Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $204

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Epiphone SG Special VE". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Looking for an electric guitar that combines iconic rock aesthetics with modern playability? The Epiphone SG Special VE is a standout choice for musicians who crave the classic SG vibe without breaking the bank. Engineered with a solid poplar body and an okoume neck, this guitar delivers a warm, balanced tonality and boasts a sleek double-cutaway design for unrestricted access to all 24 frets. Whether you’re shredding blistering solos or laying down thunderous riffs, the Ceramic-8 humbuckers provide the power and midrange complexity you need.

The SG Special VE’s vintage worn finish not only adds an authentic, road-tested look but also enhances your playing comfort, feeling smooth and fast under your fingers. The Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece ensure rock-solid tuning stability, so you can focus on your performance, not your tuning pegs. Perfect for high-gain styles and hard rock enthusiasts, this guitar offers everything from aggressive lead tones to rich, dark rhythms with a simple flick of the 3-way selector switch.

Ideal for both aspiring and seasoned players, the Epiphone SG Special VE blends affordability with the reliability and tone that have made SGs a staple in rock music for decades.

Key Features:

  • Solid poplar body and okoume neck with rosewood fretboard
  • Double-cutaway design for easy fret access
  • Ceramic-8 humbuckers for powerful, midrange-rich tones
  • Vintage worn finish for a classic look and smooth feel
  • Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece for excellent intonation
  • 24.75" scale length with 24 jumbo frets for fast, nimble playing

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model SG Special VE Vintage Edition
Finish Cherry, Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Vintage Sunburst, Walnut
Year 2017 - 2019
Made In China
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Poplar
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Epiphone SG
Model Sub-Family Epiphone SG Special
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Epiphone SG Special VE have?

The Epiphone SG Special VE is equipped with Epiphone Ceramic 700T open-coil humbuckers in the bridge position and Ceramic 650R open-coil humbuckers in the neck position, providing a powerful sound suitable for rock and metal genres.

Is the Epiphone SG Special VE suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Epiphone SG Special VE is a great choice for beginners due to its affordable price, comfortable '60s SlimTaper D neck profile, and versatile sound, making it easy to play and suitable for various music styles.

What is the neck profile of the Epiphone SG Special VE?

The Epiphone SG Special VE features a '60s SlimTaper D neck profile, which is designed to provide a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for players who prefer a slimmer neck.

What is the body material of the Epiphone SG Special VE?

The body of the Epiphone SG Special VE is made from poplar with a mahogany veneer, offering a lightweight feel and balanced tone.

Does the Epiphone SG Special VE come with a case?

No, the Epiphone SG Special VE does not include a case. It is sold separately.

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Epiphone SG Special VE, Vintage Black | Gear4music Demo

Video thumbnail for Epiphone SG Special VE, Vintage Black | Gear4music Demo by Gear4music Guitars

Epiphone SG Special VE, Vintage Black | Gear4music Demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Epiphone SG Special VE, Vintage Black | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Epiphone SG Special VE, Vintage Black | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Epiphone SG Special VE - Max Upgrades!!! #epiphone #epiphonesg #bigsby #guitar by Guitar Collector Guy

Epiphone SG Special VE - Max Upgrades!!! #epiphone #epiphonesg #bigsby #guitar

Guitar Collector Guy

Guitar Collector Guy

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended playing sessions

  • Great sounding humbuckers with high output

  • Excellent playability with comfortable neck and low action

  • Impressive build quality at an affordable price

  • Distinctive flat finish that some players prefer

  • Versatile sound suitable for various music styles

  • Good intonation and fret work out of the box

  • Durable and forgiving for beginner modifications

  • Quiet electronics with smooth pots and switches

  • Suitable for recording with unique sound characteristics

CONS

  • Limited tone options compared to higher-end Gibsons

  • Some hardware components may feel ordinary or require upgrades

  • Occasional high frets may need minor adjustment

  • Dull "worn" finish may not appeal to everyone

  • Stock tuners might leave marks if replaced

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone SG Special VE.

Build quality

  • The E1 has a thinner alder body and a mahogany neck, while the VE is slightly thicker and made of poplar.

    Source
  • Instances of bridge misalignment have been noted, with one owner reporting a 1/4" offset, affecting playability.

    Source

User experience

  • The E1 is praised for its lightweight body and thin neck, making it comfortable for extended play.

    Source
  • Some users suggest that personal satisfaction with the feel and playability is more critical than others' opinions, especially when upgrading from entry-level guitars.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The E1 is favored over the VE for its better tone and lighter weight, despite both having the same pickups.

    Source
  • The Epiphone SG Special is often compared to the ESP LTD EC-10, with some users preferring the latter for better overall quality in the same price range.

    Source
  • An Epiphone SG Standard is considered by some to perform comparably to a $1,500+ Gibson SG, favoring its thicker finish.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The neck radius differs: VE models often have a 14-inch radius, while E1 models typically have a 12-inch radius.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users report tuning and intonation issues, particularly with the G string, advising to check these before purchase.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider replacing the bridge pickup for improved sound quality; this could significantly enhance the guitar's performance for punk genres.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • While priced at $150-200 in some regions, international prices can be significantly higher, such as $340, impacting perceived value.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's noted that SG models are particularly well-suited for punk downstroking due to their feel and playability.

    Source
  • One user felt the Epiphone SG Special VE was only a marginal upgrade from their RockJam, indicating it may suit beginners upgrading from very basic models.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
toaster11

A good budget and light weight guitar.

This guitar is a pleasure to use, it got the great look of an SG and plays brilliantly. I used to use a fake Stratocaster and it played horribly and was one of the heaviest guitars ever. This guitar is a relief and its fun to play. one critique i would have, is that the low E string seems to hit the frets id you pick it too hard but its barely noticeable (not sure if that's just my strings or not). I definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to get into playing an electric guitar.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how jack stauber uses Epiphone SG Special VE

jack stauber

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for Tea Errors you can see Jack holding what looks like an Epiphone SG.

See how Sonny Sandoval uses Epiphone SG Special VE

Sonny Sandoval

Singer

P.O.D.

...
Verified via Instagram

Sonny Sandoval uses an Epiphone SG Special VE, as confirmed by the Instagram post from the Youth Of The Nation Foundation, which mentions a raffle for a signed Epiphone Les Paul/SG guitar during the tour.

See how Seiji uses Epiphone SG Special VE

Seiji

Singer, Guitarist

Guitar Wolf

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Ebony

In a Facebook post from January 31, 2026, taken at Club 251 in Tokyo, Seiji is seen playing an ebony Epiphone SG Special VE guitar, which he purchased in New Zealand in 2023 during Guitar Wolf's NZ/Australian tour. He got the pickguard colored red, which has since worn off, with some paint even scratched off near the pickups!

See how Haki Trawon uses Epiphone SG Special VE

Haki Trawon

Singer, Guitarist

TOLOVA

...
Verified via Photo

haki's first electric guitar since he moved back to the US, it was given as a gift by his bandmates Peter and Rico of TOLOVA.

See how Gino Paluzzi uses Epiphone SG Special VE

Gino Paluzzi

Singer, Guitarist

The Custodians

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Vintage Walnut

In a live photo from 2025, Gino Paluzzi is clearly seen playing an Epiphone SG Special VE, identifiable by the headstock and finish.

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 VE, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Epiphone Les Paul Special-I LTD
Epiphone Les Paul Special-I LTD Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

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