I do hope the younger generations of aspiring guitar players find your channel. There's no hype, nothing fancy, just honest reviews. Thank you Colin! 👍🤘😃
That bridge pup at 15k you'd assume it is hot but with only 5.2 Henrys we can tell that they've used thinner wire, which darkens the sound, pushes the mids, so they'd use a ceramic magnet to get the high end back but lose a bit of Henrys. Its certainly not weak but not as high output as most people would assume.
@@jimhunter6460 Its tough to explain briefly but Henrys is a measure of inductance or "potential to make voltage" so it tells us how much material is in the coil, a high inductance reading means there's lots of copper wire in the coil. The resistance tells us the length of the wire but not the thickness. When we know both readings we can make an approximation of the length and thickness of the wire and get an idea of the overall output of the coil. For example with a p90 the kohms and the Henrys should both read about 8k and 8h and if I overwind it they will read for example 12k and 12h but if I use a thinner wire I can increase the kohms without increasing the Henrys because there is the same volume of copper in the coil and it might read 12k and 8h which will cause us to lose some high end because it can't get through that resistance and the delicate high frequencies get cut out. But if we use thicker wire we get more power and those highs can push through the resistance. I hope that all made sense.
I have to be honest, this is the first time I have come across your channel. And I have to say, I really love your analysis and review of this guitar! I learned more about short-scale guitars than I think I've learned just through my own research. You are very thorough, precise, and honest. I love it. You got a subscriber now! Great stuff, man!
This guitar is endearing with the body scaled down according to the neck length. Nice. But way overhyped/oversaled as you stated. The nut is probably the main culprit for the tuning stability problem. The gears are rarely a problem nowadays, to my understanding. The short scale amplify the string on nut slipping/sticking detuning effect as the same amount is proportionally bigger on a shorter string. But the short scale per se is not a problem. The fiirst John Lennon Rickenbacker 325s was 20.75", even shorter than this one. They sound quite good notwithstanding. John wasn't short, Google say 1.79m (about 5' 10+1/2' for our imperialists friends..) but he managed to play with.. A bit weird looking on the early Beatles pictures... Perhaps the 50 and 52.2 marking relate to the pole pieces spacing ?
Snoopy vs. The Red Baron was my favorite 45 RPM record when I was a young child. My love of Peanuts has followed me into my adult years. I even have a Snoopy tattoo. Brilliant review of an interesting little guitar. Certainly better than the first six string I ever bought, but beginner guitars of yesteryear are, fortunately, in the past. These days a kid can get an affordable guitar that looks, plays and sounds well. Perhaps not this Epiphone, but cheaper Ibanez, Yamaha, Harley Benton guitars certainly do the trick. I do wish more attention was paid to setting up these guitars. I imagine most kids who get into guitar don't have parents who know how to properly set them up and I suspect that many kids would simply set the guitar aside and forget about it if it is difficult to play. Thanks for the brilliant film, Colin. Wonderful content, as always. Stay well, mate!
I doubt kids today could even imagine how bad 'beginners' guitars used to be lol. The quality, not to mention quantity of decent 'budget options' has gone through the roof over the last decade.
I agree with your theory about the nut. The ideal beginner budget guitar should have 1 pickup, fixed bridge with adjustable saddles, good tuners, an excellent nut, and straight string passage through the nut to the tuners. All these are perfectly achievable on a budget.
@@EugeneLopez-tp5hb I agree, the cheap japan guitars we learned to play on, and the blues players, the crap they played, that we now try to emulate the sound from? Give me a break. I'm thinking of getting one for slide.
Nice one, Colin. Honest and fair review. It surprises me that no guitar company has yet managed to make a great little electric guitar with a 22 inch scale length neck. I avoided buying this little Epiphone as a sofa guitar and bought a Sire strat instead. Hope you're doing good mate. Cheers.
Really sad to see such a big company with such power & advertising budget screwing up!. Staggering numbers of potential customers lost & future guitar greats put off music!!. Just negligence in design?. But how? From toy like box to unusable nut. Design flaws far beyond acceptable! Oh.. see.. own nothing be happy? -AGENDA 30!- Must include complete control or ban of Music? It's always been an aid for revolution. So clever after all? Hard to explain how it's not deliberate.
I bought one and you miss something. Best guitar I have, and I have a real Gibson SG too. This thing sings. Try it for yourself. I'm sad, I here so much people sayin this guitar is shit because of this video, this is really sad, cause all the people I know who bought one are very happy with it.
The other commenters have just about said it all. As an Epi fan and owner of several I'm at a loss here. Overall fit and finish seem acceptable-to-good. Bound neck, nice LP-style trapezoid position markers, etc. Then a nut that would drive a beginner to tears with tuning difficulties. And it sounds blah at best. So a guitar that could bring Epiphone (and maybe Gibson eventually) repeat customers ends up sending them elsewhere or maybe never becoming a players at all, much less "Power Players." Too bad.
I think if Epiphone had spent a little more time getting the basics right this could be a good guitar for a youngster and still can be but will required a proper setup to get playing well. I wonder if all powerplay SGs are like this with nut slots poorly cut as that's something I expect from a guitar ordered from Aliexpress! We pay a little extra and buy from the bigger brands because we expect them to be more likely to get the the QC right. I agree that if this model is generally poorly set up because its seen by Epiphone as a starter guitar and Epiphone dont therefore need to get it playing particularly well because they think young guitarists will quickly move on to something else. This could actually see guitarists jack it in before they ever really get going, especially if there is no one else in their family that knows about guitars to advise them.
I bought a Les Paul version. I also have Squier Mini Strat. The neck taper is the same as on my full scale Epi Classic Pro, so adapted easily. My main complaints were the tuners and pickups. The Epi 650R/700T pickups I found middling, neither good nor bad, but good enough for stock. They use the same set on the Special II. The bane of these small guitars is always the tuners though. They should be putting locking tuners on stock, as this is a known problem every company does. I think people might spend a bit more if they did put on locking tuners. I bought my LP Power Players because I need something that travels easy and that I can carry around, with my little Orange Micro or a headphone amp, for practice and songwriting. It is not meant, for me, to be something I would use professionally to record or gig with, but just something lightweight to get my ideas down and record back later at home. That said, I do plan to make upgrades, but I do understand parents, especially non-musician parents, would hesitate to spend more money over stock, and that is why mini guitars usually fail. The companies don't put on the parts they should to start with. I would also point out the issue with the nuts seems to be something that happens from time to time across the Epiphone line. I had a nut on an ES-339 that kept breaking strings on me initially, and had to be filed slightly. My guess is just a simple issue in quality control from time to time. I love my LP Power Players, for the purpose I bought it for, and do believe these will find a niche for those wanting a good travel guitar or someone who doesn't want to carry a full size Les Paul on a daily basis.
It's funny how we all scoffed at Guitar Hero and how kids were pressing buttons rather that learning chords, but the amount of 20 somethings I've heard who got inspired to learn how to play actual guitar off the back of the Guitar Hero Game it turns out to have done more good than bad!
I wonder if getting young children interested in guitar could be made easier with an anime centered around children grade school aged, playing in battle of the bands and have boys and girls in grade school practice and compete and being not excellent but aspiring to be as good as the High School kids.
as a girl-kid who actually played guitar back then, I Hated it!!! Now, as an "adult" I miss it because there's not much rock and roll in the mainstream 😅
@@agdtec Yeah except every time they release an Anime inspired guitar it costs 2-3 thousand quid! i.e. the Fender Asuka Evangelion Tele or the Fender FFXIV Strat!
@@S-T-E-V-E You are correct on the animie inspired Guitars Even the pink Hellow Kitty's which were not that bad but once they were out of production They were priced a lot higher and they were trash.
I'd been quite curious about these new starter guitars. And while I believe when you say they aren't as good as they're hyped to be, they're certainly a LOT better than what we would have started with. My starter was a dime-store acoustic with barbed wire for strings (or so it felt). Lots changed since, thankfully. Thanks for the review.
I smile every time I see someone mention this. It's almost shocking just how bad 'beginner' models used to be back in the day lol. When you think about it, it's amazing how any of us stuck with it.
The first guitar I bought my son when he was twelve was a Monterey Strat copy which at the time was about $150 AUD. Fast forward 18 years to today and we have both moved on to Gibson and Fenders. The guitar journey does have to start somewhere. Now I consider what guitar to buy my grandchildren as a starter and I like your suggestion about the Bullet mustang.
Buy this Epiphone. I have one and it sounds great !! And I have a real Gibson SG, and I don't even play the real one now. This video is very sad about this guitar. You should test one you'll understand.
Thanks, as always, for your candour Colin. I noticed these models recently because I have a just-turned-five nephew who has a "toy" electric guitar and loves driving everyone crazy with his music. Not living close, I wouldn't be able to set the guitar up for him and wouldn't wish tuning instability on any beginner. One trick which I learnt was to run the old string back and forth through the nut slot a few times to smooth things out and then either add Nut Sauce or some pencil graphite when restringing. Shorter scale lengths may be a root cause of that tuning instability... I have a small-bodied acoustic with a shorter scale which may benefit from heavier strings than a beginner electric. It causes no problems at all. In a couple of years time should junior still be keen on playing guitar, I'll come back to your video and probably opt for a Squier Bullet Mustang as his first forever guitar. Mind how you go!
