I wanted to play around with doing upgrades on an inexpensive SG guitar. I found the Epiphone SG Special VE (Vintage Edition) and purchased it.

Epiphone SG Special VE Features:
• Poplar body with an okoume neck and rosewood fretboard
• Neck shape: '60s SlimTaper D
• Neck is Bolt-on
• Scale length: 24.75 in.
• Neck finish: Satin
• Radius: 14 in.
• Fret size: Medium jumbo
• Number of frets: 22
• Inlays: Dot
• Nut width: 1.687 in. (42.8 mm)
• Neck: 650R Humbucker
• Bridge: 700T Humbucker
• Worn Vintage Edition Cherry finish
• Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece
• Vintage Cherry
• $199 new
• Purchased mine for $115 used

I wanted to replace the nut, tuners, pickups, and install a Bigsby B5 Vibrato with Vibramate

The electronics actually look okay, and I left alone for now.

Installing the Bigsby requires tune-o-matic - and stop bar bridge system as it replaces the stop bar. There is an Epiphone Limited-Edition SC
Special-I guitar that only has the wrap around bridge. Without altering the guitar, you cannot install the Vibramate and Bigsby on this guitar.

First, I installed the Vibramate adapter on the guitar for the Bigsby. I like the idea of the Vibramate because it replaces the stopbar tail piece and aligns the Vibrato without having to drill anything into the guitar. You can remove the Bigsby and Vibramate in minutes and return the guitar to its original configuration. The Vibramate goes for $70.

Next, I installed the Bigsby Vibrato onto the Vibramate. The Bigsby goes for about $149. It is a solidly made, quality unit.

I installed the replacement humbuckers. I used the Blizzard of 59 – Vintage Humbucker Set in Nickel. The manufacturer states this set of pickups will deliver 59 PAF like tones. I paid only $109 for them. I wanted a set of PAF like pickups with covers installed. I thought this would not only improve the sound of the guitar but compliment the Bigsby with a more classic vintage look.

I removed the existing plastic nut and replaced it with the GraphTech PT606000 TUSQ XL Nut, Epiphone Style for only $12. I had to remove some of the nut material with sandpaper, so it slid snuggly into place.

Lastly, I replaced the crappy stock tuners. The B tuner would not turn the tuner head at all. I installed a set of Kluson 3+3 Plus Series Tuners that are made for Epiphones to replace the stock tuner using the same tuner sleeve and the same screw holes.

I know, I know, I can hear it now – here are some of the comments:

• You should just save up for a set neck model – this is crap.
• You spent more on the guitar (itemized amount inserted here) than you did for the guitar. You could have just purchased a set neck Epiphone sg.
• What a piece of crap!
• Etc!

I did this because it was fun. I was curious as to how it would sound once I was done. I also wanted to try out the Bigsby installation on an SG without worrying about making marks or damage.

I really like the outcome. It is really classic looking. Without turning the guitar over you would not know this was a bolt on neck $199 new guitar.

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