Pointers on buying an SG?

  • Thread starter Thread starter sixstringking713
  • Start date Start date
sixstringking713

sixstringking713

New member
Looking to purchase an SG in the near future if the price is right.

What I'd like:

*Used
*Fixed Bridge
*'57 classics (I'd be open to other models possibly)
*Red or Black finish

Are there any specific problems to look for when buying a used SG? I'm kind of new to Gibson guitars in general. I purchased an Explorer a few months ago with your guys' advice.

THere is a guy on craigslist selling an "SG Special". Should I get the standard version instead?

Thanks
 
SG's can have an amazing tone with more note separation when using distortion than LP's. The problems often involve tuning stability and the fragile neck to body joint.

They are famous for their thin necks but the thicker the neck the more stable it will be (generally). Mahogany is a much more flexible wood than rock maple.

The Historics are incredible but the 61 RI is a great guitar and comes with the 57 classics (I believe).
 
Fwiw
I have carved top sg that is phenomenal
My buddy has a Diavlo that is similar in feel & awesomeness
 
You should do some research. Like les pauls there are a bunch of different variations. For instance, an SG Special could have P90s, a glossy or faded finish, humbuckers, thin neck etc...good luck. I love mine!
 
I love SG Standards.
Great guitars. Miss my old one all the time.
 
Not exactly high end, but the SGJ have those thicker sturdy necks like Rdodson said, and a pup switch is all you'd need.
 
Really just look at the neck/body joint for separation. Have a look at the headstock/neck area and look for cracks. One more place to look for cracks is around the input jack, very thin wood there. Welcome to the SG owner's club! Nothing like them imo. My favorite guitars. :rock:
 
Is there a "quality" difference between the SG standard and the SG special?

Right now I have a bunch of strats and that explorer I bought. I think the addition of an SG to my collection would be good :D
 
Nope the only difference is in the looks. The standard has trapezoid inlays and neck binding. The special doesn't.
 
What's your budget? Check out "Rock and Roll Relics" outstanding guitars!!
 
Personally I'd never buy an SG without putting on a strap and wearing it for a while. There are lots of great sounding SGs, but the neck dip makes them difficult to handle. The first test is balance strapped on, then the rest is normal guitar stuff.
 
I have had a few. The ones have now is a 76 Deluxe, with a more square inlay, all the way up to the first fret.

You can find good deals on used old vintage SG's that have a little road rash.

The SG with a P90 is a great second SG and has a great raspy bark to it.

They are somewhat light and easy to play for hours.

I got an obscene deal on my SG.

Good luck.
 
Upon doing further reading.. I am dead set on wanting a "aged cherry" standard sg, not interested in any other colors.

Why does it seem like this is not a very common color? I see they made it in 2012 apparently but what other years did they offer it?
 
Go for the goooooooold. :rock:
This is a standard. I really want some beefier/hotter pickups for it. The stock 498t is ok for clarity but i need some more low end from this guitar.

414778_10150846359584087_1066844081_o.jpg
 
if i were you i would get a faded gibson sg,..(the ones with the cresent moon/star are the most desirable,..but ya can still snag one in the $500 range) ,...as far as them being neck heavey>???? they are,... but it isnt an issue at all,..i play standing up with guitar and strap,..i have had a million sg's,..i smoke my marlboro's using the classic low E as my butt holder,..other hand to drink my vodka with a pabst chaser,..i even smoke and!!,,drink at the same time!!,..with no hands on the guitar,...not one of them was so neck heavy that it would nose dive if you let go of the neck..

over the years the only mods i do is locking tuners, new bridge pick up-(i have been using a dimarzio drop sonic for the last 6 years,..love it,!!!)...standard tuning,..light guage strings,..and i always by-pass the tone control...

good luck
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top