Bottom Line: The Epiphone 1964 SG Standard Reissue with Maestro Vibrola nails the mid-’60s SG vibe that Angus Young, Tony Iommi, and George Harrison made legendary — with a SlimTaper neck, Vintage Gloss finish, and a Maestro tremolo at $1,299.
The SG is Gibson’s rebel guitar — lighter than a Les Paul, meaner sounding, and with a double cutaway that puts every fret within easy reach. The 1964 version holds a special place in SG history: it’s the year the SG came equipped with the Maestro Vibrola tremolo that George Harrison used on “Revolver” and “Sgt. Pepper’s,” and the year before the design shifted away from the original spec. Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Custom 1964 SG Standard Reissue captures that specific moment at $1,299, complete with the Vibrola, a Vintage Gloss finish, and the SlimTaper neck that makes the SG one of the fastest-playing Gibson designs ever made.
What’s New on the 1964 SG Standard Reissue
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body | Mahogany, double cutaway |
| Neck | One-piece mahogany, SlimTaper C profile, long neck tenon |
| Fretboard | Bound rosewood, 12″ radius, trapezoid inlays |
| Frets | 22 medium jumbo |
| Scale Length | 24.75″ |
| Pickups | Gibson USA humbuckers |
| Electronics | Hand-wired, CTS pots, vintage-style capacitors, Switchcraft toggle |
| Bridge | Epiphone ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic with Maestro Vibrola |
| Tuners | Epiphone Deluxe vintage with Keystone buttons |
| Finish | Vintage Original Sheen (VOS) — Vintage Cherry |
| Extras | Beveled pickguard, Gibson “open book” headstock, vintage-style hardshell case |
| Street Price | $1,299 |
The SG’s all-mahogany construction (no maple cap) gives it a warmer, more midrange-focused voice than a Les Paul. Without the maple’s brightness, the SG pushes harder in the low-mids and upper-mids — the frequencies that give rock guitar its growl and chunk. Paired with the lighter body weight (typically 6-7 lbs versus a Les Paul’s 8-10 lbs), the SG is the Gibson you can gig with all night without your shoulder staging a revolt.
The Maestro Vibrola is the talking point. It’s a spring-loaded tailpiece that replaces the standard stopbar, adding pitch modulation capability without requiring a routed tremolo cavity. The vibrato range is subtle — about a half-step down — which makes it perfect for adding shimmer and movement to chords, Beatles-style wobbly leads, or gentle pitch effects. The redesigned Vibrola on this reissue offers improved return-to-pitch stability over vintage units, though players who need aggressive whammy work should look elsewhere.
The SlimTaper neck profile is fast and thin — this is the same profile found on the 1960 Les Paul Standard Reissue, making it ideal for lead playing and players who prefer a less substantial neck. The long neck tenon provides better sustain and tonal transfer than the shorter tenon found on standard Epiphone SGs.
For another take on the Epiphone formula, check out the Epiphone Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured.
Who Is the 1964 SG Standard Reissue For?
Classic rock, hard rock, and anyone who finds a Les Paul too heavy. The SG is the weapon of choice for players who want aggression and access — Angus Young has been wielding one since AC/DC’s formation, Tony Iommi built the sound of heavy metal on an SG, and Derek Trucks uses one for some of the most soulful slide guitar in modern music. The lighter weight and slim neck make it one of the most comfortable Gibson designs for extended playing sessions.
The Maestro Vibrola adds a creative dimension that a standard SG doesn’t offer. If you like the idea of adding vibrato to your tone without committing to a Floyd Rose or Bigsby, this is a compelling option.
Shoppers cross-shopping this model should also consider the Gibson SG Supreme.
✓ PROS
- Lightweight mahogany body is dramatically more comfortable than a Les Paul for standing gigs
- Maestro Vibrola adds expressive pitch modulation without compromising tuning stability
- SlimTaper neck plays fast with excellent upper fret access
- Vintage Cherry VOS finish looks like a guitar with stories to tell
✗ CONS
- Neck dive can be an issue — the lightweight body doesn’t always balance the headstock
- Only one finish option (Vintage Cherry)
- The Vibrola limits string-through sustain compared to a standard stopbar tailpiece
How Does It Compare to the Gibson SG Standard?
The Gibson SG Standard runs about $1,799-$1,999 and doesn’t include a Maestro Vibrola in the standard configuration (you’d need the ’61 Standard Maestro variant). The Gibson uses Nashville-made 490R/498T humbuckers and nitrocellulose lacquer. At $1,299, the Epiphone undercuts the Gibson by $500+ while offering the Vibrola as standard equipment and USA-sourced pickups. If the Maestro Vibrola is important to you, the Epiphone actually gives you more guitar for less money than the base Gibson SG Standard.
For a competing option, the Squier Sonic Mustang 2026 targets a similar player at a comparable price point.
First Impressions and What Players Are Saying
Guitar Player reviewed the 1964 SG Standard alongside the ES-335 and Firebird reissues, noting the collection’s “greater attention to vintage-correct details.” The SG has drawn praise for its weight and playability, with multiple players calling it “the most comfortable Gibson-style guitar under $1,500.” The Maestro Vibrola has divided opinions — some love the creative possibilities, while others prefer the simplicity and sustain of a standard tailpiece.
Pricing and Availability
Available now at $1,299 in Vintage Cherry with a vintage-style hardshell case. Stocked through Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend, and authorized Epiphone dealers.
For a competing option, the Gretsch Professional Collection Falcon targets a similar player at a comparable price point.
FAQ
Is the Epiphone 1964 SG Standard Reissue worth it?
At $1,299 with a Maestro Vibrola, hand-wired electronics, and a vintage-correct build, it’s a strong value. It undercuts the Gibson SG Standard by $500+ and includes the Vibrola as standard equipment. If you want a vintage-spec SG with tremolo capability, this is the best option under $1,500.
Does the Epiphone 1964 SG have neck dive?
Some neck dive is inherent to the SG design due to its lightweight body and the strap button position. A wider leather strap or a grippy-backed strap helps considerably. It’s less severe than the Firebird’s neck dive but more noticeable than a Les Paul.
If this model catches your eye, the Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue is also worth checking out.
Can you remove the Maestro Vibrola?
Technically yes, but it would leave mounting holes in the body and require a different tailpiece. If you know you don’t want a Vibrola, consider a standard SG model instead. The Vibrola is integral to the 1964 reissue’s design and aesthetic.
Where is the Epiphone 1964 SG Standard made?
Made in China with hand-wired electronics using CTS potentiometers, vintage-style capacitors, and Switchcraft components. Part of Epiphone’s premium Inspired by Gibson Custom collection.
The 1964 SG Standard Reissue is the Inspired by Gibson Custom line’s answer to players who want Gibson tone without Gibson weight. With the Maestro Vibrola adding a creative dimension, it’s a guitar that does something no other model in the lineup can match — and does it for $500 less than the Gibson equivalent.