[needgibsonbadly]

Well, the time has come for the million dollar question. I have wanted an SG for some time, and, as a devoted Black Sabbath fan, have decided that an Epiphone Tony Iommi SG is the best option. Gibson doesn't make theirs anymore, but I've heard that the Epi sounds the same yet is a bit lighter in weight, since they both come equipped with Gibby USA Iommi Pickups. The Epi is, of course cheaper, at $500, especially since you can't buy a Gibby for less than the collector's sticker price of around $1200. I've seen videos of people playing them, and loved the sound; I've read nothing but rave reviews, and as far as I've been told, it's about as close to Tony's original tone as us mortals can afford. I have heard less than good things about the pickup BY ITSELF, but the full model with the Pups already installed at the factory I've heard nothing negative about. I would like to know about any and all experience, good and bad, about this guitar. I'd also like to know...NOOB ALERT!!! ...would it be a good idea to get a set-up done? I didn't get one done on my Squier (lolz, would cost half as much as the guitar) and I've had it less than a year; the G sounds like a banjo, it goes out of tune in 3 days of light use, and I got it off the stand to play it one evening, and my E was a G in the lower octave, and my B somehow became a C# in the middle of the night. These are probably Squier-ish problems anyway, but it can't hurt to ask. Much appreciated.

[JessThrasher]

As an Iommi fan myself, I am G.A.S.'ing for a Iommi signature model.

But you could go for the epiphone now, and if you really like it you could trade it up for the Gibby, just pay the price difference.

[allthumbs]

Get a setup done. You will thank yourself. Congrats on the axe.

[needgibsonbadly]

Thanks for your input, shouldn't be too long till can afford it. I'm looking forward to it