Which is the best Epiphone SG for you in 2025? Read our ultimate Epiphone SG comparison and buyer’s guide
The Gibson SG™ electric guitar is one of the most instantly recognizable musical instruments in the world. From its sharp double-cutaway horns to its punchy sound and heavy metal association, the SG has earned its place on some of the most legendary stages in history. First launched in 1961 as a bold evolution of the Les Paul™, the SG—short for “Solid Guitar”—quickly found fans in pop, rock, blues, and, thanks in no small part to Tony Iommi’s use of this iconic guitar, heavy metal.
Artists like Angus Young, Tony Iommi, George Harrison, YUNGBLUD, and Derek Trucks have all made the SG their go-to guitar—and for good reason. When comparing an SG to a Les Paul, an SG is typically lighter than a Les Paul, features a more rock-forward look that many players love (try to attend a heavy metal gig without seeing an SG), and offers fast playability that’s great for smaller frames, in addition to offering better access to the upper frets. The SG also has a naturally aggressive tone, which is perfect for cutting through a band mix on stage or in the studio. And it looks extremely cool, too.
Today, thanks to the various collections in the Epiphone range, it’s easy to grab an Epiphone SG and get that same legendary style and sound at a price that works for your budget. Whether you’re a beginner buying your first guitar, looking for the best starter guitar for your child, or looking for a reliable workhorse for gigs and jams, this Epiphone SG comparison for 2025 will help you find the model that fits your playing journey.
Watch our Epiphone SG video comparison below, which will help you find the best Epiphone SG:
We’ve already compared every Epiphone Les Paul, and we’ve even compared the Gibson Les Paul to the Gibson SG, but if you’re here, the chances are you’ve already decided that this is the body shape for you. Now you’re asking, “Which Epiphone SG should I buy?” This updated Epiphone SG buyer’s guide for 2025 compares the full range of models so you can easily find the best Epiphone SG for your needs, style, and budget.
What are the four main Epiphone SG collections?
Epiphone SG guitars are divided into four main collections: Inspired by Gibson Custom, Inspired by Gibson (which includes Original and Modern), the Artist Collection, and Power Players. Each collection serves a slightly different type of player—from pro and experienced guitar players chasing vintage tone and specs to beginner guitarists and children (and parents) looking for their first guitar—so it’s helpful to know the differences between each Epiphone SG and their respective collections and which one you might want to go for. Here’s a quick overview of the various Epiphone SG collections and how they compare:
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom
This is where you’ll find the top-tier Epiphone SG models. These guitars are designed in collaboration with Gibson Custom and include vintage-style specs, USA-made pickups, and meticulous attention to detail. If you’re looking for the closest thing to a historic Gibson SG without the high-end price tag, this is the place to start.
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson
This collection is split into two styles: Original and Modern. The Original models stick to classic designs and specs from the 60s and 70s, while the Modern models add, well, modern updates (the clue is in the name) like advanced switching and higher gain pickups.
Epiphone Artist Collection
These SG models are built with input and close collaboration from some of the world’s biggest Epiphone artists. You’ll see exact specifications as requested by iconic players like Tony Iommi and more contemporary artists like YUNGBLUD and Joe Bonamassa. Epiphone signature models bring artist-approved specs to us all, so we can get closer to the sound and style of our guitar heroes.
Epiphone Power Players
These guitars are designed for young beginners, smaller hands, and first-time players. Whether you’re buying for a child, a new hobbyist, or want a compact SG for travel or practice, this collection is ideal if you want a grab-and-go guitar at a very accessible price.
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom SG guitars
The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection SG guitars feel like they just walked out of the Gibson Custom Shop. Developed in close collaboration with the team at Gibson Custom, these SG models recreate some of the most iconic vintage SG guitars ever made—with vintage-correct specs, USA-made pickups, and handwired electronics that bring classic tone and performance to every stage. As Epiphone expert Dinesh Lekhraj puts it in the video above, “These guitars have classic appointments, revoiced pickups, and most importantly, playability.”