@@theguitaristas Indeed - sadly, the good old days when all instruments were bought in music stores (which provide advice and service) are long gone. It may be cheaper and easier to buy online but it can be a trap for many...
I bought the les paul version of this and i do really like it. i am an adult. with bigger hands and long fingers. my right arm is dislocated. thats why playing a longer scale for me .like 25 inch is very hard. so this guitar is very comfortable when I play. I will just modify it and I am fine with it 🤩
I've got one and it sounds and plays much better than it's getting credit for. Incredibly comfortable. Haven't had any tuning stability issues that I haven't found on the larger counterparts. G string always seems to be a pain on Epis and Gibsons if any. Power player LP honestly doesn't fare poorly in comparison. Yes the nut could stand to be replaced. Plastic is never ideal. They could've at least gone with graph tech for the price point. The tuners are fair. Not the best but definitely not toy quality either. Tuning isn't the pain I keep reading about. The pickups may be on the cheaper end but I've gotten great tones out of them. Upgrade? Possibly. But they work fine and quite well for Overdrive especially. Although the cleans are good too. Try pairing it with an Orange amp. Even without pedals you'll get good spectrums of tone. While I don't have issues playing full scale guitars, playing this has been much more comfortable and I'm NOT a small guy with small hands. It just feels nice. Bends, pull offs, and hammer on are much easier to get (bigger and better) as the strings have more stretch/spring to them. I agree. It's a nice 🪓.
@@oikoiworldofficial I've been looking at the Seymour Duncan Antiquity mini buckers. I think they would suit this well. But I almost want another to mod as I'm still exploring this ones potential.
I've been playing since 1969 & I'm impressed with this guitar for the price.. despite the shortcomings you've discovered. I've owned everything & I like the wood on wood contact on the neck. There's something to be said about a naked joint without hyde
It's brilliant for beginners... good value, but not forever. So, like I told you I ordered the Wilshire P90. I found a used one for $300. After waiting forever, it came in and the box was totaled. I made UPS stay for the unboxing and to my surprise it was not damaged. It was also WRONG... It was nasty with 2008 strings on it and Humbuckers! WHAT? No bikini headstock either. I took it to Guitar center to raise hell and get my money back, I left with an education and 3 sets of new string for the Wilshire Limited Edition Pro. Made in Japan. Worth about 2 or three times what I paid for it. Top wrapped it and cleaned it up, my God man, it's SWEET! Even without the P-90's I love it and the tech said he can fix my P-90 SG, so I'm actually quite happy with the mistake. This guitar went through hell to get to me, I'm going to count it as a blessing and remain grateful to have the upgrade in value. Cheers Colin and have a great weekend... maybe you will find one for yourself to review
Great honest overview! And well said that anything that gets guitars in the hands of kids and inspires them is a positive. But fully agree on the tuning stability issue being a very big problem on a guitar aimed for beginners. Just as a good guitar can inspire a child to practice and keep playing, one that doesn’t hold tune or causes problems may discourage them and push a new player to get frustrated and quit right out of the gate.
Don't you ever change! This was the most polite slag-off I have ever witnessed. I give you a honorary Canadian badge for being so sorry :) The Bullet Mustang is a lovely choice, I have always recommended it. From learning to founding your own punk band, it can do it all. I have an Ibanez Mikro because of the interview with Paul Gilbert, who convinced the brand to make a smaller guitar for students, specifically one of his who is a very dedicated tiny girl. Then he hammed up playing on it, with his crazy finger extensions and I just laughed out loud. So there is good reason sometimes for less then 24" scale length.
My son Andy has shown interest in guitar. Of course myself being an avid guitar player for over almost 20yrs now I was CRAZY excited for him. I was looking around and settled on a squire mini strat instead. But I really wanted to get him one of these power player SG.. its hard to put out that much money for a first guitar
Well done for doing this review, Guitaristas. I agree with all you said about this guitar. Anyone starting off on guitar deserves something better than this, whatever the age, but most importantly our young ones. Especially those with a strong, inherent instinct toward music and creating sound, which can happen at a VERY young age (some say, even our journey within the womb!). Leaving anatomy to one side, I'm a grizzled geezer now but it did with me, and gave me an enchanted life. Having grown up in the 1960's, it's as strong as it's ever been, especially with so many fabulous, affordable guitars that were never previously available. That we never stop learning and becoming inspired is a thing precious. In our case a new guitar, a different sound, learning a new tune, meeting other musicians, singers....the list goes on. So getting started with the right instrument is critical. It has to be. So following on from Guitaristas great review, I listed 3 things a guitar needs to be for kids; 1) Roughly in proportion to their size, hands, reach etc. 2) Playable, safe, accurate tune-ability. 3) Decent enough sounding. Denying them these basics is unacceptable. Because it will either discourage or make them feel inadequate. Then we have lost them, maybe for good. And in case we've forgotten, kids have enough challenges anyway growing up and getting through school. Finally for anyone put off by the ability of others, always remember... "How good do you need to be?" Peter Green .
Fair review, and well done, as always. Dead right about the short scale aspect. If you didn't enjoy it because you had to struggle with it staying in tune, imagine what the target audience for these guitars is going to experience. (Not to mention the parents!) I'm not a huge Ibanez fan. However, they've got a dozen models under $300US that would make a much more appropriate first guitar. Hell, Squier is doing good things at that price range these days. But, you do get a thin gig bag and a cable that will short out the first time it's stepped on.... ;)
I assume 52 and 50 stands for the E to e pole piece distance so the factory can differentiate between the bridge and neck plate. It would be fun to watch you upgrade the guitar with better parts. Great video, thanks for sharing!
@@theguitaristas It doesn't feel negative so much as much as realistic. I can tell that you want to love it but for the reasons stated, are unable to totally sign off on it. For someone like me with a very limited budget, calling out the hyped up guitars that fall short of the mark is a great service. My current guitar is a Hondo H-18 that was made by Samick in the 80s but it has a host of issues and I'd like an electric. I have to be very careful with how I spend my money and your reviews have provided me with more knowledge about prospective guitars than any other videos on UA-cam. Thank you for that. You'll always have a big fan here in British Columbia.
Good honest review. I think that I’m inclined to agree with all of your comments regarding this flawed little guitar. The pickups did sound ok as long as all controls were left turned up full , I’m not sure what the problem is with guitar control circuits, it can’t be a matter of cost It’s just four pots a couple of capacitors and a switch, I think that it’s just a matter of design specifications, get the component values right and it should all work. The frets seemed to be acceptable but the tuning instability was just unacceptable, a basic requirement of a guitar is that it stays in tune. Bit of a shame really it would probably have been a great starter guitar for junior to bash out AC/DC chords on through a cheap amplifier. For what it’s worth my vote would go for the Bullit Mustang at this end of the market if the frets are a little to far apart you could always capo it at the first fret until your hands get a bit bigger.
You've highlighted the concern I had with this guitar (price vs quality compared to a Squier Mini which I bought for my son). I really appreciate the approach you've taken with expected quality for a kids guitar. Who wants to continue learning if you're constantly out of tune? You've also taught me something (checking behind the nut to determine how the nut can be the issue, which I've suspected on a couple guitars) Thank you for this. I always enjoy your opinion, but I wanted to recognize your approach in this video in particular.
This is why I'm subbed. Colin calls it the way he sees it which I really appreciate. They could have improved the nut and tuners by doing away with the neck binding, block inlays and going with one each tone and volume control. Unfortunately that guitar is more sizzle than steak.
Great job Colin!!! The nut is Truly Important on any guitar!!! Also' heavy gage strings can be so discouraging to a new Young Beginner!!! Not staying in tune is a completely discouraging experience for a pro. or experienced, and especially a new beginner, especially with a young person!!!!!! When I was young my lessons were on a Stella Acoustic with heavy gage strings with the action a half an inch off the neck!!!! How difficult and discouraging was that!!! Some guitar teachers at that time seemed to make it more difficult to learn seemingly extending their lessons programs forever!!! Fortunately when I taught lessons I had learned better and wanted my students to surpass others stuck in that mode and taught them songs they were wanting to learn along with scales, chords, and gradual music theory!!!! Things we all could improve on, along with getting to know our guitar!!!
Well, like you I guess Colin I wanted to like this product, but I won't be giving up my Bullet Mustang any time soon. Swing and a miss from Epiphone this time.
Colin excellent review. It’s definitely not fit for purpose and the Bullet Mustang is a brilliant recommendation that any kid would love as a first guitar and later mod into a even better guitar quite cheaply at a later date if they wanted 👍
I'm a truck driver and I love guitar's. After watching the video I figured out what we both have in common. "STICKY NUTS". 😆 I agree with you on this I sure won't run out and buy one of these.
Thanks again Colin for the entertainment. Didn't know these were an Epiphone model. So I will have to say informative as well. Thanks heaps for your honest review. Till next week. Cheers Wes
They explain it better on internet. Search Rule of it. Also ir you know the first distance from nut to 1st fret. Draw a vertical line that distance. Draw a line from bottom of said line for distance of scale length. Draw line from top of vertical to end of scale length line forming a triangle. Take a compass put point on bottom of vertical line and pencil end at top. Strike an arch. Where the arch touches scale length line that's 2nd fret postion. Draw line up from 2nd fret position to angled line. Repeat with compass for 3rd and so on.
