Few guitars embody raw rock attitude like the SG. With its sharp horns, slim body, and snarling tone, the SG has been a favorite for decades. The Epiphone SG Special P-90 in Faded Pelham Blue takes this iconic design and makes it accessible, affordable, and visually stunning. With a pair of roaring P-90 pickups, a SlimTaper mahogany neck, and a vibrant finish, it’s a guitar that bridges the past and present.
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A Finish That Pops on Stage
The Faded Pelham Blue finish sets this SG apart from more traditional cherry red or black models. Depending on lighting, it shifts between teal, steel, and ocean tones, giving it a vintage yet fresh look. Unlike glossy finishes, the “faded” style feels worn-in and inviting, offering both stage appeal and comfort in the hands.
It’s a nod to the rare Pelham Blue finishes of Gibson’s past, now available in an affordable package for modern players.
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Classic SG Shape, Modern Reliability
The double cutaway SG design isn’t just about looks—it offers unrivaled access to upper frets. The lightweight mahogany body is slim and contoured, making it one of the most comfortable guitars to hold, especially for long gigs or rehearsals. Despite its thinness, the body resonates well, contributing to the SG’s signature punch and midrange bite.
The beveled edges and ergonomic shape make it an ideal guitar for players who value both comfort and visual flair.
Neck Profile and Feel
The 60s SlimTaper neck is a highlight of this model. It’s thinner than chunkier vintage profiles but still feels solid, providing a fast, modern feel without losing character. Combined with the 12″ radius fingerboard and 22 medium-jumbo frets, it’s a neck built for bends, fast runs, and expressive phrasing.
The Indian Laurel fingerboard is smooth to the touch and adds a darker aesthetic that complements the bright Pelham Blue body. Players frequently note that the neck feels broken-in from day one, making it an easy transition from other guitars.
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P-90 Pickups – The Star of the Show
The real magic of this SG lies in its P-90 PRO pickups. Unlike humbuckers, which deliver thick and compressed tones, or Fender-style single-coils that emphasize brightness, P-90s strike a balance between grit and clarity.
- The bridge pickup provides sharp, aggressive tones ideal for rock riffs and punk energy.
- The neck pickup offers warmth and depth, perfect for blues solos or jazzier passages.
- Together, they deliver a snappy, articulate sound with plenty of bite.
P-90s are also highly dynamic—they respond beautifully to picking strength and guitar volume adjustments. Roll back the volume knob, and they clean up with a glassy character. Dig in harder, and they snarl with vintage aggression.
Hardware That Keeps Up
The SG Special P-90 is equipped with a Lightning Bolt wraparound bridge. It’s a simple design but effective, giving the guitar strong sustain and resonance by keeping strings in direct contact with the body. While some players prefer fully adjustable bridges, the wraparound adds to the vintage authenticity and tonal transfer.
The Epiphone Deluxe Vintage tuners with ivory buttons maintain tuning stability and match the retro vibe. Chrome hardware throughout provides durability without distracting from the guitar’s bold finish.
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Versatility Across Genres
Though designed with rock in mind, this SG is more versatile than it first appears.
- Blues: The neck P-90 shines for soulful bends and warm, expressive lines.
- Classic Rock: Bridge tones cut through a mix with authority, perfect for riffs.
- Punk and Garage: The raw edge of the pickups delivers aggressive, high-energy sound.
- Indie and Alternative: Its character-rich cleans and gritty breakup make it ideal for textured chords.
- Metal (light styles): With the right amp settings, the SG can handle doom or stoner tones with ease, though it’s not built for ultra-high-gain modern metal.
This tonal adaptability makes it a workhorse guitar for gigging musicians.
On-Stage and Studio Impressions
Players often describe the SG Special P-90 as loud, proud, and full of character. On stage, its light body makes it easy to play through long sets, while the Pelham Blue finish stands out under stage lights.
In the studio, P-90s shine with clarity and presence, sitting well in a mix without getting lost. Whether recording clean tracks or gritty rhythms, they offer tonal complexity that engineers appreciate.
