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A couple of weeks ago I posted a poll to try and help me decide on my 40th Birthday guitar. I'll probably end up buying it in the new year once I've saved up enough money.
I am looking for a more 'Gibson-like' tone as I already have a Strat-type and a Tele.
Today I tried some guitars in Coda Music, about 20 mins away from where I live.
I first tried a Gibson SG 60's Tribute, with P-90's. A very nice sounding guitar, very vibrant and resonant. I liked the tone of the P-90's, especially when I compared them to the buckers in an SG Standard. The Standard seemed a little 'stiff' in comparison, but still nice tones. The Standard also had coil-splits, which I thought were a useful addition. There was quite a big drop off in output with the splits engaged, although that could've been cos I was playing at quite a low amp volume.
The trouble is, while I love the look and tone of SG's, I always have the same problem playing them. I'm so used to the way Fenders sit on a strap, I seem to be chasing the neck on the SG. It sits far to far across to my left, and my hands don't feel right.
I then tried the Les Paul 60's Tribute, again with the p-90's. That little guitar plain out rocked. Nice fat tones with that bit of P-90 grit. Again very vibrant. The only thing I find with Lesters is the lack of access to the top frets, but the tone was great.
With that in mind, I thought I'd try a Yamaha SG2000. LP type construction (although the SG2000 has a neck through rather than set neck) with SG access. I really wanted to like this as it ticked a lot of boxes, plus it had the addition of coil splits too. However it felt very heavy, and just didn't have the liveliness of the Gibsons. I've heard a lot of great things about the Yammies, and have been looking at the 80's ones (this was a brand new one) but I came away a little disappointed.
Out of the 4, my favourite was the LP 60's Tribute, followed by the SG 60's Tribute. Perhaps I'm just more of a P-90 guy.
Anyway, a fun way to spend the afternoon, and more food for thought...
I am looking for a more 'Gibson-like' tone as I already have a Strat-type and a Tele.
Today I tried some guitars in Coda Music, about 20 mins away from where I live.
I first tried a Gibson SG 60's Tribute, with P-90's. A very nice sounding guitar, very vibrant and resonant. I liked the tone of the P-90's, especially when I compared them to the buckers in an SG Standard. The Standard seemed a little 'stiff' in comparison, but still nice tones. The Standard also had coil-splits, which I thought were a useful addition. There was quite a big drop off in output with the splits engaged, although that could've been cos I was playing at quite a low amp volume.
The trouble is, while I love the look and tone of SG's, I always have the same problem playing them. I'm so used to the way Fenders sit on a strap, I seem to be chasing the neck on the SG. It sits far to far across to my left, and my hands don't feel right.
I then tried the Les Paul 60's Tribute, again with the p-90's. That little guitar plain out rocked. Nice fat tones with that bit of P-90 grit. Again very vibrant. The only thing I find with Lesters is the lack of access to the top frets, but the tone was great.
With that in mind, I thought I'd try a Yamaha SG2000. LP type construction (although the SG2000 has a neck through rather than set neck) with SG access. I really wanted to like this as it ticked a lot of boxes, plus it had the addition of coil splits too. However it felt very heavy, and just didn't have the liveliness of the Gibsons. I've heard a lot of great things about the Yammies, and have been looking at the 80's ones (this was a brand new one) but I came away a little disappointed.
Out of the 4, my favourite was the LP 60's Tribute, followed by the SG 60's Tribute. Perhaps I'm just more of a P-90 guy.
Anyway, a fun way to spend the afternoon, and more food for thought...
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