Epiphone TONY IOMMI G-400 - Manual (Page 2)

Just how much more black
could this guitar be? Er,
none more black, frankly...
MARCH 2005 | TOTAL GUITAR | 135
EPIPHONE TONY IOMMI G-400 GEAR
Elsewhere we have the classic Gibson
control set-up (2 x volume, 2 x tone and a
three-way pickup selector), a tune-o-matic
bridge and fixed tailpiece and a striking
headstock that really suits this guitar and
gives the Gibson version a run for its money.
We have also gone ape for those chunky
Grover machineheads; built to last with rock
solid tuning.
The headstock has a discreet Tony Iommi
signature on the truss rod cover. We like that
because it means non-Sabbath fans can play
this guitar if they want to. Whether you’re
a goth, a punk, a rocker or a widdler, you’re
going to love this guitar. Trust us!
There’s a scribble on the scratchplate.
TG’s old pal Tony actually signed this guitar
for us. Normal production models come with
a plain black scratchplate only. Sorry…
What does it sound like, then?
Like Tony Iommi, funnily enough. His tone
has changed a bit over the years but we still
rate those early recordings that showcase his
edgy fuzz tone. Using our trusty Retroman
Lola fuzz box, we nailed that classic sound
on the bridge pickup without even breaking
a sweat. Add to that some modern gain and
this guitar will out-rock anything with six
strings. The pickups are truly awesome in
themselves and should be considered by
anyone struggling with weak humbuckers
– the Iommi humbuckers are available to buy
as a retrofit for your guitar.
The bridge pickup isn’t so keen on clean
settings but you can use the sweeter middle
THE ORIGINS OF A ROCK ICON
A
lthough it’s still only a baby compared
to its legendary big brother, the
Gibson Les Paul, the SG is actually 44
years old this year. In fact, when it was
launched in 1961 this future rock ’n’ roll
icon was intended to be a replacement
for the Les Paul range. That’s why early
examples of the SG have a Les Paul
nameplate squeezed between the neck
pickup and the fi ngerboard.
So why did Gibson change the guitar’s
model name, we hear you ask? Depending
on what story you believe, Mr Les Paul
(Lester William Polfus to his mum) either
didn’t take to the SG’s radical design or
simply preferred the sound of his original
Les Paul model. Fair enough, but the wily
old fox may have had another reason to
have his name removed from the new
guitar. In the early 1960s Les and his
then wife and singing partner, Mary
Ford, had decided to separate. Legend
has it that Les, realising how Mary would
be entitled to a share of any money
he made, refused to sign a new
contract with Gibson. Undeterred,
Gibson switched to the SG (solid
guitar) model name and the rest, as
they say, is history.
Even if old Lester didn’t dig his
new axe, plenty of other guitarists
have fallen for its obvious charms.
If you play an SG you’re in very good
company. In the 1960s, Beatle George
Harrison used a cherry-fi nish model
on the band’s Rubber Soul album,
Robbie Krieger of The Doors
wouldn’t be seen dead without
his SG Standard and Eric
Clapton brandished an eye-
catching psychedelic SG in the
early days of Cream. Of course,
the SG is also behind Angus
Young’s awesome tone on
every classic AC/DC record.
Can you imagine Angus
playing any other style of
guitar? It’s unthinkable.
and neck positions for the quieter songs.
The bottom line is that this guitar just wants
to rock and we ain’t gonna argue with it.
I get the feeling you guys like this guitar.
Damn! What gave it away? It’s true we have
fallen for this wonderful guitar. TG has
always had a soft spot for the SG anyway,
but the Tony Iommi version ticks all of our
boxes. And the best part is that now there’s
a left-handed version available – which only
seems appropriate since Tony is left-handed
– everyone can get a piece of the action.
WHO’S IT FOR?
Six-string Satan
worshippers; the
Sabbath faithful
INFORMATION
ORIGIN: Korea
TYPE: Solid body electric
BODY: Mahogany
NECK: Mahogany, set-in
FINGERBOARD:
Rosewood, with crucifi x
inlays
FRETS: 24 medium
PICKUPS: 2 x Gibson USA
Tony Iommi humbuckers
HARDWARE: Black
chrome tune-o-
matic bridge, stop
tailpiece and Grover
machineheads
CONTROLS: 2 x volume, 2
x tone, three-way pickup
selector switch
FINISH OPTIONS: Ebony
only
LEFT-HANDERS: £599
CASE: No
CONTACT: Rosetti 01376
550033
WEB: www.epiphone.
com
ALTERNATIVELY
Gibson Custom Shop
Tony Iommi SG – £4,200
Epiphone G-310 – £275
Epiphone
SG Custom – £429
Of course, we’d all love to get our hands
on the £4,000 custom shop Gibson Iommi
model, but this Epiphone will keep us well
happy until then. You really have to try this
superb guitar for yourself. It’s a little devil…
FOR: Looks awesome; sounds great; plenty
of rock vibe
AGAINST: Not everyone will dig its gorgeous
gothic looks
TG RATING:
✮✮✮✮✮
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