Members hangwire Posted November 11, 2008 Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 I am looking to pick up an SG to have at my brother's house where I spend the night 1 day a week due to an out of town work opportunity. Historically, I don't tend to like the Gibson feel. I had an Epiphone Les Paul that I won as a door prize that I soon sold because it just didn't feel or play the way I like [which has been the case while playing Gibsons of my friend's or at stores when it is the demo guitar for the stompbox display]. But, I have always liked the SG shape, and think that it would be a nice change of pace. My brother plays bass and is into more aggressive music, so the SG fits in my head for this role. I visually like the larger black pickguard, and I plan to change pickups to humbucker sized chrome p-90s, and would be looking used. Body color would probably be dark BLUE #1, but that is not standard color, Black next, then White So I am posting this to get feedback on the G310, or other makes/models that also fit this. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members HeatherAnnePeel Posted November 11, 2008 Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 The Epi G-310 is better than many think, as is the Epi SG Special. I have a G-400, an EG-1275 and a Gibson SG Special. I think the G-310 will fit your needs well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Edward Posted November 11, 2008 Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 Was the G310 not bolt-on? not that that automatically makes it bad guitar (I'm a Fender player ), but the bolt on versions of the Epis always felt a bit compromised overall, in my experience. The G400 is a really nice guitar if you get a good one, ideal for a pup swap (I like the ideal of one with two mean 90s and a Bigsby.... ). I would also recommend the equivalent Tokais. The best budget SG copy I have ever encountered is the Vintage branded one with the Wilkinson pups and hardware. Great guitar - truly, in my opinion, the SG equivalent of the Pacifica 112. I don't think it's available in the US, though. Oh.... if you can find one, and you like the wider neck and the slightly different body shape, the short-lived Squier version of the Dearmond take on the Guild SGalike sells for very little used. With a pup swap, one of those would be a pretty good SG-style guitar, IMO. ETA: It seems to me that most of the copies I've seen run with the smaller pick guard, but a flat-fronted SG copy should take the full sized guard no problem, AFAIK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members HeatherAnnePeel Posted November 11, 2008 Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 My EG-1275 is bolt-on and it's great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members hangwire Posted November 11, 2008 Author Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 someone just PM'd me this: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CRESCENT-BLUE-DOUBLE-CUTAWAY-ELECTRIC-GUITAR-SG_W0QQitemZ330282898289QQihZ014QQcategoryZ2384QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem aside from the horrible description... anyone have anything to say about them? the horns look a little offset, which would be not desirable... but it might just be the angle? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members hangwire Posted November 11, 2008 Author Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 Was the G310 not bolt-on? not that that automatically makes it bad guitar (I'm a Fender player ), but the bolt on versions of the Epis always felt a bit compromised overall, in my experience. The G400 is a really nice guitar if you get a good one, ideal for a pup swap (I like the ideal of one with two mean 90s and a Bigsby.... ). I would also recommend the equivalent Tokais. The best budget SG copy I have ever encountered is the Vintage branded one with the Wilkinson pups and hardware. Great guitar - truly, in my opinion, the SG equivalent of the Pacifica 112. I don't think it's available in the US, though. Oh.... if you can find one, and you like the wider neck and the slightly different body shape, the short-lived Squier version of the Dearmond take on the Guild SGalike sells for very little used. With a pup swap, one of those would be a pretty good SG-style guitar, IMO. ETA: It seems to me that most of the copies I've seen run with the smaller pick guard, but a flat-fronted SG copy should take the full sized guard no problem, AFAIK. bolt on might be better anyway. Over the years I have owned 3 setneck guitars and they all felt a bit odd. I actually had a DeArmond Jetstar a few years ago that I added a bigby to I got it in the VH1 charity auction years ago. It was ok, but one of the set necks that was sold I mentioned above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members FatFingered Posted November 11, 2008 Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 If you care about upper fret access. the G-400 set neck would be better than the bolt-on G-310. I had the "310" model that came with the high-performance package with the Epi Vjr amp and that guitar body was made of plywood and heavy. The stock pickups were not bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members hangwire Posted November 11, 2008 Author Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 is the 310 just a special II with a pickguard??? If I am building up, I can just buy a pickguard and 2 gfs pickups and save a bit more on the startup guitar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members blingdogg Posted November 11, 2008 Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 I am interested also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members golias Posted November 11, 2008 Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 I got a "rummage sale" G-310 a few weeks ago. After flipping the amp they sold with it, the thing ended up costing me $30. Right about what I like to pay for my "turd polishing" projects. I was STUNNED at how good the cheap ceramic pups in that thing sounded. I don't know what sweatshop Epiphone gets their budget pickups from, but Agile ought to track them down. Other than cleaning it up a bit, giving it some new strings, and replacing a couple of missing screws, I ended up doing NOTHING to it. It's a sweet guitar exactly as it is. I might eventually re-finish it, Bigsby it, whatever. Depends on my mood. But then again, I'm pretty sure I can flip it exactly as it is for $100 - $150, and the person who buys it will find themselves very happy with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members hangwire Posted November 11, 2008 Author Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 I was able to play a few g400s this afternoon... was very suprised at how much better the satin finished