I went to my local center to play some cheapo instruments hoping to settle on a decent backup to the Epi LP 50's Gold Top. After playing a bunch of lesser Epi's, Squier Teles and Strats, back to back with lower-end Gibson SG's and Fenders, I settled upon a burgundy Epiphone SG Special.
What really drew me to it was just how easily playable it is. The SG makes my Les Paul feel like a baseball bat glued to a boat anchor... OK, not that bad, but the SG is a very comfortable guitar to play. The P-90 Pro pups sound really good, not Gibson-like but close. And the setup on this thing was darn near spot on from the get-go. I was concerned about intonation with the fixed bridge but it's very close to being perfect.
I guess the best "backup" guitar is one you would have no reservation about using as a primary in any situation, and this one fits. Epiphone has really stepped up their game lately.
What really drew me to it was just how easily playable it is. The SG makes my Les Paul feel like a baseball bat glued to a boat anchor... OK, not that bad, but the SG is a very comfortable guitar to play. The P-90 Pro pups sound really good, not Gibson-like but close. And the setup on this thing was darn near spot on from the get-go. I was concerned about intonation with the fixed bridge but it's very close to being perfect.
I guess the best "backup" guitar is one you would have no reservation about using as a primary in any situation, and this one fits. Epiphone has really stepped up their game lately.