Loved review. No bullshit. I was interested in how well these played given the hype. Thanks for insights. I will also mention, I really appreciate the way you talk about other channels that we would all know and watch. It makes your content more authentic. I felt like I was having a chat with another guitar addict down the pub as I listened to you. It also is a great display of a no ego ethos. Cheers mate. See you next week. ✌️
I dontt think it’s the scale, my daughters first guitar was a scaled down Ibanez she is vey petite and the guitar stayed in tune and sounded pretty dang good. She graduated to a Gibson SG 50th anniversary when she was 15. Think you nailed it crappy nut and tuners.
Great video Colin! It’s great to see someone jump off the hype train and give an honest review of a product. In todays day and age it’s overwhelming for a consumer when every review we see says the same thing about how great a product is. I imagine that’s easy for the reviewers to say when they get the gear for free! I appreciate the fact that your reviews are gear that you pay for out of pocket-it allows you to be honest. I hate seeing an Epiphone product fall flat (as I love Epiphone’s), but it’s important that people know what they’re getting into before they buy something. Well done!!
I love that guitar !!!! I already told it here I think. Now it's been 6 month I play that thing and don't even touch my real SG Gibson anymore. This thing sings, and is so confortable to play, that's so great. I'm gonna buy a second one if I lost or brake the one I have. Thins things resonates so well, is so smooth but have so much byte also, I can do whatever I want with it.
Hey, let's get real, I'm not shopping for a child I'm shopping for me.Haha. I was able to pick one up at Guitar Center and it was a let down. I wanted to like it too. But compared to the Telstar I learned on it is amazing. Usually I enjoy all things Epiphone but this cost way too much for what you get. Thanks for the fun review.
Have a short scale Ibanez as a beater guitar You have to put heavy gauge strings on them to compensate for the short scale, have 11s on it and holds tuning pretty well Just an observation
Thank you sir. I'm a sucker for kids guitars, I have six grandchildren and they all have access to all my guitars. I have a mini strat and I love it. My next short scale is going to be the bullet mustang. Thanks again.
in the early beatles days john played a short scale rickenbacker which is thought to have enabled some of his greatest [playing, e.g. all my loving, i'm happy just t0 dance with you, you can't do that ... would be interesting to know if this guitar would be good for that kind of playing.
Personally believe that a child growing into their instrument of choice is imperative and why someone like SRV can play behind his back, behind his head, with eyes closed etc... Steinway, to my knowledge hasn't made a scaled down piano for youngsters...have they..?😊 Just an opinion. Everyone has one🤣😎👍 As soon as Epi introduced the SG version...immediately thought that you, Colin might give it a go.😎👍 Nice job as usual😎👍 😎👍❤🖖 Love Brother
Great review, I was thinking of getting one of these for my nephew, so he could have one like my epiphone SG, think I'll just wait a year and hand down mine. Too finicky for an 8 year old.
Have to say I really enjoy your channel, I've been watching for quite awhile now..we're from the same generation..I was born in 1949 and have been playing for some time now. Love all of your reviews and love your 60S soun ding leads..just watched your video on the Smalled version SG and can't agree more about the nut and tuners..especially on a beginners guitar. Joe North Carolina,USA
Cheers Joe, you sure grew up in some exciting musical times! 🙌 I'm more a child of the 70's but the whole Woodstock era late 60's is where my heart is and I guess (hope!) that comes through alongside my love of punk! Thanks for the support mate it's appreciated! 😎👍
Great review! I believe you might have mentioned this... Its a great concept, but if it doesnt stay in tune, ie bad tuners, makes the short scale even worse to keep in tune. A youngster is going to keep it in the closet, uner the bed, etc, and never learn to play. If this is like the other Epiphone jrs, you cant put new tuners on it unless you make the tuner holes larger. Another problem- The price. Pass and get a Fender Squire
First of all, squiers tuners are just as bad, second of all, no, bad tuners doesn’t deter young players, coming from someone who’s first guitar had those same tuners. If your kids care so little about learning that something so minor as tuning your guitar every time before you play, they weren’t going to play it anyways.
Yes but surely the point here Dan is that it doesn't stay in tune... so it's going to be a bit frustrating or the kids when they don't get results/rewards they are promised? These tuner stuck but combined with the short scale the package just doesn't work. IMHO of course! 😁✌️
This is the internet at its best. Honest, informed information from a bloke with clear integrity- who I unfortunately live to far away from to be buddies with.
Hey Colin, great video. You were talking about kids not knowing much about a guitar maybe, when they get it but man, they have it so easy nowadays compared to when we were kids eh?, in regards to learning tools such as UA-cam or other web-based platforms, or even gaining knowledge about the guitar itself. It's so great for new learners.
Hey Colin! Great honest review! I still haven’t found the trick to getting one of my 5 kids to play. Room full of guitars and amps, a wall full of every Fender mini ever made (V1, V2 in every color) can’t make it happen! 4 year old is the last hope…….
Hi Colin - many many thanks for this video. Great that you took a deep look and test of this very special guitar! Greetings from Germany! BTW 24.000 Subscribers now - well done!
That's my issue with all these 'starter kits', a dogshite guitar's more likely to put people off than encourage them. Though I do appreciate just how many options there are for people wanting to get into guitar nowadays. I mean, let's be honest, there are way, way more roads into learning than there ever were when we started out & so many more really good 'beginner' guitars on the market. God, my first axe was a complete piece of shite Squier Strat. I got a paper round & saved up to buy it off a pal. The pups were brighter than the sodding sun, the pots were scratchy as hell & it wouldn't stay in tune for love nor money. It came with an even worse 10w Gorilla practise amp but it was Arctic White & I thought I was Jimi reincarnate, wailing away night after night in my bedroom lol. I loved that pos Strat & I think maybe the fact that it took real effort is why I've stuck with playing for so many years. Who knows?
I saw these appear on CME a few weeks back, the impression I got this was a 'junior guitar', it does come in nice colours, I've no time at minute but looking forward to watching your video later, highlight of friday🎸
With the neck dive issue common to some SG/LP guitars I would not recommend for a child. Light and balanced would be better. I just picked up a Epiphone SG Classic Worn P90. Decent guitar but more neck dive than I would like. Overall happy with it. I would recommend a midrange Squier for a first guitar. Most important is have someone set up the string height properly.
Very glad you don't have sponsorship deals with guitar makers or sellers -- thanks for your honesty. I saw one other UA-camr mention tuning problems and recommend 11s, but most "reviews" of these Power Players -- as with other gear -- are basically ads. I do think the Power Players are kind of cool, if you know how to cut a nut and maybe install new tuners for your kid (or yourself). But then you're getting into some money --- even more if you have to pay someone to do the work.
Brilliant review as usual Col , I have 3 grandchildren and am already looking to buy a small guitar to keep here to encourage them , looked at the Epiphone due to the hype, but hears a thing , I bought myself a Harley Benton BM 75, the Brian May copy , its he smallest guitar I own sounds amazing no matter what your playing , Blues Surf or driven, full mahogany set neck , Grover tuners, comes with D`ario 10`s , set up great , I had to raise the top E and that was it . innotation perfect, bought from Thomann for , and hears the thing £249, would love to see a review of these two as I recon the BM 75 would really be a for ever guitar from 10 onwards, cheers man great as always
With the tunning issue, you said you may be pressing down too hard. When I got the Casino I thought the 1st E was out. I tried everything from adjusting the truss rod to intonation and working the nut and saddle. I also bought a new TUSK nut. Finally I took it back and the tech had a look and found no obvious issues. He suggested I may be holding the string to hard also. That was the ticket!! I had to train myself to lay off on the Casino, the it was perfect P90 heaven or hell depending on my mood!! Colin, I actually dig the tone!! Has a real salty blues flavour. Take care bro Jack ~'()'~
Cheers Jack good to hear from you man hope things are going well 😎🎸 trouble with this little guitar I think you have to learn a whole new way of playing depending where you are on the fingerboard! 😆👍
Thank you for a great & honest review. I really enjoyed this one. I own a Squire Mini-Strat, which has a 22.75 scale. I purchased mine to use as a travel/practice guitar. Despite not being a fan of Strats in general, I really do enjoy playing it. I am just now discovering the joys of playing a shorter scale guitar as I also have a Fender Mustang and a 2013 Fender Modern Player Shortscale Strat (which has a 24" scale). I was hoping you'd do a review of these Epi Power Players. I do like the look of the SG model, but I think it would look proportionally better if it had mini-humbuckers instead of full-size ones. Guitars like the Epi, and the Squire, do benefit from a good setup, and proper string gauge. I put Ernie Ball Maga Slinkies (gauge 10.5 - 48) on mine and despite the poor quality tuners, it stays in tune well. If I were to give a guitar like the Epi to a kid, I would make sure it got a good set beforehand and not just give it to them straight out of the box. For now, I think I'll take a pass on the Epi,
You learned on a zenta Tele. I had the zenta strat... Even gigged with it .. Sounded like a Rickenbacker thru my vox 30 which may have accounted for the extremes in treble. Pups were more p90 than single coil. Dry fretboard & tuning instability ensured string bends or whammy bar weren't feasible. BUT the overwhelming response was a genuine surprise "Who needs Fenders" Zenta's, about eighth the price?!! So must have been ok ..for rhythm?