worn brown played... the neck was less "sticky" I played a special and noted the differences, but it wasn't bad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Meowy Posted November 11, 2008 Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 The Jay Tursers are nice low price SGs as well. On eBay regularly for under $200 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members chevette Posted November 11, 2008 Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 someone just PM'd me this:http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CRESCENT-BLUE-DOUBLE-CUTAWAY-ELECTRIC-GUITAR-SG_W0QQitemZ330282898289QQihZ014QQcategoryZ2384QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItemaside from the horrible description... anyone have anything to say about them? the horns look a little offset, which would be not desirable... but it might just be the angle? the horns are not even on regular SG shape bodies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BoredGuitarist7 Posted November 11, 2008 Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 Epiphone G-400 1966 Edition. Comes with higher quality grover tuners, nicer quality pots, full size pickguard, and a true heritage cherry finish. This finish is very, very, nice. Only thing separating it from the Classics are the pickups. I was going to get a SG Deluxe, settled on the Epiphone. Its a Custom Shop run too, so they might stop soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BoredGuitarist7 Posted November 11, 2008 Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 someone just PM'd me this:http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CRESCENT-BLUE-DOUBLE-CUTAWAY-ELECTRIC-GUITAR-SG_W0QQitemZ330282898289QQihZ014QQcategoryZ2384QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem They said it has...* 4 single coil pickups * 5 way distortion switch* Adjustable tremolo bridge for custom intonation. Don't buy it. It probably is horrible quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Meowy Posted November 11, 2008 Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 They said it has...* 4 single coil pickups * 5 way distortion switch* Adjustable tremolo bridge for custom intonation.Don't buy it. It probably is horrible quality. I can haz kustom intoenation? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Railfanespee Posted November 11, 2008 Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 someone just PM'd me this:http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CRESCENT-BLUE-DOUBLE-CUTAWAY-ELECTRIC-GUITAR-SG_W0QQitemZ330282898289QQihZ014QQcategoryZ2384QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItemaside from the horrible description... anyone have anything to say about them? the horns look a little offset, which would be not desirable... but it might just be the angle? That thing has some REALLY odd features. * 4 single coil pickups* 5 way distortion switch* 1 volume control and 2 tone control knobs* Beautiful finish.* Solid Harwood body* Maple neck* Rosewood fingerboard.* Precision tuners.* Adjustable tremolo bridge for custom intonation.* Adjustable truss rod reinforced bolt-on neck* 22 frets.* Cutaway body design for easy access to upper frets.* 39" overall guitar length* 25.5" scale length* 1 and 11/16" width of neck at nut* 12.75" body at widest point EDIT: Someone beat me too it. And I didn't see the part about the "trem"But yeah, I'd stay away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members hangwire Posted November 11, 2008 Author Members Share Posted November 11, 2008 Epiphone G-400 1966 Edition. Comes with higher quality grover tuners, nicer quality pots, full size pickguard, and a true heritage cherry finish. This finish is very, very, nice. Only thing separating it from the Classics are the pickups. I was going to get a SG Deluxe, settled on the Epiphone. Its a Custom Shop run too, so they might stop soon. link? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BoredGuitarist7 Posted November 12, 2008 Members Share Posted November 12, 2008 link? http://www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone-Limited-Edition-1966-G-400-Electric-Guitar-102676350-i1166714.gc Comes in the Silverburst and the Heritage Cherry. Great guitar for the money Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members NOS68 Posted November 12, 2008 Members Share Posted November 12, 2008 The Jay Tursers are nice low price SGs as well. On eBay regularly for under $200 This would be my suggestion too. pretty much an Epi without the name. They have some cool color choices other cheapies don't offer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BoredGuitarist7 Posted November 12, 2008 Members Share Posted November 12, 2008 This would be my suggestion too. pretty much an Epi without the name. They have some cool color choices other cheapies don't offer. Eh... I had a Jay Turser for a bit. Sold it for $80, then went out and got my Yamaha Strat with it. You really can't say it is an Epi without the name... It is a very obvious difference quality and build wise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members HeatherAnnePeel Posted November 12, 2008 Members Share Posted November 12, 2008 My 2003 G-400: My 1992 EG-1275: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DonK Posted November 12, 2008 Members Share Posted November 12, 2008 I have an Epi G-400 Custom (the ivory one with gold hardware, 3 pup's) and highly recommend it, with a couple of caveats. First, it has honkin' thick neck that isn't for everyone (significantly thicker than my LP Studio w/ 50's neck, thicker than my EJ Strat, though a tad thinner than the Warmoth boatneck on my project Strat). Second, it's not very versatile tonally, despite the three pup's (I probably ought to rewire them with a couple of push-pull pots to split the coils, get some out of phase sounds, etc, a bit like Page's LP). For straight-ahead hard rock and overdriven leads it's killer: playability, looks and build-quality are all spot-on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members deaner33 Posted November 12, 2008 Members Share Posted November 12, 2008 I just sold a G-310 to a fellow forum member & am now jonesing for a G-400 if that tells you anything. My goal is to get one of the worn brown models & put some GFS P90's in it to make a cheaper SG Classic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members hangwire Posted November 12, 2008 Author Members Share Posted November 12, 2008 I just sold a G-310 to a fellow forum member & am now jonesing for a G-400 if that tells you anything. My goal is to get one of the worn brown models & put some GFS P90's in it to make a cheaper SG Classic. what was lacking ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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