Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

[guitarplayer100]

Hello, I'm new here and I'm looking for new guitar. I'm choosing between Fender MIM Standard Stratocaster, Gibson LP Melody Maker and Gibson SGJ... I had a chance to play Strat, if was good, but didn't have chance to try Gibson (not in stock). I want to know which one would you choose for playing rock/hard rock and why, because I don't know much about these Gibsons.

 

[Andrew Lamprecht]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

Strat for me, although any of them would work well... I think you should go play them all and pick which one you dig the most.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

Welcome to the forum!

For me, either Gibson would be good. I would side with the SG because it has a tune-o-matic bridge for intonation, humbuckers to keep the buzzes down and 24 frets for soloing if needed. And it's contoured for the human body, which the Melody Maker is more of a plank. But all that is only a slight edge over the Melody Maker. 2 P-90's in the MM is a fine recipe for rock/hard rock also. But P-90's, being single coil, are more subject to hum. I don't know what amp you are using or specifically what songs/bands/sounds you are going after.

 

[guitarplayer100]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

Andrew Lamprecht; Thanks for your opinion, but MM or SGJ are never In Stock.
I use old Fender reverb amp with 20 watts but sounds ok, maybe buying new soon, and I play many different songs.

 

[gottalovethe80s]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

all three of your options are fine guitars, but I would recommend the SGJ and the strat more than the melody maker because they are easier to setup/maintain intonation/action-wise, and between the strat and the SG, it's down to what kind of sound you like, if you want more balls then get the SG, and if you're more of a bluesy kinda guy then get the strat.
the SG will probably neck-dive a little though

 

[DesolationBlvd]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

Guitar Center is blowing out the LPJ's for $500.

The SGJ's suffer lots of neck dive because they have a thick neck. The LPJ has the same neck, but more body weight to balance it out.

 

[guitarplayer100]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

So I guess MM just isnt guitar for me... I want to know, is SGJ neck slim? Because some SGs have baseball bat neck... which I don't really like .

 

[DesolationBlvd]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

Oops...I guess we posted at the same time. Yes, the SGJ has a thicker neck.

Looks like you'll need an HSS MIM Strat, or look to replacing the bridge pickup with a single-sized humbucker.

 

[Brow]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

I had this same choice earlier in the year and went with the SGJ.

 

[guitarplayer100]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

Yes, I think we did posted at the same time . But how thick is SGJ neck in inches? Or how much thicker than Strat's? Because I like Strat's neck...
Brow: Do you think you made right decision?

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

Gibson site doesn't specify thickness in inches, but the first version SGJ had a "50's rounded profile", while the 2014 has a "50's slim profile" The 2014 would be closer to a Strat, but certainly not the same. (A 60's slim profile would be close to a Strat.)

IME 50's rounded on an SG, (or any thin, smaller Gibson) will sound better because it's giving the guitar more wood from tuner to bridge for the strings to resonate through.

 

[guitarplayer100]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

So I guess it's almos half inch wider too... I had an old Ibanez copy off SG, it had very nice neck, but unfortunatly it has been in the basement for 20 years so it doesen't work anymore, it had 70s slim profile... But if SGJ has 50s, how big is difference?

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

Take this with a grain of salt, as my measurements aren't dead accurate, but measuring what I have at the 5th fret with calipers...

50's profile:
SG Standard .90"
Les Paul Studio .90"
Melody Maker .84"

Fender:
Tele .84"
'62 Strat .84"
MIM Strat .80"

 

[guitarplayer100]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

Thanks! And what about buying LPJ?

 

[Kramer Guy]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

Go with the MIM Fender Standard Strat my friend. Not only are the necks on them much thinner in comparison to any Gibson's but they're also more versatile as far as both sound and tone are concerned. You can use them for any style of music ranging from Blues to Metal contrary to what some people on here might say. The ones from 2006 up to today, are the best ones ever made IMO. That is when Fender added a thicker trem block for more sustain , started to shield the inside compartment to prevent pup hum, and also added jumbo frets as well.

 

[allbutromeo]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

I'm going to suggest a different route, buy the best model Epiphone in your price range. I think the modern squires are better than most of the mim fenders. And while the MM and SGJ sound good the build quality is spotty at best, and the finish is very thin and will rube off of the edges very quickly.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

I totally agree with albutromeo.

Both of those Gibsons look and feel like very cheaply made guitars...poor quality control, cheap finish, very, very basic instruments at best. The SG has a very noticeable neck dive (I'm not prejudiced against SGs, I have 5 and love them but prefer 22 frets).

Of the three instruments you listed, I would choose the Fender hands down, no question!

But definitely consider an new Epi LP plus top pro such as this one...http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/epiphone-limited-edition-les-paul-plustop-pro-electric-guitar

For under $500 you get a very fine instrument with the neck you like, gorgeous flamed maple top (the Desertburst is absolutely stunning when you see it in person), two very decent pups which are split able via two p/p knobs, really good build quality and finish. Great playing, great sounding, great versatility, great looking, great price. What more could you ask for.

I've already got 34 guitars (some very fine, some very expensive, some mid-priced, some really cheap that I've re-built, and some collectibles), and heaven knows I certainly don't need any more, but I am soooo tempted to get this particular one. I played one at Guitar Center a couple weeks ago, and that particular one was a real winner (you may have to play a few to find that perfect one for you).

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

FWIW - right now there's some other "in the neighborhood" options in the Trading Post

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?281296-FS-LPJ-2013-and-SGJ-2014

 

[guitarplayer100]

Re: Melody Maker vs SGJ vs MIM Strat

Thanks guys! I've just been in guitar shop and played Epiphone LP plus top pro and some Gibson les pauls, but I found out that they are really heavy and playability on Strat is much better, so I am probbably going with Strat . Also saw J series poor finish... Thanks for help evreyone!