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Comparisons to Other Epiphone Models
Compared to Epiphone Les Pauls in the same range, the SG Special P-90 is lighter, more aggressive, and has a more mid-forward tone. The double-cutaway design also gives it a playability edge for lead guitarists.
Against humbucker-equipped Epiphone SGs, the P-90 version feels rawer and more open, appealing to players who want vintage-inspired tones instead of modern high-output punch.
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Build Quality and Value
Epiphone has made significant strides in recent years, and this guitar reflects that progress. The fit and finish are excellent for its price point, with neatly dressed frets, smooth controls, and consistent quality. While some players may choose to upgrade parts like the bridge or tuners, the guitar is fully gig-ready out of the box.
Given its affordability, it delivers exceptional value, often punching above its price range in both sound and feel.
Upgrade Potential
Like many Epiphones, this guitar invites upgrades over time:
- Pickups: While the P-90 PROs sound fantastic, aftermarket options could tailor the sound to specific genres.
- Nut: Replacing the factory nut with bone or graphite can enhance tuning stability.
- Tuners: Locking tuners provide added reliability for heavy gigging.
- Electronics: Upgraded pots or wiring can refine tonal response.
These modifications are optional, but they give the SG long-term potential to grow with its player.
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Why Pelham Blue Matters
Pelham Blue is one of those legendary finishes associated with 1960s Gibsons. Over time, originals faded to greenish hues, making vintage Pelham Blue guitars highly collectible. By offering this finish in a modern Epiphone, the SG Special P-90 connects with history while giving new players the chance to enjoy that iconic look at an accessible price.
It’s more than just color—it’s heritage.
Who This Guitar Is For
- Beginners who want their first “real” guitar with stage-worthy looks and tone.
- Intermediate players upgrading from entry-level instruments.
- Gigging musicians who need a reliable backup or main guitar without breaking the bank.
- Collectors who appreciate vintage aesthetics in modern production.
- P-90 enthusiasts seeking that distinct middle-ground tone between single-coils and humbuckers.
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Strengths
- Striking Faded Pelham Blue finish with vintage appeal
- Lightweight mahogany body and comfortable SlimTaper neck
- Dynamic P-90 pickups with expressive tonal range
- Classic wraparound bridge sustain and simplicity
- Affordable price point with professional tone
Considerations
- Wraparound bridge offers less intonation flexibility
- Single-coil hum is inherent to P-90s
- Stock tuners are good but not premium
- Not designed for extreme metal tones
Final Verdict
The Epiphone SG Special P-90 in Faded Pelham Blue is a celebration of vintage design and raw rock energy. Its combination of lightweight comfort, expressive pickups, and bold styling makes it a standout in Epiphone’s lineup. For players craving authenticity, tone, and affordability, it’s hard to beat this guitar.
Whether you’re playing blues in a small club, rocking out at a festival, or recording indie tracks at home, the SG Special P-90 brings character and charm that inspire creativity. It’s not just a budget guitar—it’s a true musical companion.
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FAQ
What wood is the SG Special P-90 made from?
It features a solid mahogany body and neck, with an Indian Laurel fingerboard.
What pickups are included?
It comes with two Epiphone P-90 PRO single-coil pickups in soap bar housings.
Does it suffer from neck dive?
Not significantly. Its lightweight design is balanced, making it comfortable on a strap.
How many frets does it have?
The guitar has 22 medium-jumbo frets on a 12-inch radius fingerboard.
Can the pickups handle high gain?
Yes, but they excel more in vintage and classic rock tones. For extreme metal, humbuckers may be better suited.
Does the wraparound bridge affect intonation?
It offers less fine-tuning than modern bridges but provides excellent sustain and simplicity.
Is the Pelham Blue finish durable?
Yes. The faded finish is both visually striking and resistant to light wear.
Is this a good guitar for beginners?
Absolutely. Its comfort, affordability, and iconic tone make it ideal for learners while offering room to grow.