@@theguitaristas Hey Colin!!! Good to hear from you as well! The knee is doing well...THANKS! Hopefully back on an ambulance and to work in 2 months! All I do now is sit home, go to rehab and play guitar....rough life huh? LMAO!
You can only say what you see that's in front of you Colin. If there are problems with it you have to be honest about it and that's what I like about The Guitaristas channel 👍.
yeah, that's an issue to me, most younger players would be happier with a light set of 9's I would think, but that's going to create even more 'flap' unless you tune up from E standard. I don't really understand why they made the scale so short, there's plenty of room to move the wrapover bridge backwards more inline with the front volume knob. Then you'd increase the scale length without changing the overall size of the guitar.
Don't apologise for honesty, certainly not to us loyal yt followers! And, if honesty means you sound cynical in the face of others tripping over themselves to extole the dubious virtues of this instrument/toy, then I take your honesty over their false enthusiasm any day - or everyday! Cheers, and carry on the good work.
Still waiting for one of those bloody Epiphone Firebirds to be in stock somewhere. As someone who doesn't play an SG as a priority guitar, I do quite like the way the neck is deeper embedded into the body more like the usual design of other models. 22" scale length really does seem a bit constrained. I notice 24" on the Mustang as being rather noticeably more narrow. For my thoughts the 22" seems a bit short even for a child-- it's too much difference and they'll just have to re-learn all the tensions and such on a normal scale length guitar. Seems like a bad choice to use the wrap-around, given what you say it's meant for kids who are likley to cut themselves and then the furious parents taking it back demanding a refund. They should've spent the extra few pence in a tunomatic to avoid the possible bad publicity.
@@Philip_Taylor I can't see a beginner messing around with the action, or even changing strings-- they'd almost certainly get a teacher or someone that already knows how to play to do it. I'd say again look at the immensely successful Squier starter guitars that all have much more complicated individual saddles or two piece bridges (I'm not sure what the Bullet Mustang has but I guess a Strat style).
Due to your biased review I bought one and it is fabulous. No sharp edges on the neck or string ends. Tuners are good enough. Wood and finish is very good. Annnnnnnnd......it sounds amazing. I played it on a small anp and a large amp, plenty of guitar sounds from the individual tone knobs. This guitar has tone control for both pickups. This guitar is leagues better than my sons $179 Ibanez. So there you go, Grumpy, your review was BS and for $100 more than the Ibanez Mikro (which is the 2nd best 22" scale electric guitar) you get better pickups, better wood, better fretboard, individual tone control for each pickup, and much better tones. Now go eat your crumbpits and chill. I highly recommend this guitar for children and adults. PS... Unlike my expensive Fender, this guitar arrived with little tension on the strings so until the strings settled in (about 2 hours of retuning), the strings won't stay in tune because they are stretching. But they do stay in tune now. Also the fretboard will need oiling, it was very very dry.
I loved it, your videos are woth a tone of gold!! 🤩 It's been really helpful, I love your good vibe and honesty 😊 I am thinking of buying a travelling or short scale guitar, this was really detailed and helpful, thanks!! Stay like that! 👍😄🎶🎸
I know this is a smaller version however it looks like it has more stuff with it then the Epiphone special 2. Which would be the better pick. For a grown up of course.
Six years ago I bought my grandson an Epiphone Les Paul Express 3/4 size, 22" scale length. Strung it with Rotosound 13's and for an 8 year old it was a great little guitar for £79 new. Come on Epiphone ( Gibson ) pull your finger out, £249, you're taking the proverbial.
For the life of me, I don't know why manufacturers skimp on nut quality. I know its always an issue with price point, in this case, why not go with uncovered pups, maybe even just a single volume and tone to allow for a couple extra cents put into a better nut? One would think that a beginner would appreciate the simpler controls, and they probably wouldn't care about having covers on the pickups any way. Just my two cents ;) As always, great video Colin!
I love your playing and style. If you had lessons, I'd buy 'em :) Even it was just a breakdown of what you did in your jams , like - Ok, so put these chords in the looper, etc... Anyway, keep up the awesome work - by far the best, most informative, and Real guitar channel
Cheers Robert, thanks for the kind words and support it's appreciated! 🙏 hey you might want to check out my subscription TV channel theguitaristas.vhx.tv where among other things I add isolated edits of some of the jams along with brief descriptions and chord breakdowns which I call 'steal my licks'... this might be up your street! 😎👍
Interesting review, totally agree with you. I would choose any Squier or maybe an Epiphone Les Paul junior over this, to be honest I just wouldn’t choose this! Thank you for being honest 👍
Sadly enough a typical beginners guitar. I will save my Pacifica 012 for my grandchildren. Lowest grade electronics but a well made guitar, plain black, a ruff unappealing kind of a Strat made of up to 7 pieces of some sorts of wood... but it stays in tune and plays very well. That is one honest beginners guitar.
Colin, I donated a red Harley Benton SG to Jonny at the budget guitar show this week to help his channel out. He hasn’t done a review of it yet but having owned it for over two years It’s much better than that blue bit of junk.🤣👍
I found you a bit hard. My wife offered me this guitar and I like it. And I have a real Gibson SG to compare. This thing of course is not a real Gibson SG, but it sounds vers good to me, and I don't have any trouble with the nut, even when I push on it, the thing stays in tune always. It has the Epiphone sound to me, it's like a Gibson sound without the smooth thing that Gibson have...I think it's all about the wood used. Epiphone is cheaper wood, with cheaper finish. If I had this guitar when I was a kid i would have been happy. Cause that's not everybody who wants a strat to begin with...I make black metal with this Epi and sounds better with it than my 1200 dollar SG.
I do hope the younger generations of aspiring guitar players find your channel.
There's no hype, nothing fancy, just honest reviews. Thank you Colin! 👍🤘😃
Cheers man, I just checked my youtube analytics and my audience of 12 - 17 years olds represents just 0.4% of my viewers 🤣👍
That bridge pup at 15k you'd assume it is hot but with only 5.2 Henrys we can tell that they've used thinner wire, which darkens the sound, pushes the mids, so they'd use a ceramic magnet to get the high end back but lose a bit of Henrys. Its certainly not weak but not as high output as most people would assume.
It's all black magic.... a bit like scale lengths!
@@theguitaristas yes definitely a certain amount of voodoo
I know Ohms but can you explain Henrys? thx
@@jimhunter6460 Its tough to explain briefly but Henrys is a measure of inductance or "potential to make voltage" so it tells us how much material is in the coil, a high inductance reading means there's lots of copper wire in the coil. The resistance tells us the length of the wire but not the thickness. When we know both readings we can make an approximation of the length and thickness of the wire and get an idea of the overall output of the coil.
For example with a p90 the kohms and the Henrys should both read about 8k and 8h and if I overwind it they will read for example 12k and 12h but if I use a thinner wire I can increase the kohms without increasing the Henrys because there is the same volume of copper in the coil and it might read 12k and 8h which will cause us to lose some high end because it can't get through that resistance and the delicate high frequencies get cut out. But if we use thicker wire we get more power and those highs can push through the resistance.
I hope that all made sense.
@@murrayguitarpickups9545 Thank you for the explanation. I'll need to read this a few times. Perhaps Colin will pin your post.
I have to be honest, this is the first time I have come across your channel. And I have to say, I really love your analysis and review of this guitar! I learned more about short-scale guitars than I think I've learned just through my own research. You are very thorough, precise, and honest. I love it. You got a subscriber now! Great stuff, man!
Cheers Brandon, thanks for the sub and support glad you found us! 😎👍
This guitar is endearing with the body scaled down according to the neck length. Nice. But way overhyped/oversaled as you stated.
The nut is probably the main culprit for the tuning stability problem. The gears are rarely a problem nowadays, to my understanding. The short scale amplify the string on nut slipping/sticking detuning effect as the same amount is proportionally bigger on a shorter string.
But the short scale per se is not a problem.
The fiirst John Lennon Rickenbacker 325s was 20.75", even shorter than this one. They sound quite good notwithstanding. John wasn't short, Google say 1.79m (about 5' 10+1/2' for our imperialists friends..) but he managed to play with.. A bit weird looking on the early Beatles pictures...
Perhaps the 50 and 52.2 marking relate to the pole pieces spacing ?
Another point about a "bolt neck" guitar, it means anyone can change the neck angle of their guitar. Which is quite handy.
And if a beginner (kid) manages to drop and perhaps break the neck or headstock, it can be replaced.
Snoopy vs. The Red Baron was my favorite 45 RPM record when I was a young child. My love of Peanuts has followed me into my adult years. I even have a Snoopy tattoo. Brilliant review of an interesting little guitar. Certainly better than the first six string I ever bought, but beginner guitars of yesteryear are, fortunately, in the past. These days a kid can get an affordable guitar that looks, plays and sounds well. Perhaps not this Epiphone, but cheaper Ibanez, Yamaha, Harley Benton guitars certainly do the trick. I do wish more attention was paid to setting up these guitars. I imagine most kids who get into guitar don't have parents who know how to properly set them up and I suspect that many kids would simply set the guitar aside and forget about it if it is difficult to play. Thanks for the brilliant film, Colin. Wonderful content, as always. Stay well, mate!
