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Epiphone G-400 (Faded edition)
List: $800
There is a valid apprehension when one considers an Epiphone for purchase; the wood type beneath the paint is always of questionable nature & does not match the manufacturer’s specification. The reason why many players kick up a grand fuss over this issue is simply because the Epiphone brand name is a legitimate subsidiary of Gibson so buyers expect a spill-over in terms of quality, build & wood type but the learned among us would know better than to expect such inheritance. Nevertheless, there is very little room for swindling with the Faded G-400; there is no paint to hide the claim.
Construction/ fit/ finish
It is all too obvious which popular Gibson counterpart the G-400 mimics, the satin finish here isn’t a fresh idea either as Gibson does churn out its own version of this bare feel (to date: Les Paul Standard/ SG Special faded edition, among others). As there is virtually no paint to testify sloppy applications, this G-400 scores top marks in finishing. The fit of its hardware scores likewise; the main gripe with this particular model is its rather dry fretboard, especially at the 1st fret/ nut location; nothing some lemon oil won’t cure.
Playability/ tone
If you aren’t too familiar with satin finishes, it’s all about bare wood. The feel of this G-400 suggests a thinner oil stain compared to its Gibson’s counterpart (this reviewer owns the latter) thus making it lightweight in its overall presence. We have to applaud Epiphone for the wood grain selection for this guitar because whatever other shortcomings it possesses, it is deservedly off set by its very attractive looks. There are no complaints pertaining to the well-crowned & fitted frets here, same goes for its tune-o-matic bridge component; no unexpected sharp edges either. Bend mongers & shred meisters alike will find the neck’s wide & round profile very accommodating.
Moving on to tone, we should be thankful that this G-400 is equipped with a special set of humbuckers instead of some insipid units; 57 (neck) & Hot (bridge) if you please. The manufacturer got it right by equipping this guitar with a warm neck counterpart in contrast to its drive-inclined sibling; not a unique formula really, it’s been done by Ibanez for its current SZ models. What you can dial up from this guitar are some of the warmest midrange honk from the neck, quite a surprise really, coming from an inexpensive instrument. For all other high gain necessities, the bridge pickup will oblige. Lower the volume & restrain your gain to get that AC/DC-like open spank with both humbuckers in use, of course, higher volume settings do help.
Conclusion
This reviewer isn’t particularly too pleased with other G-400 makes the manufacturer has to offer due to some sloppy finish & ill-defined inherent tones common in lower mid-priced guitars, but this Faded offering has lots of good, well-defined midrange to make it sing. To some of us, the bare satin feel needs a little getting used to but it sure beats sticky, finished necks any time. The Faded G-400 is a fantastic first time guitar for many of us, it definitely gets a recommendation for a superb back up unit in your arsenal. While some of us would prefer a thicker bottom end response to avoid sounding too unpleasant, this guitar will do well with an EQ pedal supplement.
Rating: 8/10
Likes:
• Price
• Overall tone & playability
Dislikes:
• Might be deemed to be lacking in bass to some of us
Worthy competitors:
• Ibanez AXS42
• LTD Viper 50
• Hamer SATQ
