What pickups are installed in the Epiphone 1963 SG Custom?

The guitar is equipped with three USA-made Gibson Custombucker humbuckers. These are premium pickups typically found on Gibson Custom Shop models.

What type of neck joint does this model use?

It features a long neck tenon, which extends further into the body for improved stability and vibration transfer.

Is the fretboard made of synthetic material?

No, the guitar features a bound ebony fretboard, which is a high-grade wood known for its dark appearance and bright tonal snap.

What is the significance of the 'open book' headstock?

The 'open book' headstock is the traditional Gibson shape. Its use on this Epiphone model signifies its status as part of the 'Inspired by Gibson Custom' range.

What electronics are used in the control circuit?

The guitar is hand-wired using premium CTS potentiometers and Mallory capacitors to ensure high-quality signal processing.

What is a Maestro Vibrola?

The Maestro Vibrola is a vintage-style vibrato tailpiece that allows the player to perform smooth pitch bends using a decorative tremolo arm.

Why is it called a 'Les Paul' SG?

Historically, when the SG was first introduced in the early 1960s, it was intended as a replacement for the original Les Paul and bore his name until 1963.

What colour finish is available for this specific model?

This model comes in a 'Classic White' finish, which is the historically accurate colour for the 1963 Custom version.

How does the neck construction differ from standard Epiphones?

Unlike many standard models that use multi-piece necks, this version features a one-piece mahogany neck for traditional feel and durability.

What kind of inlays are used on the fretboard?

The fretboard features mother-of-pearl block inlays, providing a luxury aesthetic consistent with the 'Custom' designation.

What is the typical price range for this guitar?

The guitar typically retails for approximately £1015, placing it at the top of the Epiphone product line.

Who is this guitar best suited for?

It is designed for serious musicians and collectors who want vintage Custom Shop features and authentic Gibson USA tones without the higher cost of a US-built Custom Shop guitar.

Gear article

Epiphone 1963 Les Paul SG Custom With Maestro Vibrola

The Epiphone 1963 Les Paul SG Custom With Maestro Vibrola is a premium electric guitar developed in collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop. It recreates the transitional 1963 specification of the SG, featuring a triple-pickup configuration, a Maestro Vibrola tailpiece, and high-end USA-made electronics.

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Background and Design

The 'Inspired by Gibson Custom' series represents a significant shift in Epiphone's production standards, aiming to bridge the gap between standard import models and American-made Custom Shop instruments. This specific model replicates the 1963 iteration of the SG Custom, a period when the 'Les Paul' name was still officially applied to the SG body shape. It features the historically accurate 'Classic White' finish and gold hardware characteristic of the top-tier 'Custom' designation.

Construction and Key Features

The instrument is built with a solid mahogany body and a one-piece mahogany neck, utilising a long neck tenon for enhanced structural integrity and resonance. The fretboard is crafted from genuine ebony, providing a smooth playing surface decorated with mother-of-pearl block inlays. Notably, this model features the iconic Gibson-style 'open book' headstock shape, previously reserved for Gibson-branded instruments, adorned with a custom split diamond inlay.

Electronics and Hardware

A primary highlight of this model is the inclusion of three USA-made Gibson Custombucker pickups. These are the same high-end components found in top-tier Gibson Custom Shop guitars. The electronics are hand-wired to CTS potentiometers and Mallory capacitors, ensuring a high-fidelity signal path. The hardware is rounded out by the Maestro Vibrola tailpiece, which allows for subtle pitch modulation and adds significant vintage aesthetic appeal.

Sound Character

Equipped with Custombucker pickups, the guitar delivers a rich, nuanced tonal palette. The triple-humbucker configuration offers a unique variety of sounds compared to standard dual-pickup models, ranging from aggressive bridge-position leads to warm, complex textures in the middle and neck positions. The combination of the mahogany construction and ebony board contributes to a balanced sound with a fast transient response and ample sustain.

Comparative Context

At a price point of approximately £1015, this model sits in a premium category for Epiphone. While alternatives such as the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s offer a different feel with P90 pickups, or the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster provides a bolt-on neck experience, the 1963 SG Custom is specifically designed for those seeking Custom Shop specifications—such as USA pickups and ebony boards—at a more accessible price point than a full Gibson Custom Shop build.

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Frequently asked questions

What pickups are installed in the Epiphone 1963 SG Custom?: The guitar is equipped with three USA-made Gibson Custombucker humbuckers. These are premium pickups typically found on Gibson Custom Shop models.
What type of neck joint does this model use?: It features a long neck tenon, which extends further into the body for improved stability and vibration transfer.
Is the fretboard made of synthetic material?: No, the guitar features a bound ebony fretboard, which is a high-grade wood known for its dark appearance and bright tonal snap.
What is the significance of the 'open book' headstock?: The 'open book' headstock is the traditional Gibson shape. Its use on this Epiphone model signifies its status as part of the 'Inspired by Gibson Custom' range.
What electronics are used in the control circuit?: The guitar is hand-wired using premium CTS potentiometers and Mallory capacitors to ensure high-quality signal processing.
What is a Maestro Vibrola?: The Maestro Vibrola is a vintage-style vibrato tailpiece that allows the player to perform smooth pitch bends using a decorative tremolo arm.
Why is it called a 'Les Paul' SG?: Historically, when the SG was first introduced in the early 1960s, it was intended as a replacement for the original Les Paul and bore his name until 1963.
What colour finish is available for this specific model?: This model comes in a 'Classic White' finish, which is the historically accurate colour for the 1963 Custom version.
How does the neck construction differ from standard Epiphones?: Unlike many standard models that use multi-piece necks, this version features a one-piece mahogany neck for traditional feel and durability.
What kind of inlays are used on the fretboard?: The fretboard features mother-of-pearl block inlays, providing a luxury aesthetic consistent with the 'Custom' designation.
What is the typical price range for this guitar?: The guitar typically retails for approximately £1015, placing it at the top of the Epiphone product line.
Who is this guitar best suited for?: It is designed for serious musicians and collectors who want vintage Custom Shop features and authentic Gibson USA tones without the higher cost of a US-built Custom Shop guitar.