Re: Gibson SG fans????
Have you ever thought about a Hamer Studio? Not to try to change your mind if you're set on an SG, but I just picked up a Studio and I absolutely love it. I looked at an SG for a while, but after I compared the two, the Hamer just won out in every category. The necks are stronger due to hamer's stressed neck system, the dovetail joint (part of the neck that's glued to the body) is 40% bigger than Gibson's design for more sustain, the body is a little thicker, and all Studio models come with Duncan pickups stock (either a JB/'59 set, or two '59's depending on which year you get.) The best part is that used Studio models can be had for $600-$800, depending on year and condition. The Studio and Studio Custom models are tonally the same, the Custom just adds cosmetic features, like a bound body and neck, block inlays, and slightly nicer flametops. They feel similar to an SG, only sturdier. Same 24 3/4 scale length, same fret size, same Tuneomatic bridge design. Really, the only advantage the Gibson has is resale value. All the used SG's I found were around $1000. If you buy new, the SG will hold its value a little better than the Hamer. If you buy used, it doesn't matter. I paid $630 for mine, as it has some minor play wear, but that doesn't really bother me. I don't know of any guitar that's a better value than a used Hamer.
Ryan
