Mm, the Greeny seems to be harking back to some details a few MIJ Epis had back in the day, like the headstock and ABR-1. Though the bridge appears to be bushing mounted on the Greeny, like Gibson USA style, rather than posts directly into the wood.
My few cents (sorry for the essay
, but in the interests of public service since we're sharing our newer Epi experiences):
The prices are getting a bit silly, even with the artist tax on the various sig ones, since the only differences from regular models are usually the pups. Once you get into 1k+ territory, there are many, arguably better, more competitive options. An Epiphone that's a copy of a Gibson at that point is a bit 'eh', perhaps, though they seem to be positioning themselves as 'the guitar that's some steps up from your first cheapie if you're determined to ultimately get a Gibson'. Yet, as has been said by others in the thread you can get various used Gibsons at this point, and if exactitude in looks/specs are less important, various Gibson style guitars, like Sire, FGN, a number of Japanese copies, and so on.
In the sub 1k, especially with the 'inspired by Gibson' stuff, I'd say they have stepped up a bit, maybe in response to the wider market - e.g. Squier and Gretsch seem to offer well appointed and good looking reissue type models with the Classic Vibes and Electromatics respectively. The return of Epiphone originals like the Coronet, Wilshire and Crestwood is also a good move.
Like gimmieinfo, I have a similar experience with my newish Epi - a pelham SG Special. With guitars in this price bracket, I'm always expecting to do some work anyway, so no shockers. First, it's a handsome guitar (who doesn't like pelham?), and the upgrade to the pups, electronics and nut they've done in recent years is a big plus. The P90s sound very nice, and the jack and switch are really good and solid.
The only major con out of the box was also the frets - very rough but level, something they should take care of in the factory, really. The size is medium, not medium jumbo as advertised.
The other thing I had a slight issue with was the wraparound - the tolerance between the parts is poor so it tips forward, I use 9s so the high E buzzed across the neck and would skate across the lightning bar with bending. I got some Faber bushings and locking studs, which took care of that, and helped with the sound too.
Cosmetically the guitar is good; no neck dive either. Interestingly, it has a long neck tenon like the oldies, fwiw. Another mod I did out of the gate was get rid of the quick connect stuff and converted it to 50s wiring, which brought back some high end and clarity the tone was lacking. The guitar does have linear taper pots all around which I'm not into, so I'll be changing them, but that's a more personal thing, I guess. I'm also not overly impressed with the tuners - the do hold well but aren't particularly responsive, so some smoother, higher ratio jobs will come.
The wood itself - I suppose it's whatever pseudo-mahogany most use nowadays for instruments in the price range; the guitar weighs like you'd expect an SG to, so all ok. I don't know how many pieces the body is, nor do I care, I'd argue it's not a thing (doesn't other people into vintage Strats or 50s GT LPs). The fretboard on mine is also quite nice, very similar to rosewood in looks.
Overall, a good guitar which cops the P90 SG thing well, and which could benefit from some more attention to detail in certain areas. It would also be good to see more colour options, two seems a bit limited.
