As you can see in the photo, this is an Epiphone Faded G400 SG. This is Epiphone’s authorized version of the infamous Gibson SG from 1962. Below is a list of its features:

• Body: Mahogany

• Neck: 1-piece Mahogany

• Fingerboard: Rosewood

• Nut: 1.68″

• Inlays: Aged Trapezoid

• Scale length: 24.75″

• Number of Frets: 22

• Pickups: Alnico Humbuckers

• Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone

• Pickup Switching: 3-way selector

• Hardware: Chrome

• Tuners: Grover

• Tailpiece: Stopbar

• Bridge: Tune-o-matic

• Finish: Worn Brown or Worn Cherry

Construction

The G-400 I received totally exceeded my expectations. Its construction is flawless. Upon receiving this guitar, it had a dull finish, but once I put some guitar polish on it, the wood got a very rich and beautiful “faded” finish. It is a beautiful guitar! It comes in two colors, the worn brown and the worn cherry. The one I’m reviewing is the cherry (as seen in the picture). The only thing that took away from its appearance was the orange cap on the selector switch. It was as if it didn’t belong there. Perhaps it looks better on the worn brown version. If it’s not your thing you can easily change it for one you want. I will keep mine original. The neck action was great right out of the box. Fretwork was also done well with no sharp edges. The neck inlays had an aged look to them which accents the “faded” finish. It comes with chrome hardware and Grover tuners. At this price range, I’m impressed.

Playability

I don’t know who sets them up, but they’re doing a great job. I have been playing guitars since 1977 and I’m finicky about the action, but it was low and fast right out of the box. It is smooth and easy to play. Like all the SG style guitars, it is headstock heavy. When wearing a strap, the neck will pull toward the ground. Most players get used to this quickly. While playing it, there aren’t any issues, but if you like to walk around with it while not hanging on to it, you may want to put strap locks on it to avoid any accidents.

Tone

The Epiphone Faded G-400 comes with two Alnico humbucker pickups. I played it through my amp and processor and the overall tone was a little distant sounding on the clean channels, but with a little tweaking with the processor, it sounded fine. Then I put it on the overdrive channels and it came to life. I guess the SG just wants to rock! Most people who purchase this style of guitar also want to rock, so you won’t be disappointed.

In Conclusion:

The Epiphone Faded G-400 is a great guitar. Its construction is excellent and I really like the finish. It is easy to play and sounds good. On the down side, its headstock heavy, but all SG’s are. If you like the SG body style, then this is the guitar for you. And at a price that anyone can afford.

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