I played one in a guitar shop and it seemed like a pretty good instrument. I could not judge the sound because I had to use an amp in the store and could not set it up the way I would have liked. Here is my take on the whole Epi vs. Gibson argument when it comes to the SG and the LP. They are almost the same guitar especially if you are buying one made in 07 or 08. If you buy earlier than that make sure its back far enough that it was made in Korea. I do not trust the first year that they started in China. But if you read Guitar World they have a big write up on the Epi and its factories in China and what a great guitar they are making due to the quality controls that they have in place. I have a Epi LP and I switched the pickups out for a set of PRS Dragon II's. It is one of the best sounding guitars that I have. Anyway take that for what its worth. I am sure there will be some more opinions that differ. If it were me and it was a pure money play. I would buy the Epi SG and maybe switch the pickups down the road when you get a little more cash. By the way has anyone seen the new Slash Signature EPI LP. Man that is a sweet looking guitar.