The Inspired by Gibson Custom SG series is your ticket to owning a historic-style SG without the pro-level price tag. These guitars bring together timeless vintage design with exceptional craftsmanship, offering pro performance that’s equally suited to the stage and the studio. On some Epiphone SG guitars in this series, you’ll find these key features:
- One-piece mahogany necks with long tenons for added resonance and sustain
- Gibson USA Custombucker pickups with vintage handwired electronics
- Premium components, including CTS® pots and paper-in-oil capacitors
- Bound rosewood or ebony fretboards with vintage inlays
- Vintage Original Sheen (VOS) finishes for an authentic vintage look and feel, and aged nickel or gold hardware
- Period-correct hardshell cases with Inspired by Gibson Custom branding
Here are some of my favorite Epiphone SG models from this collection:
Epiphone 1964 SG Standard Reissue With Maestro Vibrola
Pictured: Epiphone 1964 SG Standard Reissue With Maestro Vibrola in Cherry Red
- One-piece mahogany neck with 60s SlimTaper™ profile and rosewood fretboard
- Gibson USA Custombucker pickups with CTS pots and Black Beauty capacitors
- Two-piece, center-seamed mahogany body with vintage SG bevels
- Maestro™ Vibrola™ tailpiece and aged nickel hardware
- Bound “open book” headstock with mother-of-pearl inlays
- Includes Inspired by Gibson Custom hardshell case
Epiphone 1963 Les Paul SG Custom With Maestro Vibrola
Pictured: Epiphone 1963 Les Paul SG Custom With Maestro Vibrola in Classic White
- One-piece mahogany neck with long neck tenon and SlimTaper profile
- Bound ebony fretboard with block inlays and gold hardware
- Triple Gibson USA Custombucker pickups with Mallory™ capacitors
- Bound “open book” headstock with split diamond inlay
- Maestro Vibrola tailpiece and Grover® Rotomatic® tuners
- Includes VOS finish and Inspired by Gibson Custom hardshell case
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson SG guitars
The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson SG Collection gives players of all styles access to the same body shapes, tones, and features that made the SG a rock staple, all at a very accessible price without skimping on quality. Whether you’re jamming at home, heading to your first gig, or building out your touring rig, these guitars are built to deliver on tone, feel, and reliability, and are extremely fun to play.
One thing to note when comparing these guitars is that this collection is divided into two subsections: Original and Modern. One captures the historic spirit of vintage SG guitars, the other brings the SG into the present day with some modern performance upgrades, like higher-gain pickups and body shape adjustments—but we’ll get to that in a bit.
Epiphone Original Collection SG guitars
The Epiphone Original Collection celebrates everything that made the SG a legend in the first place—lightweight bodies, fast necks, powerful tones, and no-nonsense rock ’n’ roll styling. These guitars are inspired by the Golden Era of SG design and deliver everything you’d want from a guitar. Featuring P-90s, ProBuckers, slim necks, and finishes that are timeless (Cherry, I’m looking at you), if you’re doing an Epiphone SG comparison or looking for the best Epiphone SG for instant rock and metal tones, this is a great place to start.
Key features:
- Slim, double-cutaway mahogany bodies built for comfort, with classic aesthetics
- ProBucker™ humbuckers or P-90 pickups for iconic tones
- Graph Tech® nuts, CTS® electronics, and vintage-style hardware
- Epiphone Kalamazoo headstocks on select models
- Optional or included gig bags for grab-and-go convenience
Here are a few standouts from the Original Collection:
Epiphone SG Standard
Pictured: Epiphone SG Standard in Cherry
- Mahogany body with a SlimTaper C profile neck
- Bound laurel fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and trapezoid inlays
- ProBucker 2 and 3 humbuckers for warm, vintage-inspired tone
- Grover Rotomatic tuners and Graph Tech nut
- LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and stopbar tailpiece
- Comes with an Epiphone premium gigbag
Epiphone SG Custom
Pictured: Epiphone SG Custom in Alpine White
- Contoured mahogany body with bound ebony fretboard
- 1960 SlimTaper C neck profile and 22 medium jumbo frets
- Gold hardware, pearloid block inlays, and Custom Split Diamond headstock inlay
- ProBucker Custom humbuckers and CTS pots
- Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners and LockTone bridge
- Includes Epiphone premium gigbag
Epiphone SG Special P-90
Pictured: Epiphone SG Special P-90 in Sparkling Burgundy
- Lightweight mahogany body and rolled neck for comfort
- Dual Epiphone P-90 PRO™ pickups for crisp, single-coil bite
- Graph Tech® NuBone™ nut and CTS electronics
- Kalamazoo-style headstock and period-correct styling
- Optional hardshell or EpiLite™ case available
Epiphone SG Custom
Pictured: Epiphone SG Custom in Ebony
- Ebony finish with Les Paul Custom-style binding and block inlays
- Dual Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers for smooth, vintage tone
- Gold hardware and CTS electronics
- Inspired by the iconic 60s SG Custom aesthetic
Epiphone Modern Collection SG guitars
Rooted in SG tradition but packed with modern upgrades for today’s players, the Modern Collection offers players high-performance options that are built for guitarists who prioritize tonal options, harder-hitting pickups, and ergonomic bodies. With features like coil splitting, phase switching, locking tuners, and sculpted neck heels, these Epiphone SG guitars are ready to handle everything from classic rock to progressive metal.
