Epiphone EISMMOBNH1

Epiphone SG Modern Figured Electric Guitar User Manual

Model: EISMMOBNH1 (Mojave Burst)

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Epiphone SG Modern Figured electric guitar. This instrument, part of the Inspired by Gibson Collection, combines classic design with modern features for a versatile playing experience. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your new guitar.

The SG Modern Figured features a mahogany body with an AAA-figured maple veneer, an ebony fingerboard, and an asymmetrical SlimTaper neck profile with a contoured heel for comfortable playability. It is equipped with Epiphone ProBucker humbucking pickups, offering a wide range of tones through coil-splitting, phase switching, and a treble bleed circuit. High-quality Grover Locking Rotomatic tuners and a Graph Tech NuBone nut ensure tuning stability.

Epiphone SG Modern Figured Electric Guitar in Mojave Burst

Figure 1: Epiphone SG Modern Figured Electric Guitar, Mojave Burst finish.

2. Setup

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection

Carefully remove your guitar from its packaging. Inspect the instrument for any signs of damage that may have occurred during shipping. Retain all packaging materials in case the guitar needs to be transported or returned.

2.2 Tuning

Your SG Modern Figured is equipped with Grover Locking Rotomatic 18:1 ratio tuners for excellent tuning stability. To tune your guitar:

  1. Ensure the locking mechanism on each tuner is disengaged (unlocked).
  2. Thread the string through the tuning post hole.
  3. Pull the string taut and engage the locking mechanism by tightening the thumbwheel on the back of the tuner. This clamps the string securely.
  4. Turn the tuning key to adjust the pitch. The 18:1 ratio allows for fine tuning adjustments.
  5. Use an electronic tuner for accuracy. Standard tuning is E-A-D-G-B-e (low to high).
Epiphone SG Modern Figured Headstock Front

Figure 2: Front view of the headstock with Epiphone logo and tuning posts.

Epiphone SG Modern Figured Headstock Back with Grover Locking Tuners

Figure 3: Rear view of the headstock showing the Grover Locking Rotomatic tuners.

2.3 Action and Intonation

The guitar is factory-set for optimal playability. However, changes in climate or string gauge may require adjustments to the string action (height) and intonation. These adjustments are best performed by a qualified guitar technician to ensure proper setup and avoid damage to the instrument.

3. Operating the Controls

The Epiphone SG Modern Figured offers a versatile control layout for a wide range of tonal options.

Close-up of Epiphone SG Modern Figured controls

Figure 4: Close-up view of the guitar's control knobs and pickup selector switch.

3.1 Pickup Selector Switch

This is a 3-way toggle switch located on the upper bout of the guitar:

  • Up Position: Activates the neck pickup.
  • Middle Position: Activates both neck and bridge pickups.
  • Down Position: Activates the bridge pickup.

3.2 Volume and Tone Controls

The guitar features four control knobs:

  • Neck Volume: Controls the output level of the neck pickup.
  • Bridge Volume: Controls the output level of the bridge pickup.
  • Neck Tone: Adjusts the treble response of the neck pickup.
  • Bridge Tone: Adjusts the treble response of the bridge pickup.

3.3 Advanced Tonal Options (Push/Pull Pots)

The volume and tone knobs are push/pull pots, offering additional sound shaping capabilities:

  • Coil-Splitting: Pulling up on either volume knob splits the humbucking pickup into a single-coil pickup, providing brighter, thinner tones. Push down to return to humbucker mode.
  • Phase Switching: Pulling up on the neck tone knob reverses the phase of the neck pickup when both pickups are active, creating a unique "out-of-phase" sound. Push down to return to normal phase.
  • Treble Bleed Circuit: This circuit is integrated into the volume controls, allowing you to roll back the volume without losing high-end frequencies, maintaining clarity at lower volumes.

4. Maintenance

4.1 Cleaning

  • Body and Neck: Wipe down the body and neck with a soft, lint-free cloth after each use to remove sweat and fingerprints. For deeper cleaning, use a guitar-specific polish or cleaner.
  • Fretboard: The ebony fretboard should be cleaned periodically. Use a fine steel wool (0000 grade) to gently remove grime from the frets and fretboard, then apply a small amount of lemon oil or fretboard conditioner to prevent drying.
  • Hardware: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the bridge, tuners, and pickups. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

4.2 String Replacement

Strings should be replaced regularly, depending on playing frequency and personal preference. Old strings can sound dull and affect tuning stability. When replacing strings, change them one at a time to maintain neck tension. Refer to section 2.2 for instructions on using the locking tuners.

4.3 Humidity and Temperature

Extreme changes in humidity and temperature can damage your guitar. Store your instrument in its case when not in use, and try to maintain a stable environment (ideally 45-55% relative humidity and 70-75°F / 21-24°C). Consider using a guitar humidifier in dry climates.

4.4 Storage

Always store your guitar in a secure place, preferably in its gig bag or a hard case, to protect it from dust, impacts, and environmental changes. Avoid leaning the guitar against walls or furniture where it could fall.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your guitar, try these basic troubleshooting steps before seeking professional assistance.

ProblemPossible Cause / Solution
No Sound
  • Check cable connections (guitar to amplifier).
  • Ensure amplifier is on and volume is up.
  • Check guitar's volume knobs (ensure they are not at zero).
  • Test with a different cable or amplifier.
Buzzing/Fretting Out
  • Check string action (may be too low).
  • Ensure proper fretting technique.
  • Neck relief may need adjustment (professional setup recommended).
  • Worn frets (requires professional attention).
Poor Tuning Stability
  • Ensure strings are properly stretched and seated in the locking tuners.
  • Check for worn or old strings.
  • Verify the nut slots are not binding the strings.
  • Environmental changes (humidity/temperature).
Weak or Inconsistent Output
  • Check pickup height (too low).
  • Inspect wiring for loose connections (professional repair recommended).
  • Dirty control pots (can cause crackling or intermittent sound).

6. Specifications

Key specifications for the Epiphone SG Modern Figured electric guitar:

  • Model: EISMMOBNH1
  • Body Material: Mahogany
  • Top Material: AAA-Figured Maple Veneer
  • Neck Material: Maple
  • Neck Profile: Asymmetrical SlimTaper with Contoured Heel
  • Fretboard Material: Ebony
  • Number of Frets: 24
  • Nut: Graph Tech NuBone
  • Tuners: Grover Locking Rotomatic 18:1 ratio
  • Pickups: Epiphone ProBucker Humbuckers (Neck and Bridge)
  • Controls: 2 Volume (Push/Pull Coil-Splitting), 2 Tone (Push/Pull Phase Switching on Neck Tone), 3-way Pickup Selector Switch
  • Bridge: Fixed Bridge
  • Color: Mojave Burst

7. Warranty and Support

Epiphone guitars are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. For detailed warranty information, product registration, or technical support, please visit the official Epiphone website or contact their customer service department. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

For further assistance, you can visit the Epiphone Store on Amazon.