Epiphone SG/SG-310 or an Ibanez or an Ibanez RG120?

olds_cool63 · 03-02-2010, 02:50 PM

Well, gang...here we go again.

I think I've narrowed down my search to either an Epiphone SG Special/SG-310 (2 different models) or an Ibanez RG120 (or a very similar Ibanez model).

Keep in mind this would just be for practice, non-gigging. When I get my skills back up to where they were 21 years ago, I'll get something else.

So...anyone out there have experience with either of these guitars/brands? Quality, etc, etc?

The width of the necks work for me and they sound good, if not great. Still, I want something that won't fall apart in a few months.

So, if you have any experience/opinions, please let me know.

Thanks!

Phoenix59 · 03-02-2010, 03:39 PM

Of those three, I like the Special.

olds_cool63 · 03-02-2010, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phoenix59

Of those three, I like the Special.

Why's that? Ever played it? What are your impressions?

Thanks!

wazupwiop · 03-02-2010, 04:22 PM

I, personally, own an Epiphone G-400. It is a great guitar, sounds nice, and it is perfect for modding if you want. I like it stock. I have never been a fan of Ibanez because 75% of the necks are these flat, fast shredder types. The SG has a chunkier neck and is probably more versatile. I would go for the G-400 instead of the special because it is a lot better. You get alnico pickups which are great for all styles, instead of ceramic that are normally used for rock.

olds_cool63 · 03-02-2010, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wazupwiop

I, personally, own an Epiphone G-400. It is a great guitar, sounds nice, and it is perfect for modding if you want. I like it stock. I have never been a fan of Ibanez because 75% of the necks are these flat, fast shredder types. The SG has a chunkier neck and is probably more versatile. I would go for the G-400 instead of the special because it is a lot better. You get alnico pickups which are great for all styles, instead of ceramic that are normally used for rock.

Cool, cool. GC has 1 in stock. I can check it out. I really do like the SG feel, plus I've never owned one.

I hear you on the shredding stuff...when I started playing 30 years ago, it was about PHRASING, now it's shredding. Guess where I'm at?

So, I'll look at some more guitars during the week on lunch. Maybe pick something up on Saturday.

Roxy · 03-02-2010, 06:32 PM

For the buck I'd go with a G300 or the Special . The special is a great guitar but the pickups are kinda weak but an easy fix . I've actually been looking at the G400 Custom . Not too crazy about the gold bits but a ton of guitar for the buck.

olds_cool63 · 03-02-2010, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roxy

For the buck I'd go with a G300 or the Special . The special is a great guitar but the pickups are kinda weak but an easy fix . I've actually been looking at the G400 Custom . Not too crazy about the gold bits but a ton of guitar for the buck.

Man! I LIKE that! 3 HB's! I can have a LOT of fun with those sounds.

I may have to add that to the list!

Thanks!

jrich99 · 03-02-2010, 08:16 PM

I would go with the faded G-400, which is 50 bucks cheaper than the SG G-400 non-faded. It is nearly identical to the Gibson SG faded, but a little less than half the price and cheaper (but decent) pickups. It is way ahead of the G-310 in quality, and the G-310 is way ahead of the special. The other two are suited for absolute beginners, but the G-400 is a decent guitar for anyone, IMHO.

papacitorick · 03-03-2010, 01:45 AM

I have the G400 in the faded cherry. The neck has a great feel to it. Chunky, but not too thick. The stock pups sound real good. I like the look of the faded finish and the aged fret markers. It is a bit neck heavy, meaning it tends to slip, but I found that if you use a leather or suede strap, that helps quite a bit. Good luck with your choice. Enjoy and have fun with it.

olds_cool63 · 03-03-2010, 05:43 PM

Thanks for all the info.

Well, I went to GC for lunch again and this time I played the Ibanez RG120, Epiphone SG-310 & the 400 through an amp. I usually play without because I want to truly hear the guitar.

Well, both SG's sound really good, especially for any type of music. The Ibanez sounds down and dirty...reminds me of my old Charvelle Charvette. Great rocker, but I need a more versatile guitar these days.

So, I'm thinking between one of the SG's. I didn't even play the Special today.

Hopefully, I'll decide this weekend and pick one up.

Stratatattat · 03-04-2010, 06:51 PM

i used to have a g-310. i prefer a set neck for a sg type guitar. personally, i'd go for the 400, i wish i would have. i probably wouldn't have sold it.

kevinpaul · 03-05-2010, 02:44 AM

More bang for the buck with Ibanez. I almost the fake Gibson, I played two of the same model. They both had problems, like loose hardwars, bent neck and bad paint jobs. I picked the Ibanez. I picked up a used Ibanez AFGS75 hollow body a few weeks later. Both play way above the Epiphone level. The Dot I played had a lose bridge. GC guy told me it was a set up thing.

AllroyPA · 03-05-2010, 07:15 AM

Can't go wrong with an RG IMO

olds_cool63 · 03-05-2010, 06:53 PM

I have to admit the Ibanez's are VERY cool. I played another model today at GC, the GRG170DX. NICE axe. Didn't really crank it, tho. May have to play it again tomorrow. Of course I played the SG-310, and I'm still impressed. I'm bringing my axe with me so I can trade.

