Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (36)
$199.00
Guitar Center
4.0 (65)
$199.00
Amazon
4.2 (601)
Reverb
4.0 (18)
$199.00 New
$148.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (6)
$199.00
zZounds
5.0 (19)
$219.00

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.

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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.

OfficialEpiphone

OfficialEpiphone

The Epiphone SG Special

Video thumbnail for The Epiphone SG Special by OfficialEpiphone

The Epiphone SG Special

OfficialEpiphone

OfficialEpiphone

Video thumbnail for Epiphone SG Special Review | Is This Guitar Worthy of Your Money? by Bside Talks Guitar

Epiphone SG Special Review | Is This Guitar Worthy of Your Money?

Bside Talks Guitar

Bside Talks Guitar

Video thumbnail for Epiphone SG Special by Jack Fossett

Epiphone SG Special

Jack Fossett

Jack Fossett

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

  • Tuning stability is a common concern, particularly with the G string, but Gotoh tuners are praised for improving this.

    Source
  • It’s reported that the nut often needs adjustment due to uneven slots, affecting string action and tuning stability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster is recommended as a more reliable alternative for punk music, offering better tuning stability and mod potential.

    Source
  • The Epiphone SG Special is considered less versatile than the SG Standard due to only having two knobs instead of four.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • SG Specials are favored for punk due to their light weight and tone, but neck dive can be challenging when playing standing up.

    Source
  • The lightweight design is particularly appreciated for live gigs and jam sessions, providing easy playability and comfort during extended performances.

    Source

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

Value and pricing

  • Owners express surprise at the quality and tone of the SG Special given its price point, noting it feels like a guitar priced over MYR 1000 (USD 236.60).

    Source

Critic Reviews

Does The Epiphone SG Special Capture the Spirit of the Original? - Killer Guitar Rigs

killerguitarrigs.com

The Epiphone SG Special offers a solid entry point for beginner guitarists, showcasing iconic SG styling at an accessible price. Its lightweight body and rosewood fretboard enhance playability, while the poplar construction deviates from traditional mahogany, resulting in a brighter tone that may not satisfy purists. The bolt-on neck design and basic electronics keep costs down but might disappoint those seeking versatility. While it delivers decent clean tones and rock crunch, issues like rough fretwork and subpar tuners hinder its overall performance. Ultimately, it serves well as a starter guitar, but more experienced players may find it lacking.

Epiphone SG-Special Review - The Go-To For Beginners | GuitarSquid

guitarsquid.com

The Epiphone SG Special is a stellar entry point for aspiring guitarists, offering the iconic SG look and feel at a wallet-friendly price. Its lightweight design and smooth playability make it a joy to handle, while the versatile sound shines in hard rock settings. However, the basic ceramic humbuckers may leave seasoned players wanting more, as they lack the depth of higher-end models. While this guitar serves beginners remarkably well, those looking for a polished tone might consider future upgrades. Overall, it's a fantastic choice for newcomers craving rock ‘n’ roll authenticity without the hefty price tag.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
E

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
See how Tommy Thayer uses Epiphone SG Special

Tommy Thayer

Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified via Photo

Here you can see Tommy Thayer with black Epiphone SG Special

See how Sean Lundy uses Epiphone SG Special

Sean Lundy

Guitarist

Sorry Snowman

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Sorry Snowman Live at Fisher Fest 2020," Sean Lundy can be seen playing an Epiphone SG Special in Black.

See how Enrico Laoagan uses Epiphone SG Special

Enrico Laoagan

Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

Enrico was seen using this in 2017, during a cover of 5SOS' hit song "Amnesia".

See how Ashrita Kumar uses Epiphone SG Special

Ashrita Kumar

Singer, Guitarist

Pinkshift

...
Verified via YouTube

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

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drw72

drw72

Gear IQ 188

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