Les Pauls vs SGs... It must be summer

One other thing about the frequency response of these guitars is the wiring. I saw some in-depth posts about this a little while ago that line up with what I've always heard when I play these different models. LPs and Explorers have those long switch wires going all the way across the body; SGs and Vs have all the wiring down near the jack. To my ears it's part of what makes LPs and Explorers "darker" - though not necessarily lacking in high end because of that. I had some pots in my good Explorer starting to go bad about 15 years ago, and not knowing tickety-boo about wiring at the time, I just ran the bridge pickup to the jack. A lot more high end bite and a bit more output, which is just what that guitar needed. It sounded so good that it's still set up that way.
 
At the moment I own 6 different guitars. But every time I have a gig, I pick up always my Les Paul. It's a 2004 standard with 60 neck shape with PGn/C8 installed. It's a safe bet for me. But lately I am thinking to buy an SG. I'd like a brown SG special (dual humbuckers), with slim taper neck. I like that rough appearance it has. And I have a couple of 59 ready to be installed...
 
I pretty much go for the same sound no matter what guitar I am using. I don't have an LP, but I do have a Howard Roberts, which is LP-shaped and semi hollow.
 
My BBW SG has plenty of thump and enough oomph to hold up a one-guitar band and dominate the mix. I love my Les Pauls but my SG is a take-no-prisoners guitar.

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^^ Mm, check that scalloping of the fretboard edges, seen some action ;).

I'm primarily a superstrat player, so am more agnostic about Gibsonish guitars, but I do like SGs – the look, light weight, super fret access; closer to what I prefer. I do have one of those Epiphone P90 Specials (small guard). It's a cool guitar – feels nice; P90s rock, really versatile sounding; and the pelham finish looks great. My particular one has no neck dive and stays in tune really well. The improvements they made to the pups, CTS pots and a Graphtech nut does elevate these guitars.
 
One other thing about the frequency response of these guitars is the wiring. I saw some in-depth posts about this a little while ago that line up with what I've always heard when I play these different models. LPs and Explorers have those long switch wires going all the way across the body; SGs and Vs have all the wiring down near the jack. To my ears it's part of what makes LPs and Explorers "darker" - though not necessarily lacking in high end because of that. I had some pots in my good Explorer starting to go bad about 15 years ago, and not knowing tickety-boo about wiring at the time, I just ran the bridge pickup to the jack. A lot more high end bite and a bit more output, which is just what that guitar needed. It sounded so good that it's still set up that way.

That's like at the very most 2 feet of cable difference.
 
I suppose that could make a reasonable difference then. I suppose guitar wires are packed pretty close together with little insulation between the different threads.
 
Also correct me if I'm wrong, but SGs and Les Paul's have the neck pickup in a slightly different spot right?
 
Why not both? Who says you need a Gibson? You can get an inexpensive Les Paul and/or SG at $600 that comes too close to a $2,000 Gibson. I'd say just upgrade the pups later and you're good to go.

Also, I think alternatives or "knock-offs" are becoming more popular now than ever. Schecter, ESP, Guild and others are getting better at marketing and we're seeing how that's making people less afraid to try something that's not a Fender or Gibson.
 
Also correct me if I'm wrong, but SGs and Les Paul's have the neck pickup in a slightly different spot right?
Bridge pickup too. The neck pickup is almost a cm off from a Les Paul. Almost at the same position it would be it the fretboard had 24 frets.

But the SG bridge pickup is also a couple of mm closer to the bridge than on a Les Paul, even is a (Gibson) Les Paul's bridge pickup is like a mm or two closer to the bridge than most Les Paul types (like ESP's, Schecters, and even Epis), but on SG's, it's even closer.

I actually kinda like that, TBH. I'd say that's like 60% of the reason why SG's sound so aggressive and overall brighter than Les Pauls.
 
It is also why I never liked the neck pickup sound on an SG. I realize I am in the minority, haha.
 
Why not both? Who says you need a Gibson? You can get an inexpensive Les Paul and/or SG at $600 that comes too close to a $2,000 Gibson. I'd say just upgrade the pups later and you're good to go.

Also, I think alternatives or "knock-offs" are becoming more popular now than ever. Schecter, ESP, Guild and others are getting better at marketing and we're seeing how that's making people less afraid to try something that's not a Fender or Gibson.

Exactly! My 65 SG is the real thing, But all my "Les Paul's" at this point are now my own designs. With the exception of a Reverend.. Korina with a p 90 in the neck and a ridiculously flexible bridge pickup.

And although I've made my own versions, I'm still jonesing for a early '70s deluxe.. I know it's most people don't like '70s Gibsons but that remains one of my favorite guitars ever

As far as pup placement, it definitely has some impact... But in my mind the two guitars have landed exactly where they belong.
 
Well that goes without saying :-)

But there's so much diversity out there... Frank Marino and mahogany Rush and Les Dudak got me hooked....


I think it's clear why they used SGs... They were very crunched but articulate... Never bloated or mushy...


Of course, my guitar gently weeps was neither bloated or mushy either :-)
 
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I do like SG's myself quite a bit, but I admit there are many shortcomings to the design. Mostly the neckdive.

I do think they look cool as hell in red with the pointy devil's horns. Like the OG pointy Metal guitars, LOL. But maybe that's because I tend to associate SG's with Black Sabbath.

I do prefer a Les Paul tonally, but if you happen to have one that doesn't neckdive, SG's are usually more comfy (for me). But that's honestly because as far as modern playability and comfort goes, I find Les Pauls the worst only second to Teles, LOL. Especially the ones with stupid thick necks.

If you use Kluson-style tuners and a full weight bridge and tailpiece, I find that gets you 60% of the way there to fix neckdive.
 
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