Les Paul Vs SG Showdown
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With the SG originally developed as a slimmer, double cutaway modification of the Les Paul, the similarity between these two best-selling guitars is evident.
So what might make someone choose the SG over the Les Paul, or vice versa?
On this page we examine the key differences between these two highly sought-after axes. We start by comparing the Gibson USA Standards, although we've opted for the Les Paul Studio as it's closer to the price of the SG Standard without sacrificing key Les Paul features.
We then move on to the budget offerings from Epiphone to see how they compare at both ends of the market.
So what might make someone choose the SG over the Les Paul, or vice versa?
On this page we examine the key differences between these two highly sought-after axes. We start by comparing the Gibson USA Standards, although we've opted for the Les Paul Studio as it's closer to the price of the SG Standard without sacrificing key Les Paul features.
We then move on to the budget offerings from Epiphone to see how they compare at both ends of the market.
Gibson Les Paul Studio Vs SG Standard
Gibson USA have been putting out both the LP and SG for over fifty years. At over a grand each (USD), they are among some of the finest quality guitars available...
| Les Paul Studio |
SG Standard |
|---|---|
| Rating |
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| 92 (Over $1000) Reviews |
96 (Over $1000) Reviews |
| Weight |
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| 3.7 kg / 8.2 lbs | 2.9 kg / 6.5 lbs |
| Tuners |
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| Grover
Rotomatic Kidney |
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| Neck |
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| Mahogany Slim Taper Set-in 24.75" |
Mahogany Rounded Set-in 24.75" |
| Fingerboard |
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| Rosewood |
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| Nut |
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| Tektoid 43mm |
GraphTech 43mm |
| Frets |
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| 22 Medium
Jumbo |
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| Inlays |
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| Trapezoid | |
| Body |
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| Maple top Weight-relieved Mahogany |
Mahogany |
| Pickups |
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| 2
Humbucker Neck: 490R Bridge: 490T |
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| Controls |
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| 2 Push/Pull Volume 2 Tone 3-way Switch |
2 Volume 2 Tone 3-way Switch |
| Bridge |
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| Fixed Tune-O-Matic Stopbar Tailpiece |
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| Hardware |
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| Chrome |
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| Binding |
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| Neck only |
None |
| Les Paul Studio | SG Standard |
|---|---|
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| Les Paul Studio | SG Standard |
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Epiphone Les Paul Standard Vs G-400 Pro
At the budget/entry level end, we have Epiphone's Les Paul Standard and G-400 Pro. While a grand cheaper than the Gibsons, the defining characteristics are still there...
| Les Paul Standard |
G400 Pro |
|---|---|
| Rating |
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| 96 (Under $500) Reviews |
92 (Under $500) Reviews |
| Weight |
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| 3.8 kg / 8.5 lbs | 3.1 kg / 6.9 lbs |
| Tuners |
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| Grover Deluxe sealed |
Wilkinson
Vintage Classics 14:1 |
| Neck |
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| Mahogany 1960s Slim Taper D Glued in 24.75" |
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| Fingerboard |
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| Rosewood |
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| Nut |
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| Plastic 42.67mm |
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| Frets |
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| 22 Medium
Jumbo |
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| Inlays |
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| Trapezoid |
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| Body |
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| Maple top Mahogany |
Mahogany |
| Pickups |
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| 2
Humbucker Alnico Classic |
2 Humbucker Alnico Classic Pro (coil split) |
| Controls |
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| 2 Volume 2 Tone 3-way Switch |
2 Volume (push/pull) 2 Tone 3-way Switch |
| Bridge |
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| Fixed Tune-O-Matic Stopbar Tailpiece |
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| Hardware |
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| Chrome |
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| Binding |
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| Body
& Neck |
None |
| Les Paul Standard | G400 Pro |
|---|---|
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| Les Paul Standard | G400 Pro |
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Key Differences Between The Les Paul & SG
While a side-by-side spec run-down doesn't reveal any major technical differences between the two guitars, there may be enough difference, upon closer inspection, to sway you one way or the other...
Look, Feel & Playability
Starting with the obvious - the SG has a double cutaway and a later neck-body join (20th fret) than the LP (16th fret), meaning it's easier to reach those higher frets.
This extra cutaway, along with the slimmer, flat body, contributes to the lighter weight of the SG. It lacks the carved top of the Les Paul. We'll get to how this affects tone in a moment.
However, because of the slightness of its body, while retaining the same neck and head config as the Les Paul, many players describe the SG as "neck heavy". It's not something you should have a problem getting used to, but when strapped and standing you can't just let it hang free like a Strat or LP... or you may hear a disconcerting thud as gravity has its way with the head!
Other than weight distribution, you're basically holding the same slim taper, flat radius neck as a modern Les Paul.
This extra cutaway, along with the slimmer, flat body, contributes to the lighter weight of the SG. It lacks the carved top of the Les Paul. We'll get to how this affects tone in a moment.
However, because of the slightness of its body, while retaining the same neck and head config as the Les Paul, many players describe the SG as "neck heavy". It's not something you should have a problem getting used to, but when strapped and standing you can't just let it hang free like a Strat or LP... or you may hear a disconcerting thud as gravity has its way with the head!
Other than weight distribution, you're basically holding the same slim taper, flat radius neck as a modern Les Paul.
Sound
With (as good as) the same pickups and electronics, and the same neck profile, it's all down to the body to define any noticeable tonal differences.
And it's what you might expect - the SG's slimmer, flat body brings out a touch more mid-range presence. A touch more growl under gain. It's subtle, but it's enough of a fray to the edges of that smooth Les Paul tone to make the SG preferable for many rock guitarists.
Overall, the SG delivers a brighter, crisper tone than the Les Paul and more harmonic feedback to boot.
Clean, you'll hear more chime from the SG, sacrificing some of the warmth and depth that Les Paul players love.
And it's what you might expect - the SG's slimmer, flat body brings out a touch more mid-range presence. A touch more growl under gain. It's subtle, but it's enough of a fray to the edges of that smooth Les Paul tone to make the SG preferable for many rock guitarists.
Overall, the SG delivers a brighter, crisper tone than the Les Paul and more harmonic feedback to boot.
Clean, you'll hear more chime from the SG, sacrificing some of the warmth and depth that Les Paul players love.