Super Strat vs. SG?

[billm408]

I've been primarily an LP player since I started, but lately been considering the alternatives.
Thinner body profile, lighter weight and easier access to the higher frets has had me scanning the classifieds for Charvels, Suhrs and Andersons.
But then I was in GC over the weekend and they're blowing out SG's at $500-700.

So other than a whammy bar, what does a Super Strat give me that an SG doesn't?

 

[jcj]

For me, it offers a WAY better feel; I can't take the way the necks feels 6 feet out, on an SG, or get used to the feel of the body.

 

[stratotone]

I have a couple of SGs (a special edition that has an ebony board and silverburst, and a plain jane faded) and several superstrats.

The SGs feel weird to me - the body is too thin, they are neck heavy (have a tendency to dive when playing standing up) and the necks just aren't super stable. you can grab the end of the headstock and bend the necks pretty easily.

Les Paul had his name on the first SGs, then had it removed because he had similar (and other) concerns back in the day. I'm not saying an SG is a bad guitar, I love how they look and they certainly have their fans. I just think a well built Charvel, Suhr or Anderson is a lot more solid feeling instrument. And the SG has a les paul scale length, so the super strats are going to be tighter and more percussive sounding for riffs.

 

[tripstan]

I have a couple of SGs (a special edition that has an ebony board and silverburst, and a plain jane faded) and several superstrats.

The SGs feel weird to me - the body is too thin, they are neck heavy (have a tendency to dive when playing standing up) and the necks just aren't super stable. you can grab the end of the headstock and bend the necks pretty easily.

Les Paul had his name on the first SGs, then had it removed because he had similar (and other) concerns back in the day. I'm not saying an SG is a bad guitar, I love how they look and they certainly have their fans. I just think a well built Charvel, Suhr or Anderson is a lot more solid feeling instrument. And the SG has a les paul scale length, so the super strats are going to be tighter and more percussive sounding for riffs.

Hit the nail on the head. I like playing my SG at home but I'd never gig with it. Great tones but it's really uncomfortable using a strap. The neck instantly dips if you don't have your fret hand on the neck and if you rest you arm on the body too much or grab the neck weird it goes out if tune way too easy. I'm also a super strat player. Suhr modern, hotrodded Strat and a Charvel. I'm actually looking to get rid of my SG and buy a real Lester.

 

[billm408]

Thanks guys. Yeah my selective memory had forgotten about the balance issues on the SG.
I borrowed my brother's once and it was like a divining rod dipping to the floor every time I pulled my left hand off the neck!

 

[stratotone]

Bill,

Regarding superstrats - I have five recent USA Charvel stratheads, four Tom Andersons. I play the TA's a lot more than the Charvels. However, for the $, the Charvels are a better value. I'd say my Andersons are probably 10% better for 2 to 4 times the money. If you want the absolute best, go Anderson or Suhr. If you want a great guitar at a really good price, the Charvels are incredibly hard to beat in my opinion. And before someone mentions it - yeah, I wouldn't mind selling a few of my Charvels but I'm going to keep some of them. They are just too cool and remind me of the 80s to get rid of them all.

Pete

 

[peterc52]

I think SG's are the shit!

I almost only play them

 

['63-Strat]

Bill,

Regarding superstrats - I have five recent USA Charvel stratheads, four Tom Andersons. I play the TA's a lot more than the Charvels. However, for the $, the Charvels are a better value. I'd say my Andersons are probably 10% better for 2 to 4 times the money. If you want the absolute best, go Anderson or Suhr. If you want a great guitar at a really good price, the Charvels are incredibly hard to beat in my opinion. And before someone mentions it - yeah, I wouldn't mind selling a few of my Charvels but I'm going to keep some of them. They are just too cool and remind me of the 80s to get rid of them all.

Pete

What are the other Charvels you have that you don't want to sell me?