I've been in GC each day this week, I think. I need to really spend some time tomorrow at the one I go to and another one in Phoenix. I just wanna walk out with something I'm not gonna regret (like my skinny-necked Strat)!

Decisions, decisions...

ncjeepinyj · 03-05-2010, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olds_cool63

I have to admit the Ibanez's are VERY cool. I played another model today at GC, the GRG170DX. NICE axe. Didn't really crank it, tho. May have to play it again tomorrow. Of course I played the SG-310, and I'm still impressed. I'm bringing my axe with me so I can trade.

I've been in GC each day this week, I think. I need to really spend some time tomorrow at the one I go to and another one in Phoenix. I just wanna walk out with something I'm not gonna regret (like my skinny-necked Strat)!

Decisions, decisions...

I have had a GRG170dx for a few years and love it. Ibanez has always been one of my favorites. I dont like SG's but thats just me. It was one of the most uncomfortable/awkward guitars i have ever picked up.

Strat-Man-Do · 03-14-2010, 10:07 AM

I have a RG-120 that came in the shop Like-New, I would up keeping it. Execptional feel and tones. Theres a 310 n the shop thats in very good shape also. Thicker neck plays well. But I believe the pick-up on the 120 are much more versitile.

Depends what you want. The 120 is a excellent modding platform also. The Trem could easily be up graded. %-way switch could be dropped in and 4-conductor humbuckers.

YeahDoIt · 06-30-2010, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olds_cool63

I think I've narrowed down my search to either an Epiphone SG Special/SG-310 (2 different models) or an Ibanez RG120 (or a very similar Ibanez model).

So, if you have any experience/opinions, please let me know.

The problem that I have with these guitars is that I don't own them.

Vott · 06-30-2010, 09:41 AM

SG's are freakin cool looking, if the devil has a guitar It's an SG.

I had an Epi G-400 Cherry, bought it new and had it setup at a local music shop. The guitar was pure quality, The neck was a work of art. It did have a the rhythm/treble switch go out in a week or so but gibson mailed me a new one overnight without any charges. The SG's are very headstock heavy and will try to pull down while ya play. Otherwise an awesome instrument.
I remember back before I bought it,when I was researching the SG's to get the best model The g-400 ranked top of list followed by 310 then the special. I'd use that pecking order and buy the best one you can afford. assuming all are factory equipped of course.

AllroyPA · 06-30-2010, 10:05 AM

olds cool63 what did you go with?

softwarejanitor · 06-30-2010, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wazupwiop

I, personally, own an Epiphone G-400. It is a great guitar, sounds nice, and it is perfect for modding if you want. I like it stock. I have never been a fan of Ibanez because 75% of the necks are these flat, fast shredder types. The SG has a chunkier neck and is probably more versatile. I would go for the G-400 instead of the special because it is a lot better. You get alnico pickups which are great for all styles, instead of ceramic that are normally used for rock.

Here's another vote for the SG-400. I have an Epiphone in Cherry Red... it plays and sounds better than my Epi Les Paul Studio. Great vibe for playing AC/DC and Black Sabbath especially...

BillStickers · 06-30-2010, 04:46 PM

That's actually a really tough one

...
They're very different...
Really, it's a question of what you plan on doing.
Rock->SG
Metal->Ibanez
Speed->Ibanez
Versatility->SG

softwarejanitor · 06-30-2010, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillStickers

That's actually a really tough one

...
They're very different...
Really, it's a question of what you plan on doing.
Rock->SG
Metal->Ibanez
Speed->Ibanez
Versatility->SG

I dunno... A lot of metal can be played quite nicely on an SG, and not just "old school" metal. Even a lot of "post Metallica" stuff can be done on an SG, provided it doesn't require a trem.

BillStickers · 06-30-2010, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by softwarejanitor

I dunno... A lot of metal can be played quite nicely on an SG, and not just "old school" metal. Even a lot of "post Metallica" stuff can be done on an SG, provided it doesn't require a trem.

Very true but Ibanez makes guitars that even they say are perfect for Metal. Just in sales terms and features never mind the semantics

savofenno · 07-06-2010, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vott

SG's are freakin cool looking, if the devil has a guitar It's an SG.

I had an Epi G-400 Cherry, bought it new and had it setup at a local music shop. The guitar was pure quality, The neck was a work of art. It did have a the rhythm/treble switch go out in a week or so but gibson mailed me a new one overnight without any charges. The SG's are very headstock heavy and will try to pull down while ya play. Otherwise an awesome instrument.
I remember back before I bought it,when I was researching the SG's to get the best model The g-400 ranked top of list followed by 310 then the special. I'd use that pecking order and buy the best one you can afford. assuming all are factory equipped of course.

SGs are very headstock heavy? Most uncomfortable to play? I respect your & other`s opinions, but that`s not my experience. I own now a Gibson SG Faded WB, and had a Ibanez SG copy about 1983-87. My Gibby has a substantial U-neck but it balances very nicely and it`s relatively thin body is comfortable against player`s body.
I have a friend who`s definitely going to buy a Epi SG soon, and i strongly recommend a worn G-400 for him. It should be quite similar with my Gibson, which he likes. Gibby is based on 1966 model and Epi on `61.
I love Ibanez instruments too, they usually have very good pickups for each price range and are their original models.