Cheers mate have a great weekend!
I doubt kids today could even imagine how bad 'beginners' guitars used to be lol. The quality, not to mention quantity of decent 'budget options' has gone through the roof over the last decade.
Just listened to that song the other day! LOL! I was thinking of how upbeat and cheery many musicians were back in the day.
I agree with your theory about the nut. The ideal beginner budget guitar should have 1 pickup, fixed bridge with adjustable saddles, good tuners, an excellent nut, and straight string passage through the nut to the tuners. All these are perfectly achievable on a budget.
How about a Blueshawk Jr (no Varitone)?
Really. God forbid if our children have to tune the guitar every day, what a horrible scenario. Wake up from your Wokeness.
@@EugeneLopez-tp5hb I agree, the cheap japan guitars we learned to play on, and the blues players, the crap they played, that we now try to emulate the sound from? Give me a break. I'm thinking of getting one for slide.
Nice one, Colin. Honest and fair review. It surprises me that no guitar company has yet managed to make a great little electric guitar with a 22 inch scale length neck. I avoided buying this little Epiphone as a sofa guitar and bought a Sire strat instead. Hope you're doing good mate. Cheers.
Cheers man, you made the right choice I reckon!
I was just about to buy one. Best reviewer just on time. Thank you
Really sad to see such a big company with such power & advertising budget screwing up!. Staggering numbers of potential customers lost & future guitar greats put off music!!. Just negligence in design?. But how? From toy like box to unusable nut. Design flaws far beyond acceptable! Oh.. see.. own nothing be happy? -AGENDA 30!- Must include complete control or ban of Music? It's always been an aid for revolution.
So clever after all? Hard to explain how it's not deliberate.
I bought one and you miss something. Best guitar I have, and I have a real Gibson SG too. This thing sings. Try it for yourself. I'm sad, I here so much people sayin this guitar is shit because of this video, this is really sad, cause all the people I know who bought one are very happy with it.
The other commenters have just about said it all. As an Epi fan and owner of several I'm at a loss here. Overall fit and finish seem acceptable-to-good. Bound neck, nice LP-style trapezoid position markers, etc. Then a nut that would drive a beginner to tears with tuning difficulties. And it sounds blah at best. So a guitar that could bring Epiphone (and maybe Gibson eventually) repeat customers ends up sending them elsewhere or maybe never becoming a players at all, much less "Power Players." Too bad.
I think if Epiphone had spent a little more time getting the basics right this could be a good guitar for a youngster and still can be but will required a proper setup to get playing well. I wonder if all powerplay SGs are like this with nut slots poorly cut as that's something I expect from a guitar ordered from Aliexpress! We pay a little extra and buy from the bigger brands because we expect them to be more likely to get the the QC right. I agree that if this model is generally poorly set up because its seen by Epiphone as a starter guitar and Epiphone dont therefore need to get it playing particularly well because they think young guitarists will quickly move on to something else. This could actually see guitarists jack it in before they ever really get going, especially if there is no one else in their family that knows about guitars to advise them.
I bought a Les Paul version. I also have Squier Mini Strat. The neck taper is the same as on my full scale Epi Classic Pro, so adapted easily. My main complaints were the tuners and pickups. The Epi 650R/700T pickups I found middling, neither good nor bad, but good enough for stock. They use the same set on the Special II. The bane of these small guitars is always the tuners though. They should be putting locking tuners on stock, as this is a known problem every company does. I think people might spend a bit more if they did put on locking tuners. I bought my LP Power Players because I need something that travels easy and that I can carry around, with my little Orange Micro or a headphone amp, for practice and songwriting. It is not meant, for me, to be something I would use professionally to record or gig with, but just something lightweight to get my ideas down and record back later at home. That said, I do plan to make upgrades, but I do understand parents, especially non-musician parents, would hesitate to spend more money over stock, and that is why mini guitars usually fail. The companies don't put on the parts they should to start with. I would also point out the issue with the nuts seems to be something that happens from time to time across the Epiphone line. I had a nut on an ES-339 that kept breaking strings on me initially, and had to be filed slightly. My guess is just a simple issue in quality control from time to time. I love my LP Power Players, for the purpose I bought it for, and do believe these will find a niche for those wanting a good travel guitar or someone who doesn't want to carry a full size Les Paul on a daily basis.
It's funny how we all scoffed at Guitar Hero and how kids were pressing buttons rather that learning chords, but the amount of 20 somethings I've heard who got inspired to learn how to play actual guitar off the back of the Guitar Hero Game it turns out to have done more good than bad!
I wonder if getting young children interested in guitar could be made easier with an anime centered around children grade school aged, playing in battle of the bands and have boys and girls in grade school practice and compete and being not excellent but aspiring to be as good as the High School kids.
as a girl-kid who actually played guitar back then, I Hated it!!! Now, as an "adult" I miss it because there's not much rock and roll in the mainstream 😅
@@agdtec Yeah except every time they release an Anime inspired guitar it costs 2-3 thousand quid! i.e. the Fender Asuka Evangelion Tele or the Fender FFXIV Strat!
@@S-T-E-V-E You are correct on the animie inspired Guitars Even the pink Hellow Kitty's which were not that bad but once they were out of production They were priced a lot higher and they were trash.
I'd been quite curious about these new starter guitars. And while I believe when you say they aren't as good as they're hyped to be, they're certainly a LOT better than what we would have started with. My starter was a dime-store acoustic with barbed wire for strings (or so it felt). Lots changed since, thankfully.
Thanks for the review.
Cheers man, yes I did forget to mention that my Zenta Telecaster had a fixed bridge and saddles so intonation was not even an option! 🤣
I smile every time I see someone mention this. It's almost shocking just how bad 'beginner' models used to be back in the day lol. When you think about it, it's amazing how any of us stuck with it.
The first guitar I bought my son when he was twelve was a Monterey Strat copy which at the time was about $150 AUD. Fast forward 18 years to today and we have both moved on to Gibson and Fenders. The guitar journey does have to start somewhere. Now I consider what guitar to buy my grandchildren as a starter and I like your suggestion about the Bullet mustang.
Buy this Epiphone. I have one and it sounds great !! And I have a real Gibson SG, and I don't even play the real one now. This video is very sad about this guitar. You should test one you'll understand.
Thanks, as always, for your candour Colin. I noticed these models recently because I have a just-turned-five nephew who has a "toy" electric guitar and loves driving everyone crazy with his music. Not living close, I wouldn't be able to set the guitar up for him and wouldn't wish tuning instability on any beginner. One trick which I learnt was to run the old string back and forth through the nut slot a few times to smooth things out and then either add Nut Sauce or some pencil graphite when restringing.
Shorter scale lengths may be a root cause of that tuning instability... I have a small-bodied acoustic with a shorter scale which may benefit from heavier strings than a beginner electric. It causes no problems at all.
In a couple of years time should junior still be keen on playing guitar, I'll come back to your video and probably opt for a Squier Bullet Mustang as his first forever guitar.
Mind how you go!
Cheers David, lots of ways to improve it if you have the skills or a parent that does... but I'm guessing that precludes a large percentage of buyers?
@@theguitaristas Indeed - sadly, the good old days when all instruments were bought in music stores (which provide advice and service) are long gone. It may be cheaper and easier to buy online but it can be a trap for many...
I bought the les paul version of this and i do really like it. i am an adult. with bigger hands and long fingers. my right arm is dislocated. thats why playing a longer scale for me .like 25 inch is very hard. so this guitar is very comfortable when I play. I will just modify it and I am fine with it 🤩
I've got one and it sounds and plays much better than it's getting credit for. Incredibly comfortable. Haven't had any tuning stability issues that I haven't found on the larger counterparts. G string always seems to be a pain on Epis and Gibsons if any. Power player LP honestly doesn't fare poorly in comparison. Yes the nut could stand to be replaced. Plastic is never ideal. They could've at least gone with graph tech for the price point. The tuners are fair. Not the best but definitely not toy quality either. Tuning isn't the pain I keep reading about. The pickups may be on the cheaper end but I've gotten great tones out of them. Upgrade? Possibly. But they work fine and quite well for Overdrive especially. Although the cleans are good too. Try pairing it with an Orange amp. Even without pedals you'll get good spectrums of tone. While I don't have issues playing full scale guitars, playing this has been much more comfortable and I'm NOT a small guy with small hands. It just feels nice. Bends, pull offs, and hammer on are much easier to get (bigger and better) as the strings have more stretch/spring to them. I agree. It's a nice 🪓.
@@willredelsheimer5919 I will change the pickups soon as well. enjoy bro!
@@oikoiworldofficial I've been looking at the Seymour Duncan Antiquity mini buckers. I think they would suit this well. But I almost want another to mod as I'm still exploring this ones potential.
