Let's talk SG's...

Dave_Mcpherson

Dave_Mcpherson

New member
Is there any difference, that's worth an extra £300-400, between the SG Special and the SG Standard? All i know of is, the inlays and the general aesthetics of the whole thing. So, what the hell is the difference?

I'm buying either one next month, so, let me in on your thoughts :-).

Alex
 
Re: Let's talk SG's...

The pickups, that's about it. With the Standard being only a few hundred dollars cheaper than the Special here, it's a no-brainer. When you are talking a $600 USD difference over there, I'd say get the Special, or better yet a Faded. I love Gibson's binding, but it ain't worth that much to me.
 
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Re: Let's talk SG's...

As mentioned, neck binding, standard has a hotter 498T bridge pup and neck binding. But also the standard is made with a two-piece body. The specials can be as many as five (and 61RI's are one). Although my first faded SG from way back when they first came out and had ebony boards was a one-piece as well.
 
Re: Let's talk SG's...

The quality is different, if you look around long enough you should find a special to be proud of, if you have limited supply to choose from though I'd say try as many of both as you can and buy the best one you can afford. Keep an eye on the used market too (something that can never be said enough).
 
Re: Let's talk SG's...

My friend originally had a Special then upgraded to the Standard, the Special was like a piece of **** in comparison, at least imo.
 
Re: Let's talk SG's...

keep your eyes on the used market, and if you can play a few. In hindsight I feel i got really lucky with my standard bought on ebay, as all types of sgs i've played at gc have been hit or miss. Who knows, maybe you'll find a used supreme in your price range if you are considering buying a new standard.
 
Re: Let's talk SG's...

The standards are overall higher quality than the specials, but that's not to say that there aren't gems in the specials just.. if I had to buy one online blindly, I would pick a standard.

SG's are the only short scale guitar that I feel comfortable playing.
 
Re: Let's talk SG's...

My advice, for what it's worth: if you're gonna get an SG special, get a new or like-new faded special, lightly steel wool it with some Old English lemon oil, and presto!

Standards are superior in resale value and pickups.
 
Re: Let's talk SG's...

In my experience, I've found that the quality og the SG standards are very good. I have 2 now and they very close to being perfect. No flaws, great playability. I like the stock pups too.

The specials are kind of hit and miss. If you're gonna save a few bucks and get a special, try alot of them out. The quality wood, and setup may very amongst very similar models.

Thats said, I much prefer the standards. If you can afford the few extra bucks, I'd go with a standard. You get a nitro finish and better pups and the quality seems to be more consistent. The binding is a nice touch too. It take off the ruff fret ends and adds a better feel to it, IMO.
 
Re: Let's talk SG's...

I wouldnt go faded, that is one of my least favorite guitars ive ever played. Im sure the special isnt bad, i would mos def slap some duncans in there. The faded just feels like a piece of anitque furniture, although im sure it would be an amazing slide guitar.
 
Re: Let's talk SG's...

Can you get Epiphone over there? I love my Epiphone G400 (set neck), it looks plays better then low end Gibson SG's i've played.


af049d21.jpg
 
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Re: Let's talk SG's...

I'm going to play the elitist card on this one, if the man is looking for a Gibson and choosing between a Standard line and a cheaper model, I don't think he's going to be satisfied with an Epiphone. While Epiphones have the ability to play comfortably they will not sound as good as a Gibson due to the quality of materials used.
 
Re: Let's talk SG's...

ibanezrocks said:
I'm going to play the elitist card on this one, if the man is looking for a Gibson and choosing between a Standard line and a cheaper model, I don't think he's going to be satisfied with an Epiphone. While Epiphones have the ability to play comfortably they will not sound as good as a Gibson due to the quality of materials used.
Click to expand...

All the Epiphone SG's I've played have sounded 10 times better than the Gibson SG Special Faded.
 
Re: Let's talk SG's...

Your buying the name the Epi's are good guitars. My plays nice but if I got a chance I would get a Gibson.
 
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