Key features:
- Asymmetrical SlimTaper necks for faster feel and reduced fatigue
- Coil-splitting, phase switching, and treble bleed circuits
- Locking tuners for tuning stability
- Bold finishes and modern visual flair
- Premium gig bags included for travel and storage
Here are a few top picks from the Modern Collection:
Epiphone SG Modern Figured
Pictured: Epiphone SG Modern Figured in Purple Burst
- Mahogany body with AAA figured maple veneer top
- Asymmetrical SlimTaper mahogany neck with ebony fretboard
- ProBucker 2 and 3 pickups with coil-splitting and phase switching
- Grover Locking Rotomatic tuners and Graph Tech NuBone nut
- Includes premium gig bag
Epiphone SG Prophecy
Pictured: Epiphone SG Prophecy in Aged White Tiger Burst
- Mahogany body with AAA flame maple veneer and thinner gloss finish
- 24-fret ebony fretboard and unique block/triangle inlays
- Fishman Fluence® pickups with three selectable voices
- Grover locking tuners and black Graph Tech NuBone nut
- Includes premium gig bag
Epiphone SG Tribute
Pictured: Epiphone SG Tribute in Aqua
- Mahogany body and neck with laurel fretboard
- Epiphone 650R and 700T ceramic humbuckers
- Available in multiple finishes and a lefthanded version
- Optional gig bag available
Epiphone Artist Collection SG guitars
Some of the most legendary guitarists in history have relied on the SG to shape their sound, including Tony Iommi, Angus Young, and now YUNGBLUD—and the Epiphone Artist Collection SG guitars get you closer to their sound. These signature models are designed with direct input from the artists themselves, so you’re not just getting a lookalike—you’re getting a gig-ready guitar built to the specifications of the artist. Here are two standout signature SGs available now:
Epiphone Tony Iommi SG Special
Pictured: Tony Iommi SG Special in Vintage Cherry
- Two-piece mahogany body and bound one-piece mahogany neck
- Rounded neck profile with Indian laurel fretboard
- Chrome-covered Epiphone PRO P-90 pickups
- CTS pots with Orange Drop® capacitors
- Grover Rotomatic tuners and Graph Tech nut
- Includes hardshell case and “Monkey” sticker
- Also available in a left-handed version
Epiphone YUNGBLUD SG Junior
Pictured: YUNGBLUD SG Junior in Classic White
- Mahogany body and glued-in mahogany neck
- SlimTaper C neck profile with laurel fretboard and 22 frets
- Single Dogear Epiphone P-90 PRO bridge pickup
- CTS electronics and compensated wraparound bridge
- Includes Epiphone hardshell case with hot pink interior and bumper sticker
Epiphone Power Player SG guitars
If you’re shopping for a first guitar—or a compact, travel-friendly SG that still delivers full-size sound—the Epiphone Power Players SG is a fantastic place to start. Designed for younger players, beginners, and parents shopping for the best guitar for their child to begin their musical journey, this model is a scaled-down SG that makes playing really comfortable for smaller hands and frames.
Unlike some beginner guitars out there that compromise on sound or feel, the Power Players SG is built with the same attention to detail you’d expect from Epiphone. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and comes loaded with features that make learning more enjoyable and frustration-free.
Best for:
- Young musicians and students
- Parents looking for a reliable starter guitar
- Casual players or travelers needing a portable option
- Anyone who wants the Gibson SG aesthetic in a smaller package
Epiphone Power Players SG
Pictured: Epiphone Power Players SG in Dark Matter Ebony
- 3/4+ scale design with a 22.73-inch scale length
- Slightly smaller mahogany body for comfort and reduced weight
- Bolt-on mahogany neck with sculpted heel for better upper fret access
- Dual Epiphone humbuckers for full SG tone
- Comes with a gig bag, strap, picks, and cable
- Best Epiphone SG for smaller frames, beginner players and children
Which Epiphone SG is the best for you in 2025?
If you’re wondering, “Which Epiphone SG should I buy?” there are no wrong answers. Choose the Epiphone SG that suits your budget with the look, sound, feel, and features best suited to you. Choose the Inspired by Gibson Custom line if you’re chasing vintage tone and craftsmanship, explore the Original and Modern Collections for rock-solid performance and updated features, or grab an Epiphone SG from the Artist Collection if you want to play the same guitar as your hero. And if you’re just starting out—or buying for a young player—the Power Players SG offers unbeatable value and playability in a scaled-down size. Go for this if you have a smaller frame or if you want the best Epiphone SG for children who are just starting out on guitar.
No matter which guitar you choose in this Epiphone SG comparison, every Epiphone SG in this buyer’s guide delivers quality, playability, and that unmistakable SG sound that spans all eras and genres. Whether it’s your first guitar or your 15th, the SG is an electric guitar that will turn heads on stage, make you sound great, and stick with you every step of your musical journey. I should know, I have two of them and love them. Now get out there and try as many as you can!
Explore the Epiphone SG Collection now and check out our Gibson Les Paul vs Gibson SG comparison guide for more.
