I think the G400 is a solid guitar for the money but must confess it isn't my favorite epi. That would have to go to the casino which I think is hands down the coolest Epi they ever came out with. I've owned several over the years and am trying to work out a trade deal for another one as we speak! BTW for those that are not aware of it... epiphone guitars have been used by some very big name musicians.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR-SlkUgCRg[/ame]
I can assure you by that point, John could play any guitar he wanted and yet he used an epiphone!
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4DV-5d6a5g[/ame]
and just one more happy casino customer!
I've used Epiphone guitars for 45 years . My Dot Deluxe is the best Delta blues axe I've ever owned and it does a good job with Jazz as well . I have found Epiphones to be affordable instruments for the blue collar musician . Recently I did some maintenance and set up on an entry-level G-310 . I was surprised at the neck and quality of the open coil humbuckers . A teenager was able to have a good playing, good sounding guitar at an affordable price . My brother has an Emperor that has been used by pros for recording . Not everybody can afford an Escalade, so GM makes those Cobalts the best they can . I've worked in customer relations and I'm pretty sure Epiphone has someone who reads the mail from folks and tallies complaints and recommendations, then sends a summary to an exec . You guys with issues should write to them .
Biddlin ;>)/
Screw em. the SG is treated like the runt of the litter or the red-headed step child, or whatever cliche you want to use. Its an underdog guitar, and there have been times when I felt like that... like the underdog or the runt. Didn't have the physical gifts some of the kids I played football with in high school, But I worked hard and learned to play smart and hit REALLY hard (even though it REALLY hurt). Had to put up with douchebags at work who thought they were elite because they graduated college. I ended up being the boss to some of those guys...
Anyway, the point is the SD stuck around for a long time and is still relatively popular despite the lack of binding.
I am not a fan of how this guitar looks with the body binding, and a lack of neck binding doesn't bother me, but I can certainly understand everyone's point, because we like what we like.