Buy a Gibson or upgrade the pickups on an Epiphone?

[Starshine]

I have one of these Epiphone 1961 SG Special reissues: http://www.epiphone.com/News-Featur...ne-Limited-Edition-50th-Anniversary-1961.aspx

It's a really cool guitar, but I have two issues:

1. The P90 pickups don't sound all that amazing. I've been thinking about putting some actual Gibson pickups in there.

2. The flat D shaped neck isn't my favorite. I'm used to it now, but I would prefer a '60s slim taper neck.

I've been seeing some P90 Gibson SG models that look really nice (anything from the SG Special Tribute model to a Classic to a Standard with P90s). Should I stick with the Epiphone and put in new pickups, or invest a bunch more money in a Gibson?

 

[Dismalhead]

I'd base the decision on the neck. If I liked it, I'd upgrade. If I didn't, then I'd sell it and probably get an SG Special or an SGJ. Sounds like you don't like the neck, so sell it and get what you want. Playability and feel of the neck is probably #1 on my list of what's important on a guitar.

 

[HotDan!]

I'm not sure what they're doing but I'm not really enamored with Gibson quality these days. I'd just upgrade what you have...Even if you have to replace the neck to be satisfied. You can do pickups, a neck replacement and even a harness if you'd like for way less bux than going after a new Gibson. You'll likely end up with a better guitar in the long run as well...

 

[Dismalhead]

I'm not sure what they're doing but I'm not really enamored with Gibson quality these days. I'd just upgrade what you have...Even if you have to replace the neck to be satisfied. You can do pickups, a neck replacement and even a harness if you'd like for way less bux than going after a new Gibson. You'll likely end up with a better guitar in the long run as well...

It's a set neck. Pretty sure it's gonna cost almost as much to replace it as it would to just go out and buy a new Gibson SGJ. Also probably more than this guitar is worth.

 

[HotDan!]

I'd base the decision on the neck. If I liked it, I'd upgrade. If I didn't, then I'd sell it and probably get an SG Special or an SGJ. Sounds like you don't like the neck, so sell it and get what you want. Playability and feel of the neck is probably #1 on my list of what's important on a guitar.

No disrespect intended but all to often the advice is to bail on a guitar. If you just sell it and start over then you potentially have a whole new set of circumstances to deal with. When you have guitar that you know the issues to deal with...then simply deal with the known issues. Sell it and buy something else...Well...Your're starting over and could be a whole new can of worms...

 

[jvin248]

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Try swapping volume pots for a higher value in the spec range (if 420k actual move to 540k) and try changing tone caps. The other mod is .047uF cap in series with the pickups to cut the epiphone pickup internal capacitance (muddiness). Try these mods before jumping to new pickups.

 

[HotDan!]

It's a set neck. Pretty sure it's gonna cost almost as much to replace it as it would to just go out and buy a new Gibson SGJ. Also probably more than this guitar is worth.

True...Been hanging around the tele forum too long. Could be re-contoured though. Have them as well...Gotta think before I speak...

 

[LOSTVENTURE]

And switching to Gibson's P90s might not be that much of an upgrade. Some of the later LPs had overwound P90s, but the pick-ups they put on the new Specials are almost identical to what Epi installs. I've got both models (Epi 56 GT and a Gibson DC) and don't hear a real difference.

 

[VWAmTele]

Buy the Gibson. It will be cheaper in the long run. The had a pretty nice price drop on the 2016 models and a lot of places are blowing out the 2015 models.

 

[Starshine]

I guess I like the idea of the Epiphone more than the reality, which means I should probably move on, right? It's just that it was so cheap. It really has that going for it.

 

[Dismalhead]

I guess I like the idea of the Epiphone more than the reality, which means I should probably move on, right? It's just that it was so cheap. It really has that going for it.

I'm a big fan of the newer Epiphones. Nothing wrong with yours, it just has a neck that you said you don't like. I looked it up and that model sells for almost $400 used on EBay. Sell it and you'll have most of the cost of your new Gibson covered. A guitar is a tool. If it doesn't feel or sound exactly like you want it to you either change what you don't like about it or get another. No failure involved.

 

[PastorJay]

I'd replace it if and only if you find a Gibson you love. And can pay for. Darn it.

 

[Frodebro]

Epiphones are pretty consistent in terms of how they sound and feel, especially compared to Gibsons (which are all over the place), but if you happen to stumble across a GOOD Gibson (and they're out there, you just have to run the racks a little bit), it is incredible. It took me a long time to find a Gibson that really had "it", but I finally did, and it's one of those guitars that is really hard to put down once you pick it up.

 

[Starshine]

Wow, prices have really gone up. I got it used at Guitar Center a couple years ago for a song.

My number one guitar is a "good" Gibson. I found it after a pretty long search and knew as soon as I first played it. I guess I should start playing some SGs.

 

[KokoTele]

I guess I like the idea of the Epiphone more than the reality, which means I should probably move on, right? It's just that it was so cheap. It really has that going for it.

A cheap pair of shoes isn't a good deal if they don't fit your feet, right?

What year is your Epiphone from? They have switched manufacturers (I can't keep track of which lines were built where and when), but you might try some different Epi SGs and see if one suits you better.

I've never been enamored with Gibson's P90s. I think I'd jump on the first guitar that felt good and was put together well, and count on swapping the pickups.

 

[StrangerNY]

Before you spring for new pickups, you might want to try replacing the pots and cap. I have a 2006 (I think) Epi LP Standard that sounded kind of dull when I got it, so I put in full-size Alpha pots and a Sprague cap. Just doing that brightened things up, and the controls became a lot more responsive.

But due to my need to not leave well enough alone, the guitar now has a SD '59 in the bridge and a GFS Dream 90 in the neck. And I sanded the black top off to find a nice lemon veneer underneath. Oh, and I cut and glued headstock points just for laughs.

(image removed)

It's one of my favorite guitars. If you've got a guitar that's 'almost there,' it's worth putting a little work into it and see what you get.

- D

 

[Beachbum]

Don't ask me. I put $3800 into two Gibsons and I like them. But then I've got 12 other guitars that cost a lot less per guitar that I like more. Gibson Schmippson. Buy a great set of pups (Seth Lovers) and be happy. There's a whole lot of snake oil going on with the Gibsons.

 

[Tazz3]

Upgrade the wireing and pots and pickups

 

[studio1087]

I had one of those Epi's. I sold it after about 2 years. If you don't like the neck or the pickups I would sell it.

I gig SG's and I bought a mint used SGJ for just under $400. I sold the EPI for just over $200. You're less than $200 away from an upgrade to a better neck, better pickups, better woods, better hardware and a better finish.

Upgrading the pickups could easily cost $200 and you'll still be living with the neck that bothers you.

I would spend $200 to get the better guitar that was built in the USA. You're so close financially and the new guitar will make you very happy.

 

[JD0x0]

Based on some of the Epis and Gibs I've played, stay with the EPI if it plays well already.

I have opinions on current Gibsons, but they are rather aggressive, so I'll just mirror this quote, because I wont sound like a 'hater'

I'm not sure what they're doing but I'm not really enamored with Gibson quality these days