I Want the Ice Blue Les Paul
22 3/4 is Gibson 3/4 size size scale length. Used on ES 140 and Les Paul Jr .models
I've been playing since 1969 & I'm impressed with this guitar for the price.. despite the shortcomings you've discovered. I've owned everything & I like the wood on wood contact on the neck. There's something to be said about a naked joint without hyde
It's brilliant for beginners... good value, but not forever. So, like I told you I ordered the Wilshire P90. I found a used one for $300. After waiting forever, it came in and the box was totaled. I made UPS stay for the unboxing and to my surprise it was not damaged. It was also WRONG... It was nasty with 2008 strings on it and Humbuckers! WHAT? No bikini headstock either. I took it to Guitar center to raise hell and get my money back, I left with an education and 3 sets of new string for the Wilshire Limited Edition Pro. Made in Japan. Worth about 2 or three times what I paid for it. Top wrapped it and cleaned it up, my God man, it's SWEET! Even without the P-90's I love it and the tech said he can fix my P-90 SG, so I'm actually quite happy with the mistake. This guitar went through hell to get to me, I'm going to count it as a blessing and remain grateful to have the upgrade in value. Cheers Colin and have a great weekend... maybe you will find one for yourself to review
Ah nice score!... now that's definitely some good Karma to make up for the SG breakage. Cheers man have great weekend! 😎👍
I'm old n short, with small fingers...my Bullet Mustang is WONDERFUL to play and record.
😆👍👍
Great honest overview! And well said that anything that gets guitars in the hands of kids and inspires them is a positive. But fully agree on the tuning stability issue being a very big problem on a guitar aimed for beginners. Just as a good guitar can inspire a child to practice and keep playing, one that doesn’t hold tune or causes problems may discourage them and push a new player to get frustrated and quit right out of the gate.
Don't you ever change! This was the most polite slag-off I have ever witnessed. I give you a honorary Canadian badge for being so sorry :)
The Bullet Mustang is a lovely choice, I have always recommended it. From learning to founding your own punk band, it can do it all.
I have an Ibanez Mikro because of the interview with Paul Gilbert, who convinced the brand to make a smaller guitar for students, specifically one of his who is a very dedicated tiny girl. Then he hammed up playing on it, with his crazy finger extensions and I just laughed out loud. So there is good reason sometimes for less then 24" scale length.
My son Andy has shown interest in guitar. Of course myself being an avid guitar player for over almost 20yrs now I was CRAZY excited for him. I was looking around and settled on a squire mini strat instead. But I really wanted to get him one of these power player SG.. its hard to put out that much money for a first guitar
Well done for doing this review, Guitaristas.
I agree with all you said about this guitar.
Anyone starting off on guitar deserves something better than this, whatever the age, but most importantly our young ones.
Especially those with a strong, inherent instinct toward music and creating sound, which can happen at a VERY young age (some say, even our journey within the womb!).
Leaving anatomy to one side, I'm a grizzled geezer now but it did with me, and gave me an enchanted life. Having grown up in the 1960's, it's as strong as it's ever been, especially with so many fabulous, affordable guitars that were never previously available.
That we never stop learning and becoming inspired is a thing precious. In our case a new guitar, a different sound, learning a new tune, meeting other musicians, singers....the list goes on.
So getting started with the right instrument is critical. It has to be.
So following on from Guitaristas great review, I listed 3 things a guitar needs to be for kids;
1) Roughly in proportion to their size, hands, reach etc.
2) Playable, safe, accurate tune-ability.
3) Decent enough sounding.
Denying them these basics is unacceptable. Because it will either discourage or make them feel inadequate. Then we have lost them, maybe for good.
And in case we've forgotten, kids have enough challenges anyway growing up and getting through school.
Finally for anyone put off by the ability of others, always remember...
"How good do you need to be?"
Peter Green .
Fair review, and well done, as always. Dead right about the short scale aspect. If you didn't enjoy it because you had to struggle with it staying in tune, imagine what the target audience for these guitars is going to experience. (Not to mention the parents!) I'm not a huge Ibanez fan. However, they've got a dozen models under $300US that would make a much more appropriate first guitar. Hell, Squier is doing good things at that price range these days. But, you do get a thin gig bag and a cable that will short out the first time it's stepped on.... ;)
Cheers James, actually they do include same rubbish gig bag and cheap cable with this one but I didn't think it even worth mentioning! 😆👍
26:55 That's a great idea. (cut off the ball end of old strings to use to space the string into the bridge)
I assume 52 and 50 stands for the E to e pole piece distance so the factory can differentiate between the bridge and neck plate. It would be fun to watch you upgrade the guitar with better parts. Great video, thanks for sharing!
This guy speaks from the soul. 👌
Hey man good to hear from you! thanks for the kind words 🙏😊
Love the review. Seems you're one of the only people who hasn't been dazzled by the hype. More than any other reviewer, I trust you.
Thanks that's appreciated... I hate being negative about any guitar but this one had a few issues imho! 😁👍
@@theguitaristas It doesn't feel negative so much as much as realistic. I can tell that you want to love it but for the reasons stated, are unable to totally sign off on it. For someone like me with a very limited budget, calling out the hyped up guitars that fall short of the mark is a great service.
My current guitar is a Hondo H-18 that was made by Samick in the 80s but it has a host of issues and I'd like an electric. I have to be very careful with how I spend my money and your reviews have provided me with more knowledge about prospective guitars than any other videos on UA-cam. Thank you for that. You'll always have a big fan here in British Columbia.
Good honest review. I think that I’m inclined to agree with all of your comments regarding this flawed little guitar. The pickups did sound ok as long as all controls were left turned up full , I’m not sure what the problem is with guitar control circuits, it can’t be a matter of cost It’s just four pots a couple of capacitors and a switch, I think that it’s just a matter of design specifications, get the component values right and it should all work. The frets seemed to be acceptable but the tuning instability was just unacceptable, a basic requirement of a guitar is that it stays in tune. Bit of a shame really it would probably have been a great starter guitar for junior to bash out AC/DC chords on through a cheap amplifier. For what it’s worth my vote would go for the Bullit Mustang at this end of the market if the frets are a little to far apart you could always capo it at the first fret until your hands get a bit bigger.
That 50 and 52 are the width of the pickups as usually your bridge pickup is wider than the neck
Those pickups and minipots remind me of the old pre-Chinese Epiphones
Yep very much so! 👍
You've highlighted the concern I had with this guitar (price vs quality compared to a Squier Mini which I bought for my son). I really appreciate the approach you've taken with expected quality for a kids guitar. Who wants to continue learning if you're constantly out of tune?
You've also taught me something (checking behind the nut to determine how the nut can be the issue, which I've suspected on a couple guitars)
Thank you for this. I always enjoy your opinion, but I wanted to recognize your approach in this video in particular.
This is why I'm subbed. Colin calls it the way he sees it which I really appreciate. They could have improved the nut and tuners by doing away with the neck binding, block inlays and going with one each tone and volume control. Unfortunately that guitar is more sizzle than steak.
Cheers man! 😎👍
Same here, YT is in infested with guitar "review" shills..Colin speaks his mind.
Great job Colin!!! The nut is Truly Important on any guitar!!! Also' heavy gage strings can be so discouraging to a new Young Beginner!!! Not staying in tune is a completely discouraging experience for a pro. or experienced, and especially a new beginner, especially with a young person!!!!!! When I was young my lessons were on a Stella Acoustic with heavy gage strings with the action a half an inch off the neck!!!! How difficult and discouraging was that!!! Some guitar teachers at that time seemed to make it more difficult to learn seemingly extending their lessons programs forever!!!
Fortunately when I taught lessons I had learned better and wanted my students to surpass others stuck in that mode and taught them songs they were wanting to learn along with scales, chords, and gradual music theory!!!! Things we all could improve on, along with getting to know our guitar!!!
Well, like you I guess Colin I wanted to like this product, but I won't be giving up my Bullet Mustang any time soon. Swing and a miss from Epiphone this time.
Colin excellent review. It’s definitely not fit for purpose and the Bullet Mustang is a brilliant recommendation that any kid would love as a first guitar and later mod into a even better guitar quite cheaply at a later date if they wanted 👍
I'm a truck driver and I love guitar's. After watching the video I figured out what we both have in common. "STICKY NUTS". 😆 I agree with you on this I sure won't run out and buy one of these.
But lucky for us we know how to deal with such problems 🤣 This could have made a good travel guitar for you if it wasn't for those nuts...
Thanks again Colin for the entertainment. Didn't know these were an Epiphone model. So I will have to say informative as well. Thanks heaps for your honest review. Till next week. Cheers Wes
Rule of 18 (17.817) is used to determine the distance from fret to fret.
You see that's already over my head! 🤣👍
They explain it better on internet. Search Rule of it. Also ir you know the first distance from nut to 1st fret. Draw a vertical line that distance. Draw a line from bottom of said line for distance of scale length. Draw line from top of vertical to end of scale length line forming a triangle. Take a compass put point on bottom of vertical line and pencil end at top. Strike an arch. Where the arch touches scale length line that's 2nd fret postion. Draw line up from 2nd fret position to angled line. Repeat with compass for 3rd and so on.
