The Epiphone G-400 is based on Gibson's 1962 SG model and was first introduced in 1989. There have been several changes over the years. The tuners were originally stamped "Epiphone" these changed to Grovers in 2002. The hardware was originally finished in chrome but it was changed to nickel in 2009. The neck profile changed to slim taper in 2009. There are also different headstock outlines and fingerboard inlays (dots up to 1995 then trapezoids). They typically come in either red or ebony finish but there have been limited edition colors including metallic blue, metallic gold and cream.