I can tell you that the finish, the pickups, and the inlays on the fret board are different. These all make a difference in the price. Weather it is actually a justified difference is the question. I have seen the Special go for $699 US for the faded finish. I recently bought an SG Standard, black, for $1199 US, and I love it. So, it looks like the prices your looking at are correct. Personally, if I could afford the Gibson, I would take it over the Epiphone. Better qaulity components and a better resale value down the road. Hope this helps.