Loved review. No bullshit. I was interested in how well these played given the hype. Thanks for insights. I will also mention, I really appreciate the way you talk about other channels that we would all know and watch. It makes your content more authentic. I felt like I was having a chat with another guitar addict down the pub as I listened to you. It also is a great display of a no ego ethos. Cheers mate. See you next week. ✌️
Thanks man, all the kind words and support very much appreciated! 🙏😊
I dontt think it’s the scale, my daughters first guitar was a scaled down Ibanez she is vey petite and the guitar stayed in tune and sounded pretty dang good. She graduated to a Gibson SG 50th anniversary when she was 15. Think you nailed it crappy nut and tuners.
15 year old playing a full sized SG is the coolest thing ever! 🔥😎👍
Great video Colin! It’s great to see someone jump off the hype train and give an honest review of a product. In todays day and age it’s overwhelming for a consumer when every review we see says the same thing about how great a product is. I imagine that’s easy for the reviewers to say when they get the gear for free! I appreciate the fact that your reviews are gear that you pay for out of pocket-it allows you to be honest. I hate seeing an Epiphone product fall flat (as I love Epiphone’s), but it’s important that people know what they’re getting into before they buy something. Well done!!
😎👍
Cheers. Thank you. I have learned so much from your tutorials. You're too humble. St Louis Missouri musicians love you .
Just found this channel looking for a review of this guitar. I'm glad I did! I'm an instant subscriber
Cheers Jack, glad you found us! 😁👍
I love that guitar !!!! I already told it here I think. Now it's been 6 month I play that thing and don't even touch my real SG Gibson anymore. This thing sings, and is so confortable to play, that's so great. I'm gonna buy a second one if I lost or brake the one I have. Thins things resonates so well, is so smooth but have so much byte also, I can do whatever I want with it.
Hey, let's get real, I'm not shopping for a child I'm shopping for me.Haha. I was able to pick one up at Guitar Center and it was a let down. I wanted to like it too. But compared to the Telstar I learned on it is amazing. Usually I enjoy all things Epiphone but this cost way too much for what you get. Thanks for the fun review.
Thanks Margaret... so when you were in GC did you pretend that it was for a young 'nephew'? 🤣👍
@@theguitaristas Hell no! haha
Have a short scale Ibanez as a beater guitar
You have to put heavy gauge strings on them to compensate for the short scale, have 11s on it and holds tuning pretty well
Just an observation
Thank you sir. I'm a sucker for kids guitars, I have six grandchildren and they all have access to all my guitars. I have a mini strat and I love it. My next short scale is going to be the bullet mustang. Thanks again.
Bullet mustang rocks!! 😎👍
in the early beatles days john played a short scale rickenbacker which is thought to have enabled some of his greatest [playing, e.g. all my loving, i'm happy just t0 dance with you, you can't do that ... would be interesting to know if this guitar would be good for that kind of playing.
Personally believe that a child growing into their instrument of choice is imperative and why someone like SRV can play behind his back, behind his head, with eyes closed etc...
Steinway, to my knowledge hasn't made a scaled down piano for youngsters...have they..?😊
Just an opinion. Everyone has one🤣😎👍
As soon as Epi introduced the SG version...immediately thought that you, Colin might give it a go.😎👍
Nice job as usual😎👍
😎👍❤🖖
Love Brother
Cheers Richard, let's just say I didn't consider for very long if I should get the SG or the Les Paul! 😆👍
Another great example of the best - and most entertaining - reviewer on UA-cam!
Cheers Steve... thanks for the kind words mate that's really appreciated! 🙏😊
Great review, I was thinking of getting one of these for my nephew, so he could have one like my epiphone SG, think I'll just wait a year and hand down mine. Too finicky for an 8 year old.
Cheers Leo... you could probably get an entry level full size Epiphone SG for less than this anyway!
Have to say I really enjoy your channel, I've been watching for quite awhile now..we're from the same generation..I was born in 1949 and have been playing for some time now. Love all of your reviews and love your 60S soun ding leads..just watched your video on the Smalled version SG and can't agree more about the nut and tuners..especially on a beginners guitar.
Joe
North Carolina,USA
Cheers Joe, you sure grew up in some exciting musical times! 🙌 I'm more a child of the 70's but the whole Woodstock era late 60's is where my heart is and I guess (hope!) that comes through alongside my love of punk! Thanks for the support mate it's appreciated! 😎👍
Anytime my friend...stay safe and rock on..
Great review! I believe you might have mentioned this...
Its a great concept, but if it doesnt stay in tune, ie bad tuners, makes the short scale even worse to keep in tune. A youngster is going to keep it in the closet, uner the bed, etc, and never learn to play.
If this is like the other Epiphone jrs, you cant put new tuners on it unless you make the tuner holes larger. Another problem- The price.
Pass and get a Fender Squire
First of all, squiers tuners are just as bad, second of all, no, bad tuners doesn’t deter young players, coming from someone who’s first guitar had those same tuners. If your kids care so little about learning that something so minor as tuning your guitar every time before you play, they weren’t going to play it anyways.
Yes but surely the point here Dan is that it doesn't stay in tune... so it's going to be a bit frustrating or the kids when they don't get results/rewards they are promised? These tuner stuck but combined with the short scale the package just doesn't work. IMHO of course! 😁✌️
This is the internet at its best. Honest, informed information from a bloke with clear integrity- who I unfortunately live to far away from to be buddies with.
😁👍 Thanks mate!
Hey Colin, great video. You were talking about kids not knowing much about a guitar maybe, when they get it but man, they have it so easy nowadays compared to when we were kids eh?, in regards to learning tools such as UA-cam or other web-based platforms, or even gaining knowledge about the guitar itself. It's so great for new learners.
Hey Colin! Great honest review! I still haven’t found the trick to getting one of my 5 kids to play. Room full of guitars and amps, a wall full of every Fender mini ever made (V1, V2 in every color) can’t make it happen! 4 year old is the last hope…….
Kids these days! 🤣👍
Yay! Mustang! A true Forever Guitar
Hi Colin - many many thanks for this video. Great that you took a deep look and test of this very special guitar!
Greetings from Germany!
BTW 24.000 Subscribers now - well done!
Thanks man, have a great weekend there! 😎👍
with the wrap around you take the barrels off the old strings and run them down the new strings and that takes care of the ruffness at the bridge
That's my issue with all these 'starter kits', a dogshite guitar's more likely to put people off than encourage them. Though I do appreciate just how many options there are for people wanting to get into guitar nowadays. I mean, let's be honest, there are way, way more roads into learning than there ever were when we started out & so many more really good 'beginner' guitars on the market. God, my first axe was a complete piece of shite Squier Strat. I got a paper round & saved up to buy it off a pal. The pups were brighter than the sodding sun, the pots were scratchy as hell & it wouldn't stay in tune for love nor money. It came with an even worse 10w Gorilla practise amp but it was Arctic White & I thought I was Jimi reincarnate, wailing away night after night in my bedroom lol. I loved that pos Strat & I think maybe the fact that it took real effort is why I've stuck with playing for so many years. Who knows?
I saw these appear on CME a few weeks back, the impression I got this was a 'junior guitar', it does come in nice colours, I've no time at minute but looking forward to watching your video later, highlight of friday🎸
Aloha and Mahalo Colin! You can find more on internet about Rule of Eighteen. Its a way to layout fret intetvals.
I'm gonna look it up! 😆👍
Good to see an honest review on these. Thank you Collin.
Cheers Edward!
With the neck dive issue common to some SG/LP guitars I would not recommend for a child. Light and balanced would be better. I just picked up a Epiphone SG Classic Worn P90. Decent guitar but more neck dive than I would like. Overall happy with it. I would recommend a midrange Squier for a first guitar. Most important is have someone set up the string height properly.
Very glad you don't have sponsorship deals with guitar makers or sellers -- thanks for your honesty. I saw one other UA-camr mention tuning problems and recommend 11s, but most "reviews" of these Power Players -- as with other gear -- are basically ads. I do think the Power Players are kind of cool, if you know how to cut a nut and maybe install new tuners for your kid (or yourself). But then you're getting into some money --- even more if you have to pay someone to do the work.
Cheers Ralph 😎👍
@@theguitaristas P.S. -- I look forward to your videos every Friday!
Nice review Colin. You really can't expect quality perfection for a few hundred dollars! A small investment for youngsters.
I know one thing from the one on top of the other.... that would look good as a burst!! Black on that blue..... sweet
Cool video my English Friend!!
😆👍
Brilliant review as usual Col , I have 3 grandchildren and am already looking to buy a small guitar to keep here to encourage them , looked at the Epiphone due to the hype, but hears a thing , I bought myself a Harley Benton BM 75, the Brian May copy , its he smallest guitar I own sounds amazing no matter what your playing , Blues Surf or driven, full mahogany set neck , Grover tuners, comes with D`ario 10`s , set up great , I had to raise the top E and that was it . innotation perfect, bought from Thomann for , and hears the thing £249, would love to see a review of these two as I recon the BM 75 would really be a for ever guitar from 10 onwards, cheers man great as always
I am very tempted by that.... 🤔 could even maybe learn Seven Seas of Rye!! 😁👍
With the tunning issue, you said you may be pressing down too hard.
When I got the Casino I thought the 1st E was out. I tried everything from adjusting the truss rod to intonation and working the nut and saddle. I also bought a new TUSK nut.
