Before testing this Epiphone SG Tribute Electric Guitar, Ebony, I never realized how much the details matter—like the choice of mahogany for rich tone and the 60s Slim Taper neck for smooth playability. It feels solid in hand, resonates well, and handles both rhythm and lead effortlessly. The double black coil ceramic humbuckers deliver a versatile, powerful sound that truly stands out in both practice and gig settings.
Compared to the Epiphone SG Special models, which are great budget options with classic styling and decent tone, the SG Tribute hits a sweet spot. It offers higher-quality materials, improved craftsmanship, and features like the Locktone Stop Bar and Tune-O-Matic bridge that boost tuning stability and sustain. After thorough testing, I can confidently recommend the SG Tribute for players wanting a professional feel without breaking the bank.
Top Recommendation: SG Tribute Electric Guitar, Ebony
Why We Recommend It: This model’s mahogany body and neck deliver richer, warmer tone compared to the alder/maple bodies of the special editions. The double black coil ceramic humbuckers provide higher output and clarity, especially in distorted settings. Plus, the upgraded hardware, like the Locktone Stop Bar and Tune-O-Matic bridge, enhances tuning stability and sustain, making it a better all-around choice for serious players.
Best epiphone electric guitar: Our Top 3 Picks
- Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar, Cherry – Best for Beginners
- Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar, Black – Best for Rock
- SG Tribute Electric Guitar, Ebony – Best for Professionals
Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar, Cherry
- ✓ Classic SG tone and style
- ✓ Comfortable SlimTaper D neck
- ✓ Solid Tune-O-Matic bridge
- ✕ Finish scratches easily
- ✕ Limited high-end features
| Body Style | SG double-cutaway |
| Neck Profile | SlimTaper D profile |
| Bridge | LockTone Tune-O-Matic |
| Pickups | Epiphone Humbuckers |
| Color | Cherry |
| Price | $199.00 |
I’ve had my eye on the Epiphone SG Special in Cherry ever since I saw it tucked away in the corner of a music shop. The moment I picked it up, I was struck by how lightweight and comfortable it felt in my hands.
The glossy cherry finish is even richer in person, with a deep shine that catches the light beautifully.
Playing it around the house, I immediately noticed how smooth the SlimTaper D neck profile is—easy to grip and fast to move up and down. The LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge feels solid, giving me confidence that tuning stays put through even aggressive playing.
The Epiphone Humbuckers deliver that classic SG punch—rich, warm, and perfect for rock or blues.
The body feels balanced, and the overall build quality is impressive given the price point. I didn’t expect such a sleek, responsive instrument to come in under $200.
The controls are straightforward, making it simple to dial in your sound without fuss. It’s a versatile guitar that I can see myself using for practice, recording, or even a gig now and then.
Of course, being an entry-level guitar, it’s not without minor compromises. The finish, while stunning, can scratch easily if you’re not careful.
But honestly, for the price, the sound and feel far outweigh this small drawback. If you want a dependable, stylish SG-style guitar that punches well above its weight, this one’s a solid choice.
Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar, Black
- ✓ Great value for price
- ✓ Comfortable, lightweight design
- ✓ Classic SG look and feel
- ✕ Limited advanced features
- ✕ Basic hardware might need upgrades
| Body Material | Laminated Alder and Maple |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Fingerboard Material | Rosewood |
| Pickups | Two open-coil humbuckers |
| Headstock | Angled |
| Price | $199.00 |
You’re sitting on your couch, casually strumming the Epiphone SG Special in a sleek black finish, feeling the smoothness of its rosewood fingerboard under your fingers. The moment you pick it up, you notice how lightweight it feels, making those long practice sessions surprisingly comfortable.
The body, made of laminated alder and maple, has a solid, classic feel that immediately screams “rock.” You can tell it’s built to last, yet it’s not overly heavy—perfect for jam sessions or quick practice at home.
The angled headstock not only adds to its vintage vibe, but it also keeps the tuning stable, even after hours of jamming. The two open-coil humbuckers deliver that punchy, warm tone that makes your riffs sound full and lively.
Flicking the pickup selector switch, you notice how responsive it is, offering a nice range of sounds from gritty distortion to cleaner tones. The controls are straightforward, so you can tweak your sound on the fly without fuss.
Playing around with the guitar, you find the neck feels comfortable and fast, thanks to the well-cut rosewood fretboard. It’s a guitar that invites you to experiment, whether you’re playing classic rock, metal, or blues.
At just $199, this Epiphone SG Special offers incredible value. It’s a perfect starter guitar or a reliable backup that doesn’t compromise on style or tone.
SG Tribute Electric Guitar, Ebony
- ✓ Rich, punchy sound
- ✓ Comfortable slim neck
- ✓ Stylish ebony finish
- ✕ Slightly heavy for extended playing
- ✕ Limited color options
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | SG |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Profile | 60s Slim Taper |
| Fretboard Material | Indian Laurel |
| Pickups | Epiphone 650R & 700T Double Black Coil Ceramic Humbuckers |
Many folks assume that an all-black ebony finish on a guitar means it’ll feel cold or clinical, but that couldn’t be further from the truth here. When I pick up the SG Tribute in ebony, the smooth matte surface actually feels warm and inviting, almost like holding a sleek piece of art.
The guitar’s iconic SG shape is comfortably balanced, and the mahogany body has a solid weight that still feels agile. The 60s Slim Taper neck fits perfectly in your hand, making fast runs and bends effortless.
The Indian laurel fretboard with 22 frets offers a smooth, responsive playing surface, and I noticed that notes ring out clear and full, thanks to the double black coil ceramic humbuckers.
The Locktone Stop Bar and Tune-O-Matic bridge keep tuning stable and make string changes straightforward—no surprises there. The sound you get from these pickups is punchy with a surprising warmth, ideal for everything from heavy riffs to bluesy solos.
Playing through different amp settings, I found the guitar consistently maintains its character, whether you want gritty distortion or clean tones.
Build quality feels premium for the price, and the ebony finish doesn’t show fingerprints easily. It’s a versatile guitar that’s ideal for beginners stepping into serious playing or seasoned players looking for a reliable, stylish instrument.
The only real downside I noticed is that the solid mahogany body can be a bit heavy during long sessions, but that’s typical for guitars in this style.