of a value for gigging players who hate the hassle of multiple instruments. During the machining process each fret is dressed and crowned, and finally the nut is slotted for the appropriate string gauge. Fazley FSG400. I have worked with pau ferro myself and it sounds almost exactly the same as Indian rosewood. The reason I find this so exciting is not just because I have as deep a passion for CNC technology as I do guitars, but because this is a totally revolutionary approach to doing accurate fretwork and it’s accurate to the micrometer. A brand new G400 Pro is around 420$. 8.4 Guests 5. That’s what you get with a Gibson that you don’t get with an Epiphone. Maybe somebody sanded through the finish or there may be a slight crack or imperfection in the wood that was obviously patched or filled, a buzzy fret now and again, and so forth.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'guitaraffinity_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',108,'0','0'])); The price point is the only thing that really justifies the lack of craftsmanship. Most of the time the hardware on an Epiphone is easier to manufacture because the materials are softer and easier to work. Crafted with features like a genuine rosewood fretboard, hot pair of Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers, and onboard coil-splitting with a wide spread of heavy-hitting tones, the Epiphone G-400 PRO pays homage to one of the great electric guitars in a modern and affordable package. It’s not the hardest finish however. Or if you still can’t decide, take a sidebar and check out the double neck SGs from Epiphone and Gibson. It's the best $400 I've ever spent. In traditional format the instrument does everything you would expect. DaveinSoCal Squier Talker.