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Need some SG advice.

Vics53

Active member
Joined
Jan 21, 2021
Messages
149
If all goes right, I'm heading out this week to try some Gibson SG's. Offhand I'm interested in the '61 Reissue from the Original series but I'd also like to try out the Standard from the Modern series. Two weeks ago I played a '61 for about 10 minutes and it felt great. I didn't plug it in but this is something I never do when first trying out a guitar. My plan now is to really put it to the test.

This is potentially going to be a big deal and a big purchase for me. I'm 68 years old and this will be my last guitar purchase if it's agreeable in all respects. I have a 2019 Epiphone SG Pro and of all the guitars I've owned it's the most comfortable guitar I've had. But I want the real deal because as well as the Epi plays, I was amazed as to how much more "solid" the neck on the Gibson felt. Hard to put into words.

So, seeing how I've never owned a Gibson SG what are some of the key things I should listen for and be aware of? I'm no expert and some of you no doubt could clue me into something I've never thought of.

I prefer the overall look of the '61 and I've yet to try the Standard from the Modern series. I'm aware of the different pickups, pick guard, the neck shape and neck joint but that's about it.

Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.
 

bunburst

New member
Joined
Sep 28, 2020
Messages
7
Hi Vics53,

I've noticed that all Gibsons are different, even across the same model and production period, so I would suggest you try as many instruments as you can before you decide on one. Even though a lot of production is computer-controlled and standardized, little things that can't be adjusted like neck angle, whether it has a vibrato or a stop tailpiece, how the nut is cut, where the bridge is centered, on and on, altogether can have a big impact on how the guitar sounds and plays. There's also lots of things that are adjustable, like pickup height, fretboard moisture, relief, bridge height, and so working with a store that is able to make those adjustments while you demo an instrument is, in my opinion, preferable when you're about to spend two large on a guitar.
 

Vics53

Active member
Joined
Jan 21, 2021
Messages
149
Hi Vics53,

I've noticed that all Gibsons are different, even across the same model and production period, so I would suggest you try as many instruments as you can before you decide on one. Even though a lot of production is computer-controlled and standardized, little things that can't be adjusted like neck angle, whether it has a vibrato or a stop tailpiece, how the nut is cut, where the bridge is centered, on and on, altogether can have a big impact on how the guitar sounds and plays. There's also lots of things that are adjustable, like pickup height, fretboard moisture, relief, bridge height, and so working with a store that is able to make those adjustments while you demo an instrument is, in my opinion, preferable when you're about to spend two large on a guitar.
Thanks for the tips! When you mentioned the neck angle, I noticed (a good few years ago) some SG's at my local store that had drastic neck angles. So steep that the bridge and pickups were raised dramatically to accommodate the neck angle. I remember the necks being very wide as well. I tried one and had difficulty playing it due to the neck width. The '61 SG reissue that I recently tried wasn't like that at all and it played great!
 

ZZ Not

Active member
Joined
Jul 15, 2001
Messages
744
Yes, dealing with a store that can fulfill your needs in terms of a setup that works for you can make a mediocre playing guitar into a great one. Then get the Dan Erlewine book "How To Make Your Electric Guitar Great!" or watch some related You Tube videos and learn how to do it for yourself.

I have a older (2013) SG Original that is one of my favorite guitars and will cast another vote in favor of this model. Enjoy!
 

renderit

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
10,951
Don't know about wide necks on SG's.

Usually narrower.

My 61 reissue is nicer and fuller (depth) neck than a lot I have played. But narrower E to E than an older Paul.

My 62 Jr feels VERY similar and is the BEST P90 I have ever owned.

Also not a steep angle...

And generally pretty nice on the weight side.

More rock in these things than blues, but really awesome rock. And it you are playing with anyone with an older style LP or anything else it is just enough different to be very pleasant.

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