Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $194
Budget/Beginner
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Epiphone SG Special". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Dive into the realm of rock legends with the Epiphone SG Special in Black, a guitar that combines vintage aesthetics with modern playability. This electric marvel is not just about its stunning looks; it's a powerhouse designed for the guitarist who craves both style and substance. With its solid poplar body, the SG Special delivers a sound that's as deep and rich as its rock heritage. The iconic double-cutaway design not only pays homage to the rebellious spirit of the '60s but also offers effortless access to the higher frets, ensuring that no note is out of reach.
At the heart of this beast lie Epiphone's open-coil humbuckers, engineered to churn out the hot, crunchy tones that are synonymous with hard rock and metal. Whether you're laying down thick, distorted riffs or soaring solos, these pickups offer the tonal flexibility to match your musical mood. The smooth, okoume neck and 24.75" scale length make for comfortable, fast playing across the fretboard, while quality chrome hardware ensures that your tuning remains stable, no matter how hard you push it. Wrapped in a sleek black finish, the Epiphone SG Special is a testament to the enduring allure of rock 'n' roll. It's more than just a guitar—it's a gateway to the past, a tool for the present, and your companion into the future of your musical journey.
Key Features:
- Solid poplar body for a resonant, balanced tone
- Epiphone open-coil humbuckers for versatile, high-output sounds
- Iconic double-cutaway design for easy access to higher frets
- Durable and smooth okoume neck for fast, comfortable playing
- 24.75" scale length and 1.68" nut width for a classic playing feel
- Quality chrome hardware, including a Tune-O-Matic bridge for stable tuning and sustain
- Sleek black finish for a timeless, rock 'n' roll aesthetic
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | SG |
| Body Material | Poplar |
| Top Material | Mahogany Veneer |
| Body Finish | Vintage Worn |
| Neck Material | Okoume |
| Neck Shape | '60s SlimTaper D |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Pearloid Dots |
| Number of Frets | 22, Medium Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.6875" |
| Nut Material | Graph Tech NuBone |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | LockTone Tune-o-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece |
| Tuners | Closed Gear, 14:1 ratio |
| Neck Pickup | 650R Ceramic-8 Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | 700T Ceramic-8 Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone |
| Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
| Strings | Gibson, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
-
What is the neck profile of the Epiphone SG Special in Black?
-
The Epiphone SG Special features a '60s SlimTaper D neck profile, which provides a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for both beginners and experienced players.
-
What type of pickups does the Epiphone SG Special use?
-
The Epiphone SG Special is equipped with a 650R Ceramic-8 humbucker in the neck position and a 700T Ceramic-8 humbucker in the bridge position, delivering powerful tones suitable for rock and metal genres.
-
Is the Epiphone SG Special suitable for beginners?
-
Yes, the Epiphone SG Special is well-suited for beginners due to its lightweight body, comfortable neck profile, and versatile sound, making it easy to play across various music styles.
-
What materials are used in the construction of the Epiphone SG Special?
-
The Epiphone SG Special features a solid poplar body with a mahogany veneer top and an okoume neck, offering a balance of durability and tonal warmth.
-
Does the Epiphone SG Special come with a case or gig bag?
-
No, the Epiphone SG Special does not include a case or gig bag; these are sold separately.
Videos
OfficialEpiphone
The Epiphone SG Special
Reviews
PROS
-
Smooth neck allows for fast, comfortable playing experience
-
Lightweight design is ideal for extended playing sessions
-
Sensitive pickups offer versatile sound customization
-
Attractive satin finish adds a unique visual appeal
-
Well-made for its price, with quality fit and finish
-
Comes playable out of the box with minimal adjustments needed
-
Simple controls for straightforward tone management
-
Responsive to effects, making it suitable for various musical styles
-
Durable and reliable for casual use and personal practice
-
Affordable price point makes it accessible for beginners
CONS
-
Tuners are often criticized for poor stability and reliability
-
Flat bridge saddles can complicate intonation adjustments
-
Pickups may not offer the desired tonal range for some players
-
Electronics may lack versatility for cleaner tones
-
Some components feel cheap and may need upgrades for serious use
-
Neck dive issue due to imbalance in weight distribution
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone SG Special.
Build quality
-
Some owners noted bridge installation issues, with the bridge being off-center and affecting string alignment by the 9th fret.
Source -
Some owners noted the neck joint on the SG Special feels "barely in there," impacting overall stability.
Source -
The natural wood finish paired with a black pickguard and chrome hardware is praised as a refreshing aesthetic compared to the typical red and black options.
Source
Setup and maintenance
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
Mods and upgrades
-
Upgrading to Seymour Duncan pickups is suggested for those looking to improve tone in a budget-friendly SG.
Source -
Owners recommend swapping the stock pickups with Alnico II pickups for improved tonal warmth and clarity.
Source -
Owners recommend installing Seymour Duncan Phat Cats for a significant tonal enhancement, especially for those using the guitar in high-gain settings.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The bolt-on neck design alters balance and reduces neck dive compared to set-neck models.
Source
User experience
-
Some players find the neck feels longer due to where it attaches to the body, affecting playing comfort.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
120
Good Sounding, Just Feels Kinda Cheap.
I bought this guitar for around 180 in late 2016, I rarely used it because of the feel. The neck profile was a little bigger for an SG, which I didn't mind. The only problems I had with the guitar was its tuning stability and cheap hardware. I can't complain for a eastern made guitar for under 200 dollars.
Artist usage
Add artist
In the YouTube video "Sorry Snowman Live at Fisher Fest 2020," Sean Lundy can be seen playing an Epiphone SG Special in Black.
Enrico was seen using this in 2017, during a cover of 5SOS' hit song "Amnesia".
In the YouTube video titled "Pinkshift - to me (Live at Paper Tiger, San Antonio TX) (05/12/2023)" uploaded by Kevin Contreras, Ashrita Kumar can be clearly seen using an Epiphone SG Special in Black during the concert. The guitar is visible throughout the performance, with a clear view at the 0:09 mark. This video was filmed on May 12, 2023, as confirmed by the source.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Epiphone SG Special, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursMore Epiphone Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
seriousblaaack14_Gear IQ 406
-