Epiphone Japan SG-70, made in Japan 2002, navy blue finish. This model was part of a handful of Epiphones made out of the Fujigen plant sold exclusively into the Japanese market. This one sports the Gibson-style open-book headstock which only featured briefly before switching to a different design. It's an outstanding guitar in every way! The build quality is spectacular... everything feels spot-on, it has a feeling of precision and quality you don't always get on USA Gibsons. The bound board and red-pinstriped guard really make the unusual navy blue finish pop. It's certainly a departure from the standard cherry red or black; it almost looks purple in certain lights. The neck is moderate in profile, neither chunky nor slim, and the weighting is excellent... no 'neck dive'! The lightweight body is very lively, it really gels with the USA-made PAF-style humbuckers; you get a really rich, open, warm, bright tone. There's a lot to love here, it's a superb SG that'll match just about anything in the genre for quality and mojo. Awesome!

Model: Epiphone SG-70 
Made: 2002, Japan, Fujigen plant, (serial 206036)
Finish: gloss 'navy blue, 3-ply white guard with red pinstripe
Body: mahogany
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board
Mods: none
Pickup: original 50SR(n) and 60ST(b) humbucker set, made in USA
Case: very basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. There's some marks on the front: a dimple near the strap pin, a dent below the bridge and a chip approx 6mm across on the top edge in the shoulder carve area. The back has some minor buckle-rash scratching, nothing nasty, and there's some clouding on the chrome. Overall: good condition (7.5/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good. Frets look excellent, 9/10 for life left. All electronics tested and working properly. Setup with fresh 11/49 strings.