 

[crankyrayhanky]

I think it's a bit of apples and oranges. SGs have a real specific sound that is very cool. Sort of LPish but is tighter and more precise. I have a carved top that is a fantastic instrument to play- I can shred on that axe like no other. They had similar models- the SG Diablos- that just blew out for 1K last Friday. That is phenomenal value. I can't speak on the standard SGs, but between my SG and my buddies Diablo I can glow on and on...
That being said, I love a super strat- tough to argue against a Suhr or Anderson as every review is beyone positive. There's definitely a place for whammy stunts in one's arsenal too!

 

[Shawn Lutz]

I'd go for a super strat over an SG. Charve,l GMW, Anderson, Suhr etc as all great. You can find a killer used Charvel for the prices you mentioned on the SG's

 

[Gadzz]

I love a super strat over a SG I got a few Yngvie Strat, a BC Rich ST3, a BC Rich Assassin but my Carvin Jason Becker takes the cake!!! AWSOME neck and neck through!! For the Dollars it can't be beat!!

 

[tripstan]

It also depends on what your using it for. Recording, sitting while playing or jamming at home I like it. I never gig with mine. Too much tuning hassle. Slight change of climate or standing to close to par lights it goes outta tune horribly. At home it's not much of an issue.

 

[thiswaythatway]

SG's feel wierd to me. Too neck heavy and it's strange to have such a thin body with such a fat neck.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

find a 60s sg for the 60s slimtaper profile.

.800 to .875 I have one and it outplays my american standard strat.

 

[blackba]

If you want the feel of a gibson, you might check out a used Gibson L6S, they are more balanced than a SG in my experience. Gibson reissued them too, though the reissues are a bit different.

 

[stratotone]

Bill,

Regarding superstrats - I have five recent USA Charvel stratheads, four Tom Andersons. I play the TA's a lot more than the Charvels. However, for the $, the Charvels are a better value. I'd say my Andersons are probably 10% better for 2 to 4 times the money. If you want the absolute best, go Anderson or Suhr. If you want a great guitar at a really good price, the Charvels are incredibly hard to beat in my opinion. And before someone mentions it - yeah, I wouldn't mind selling a few of my Charvels but I'm going to keep some of them. They are just too cool and remind me of the 80s to get rid of them all.

Pete

What are the other Charvels you have that you don't want to sell me?

I'd sell the far left blue, and the middle green or pagan gold. Would sell the blue flames but it would be a hell of a lot more than $749

Pete

 

['63-Strat]

Nice collection of Charvels there!

I get the feeling you have A LOT of guitars lol.

...figured you might've had a an awesome sounding black one that I could've bribed you for but guess not

I just know my tastes pretty well by now. I have no doubt I would love playing all of those but they wouldn't be the right look for my main band. I know, I know, that's lame etc. but it is what it is.

 

[stratotone]

Nice collection of Charvels there!

I get the feeling you have A LOT of guitars lol.

...figured you might've had a an awesome sounding black one that I could've bribed you for but guess not

I just know my tastes pretty well by now. I have no doubt I would love playing all of those but they wouldn't be the right look for my main band. I know, I know, that's lame etc. but it is what it is.

Not at all, I got bitched out when I was doing the sabbath tribute for playing the orange and black Charvel with the OSU Cowboys sticker. We weren't doing a physical tribute, just a musical one... oh well.

 

[blackba]

Great looking guitars Pete, I think the green one if my favorite by just looks.

 

[Blackie08]

Bill,

Regarding superstrats - I have five recent USA Charvel stratheads, four Tom Andersons. I play the TA's a lot more than the Charvels. However, for the $, the Charvels are a better value. I'd say my Andersons are probably 10% better for 2 to 4 times the money. If you want the absolute best, go Anderson or Suhr. If you want a great guitar at a really good price, the Charvels are incredibly hard to beat in my opinion. And before someone mentions it - yeah, I wouldn't mind selling a few of my Charvels but I'm going to keep some of them. They are just too cool and remind me of the 80s to get rid of them all.

Pete

What are the other Charvels you have that you don't want to sell me?

I'd sell the far left blue, and the middle green or pagan gold. Would sell the blue flames but it would be a hell of a lot more than $749

Pete

I'll take the far blue left one!