Epiphone has just announced a new Tony Iommi SG! There was a previous Epiphone model with high-output Gibson Iommi humbucking pickups, all-black hardware and a half-neck crucifix inlay (my brother has one of those, very cool guitars) and then a more tricked-out version with chrome hardware a full-neck crucifix inlay, but this new version is based on Tony’s original cherry SG with P90 pickups as used on the early Sabbath albums – and the subsequent Gibson Tony Iommi SG Special currently available.
Epiphone and Gibson have made some cool choices with this guitar. For instance, Tony eventually replaced that guitar’s original lone black P90 configuration with a chrome-covered John Birch neck pickup and a Gibson P90 rehoused by Birch, and the Epiphone version has a pair of chrome-covered P90s that capture the earlier sound under the later look. I like that idea. The guitar also has oversized pickup rings to mimic those used with the Birch-replaced pickups. The wraparound bridge/tailpiece is all on its lonesome unlike the original guitar which still includes the redundant posts used for the removed tailpiece. And the ‘Monkey’ sticker that gives the guitar its nickname is included in the case should you wish to affix it.
And super-importantly, it’s available left and right-handed.
I really like this guitar. It’s like an idealised version of Iommi’s SGs, rather than a 1:1 reproduction of his original Monkey (although if that’s what you want, it’s out there but you better start saving). I’d love to get one, pop some super light strings on as per Tony’s setup, and blast out some early Sabbath riffs.
Here’s more info.