Gibson SG upgrades advice please!

[Shawn Lutz]

check out Faber, Callaham and Pigtail for bridge and TP upgrades. I went with a locking ABR1 w/raw brass saddles and ToneLock TP studs from Faber on my traditional plus. I noticed an improvement right away, even unplugged.

Check out the DiMarzio 36th anniversary pickups if you're looking for classic tone. I have on im LP (a bridge PU installed in the neck position) and it works out perfect in that guitar anyway.

 

[glassjaw7]

I agree, the 490/498 pups are far from perfection. Woofy and unclear in my LP. Try an Anderson set. H2 and H2+ ?

 

[BYTOR]

BK Rebel Yell!!!

 

[Ayrton]

Assuming this is a new 2012 model, the stock nut is fine.

Just curious as to how you would know the nut is fine seeing as historically it's been a significant problem area...did they change something in 2012?

Are they (Gibson) not cutting them with the Plek?

Worst case, get the slots touched up. No need to pay for another complete nut.

 

[skoora]

Is this a 2013 with the smaller pick guard? If so how would you describe the feel of the neck profile?

+1 on the nut just needs to be cut correctly to alleviate tuning woes (maybe bridge slots too). I put Klusons on my 80's V because I like the look better than grovers and it stays in tune perfectly. I like '57 Classics in an SG. I also like the Wolfetone Marshallhead a lot, which I have in my V. Nice hot PAF tone, cleans up well.

I would only look into replacing the volume pots if the roll off isn't any good.

 

[steve_k]

Reza - never owned an SG. But, for Les Pauls that needed some help, or some hardware replacement, I always bought the Tone Pro's locking tailpiece and bridge. Especially if you are dropping the tuning, it keeps the ass end stable and the slop off the bridge and tailpiece. I don't think you would benefit from changing the tuners. Probably the nut needs a little filing out which you can do. If you fuck it up, buy another. Electronics, I think you go for something that covers the original PAF's. I wouldn't buy anything too hot. Being a thin, solid body guitar, you need that sort of pick up, or you will find yourself a little thin and lacking.

Steve

 

[chadprsman]

Suhr ssv pu sounds wonderful on my mahogany jr, coil splitable too(sounds good that way too).

 

[moltenmetalburn]

I just put a callaham abr-1 on my sg and also the Knutson locking tuners.

 

[bigdaddyd]

I have 3 SGs, 2 Candy Apple Red '62 reissues (a '90 and a '91) and a '95 standard. I really wouldn't change anything on either. Once they are setup properly, they stay in tune and sound awesome stock. If you are having terrible tuning problems, bring it to a tech and have the nut checked. I lube the nut and saddles. Also, they do make direct fit locking tuners, but I don't use them. The only thing I have been contemplating is a RS Guitarworks replacement electronics set on it. I don't get people that replace pickups and leave old electronics in their guitars. Upgrade you electronics first and see if that makes any difference. The pickups in these guitars are really good. I haven't changed anything yet, because everything works well together so far on all 3.