Finally I took it back and the tech had a look and found no obvious issues. He suggested I may be holding the string to hard also. That was the ticket!! I had to train myself to lay off on the Casino, the it was perfect P90 heaven or hell depending on my mood!!
Colin, I actually dig the tone!! Has a real salty blues flavour.
Take care bro
Jack ~'()'~
Cheers Jack good to hear from you man hope things are going well 😎🎸 trouble with this little guitar I think you have to learn a whole new way of playing depending where you are on the fingerboard! 😆👍
Thank you for a great & honest review. I really enjoyed this one. I own a Squire Mini-Strat, which has a 22.75 scale. I purchased mine to use as a travel/practice guitar. Despite not being a fan of Strats in general, I really do enjoy playing it. I am just now discovering the joys of playing a shorter scale guitar as I also have a Fender Mustang and a 2013 Fender Modern Player Shortscale Strat (which has a 24" scale). I was hoping you'd do a review of these Epi Power Players. I do like the look of the SG model, but I think it would look proportionally better if it had mini-humbuckers instead of full-size ones. Guitars like the Epi, and the Squire, do benefit from a good setup, and proper string gauge. I put Ernie Ball Maga Slinkies (gauge 10.5 - 48) on mine and despite the poor quality tuners, it stays in tune well. If I were to give a guitar like the Epi to a kid, I would make sure it got a good set beforehand and not just give it to them straight out of the box. For now, I think I'll take a pass on the Epi,
You learned on a zenta Tele. I had the zenta strat... Even gigged with it .. Sounded like a Rickenbacker thru my vox 30 which may have accounted for the extremes in treble. Pups were more p90 than single coil. Dry fretboard & tuning instability ensured string bends or whammy bar weren't feasible. BUT the overwhelming response was a genuine surprise "Who needs Fenders" Zenta's, about eighth the price?!! So must have been ok ..for rhythm?
I played Status Quo bar chords on mine and it did the job fine! 😆👍
Still watching and still a member of the site, just been off my game lately! LOL You're pumping out some great videos!!!
Hey Steven, cheers mate good to hear from you how's the knee doing?
@@theguitaristas Hey Colin!!! Good to hear from you as well! The knee is doing well...THANKS! Hopefully back on an ambulance and to work in 2 months! All I do now is sit home, go to rehab and play guitar....rough life huh? LMAO!
@@brutus6328 You're playing must be amazing by now! 😆👍
You can only say what you see that's in front of you Colin. If there are problems with it you have to be honest about it and that's what I like about The Guitaristas channel 👍.
Cheers Andrew! 😎👍
That is a big ask for a guitar of that quality. You can get used 40th anniversary squire teles, and strats for around that price.
100% Honest review. Love the true of this channel.
Good, honest, review
yeah, that's an issue to me, most younger players would be happier with a light set of 9's I would think, but that's going to create even more 'flap' unless you tune up from E standard. I don't really understand why they made the scale so short, there's plenty of room to move the wrapover bridge backwards more inline with the front volume knob. Then you'd increase the scale length without changing the overall size of the guitar.
I've owned 2 epi sg and had tuning issues with both, though that was 20 years ago.
Great honest feedback, cheers as always!
Don't apologise for honesty, certainly not to us loyal yt followers! And, if honesty means you sound cynical in the face of others tripping over themselves to extole the dubious virtues of this instrument/toy, then I take your honesty over their false enthusiasm any day - or everyday! Cheers, and carry on the good work.
Cheers Gordon! 😎👍👍
The magic number is one plus the twelfth root of two or the reciprocal thereof.
I am grateful my first electric guitar was a used Gibson lp studio. It has served me well over the years
Yes that's a forever guitar! 😎👌
Im not a kid but a beginner I want the Les Paul !!!
😁👍
Still waiting for one of those bloody Epiphone Firebirds to be in stock somewhere.
As someone who doesn't play an SG as a priority guitar, I do quite like the way the neck is deeper embedded into the body more like the usual design of other models.
22" scale length really does seem a bit constrained. I notice 24" on the Mustang as being rather noticeably more narrow. For my thoughts the 22" seems a bit short even for a child-- it's too much difference and they'll just have to re-learn all the tensions and such on a normal scale length guitar.
Seems like a bad choice to use the wrap-around, given what you say it's meant for kids who are likley to cut themselves and then the furious parents taking it back demanding a refund. They should've spent the extra few pence in a tunomatic to avoid the possible bad publicity.
Wraparounds are "childs play" to adjust/set up compared to tunomatics. I think they did it for that reason.
@@Philip_Taylor I can't see a beginner messing around with the action, or even changing strings-- they'd almost certainly get a teacher or someone that already knows how to play to do it. I'd say again look at the immensely successful Squier starter guitars that all have much more complicated individual saddles or two piece bridges (I'm not sure what the Bullet Mustang has but I guess a Strat style).
Although more likely to be a cash decision
Due to your biased review I bought one and it is fabulous.
No sharp edges on the neck or string ends. Tuners are good enough. Wood and finish is very good. Annnnnnnnd......it sounds amazing. I played it on a small anp and a large amp, plenty of guitar sounds from the individual tone knobs. This guitar has tone control for both pickups. This guitar is leagues better than my sons $179 Ibanez. So there you go, Grumpy, your review was BS and for $100 more than the Ibanez Mikro (which is the 2nd best 22" scale electric guitar) you get better pickups, better wood, better fretboard, individual tone control for each pickup, and much better tones. Now go eat your crumbpits and chill. I highly recommend this guitar for children and adults.
PS... Unlike my expensive Fender, this guitar arrived with little tension on the strings so until the strings settled in (about 2 hours of retuning), the strings won't stay in tune because they are stretching. But they do stay in tune now. Also the fretboard will need oiling, it was very very dry.
I loved it, your videos are woth a tone of gold!! 🤩 It's been really helpful, I love your good vibe and honesty 😊
I am thinking of buying a travelling or short scale guitar, this was really detailed and helpful, thanks!! Stay like that! 👍😄🎶🎸
I know this is a smaller version however it looks like it has more stuff with it then the Epiphone special 2. Which would be the better pick. For a grown up of course.
Get the special 2 or even better the standard for another $100
love your long videos! I hope u never stop!
😆👍
Six years ago I bought my grandson an Epiphone Les Paul Express 3/4 size, 22" scale length. Strung it with Rotosound 13's and for an 8 year old it was a great little guitar for £79 new. Come on Epiphone ( Gibson ) pull your finger out, £249, you're taking the proverbial.
For the life of me, I don't know why manufacturers skimp on nut quality. I know its always an issue with price point, in this case, why not go with uncovered pups, maybe even just a single volume and tone to allow for a couple extra cents put into a better nut? One would think that a beginner would appreciate the simpler controls, and they probably wouldn't care about having covers on the pickups any way. Just my two cents ;) As always, great video Colin!
Cheers Rick 😎👍
I love your playing and style. If you had lessons, I'd buy 'em :) Even it was just a breakdown of what you did in your jams , like - Ok, so put these chords in the looper, etc...
Anyway, keep up the awesome work - by far the best, most informative, and Real guitar channel
Cheers Robert, thanks for the kind words and support it's appreciated! 🙏 hey you might want to check out my subscription TV channel theguitaristas.vhx.tv where among other things I add isolated edits of some of the jams along with brief descriptions and chord breakdowns which I call 'steal my licks'... this might be up your street! 😎👍
Interesting review, totally agree with you. I would choose any Squier or maybe an Epiphone Les Paul junior over this, to be honest I just wouldn’t choose this! Thank you for being honest 👍
Cheers Paul 😎👍
Sadly enough a typical beginners guitar. I will save my Pacifica 012 for my grandchildren. Lowest grade electronics but a well made guitar, plain black, a ruff unappealing kind of a Strat made of up to 7 pieces of some sorts of wood... but it stays in tune and plays very well. That is one honest beginners guitar.
Great work and awesome channel. Cheers from the States mate
Colin,
I donated a red Harley Benton SG to Jonny at the budget guitar show this week to help his channel out. He hasn’t done a review of it yet but having owned it for over two years It’s much better than that blue bit of junk.🤣👍
Nice one Dave 👍... I agree the HB SG Jr I had for a while makes mincemeat of this!
And that is how you do an honest review! 👍
Might be a good video title for your Masterclass Colin. 😊
Cheers Pinkie, can you really imagine me presenting a 'masterclass' 🤣👍
@@theguitaristas 😁Most definitely Colin! I volunteer to be your bad example guy, should you need one. 😏
@@pinkiewerewolf 😆👍
I found you a bit hard. My wife offered me this guitar and I like it. And I have a real Gibson SG to compare. This thing of course is not a real Gibson SG, but it sounds vers good to me, and I don't have any trouble with the nut, even when I push on it, the thing stays in tune always. It has the Epiphone sound to me, it's like a Gibson sound without the smooth thing that Gibson have...I think it's all about the wood used. Epiphone is cheaper wood, with cheaper finish. If I had this guitar when I was a kid i would have been happy. Cause that's not everybody who wants a strat to begin with...I make black metal with this Epi and sounds better with it than my 1200 dollar SG.
I forgot to say that this is my daughter who choosed the guitar, so it's fun to me