new player question about used SG-400

[LiveFreeOrDie]

Hello to all.

 

I first had an Epiphone hollobody electrioc guitar when I was an early teen (yes, I wish I still

had that guitar). It has been over 40 years since then, and I decided to pick it up again.

 

I just bought a used Epiphone SG-400 online from Guitar Center. It is really

nice, and I am excited to begin again.

 

But I have several "newbie" questions.

 

1. The tuners are Grover. Were they standard at one time? Or does this

mean they were an add-on by some previous owner?

 

2. The serial number on the head is literally taped over with a new number.

I cannot see the original number, but I am loathe to take off the taped on

one, as it would likely get destroyed. I looked up the new one on the Gibson

site, and it did not come up. What do I make of this?

 

>>>> Update

I did take off the sticker. What is left is odd. You can clearly see the first

part of the original serial #: EE070814xxx

 

But the last 3 digits are almost obliterated somehow. My best guess is that

they are 303, which gives me EE070814303 and the following info:

 

Guitar Info

Your guitar was made at the

Qingdao Plant (Epiphone), China

August 2007

Production Number: 14303

 

So I am pretty sure I now know about my guitar, but what was going on with

the original serial number and the taped over one (which did not match anything)

is a mystery.

 

I should also have mentioned that the *only* ding I can see is the one

you will see clearly on the back of the head. The tech at Guitar Center

agreed that this would not affect the playing in any way, and I agree.

 

Here is a picture of the head:

Head

 

And here is the guitar:

 

Guitar picture

 

Thanks,

[LPS1976]

hi! yes, Grovers were standard on this model. if the serial number was taped it means it's a factory refurbished guitar. meaning it was sold to a third party by Epiphone and the third party repaired it and sold it.

[burchster]

That ding is a used stamp. You have a refurbished one. They are either returns or don't pass Epi final inspection and are sold to a company called MIRC fixed and usually sold via Ebay dealers. The number is destroyed to prevent false warranty claims. Grover have been standard on most Epi models for a while.

[Cyphre]

Nice!

I'm looking at picking up a G-400 as well.

I've heard really good things, and they look and feel great when I mess with them at GC.

Congrats!

[deeman]

I love my G-400! Mine is from 2001 and sounds great but i hear tell that the more current ones sound even better with the upgraded tuners and pups.