Epiphone SG Standard review

Epiphone’s recreation of this '60s powerhouse is sure to leave you Thunderstruck

Epiphone SG Standard on white background
(Image: © Epiphone)

Guitar World Verdict

With effortless playability and a fierce, fiery tone, this Epiphone SG delivers the larger-than-life sound of a rock icon with the added bonus of a modest price tag. The Epiphone SG Standard helps cement the idea that Gibson's sibling is in the midst of a renaissance, producing the best guitars they have done in years.

Pros

  • +

    Great feel

  • +

    Superb tone

  • +

    Very well finished

Cons

  • -

    The pickups are a little dark

  • -

    Not everyone gets on with the off-kilter feel of an SG

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

This devilishly pointy six-string may live in the shadow of its overachieving, flame-topped big brother, but the humble SG has actually been responsible for some of the most iconic electric guitar sounds in rock'n'roll history. And while you may not think it, this Solid Guitar is actually Gibson's most popular model, and by quite some margin, we might add – take that Les Paul! 

Famed for its lightweight construction, near-perfect fret access and charming good looks, the SG brings a unique level of playability to the table, as well as its own sonic identity, especially when compared to its single-cut brethren. 

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Daryl Robertson

First and foremost, I'm a guitar enthusiast – a fanatic, some might say. I'm a firm believer that most of the world's problems can be solved with a Gibson SG and a catastrophically loud amp. As a Senior Deals Writer on Guitar World, I write about guitars for a living, but in a past life, I worked in music retail for 7 years, advising customers on the right guitars, basses, drums, pianos, and PA systems for their needs. I also have a passion for live sound; I'm a fully qualified sound engineer with experience working in various venues in Scotland, where I live with my wife and dog.