Introduction
At the beginning of this year, the Grammy-nominated Afrofuturist guitarist, singer-songwriter, and actress Fatoumata Diawara made waves by becoming the first woman of color to be honored with an Epiphone signature guitar. This stunning SG features unique body artwork that pays tribute to her cultural roots.
According to the company,Fatoumata’s enthusiasm for the Epiphone Muse SG inspired this collaboration.The discontinued model certainly influenced the new signature guitar, featuring the same ‘Custom C’ neck profile and enhanced electronics, which are also found on the current SG Modern Figured.
The Ember Red gloss finish envelops the entire body, except for the mid-brown rosewood fingerboard, and the specifications indicate it’s crafted entirely from mahogany. This muted red shade extends to the humbucker mounting rings and the elegant speed knobs, with even the switch tip matching the color scheme.
The LockTone bridge and tailpiece are also present on other budget-amiable Epiphone models like the SG Standard, but this version includes rear-lock tuners-a luxury for a hardtail guitar-while all visible metal components are gold-plated.
Many might have considered stopping there, but this release continues to impress with Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers and pull-switch control functions. Each volume knob features a proper coil-split,and the neck pickup tone’s pull-switch adds an out-of-phase option when both pickups are engaged.
Specifications
- PRICE: $699 | £599 | €699 (includes case)
- ORIGIN: China
- TYPE: Double-cutaway, solidbody electric
- BODY: Mahogany
- NECK: Mahogany, Custom ’C’ profile, glued-in
- SCALE LENGTH: 629mm (24.75″)
- NUT WIDTH: Graph Tech/41.4mm
- FINGERBOARD: Cream bound rosewood, pearloid trapezoid inlays, 305mm (12″) radius
- FRETS: 22, medium
- HARDWARE: LockTone tune-o-matic bridge and tailpiece, Epiphone locking tuners – gold plated
- STRING SPACING, BRIDGE: 51mm
- ELECTRONICS: 2x Epiphone Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers, 3-way toggle pickup selector switch, volume and tone for each pickup. Coil-split switches on each volume control; phase-switch on neck pickup tone control
- WEIGHT (kg/lb): 3.23 /7.1
- OPTIONS: None
- RANGE OPTIONS: The only other Epiphone SG signature guitar is the Yungblud SG Junior (£549 w/ hard case). Standard models start with the bolt-on SG Tribute (£249); the set-neck SG Standard is £439. The SG Modern Figured (£607) also features the coil-split/out-of-phase switching
- LEFT-HANDERS: Not available for this model
- FINISHES: ember Red with Malian Graphic (as reviewed) – gloss
- CONTACT: Epiphone
Playability and Sound
The craftsmanship is evident, particularly on the fingerboard, which features well-installed medium gauge frets that are polished to a mirror finish and of a suitable size: approximately 2.3mm by 1.19mm high. While there are a few slightly sharp fret ends, they are hardly noticeable during play.
The nut width is slightly narrow at 41.4mm (with 34mm string spacing), but it doesn’t feel restrictive due to the full-shouldered C profile, which tapers from 21.2mm at the 1st fret to a robust 24.5mm by the 12th fret.
Structurally, this taper is effective, and there’s virtually no neck flex. tuning stability is excellent, and the setup is spot on.
Whether seated or standing, especially with its heel-placed strap button and seemingly extended neck, the SG offers a different feel compared to a Les Paul. The balance is commendable when worn, and the weight is manageable, with a satisfying resonance when unplugged.
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On this guitar, the bridge pickup delivers a sharp bite that can be easily softened with the tone control if desired. It produces a vibrant sting when played clean and loud, reminiscent of the classic Patent Applied For-style humbuckers. The neck pickup offers a well-balanced output, adding depth while maintaining a clear high-end response.
It might transport you back to the Muddy Waters era in Chicago, but it’s anything but muddy. There’s a delightful jangle, especially in the mixed pickup position, creating a lively and bouncy tone. This is enhanced by the closer proximity of the pickups, and the treble bleed circuits on both volume controls help maintain clarity as you dial them back.
For some, the sound may come off as a bit thin and nasal, but simply pulling back one volume control can yield those slightly out-of-phase ‘Greeny’ tones.
The variety of tones available here is quite remarkable for the price of this guitar.
The guitar retains its luminous edge with a gritty, light breakup, but by adjusting the tones and emphasizing the neck pickup, you can achieve creamy tones reminiscent of Mick Taylor and Carlos Santana.At higher volumes, the neck pickup may exhibit slight microphonic qualities, but this actually contributes to the liveliness of the sound.
the fun continues with the coil-splits, which activate the inner slug coils of each pickup, thinning the sound. However, with a bit of gain or level boost, these splits create surprisingly rootsy rhythm tones, especially when both pickups are engaged, allowing you to split one while keeping the other at full power. This mismatch works well with the out-of-phase option.
Ultimately, the playing styles you choose will shape the sound, but provided that you’re willing to experiment with the controls, the tonal range offered by this guitar is truly impressive for its price point.
Conclusion
Rating: ★★★★½
The recognition of an artist as talented as Fatoumata is commendable,and we initially expected the instrument to be somewhat of a token gesture. We are pleased to have been proven wrong.
This SG is not only stylish and affordable but also well-crafted and thoughtfully designed.
Guitar World verdict: The combination of Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers and the enhanced circuit provides a wide and practical range of tones. With features like locking tuners and a quality case,along with an excellent neck shape,playability,and setup,this guitar is ready for the stage-something we don’t often say about Epiphone or even Gibson. Significant thought and care have gone into this model, and it shows.
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