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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.

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...
  • Specs
  • Demos
  • Price
Les Paul Studio
SG Standard
Rating
92
(Over $1000)
Reviews
96
(Over $1000)
Reviews
Weight
3.7 kg / 8.2 lbs 2.9 kg / 6.5 lbs
Tuners
Grover Rotomatic Kidney
Neck
Mahogany
Slim Taper
Set-in
24.75"
Mahogany
Rounded
Set-in
24.75"
Fingerboard
Rosewood
Nut
Tektoid
43mm
GraphTech
43mm
Frets
22 Medium Jumbo
Inlays
Trapezoid
Body
Maple top
Weight-relieved Mahogany
Mahogany
Pickups
2 Humbucker
Neck: 490R
Bridge: 490T
Controls
2 Push/Pull Volume
2 Tone
3-way Switch
2 Volume
2 Tone
3-way Switch
Bridge
Fixed
Tune-O-Matic
Stopbar Tailpiece
Hardware
Chrome
Binding
Neck only
None
Les Paul Studio SG Standard


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...
  • Specs
  • Demos
  • Price
Les Paul Standard
G400 Pro
Rating
96
(Under $500)
Reviews
92
(Under $500)
Reviews
Weight
3.8 kg / 8.5 lbs 3.1 kg / 6.9 lbs
Tuners
Grover
Deluxe sealed
Wilkinson Vintage Classics 14:1
Neck
Mahogany
1960s Slim Taper D
Glued in
24.75"
Fingerboard
Rosewood
Nut
Plastic
42.67mm
Frets
22 Medium Jumbo
Inlays
Trapezoid
Body
Maple top
Mahogany
Mahogany
Pickups
2 Humbucker
Alnico Classic
2 Humbucker
Alnico Classic Pro (coil split)
Controls
2 Volume
2 Tone
3-way Switch
2 Volume (push/pull)
2 Tone
3-way Switch
Bridge
Fixed
Tune-O-Matic
Stopbar Tailpiece
Hardware
Chrome
Binding
Body & Neck
None
Les Paul Standard G400 Pro


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
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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.

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.
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  • Styles
    • Strat
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    • SG